If you want to conserve water, a rain barrel, which collects and stores rainwater running off your home's roof, is one way to do so. Rain barrels vary in style, but most are barrel-shaped and have one or two spigots for accessing the collected water that you can then use to water your lawn and garden.
Installing a rain barrel is generally not difficult; often, these devices simply sit underneath a rain gutter's downspout that's been cut to sit just a few inches above the barrel's opening.
When it comes to choosing the right size rain barrel for your home, Rafi Friedman, gardening enthusiast and president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, says, "The two most important factors here are the size of your roof and how much precipitation you get. Bigger roofs in rainier climates will naturally require larger rain barrels if you want to maximize your rain collection capacity." You'll find rain barrels with capacities of 40 to over 100 gallons, but for most homeowners, around 50 gallons is sufficient.
We tested 14 rain barrels in our yards around the country, evaluating them for ease of use, capacity, resistance to damage or leaks, and overall quality and value. Our testing will continue so that we can report on long-term performance.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal. Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel at Wayfair$163
Best with Hose:
Best Portable:
Best Small:
Best with Planter:
Good Ideas 42 Gallon Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver at Amazon$199
Best Weather-Resistant:
What We Like
Can plant flowers on top
Two spigots
Mildew, weather, and warp-resistant
Easy to attach hose
What We Don't Like
Doesn't include diverter kit
Planter must be lifted to access debris screen
We love this attractive faux-wicker rain barrel with a small planter on top so you can adorn it with flowers or other small greenery. While testing in one of our homes, we positioned it on a concrete patio, where it performed like a champion during six days of heavy rainfall. Despite blustery weather, the rain barrel showed no signs of tipping, cracking, fading, or any other damage, thanks to its mildew-resistant and warp-resistant design.
With a total capacity of 50 gallons, this rain barrel filled quickly on days of heavy rain. We liked that an overflow channel directs excess water to the front of the barrel, helping to keep the water from running against the house's foundation. We also liked the convenience of the two brass spigots on this rain barrel, which are positioned at different heights, but we wish they were a little sturdier. Still, we found it very easy to attach our garden hose, and the spigots worked perfectly when opened and closed.
Note that this rain barrel does not come with a diverter hose to attach to your downspout. You will either need to cut the downspout so it sits a few inches above the rain barrel's screen or purchase a diverter kit separately. The diverter helps excess water drain into your downspout instead of overflowing into your barrel.
The debris screen is located underneath the planter on top, so you'll need to lift the planter off to access it. This wasn't a problem for us, but it might be a concern for those who aren't willing or able to easily lift off the planter when necessary (you could also leave the planter empty).
Dimensions: 32 x 23.25 x 23.25 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 2 | Diverter Kit Included: No
Where can you use collected rainwater?
Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter,notes that rainwater can benefit many plants since it doesn't contain the minerals and other additives often contained in tap water. If you want to use your collected rainwater for watering a vegetable garden or other crops, be sure to pour the water into the soil around the plants, not directly onto their leaves, and wash the food thoroughly before eating it.
What We like
Square shape for versatile placement
Very easy to assemble
Effective debris screen
What We Don't Like
Not very attractive
Spigot is somewhat low
The FreeGarden Rain Barrel is an affordable and versatile way to collect rain on your property. While it's not as decorative as other options on our list (it looks similar to a trash can or recycling bin), we love that it makes good use of limited space and won't stick out too much. Thanks to its flat back and somewhat square design, it sits flush against a wall or can be tucked into a corner. You can also choose from black, green, or beige to blend into your space.
During testing, this rain barrel showed no signs of cracks, leaks, or instability during use. It was easy to clean away debris from the screen, and no debris managed to slip into the barrel. We also found it very easy to set up underneath a rain gutter. Although it does not come with a diverter kit, it does include a hose for draining overflow water out and away from your home.
Our only complaint is with the solitary spigot; it's positioned somewhat low on the barrel, making it difficult to fit a watering can underneath. However, we did find it easy to attach a hose and use the collected water to water nearby plants.
