Stefanie Miller
Table of contents
Do you have a toddler or a teen that is a huge basketball fan? If they don’t already own some type of basketball hoop, it may be time to consider one. We will walk you through our favorites based on age range and features so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Basketball is great for hand-eye coordination, developing motor skills, as well as learning to play well with others. Outdoor hoops are great for competitive play or if your child is just in the mood to shoot some hoops in the sunshine. Indoor hoops are great for practicing slam dunks or for toddlers to perfect their fine motor skills.
No matter what you need, there are options here for every stage that encourages learning and fun.
Related: Kids and Extreme Sports: Should They Be Allowed?
How Do I Know What Size Basketball Hoop to Buy?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding on what size basketball hoop is best for your kids. The obvious ones are playing area, skill level, and height.
If you have a large yard or outdoor area, you might consider a larger hoop. If you are looking for something that can be used inside, you may want a smaller hoop or something that can be mounted.
Best Basketball Hoops by Age
The age of your child is another deciding factor. Obviously, you wouldn’t purchase the same basketball hoop for a toddler that you would a teenager.
For toddlers and kids under 10: Smaller, plastic hoops between 26 and 32 inches tend to be the best choice. They are still durable but they are much easier to use.
For kids 10+ and teenagers: A normal professional-grade hoop that is height adjustable is usually the best choice.
How Do I Measure For a Basketball Hoop?
The size of the backboard is one of the most important details. You want to ensure it will fit the space you are looking to set it up in. Also, the overall height. If it is adjustable, you will likely use the higher height one day. If it is going to be used indoors, use the highest height as your cut-off.
Best Basketball Hoops For Toddlers
Best Toddler Hoop Overall: Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
This Little Tikes basketball hoop was specifically made for toddlers. It is easy to use and can be set up indoors or outdoors. We love this basketball hoop because it encourages little ones to be more active while working on their hand-eye coordination. It makes the perfect gift.
Features:
- Adjustable height (6 different height options!)
- Weighted base for stability (requires 40 lbs of sand, sold separately)
- Comes with 3 balls
- Oversized rim to help little ones dunk
Price: $35.99
Best Indoor Toddler Basketball Hoop: VTech Smart Shots Sports Center
Not only is this a fun toy, but it’s a basketball hoop AND a soccer goal! It’s fun and interactive. It’s great for developing motor skills while also learning songs, shapes, and numbers. This is a great indoor basketball hoop because it doesn’t take up a lot of space and can be stored easily.
Features:
- Animated light-up LED scoreboard
- Comes with 1 basketball and 1 soccer ball
- Great for small motor skill development
- The sounds and animations keep your little one’s attention
Price: $44.99
Best Outdoor Hoop: Kiddie Play Toddler Basketball Hoop
Perfect for outdoor use, this toddler hoop is great for little ones of varying heights. It’s fully adjustable letting you choose the right hoop height for your child. It’s durable and can even be removed from the base and wall-mounted!
Features:
- The sturdy base can be filled with water or sand
- Basketball and pump included
- Can be used indoors as well
- Adjusts from 2-4 ft
Price: $24.99
Best Affordable Basketball Hoop for Kids Under 5: Qirptey Toddler Basketball Hoop
This is a very versatile kids’ basketball hoop that is best for little ones under age 5. It has several super cool features at a very reasonable price point. It is made for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can set it up how you see fit. It is similar to the Little Tikes hoop but it adjusts a little bit higher for both toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy.
Features:
- Washable nylon net
- Adjustable for poolside
- Add water to the base for stability
- Includes 2 inflatable basketballs and an air pump
Price: $43.99
Best Basketball Hoops For Kids 5 to 10-Year-Olds
Best Overall Basketball Hoop for Kids: Play22 Adjustable Basketball Hoop
This adjustable basketball hoop is perfect for kids. It is a great portable basketball hoop as well. The backboard is durable and it’s made for both indoor and outdoor use with a fillable base for stability.
Features:
- Made of weather-resistant materials - including a steel pole and nylon net
- Adjustable height of 5-7 feet
- Easy to assemble
- Large hoop size
Price: $79.99
Best Indoor Hoop: Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Basketball Set
We love this basketball hoop for kids aged 5 to 10-year-olds. It’s easy to assemble and is also indoor/outdoor like so many of the others. This is more of an indoor hoop though, because it isn’t weather resistant. However, it does have a few unique features!
Features:
- Adjustable height from 4-6 feet
- Breakaway rim for slam dunks
- Includes a junior-sized basketball
- Has a molded-in groove to store the basketball
Price: $57.00
Best Basketball Hoop with Extra Games: Meland Kids Basketball Hoop
What’s cooler than a basketball hoop? One that doubles as a dartboard! We adore this 2-in-1 basketball hoop. It is perfect as a gift for your little sports lover. It is also great for both indoor and outdoor use. It didn’t take the top spot because the Play22 is a little bit more durable. However, it is at a terrific price point!
