logo
logo
  • Gardening
  • Outdoor Living
  • Outdoor Tools
  • Plants
  • Home
  • Outdoor Tools
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Keep Your Garden Flourishing With the Best Soaker Hose

author-image
By Garden Gate Review Team
Last updated: 27 Feb 2023

Getting the best Soaker Hoses in 2023 is a must-have for every gardener. And why so? Because efficient watering is the key to getting your plants and flowers to thrive! It can be quite inconvenient to water your garden frequently especially if you have a large yard and are a busy person; you’ll have to walk the entire length ensuring that every plant gets properly hydrated. 

A soaker hose would be a perfect watering system for your vegetable garden and the best part is that it does not require supervision and it saves up on water. Just like a regular garden hose, there are tons of soaker hoses available in the market, and buying one off the internet can both be a hit-or-miss attempt. However, since there’s no point for you to go in blind, we’ve reviewed a few of the most rated soaker hoses and provided a buying guide to help make your choice easier! So, without any further ado, let’s dig in!

Best Overall
logo
Rocky Mountain Radar Soaker Hose
Buy on Amazon
Runner Up
logo
Suneed Soaker Hose
Buy on Amazon
Honorable Mention
logo
Melnor Soaker Hose
Buy on Amazon
Contender
logo
LINEX Soaker Hose
Buy on Amazon
Check Price on Walmart
Show contents
Detailing the Top Soaker Hoses of 2023
  • 1 Rocky Mountain Radar Soaker Hose
  • 2 Suneed Soaker Hose
  • 3 Melnor Soaker Hose
  • 4 LINEX Soaker Hose
  • 5 Gilmour Soaker Hose
  • 6 One Stop Gardens Soaker Hose
  • 7 Swan Products Soaker Hose

Buying Guide: High-Quality Soaker Hose

Every gardener takes pride in their healthy-looking garden. Of course, this is no easy feat for them to achieve. Time and energy have been put into the growth of the plants and that includes ensuring that they get watered frequently and adequately. Gardeners with busy lives may find the frequent watering of plants inconvenient. Especially if they have a wide yard to water, the need for the top-rated soaker hose is paramount to reduce water waste.

Soaker hoses are long water hose with small puncture holes throughout its length. This hose is placed close to the plant and the small punctured holes allow water to drip into the soil and near the root. This hose can be passed throughout the garden and its pressure can be controlled.  It requires low maintenance and little or no supervision.

There are different types of soaker hose in the market; each with its own specifications. Trying to pick one without knowing all the information needed to buy a soaker hose can be a daunting task. Hence, we’ve prepared this buying guide to help you make a choice.

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Soaker Hose?

Material

A premium quality soaker hose is one that can withstand nature’s elements and also ensure that plants get watered properly. The material of soaker hoses is an important factor to consider and should not be overlooked. Recycled rubbers and tires are some of the most commonly used materials for soaker hoses because of their durability. Other materials include; vinyl, polyurethane, etc. you need to ensure that whatever soaker hose you’re buying is weather resistant.

Length

The length of a soaker hose depends ultimately on the size of your garden or yard. The hose needs to be long enough to reach the corners of your garden or yard. Soaker hoses are generally designed in a way that one can attach two or three hoses to make a lengthy hose. Hence, the larger your garden, the longer your hose and vice versa.

Water pressure

The pressure ratings provided for a soaker hose tell you how much water pressure it can withstand without bursting or leaking. The general rule of thumb when buying a soaker hose is that the pressure needs to be less than 10 psi to enable water to seep through the hose instead of coming out in large sprinkles.  A soaker hose should be able to handle water pressure to avoid flooding your gardens. Manufacturers usually indicate the pressure rating of most soaker hoses to ensure that it matches the water pressure of your home.

Design 

Most soaker hoses come in two designs; flat or round. The flat design soaker hose has small holes down its length and is generally made with plastic. This hose is easier to roll and store. Because of its design, it does not bulge on the ground. However, this type of hose is not as durable as the round type because the plastic may wear out and is not weather resistant.

The round soaker hose is more durable than the flat type. It is made from high-quality materials and some even have more than one exterior to prevent it from external elements. This type of hose has a higher pressure rating than the flat type but, it is bulkier and takes up a lot of space.

What Are the Different Types of Soaker Hoses?

Weeper soaker hose

A weeper hose is a type of soaker hose where water slowly and continuously gathers around the wall of the hose and slowly turns into droplets seeping into the soil. 

