Are you looking for the best portable basketball hoop for your home or another type of recreational area? Basketball is a great American sport that can be fun for the whole family. It’s an exactly way to get outside, spend time with the people you care about and get some much-needed exercise! In fact, did you know that basketball is one of the best cardiovascular sports in the world?
I love basketball personally and so does the rest of my family. As the owner of a sporting goods store, I get a lot of questions about what the best basketball hoop is, so I decided to just make this referral guide. It’s complete with all the essential portable basketball hoop reviews you’ll need to make an educated final purchase decision on the best portable basketball hoops.
Our Top 10 Recommended Portable Basketball Hoops
Best Portable Basketball Hoop Reviews
1. Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
The Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 44 Inch Backboard is basically unbreakable, which is great for players who play hard.
This basketball system comes with a base, shaft, backboard, rim and net. In the base, you have 27 gallons to fill with a material that will help to weigh the system down and hold it in place. You can choose to fill it with sand or water. Depending on how your basketball court and area is set up, you can roll the entire hoop to the area that you desire. It will stay put as long as you adequately fill the base.
The rim is 18 inches of black solid steel, and there is an attached 1/2 inch steel brace. The backboard height can be moved from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in increments of 6 inches. The entire system comes with a warranty of 5 years.
2. Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 44 Inch Backboard
The Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 44 Inch Backboard is slightly more expensive than the last hoop. The backboard is shatter proof and made of especially high density material polyethylene. This gives it top level durability and strength to withstand even the hardest play.
This is an adjustable hoop, so you can take it from 7.5 feet to 10 feet as your kids grow. Change the height with telescoping technology. The pole is made of steel and is resistant against all types of weather. Use this hoop inside or outside.
You don’t need concrete to keep this hoop in place. Fill the base with sand, gravel, rocks or water. The entire hoop is extremely durable, and even the net is made of all-weather nylon.
3. Lifetime 51550 Courtside Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 48 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
The Lifetime 51550 Courtside Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 48 Inch Shatterproof Backboard is one of the more expensive basketball hoops, but the price is worth what you’re getting. Unlike some of the other hoops, this one is slightly more portable and less sturdy because the base only holds 31 gallons, but you can fill it with sand or water just like the others.
The height of the hoop can be changed between 8 and 10 feet. Change the hoop height in increments of 6 inches. The shaft, backboard and base are all weather resistant and can withstand rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind. The backboard is made of high quality, shatterproof materials.
4. Lifetime 90061 Portable Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
The Lifetime 90061 Portable Basketball System with 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard is more expensive than almost the first three hoops combined, but again, you are paying for high quality. I listed it slightly lower on the list because of the price, but this hoop is amazing.
You’ll get a steel framed backboard that is 52 inches and shatter proof. The board is made of polyethylene in high density for ultra strength all around. You also get an adjustable shaft with this board. Take it between 7.5 and 10 feet to accompany the growth of your kids or the advancement of your skills.
The base can be filled with any material and holds 24 gallons. I love the fact that this hoop is rust resistant as well as rust is a common problem with outdoor hoops.
5. Lifetime 1558 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System, 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard
The Lifetime 1558 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System with 52 Inch Shatterproof Backboard is another top quality hoop. It has a backboard made of Makrolon that is basically unbreakable. Makrolon is much better than acrylic. It is 52 inches. Some people don’t like that this shaft is powder coated, but I always say that this helps with rust resistance. Take this hoop anywhere, and adjust it to any height between 7.5 and 10 feet.
One of the reasons that I love the lifetime 52 portable basketball hoop because the rim is made of 100 percent solid steel, and you can feel free to dunk and slam at your will. The rim as double compression springs for amazing spring back response.
6. Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System – Acrylic Backboard
The Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System with Acrylic Backboard has a 54 inch backboard made of acrylic. In my opinion, this makes the price a little high because higher end basketball hoops should have a better material for the backboard. Fortunately, this board has a lot of other great features.
There’s a 40 gallon base, so this thing stays put super well. Again, fill it up with water or sand if you don’t want to use something like rocks or gravel. I love the breakaway rim by Arena Slam and the super heavy duty frame. There is also a great rebound cover on the frame that helps keep the ball in better play.
7. Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System – 54″ Glass Backboard
The Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System with 54″ Glass Backboard is one of the most expensive items on this list, but again, I love the features. This hoop has a rebound piece in front of the steel base just as the last model does, and this is really handy for easier play. I like it for hoops that are near roads because it makes it less likely that the ball is going to roll out into the road.
The backboard on the Spalding 54 inch portable basketball system measures 54 inches and is made of high quality tempered glass. Again, glass is the best material for backboards and is used in the professional leagues. The rim is breakaway and made by Arena Slam. Finally, the whole hoop is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet.
8. Spalding NBA “The Beast” Portable Basketball System – 60″ Glass Backboard
The Spalding NBA “The Beast” Portable Basketball System with 60″ Glass Backboard is a more expensive hoop just like some of the others, but there are several features that make it a great choice. It has the rebound board at the base with a grey inset cover. This covers the steel frame and is great for getting the ball back to you in a quick fashion or for pre play movement.
The hoop also has an extremely large backboard of 60 inches. It is made of glass, which is the best material for any backboard. The rim is breakaway, and the base is huge with a 50 gallon capacity, which means that this is the best hoop for dunking on the list. Fill the base with sand or water and roll it anywhere you please. The hoop adjusts between 7.5 and 10 feet.
9. Street Tournament Side Court Portable Basketball Backstop from Spalding
The Street Tournament Side Court Portable Basketball Backstop from Spalding is actually a professional hoop that is also portable. Many people use this hoop for tournament play because it’s sturdy, durable and has all of the professional features. The arm extends 4 feet, and the overall height of the hoop is 10 feet. Because this is more of a professional item, the cost is naturally higher.
The backboard is acrylic and is 54 inches wide with framework that is made of steel. You can change the rim height between 8 and 10 feet. The backboard can also be folded down for storage use.
10. First Team Fury Select Portable Basketball Hoop with 60 Inch Acrylic Backboard
The First Team Fury Select Portable Basketball Hoop with 60 Inch Acrylic Backboard is the most heavy duty hoop on this list, and as such, it is the most expensive hoop as well. Adjust the frame shaft from 6.5 to 10 feet. There are wheels for rolling the hoop wherever you please.
The backboard is an amazingly wide 60 inches, but it is made of acrylic, which I don’t like because it’s not professional grade. One thing that I do like very much about this hoop is that there is safety padding around the base.
What Is a Portable Basketball Hoop?
The first thing we’ll have to talk about before diving into which of the best portable basketball goals you should buy is what exactly a basketball portable hoop is!
The explanation is fairly easy. Portable basketball systems tend to be less expensive than regular systems, and they are also simpler to install inside or outside your home. Portable basketball hoops have wheels on them, so you can move them around.
Putting a Portable Basketball System Indoors or Outdoors
It is definitely possible to install a mobile basketball hoop outside or inside, but if you consider installing a portable basketball system inside, you certainly must have high enough ceilings. In fact, most home ceilings won’t be able to deal with a portable basketball hoop. The height is simply to tall.
Setting Up Your Portable Basketball System
Having a portable basketball hoop at your home means that you will have to assemble some things. For example, you’ll need to put the pieces together initially. In addition, you’ll need to fill the base of the portable basketball system with some sort of heavy material.
Most people use water, sand or sometimes gravel or rocks. It’s simple to fill this area, and doing this will ensure that the basketball hoop doesn’t fall down or bump into it. One thing to keep in mind is to not fill the base of the portable basketball system with water if you live in an area where it’s cold. The water in the base could freeze and crack the encasing.
My Portable Basketball Hoop Review
In my opinion, portable basketball systems are great. I like them because you can use them anywhere, and I also like the fact that they are less expensive than normal in ground hoops. This means that if you really want to buy a hoop for your kids but you’re worried about the cost, using a portable system may still be feasible.
Additionally, if you don’t want to have the basketball hoop out in the open all the time, you can simply roll it away and store it when you’re not using it. For example, if you live in an area where it snows often, you can put the basketball hoop completely away for the winter, and it won’t be ruined by the elements.
Types of Basketball Hoops
Good basketball hoops are easy to come by if you just know what you’re looking for. Naturally, this means that before you make a final decision on your basketball hoop, you need to know about the different types that exist. Below, you’ll find a full outline of the 7 main different types of basketball hoops.
