Most basketball dreams start in a driveway. If you remember how much fun it was to have a driveway basketball hoop outside of your home as a child, there's no reason to deny your child the joy of their own rim and backboard.
Even if you don’t have kids, if you love basketball and don't have convenient access to a personal court, a basketball hoop for your driveway is an excellent option.
In 2020, there are more basketball hoops to choose from than ever before, with a full range of sizes, prices, and designs. Leading manufacturers offer a combination of excellent portable designs and in-ground basketball hoops.
If you're looking for the best basketball hoop for driveway use, we've done all the legwork for you. Our top product review and buying guide has everything you need to purchase the perfect hoop for your home.
- Our Top Pick
- Beast of a system: dunkable rim, heavy-duty, easily movable, elite rebound
- 60-inch tempered glass backboard
- Best Kid Hoop
- Affordable, durable and adjustable
- 28-inch polycarbonate backboard
- Best In-Ground Hoop
- Provides a professional experience
- 72/60/54-inch tempered glass backboard
- Top Small Backboard Option
- Affordable alternative to high-end hoops
- 44-inch polycarbonate backboard
- Top In-Ground Warranty
- Strength of concrete anchor system with option to unbolt and move goal
- 54-inch tempered glass backboard
- Best Premium Hoop Under $1,000
- Great mid-range option
- 60-inch tempered glass backboard
- Easiest to Move
- ErgoMove wheel-barrow design for an easy lift-and-roll action
- 54-inch polycarbonate backboard
- Best Garage-Attached Option
- Versatile: mounts to existing portable or in-ground pole, garage, roof or wall
- 52/54-inch acrylic backboard
- Best Option for Slam Dunks
- 18" Slam-It Rim with steel braces & double compression springs
- 52-inch polycarbonate backboard
Best Basketball Goals for Driveway Use
If you're searching for a basketball hoop that's perfect for your home, you have plenty of options at your disposal.
Whether you're looking for a standard basketball hoop that's 10 feet tall or something perfect for children, there's sure to be an option out there for you. Let's explore the ten best portable basketball hoops for driveway use:
Spalding is well known for producing the best portable basketball hoops on the market. As a basketball industry titan, it's no wonder we picked their hoop for our top option. Its heavy-duty design combines aesthetic benefits and a durable shell - you'll feel like you're playing on a professional hoop.
Another significant benefit associated with this product is that it's portable. Unlike other portable options on the market, this Spalding goal doesn't sacrifice quality for easy movement. From the tempered glass backboard to the steel pro image rim, every component of this basketball hoop is made with durable, professional materials.
While the 60-inch backboard isn't quite regulation-size, it still offers a much larger tempered glass backboard than many of its competitors. If you want to adjust the height, you have complete control over the rim level. You can set it between 7.5 to 10 feet.
To keep it in place when you're dunking or during windy weather, there is a 55-gallon power base that can be filled with water or sand. The materials used to construct this hoop are all-weather resistant, including the net.
Unlike other portable hoops on the market, this option has four wheels (most hoops only come with two), making it extremely easy to move around your driveway or home. If you know that you might need to move your hoop on occasion, this could be a winner for you.
The manufacturer of this heavy-duty portable hoop is one of its greatest assets. Spalding has been manufacturing sporting products since 1876. The company is the official ball manufacturer for the NBA and WNBA, as well as many of the top international leagues.
Number two on our list is the Lifetime Portable Basketball System. This is another hoop manufactured by one of the industry's top contenders. While this basketball goal isn't as heavy-duty or visually-impressive as some of the other options on our list, it offers extremely good value - it's perfect if you're searching for an affordable entry-level product.
The Lifetime portable hoop offers a 44-inch polycarbonate backboard, making it both durable and lightweight. Although it doesn't provide the same professional benefits that you find with a tempered glass backboard, it works well for casual games. The polycarbonate backboard is also shatterproof, offering additional safety assurance if kids will be using the hoop.
The hoop pole is weather-resistant steel, and an adjustable height system allows you to adjust the hoop height between 7.5 feet and 10 feet. At the bottom of the hoop is a 27-gallon base that can be filled with sand or water - it will keep your portable basketball system in place during rough weather or high-intensity games.