Drip soaker hose

The wall structure on drip soaker hoses is slightly different from the one on the weeper soaker hose. This hose is made from durable material with small holes punctured along the length that releases droplets of water in drips. With this hose, one can control the flow rate and water pressure.

Flat soaker hose

This type of hose is as the name implies. The flat soaker hose is flexible and makes it easy to fold and store away when not in use. Their flexibility makes it easier to maneuver them in whatever way you desire. However, the flat soaker hose is prone to weather damage as well as rips and tears.

Round soaker hose

The shape of this hose is determined by the material used in manufacturing it. The round soaker hose is made from a durable material that is weather-resistant and safe from garden accidents such as; sharp objects, shrubs, etc.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Soaker Hose?

Easy usage

Every soaker hose comes with a pressure rating provided by the manufacturer. This helps to determine if there’d be a need for a pressure regulator or not. A pressure regulator helps to regulate water pressure if the home water pressure is more than that provided by the soaker hose. Unlike garden hoses that direct water in single direction, the soaker hoses supply water directly to soil. The best soaker hose is one that is easy to use without any complications – and they require little-to-no supervision!

Controls weed

A soaker hose concentrates water in a particular area. This means that a soaker hose can be placed in a way that only the plants that need water get watered. Lack of water would cause the weeds growing around to die without having to pull them out or use chemicals.

Prevents soil erosion

The essence of a soaker hose is to ensure that water seeps out of it gradually into the soil preventing any topsoil erosion. A soaker hose is useful for reducing water usage and protecting the soil from excess water that could damage the plants.

Retain soil moisture

The frequent seeping of water into the soil prevents it from being dry, especially during hot seasons. A soaker hose ensures that the soil retains proper moisture without being prone to topsoil erosion. Allowing your plant to grow and thrive.

How To Use a Soaker Hose?

If you’re unsure of how to use a soaker hose, check out this helpful video below!

Detailing the Top Soaker Hoses of 2023

1

Rocky Mountain Radar Soaker Hose

– Best Overall
img
Buy on Amazon

This Rocky Mountain Radar Soaker Hose is made of vinyl and is designed to be flexible and durable. It has a heavy-duty double-layered design and is 75ft in size.

Moreover, it weighs 2.12lbs and saves 70% water by getting it into the root instead of letting it evaporate through the surface. This product is lead-free, environmentally friendly, and is safe to use on your plants. It can easily be folded and stored away when not in use. This product comes with a leak-proof guarantee and has puncture holes that ensure consistent drip.

Pros
  • It can easily be set up
  • It paves way for 70% water conservation
  • It is made of high-quality material; heavy-duty double-layered design with PVC liner
Cons
  • Consumers have experienced unexpected leakage with this soaker hose
2

Suneed Soaker Hose

– Runner Up
img
Buy on Amazon

This product is made from 70% recycled rubber and 30% polyethylene, is environmentally friendly, and pollution-free!

The Suneed soaker hose comes in 25ft, 50ft, 75ft, and 100ft and it has a 1.2″ diameter; this makes it easy to maneuver around plants. It saves 70% water and can be used in both high and low-temperature environments. The soaker hose sports screw fittings and can accommodate attachment to another hose as well! It’s a lightweight, durable tool for your garden and flowerbeds, backed by a 7 years warranty!

Pros
  • It’s lightweight, durable, and is available in 4 sizes
  • It’s an eco-friendly product
  • It comes with screw fittings – a seamless operation that saves you from any hassle
Cons
  • The rubber is not very flexible
3

Melnor Soaker Hose

– Honorable Mention
img
Buy on Amazon

This product is versatile and its flexible construction allows it to be laid around corners easily!

The Melnor Soaker Hose is available in three sizes; 25ft, 50ft, and 75ft. It has two rust-proof end caps that allow it to be connected to other hoses for length adjustment. This hose is made of tough vinyl. You can place it both on the surface of the soil or bury it underneath. This product is backed up by a 2-year warranty by Melnor and is one of the most sought-after lightweight soaker hoses! If you’re taking our suggestions, we’re vouching for this soaker hose!

Pros
  • It can be flattened for easy storage; only takes about 0.035 cubic feet
  • Comes with 2 extra washers for a leak-free seal
  • It is backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
  • More water comes out near the hose connection, as compared to the last half of the hose
4

LINEX Soaker Hose

– Contender
img
Buy on Amazon
Check Price on Walmart

This product is flexible and lies down easily without any bumps. It leaks at the rate of 2 gallons per 2 minutes and has a pressure rating of 60 PSI. The Soaker Hose by Linex is made with heavy-duty PVC. It has metal connectors on each end and can be connected to two hoses at the same time. This product is 50 ft long and is quite flexible; it can be folded and stored without any hassle. It can be placed on the surface as well as buried underneath. 

