The 8 Best Rain Barrels Of 2024, Tested And Reviewed

The Vingli 50-Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel in an outdoor setting — Southern Living / Brierley Horton

If you want to conserve water and save on your water bill, setting up a rain barrel in your yard is an eco-friendly way to provide water for garden beds and lawn.

These rain barrels are often placed near downspouts and rooftop gutters to collect and store rainwater. And if you’re the type that doesn’t want something ugly cluttering your yard, there are many ornamental options to choose from that won’t disrupt your yard’s landscaping design.

To come up with this list of the best rain barrels for homeowners, we tested 14 models over a two-week period.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Rain Barrel:

Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal. Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel at Wayfair ($163)

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Runner-Up:

FCMP Outdoor Catalina Rain Barrel at Amazon ($125)

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Best Value Rain Barrel:

FreeGarden RAIN 55 Gallon Rain Barrel at Walmart (See Price)

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Best Classic Rain Barrel:

FCMP Outdoor Rain Catcher at Amazon ($110)

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Best Collapsible Rain Barrel:

Vingli 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel at Amazon ($35)

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Best Urn Rain Barrel:

Gardener's Supply Company 50 Gallon Rainwater Urn at Gardeners.com (See Price)

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Best Large Rain Barrel:

Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Rain Barrel at Wayfair ($326)

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Best Decorative Rain Barrel:

Good Ideas 42 Gallon Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver at Amazon ($171)

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Best Overall Rain Barrel

Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal. Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel

Wayfair

View On Wayfair $163

What’s Great About It

Curved shape and attractive wicker design
Dual brass spigots provide hose attachment and overflow protection
Generous capacity
Maintains its appearance through various weather conditions

What Could Be Better

Spigots are not that sturdy
Top of the planter could offer more planting space

The Good Ideas Impressions Nantucket Rain Saver is our top recommendation because of its generous 50-gallon capacity, and we experienced first-hand just how sturdy it was. It never once fell over during heavy downpours and storms, nor did it experience any discoloration due to sun exposure.

But this rain barrel’s best feature is the dual brass spigots that you can connect to a hose or use to fill up a watering can. The spigots also function to drain excess water, which prevented overflow during heavy rains. But despite functioning properly, the spigots did seem a little flimsy.

The barrel also has a place to grow a thriving herb or flower garden on top, and a curvy shape with a wicker finish, which makes the barrel look more attractive in your yard. We only wish the top off the planter offered a bit more planting space.

All in all when it came to irrigating our garden and lawn, the rain barrel met our expectations and then some.

Dimensions: 23.25 x 32 x 23.25 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 17 pounds

The spigot on the side of the Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal. Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel — Southern Living / Lisa Pezzuto

Runner-Up

FCMP Outdoor Catalina Rain Barrel

Amazon

View On Amazon $125 View On Wayfair $123 View On Walmart

What’s Great About It

Effective debris screen
Has a hose and valve to distribute water
Did not crack or discolor in the sun

What Could Be Better

Hose attachment clip is flimsy and should be handled carefully

Overall, we found this 45-gallon plastic rain barrel ideal for rainy days because it’s well built and has a flat side and bottom to better anchor it to the ground. It held up well in heavy rainfall without any leaks or cracks occurring, and it did not discolor in the sun.

It has several accessories including a plastic mesh screen which was useful to keep debris from getting into the barrel, a spigot, and something that you won’t see with all rain barrels: a 3.5-foot hose with a valve to control water flow. You can also hook your own hose to it if you need something longer to reach your garden.

Just note that the clip for the hose attachment is flimsy and needs to be secured carefully for it to work. It can also get damaged in freezing temperatures, so unless you live in South Florida or other parts of the South where it doesn’t get icy, you’ll have to make sure it’s brought in during the winter.

Dimensions: 23 x 30 x 21 inches | Capacity: 45 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 20 pounds

A FCMP Outdoor 45 Gallon Catalina Rain Barrel sitting on grass — Southern Living / Ryann Springer

Best Value Rain Barrel

FreeGarden RAIN 55 Gallon Rain Barrel

The Home Depot

View On Walmart View On Home Depot $126

What’s Great About It

Made from durable, high-density polyethylene
Available in three colors
Stainless steel debris screen keeps insects and debris out
55-gallon capacity

What Could Be Better

More utilitarian than decorative
Brass spigot too low to the ground for some water containers

Made out of high-density polyethylene that can last for years, this FreeGarden Rain Barrel is affordable and holds a ton of rainwater. If you live in an area with frequent rainfall, the 55-volume capacity means you won’t have to empty it as frequently.

