Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, played on a variety of surfaces and locations, such as schoolyards, playgrounds, rec centers, and professional sports arenas. Yet, for most basketball players, the story began with a hoop in the backyard or on top of their garage.
While preparing this guide, we researched as many hoops as possible and came back with a list of the 5 best 10-foot basketball hoops for 2020. Each of the hoops has something that caught our attention and offers unique value to players.
If you are looking to buy a hoop for your home, this is the place to start. Our reviews include all the major features and specifications and a list of pros and cons. Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you will feel more confident deciding on an ideal hoop for your home.
- Best Overall Choice
- Large acrylic backboard with a pro-style breakaway rim is a joy to play on
- Great value for the price
- Best Choice for Professionals
- Premium materials and outstanding build quality
- Provides an arena experience in your driveway or backyard
- Best Budget Choice
- An excellent choice for beginners and kids
- Extremely easy to set up, portable
- Best In-Ground Choice
- Great value for an in-ground hoop
- Pro-style backboard and rim for enjoying playing experience
- Best Portable Hoop
- Excellent stability and no rattle
- Excellent build quality and materials
The Best 10-Foot Basketball Hoop Reviews in 2020
Specifications
- Adjustable height of 7.5 to 10 feet
- Acrylic backboard, 60 inches by 34 inches
- Weight: 100 lbs
- Pro-Glyde Advanced Lift
- A 40-Gallon base for water or sand
- Steel frame of the backboard, with aluminum trim
- 20-degree-angle steel poll with 16-inch offset for the backboard
While several hoops made an excellent impression, none of them had the overall appeal, features, build quality, and ease of use of the Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System. This versatile hoop combines excellent build quality and materials with easy installation and mobility, making it our Best Overall choice for a 10ft basketball hoop.
The hoop comes with all the necessary parts and tools needed to put the hoop together. The assembly process is straightforward, and it took us about an hour to get everything in place—the hoop adjusted to our liking and ready for playing—which is impressive, considering none of us are handy or good with tools.
The first thing you will notice about the hoop is that it looks fantastic. It has the look and construction of hoops used in professional leagues like the NBA, although on a slightly smaller scale. It is very stable and sturdy. The materials are all weather-proof and should be able to withstand all types of weather.
The backboard is 60 inches wide and 34 inches tall. It is a bit smaller compared to the regulation size boards but is on the large size when it comes to portable hoops. It provides a lot of freedom and excellent angles for all the shots you need to take. The backboard is acrylic, providing excellent rebound and feel, similar to glass.
The base of the hoop has a large tank for water, giving it additional stability. What stood out on this hoop is the 20-degree-angled steel pole that carries the backboard and the rim. This is an excellent feature that most of the hoops do not have, providing room for playing in the post and under the basket. A 16-inch offset from the baseline should be more than enough to give a realistic experience of playing in the post.
The height of the hoop is adjustable, anywhere from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. Pro-Glyde Advanced Lift allows for fine adjustments in height in 6-inch increments. As your kids grow and feel more comfortable with the hoop, you should be able to adjust the height quickly with just a few turns of the handle.
Overall, we found it challenging to find something wrong with the Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System. It is a cleverly-designed hoop with all the major features that more experienced hoopers demand while offering ease of use and a reasonable price that will not send you running for the hills. Recommending this hoop was one of the easiest decisions we had to make.
Pros
- Fantastic all-around hoop for everyone, from beginners to experienced players
- Large acrylic backboard with a pro-style breakaway rim is a joy to play on
- Excellent build quality and sturdy construction
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable height
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Not the most portable hoop we tested. With a full base, it can weigh close to 200 lbs.
Specifications
- 60-inch tempered glass backboard
- Pro Image breakaway rim
- Adjustable height from 7.5 feet to 10 feet
- Massive base with a 55-gallon tank
- 5-inch Square Pole for added stability and strength
- Mobile base with four wheels
When it comes to choosing the best portable basketball hoop that cuts no corners and provides the ultimate playing experience, it is difficult to overlook Spalding’s The Beast Glass Portable Basketball Hoop. The design of this hoop, along with its price, speaks volumes about the intended customers. This is the hoop for people who live and breathe basketball and will not settle for anything but the best.
Right out of the box, you can feel it is a premium unit and is one of the heaviest portable hoops we tested. Still, the assembly was very straightforward, taking about 90 minutes to set it all up. I recommend having a partner to help in the process since the hoop is massive, and some steps in the assembly work better with four hands.
The first thing that will catch your eye is the 60-inch tempered glass backboard, which looks fantastic. The Beast is the only portable hoop to come with a 60-inch tempered glass backboard. But the amazing features do not stop there. A Pro Image breakaway rim is as close as it gets to the real thing on the NBA courts. The hoop’s height is adjustable, powered by the U-Turn lift that can set the hoop anywhere between 7.5 and 10 feet.
The base of the hoop is enormous as well, with a 55-gallon tank for water or sand. The hoop’s overall weight can easily exceed 400 lbs when filled with sand, providing unmatched stability. Yet, the hoop is quite mobile, due to four high-quality wheels in the base, making it is easy to move around. The fact that the hoop does not fold and it is not easy to store are the only downsides we found with this unit, putting aside the price.
