The Best Kids Basketball Hoops: We Review Our Favorites For Young Players

Do you want to introduce your child to basketball? Having a kids basketball hoop around can make way for hours of fun and entertainment, not just for your kids, but for adults as well. There are a lot of options around when it comes to the best kids basketball hoop.

We checked out what the market has to offer when it comes to the best kids basketball hoop and found a variety of options for different needs. We only chose the ones we feel would fit the needs of most families.

Comparison Chart for the Best Kids Basketball Hoop

PictureProductHeightMaterial
Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set2.5 to 4 feet Plastic
Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball Hoop5.5-7.5 feetPolyethylene Backboard
Franklin Sports Over the Door Mini Basketball HoopDoor hoopSteel Frame
PictureProductHeightMaterial

Best Kids Basketball Hoop Reviews Reviews

1. Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set: Best Overall

Click for Price

“It’s a complete basketball set that will grow with your kid.”

From toddlerhood to childhood, this kids basketball hoop will literally grow with your kid. From its initial height of 2.5 feet, it can be adjusted to 6 levels until it reaches a maximum of feet. It is made from a plastic material that is stable enough to withstand high levels of activity but not so heavy that it puts your child at risk.

Pros:

We like the adjustability of this kids basketball hoop. If you are like most parents and you want to invest on toys that your child will enjoy for many more years to come, this would be a good option. It can be easily adjusted to suit the growing needs of your child. The easy slide and lock function work perfectly for busy parents out there who don’t have time to use tools. It’s easy to set up as well. It stands on its own, so it doesn’t need anymore equipment to keep it sturdy.

“It is a complete set, so all your child needs to enjoy this is already included.”

You will get an oversized rim and 3 pieces of basketball. Since there are 3 basketballs included, more kids can play with this basketball hoop set.

One of the things we find the most ideal about this kids basketball hoop is its versatility. It can be used either as an indoor or an outdoor kids basketball hoop. You can also fill up the base with sand if you want to have more stability, so it can be used by bigger children.

It has an affordable price, perfect for parents who are on a budget. We also think this offers the best value for your money since it already includes everything you will need to set it up. You don’t have to buy the basketball separately.

The backboard is quite stiff, which means it will reduce the likelihood of bank shots.

Cons:

The rim could be improved. It’s not ideal for dunking because it is a bit flimsy. Occasionally, the net also comes off and you have to hook it again.

Without filling the base with sand, it does become wobbly. If you have a toddler that grabs and climbs everything, this is a must. It also doesn’t come with sand, so you will have to get it extra.

2. Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball Hoop: Most Durable

Click for Price

“It is a more high-end kids basketball hoop that is an ideal choice for older kids.”

If you are looking for a more stable and a more durable non-plastic kind of kids basketball hoop that is more suitable for older and taller kids, you should get this one. It has a base height of 5.5 feet that can be extended to 7.5 feet that can be adjusted in 6-inch increments. It’s a little more expensive but it is a great investment that can last your family for a long time.

Pros:

Because this is a taller kids basketball hoop, it can last longer in your family. We recommend this for families with older or taller kids who are looking for more challenging kids basketball hoop.

It has a more professional look to it unlike the first one that is obviously for kids. This one even has a 32-inch backboard made from high density polyethylene with a 15-inch rim that can be folded. The rim is sturdier than the previous one, having been made from half an inch of steel. It can withstand rough usage and kids can even do dunking.

The base is quite sturdy. It is made from a metal material that is resistant to rust and external weather conditions. It also weighs 10 gallons and can be filled up with sand or water if you want more stability.

We like how the manufacturer included wheels. Once it is set up, it is quite heavy and sturdy, so the wheels are a great addition if you want to move it around.

“This product comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.”

Cons:

The fill hole at the base should be bigger. It works just right if you are filling it up with water but if you prefer filing it up with sand, it can be a pain to get the sand in with that tiny opening. It’s not a deal breaker but it can make set up a lot more difficult.

3. Franklin Sports Over the Door Mini Basketball Hoop: Best Price

Click for Price

“This basketball hoop is suitable for smaller spaces and great for people looking for more flexibility in installation.”

If you don’t like the kids basketball hoops with a stand or a base, get this one instead. This can be installed over a sturdy wall or door, so you don’t need to give up precious square footage to install it. Install it over a child’s bunk bed or even on the garage door. Indoor or outdoor, this kids basketball hoop will work for you.

Pros:

We like the clear backboard that looks very professional. It is made from a shatter-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry your rambunctious kids will damage it right away.