Features:
- Heavy-duty steel and plastic backboard
- Includes 3 basketballs and an air pump
- Adjustable height in 14 in. increments for big kids
- It’s lightweight at only 6 lbs making it super portable
Price: $39.99
Best Basketball Hoops For Kids and Tweens
Best Overall Basketball Hoop for Tweens: Lifetime 32” Youth Portable Basketball Hoop
We love this outdoor basketball hoop for older kids and tweens! It’s easier to put together, durable, and fun to use. Plus, it’s portable! It is made to be moved around whenever necessary, all you have to do is fill the base with water or sand to keep it stable.
Features:
- High-density polyethylene impact backboard
- Adjusts from 5.5 ft to 7.5 ft in 6 in increments
- Includes a kit to make this a roof or wall-mounted basketball hoop
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
Price: $119
Best Indoor Basketball Hoop for Tweens: Franklin Sports Mini Basketball Hoop
This over-the-door basketball hoop is perfect for a bedroom or even an office! Older children who love basketball will love being able to shoot baskets whenever they like. It comes with a sturdy wall mount as well so you never have to worry about safety.
Features:
- Shatterproof backboard
- Made with quality steel hardware
- Dual spring rim made for dunking
- Foam backing to protect the door
Price: $35.27
Easiest Hoop to Set Up: Spalding Slam Jam Over The Door Hoop
If you have a low budget, you will love this basketball hoop. It’s easy to assemble and comes with all of the necessary tools to set it up. The padded polycarbonate backboard is strong and doesn’t cause damage to the door. It even comes with a mini Spalding basketball.
Features:
- Steel breakaway rim
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Perfect for kids and teens
- Under $30
Price: $27.86
Best Junior (Jr.) NBA Basketball Hoops
The Junior NBA is the official youth basketball program. The Jr. NBA is a free membership program that works with youth basketball teams and leagues to encourage more kids to participate in basketball.
There are specific rules and requirements for Junior NBA Basketball Hoops according to a child’s age and skill level which you can check out here. If you want to buy your child a basketball hoop that meets the Junior NBA guidelines, here are some of our top picks!
Best Overall Junior NBA Hoop: Spalding 54 In Shatterproof Polycarbonate Exacta Height Portable Basketball Hoop System
This 54-inch backboard hoop makes you feel like you’re on a professional basketball court. It’s durable and easy to assemble. For the price, you are getting a lot of great features. Plus, it’s one of the few hoops that have wheels.
Features:
- Shatterproof polycarbonate backboard
- Steel board frame
- Breakaway frame
- The base holds 34 gallons of sand or water
Best Portable Basketball Hoop: Silverback Junior Youth 33” Basketball Hoop
This is a completely portable basketball hoop. It can be set up and used almost anywhere. The rim folds up into the backboard making transport super easy. The Silverback hoop includes both the basketball goal and the wall mount.
Features:
- Breakaway rim
- Can be mounted to most round and square vertical poles
- Includes basketball, pump, and needle
- 5-year limited warranty
Price: $149.99
Best Indoor/Outdoor: Win Max Portable Basketball Hoop Goal System
We love the strength and durability of this basketball hoop. It is made for both indoor and outdoor use with a strong, extra-large base. It’s the perfect professional hoop for beginners and is made for use by children, teenagers, AND adults!
Features:
- Sturdy frame and spring shock absorption system
- Height adjustable in 4-inch increments from 4.8 ft to 10 ft high-density PVC shatterproof backboard
- Weather-resistant polypropylene net
- 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Price: $179.99
Best In Ground Basketball Hoop: Silverback 54” and 60” In-Ground Basketball Systems
For a more permanent outdoor basketball hoop, I highly recommend this in-ground one. It’s on the expensive side, but it is meant to become a fixture in your driveway. However, it is made for true basketball lovers who are looking to hone their skills.
Features:
- Tempered glass backboard
- Anchor system that can be unbolted and moved
- Breakaway rim
- 5-year limited warranty
Price: $999.95
We Also Love: Sklz Pro Mini Basketball Hoop
If you want a professional over-the-door hoop for your bedroom, office, or whatever personal space you like, this is a great choice. It’s durable and affordable. Plus, it’s fun to use. If you are looking for a fun way to shoot some hoops while bored, I recommend this.
Features:
- Shatterproof polycarbonate backboard
- Includes a pro mini hoop basketball
- Spring action breakaway steel rim
- Easy to mount
Price: $29.99
How to Set Up a Basketball Hoop in the Driveway
Three different types of basketball hoops can be set up in your driveway. The installation will vary based on the one that you choose.
- Garage mount basketball hoops can be attached to the garage door or the side of the garage. Most of these hoops will have hardware included!
- In-ground basketball hoops are more permanent. The pole will be secured with cement or concrete in an area of your driveway.
- Weighted hoops have study bases that are typically filled with water or sand. Some of them even have wheels to make relocation easier.
How to Make a Cheap Basketball Hoop at Home
There are several DIY projects that can make you a fun and cheap homemade basketball hoop. Unless you’re handy - or know someone who is - it is best to stick to simple materials. Cut out cardboard in the shape of a backboard and make a cardboard net. You can even make a wooden backboard, too!
The game of basketball is fun and exciting for kids of all ages. Whether you have a young child or a teenager, there are so many different basketball hoops to choose from. We hope this guide helped you figure out what to look for based on your needs.
For more information on how to encourage your child in their sport, check out: Choosing the Right Sports Program for Your Child.