1. Outdoor Basketball Hoops
One of the most common categories of basketball hoops is the outdoor category. Naturally, a portable basketball hoop for outside will be one that is used primarily outside, but it’s good to remember that you can also purchase hoops for both indoors and outdoors.
Outdoor basketball hoops come in different sub forms. A lot of people choose hoops that are in ground because they want them to stay put. But you can make portable hoops stay put as well as long as you weigh them down and anchor them by putting sand, water or gravel in the base.
In addition, some people opt to have a simple driveway hoop that attaches to a building like a garage or barn. For these latter types of hoops, you just need to make sure that you have a court or some concrete or asphalt to play on. You should also aim to play away from windows, cars and busy streets.
2. Adjustable Basketball Hoops
Adjustable basketball hoops are excellent for kids because as they grow and develop their basketball playing skills, you’ll be able to change the size of the hoop to fit their level. Generally speaking, the adjustments are made easily with the switch of a lever.
Most portable and adjustable basketball hoops can be adjusted between a 54 inch basketball hoop and a 10 foot basketball hoop, and almost all of these models will be able to be extended to 7 foot basketball hoops. For small children, the 54 inch basketball hoop is best. For older kids the 10 foot basketball hoop works best, and for adults and skilled teens, 7 foot basketball hoops are perfect.
Finally, in many cases, the best adjustable basketball hoop will double as a collapsible basketball hoop. This means that you will not only be able to change the sizes, but you will also be able to completely collapse the hoop and store it easily or take it with you when you need to transport it.
3. In Ground Basketball Hoops
The best basketball hoop for driveway play is the in ground basketball hoop. In my opinion, this is going to be your best quality choice if that’s the factor that matters to you most of all. On the other hand, if you require a portable or movable basketball hoop and you don’t care as much about quality, in ground is not what you want because you certainly won’t be moving this!
An in ground hoop is great for learning the game because you can be assured that your hoop will be the exact size that you want. Most people choose regulation size because with an in ground hoop, there’s no adjusting. In addition, with this type of hoop, you don’t have to worry about a bulky base as you do with a portable model. The base can actually be cumbersome and a danger in some cases if people run into it while playing.
The problem with in ground hoops is that they can’t be moved easily, and they are a bigger pain to install. Once you have them, they’re great.
4. Basketball Hoops for Home
If you’re not in the need of the best outdoor basketball hoop, you might be reading more basketball goal reviews for indoor home hoops. I think these can be a lot of fun.
If you have the room in your house, basketball hoops for home can be easily installed inside. Even on rainy days, you can have a game of hoops. Some people put basketball hoops in their garages or barns if the ceilings are high enough to play. It’s just important to remember to keep cars, windows and other dangerous objects away from the area of play so that nothing gets broken and no one gets hurt. Safety is always of the upmost importance when it comes to any type of sport.
Basketball hoops for home tend to be of the portable variety, but there are some mountable options as well, and you can always install an in ground hoop if you have the resources, know-how and funds.
5. Mini Basketball Hoops
Many people would say that a mini basketball hoop is essentially in the same camp as a pool basketball hoop, but this is not necessarily true. Mini basketball hoops take many different forms. For example, you might have a mini basketball hoop over your garbage basket, on the edge of a door, on the wall or anywhere else.
Many times, you’ll see a small basketball hoop with a portable basketball court. These might be weighted down the same way as typical portable, moveable basketball hoops, or you might choose to attach them to something in an area where you can. for example, on the edge of a fence outside or on a door inside. For people who go camping with their families or friends a lot, these mini hoops can be a great way to have fun outside of your camper or tent area.
6. Basketball Hoops for Kids
In addition to basketball hoops that are geared toward older children, teenagers, adults and professionals, there are also options for child basketball hoop products. Basketball hoops for kids are naturally smaller than regular hoops, and they are often adjustable.
The best basketball hoops for kids is also safety oriented because as we know, when kids play, they often get rowdy and may end up running into or falling onto the hoop. In this way, you’ll see that the best basketball hoop for kids will typically be made of some soft material, light plastic or even rubber or foam.
If you have a small toddler, there are also basketball hoops that are specifically made for toddlers. Some of these have a rebound net that sits below the basketball net so that the ball doesn’t end up rolling far away as they play. Most basketball hoops for kids also come with small basketballs.