Dimensions: 34 x 23.87 x 23 inches | Capacity: 55 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 1 | Diverter Kit Included: No
What We Like
Includes a garden hose and hanging hose clip
Can be linked to other rain barrels
Flat back sits flush against a wall
What We Don't Like
Somewhat difficult to attach the hose
This 50-gallon rain barrel comes with a 40-inch garden hose perfect for watering nearby plants. It also has a 66-inch overflow hose that runs in a channel down the barrel's back, underneath, and out the front to keep water away from your home's foundation.
The rain barrel also has small spigots at the top that can be used to link two or more of these devices together, if desired, to handle overflow or very heavy rainfall. Its flattened back makes it easy to stand close to a wall, although its shape is mostly round. The barrel is available in black or brown.
There was considerable rain during our testing session, and the barrel filled in just two hours with no signs of cracking, leaking, or instability. We liked the effectiveness of the debris screen, which kept out leaves, dirt, and other garden grunge and appeared fine enough to keep out mosquitoes.
We did find it somewhat difficult to attach the included garden hose, however, as it wasn't easy to reach the spigot at the bottom of the barrel, and our first attempt left us with leaks. Once we had the hose secured properly, though, it worked very well, and we had no further problems. You can also attach a longer garden hose if you'd like.
Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 24 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 1 | Diverter Kit Included: No
What We Like
Very attractive design
Top can be used as a planter
Two spigots
Four color options
What We Don't Like
No easy way to access interior of the barrel
Best suited to areas with lots of rain
This oversized rain barrel is a great option if you live in an especially rainy area. We found it effective at collecting water, and we love that it has two spigots. It holds up to 90 gallons of rainwater, making it one of the highest-capacity rain-catchers out there. Plus, it's very attractive, with a textured "bark" design that resembles a tree trunk and a planter on top where you can grow flowers, herbs, or other small plants.
While testing, we found the two brass spigots sturdy and easy to use. One is located down low and around a third of the way up. We found it easy to attach a small hose to one of the spigots to help water nearby plants. It's also easy to set a watering can underneath the higher one to access collected water.
This rain barrel does not come with a diverter kit, so unless you purchase one separately, you'll need to position it underneath a downspout or rain gutter that drains water directly down to the barrel's screened opening.
Our main concern is that other than the opening for collecting rainwater at the top, there is no easy way to access the interior of the rain barrel, making it more challenging to clean it out at the end of the season or observe how full it is. Still, it's a great option for collecting large quantities of water while adding to your decor. We also like that it's available in four different colors, so you can choose the one that best complements your outdoor space.
Dimensions: 44.5 x 29 x 29 inches | Capacity: 90 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 2 | Diverter Kit Included: No
What We Like
Collapsible design for easy storage
Mesh top
What We Don't Like
Some leaking around spigot
Spigot down low
If you only need a rain barrel during certain times of the year, we think the Vingli Collapsible Rain Barrel is a great value. Its portable design allows it to be left up throughout the year if you'd like or easily disassembled and stored when rain isn't likely to fall. We found it very sturdy during testing, and it collected a lot of rainfall during a few storms (it can collect up to 50 gallons).
The barrel frame is PVC, and the cover is PVC mesh that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and won't crack. We found that the mesh top lets water easily enter the barrel but keeps bugs, leaves, and other debris out.
We did note some minor leaking around the spigot, although we found it easy to attach our hose. We also would have liked the spigot to be higher up both for increased water pressure, and so we could set a watering can beneath it. We did love the ability to easily move the rain barrel or disassemble it when desired, though.
Dimensions: 27.6 x 23.6 x 23.6 inches inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: PVC | Spigots: 1 | Diverter Kit Included: No
What We Like
Built-in planter on top
Includes diverter kit
Good water pressure
Spigot high enough for use with a watering can
What We Don't Like
Plastic spigot
If you don't have a lot of space or don't live in an area that gets much rainfall, this 45-gallon option from EarthMinded is a versatile and sturdy choice. While testing, we found that the spigot was high enough for setting a small watering can beneath it, and it was very easy to attach our hose. Unlike many other rain barrels, this one provided enough water pressure to fill our waiting bucket or run through our hose while watering plants.
