Most people don’t have the luxury of having constant access to a high quality gym where they can hone their skills. For most, a portable basketball hoop is the best way to give yourself the opportunity to practice as often as possible, and become the best baller you can be. This review provides a list of the best portable basketball hoops of 2022, and gives you some advice on just what to look for when bringing a portable hoop to your driveway.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular portable basketball hoops.
Best Portable Basketball Hoops for every Budget
Lifetime Pro Court Portable Basketball System
| Technical Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Backboard Size: | 44 inches |
| Backboard Material: | Polyethylene |
| Base: | 27 Gallons |
| Rim: | Fixed |
| Height: | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Price: | $113.22 on Amazon * |
If you are looking to buy the first height-adjustable basketball hoop for your kids, and you don’t want to spend a fortune, the Lifetime Pro Court is a great choice. Very light and portable, the height is adjustable from 7.5 feet to 10 feet and the material is durable enough to withstand rain and wind for years.
The assembly of the Lifetime Pro Court is relatively easy and shouldn’t take you longer than two hours. While you can put it together on your own, a second adult makes the process much easier. Once the hoop is assembled, fill the base with water and you are ready to go!
If you want to lower the hoop for your kids, you can adjust the height using the telescope mechanism of the support pole. Unfortunately, this takes two people and is a bit complicated. If you need to change heights often and quickly, there are much easier adjustment systems available in more expensive basketball hoops.
The backboard of the Lifetime Pro Court is made of Polyethylene and only 44 inches wide. That’s perfectly fine for kids, but if you want to practice bank shots, you should probably look into options with bigger backboards.
Another reason this hoop doesn’t work for more serious play is the fact the backboard is screwed directly onto the support pole. So if you want to work on your best Michael Jordan imitation and dunk from the free-throw line, you will inevitably crash into the post. The Lifetime Pro Court is best used for shooting around and less for real basketball games.
Overall, this is a great basketball hoop for goofing around or for kids under the age of 13. For older (or very dedicated) kids, you may want to look into something closer to a professional basketball hoop.
Lifetime Front Court Basketball Goal
| Technical Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Backboard Size: | 50 inches |
| Backboard Material: | Polycarbonate |
| Base: | 34 Gallons |
| Rim: | Uncovered Breakaway |
| Height: | 8 – 10 feet |
| Price: | $435.85 on Amazon * |
The Lifetime Front Court is a clear step up towards more professional basketball hoops. The 50-inch, see-through backboard looks great and allows for more creative layups; the rim has a breakaway mechanism that softens the bounce and is great for dunking. The Lifetime Front Court is a little heavier than its little brother the Pro Court, but it is still very portable and can be moved easily by one adult.
If you have kids of different ages and you are looking for a basket where you can adjust the height quickly, this hoop is a great choice. The one-hand, speed shift adjustment allows you to change the height in 6-inch increments within seconds. In fact, it’s so easy, your kids can do it on their own!
Speed shift mechanism
What’s also great about the Lifetime Front Court hoop is the backboard is not directly screwed onto the support pole, instead, the backboard hangs 18 inches in front of the goal post. This overhang is a real game-changer because it gives you extra space to land after a layup and allows for real basketball games.
The only downside to this hoop is probably the assembly process. A lot of customers complain about the poor quality of the instructions and the number of tools needed. So, if you are not a talented handyman, you better reserve enough time!
Overall, the Lifetime Front Court is a great hoop in the moderate price range that is especially awesome if you need to adjust the rim height often and quickly.
Lifetime 52″ MVP
| Technical Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Backboard Size: | 52 inches |
| Backboard Material: | Polycarbonate |
| Base: | 35 Gallons |
| Rim: | Covered Breakaway |
| Height: | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Price: | $449.99 from DICK’S * |
This Lifetime portable basketball hoop is very similar to the “Front Court” shown in the previous paragraph. It comes with a slightly bigger 52″ backboard that is made from the same transparent and durable Polycarbonate material, and a 35-gallons base that provides good stability while still allowing you to move the basket from the driveway to the garage without too much of a sweat!
Where this hoop differs from the “Front Court” is the height adjustment system: The pneumatic “Power Lift” system lets you adjust the hoop from the regular 10 feet all the way down to 7.5 feet – that’s 6 inches lower than the “Front Court” model. And that’s great if you have little kids that are not yet strong enough to shoot baskets on higher hoops and will increase the fun factor for them by a lot!
This hoop is priced similarly to the “Front Court” and offers a slightly bigger backboard and a more flexible height adjustment system – overall this is my #1 Lifetime hoop in the moderate price range.
Silverback NXT Portable Basketball System
| Technical Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Backboard Size: | 54 inches |
| Backboard Material: | Acrylic |
| Base: | 35 Gallons |
| Rim: | Covered Breakaway |
| Height: | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Price: | $549.95 on Amazon * |
The Silverback NXT features a 35-gallon base, adjustable height, and a covered breakaway rim. The most obvious distinguishing factor from other basketball hoops is the infinity-edge backboard, which is not covered by a frame like every other backboard and offers a very modern, clean look.
This basketball hoop is produced by the same company that makes the Goalrilla in-ground baskets which are very well known for their incredible build quality. The excellence of this hoop is obvious the second you unbox the Silverback NXT packaging. Every part is numbered and the instructions are very detailed. You can easily assemble this hoop in 2 hours, and if you need help there is even a youtube assembly video!
The Silverback is a great example of thoughtful engineering – the frame is very stable, the hoop doesn’t rattle at every shot and the 26-inch overhang gives you a lot of space under the backboard. The adjustment system is easy to use and allows you to change the height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. If you want to get an idea about the quality of the Silverback NXT, check out this video:
Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop
The Silverback is not cheap, but it is a great choice if you want to invest in a really high-quality basketball hoop engineered to last. If you want to save a little bit, there is also a smaller version with a 50-inch frame .
Spalding 54″ Glass Pro-Tek
| Technical Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Backboard Size: | 54 inches |
| Backboard Material: | Tempered Glass |
| Base: | 40 Gallons |
| Rim: | Covered Breakaway |
| Height: | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Price: | $1,800.00 on Amazon * |
This portable basketball hoop by Spalding is the first one in this article that comes with a tempered glass backboard – the same material used in professional indoor hoops. The glass is less thick compared to the NBA (1/4″ instead of 3/4″) which reduces the weight but still gives you that nice rebound effect that only real glass can offer. You will notice it immediately when you are working on your bank shots!
When it comes to build quality and stability, this basket is in another league entirely. In fact, this portable basketball hoop comes very close to in-ground basketball hoops.
The 40-gallon base is massive and provides the necessary weight to avoid the shaking and rattling which is present in a lot of cheaper baskets. Adjusting the height, using the screw jack mechanism, is easy too – your kids will be able to lower/raise the hoop to their height preference without any help from an adult.
Unfortunately, your kids will not be able to move this basket on their own. Once the 40-gallon base is filled with water the hoop gets very heavy and hard to move. But a strong adult should have no problem rolling this basket from the driveway back to the garage.
Overall, this Spalding is an extremely solid, heavy-duty hoop that could easily last you 10 years. If you don’t want to compromise and need that true feel of a big 54″ tempered glass backboard, then this is the perfect hoop for you!
Spalding “The Beast”
| Technical Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Backboard Size: | 60 inches |
| Backboard Material: | Tempered Glass |
| Base: | 55 Gallons |
| Rim: | Covered Breakaway |
| Height: | 7.5 – 10 feet |
| Price: | from $1,199.99 * |
This portable basketball hoop by Spalding was named “The Beast” for a reason. With a huge 60-inch backboard and a massive 55-gallon base, it comes closer to a professional basketball hoop than any other portable hoop on the market.
This portable basketball hoop has a backboard made from high-quality tempered glass. Combine this material with the weight of the huge backboard, and you get a rebound efficiency unlike any other. If you plan to throw alley-oop passes off the backboard, this is definitely the hoop for you.
Other advantages: while cheaper and lighter baskets tend to vibrate/rattle after long shots, this basket stays quiet and unfazed. And even if you are a big and athletic player, you can still hang on the rim without worrying about getting buried underneath the basket.
If for some reason, you can’t go with an in-ground basketball hoop but you don’t want to compromise with smaller, lighter, and easier to rattle basketball hoops, then the Spalding “The Beast” is your choice!
7. SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System
Features:-
- Affordable
- Neat packaging
- Supportive CSR
- Weatherproof components
One of the best indoor hoops in the market, the SKLZ hoop is excellent. The breakaway and the rim can really take a beating. It is far sturdier than any other indoor hoops you know. The size of the hoop and the quality exceeds expectations.
You can add waterproof tape or anti-rust spray or paint to make it weather resistant and to keep the joints and bolts rust-free. The instructions are very basic and the labeling is appropriate making it easier for the customers to use it.
The clean and easy packaging and quick setup ensure easy installation. While installation, keep in mind that there are two different types of bolts, use the right ones according to the instructions on the package.
The weather-resistant net allows you to play in rain or snow. It is the most affordable option available.
The sturdy base ensures zero wobblings and tipping over. The variations are minimalized and the adjustment is easy. Even your kids will be able to handle it on their own.
The customer service is very supportive and easy to deal with. Bottom line is that your kids will enjoy the game even as they grow older and the hoop will stay with you as good as new. It’s a great return on your investment.
What to look for when buying a Basketball Hoop:
There are a lot of things you want to consider when looking for the best portable basketball hoop; in the following paragraphs, I want to talk about the most important ones.
Backboard
Whether you want to practice the iconic Tim Duncan bank shot or work on your lay-ups, the backboard of your hoop better be of good quality! You want to look for these three factors:
1. Size of the backboard:
The regulation basketball backboard used in the NBA and NCAA is 72 inches wide and 42 inches high, but you will rarely see a backboard of these dimensions in a driveway. If money’s no object and you are building a professional basketball court in your backyard, then go for a 72″ backboard (and an in-ground basketball hoop). Otherwise, there are more sensible options on the market.