It’s the most affordable kids basketball hoop in this list but it doesn’t look and feel cheap. The 9.5-inch metal rip has a sturdy net for countless hours of usage.

“Your kids can practice their dunk in this kids basketball hoop.”

They have incorporated a dual spring rim as well, so your little ones can do their slam dunks ad 3-point shoots with this one. We also like that it is made from top-notch steel hardware. In fact, you need tools to install this, so durable and realistic it is.

One of the things we also appreciate about this kids basketball hoop is that it comes with an EVA foam at the back. That creates a protective barrier between the hoop and the door.

Since this does not have a base, you can adjust the height any way you want. If your kids get taller and they want more challenge, you can reinstall it to a taller height.

Cons:

It might take more time to set up, since it requires attaching to a vertical surface. It’s a good thing the manufacturer included tools and hardware to make the set up easier. But once you are done with the set up, it holds up pretty well.

Conclusion 

Each of these kids basketball hoops has something to bring to the table. If you are on a budget but you still want a durable kids basketball hoop that your kids will love, go for the Franklin Sports Over the Door Mini Basketball Hoop. It is the cheapest one in the list but it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality. It’s quite the versatile option as well, since it is a wall-mounted kids basketball hoop.

Older kids will have more fun using the Lifetime Youth Portable Basketball Hoop. It is taller and has a solid base, pole and baseboard that really mimics the look of real basketball hoops. They hold up well against a good amount of abuse as well, so you can really expect this kids basketball hoop to last for a long time. It is the most expensive one in this list but if you are looking for this kind of kids basketball hoop, you won’t be disappointed with it.

Get the Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set if you are looking for something simple and basic. This will fit the needs of younger kids and toddlers but can also be adjusted as your child gets older.

How to Buy the Best Kids Basketball Hoop 

Make sure you buy the best kids basketball hoop. Here are a few factors you should keep in mind when buying:

Style/Design 

There are different kinds of kids basketball hoops out there. The ones with a stand are popular because they are easy to set up and they can be adjusted as your child gets older. They are, however, costlier to ship out because they still come with a base and a stand. If you prefer something that doesn’t occupy a lot of square footage, get the ones that can be mounted on a wall. They still look like the real thing but they are not as heavy to ship out and they are also less expensive.

Materials 

You don’t want the kids basketball hoop to break easily. Flimsy plastic material can bend and break easily, so if you have a grabber or a climber, you definitely would want something heavier and more solid.

Check the materials of the baseboard and the rim as well. Rims that are made from a thick metal material are better if your child also wants to slam dunk. The baseboard should also hold up well against a good level of abuse. It should be made from some form of material that doesn’t easily get damaged.

Weight and Height

If it has a stand, make sure it doesn’t topple over easily. The base should be weighted either with water or sand in order to keep the kids basketball hoop upright. If it is a heavy one, you would want to make sure it comes with casters or wheels to make it easier to move to different locations.

“Also figure out the best height that is suitable for the age of your child. (1)”

Safety 

This is another important factor to consider. First, check the dimensions of the base to make sure it stays upright and doesn’t topple over easily. Second, find out what the materials used are. You don’t want to expose your kids to harmful synthetic materials or chemicals that could be in the baseboard and the other parts of the kids basketball hoop.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Kids Basketball Hoop 

Learn more about kids basketball hoop with these frequently asked questions:

How High Should a Basketball Hoop Be for a 5 Year Old? 

It is recommended for children ages 5-7 to shoot with 6-feet rims. For children ages 8-10, increase the rim to 8 feet. Once your child turns 11, it should increase by another foot. For children ages 12 and above, 10 feet rims are recommended.

What Size Basketball Should a 7 Year Old Use? 

Children ages 5-8 can either use a junior or a mini. A junior ball is a size 4 ball with 25.5 inches in diameter and 14 ounces of weight. A mini basketball, on the other hand is a size 3 and has 22 inches in diameter and 10 ounce of eight. The mini can also be used by children younger than 5. Kids 9-11 years old should upgrade to Youth size basketballs while 12-14 year old children can use intermediate size basketballs.

What Size Basketball Hoop Should I Get?

This will depend on a lot of factors including the size of space you have and the height of the users. If you are buying kids basketball hoop, there will be manufacturer instructions on which age groups the basketball hoops are recommended and how big they are, so you can gauge if they would work well in your space.

What’s Next? 

Aside from kids basketball hoop, we also have a lot more reviews on basketball hoops. Check out our reviews of the best basketball hoops in the market today. Find out which of the ones out there are suitable for your needs.