To find the best portable basketball hoop in 2021, we’ve done the work of examining different models, price points, performance, as well as combining the best insights from customer reviews.
When assessing the best portable basketball hoop for a driveway, important features to understand include the backboard, durability, size and, of course mobility so you can easily move the hoop if required.
Lifetime 1221 Pro Court Portable Basketball Hoop Review
This basketball hoop is a perfect match for most families. One of its stand out features is the solid steel rim which is built to be weather resistant.
The base of the hoop can be filled with either water or sand and can contain up to 27 gallons. Despite the large base, it is moveable; it can be tilted and maneuvered on its wheels. This portable basketball hoop is perfect for young players or beginners, or even for casual players who want the freedom to really shoot hard against a sturdy backboard. The backboard is made of high-density polyethylene and is shatterproof.
Across customer feedback, one customer noted that even when left outside for three years, there were no signs of rust or weather damage to the hoop.
If you’ve got a budget of keeping under US$600 we’ve pulled together our top two options to suit you
This professional-looking portable hoop features a modern design that can be assembled in under 90 minutes.
What is unique about the Silverback NXT is their cleverly designed backboard. Unlike traditional backboards that are framed by a plastic or metal edge, the Silverback NXT features an Infinity Edge Backboard with edges that wrap around to the back of the backboard as one continuous material.
Across customer feedback, it also performed consistently. Customers noted that this hoop’s most impressive feature was the hoop’s design. Not only does the hoop’s unique modern design look aesthetically pleasing, but it gives the backboard unmatched strength to create better rebounds with an increased surface area. Ultimately, while this hoop is made for home use, it still provides a professional feel because of the rebound effect.
Lifetime is known for its high manufacturing standards and is a well known and trusted brand.
One of the best features of this portable basketball hoop is the patented Power Lift system, which uses pneumatic technology to adjust the height of the hoop quickly and effortlessly. You can choose any height between 7.5 and 10 feet. As we all know, some kids grow tall in the blink of an eye, so this size feature allows you to keep up with their growing needs.
Across feedback, it was heavily noted that this unique feature was a great selling point for families who have multiple kids. You can easily adjust the hoop, depending on who is playing without a fuss.
‘Extensive Review of Lifetime 52” Portable Hoop
For a smaller budget of under US$300, there are still options to suit you and your family.
Again, Lifetime has stuck with their signature shatterproof polycarbonate backboard. Proving that even for the cheaper models, they understand the importance of this feature across a lower price point. Even if tipped, the hoop is unlikely to be damaged, thanks to its sturdy materials such as its strong built PVC backboard. It also features a 31-gallon base, which can be filled with sand or water.
The 1531 comes with a five years manufacturing warranty, which covers all factory defects and design faults.VIEW ON AMAZON
Finally, for those not sure if basketball is going to be a long term investment in your household, this is a cheaper option for under US$200
The main difference is that cheaper models are the best build for indoor use only. They aren’t built with the same heavy and durable materials that more expensive hoops are built from.
Lifetime 90040 Height Adjustable Portable Basketball system hoop has some amazing features given its lower price point, making it a great choice when on a tight budget.
It offers a larger 44 inch impact backboard, which is constructed of High Density Polyethylene for superior strength and durability. This is of course larger than some of the other models, such as Lifetime 1221 Pro which we’ve listed above.
It is relatively easy to assemble, given Lifetime has cleverly created online content to help their customers is a real win for this product.
Customer feedback notes that this hoop can effectively be used for both indoor and outdoor use. Since the net is designed for all-weather use made from nylon, it does not limit you to indoor or outdoor use only. It can easily be moved on its wheels.
One of our favorites in this budget range is the classic Youth Basketball Hoop. The hoop height is adjustable from 5.8′ to 8.7’. It also comes with a standard solid metal stand and hoop, with a backboard size of 25.8″ wide rim size of 15.3″ in diameter. Bonus features include a basketball and a pump (so you can start shooting straight away)!
Through customer reviews, it was also noted this is another great option for families with kids of multiple ages and abilities. You can easily adjust the height without needing any tools, you simply click and twist the pole to your desired height.
There are a wide range of hoops on the market, if you are wanting better quality, be prepared to pay a bit more, to get high quality durable materials in the hoop.