David Willey is a passionate sports enthusiast and coach. Growing up with basketball and baseball, his love for sports led him across the country, mentoring aspiring athletes. Recognized not only for his athletic skills but also for his expertise in sports equipment testing, David ensures optimal performance for athletes. Read more about him here.
The thing about basketball hoops for kids is you need to upgrade every now and then. You can get certain hoops when your little one is three years old and a different one you need when they go 10.
Choosing the best kids and toddler basketball hoop depends on multiple factors – at the end of the day, your kid’s needs and preferences should be your primary priority.
There are lots of choices on the market – some of them can be fitted on a wall. Some others are freestanding. Plus, there are choices for the pool as well, just to give you a few examples.
With two boys at home, I have been through everything. If you feel confused, this guide should point you in the right direction.
Image (click on it to zoom)
Product
Why choose?
Why it stands out
Price
Check The Price
Silverback NXT Portable
Best Portable and Adjustable Kids Basketball Hoop
Comes with weighted ballast wheels
$$$
Lifetime 90040
Best Budget Kids Basketball Hoop
Excellent value for money
$$
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
Best Toddler Basketball Hoop
Comes with mini basketballs
$
Lifetime Portable Basketball Hoop 90168
Most Durable Kids Basketball Hoop
Ideal for all weather conditions
$$
SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop Basketball System
Best Kids Basketball Hoop Under $200
Plenty of adjustability
$$
Smartxchoices Arcade
Best Arcade Kids Basketball Hoop
Foldable profile for easy storage and transportation
$$
VTech Smart Shots
Best Electronic Toddler Basketball Hoop
Teaches basic mathematics
$
Franklin Sports Over The Door Basketball Hoop
Best Door-Mounted Kids Basketball Hoop
Extra padding to avoid damaging doors
$
GoSports Splash Hoop 360
Best Kids Basketball Hoop for Water Games
Compact and space effective
$
Ropoda Mini Basketball Hoop
Best Mini Kids Basketball Hoop
Comes with exciting glow in the dark lines
$
Table of Contents
Here are some of the best kids basketball hoops out there, as well as what you should expect from them. Keep in mind that your little one may change their mind after a while, so you should see it as a temporary investment.
I would say this is the best option overall because it will support your kid over more years. It is portable, so you can move it from the driveway to your backyard and so on – you might as well disassemble it and take it down for the winter season.
In terms of moving the unit, you do not necessarily have to disassemble it – the bottom has wheels, so you just need to lift and roll it wherever you want. Overall, putting it together is a fairly simple job and should not take more than an hour – some of the parts are also preassembled.
It has a stable frame based on steel connections between the main pole and chassis. Steel is the primary material, so you can count on great durability. The unit comes with a backboard that can fold backward for extra rigidity – plus, it guarantees an excellent rebound.
When I say this hoop will take care of your kid’s basketball needs for years, I mean it is adjustable in height. It can go from 7.5 feet to 10 feet in height – pretty much standard for more advanced basketball hoops. The 26-inch overhang under the goal is not to be overlooked either.
While the height is sufficient for teenagers too, the unit is portable and not fitted in the ground. Therefore, it should not be used for dunking because your little one could get injured – be careful there.
Pros
Available in more sizes
Easy to put together
Great rebounding capabilities
Suitable for both kids and teenagers
Easy to move around due to the lift and move action principles
Cons
Portable and not fitted in the ground, meaning dunks are out of the discussion to prevent accidents
Limited budget? Unable to invest in a massive basketball hoop for the driveway? Cannot afford an in-ground one? No problem – we have all been there. Besides, you do not want to spend a fortune if you are not 100% sure your kid will appreciate basketball – sometimes, it is only a temporary thing.
If the value for money is your main priority, Lifetime’s 90040 is probably the best kids basketball hoop for you. It brings in a complete package and pretty much what you would expect from an in-ground hoop, but with a few basic features instead.
