Choosing the right rain barrel matters: it affects how much water you can capture, how easy the system is to install and use, and how long it will last outdoors. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, technical evaluation of materials and fittings, and synthesis of real user feedback to identify reliable, practical options for different needs.
How we tested and chose
What we measured:
- Capacity and usable water volume (actual fillable liters/gallons)
- Build materials and UV/weather resistance (polyethylene, HMWPE, PVC, coated fabric)
- Plumbing and drain options (spigot quality, bulkhead fittings, overflow)
- Installation ease and fit (flat-back vs round, access to spigot, setup time)
- Real-world durability (manufacturer specs, warranties, and verified consumer reports)
- Value (price vs features, lifespan expectations)
Why these factors matter: durability and fittings directly affect maintenance and how often you'll clean or repair the barrel. Flow rate/spigot design determines how practical the barrel is for regular watering. We weighted real-world ease-of-use and reliability highest, followed by capacity and cost/value.
Sources: hands-on inspection of the products and technical specs, cross-checked with user reviews and vendor info. We prioritized products that include or support robust spigots/connection points and have materials suited to outdoor use.
RTS 50-Gallon Barrel
A compact, durable 50-gallon flat-back rain barrel made from 100% recycled, UV-resistant polyethylene. Includes a spigot and overflow valve—great for homeowners who want a low-maintenance, attractive system that fits against a wall or fence and performs reliably season after season.
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel
This flat-back 50-gallon barrel is a strong all-around choice for homeowners who want reliable storage without fuss. Made from UV-resistant, 100% recycled polyethylene, it resists sun damage and holds a practical amount of water for garden use. The molded flat-back profile lets it sit close to a house or fence, saving space. A built-in overflow valve and included plastic spigot make basic plumbing simple; you can also connect multiple barrels. Installation is straightforward — place on a stand or level pad, hook to a downspout diverter, and you're set. Trade-offs: the included spigot is plastic (adequate but not industrial-grade) and the 50-gallon size may be small for large landscapes. Overall, a dependable, affordable starter barrel with good longevity and solid consumer support.
HOANK 55-Gallon Drum
A heavy-duty, UN-rated 55-gallon drum made from UV-resistant HMWPE and equipped with standard 2" fittings. Industrial-grade construction makes it ideal for long-term outdoor storage, transport, and demanding use where durability and compliance matter.
HOANK 55-Gallon Heavy-Duty Drum
If durability and certified safety are your priority, this 55-gallon tight-head drum stands out. Made from high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE), it is UV-resistant, impact-resistant, BPA-free and UN-rated for regulated transport and storage. Dual fittings (2" NPT and buttress) increase pump and plumbing compatibility for more advanced setups. Expect longer life under harsh conditions than typical consumer rain barrels. This drum is overkill for a simple garden barrel but excellent for users needing certified containment, chemical compatibility, or heavy-duty outdoor use. Downsides: higher cost and limited ready-to-use rain-barrel features (no pre-drilled spigot or downspout adapter included), so some modification or extra plumbing and filters are often needed.
100-Gallon Collapsible Tank
A 100-gallon collapsible rain catcher made from heavy-duty 1000D PVC with an integrated fine-mesh filter. It offers high capacity and portability—great for users who need big storage on a budget or seasonal flexibility.
100-Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel (Collapsible Tank)
This collapsible 100-gallon tank delivers the best capacity-per-dollar among the group. Constructed from heavy-duty 1000D PVC and featuring a top filter mesh to keep leaves and insects out, it’s designed for rapid setup and easy storage when not in use. Reinforced legs and multiple attachment points help stability. Because it’s flexible, it’s forgiving on uneven surfaces and transportable for seasonal use. Drawbacks include a fabric/PVC material that won’t match the decades-long life of a molded polyethylene barrel and a greater need to protect it from sharp objects; fittings and spigots may be simpler or require adapters. For gardeners and homesteaders wanting maximum captured volume without breaking the bank, it’s an excellent pragmatic choice.
External High-Flow Spigot Kit
A user-friendly external-install spigot kit with a high-flow valve core that installs from the outside (no interior access required). Perfect as an addition to barrels without factory spigots or for upscaling flow and convenience.
External High-Flow Rain Barrel Spigot Kit (No Inside Access)
A great complement to any barrel: this spigot kit installs from the outside, so you don't need to crawl inside the barrel to tighten a nut (ideal for tight or sealed drums). It uses a high-flow valve core (3/4" threads) for faster water draw and is designed to create a reliable, leak-resistant seal with the included rubber joint. For many users, the limiting factor in a rain barrel system is the outlet: a high-flow, easy-to-install spigot instantly improves usability. Consider this kit if your barrel lacks a quality outlet or you want a fast upgrade to reduce filling time for watering cans and hoses.
Comparison at a glance
- RTS 50-Gallon Barrel — Balanced, affordable, flat-back design, recycled UV-resistant polyethylene. Best everyday starter barrel. (50 gal; spigot & overflow included.)
- HOANK 55-Gallon Drum — Premium, industrial-grade HMWPE, UN-rated, 2" fittings for pumps and transport. Best for heavy-duty or regulated storage. (55 gal; requires extra plumbing.)
- 100-Gallon Collapsible Tank — Highest capacity per dollar, portable and collapsible, built-in mesh filter. Best for seasonal/large-volume needs where portability matters. (100 gal; fabric/PVC construction.)
- External High-Flow Spigot Kit — Editors' pick accessory that upgrades outlet flow and installs without inside access. A small investment with outsized practical impact.
Best overall: RTS 50-Gallon for most homeowners — it balances durability, convenience, price, and looks. If you need far more storage and can manage a softer material, the 100-gallon collapsible tank is the best value for water volume. For heavy-duty or regulatory use, the HOANK 55-gallon drum is the clear premium option. Don't forget a quality spigot kit to make any barrel usable and convenient.
Final recommendation
After hands-on evaluation, material assessment, and review of user experience, our top pick for typical homeowners is the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel — it offers the best mix of durability, space-efficiency (flat-back), and price. If you need maximum capacity at a low cost and are comfortable with a fabric/PVC solution, choose the 100-gallon collapsible tank. For industrial-strength durability, chemical compatibility, or transport/compliance needs, the HOANK 55-gallon drum is the premium choice. Regardless of which barrel you buy, add a quality spigot (we recommend an external high-flow kit) and a fine mesh screen to reduce debris — these small additions improve performance and reduce maintenance. These recommendations are based on technical specs, real-world usability, and verified user feedback to help you select the right system for your garden, yard, or project.