We found this barrel to be easy to use and effective, with no signs of leaks or cracks, even during a cold snap during our testing. Plus, unlike many other rain barrels, this one comes with an easily installed diverter kit, so you can direct water straight from the downspout into the barrel rather than letting water splash onto an opening in the lid. This reduces the chance of mosquito problems, and also keeps leaves and other garden grunge out of the barrel without need of a screen.
You can also flip the barrel's top over to use it as a planter and add a pop of color to your space. We wish the spigot was metal instead of plastic for added durability, but we had no problems during our tests.
Dimensions: 35.5 x 23.5 x 23.5 inches inches | Capacity: 45 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 1 | Diverter Kit Included: Yes
Best with Planter
Good Ideas 42 Gallon Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver
What We Like
Two spigots
Higher spigot perfect for filling watering can
Planter on top
What We Don't Like
Might blow over when empty
Hard to keep hose attached to spigot
With a 42-gallon capacity, this is a fairly small rain barrel with a rectangular shape, so it's a great choice for tucking into a corner or for a small yard. We love that the top has a built-in planter that can hold flowers, herbs, or other small plants. Unlike most options, which are designed to resemble barrels, this one looks like a traditional planter, so it blends in better with your patio or other outdoor area.
There's no diverter kit included, but we found it easy to position beneath a downspout, and the included mesh screen kept out bugs and garden grunge. It also has two brass spigots: One down low for attaching a hose and one higher up for use with a watering can. We found it a bit tricky to keep our hose attached to the lower spigot, but the upper one worked perfectly for filling our watering can quickly and easily.
Note that this barrel could blow over if empty. On our first day of testing, exceptionally high winds knocked it over before any rain had fallen. However, once rain began to fall, we had no further issues with unsteadiness, tipping, or any other performance problems.
Dimensions: 24 x 19.5 x 31.5 inches inches | Capacity: 42 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 2 | Diverter Kit Included: No
What We Like
Stylish, space-saving design
Inset handles
Easy assembly
What We Don't Like
Spigot is very low to the ground
It's called a rain barrel, after all, so why not go all out with one designed to look just like a wooden barrel? We found this cute choice from Good Ideas to be not only attractive but also sturdy and effective. The back of the 50-gallon barrel is flat to sit flush against a wall, conserving space. It has two inset handles for moving it when necessary (although it is very heavy when full).
We found assembling the rain barrel very easy; we just had to install the spigot and then position it beneath a downspout. During our testing period, the barrel remained securely in place with no leaks, cracks, or other signs of damage. The debris screen was very effective at keeping bugs and grunge out of the barrel's interior.
Our one quibble with the design is that the lone spigot is near the bottom of the barrel, so we couldn't set a watering can beneath it, and it was somewhat awkward to attach a garden hose. However, the spigot worked well and was easy to open and close. Like many rain barrels we tested, there wasn't much water pressure, so the water came out slowly through the hose, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when watering potted plants, seedlings, or other delicate greenery.
Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 22 inches inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 1 | Diverter Kit Included: No
What We Like
Attractive design
Includes 6-foot garden hose
Very durable construction
What We Don't Like
Somewhat lengthy assembly
Because rain barrels often have to withstand harsh weather conditions, we like that this one is made of exceptionally tough, double-wall plastic that won't chip, fade, or crack, even in extreme weather. We put this unique 65-gallon rain barrel to the test during a stormy period with heavy rainfall, and it did not disappoint.
We observed no signs of leaks, cracks, or other damage. Plus, the mesh screen was very effective at keeping bugs and other garden debris out of the rain barrel.
It comes with a 6-foot hose that attaches to the brass spigot. We found both the hose and spigot worked well, although we added our own longer garden hose to reach our raised garden beds. We also loved its unique, vase-like shape and top that can be used as a planter, making this not only functional but also a nice touch of decor to your yard. We found it somewhat time-consuming to assemble, but it performed well once it was put together and installed underneath a downspout.
Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 x 47 inches inches | Capacity: 65 gallons | Material: Plastic | Spigots: 1 | Diverter Kit Included: No
Final Verdict
After testing 14 rain barrels in our own backyards, our best rain barrel recommendation is the Good Ideas Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver. This durable and stylish rain barrel holds up to 50 gallons of water and has two spigots to attach a hose or fill a watering can easily. We also love the flower planter on top. If you experience heavy rainfall and have the space, our best large pick, the Good Ideas Impressions 90-Gallon Bark Rain Saver is up to the task. It also has a planter on top and two spigots.
Other Options We Tested
FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45-Gallon Rain Barrel: This rain barrel showed no signs of leaks, cracks, or damage during our testing sessions. We also found it easy to install and effective at holding a considerable amount of rainfall. It has a rounded shape with a flat back, so it can be tucked against a wall to save space. Just note that the clip for holding the hose in place didn't grip well, so it dropped our hose every time we used it.
How We Tested the Rain Barrels
We tested 14 rain barrels at homes around the country. Before installing the rain barrels, we checked that the downspouts and rain gutters were clear and functional. Ideally, the rain barrels were tested while sitting on concrete or another hard surface, but where they had to be positioned on dirt or grass, we dug out an inch or two of soil and then laid a layer of gravel, sand, or pavers to ensure that the rain barrel was level and secure.
We evaluated each rain barrel for ease of use, durability, effectiveness, and overall value during our two-week testing process.
- Ease of use: We positioned each rain barrel according to manufacturer guidelines underneath a rain gutter or downspout, with the overflow valve or opening positioned so that excess water drained away from the home rather than towards the foundation.If included, we attached the diverter hose to the nearby downspout or rain gutter, noting the ease of doing so. We also considered how easy it was to open and close the spigots and attach a hose for distributing the collected water.
- Durability: We regularly inspected the rain barrel for leaks, cracks, or other signs of damage and cleared away fallen leaves and other garden debris from the screens.
- Effectiveness: We noted how often rain fell during the testing period and how quickly the barrel filled. When the barrels were full, we used the collected water for washing cars, watering plants, or similar purposes. The rainwater was not used for cooking, drinking, bathing, or watering edible crops.Once emptied, the rain barrels were rinsed to remove sediment and other debris.
- Long-Term Testing: Our testing will continue for several months to evaluate the rain barrels during different seasons and weather conditions.
What to Look for in a Rain Barrel
Size and Capacity
When determining the water capacity you need in a rain barrel, there are two major considerations: the amount of rain typical to your area and the size of your home’s roof. Remember that it isn’t raindrops filling your barrel—it’s water running off the roof and pouring through the downspout. That means that the larger your roof, the more water it will collect and the faster it will fill your rain barrel.
Farley says, “I think one factor people tend to forget is just how fast a rain barrel will fill up during even moderate rain. Even a 50- or 60-gallon barrel will quickly fill up over an hour of half-an-inch of rainfall. That's probably the minimum size I would recommend, although this can vary if you live in a drier climate.”
You’ll find rain barrels with as little as a 40-gallon capacity, but the most common is 50 to 55 gallons. Our best overall pick, the Good Ideas Impressions Nantucket Rain Saver, holds up to 50 gallons of water. However, there are also much bigger rain barrels capable of holding more than 100 gallons, although few homeowners require such a large option. Our best large pick is the Good Ideas Impressions Bark Rain Saver, which has a 90-gallon capacity.
And, of course, the higher the water capacity, the larger the overall size of the rain barrel, so be sure to measure the spot where you plan on installing the rain barrel and then choose an option that will fit there easily while still allowing you access to the barrel’s spigots, lid, and screen.
Material
Almost all rain barrels are made of sturdy plastic. Ideally, the plastic is UV-resistant to prevent fading or bleaching and resistant to corrosion, cracking, splitting, or warping. Some rain barrels are double-walled, such as the Algreen Weather-Resistant Drainable Dual Overflow Rain Barrel, our best weather-resistant pick, which makes them better suited to climates with weather extremes.
