Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Disclosure in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.
Basketball fans shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to enjoying their favorite sport! You can own your very own little slice of the court right on your own driveway with the help of a basketball hoop! Worry not, they don’t need to be as convoluted or expensive as an in-ground basketball hoop. For some of us, a good old fashioned portable basketball net is enough to get the job done. Seriously though, you’d be forgiven for thinking that meant a step down in quality. Believe it or not, it isn’t. Break one of these out for some memorable pick up games with your friends and family! Here we’ll be reviewing the best portable basketball hoop for your driveway or other outdoor spaces!
Check out the Best Portable Basketball Hoops Reviewed
Want to be able to shoot some hoops at your own place without any of the fuss? Thankfully we’ve got just the ticket. These are the basketball hoops that can be there whenever you’re ready for a quick game of basketball. They’re perfect for practice, too since you can set them up virtually anywhere.
Why Choose a Portable Basketball Hoop?
Quite frankly, these have the potential to make it a whole lot easier to enjoy your favorite game. Oftentimes, portable basketball hoops are a lot more affordable than their in-ground versions. Also, they’re a whole lot easier to ‘put up’, as opposed to installing a basketball hoop over the garage door. While each type of basketball hoop does have its merits, we’re going to be focusing on portable hoops in these reviews to give you an option that’s all around easier, cheaper and in many cases just as enjoyable as the full sized equivalent.
Are Portable Basketball Hoops Stable?
Yes, they come with a large base that can be filled with either sand or water and in some cases concrete if you so desire. With enough weight, they should also be able to stand up to a decent amount of wind.
That being said, you should always opt to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on set up to ensure that you’re applying enough weight to hold it down properly regardless of where you end up wanting to set it up. Check out our reviews of the bets portable basketball hoops to find out which one works best for you!
Can you put Portable Basketball Hoops on Grass?
The reason for this type of setup would be to allow most of the ‘court’ (in many cases a driveway), to be used to its fullest. Providing the ground is stable and relatively flat enough you are able to put a portable basketball hoop straight on to the grass. To test its stability, simply grab the pool and try to push it with a moderate amount of force in different directions. If the base shows signs of wobbling or moving, that spot is no good.
Why Choose a Portable Basketball Hoop?
- They’re much more affordable than regular in-ground hoops
- Easier to install than wall mounted hoops
- Portable basketball hoops can be set up and moved as often as you’d like
- They’re fairly simple to assemble
- Provide adjustable backboard height for players of different ages and skill levels
The Best Portable Basketball Hoops Reviewed
Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Height Portable Net
This system by Lifetime comes shipped as a set of telescoping polyethylene poles. This system is a lot more straightforward, where you simply unscrew a bolt to slide the pole either up or down in 6 inch increments. This allows the hoop the go between 7.5 and 10 foot heights.
Buy on AmazonWhile it’s not the fanciest mechanism, it’s also less prone to weather or wear and tear. The backboard comes out of the box padded on the bottom. It’s also fade resistant, so you don’t have to worry about leaving this portable basketball hoop out in the sun!
Pros:
- Improved shatterproof frame backboard that’s suitable for intermediate players
- All-weather rim and net
- Durable Telescoping pole for height adjustment
- Large capacity base for ensuring stability
Cons:
- Adjustable pole isn’t as quick or easy to use as lever or screw operated ones
- Does not have counter balancing springs, meaning it takes a little muscle to adjust
Spalding Screw Jack Portable Basketball Hoop
This Spalding portable basketball hoop brings more of a professional feel to your driveway pickup games. The most recent model we’re reviewing here is the 2021 version, available in an acrylic or glass backboard depending on your preference.
Buy on AmazonThe backboard itself features arena-style padding on the bottom half, protecting heads, arms and shoulders when you’re going for a close shot. A breakaway net adds to that pro feel by making your game flow much easier. The base is an impressive 40 gallon capacity, although that’s about as much as you’d need to keep something like this sturdy.