It collected all the rainwater needed without any leaks. It also has overflow handles on each side that connect to other rain barrels so you can make an entire rain collection system at home. We found that our water never had debris in it because the stainless steel screen at the top of the rain barrel kept insects and other debris out of the water. However, the brass spigot was way too low, which was fine when we needed to connect a hose, but made it hard for us to fit a watering container underneath it.

Keep in mind that this rain barrel looks more like a garbage can than a decorative piece for your lawn, although it is available in three color options: green, black and beige.

Dimensions: 24 x 34 x 24 inches | Capacity: 55 gallons | Material: HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) | Weight: 20 pounds

FreeGarden RAIN 55 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot sitting outdoors on the ground — Southern Living / Kate Rousu

Best Classic Rain Barrel

FCMP Outdoor Rain Catcher

FCMP Outdoor 50 Gallon Brown Recycled Plastic Rain Barrel Spigot

Amazon

View On Amazon $110 View On Wayfair $122 View On Walmart $113

What’s Great About It

Collects a large amount of rainwater
Has a mesh screen to keep out debris and insects
Cost effective

What Could Be Better

No color options
Connecting the hose was difficult

The FCMP Outdoor Ratcher 4000 is for those who just want a standard rain barrel without all the extras.This rain barrel efficiently collected rainwater, filling up completely within two hours the first time we used it. There were no cracks or leaks, although it did take us a few tries to get the hose attached without it leaking.

The rain barrel came with a debris screen which we found useful to keep leaves and bugs out of the barrel. We also liked that we could open the top of the rain barrel to scan the water to make sure that it was totally clean.

In a nutshell, we got a lot of value from the rain barrel, and the low price makes it easier to buy multiple rain barrels—which we would happily do. We only wished it came in other colors besides brown.

Dimensions: 24 x 32 x 24 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 20 pounds

Top-down view of a FCMP Outdoor 50 Gallon Brown Recycled Plastic Rain Barrel Spigot — Southern Living / Robby Lozano

Best Collapsible Rain Barrel

Vingli 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel

Amazon

View On Amazon $35 View On Home Depot $44

What’s Great About It

Collapsible design saves on storage space
Two-way zip around the top of the barrel for easy access
50-gallon capacity
Cost effective

What Could Be Better

Only one spigot
Spigot was leaky

A collapsible rain barrel like the Vingli is a good alternative to a regular rain barrel if you want to economize on space. It’s made out of vinyl, which is not as sturdy as other options but still pretty durable in its own right. Despite it being light, we did not have problems with the wind blowing it over or it falling over

We also liked how easy it was to move around and store when we’re not using it. The Zingli has a 50-gallon capacity and features a debris screen and a two-way zip around the top of the barrel. Just be aware that it only has one plastic spigot, and we did notice that the spigot became leaky as water filled up. Priced at less than $50, you won’t find many rain barrels cheaper than this. As long as you don’t mind its minor snafus, it’s a great all-around pick and especially good if you don’t have a shed to keep a rain barrel in.

Dimensions: 23.6 x 27.6 x 23.6 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: PVC | Weight: 4.4 pounds

The spigot on the VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel on concrete — Southern Living / Brierley Horton

Best Urn Rain Barrel

Gardener's Supply Company 50 Gallon Rainwater Urn

Gardener's Supply Company

View On Gardeners.com

What’s Great About It

Stylish option with recessed basin for displaying a potted plant
Large capacity
Debris screen

What Could Be Better

Does not have a diverter

If you’re looking for something stylish and sturdy to put on the side of your house or your yard, forget the utilitarian rain barrels and get this urn-shaped rain barrel instead. This rain barrel holds up to 50 gallons of water, making it one of the biggest rain barrels we’ve tested. It also has a recessed basin on the top for stowing watering accessories or displaying a potted plant, and it comes in both brown and terracotta colors.

We placed it in full sun under the downspout near our garden bed to collect as much water as possible, and a day and a half of rain was all it took to fill up. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a diverter (the part that directs water to flow in a particular direction), so you might have to drill holes to direct where you want the overflow to go.