Farley says, “You can store your rain barrel outdoors over the winter, although I would recommend flipping it over to prevent it from filling with water or snow and then repeatedly freezing.” You can also move your empty rain barrel into a garage or other protected spot for the winter and bring it back out in the spring.
While there are rain barrels made of wood, these tend to be expensive, very heavy, and more prone to developing leaks, insect damage, or rot than their plastic counterparts.
Style and Design
There are rain barrels designed to look just like an actual wooden barrel, such as our best barrel pick, the Good Ideas 50-Gallon Rain Vault, and others that are vase-shaped or a little sleeker in appearance.Some rain barrels are square or rectangular, which can be a good option if you want a design that takes up less space and blends in better with your yard.
Many rain barrels have a planter built right into the lid, so you can fill the barrel with flowers, herbs, or other small plants. We especially like the Good Ideas Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver, our best with planter pick, which has a classic design and a planter on top.
If you don’t need or want to have your rain barrel available all the time, then a portable option, like the VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel, our best portable pick, is a good choice. These rain barrels have a PVC frame and PVC mesh cover and are easy to assemble for use and then disassemble for storage. Portable rain barrels are ideal for areas that only receive significant rain for a short season or for anyone who doesn’t want a permanent rain barrel on their patio.
Safety Features
The best rain barrels have fine-mesh screens that cover the opening at the top where the water runs in to ward off mosquitoes and clogs caused by fallen leaves or other garden grunge. This screen also helps prevent pets, wildlife, or curious kids from accessing the barrel's interior.
Many people position their rain barrels directly underneath the downspout; another option is to install a diverter, which is basically a tube that runs directly from the downspout and into the rain barrel. While this is most often an optional purchase, the EarthMinded RainStation 45-Gallon Rain Barrel, our best small pick, includes a diverter kit. Once installed, these diverters provide a more efficient collection of water and also create a closed system that goes further to ward off insects, leaves, and other debris you don’t want accumulating in your rain barrel.
Because rain barrels can fill very quickly during heavy rainfall, overflow can be a problem. That’s why there’s almost always a channel of some type at the top of the barrel to direct overflow water toward the front rather than down the back, where it could puddle against your house’s foundation. TheFCMP Outdoor 50—Gallon Plastic Rain Barrel, our best with hose pick, has both an overflow hose and a short garden hose for watering your plants or filling a bucket.
Installation
Most rain barrels require some minor assembly, often as little as screwing in the spigots. You'll also need to be sure that the downspout feeding the rain barrel is cut so that it sits just a couple of inches above the rain barrel's debris screen unless you attach a diverter kit that connects the downspout directly to the rain barrel.
Rain barrels should always be set on a level surface, preferably concrete or pavers. If you need to install your rain barrel on grass or dirt, be sure the ground is completely level, and then add a layer of gravel or sand to prevent the rain barrel from listing to the side as it fills with water. Rain barrels that come with a stand or have a flat back design to sit up against a wall are less likely to tip over.
Once installed, rain barrels generally don't need much maintenance, but according to Friedman, you should still watch for slow leaks, clogs in the downspout, leaves, and other debris on the screen, and even mosquito larvae, any of which can "turn your rain barrel into a liability instead of an asset."
One More Thing
Be aware that collected rainwater is not safe for drinking, bathing, washing dishes or produce, giving to your pets for them to drink, or washing your hands. Remember that this is untreated water that ran across your roof and through the downspouts, where it potentially picked up various contaminants such as bacteria, insects, particles of wood or metal, and other substances that you don’t want to ingest.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullman is a freelance writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement, landscaping/gardening, and tools. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. She’s also an avid gardener, and loves to spend time caring for her garden and many potted plants, both indoors and outside.
For this list, she relied on input from our team of testers, as well as reviews and information about rain barrels from gardening and home improvement websites. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, about each of our recommended options.
Our Experts:
- Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter
- Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors
- Jenica Currie, editor at The Spruce
The 9 Best Composters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed