The 9 Best Rain Barrels of 2023

Best Overall

RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel

4.7

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Earning our top spot, this rugged 50-gallon rain barrel offers a host of convenient features to effectively collect rainwater for many seasons. Although the design is reminiscent of a classic oak barrel, this unit is made of plastic, which is much more resistant to rotting and fading. Thanks to a flat back, this rain barrel will sit flush against a wall, which helps to save space and prevent it from tipping over. Note that the spigot is located very close to the ground, which is an ideal height for attaching a hose, but inconvenient for a watering can or jug. Although it is an additional cost, you can purchase the barrel with a stand to make it easier.

Dual overflow valves prevent water from flooding your outside wall if the barrel fills up. It can also be connected to other barrels to collect more water. Another welcome feature is an aluminum screen that helps keep debris and insects out of your collected rainwater. This rain barrel only comes in brown, which is neutral enough to work in any outdoor space, but we would have appreciated a few more color options.

We found some reports of leaks, but this product is backed by a one-year warranty against defects. Another fairly common complaint is that the barrel tends to bulge when full, which may cause it to push away from the wall. For that reason, you may want to install it a few inches away from the wall rather than completely flush against it.

Price at time of publish: $103

_{Size: 34 x 24 x 19 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 18 pounds | Diverter Kit Included: No}

Best Budget

FreeGarden RAIN 55 Gallon Rain Barrel

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Although it’s not as stylish as our other picks, this affordably priced rain barrel from FreeGarden is a solid performer. Thanks to its flat back and square design, it can easily be installed against a wall or in a corner. Since the spigot is strategically located, you don’t need a stand to use the barrel with a watering can or jug. This barrel also features two overflow spigots on either side, allowing you to connect additional containers with the included diverter kit.

This rain barrel features a stainless steel mesh screen that effectively keeps out mosquitoes. It also comes with an extension hose and child-lock screws to secure the lid. The barrel is made of high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic that is BPA-free and UV-resistant. It’s available in three colors–beige, black, and bright green.

We did find some reports of leaks and cracks, with most of the cracks occurring after a hard freeze. And although this product is covered by a one-year warranty against defects, water damage from freezing temperatures is not covered. Consider storing the barrel indoors if it’s not being used in the winter.

Price at time of publish: $113

_{Size: 34 x 23.87 x 23 inches | Capacity: 55 gallons | Material: HDPE (high-density polyethylene) | Weight: Not listed | Diverter Kit Included: Yes}

Best Splurge

AuntMollysBarrels Whiskey Rain Barrel With Flex-Fit Water Diverter

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Handmade from recycled white oak whiskey barrels, this rain barrel from Aunt Molly’s Barrels creates an old-fashioned aesthetic. It has three overflow male hose connectors, a downspout connector to divert excess water, and a drain plug at the bottom. It’s important to note that water must be kept in the barrel at all times to prevent it from leaking and warping. If it happens to dry out, however, the barrel will reseal itself within a few hours. Since it is real wood, it is naturally more prone to rotting, leaks, and insect damage.

The spigot is pretty low to the ground, so you may need to put the barrel on a stand to use it with a watering can. At 105 pounds, this rain barrel is extremely heavy, which could be a challenge when installing or moving it. It’s also significantly pricer than most of our other picks, but its vintage-inspired design and real wood construction set it apart from the competition.

Price at time of publish: $399

_{Size: 35 x 23 inches | Capacity: 53 gallons | Material: White oak | Weight: 105 pounds | Diverter Kit Included: Yes}

Best Decorative

Winston Porter Ahriyah 50 Gallon Rain Barrel

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This 50-gallon rain barrel from Winston Porter has a curved silhouette and woven design. Good looks aside, it is extremely durable and comes with plenty of convenient features. It’s made from a high-quality plastic that is weather-, mildew-, and warp-resistant. Although it holds up well to most elements, the manufacturer recommends storing it indoors during freezing temperatures.

Equipped with two spigots, it can easily be hooked up to a hose or another barrel. The front spigot is an ideal height and can be used to fill watering cans and jugs. The side spigot is much lower to the ground and better suited for a hose hookup. A routed channel diverts excess water to the front spigot, so you don’t have to worry about flooding your foundation.