7. Basketball Hoops for the Pool
Do you have a pool? If so, you’ll definitely want to try a pool basketball hoop for some added fun. The great thing about basketball hoops for pools is that they’re much more inexpensive than in ground, mountable or portable hoops.
With that being said, a basketball hoop for pool will be portable most of the time, but these types of hoops are nowhere near professional size. A basketball hoop for pool may be any number of sizes or shapes. There are also different ways of attaching a swimming pool basketball hoop.
For example, you might have a hoop that hooks onto a side latter in the pool, the actual side of the pool or a nearby railing. There are some hoops that float as well. And naturally, you can get models that are weighted and sit at the edge of the pool as well.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Basketball Hoop
Shopping for any large piece of sports equipment can be a challenge for anyone. Portable basketball goals are in many stores, and they’re also sold extensively online. But finding the best portable basketball goal can still be difficult when you’re not exactly sure what it is that you’re looking for.
To help you in narrowing your choices, I’ve listed the biggest factors that I recommend people consider when shopping for the best portable basketball hoop. Keep in mind that some of these factors won’t be important to some people, but just for good measure, make sure that you at least know about all of them. And when it comes time to make a final decision between the last two or three portable basketball hoop models that you are thinking about, ask the sellers or read portable basketball hoop reviews to cover all your bases.
Size of Backboard
Most basketball hoops in professional settings are 72 inches wide. This is the regulation size of a basketball hoop and the size that you will see in NBA games.
But with this in mind, remember that you won’t need a backboard that is 72 inches wide for your home. You should actually probably get a smaller backboard because a 72 inch backboard may be a bit expensive, and it will likely be cumbersome. Instead of using this larger size on your blackboard, consider something a bit smaller at 54 inches or 60 inches wide. Almost all spaces on or around your home are yard area should be able to accommodate a blackboard that is 54 inches. 60 inches will be okay for a lot of people as well, but if you do have a smaller driveway, then you might want to avoid the 60 inch blackboard.
Material of the Backboard
Normally, there are three types of materials for blackboards. No matter where you go or what type of hoop you look at, you’ll likely see hoops made from either polycarbonate, acrylic or glass.
First, there is polycarbonate. This is a cheap material, and it is quite durable, so even if you live in a place where it gets very cold with lots of rain and snow, you’ll be able to have a backboard that is made of polycarbonate. Most of the backboards that you will see that are cheaper will be made of polycarbonate.
With this in mind, it is true that almost all of the nicer blackboards that you’ll see will be made of other materials besides polycarbonate. For example, many people like acrylic for their backboards. This type of material has great rebounds, and it lasts a long time. It also does okay in bad weather. You don’t have to worry about spending a lot on this material either as it’s relatively cheap.
The last type of material that you can get for a blackboard is glass. This is the material that you’ll see on backboards in the NBA. It’s the best for rebounds, but keep in mind that it is the most expensive, and it is fragile.
Range of Adjustment
The height of the hoop and whether or not it’s adjustable will be another factor to think about. Again, for kids who are learning, an adjustable hoop may be what you want so that you can change the height as they grow and gain more skill. Most of the adjustable hoops that you’ll see will move between 7 and 10 feet.
Type of Rim
Rims can vary just like backboards can vary, and in fact, there are three main types of basketball hoop rings. The first type of rim is the standard rim that is fixed. This is the cheapest rim type, but it’s not great for dunking and hanging on. It can break or warp easily as well.
Next, there are breakaway rims, and this is the rim that I recommend for more basketball hoops. The breakaway rim is slightly more expensive, but it’s standard. On this type of rim, there is an exposed spring near the mount. This makes it easier for the rim to give and bend but then go back to its original shape. The only problem is that over time, this rim type may rust.
Finally, there is the compression breakaway rim or system. On this rim, there is also a spring, but it is not exposed, so it can’t rust. Instead of being exposed, it is covered with a sturdy piece of material. Even harder dunking can be done with these types of rims, which are used on professional basketball courts in the NBA.
Reviews From Other Customers
Other customers who have bought and used the models of basketball hoops that you are thinking about will be able to help you make your final decision on a basketball hoop as well. That’s why it’s truly smart to take the time to read at least three or four personal reviews for each of the basketball hoop products that you are thinking about purchasing.
