It is no secret that children love basketball. The second they start playing, they will no doubt be begging you to install a hoop in your backyard or driveway. We know just how many options there are to chose from though. So, we put together this guide to the best portable basketball hoops for kids to help. Your whole family can enjoy playing with these movable hoops without spending thousands on an in-ground goal system.
Top 3 Picks
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The right portable hoop needs to be strong, sturdy and durable. Whilst a portable hoop will never last as long as an in-ground one (if you think you might need a more permanent hoop, check out our guide to the best in-ground basketball hoops), the right product can serve you and your family well for months or even years. We use strict review criteria which takes things like price, durability and performance into account to craft our buyers guide and we hope that this one is the only one that you need.
Please note: This type of hoop is considerably cheaper than a permanent option however, this does not mean you should go for the cheapest one available. A higher price does not always guarantee the best product but the lowest price does set you up to find one of the worst.
Table of Contents
The 8 Best Portable Basketball Hoops
- Auggie Toddler Basketball Hoop
- Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Basketball Set
- Lifetime Portable Basketball System
- HANMUN Kids Set
- Step2 Shootin’ Hoops
- Lifetime 32″ Youth Portable System
- SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop
- Costzon Kids Basketball Stand & Hoop
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The 8 Best Portable Basketball Hoops for Kids
1. Auggie Toddler Basketball Hoop
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The Auggie Toddler basketball hoop is quick and easy to set up. It includes:
- Hoop
- Backboard
- Ball
- Pump
- Stand
- Hoop/rim
- Net
- Base
The set is easy to install in your backyard, driveway or even inside the house (the basketball included is small and light so is unlikely to cause any damage). As it is lightweight and easy to carry, you should be able to move it indoors and outdoors as you and your kid pleases.
The hoop can be adjusted in height from 2.5ft to 5.1ft and is aged for kids between 2 and 5 years old. This is a great option for your son or daughter if they are growing fast and you want to keep them entertained whilst encouraging some activity. This is a great option for those looking to develop their toddlers hand-eye coordination, motor skills and is suitable for boys and girls.
2. Little Tikes Adjust and Jam Pro Basketball Set
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The Little Tikes portable hoop has 5 height adjustments (ranges from 4 – 6 feet) and is suitable for use indoors or outdoors. It even includes a breakaway rim which means your boy or girl can hold their very own dunking contests with their friends.
The set comes with:
- Adjust n’ Jam Pro Basketball hoop
- Basketball net
- 1 junior sized basketball
The hoop is held in place by a 10-gallon base which needs to be filled with sand and water before use. The sand is not included and you should read the instructions to get a better idea on how much will be needed to fill the base for maximum safety and security.
The recommended age from the manufacturer is between 24 months and 15 years. Realistically, no teenager will be playing with this though so best for kids under 10 years old.
3. Lifetime Portable Basketball System
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
If you have read any of our other basketball gear reviews you might have seen the Lifetime brand mentioned a few times. They are leaders in the industry and this product is a great option if you think your child might get more in to the sport as they grow.
With this unit you get:
- Lifetime 1269 Portable Basketball System (see colour options on the product page)
- Class Lifetime rim
- Durable net
Whilst you do not get as many accessories with this option, if you are considering it you will likely already have them. This system is suitable for older kids and/or those more serious about their play. The base is 43.2 inch x 30 inch x 6.5 inch which helps anchor it to the ground and makes it a better option if you intent to keep it outside. The pole size is 2.75 inch and it features a 44 inch backboard (made from shatterproof Polycarbonate). You can adjust the hoop anywhere between 7.5 feet and 10 feet.
Please note: This option is suitable for older kids. If your son or daughter is under 10 years old, please see the other options.
4. HANMUN Kids Set
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The Hanmun set is designed for children and has buttons to adjust the height making it suitable for kids of all ages. Going on holiday and want to keep the kids entertained? This option is very easy to set up, take down and move meaning you can take it with you.