The top of this rain barrel can be used as a planter, which adds to its versatility. It also has a removable screen, which helps to prevent insects, pests, and debris from getting into the water. A small number of users encountered some drainage issues and others reported that the barrel overflows in heavy rainfall—be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you notice any defects.

Price at time of publish: $199

_{Size: 32 x 23.25 x 23.25 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 17 pounds | Diverter Kit Included: No}

Best Weather-Resistant

Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel

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The Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Plastic Rain Barrel has many design features that make it stand out. Unlike similar models, this barrel fares better in freezing cold temperatures without cracking or splitting. Another big advantage is that it doesn’t bulge when full. We also love that it is available in five color options–black, green, khaki, oak and terracotta–so you can get just the right look for your outdoor space.

The flat black design allows the barrel to sit flush against a wall, and the front-side overflow prevents water from saturating the wall. It’s made from a durable polyethylene and designed to resemble a traditional oak barrel. The brass spigot can connect to your hose or be used as an overflow spout. It’s important to note that the spigot is very low to the ground, which would hinder you from filling a watering can or another container. However, you can purchase a stand from the manufacturer if needed. Like many on this list, it comes with a plastic mesh screen to keep out debris and insects.

Price at time of publish: $149

_{Size: 22 x 31 x 23 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 22 pounds | Diverter Kit Included: No}

Best Small

RTS Home Accents Round 35 Gallon Rain Barrel

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For a smaller option, this 35-gallon rain barrel is an excellent choice. Although it’s designed to look like a traditional rain barrel, its plastic construction will fare better in the elements. It’s resistant to rust and corrosion and has a filtering screen to keep out debris. This unit has a front-side overflow to prevent flooding around a home's foundation, as well as a shut-off valve for attaching a hose. One caveat is that the spigot is very low to the ground. If you intend to fill watering cans or jugs, you’ll probably need to put the barrel on a stand.

This unit features a planter at the top, which is equally functional and decorative. Like most rain barrels with built-in planters, however, the plants can flood easily. This rain barrel’s capacity is limited when compared to other models, but it’s a great choice for smaller outdoor spaces and people that don’t collect that much water.

Price at time of publish: $183

_{Size 28 x 24 x 24 inches | Capacity: 35 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 20 pounds | Diverter Kit Included: No}

Best Large

Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Plastic Drainable Rain Barrel

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With a 90-gallon capacity, this rain barrel from Good Ideas is one of the largest options on the market. Constructed from high-quality polyethylene, this unit is built to last–even in extremely cold weather. To protect your foundation from flooding, a routed channel directs overflow water to the front of the barrel. With two offset brass spigots, you can connect a 5-gallon bucket and hose simultaneously. It has a screen that prevents debris and other pollutants from getting into the barrel.

This rain barrel is as stylish as it is functional. Its distressed finish, which is reminiscent of a coral reef or tree trunk, will make a nice addition to any yard. The large opening at the top can be used as a planter to make it more decorative. Keep in mind that plants may get flooded in heavy rainfall. This barrel comes in eight natural colors, including green, oak, and terra cotta, to match your outdoor aesthetic. It’s significantly more expensive than standard 50-gallon rain barrels, but its extra-large capacity and stylish design is worth the splurge.

Price at time of publish: $399

_{Size: 43.5 x 28.5 x 43.5 inches | Capacity: 90 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 35 pounds | Diverter Kit Included: No}

Best Portable

VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel

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If you have limited outdoor space, this 50-gallon rain barrel from Vigli is a great option. It features a collapsible design, making it easy to fold up and store when it’s not in use. Made of PVC mesh cloth and reinforced with six support rods, this unit will remain stable and retain its shape once it’s set up on the ground. It has a water inlet filter on the cover to keep out debris and insects, as well as an outflow valve to link multiple containers together. Both spigots and the outflow valve come with rubber rings to prevent leakage. One potential downside to this rain barrel is that it can’t be connected to a garden hose, so you’ll have to transfer the water directly to another container.

This tank is available in three sizes–50, 66, or 100 gallons–to suit a variety of needs. It only comes in one color, a forest green that should be unobtrusive in most yards. Due to its softer structure and lightweight (only 4.4 pounds), this unit needs to be placed on level ground to prevent it from tipping over. Also, you should never attempt to move the barrel while it’s full.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Size: 27.6 x 23.6 x 23.6 inches Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: PVC | Weight: 4.4 pounds when empty | Diverter Kit Included: No}