Lifetime is a USA-based sporting goods manufacturer that has been operating since 1986. It is known for producing high-quality basketball products. If you're searching for a top-quality manufacturer, this is one of the industry's best options.
If you're searching for a hoop for younger kids, it's best to look for kid-specific products. You can adjust the height of most adult basketball hoops, but the lowest setting most will reach is 7.5 feet. Children's hoops have height options more suitable for shorter players.
The ZENY Portable Hoop Backboard System Stand and Rim for Kids is our top choice for younger children. It isn't built with the same heavy-duty materials as some other products on our list, but it's perfect for casual play with your kids. The shatterproof polycarbonate backboard material keeps you and anyone playing with you safe.
Unlike traditional basketball hoops, you can adjust this rim between 5.4 feet and 7 feet. It's excellent for children who are just starting to play - taller kids may even be able to dunk on this hoop.
The base of the hoop can be filled with sand or water, preventing flipping. It is one of the best portable basketball hoops for driveway use. However, it's important to note that this hoop isn't suitable for adults. It's not strong enough to withstand the weight or impact of an adult slam dunk.
There are two wheels at the base of the basketball system, which makes it easy to move around your driveway. In fact, some owners of this hoop also take it inside for indoor play - its lower height makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
At six years old, ZENY is a relatively new supplier of sporting goods. Regardless, this company has made a name for itself as a reliable manufacturer of portable basketball hoops, camping gear, and more.
Many people choose to purchase portable basketball hoops for their driveways, but you can also install an in-ground hoop if you want a permanent basketball goal at your home. The Spalding "888" Series In-Ground Hoop is the premium option if you're searching for a permanent goal for your driveway. While it comes with a hefty price-tag, this is as professional as it gets - the 72-inch backboard is the same as regulation size for professional basketball teams.
In addition to its regulation-size, the backboard is made from tempered glass with steel framing, which provides a professional touch to the hoop. Attached to the backboard, you'll find a breakaway rim, which provides added flexibility.
You can adjust the rim height between 7 feet and 10 feet. One of our favorite features of this hoop is the 'U-Turn Pro' handle that detaches from the steel pole. When attached, you can use it to crank the rim up and down. This mechanism is much easier for height adjustment than other options on the market (you don't need to be tall to adjust the rim height with ease).
For added safety, there is padding fitted to the hoop's steel pole, which means you won't have to worry about unpleasant contact with the pole during intense games. You will need a location to secure this tempered glass backboard hoop to the ground, but it's an excellent option if you want a classy hoop for your driveway.
If you want to lower the price of this high-end hoop, you can opt for a 60-inch or 54-inch backboard instead. Spalding, the manufacturer of this hoop, is the industry's top producer of high-end basketball products. If you're searching for "basketball hoops for driveway" that will impress, this should be on your shortlist.
Number five on our list of the best driveway basketball hoops is another portable hoop option. While it isn't a high-end product, The MaxKare hoop comes at an affordable price point and is extremely easy to use. If you're looking for a small backboard that isn't intrusive, this 44-inch polycarbonate option is a good alternative to some of the larger hoops on the market.
In a similar fashion to the other best portable basketball hoops on our list, this goal has a base to keep it secured during play or rough weather. You can fill its 21-gallon support base with sand or water. All the components of the goal are weather-resistant, including the net.
Like many personal-use hoops, this goal can be adjusted from the rear of the backboard. You can choose between multiple rim height settings - the range is between 7.5 feet and 10 feet. If you're looking for basketball hoops for driveways that offer standard height settings, easy-to-move qualities, and affordable price tags, this product offers all three.
Lastly, the MaxKare hoop comes backed with a two-year warranty. That's a positive sign that the manufacturer believes its hoop will stand the test of time - especially considering the extremely affordable price tag.