It is made for those between the ages of 3 and 13 years old and can be adjusted from 47 inches high to 72 inches, allowing kids of all sizes to play. Comes with:
- Youth basketball
- Tough, portable base
- Support pole (thick metal)
- Backboard
- Hoop
- Net
We liked the notes on the base being made from safe non-toxic ABS plastic and they offer a 90 days replacement service on the hoop.
5. Step2 Shootin’ Hoops
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The Step2 Shootin’ Hoop set is suitable for 24 months – 8 years old. This is a more realistic age bracket and the height adjustment between 30 inches and 48 inches should make for easy, enjoyable playing sessions. Included:
- Center pole
- Large backboard
- Sturdy rim
- Woven net
- Stable base
You can fill the base directly with sand or water (neither is included) and it has built in cup holders which is another bonus. The height adjustment is simple and easy to use so your child should quickly get to grips with it whilst playing. If buying for a younger player this hoop really can grow with them and will serve you well.
6. Lifetime 32″ Youth Portable System
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
Another fantastic option from the Lifetime brand. This system is another one for the older player. If you think your son or daughter will still be playing a few years from now, this is the way to go. With a 32″ backboard and a 15-inch folding rim, even stronger players will get a good practise session out of this set.
One key benefit of buying from a more professional brand is the 5-year limited warranty offered. Kids grow so fast and it could be a good decision to invest in a hoop which they won’t outgrow any time soon.
The base of this hoop is 31.6 inch x 23 inch x 6.1 inch, is rust and weather-resistant and designed to be used outside. The 10 gallon base provides great stability and should stand up against even the strongest of winds. The backboard is also made out of a strong high-density polyethylene material. It adjusts from 5.5ft up to 7.5ft so is great for junior players.
7. SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The SKLZ Pro Mini hoop system is a good option for the older and/or taller children who might start (or already are) playing at school. The base on this unit comes with wheels making it considerably more portable (suitable for a smaller driveway).
The hoop features a break-away rim and the stronger base offered by it means that your son, daughter and their friends could even try dunking on it. The max 7ft setting is great for court side play and the lowest, 3.5ft, can even be used for swimming pool play.
A 33″ x 23″ shatterproof clear polycarbonate backboard is strong enough for more competitive and aggressive games. This is further secured by a 31.6 x 20 x 6.3″ mobile base which can be filled with sand or water to keep it grounded. The kit includes:
- 7″ rubber basketball
- Secure base to be filled with water or sand
- 33″ x 23″ shatterproof backboard
8. Costzon Kids Basketball Stand & Hoop
*Details last updated on 2023-05-27
The secure HDPE Costzon kids basketball kit is a great option for kids and the environmentally friendly material is an added bonus. The bright, smooth design is safe and appealing.
You can get the hoop up and ready to play in a few easy steps and the height adjustment (between 47” and 63′) allows you to match it to the players age, height and level of play. Fill the base with sand or water and your kids can get exercising right away.
With the base even featuring a handle, this option is the ultimate portable option. Please note that this option does not come with a ball included.
Conclusion
Basketball is one of the best sports for a child to start playing. When they have the right hoop and training equipment, their training sessions can be fun, rewarding and safe. We hope one of the above options is a good option for you, you child and their sports goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are portable basketball hoops safe?
When set up correctly, portable basketball hoops are incredibly safe. Just make sure that when you are transporting, putting down and putting back up your system that you avoid damaging it which could make it more susceptible to falling over.
How do I choose a portable basketball hoop?
You need to consider a number of factors that are unique to portable hoops and the factors which would influence the purchasing decision of any basketball hoop. For example, portable specific factors includes how easy the goal is to put up and down, how easy it is to transport and how sturdy/secure it is. General factors includes how tall the basketball hoop is, any additional features it offers (such as reinforced backboards) and the price (depending on your individual budget).
Can you dunk on a portable basketball hoop?
No. You should not try to dunk on any portable hoops simply because you don’t know how weighted/grounded they are. With in-ground basketball hoops, you know that they are cemented in the ground. Portable ones however can’t take any hang or downward force.
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