Pros
- Provides an arena experience in your driveway or backyard
- Premium materials and outstanding build quality
- The largest (60 inches) tempered glass backboard for a 10ft basketball goal
- Easily adjustable height
- Mobile, despite being massive
- One of the few portable hoops you can dunk on safely
Cons
- Expensive
- The enormous size and weight could cause problems when storing
Specifications
- Lightweight and portable at 55lbs
- Easy setup in just 30 minutes
- 44-inch polycarbonate backboard
- Adjustable height telescope system, 7.5 to 10 feet
Finding an excellent basketball hoop with all the features and premium materials is easy when price is not an issue. The real challenge is finding a basketball hoop that is extremely affordable and can fit anyone’s budget but does not compromise the playing experience and major features. We believe we found precisely that in Lifetime’s Portable Basketball System.
To start, this is by no means a basketball hoop that will satisfy basketball purists and experienced players: It is an entry-level hoop for individuals and families on a tight budget but would like their kids to get into basketball. With that established, Lifetime Portable Basketball System shines among similarly-priced products from competitors.
Lifetime took a simple approach in this one and stripped the hoop of any unnecessary features that they could not provide at this price. A barebone, entry-level hoop with solid construction was the result. It comes with a 44-inch polycarbonate backboard, a telescopic steel pole frame that can adjust the height from 7.5 to 10 feet, and a solid plastic base with a 27-gallon tank for water or sand.
It was by far the most straightforward installation and setup experience we had. It took us 30 minutes to get it up and ready for shooting hoops, and no advanced tools or handy work were necessary. There is no breakaway rim or fancy tempered glass backboard, and there is no offset from the base. These are details some might never compromise on, but fortunately, these features are not important for those just getting into the sport.
Hooping on the Lifetime Portable Basketball System was fun and rewarding. The hoop is sturdy and performs well when set up. The essence of backyard basketball shines with this hoop, and that is fantastic value at this price point, which is why Lifetime Portable Basketball System is our Ultra Budget King pick for a 10ft basketball hoop.
Pros
- Fantastic value
- Extremely easy to set up
- An excellent choice for beginners and kids
- Portable and mobile
- Adjustable height
Cons
- No breakaway rim or acrylic/glass backboard
- No backboard offset, challenging to play in the post
- Smaller backboard provides restricted angles for shooting
Specifications
- 52-inch acrylic backboard with a 16-inch offset
- Adjustable height with a Pro-Glide Advanced Lift system, 7.5 to 10 feet
- 3.5-inch round steel pole frame
- Pro-Slam breakaway rim
- Blow-molded backboard pad
Spalding’s NBA In-Ground Basketball System offers excellent value at an affordable price for those looking for a fixed solution for their backyard or driveway. Most in-ground basketball hoops usually come with a premium price and are intended for experienced players who would like to replicate the arena experience.
It gets tricky when you start to look for a quality in-ground hoop for a mid-range price, but Spalding’s NBA In-Ground Basketball System shines in this niche. Price is at the level similar to most popular portable home basketball hoops but offers added stability and durability of an in-ground hoop. It comes with a 52-inch acrylic backboard and a Pro-Glide Advanced Lift system for adjustable height from 7.5 to 10 feet.
The frame is a 3.5-inch round steel pipe pole that offers a 16-inch offset. The hoop is stable and durable and should be able to take years of punishment. Its Pro-Slam breakaway rim provides a realistic experience when playing.
The only real downside is the installation. It requires concrete work and precision to get the hoop perfectly level and stable. In our case, we decided to use the help of a professional to install it and do the concrete work. It is an added hassle and cost you have to take into account.
Pros
- Great value for an in-ground hoop
- Pro-style backboard and rim for enjoying playing experience
- Sturdy construction and quality materials
- Adjustable height with Pro-Glide lift
- 16-inch offset offers more room for post play
Cons
- Needs precise concrete work to install and set up
- No mobility
- A larger backboard would be even nicer
Specifications
- 54-inch acrylic backboard with infinity-edge design
- Stabili-Frame technology for improved stability
- ErgoMove technology and wheelbarrow design for easy moving
- Adjustable height-mechanism from 7.5 to 10 feet
- 25-gallon tank at the base for water or sand
The final choice is our pick for the best portable hoop. Silverback NXT was our second favorite for the Best Overall Choice, but Spalding’s NBA Portable Basketball System won out due to better value and features. We still believe that Silverback NXT Portable Height-Adjustable Basketball Hoop is a fantastic choice for people who value portability and decided to include it in this guide.
Silverback NXT comes partially assembled and requires very little time to complete the setup. It took us around 40 minutes to get the hoop up and start playing, by far the quickest setup of all the hoops we tested. The first thing you will notice is the infinity-edge backboard. Silverback decided to use this design to provide more strength and stability to their backboard and eliminate any dead spots.
We found the hoop very stable and sturdy, which was an initial concern for us. Although slender, the frame uses an angled pole and steel base to provide excellent stability, while staying lightweight. ErgoMove technology uses a wheelbarrow design to provide effortless mobility. We managed to move the hoop around using one hand—it was that easy.
Silverback NXT has all the features you need for a great game of hoops at home. An adjustable height mechanism allows setting the height of the basketball hoop to 10 feet along with the acrylic backboard for a superior rebound. It is a nearly perfect basketball hoop that many will love.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and materials
- Easy setup
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent stability and no rattle
- Fantastic performance for a portable hoop
Cons
- No pro-style breakaway rim
- The height-adjustment mechanism is a bit complicated for kids to use
10 Foot Basketball Hoop Buying Guide
Before choosing which basketball hoop to buy, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence the overall playing experience and quality of the hoop. Not all basketball hoops are equal; they have various designs and features. We have put together a list of factors that you should keep in mind before you pull the trigger.
In-Ground vs. Portable vs. Wall-Mount Hoops
There are three distinct types of basketball hoops, and each of them has pros and cons you should consider before making the decision.
In-ground basketball hoops are traditional and have been around since the invention of the game. The base of the hoop is underground, usually secured with concrete or cement. They provide excellent stability and durability, but unfortunately, score a zero on the mobility scale.
Portable hoops are the most popular type for home use, as they do not require complicated installation or the use of advanced tools. They come with a hollow base that you can fill with water or sand to weigh the hoop down and usually have wheels for easy transport and moving. Convenience and ease of use are the selling points of these portable hoops.
Finally, wall-mount hoops eliminate the need for a pole or a base, as they have a mounting mechanism usually behind the backboard. They are ideal for mounting above your garage or on a wall of the building. They are incredibly stable and durable.
Depending on your circumstances and needs, each of these three basketball hoop types might be the answer.
Adjustability
A standard basketball hoop for league play is 10 feet high. So why does adjustability play such an essential role when choosing a basketball hoop?
If you have small kids who are just getting started on the basketball court, you understand the need to have an adjustable height basketball hoop. Adjustable hoops range anywhere from 7.5 to 10 feet and have a unique construction that allows for easy adjustments.
Mobility
Playing basketball in your backyard or driveway can be a challenge, especially if space for the hoop is not permanent but is shared with cars and other things. For these situations, it is useful to have a hoop you can fold and quickly move into the garage or to a different location for storage.
A good portable hoop should have a sturdy construction that will not fall apart when moving; it should remain lightweight and easy to move around. The best portable basketball hoops have a quality mechanism and wheels that will stand the test of time.
Size
We already covered the required height for the basketball hoop, so in this section, we will focus on the size of the backboard. Backboards come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 40 to 72 inches in width and 30 inches to 48 inches in height.
The size of the backboard is essential, as it changes the way the game is played and influences the types of shots and angles you can take to score.
While size is not everything when it comes to home hoops, going for a backboard that is close to the official size (72 inches by 48 inches) will prepare you better for the upcoming matches on a regulation-sized basketball court.
You might also like: Best 54-Inch Basketball Hoop
Build Quality
Buying a basketball hoop with poor build quality is an absolute waste of money. If you play often, you will quickly get frustrated with the performance of the hoop, and the daily use would seriously compromise its appearance.
Additionally, a portable basketball hoop with poor build quality can be extremely dangerous, as the hoop could fall on someone during play. Do not compromise on build quality: The prices do not vary that much to warrant purchasing a hoop that has little to offer in terms of quality and might hurt you.
Materials
Metal, plastic, glass, and rubber are just some of the materials used in modern basketball hoops. The hoop’s backboard is the most versatile part as polycarbonate, acrylic, and glass are the materials of choice.
Polycarbonate is the cheapest and most durable but performs poorly in terms of bounce. Acrylic is in the middle, improving performance and aesthetics, but is more prone to cracking.
Finally, tempered glass is the premium backboard material, providing fantastic performance while giving that professional feel when playing. Unfortunately, it is also rather expensive and requires gentle handling to avoid cracking.
The base of the hoop differs, as well. In-ground hoops have a smaller base that goes underground, usually made from sturdy materials such as steel. Portable hoops have wide bases used for stabilizing the hoop, made from quality plastics. The base is shallow, so you can easily add sand or water to weigh the hoop down.
Finally, the pole and joints are metal, usually made out of steel piping or aluminum. This keeps the hoops light, yet sturdy enough to take the daily beating of playing on them. Make sure that the frame and construction are durable and will last you for years.
Warranty
As with all products, the warranty makes a difference, especially if it is for a product you spent a lot of money on. Standard warranties for home hoops vary from 3 to 5 years, which should be enough, depending on the price of the hoop. High-end hoops, made from premium materials, do offer a better and more extended warranty.
Price
Finally, the price. The good news is that various basketball hoops in the market can fit within all budgets, from extremely cheap sub-$100 hoops that no one should buy to hoops that cost several thousand and use the best and latest materials in construction.
There is no perfect hoop. Depending on your needs, the area you’ll play, and your skill level, different hoops might be an ideal match. You can find quality hoops for a variety of different needs and skill levels, starting at around $150 and going up to about $1000.
Conclusion
We hope this buying guide and product reviews help you with selecting the best 10ft basketball goal on the market. You won't go wrong with any on this list.