Pros
  • The flattened size is only 0.15 cubic feet for easy storage
  • It is made up of PVC material
  • This soaker hose features a high degree of tensile strength
  • It is extremely flexible
Cons
  • The water flows out faster in low spots
5

Gilmour Soaker Hose

– Also Consider
img
Buy on Amazon

This product is a flat weeper soaker hose and is 25 ft long. It is made with clog-resistant material to promote continuous soaking and prevention of accumulated dirt.

The Gilmore soaker hose is made with vinyl material and is black in color. The material is UV resistant and prevents the hose from cracking under the sun. It weighs 0.75lbs; is lightweight and can be moved around easily. There would be no hassle when it comes to folding it up and storing it away. This hose is flexible enough to be lined straight or snaked around plants in the garden.

Pros
  • It is easy to move around; lightweight soaker hose
  • It is available in multiple sizes and is weather-resistant
  • It is made up of environmentally friendly vinyl
  • It’s an economical soaker hose
Cons
  • It can dump out too much water on steep, uphill areas
6

One Stop Gardens Soaker Hose

– Also Great Option
img
Buy on Amazon

This product is a flat hose that ‘weeps’ out water for maximum irrigation. The length of this hose is 50ft.

The one-stop garden soaker hose is made with heavy-duty woven nylon for improved flexibility and durability. This hose can be used with or without miser discs to reduce the water flow to 75%. The hook of this hose is 3/4″ and can match most standard home hose connections. This hose weighs 1.4 lbs. and comes in a green, yellow and black color.

Pros
  • It can be used with or without miser discs; reduce the flow of water up to 75%
  • It’s made up of woven nylon, weeps water, and soaks the roots directly
Cons
  • It can sometimes get clogged with dirt
7

Swan Products Soaker Hose

img
Buy on Amazon

This product is designed as a 2–in-1 hose. Turn it one way and it is a sprinkler and the other way, a soaker hose. Water is released in a sprinkler pattern and goes 1 or 2 inches above the ground.

The swan product soaker hose is made of rubber, weighs 1.9 lbs. and is 50ft long, 13″ wide, and 1″ tall. It comes in three colors; green, white and black. It has an adjustable spray that reaches up to 50′ wide. This product is made of 65% recycled rubber. It rolls out easily and remains flat on the ground with no twists or tangles. It has laser-cut holes, is environmentally friendly, and weather-resistant.

Pros
  • It has multiple functions – use it as a sprinkler or a soaker hose
  • It is available in multiple colors as well
  • It is environmentally friendly and weather-resistant
Cons
  • It requires a low water pressure

People Also Asked

Q: How do I know what length to buy?

A: This can be determined by the size of your garden or yard. If you have a small garden, then you need a short soaker hose. However, if your yard is larger and wider, then a longer hose would be more suitable. However, be mindful that too-long (75ft+) soaker hoses may become a hassle at times.

Q: What is the water consumption for a soaker hose?

A: Generally, a soaker hose releases 1.5 inches of water every hour. However, it differs for some soaker hoses.  The majority of plants only need an inch of water weekly. You need to be on top of your plant's water needs and work with that.

Q: Where do I lay my soaker hose?

A: A soaker hose can be laid in a straight row or it can be snaked around the plants. It all depends on the layout of your plants! Some soaker hoses can even be buried beneath the soil to keep your garden looking neat!  

Watering Tools & Accessories
author-image
By Garden Gate Review Team
The Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Content:
img
The Best Garden Hoses To Make Watering Easy
Instead of using old-fashioned techniques like buckets to water your lawn, you're better off investing in a high-quality and reliable garden hose with a spray nozzle that will last for…
img
Keep Plants Hydrated With the Best Hose Nozzles
From keeping your garden lush green and hydrated to washing your car, garden hoses can be used for different projects and activities. Finding the proper nozzle for your watering wand,…
img
The Best Garden Sprinklers for Your Lawn
Do you have a lawn or a small garden? If yes, then you will be fully aware of the need for the garden sprinkler. It is very much important to…
2143 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
1-800-341-4769
  • Subscription Questions
  • Submit A Tip Or Question
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc.© 2023 Garden Gate All rights reserved.