The backboard is 44 inches wide and features high-density polyethylene. Let me clear it out for you if you have no clue what it means – it will last for ages. It is extremely durable, but also strong. It provides a good rebound as well.
The base is portable but designed for heavy-duty purposes. You can fill it up with sand or water – I recommend sand, though. If you go for water, it can take 27 gallons. The round pole goes in it, and the rim features a nylon net that can last without issues in all weather conditions.
In terms of height, the hoop is adjustable. You can go between 7.5 and 10 feet in multiple steps – 6-inch increments. Talking numbers, the unit has an 18-inch black solid steel rim and 0.5-inch steel braces for strength.
Pros
The telescoping mechanism is easy to adjust
Installation is straightforward – well-detailed manual
Can be located anywhere and moved without too much hassle
Solid and durable materials for strength
Looks and feels more expensive
Cons
Tools to put it together are not included in the package
Basketball is for everyone, including toddlers. Sure, at that age, the investment will most likely be temporary. You cannot get a toddler to play on an adult or teenager-size hoop, but find something suitable for their size.
This unit is mostly aimed at kids under 5. However, one of my boys used it until he was 7. I guess it depends on your kid’s size. It is pretty sturdy for that age and can provide a good experience before moving on to a more advanced hoop – besides, it is quite safe too.
All in all, the hoop is great for both indoor and outdoor uses. Just like a large hoop, it can be adjusted in height – it goes from 2.5 to 4 feet. There are six different adjustment levels, so see what feels more comfortable for your little one.
This is not a training or official hoop, so your kid does not need to be an expert to score. The rim is way larger than the actual ball, so scoring is fairly simple. Moreover, what drew my attention is the fact you do not have to buy matching balls separately – instead, the package comes with three mini basketballs.
The base can be weighted with sand – other options too, but I recommend sand. The hoop is based on plastic and is likely to last. Keep in mind that this is not just for kids who like basketball – instead, I recommend it for kids who need to develop their social skills as well.
Pros
Excellent to improve coordination, motor, and social skills
Comes with three mini basketballs
Sturdy and likely to last in all weather conditions
Some youth are more destructive than others – different characters and so on. One of my boys used to be very careful with toys, while the other one kept destroying them. If you are in the same situation, this is the best kids basketball hoop if you want durability.
Lifetime is known for its quality basketball hoops, and this one makes no exception either. However, I recommend it to older kids, rather than toddlers. After all, it is quite tall. The good news is it can be adjusted, but it only goes between 8 and 10 feet in 4-inch increments.
To adjust it, you will need a broomstick or something similar.
The backboard measures 48×30 inches, and it is a couple of inches in thickness. It is shatterproof and will last for ages. It also comes with a polycarbonate frame and a professional appearance. The rest of the system is based on alloy steel – again, it will definitely last for ages.
You have a solid steel rim and an all-weather nylon net. The attractive design features screen-printed graphics that will also last against weather elements. The finish is weather resistant, so you can use this basketball hoop in all conditions.
This is a slightly more advanced basketball hoop – for kids over 10, if you ask me. Given its size, it is also suitable for adults, but there are, of course, a few limitations. It is a portable unit, so it is not as sturdy as an in-ground design – forget about dunking.
It is a full-on mini basketball system with great adjustability. The mobile-based can be filled with water or sand. You can lift one of the ends and push or pull it if you want to move it around. The base becomes very stable once full, so there will not be too much rattling anyway.
The height goes between 3 and 7 feet. Toddlers can play with it, as well as teenagers and shorter adults – or just those who like to shoot some balls. The backboard measures 33×23 inches and is based on a polycarbonate backboard – with shatterproof capabilities.
The unit is made of alloy steel and offers the look and functionality of a professional basketball hoop. A small ball is also included in the package. The best part about it? You can adjust it to an almost adult size as your little one grows, so it makes a good long-term investment.
Pros
Can be adjusted as your kid grows
Very stable once the base is filled up
Good durable materials for outdoor uses, but with limitations
Feels and looks like a professional basketball hoop
Comes with a small ball
Cons
Get some weatherproof coating on it if you plan to store it outdoors
This is the best kids basketball hoop if you want to mix the sport with an arcade room. You will also need a bit of space for it – it is not just a hoop, but the type of game that returns balls. When fully assembled, it measures 80x80x43 inches. You can fold it, indeed, but it still needs space.
I chose to install this in a spare bedroom – I believe messing around with the folding mechanism will eventually ruin them. Now, the game is quite exciting, and you may end up competing against your kid. There are two basketball systems and eight options.
There are LED displays, an electronic scoring board, and four basketballs. There is also a pump – balls get back to you, just like in an arcade environment. It has everything you may require – three different audios too, as well as eight game modes.
The scorekeeper and sensor are well accurate – impressive. The frame is sturdy and metallic – powder-coated steel, so there is no corrosion. Steel rims are durable too and measure 12 inches they come with steel braces, so they can take a bit of abuse.
Putting everything together takes less than an hour. As I said, you can also fold it and put it away. All in all, this is the type of game that will also hook you in – great for social activities, as well as single games every now and then.
Pros
Eight different game modes and multiple features
Very accurate scoring sensor
Two rims for all sorts of competitions
Great fun for the whole family
Sturdy and solid
Four basketballs are included in the package, as well as an inflation pump
If your kid is more concerned about technology, gadgets, lights, and sounds, this is probably the best toddler basketball hoop you can buy to get them involved with sports. It is an actual sports center – not only is it suitable for basketball, but you can also play soccer with it.
The sports center has a hoop and a mini basketball. But on the same note, the hoop attaches to a mini net that looks like a soccer net. In other words, you can have endless hours of fun if you swap sports once your little one gets bored.
The unit has an animated LED scoreboard. It can count up to 10. There are all sorts of sounds, phrases, and animations to encourage your kid. You can also restart it once you start a new game – it is all colorful and covered in funky stickers for an attractive design.
I recommend this sports center to toddlers younger than 4. It will also teach them numbers and shapes. There are more than 50 different sounds included. Both balls are included – one for basketball and one for soccer. Both sports will develop social and motor skills.
The unit does not require too much assembly. It is an educational tool that will keep your little one active. It measures 24x23x14 inches, so it does not require too much space either. Other than that, it runs with batteries – you will need to purchase three AA batteries separately.
Pros
Two in one sports center – basketball and soccer
Both balls are included in the package
Can teach kids numbers, shapes, and sounds
Colorful and attractive design
Assembly is minimal
Cons
Requires batteries separately, as well as a mini screwdriver for the battery compartment
This is the type of hoop that goes over your door – I recommend using it outdoors unless you want ball marks all over the internal walls. It comes with a shatter-resistant backboard, a large setup, and a rubber basketball.
The unit has a dual spring rim to support occasional dunks, although I do not really recommend them. Since you need to install it on a wall, there is no height adjustability. Besides, dunks can cause hitting the wall.
The unit is designed to fit most door size standards, so chances are it will work on yours too. It comes with some EVA foam to protect the actual door against potential damage. The hardware is based on steel and likely to last – make sure the support is just as solid.
This basketball hoop is not suitable for everyone, but for certain environments and places. If you have a swimming pool, go for it. If a swimming pool is nearby or you live by the sea, go for it. Otherwise, you will find no use for it. It is great for water games, but it is too large for a bathtub.
However, I thought it would make a good addition since I live close to the sea – less than an hour. The package includes the splash hoop, a couple of water basketballs, and an inflation pump. Obviously, it will not be too stable while on the water, but it is great fun, especially when you score.
It has a cool and modern design, but the system is also based on a red theme – including the balls. It is easy to spot in the water and can take lots of abuse. It will have no issues with humidity, not to mention the balls. Scoring is difficult though, but that is part of the game.