The debris screen did a good job of stopping twigs and leaves from dropping into the water. But, we recommend checking on it periodically to make sure it’s clear from any leaves which might block it from collecting water. It has both a metal and plastic spigot. Overall, this rain barrel turns collecting rain into an art form for your yard, but it is priced above many of the picks on our list.

Dimensions: 23 x 33 x 23 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons | Material: Polyethylene | Weight: Not listed

A rain downspout is angled over the catch basin on the Gardener's Supply Company Rainwater Urn, 50 gal — Southern Living / Katie Macdonald

Best Large Rain Barrel

Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Rain Barrel

Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel

Wayfair

View On Wayfair $326 View On Walmart View On Home Depot $422

What’s Great About It

Holds up to 90 gallons of water
Durable
Has a planter on top for flowers, herbs, and plants
Dual spigots

What Could Be Better

Expensive
Some debris slipped through the screen

While most rain barrels hold about 45 to 55 gallons of water, this Good Ideas barrel holds almost double at 90 gallons. For those with a game plan on how they can reduce their water bill during the growing season, the rain barrel has huge potential. It comes with two spigots that can be used with a hose and a watering can. It also has a planter on top which can improve your yard’s overall aesthetic. However, if you live in the South (especially when it’s warm), you’ll have to always ensure it's clean as the humidity may spur on mildew and algae growth.

Although it has a debris screen, we noticed that some debris managed to slip regardless. This was a problem for us because there wasn’t really a way to see what was inside clearly or how much water had been collected. Otherwise, the barrel is durable and is a top contender for anyone who wants a rain barrel that can collect large volumes of water and doesn’t mind paying a premium price.

Dimensions: 29 x 44.5 x 29 inches | Capacity: 90 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 35 pounds

The Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel outside on a wooden pallet — Southern Living / Jen Causey

Best Decorative Rain Barrel

Good Ideas 42 Gallon Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver

Amazon

View On Amazon $171 View On Target $171 View On Home Depot $160

What’s Great About It

Has a planter on top
Rectangle design
Dual spigots

What Could Be Better

Did not collect a lot of water if not under a downspout
We had trouble attaching the hose to the spigot

If you want a rain barrel that looks good and does the job, this rain barrel from Good Ideas is an ideal compromise. Unlike other rain barrels on this list that are more round, this pick has a long, rectangular design that has a space for a garden on top. The shape also makes the rain barrel more stable and can hold it down in severe weather. It comes with two spigots, one for filling a watering can and another to connect to a hose. While we found the spigot for the watering effective, we had difficulties attaching the hose to the spigot.

Although it’s on the small side at 42 gallons, it still collected a decent amount of water from our downspout. But had we not placed it under the downspout, we doubted if it could collect enough water for our needs. Additionally, the rain barrel’s debris screen was small in comparison to the size of the rain barrel. Nevertheless, it effectively prevented the dirt from seeping into the barrel.

Dimensions: 31.5 x 24 x 19.5 inches | Capacity: 42 gallons | Material: Plastic | Weight: 25 pounds

An overhead view of the top of the Good Ideas 42 Gallon Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver from above — Southern Living / Jessica Fleming

The Bottom Line

The Good Ideas Impressions 50-Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver is our Best Overall pick because it stores a significant amount of water, has an aesthetically pleasing style with a planter on top, and includes dual brass spigots that also function to prevent overflow.

Our Runner-Up pick, the FCMP Outdoor Catalina Rain Barrel, came in at a close second. It comes with a mesh screen that proved to be effective at keeping debris out of the barrel, as well as a 3.5-foot hose with a valve to control water flow.

Our Testing Process

We tested 14 different rain barrels over a period of two weeks, including classic, collapsible, decorative, large, and value options. Before testing, we first had to ensure that the gutters and downspouts that we were using were working properly and debris free. If we were placing it on grass or dirt, we had to dig out 1 to 2 inches from the ground and fill it with gravel, sand, or paver to create a level surface for the rain barrel.

Next, we placed the barrel underneath the gutter or downspout to see how much water it would collect. To avoid any structural damage, we made sure that the overflow was directed away from our home. We then had to wait for it to rain to assess how quickly our rain barrel filled up.

After, we used the rainwater as we normally would, such as for watering garden beds or lawns.

To make sure, the rain barrel was at its best, we maintained it by leaving the spigot open when it wasn’t in use, regularly checking for damage or leaks, ensuring that the debris screens were clean and clear, and rinsing out the barrel to clean out sediment or debris. Finally, we drained and disconnected the barrel before the winter months and safely stored it.