Overall Price
Naturally, the last consideration that you’ll need to make when shopping for and purchasing a backboard is price. The cost of your backboard will vary depending on all of the factors listed above as well as where you plan to buy the product.
There are a number of advantages to buying a less expensive product first of all. Sometimes, you’re buying this product just for something fun to do for you or your kids, and you won’t want to invest a lot in it. Maybe you just plan to keep it for a few years.
But if you do plan to keep the product for at least three, four years or more and you are seriously planning on improving your game, you might want to think about getting a bigger and better model that is going to be more expensive. Keep in mind that if you have your heart set on one of these more expensive and better models but it is too expensive, there are coupons and discounts available. You just need to do a bit of research.
Tips on Choosing the Best Portable Basketball Hoop
As you read through portable basketball system reviews and try to make a final decision on a portable outdoor basketball hoop, the following tips may be especially helpful.
Make sure you have room for the hoop.
Do you know where your new portable basketball hoop is going to go? I read one rather sad portable basketball hoop review that was written by a man who said after scouring the net for the best hoop, he finally bought one and ended up having to return it because it didn’t fit in his driveway.
Make sure you know how to install the hoop.
Some hoops require a lot of work during the installation process. For example, in ground hoops tend to take a lot of time, extra products and expertise. If you’re not ready for that work, choose a different hoop that requires less action on your part.
Know how big you want the backboard.
Backboard size varies, and if you’re hoping to train someone for high school, college or professional play, you’ll want to abide by regulation standards. You’ll also want a strong, durable material.
If you have growing kids, get an adjustable hoop.
Adjustable hoops come in handiest as kids grow in height and skill. If kids are hoping to play down the road in middle or high school, opt for the adjustable models.
Get a warranty with your hoop if possible.
Warranties always come in handy, and the best hoop brands have them.
Know the safety guidelines that go along with the hoop.
Because each hoop is made differently and from different materials, each hoop can withstand a different amount of wear and tear. For example, some rims can take dunking while you shouldn’t try it with others. Make sure to read and abide all safety standards.
Where to Buy a Portable Basketball Hoop?
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As you go through basketball hoop reviews and do some research about the different types of basketball hoops, you’ll get increasingly closer to making your final purchase! But where should you buy a portable basketball hoop?
Certainly, many brick and mortar stores have both expensive and cheap portable basketball hoops for sale, but with that being said, their selection will likely be limited. That’s why I always recommend going online to do your shopping for basketball hoops. The Internet is simply a bigger shopping area, and that means it has more options.
The site that I always recommend most is Amazon. This site has the vastest selection, and they also have amazing prices. Moreover, you can receive your items in only a few days in some cases, making it just about as efficient as shopping at brick and mortar stores.
How Much Do Basketball Hoops Cost?
If you know what portable basketball hoop for sale that you want to buy, then you are already aware of how much you are able to spend. But if you are still at the very beginning of your quest to buy a basketball hoop and any portable basketball hoop accessories that you need, then you’ll certainly be wondering about costs.
Summary and Making Your Final Decision on a Portable Basketball Hoop
If you’ve made the initial decision that you want to buy a portable basketball hoop, the natural decision that will come next is to make your final product choice and purchase it.
That’s what this guide is for! I wanted to help you narrow down your search and learn more about the different types of portable basketball hoops, including the advantages and disadvantage is of each type.
With that being said, even with all of this information I know that it can still be difficult to find the exact portable basketball hoop that will fit all of your needs and the needs of your family. This fact is something that holds many individuals back from making a final purchase. There are simply too many products on the market and too many different types of hoops to choose from.
With this in mind, I encourage you to make a final decision on a high quality basketball hoop as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean that you should rush into a purchase, but it does mean that you should make a concerted effort to narrow your search and hone in on at least one specific basketball hoop model as soon as possible.
If it helps, you might hone your search to three or four models and go from there. You can compare prices at different online retail stores, read basketball hoops reviews and use this guide to make your final decision.
But whatever you do, make sure that you do buy a basketball hoop if you’re in the market for one. I’ve already said this before, but they can be a great addition to your home by helping you stay active, spend time with your friends and family, get outdoors and have fun. Good luck!