This is not the type of game to help with your kid’s coordination. Sure, it will help, but it is mostly aimed as a fun activity, whether there are more kids around or you want to bond with your little one. It is fun to use and compact in size, so you are less likely to disturb others by the pool.
Unlike other water-based basketball hoops, this one can be put together in seconds only – no tools are required either. You can also store it as it is or take it down – again, just a matter of seconds. Overall, you cannot find a better option in terms of convenience.
Pros
Great fun for kids and families
Challenging and exciting to use
Full package – two balls and pump included
Takes seconds to put together
Sturdy hoop design
Cons
You will most likely need more balls or it becomes tiring to go around and pick them up
In my opinion, this is the best kids basketball hoop for those under 5. It is a good introduction to basketball, but also a good choice for parents who want their kids to develop motor skills and coordination – great for social activities too if they have some friends over.
The indoor hoop will most likely help you relax after a long work day. It is made for door installation and based on shatter-resistant polycarbonate – it will last for ages, trust me. It comes with thick dense foam on the backboard too – not a solid rebound, but just enough to throw some balls.
Plus, the foam will reduce the noise. Putting it together and installing it is fairly simple – all tools are included in the package. You can do it in less than half an hour, with no experience required. A couple of balls are also included, not to mention the inflation pump.
While not relevant for adults, the fact that it glows in the dark will definitely add to your kid’s excitement. However, I think this is a useless feature – after all, you can barely see the balls in the dark, you have no clue if you have scored, and so on. It is decent, but mostly for kids.
Pros
Suitable for both kids and adults
Padded backboard to avoid noise
Easy to install – all tools included
Balls and inflation pump included
Glow-in-the-dark design – suitable for kids
Cons
Padding to reduce noise will also reduce the rebound – mostly useful for shooting only, rather than an actual game of basketball
Choosing the Best Kids and Toddler Basketball Hoop – Our Buying Guide
It’s not necessary that what works for my kids will work for your little ones as well. That’s why you need to consider the factors below before choosing the best kids basketball hoop.
Age
The younger your kid is, the faster they will grow. An adjustable hoop is essential – it needs to be low enough, but adjustability will also help. Obviously, those for toddlers or very young kids will not provide too much adjustability, but they should be seen as toys, rather than sports equipment.
Safety
Safety is important because kids do not have any education on it. As an adult, it makes sense not to dunk on a portable hoop, but kids will still try it. At the toddler stage, there are mostly toys, as well as hoops that can take their weight and energy.
But as your kid grows older, you need a good offset, more stability, and more durable materials.
Durability
Polyethylene backboards are quite difficult to break and suitable for abuse from kids. The metallic hoop is also worth some attention. Look for thickness and materials like steel or alloy steel. Weather-resistant materials are also important for outdoor hoops.
Budget
When it comes to toys for toddlers, you are less likely to spend more than $100. You can also find hoops for teenagers that will barely reach $200. Your available budget makes the difference, but you should avoid spending more than $500 on a quality hoop for teenagers.
Other things to consider include:
Kid’s preferences
Portability
Available space
Ease of installation
Best Kids and Toddler Basketball Hoop – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are portable basketball hoops safe?
A heavy pole and a strong backboard can cause serious injuries when coming down. Portable hoops can be risky, but it pays off teaching your kid health and safety before using it – for example, do not allow dunking.
Should I fill the basketball hoop with water or sand?
Sand is more expensive and difficult to fill in, but also safer because it will not evaporate.
How many bags of sand do I need to fill a basketball hoop?
If the unit has a classic 35-gallon base, 10 50-pound bags will usually do.
Final words
Deciding on the best kids and toddler basketball hoop is difficult because there are lots of options out there, as well as numerous considerations. Chances are you will need more than one hoop as your kid grows up – something for toddlers, then something else for teenagers.