The Goalrilla GS54 In-Ground System with Height Adjustable Backboard is one of the best in-ground hoops on our list. As with the Spalding in-ground hoop previously reviewed, this hoop is perfect for players that want a permanent, high-grade basketball system in their driveway. While this product also comes at a hefty price tag, it's a step down from Spalding - it's a good alternative if you're trying to save money on a premium in-ground hoop.
This goal can be adjusted from 7.5 feet to 10 feet using a cranker that doesn't require you to reach to the back of the backboard. The backboard is 54-inch tempered glass, which provides excellent play quality if you're laying up on your hoop.
The powder-coated pole that acts as the core of the system provides a sleek, professional look that won't detract from the curb appeal of your home. This goal must be attached using its concrete anchor system, which will provide a secure, sturdy base for the hoop. If you decide to move it to another location, you can easily do so by removing the anchor system (this also means that you can sell the goal in the future).
One of the main features we enjoy about this high-end product is its lifetime limited warranty. Goalrilla clearly backs the quality of this heavy-duty goal - you'll be protected from many major faults or issues if something breaks.
Goalrilla almost exclusively produces basketball goals. If you're searching for a reputable manufacturer dedicated to producing high-quality systems, it's hard to go wrong with Goalrilla.
While there are plenty of premium options on our list, many of them will cost you more than $1,000. If you're searching for something below this price point, the Silverback 60" In-Ground Goal, Adjustable Height Tempered Glass Backboard is comfortably lower.
Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice quality by dropping the amount that you pay. You're still benefiting from the best backboard material on the market - a 60-inch tempered glass backboard. The goal comes with a breakaway rim that will flex when you apply too much pressure. This aspect makes it a good rim for dunking and other power moves.
The hoop includes an anchor mounting that you can use to secure it to the side of your driveway, providing exceptional support and strength. You can also move the mounting if you want to relocate the hoop or sell it.
The hoop height adjusts between 7.5 feet and 10 feet. There is an actuator built into the height adjustment tool, which makes it easy to move the height of the rim.
Little is known about Silverback as a manufacturer, but the company has produced high-quality goals for several years. Additionally, this particular product is backed by a 5-year warranty, which provides plenty of assurances that you're protected if you have any issues.
If you're someone that needs to move your driveway basketball hoop quickly, this is one of the best portable hoop options on the market. The Silverback NXT has two large wheels at the rear of the base, which means you can lift the goal like a wheelbarrow when you want to move it. It's one of the most maneuverable products on the market, making it a fantastic fit for your busy driveway.
It's not just the easy movement system that places this product on our list - it's also a highly functional basketball hoop with plenty of premium features. It has a steel pole frame and a 54-inch backboard made from anti-shatter polycarbonate.
You can easily adjust the system's height, choosing between different rim heights in the 7.5 feet to 10 feet range.
The one downside of this product is that you have to assemble it yourself, but the manufacturer claims it only takes 90 minutes. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.
As mentioned previously, Silverback is a relatively unknown manufacturer, but the company is making a name for itself in the basketball industry. If you're searching for the best portable basketball hoop for driveway use, this should make your shortlist.
While most of the products on this list are portable hoops or in-ground hoops, the Spalding Acrylic Basketball Backboard & Rim Combo is an excellent option if you're looking to mount a basketball hoop to a garage or wall near your driveway. This is the best alternative if you don't want the nuisance of a pole-based basketball system in your backyard.
This product comes with a 52-inch acrylic backboard. It isn't as premium as tempered glass, but it's a more responsive backboard material than polycarbonate. Additionally, it comes with a breakaway rim that is durable enough for intense play.
Since there is no steel pole or base for this backboard, you won't need to worry about this basketball goal tipping over or creating a safety hazard. You just need to ensure that the backboard is securely attached to your garage or home wall.
Due to the design of this backboard and rim combo, you can't adjust the height of the rim without detaching it from your garage or wall. You will also need to be confident you can attach it at an accurate height on your garage if you want to take full advantage of this hoop. It's best to ensure that your garage has space available at the correct height for your rim.
One of this product's top features is that you can attach it to a steel pole and base if you no longer want it attached to your garage. If you decide later that you want a portable system, you can keep this backboard and rim combo.