This basketball hoop uses a screw handle mechanism, which is great since you can adjust the net in any type of increment you’d like as soon as you’ve got the perfect height. There’s the added bonus of a panel between the base and the pole. This helps the ball bounce back in a more predictable way. That means less chasing the ball down the driveway or into the backyard!
Pros:
- Professional grade backboard and net
- Easy to adjust hand screw mechanism
- Durable construction with solid components
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble with any less than 2 people
- Some owners have reported difficult to interpret instructions included
Lifetime 71524 XL Height Portable Basketball Net
This Lifetime model comes with a 54 inch shatterproof backboard, which is already fitted with safety padding on the bottom end. It features yet another type of adjustable height mechanism, this being the Lifetime Power Lift.
Buy on AmazonAs opposed to the manual telescoping adjustment, this one simply requires you to squeeze a lever to move the hoop up or down in a gentle gliding motion. It’s easier for younger players to use, and gives a clear readout of the height you’re at.
The durable and high capacity XL base holds 35 gallons to add stability to the extra large height potential for this basketball hoop. Overall, this hoop is easier to adjust and has a large capacity portable base on wheels for stability and portability.
Pros:
- Power lift height adjustment is incredibly easy to operate thanks to the squeeze handle
- Durable design that’s well suited to any type of weather
- Padding included on steel-framed backboard
Cons:
- Pole is uncovered, which can sometimes cause the basketball to bounce unexpectedly
- Polycarbonate backboard doesn’t give the ball as much bounce on the rebound
Spalding NCAA Exactaheight 50” Performance Basketball Hoop
Does this hoop stand up to the Spalding name? Based on its overall design, I’d say it does! This NCAA themed basketball hoop is perfect for new and intermediate players alike with an adjustable height of 7.5 inches to 10 inches, as well as a full-sized acrylic backboard.
Buy on AmazonThe board itself is framed in steel, with included arena-style padding for extra protection. The base comes with a rebounder to stop the ball from bouncing wildly off the steel pole, too. The aptly named ‘Exactaheight’ adjustment system allows the backboard to move in 6 inch increments in the adjustable range.
Pros:
- Easy to operate Exactaheight adjustment handle
- Pro-style breakaway rim
- Full size 50” back board
- Rebounder on the base to prevent the ball from flying off
Cons:
- Visible front-facing bolts on the collar of the pole itself
Lifetime 48-Inch Backboard Basketball Hoop
Much like the other Lifetime branded hoops, this one also includes a shatterproof backboard for extra durability. It also features a UV-protected design on the backboard graphics which means it will last for years outside. The adjustable height range on this model is 8 to 10 feet in 4 inch increments.
Buy on AmazonThe backboard is polyethylene plastic which gives it a glass look, however does not provide a whole lot of ‘bounce back’ when you miss the net. It is however protected with a thick layer of padding on the bottom to protect the players.
Pros:
- Durable and weatherproof design and graphics for long term use
- All-weather nylon net that won’t need to be changed in the near future
- Powder coated design to ward off rain and snow from rusting the steel pole
Cons:
- Height adjustment system requires the use of a pole or broom from the ground used to shift it to alternate height positions which could potentially shift during play
Looking for a Different Kind of Hoop?
Everyone should be able to enjoy the sport of basketball, luckily there’s a bunch of different avenues to get involved with it! Check out the best basketball hoops for pools, and the best toddler basketball hoops!
Reflecting on the Best Portable Basketball Hoops
Personally, I’d have to go for the Spalding NCAA Exactaheight portable basketball hoop. Not only is it easy to set up, but it’s incredibly durable and gives your game just a little more of a pro feel to it. It’s a great choice for those who want to brush up on their pickup games skills right on their own driveway.
Thanks for checking out our reviews for the best portable basketball hoop! If you have any questions about how these might fit into your outdoor basketball court setup, feel free to leave us a comment down below!