The spigot on the Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel — Southern Living / Jen Causey

More Rain Barrels to Consider

Algreen EcoCascata Rain Barrel: Because you have the option of putting a planter on top, the Algreen EcoCascata Rain Barrel is an excellent pick to boost your yard’s aesthetic plus collect water to irrigate your garden or lawn. It has a rust-proof debris screen and a single brass spigot located towards the bottom of the barrel. The biggest draw is that its 65-gallon capacity comes in handy if you get a heavy downpour. Unfortunately, setup was somewhat involved and there are a number of plastic components that give us some doubts about the barrel’s longevity.

EarthMinded RainStation 45-Gallon Rain Barrel with Diverter: The EarthMinded RainStation Rain Barrel is an ideal size to put on a balcony or a deck. It also comes with a snap-on lid that you can use to plant flowers or herbs on top of it. We liked that this rain barrel comes with a diverter to prevent water from overflowing. But, it would have been nice if the spigots were made from brass and not plastic, which is not as durable.

An Algreen 65 Gallon Rain Barrel with Planter Top sitting next to a brick wall — Southern Living / Michelle Lau

Tips for Choosing the Right Rain Barrel

Style

Whether you want a purely functional design or something more ornamental that collects water and beautifies your property, there are rain barrels to suit every preference and taste.

Many rain barrels feature planters on top of them, allowing you to plant flowers and herbs. “I personally love the barrels that double as planters on top—they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” says Mark Bradley, CEO and founder of Landscape Management Network.

Size & Weight

When it comes to capacity, rain barrels range from 30 to 80 gallons on average, although there are options out there that hold more water. (Our Best Large pick, the Good Ideas Impressions 90-Gallon Bark Rain Saver, holds 90 gallons.)

And although weight can vary, as long as they are empty, they usually weigh about 20 to 30 pounds. However, once a rain barrel fills up you won’t be able to move it around.

“When full, they can be quite heavy—a 50-gallon barrel can weigh over 400 pounds,” Bradley says. “It's crucial to place them on a solid, level base to balance out the weight.” You can also buy collapsible models that are light and easy to carry like the Vingli 50-Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel. But even this rain barrel would be almost impossible to carry if it’s filled with rainwater.

Material

Plastic or polyethylene are by far the most common materials that rain barrels are made from. However, Bradley points out that it’s possible to find wood options like cedar if you’re looking for something different. “They are more traditional but require more maintenance to keep them looking great,” he says.

Special Features

Practically all rain barrels come with spigots which are faucets that you can turn on and off to dispense the water. You’ll find that they will come with either one or two spigots made out of brass or plastic. Spigots that are near the bottom make it easy for you to connect a hose. However, if you plan on using a watering can, get one with a spigot that is located higher up.

Many rain barrels also come with other features such as mesh screens to keep out debris and insects from entering the water. Some also have diverters that direct the water to other places like a downspout or other rain barrels so it won’t overflow.

Top-down view of a FCMP Outdoor 45 Gallon Catalina Rain Barrel filled with water — Southern Living / Ryann Springer

Questions and Answers

Should rain barrels be placed in the sun or shade?

According to Bradley, the best locations for rain barrels are in partially shaded areas. “Too much sun can lead to algae growth, while too much shade might reduce water collection.” He also recommends placing rain barrels near your garden or plants so you can easily water them.

Do rain barrels save you money?

Using a rain barrel to collect water is a smart way to save money—especially for homeowners who garden and use a lot of water to irrigate their yard. “You can significantly cut down on your municipal water usage, which can lead to noticeable savings on your utility bills, especially during the dry season,” says Bradley.

What is the lifespan of a rain barrel?

Bradley says that a good-quality rain barrel can last up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance. A good maintenance regime for your rain barrel involves cleaning it regularly and winterizing it (otherwise known as preparing it for winter). Because freezing water can cause rain barrels to crack and leak, it’s important to winterize them by cleaning, draining, and storing them properly if you live in colder climates.

Why Trust Southern Living?

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer based in North Carolina who specializes in writing product reviews for home, lifestyle, and travel categories. To determine the best rain barrels we tested 14 different options over a two-week period and evaluated them on style, size & weight, material, and other features. Nor’Adila also consulted Mark Bradley, CEO and founder of Landscape Management Network for more insight on choosing the right rain barrel for your home.