Lastly, this is another product on our list manufactured by one of the best brands in the industry - Spalding.
If you're searching for a goal that's specifically built for dunking, the Lifetime 90176 is an excellent option. It comes with a purpose-built rim that includes steel braces that make it easy to slam dunk without damaging the rest of the goal - this offers much more than a traditional breakaway rim.
As one of the best portable basketball hoops, this goal offers much more than simple slam-dunking benefits. It also includes a 52-inch backboard made with shatterproof polycarbonate backboard material. Additionally, there's an easy-to-use height adjuster at the back of the goal - you can choose heights between 7.5 feet and 10 feet.
The base of the system can be filled with 35 gallons of sand or water, providing ample support for dunking or heavy winds.
This hoop is another excellent basketball system manufactured by Lifetime. As one of the industry's leading players, Lifetime has a superb reputation with basketball players across the country. This product is also backed by a five-year limited warranty.
Best Basketball Hoop for Driveway Use: Our Official Buying Guide
Choosing the best portable basketball hoop for your driveway is an important task if you want to enjoy a casual game with friends or a training session with your kids.
While you'll find plenty of suitable options on our top list, it's still useful to know what to look for when you're buying a new goal.
Our buying guide is your one-stop-shop for all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
Features to Consider
This portion of our buying guide will overview the various features you need to consider when purchasing a new goal for your driveway. Let's dive in:
Portable or In-Ground Basketball System?
Start by deciding if you want a portable or in-ground system for your driveway.
If you don't need to move your basketball goal, in-ground systems offer better curb appeal and sturdier designs. Still, many players choose portable systems because they can easily be moved for pickup games, bad weather, and other reasons.
If you choose an in-ground system, make sure you have space to plant the anchor component. Alternatively, there are a few backboards that you can install on your garage or house wall.
Safety
Safety is essential, especially if small children will be playing basketball in your driveway.
Make sure that the system you purchase either has a fillable base or in-ground system. All the options on our list have one of these two safety systems in place to prevent problems.
You will see basketball hoop bases that fit 21 gallons, 35 gallons, and a range of other volumes - the bigger, the better.
Height Adjustment Features
The height of your goal is one of the most important elements to consider.
A standard basketball goal is 10 feet high, so it's essential to purchase a product with this height option if you're going to be training for real-life competitions. On the other hand, if you have a young teenager or child, lower rim heights are more suitable.
Most adult basketball hoops can move between 10 feet and 7.5 feet. While this is standard, there are a variety of different height adjustment tools available.
Some rims have archaic height adjustment systems that require you to be tall enough to reach the lever at the back of the backboard.
The higher on the pole that the height adjustment system is, the harder it will be to move the height of the rim.
Fortunately, many modern systems now have built-in cranks attached to the system pole that are easier to use and more accessible for shorter players.
Rim
Your goal's rim is one of its most critical components. We suggest that you look for basketball hoops with "breakaway rim" options.
A breakaway rim is flexible, which means it will bend if you dunk or apply force to it - this will help you avoid breaking your basketball system if you're playing an intense game.
Backboard Material and Size
The material and size of your backboard are important if you want a realistic playing experience.
In most cases, you'll find tempered glass, polycarbonate, and acrylic backboard options. While there's no doubt that tempered glass offers the best playing surface, polycarbonate and acrylic backboard material is still good for casual games.
Regulation size is 72-inches, but anything 54-inches or above will provide plenty of space for a competitive match.
Manufacturer Reputation
Don't make the mistake of working with a manufacturer that can't be trusted. If you're going to invest significant money into a new hoop, make sure you're working with a manufacturer with a longstanding reputation.
If you're searching for value, there are plenty of top manufacturers making products at affordable price points - you can thank competition for that.
Warranty
Many of the portable basketball hoops on our list come at affordable prices. However, purchasing this type of sports product is still a considerable investment for any family.
If you want to protect yourself against manufacturing faults when you invest in a portable basketball hoop for your driveway, it's essential to choose a product that comes with a significant warranty.
Make sure to read the fine print of the warranty to confirm exactly what faults are covered.
If you need further clarification, contact the manufacturer and ask for any assurances in writing - this will prevent them from going back on their word.
This point is another reason why it's best to purchase a basketball hoop from a well-known producer.
If you want your warranty to stand the test of time, you need to be confident that your manufacturer will still be operating long enough to honor your warranty. If your goal's producer runs out of business, your warranty is not redeemable.
Driveway Basketball Hoop FAQs
If you're planning on buying a driveway basketball hoop, you likely have some additional questions.
Below, let's explore some common queries we receive regarding portable basketball hoops:
Should I Fill My Driveway Basketball Hoop With Water or Sand?
Many of the basketball hoops on our list have space to fill with water or sand - this water or sand will weigh down the portable basketball hoop to ensure it doesn't blow over in rough weather.
Additionally, the sand or water will prevent the basketball hoop from falling over if someone dunks on the hoop.
Which one is better? While water is certainly easier to add, sand is denser and will create additional weight support for your goal. If sand is available, we suggest you fill your system's base with it.
Expert Tip: If you decide to fill the base with water, add a bit of base gel. Doing so will prevent it from freezing up in the winter and promote greater stability. It also minimizes leakage.
Do I Need to Move My Portable Basketball Hoop Inside During Bad Weather?
The best basketball hoops for driveway use are built with weather-resistant features and materials.
With many of the basketball systems on our list having weather-proof features, you won't need to move your hoop inside during bad weather.
That being said, if you have a portable goal, you might prefer to move it inside if your area is experiencing extremely strong winds. Some homeowners also store their hoops in their garage to prevent theft.
Basketball hoops aren't hot-ticket items for thieves, but they have been known to go missing from time to time.
Is a 72-inch Backboard Too Big for a Basketball Hoop for Driveway User?
A 72-inch backboard is a regulation-sized backboard - this means that it's the same size that's used in the NBA and other professional leagues.
While this is much larger than your standard 54-inch portable backboard size, it's not too big if you have a basketball pole and system that can support the weight.
As you may notice, there's a 72-inch option available on our list of best basketball goals - it's an in-ground option which provides added support.
If you want to play ball like the pros, there's no reason that you can't have a 72-inch backboard in your driveway.
Can I Make My Portable Basketball Hoop a Permanent Hoop?
That depends on the type of system that you've purchased - and if you're comfortable disassembling and potentially cutting the pole. In some cases, the base can be removed from a portable hoop and attached to the ground.
If you have a backboard that you can remove from the core system, you can also often attach this to your garage or outside wall to make it a permanent fixture.
If your base doesn't have detachable hardware, your only option would be to cut it off.
Keep in mind that this will affect the height of the goal pole. This option is only recommended if you have a 10-foot adjustable system to start with and is more ideal if the goal will be used by a child.
Are Basketball Hoops for Driveways Safe?
Most well-manufactured basketball systems are safe for your driveway if you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Portable basketball hoops must be weighed down by filling the base of the hoop with sand or water. If you don't weigh down the hoop, it can blow over and cause a safety hazard.
Another issue that can arise is too much pressure or weight on the basketball backboard or rim.
Most recreational hoops don't permit high-intensity playing. If you want to avoid hurting yourself using in-ground or portable hoops, it's a good idea to avoid too much contact with the rim or backboard.
What is the Best Backboard Material for Basketball Hoops for Driveway Use?
As you've seen from our reviews, there is a wide range of backboard materials currently on the market.
You can choose between a tempered glass backboard, acrylic backboard, polycarbonate backboard, and more.
While tempered glass backboards are considered the premium option, they're expensive, and all of the other materials work well too- just make sure they're classed as shatterproof.
Related: The Best Tempered Glass Basketball Hoops
Our Final Say
Now that you've read our review of the top ten basketball hoops for driveway use, you should have all the information you need to purchase the best portable basketball hoop for your driveway.
The best one to buy will depend on your preferences, budget, driveway, player age, and more. Only you can pick the perfect option for your needs.
Make sure to assess all the information in our basketball hoop buying guide before you make a purchasing decision. It's the perfect resource if you want to make a wise investment.