Backboards usually start at 44 inches wide, which is very small, makes layups hard and bank shots almost impossible. Backboards offering better playability start at 54″ inches. These give a much more professional feel and allow for easy layups and angled floaters. More expensive, high-quality hoops often come with 60″ backboards while regulation 72″ backboards are almost entirely reserved for the most luxurious and professional basketball goals on the market.
2. The material of the backboard:
Backboards are usually made of either one of these three materials:
Polyethylene (or Polycarbonate) is a fancy name for plastic and is most often used for the cheapest basketball hoops. It has one significant advantage: it is almost indestructible and, therefore, a great option if you are looking for a basic hoop that will last you for years. If you want a high-quality basket, however, plastic has two problems. The rebound effect is pretty bad, which means the ball basically stops dead once it hits the backboard. Also, the look of plastic boards just screams “kids hoops”.
Acrylic backboards are a definite step up from cheap polyethylene backboards. Transparency offers a much more professional look. Unfortunately, acrylic is a very soft material and will pick up scratches over time, which will slowly spoil the great look.
Acrylic is very popular with hoops in the moderate price range because it weighs considerably less than tempered glass. This reduction of weight means that the support structure doesn’t have to be as sturdy in order to support the weight of the backboard. Unfortunately, lighter basketball hoops are more susceptible to wind, and the rebound response of the backboard is only average.
Tempered glass is the material used in professional basketball hoops in the NBA, NCAA and all over the world. It is by far the heaviest material used in backboards and requires a solid base and support pole. In return, you are rewarded with the best playing experience by far, with a true rebound response which makes layups and bank shots so much more satisfying.
On top of these advantages, tempered glass doesn’t scratch easily and keeps its clean look forever, unlike other materials which tend to yellow out after being exposed to the sun for too long.
3. Offset of the backboard:
The offset of the backboard describes the distance between the backboard and the support pole. If the offset is too small, it is easy to crash into the basketball post after a layup or dunk attempt.
Professional basketball goals feature an overhang of at least 4 feet, but portable ones usually have far less, which is no problem if you just practice your shooting. But if you want to play real games, make sure that the overhang is deep enough, otherwise, padding the goal post is a good idea.
Rim
The rim diameter of 18 inches is the same for every hoop on the market. What is different, however, is the way the rim is attached to the backboard:
The standard rim is simply screwed into the lower backboard. This construction gives the rim a lot of stability, but it also results in a lot of long rebounds and shots that bounce in and out. You also don’t want to dunk on a rim like that, where all the force is transmitted (unchecked) onto the backboard. On rims like these, it is easy to injure your hands or tear down a part of the backboard.
Breakaway basketball rims with compression springs dampen the bounce of your shots, resulting in the “soft touch” every shooter loves. If you plan to dunk on your basketball hoop, a breakaway rim is mandatory. These rims come in two different variations: cheaper versions with exposed compression springs or more expensive and more durable rims with covered springs offering better rust protection.
Support Pole
A stable and robust support pole is very important for the stability of a basketball hoop. Most portable basketball goals these days have the ability to adjust the height. Adjustable basketball hoops are great for kids who want to learn the game (or adults who want to pretend they can dunk), but it makes the construction of stable support poles difficult. Cheap and moderately-priced hoops often use three-piece pole constructions. If you want something less shaky, look for two-piece support poles – usually reserved for more expensive basketball hoops.
The height adjustment systems also differ widely in quality and ease of use. Cheap basketball goals often use a telescope pole fixed by a knob in 6-inch increments. More expensive hoops like the Spalding NBA system offer a screw jack adjustment system, which is much easier to use and allows you to choose any height between 7.5′ and 10′.
Base
The base is one of the most important parts of any portable basketball hoop. Not only does it provide the hoop with the necessary stability but it’s also a crucial part of its portability.
The base usually includes a container that is filled with water or sand. The bigger the capacity of the base, the more stability it provides.
Pro Tip: Add Base Gel to the water of the base to create a firm and stable gel that keeps your base from cracking in the winter, prevents leakage and adds extra stability.
Beginner hoops often come with a capacity of around 27 gallons. But the plastic backboards of these basketball goals are rather light, so the base doesn’t need to be very heavy. More advanced hoops (with bigger backboards made from acrylic) usually come with heavier bases with a volume of around 35 gallons. The base of the most expensive (and much heavier) hoops can easily exceed 50 gallons, which has the negative side effect that it hurts the portability to some degree.
If you need to move the hoop after every basketball session and portability is very important to you, you should make sure that the base has wheels. Fortunately, this is the case for almost all portable basketball hoop these days.
Base of the Spalding “The Beast”
Final Thoughts
Portable basketball hoops come in a very wide price range! If you are looking for the first basketball hoop for your little kids, and you are not sure if they are going to stick with it, then the Lifetime Pro Court is a decent beginner hoop.
The Silverback NXT is my top pick for basketball players who are looking for a moderately-priced, high-quality hoop that will last a long time.
If you are an ambitious basketball player and you want the true feel of a tempered glass backboard then the Spalding 54″ Glass Pro-Tek is the way to go!
