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The 7 Best Hose Nozzles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested comfortable, durable, and versatile options for every garden hose

Closeup of hands using Melnor Rear Trigger Nozzle to spray grass lawn

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Watering your lawn, garden, and hanging baskets—and even washing your car—can be an easy task thanks to a great hose nozzle. To help you find the best one for your gardening and outdoor cleaning needs, we tested 27 different hose nozzles, including watering wands at The Lab and in our own homes.

While testing, making sure the hose nozzle was easy to attach to the garden hose was our first priority (we don't think it's fun to struggle with this task on a hot day!). We also looked at how comfortable the nozzle felt in our hands while we went through each setting, noting if it was easy to change, well marked, and how it performed when we sprayed water into a bucket.

We also used each setting to clean dirt off of an Adirondack chair, going from low to high pressure, and then measured how far across the lawn the spray reached. And, if you've ever dropped a hose nozzle on concrete only to have it crack or break, you'll especially appreciate that we tested it for durability, doing just that.

After putting all of these nozzles through multiple tests at the lab, we continued testing our top picks at our own homes across the country for over six months. We used these hose nozzles for a variety of tasks, including watering hanging baskets, misting delicate plants, cleaning off patios, watering sod, cleaning patio furniture, washing our cars, and more. Based on our lab and long-term testing, here are the best hose nozzles evaluated on ease of use, features, effectiveness, durability, and value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Dramm Revolution Spray Gun

Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun displayed on a white background

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Nine well-labeled settings

  • One-touch thumb throttle

  • Six bright color options

  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly heavier than other options

After testing 27 different hose nozzles at our outdoor lab and for over six months at home, the Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun was the clear winner. We found that each of the nine settings was easy to rotate, clearly labeled, and did what was expected. We had no problem removing dirt from the Adirondack chair on the highest setting.

One of our favorite features was the "One Touch Valve." Instead of a trigger that you have to press constantly, you can just quickly use your thumb to turn the water off and on, as well as control the amount of water flow. We found that particularly intuitive and helpful when switching between tasks. 

We love the nozzle’s bright berry color that stands out against green grass. But if you prefer something different, you can choose from five other colors including red, blue, green, orange, and yellow. Plus, we appreciate that this nozzle is as durable as it is stylish. When we dropped it down the concrete stairs, we noticed no scratches or dents, and it worked as perfectly as before. Overall, we could find nothing that we would want to improve and found it to be a durable, versatile, and easy-to-use nozzle at a great price.

How It Performed Long-Term

We used this hose nozzle for over six months on a variety of outdoor tasks including watering plants and cleaning outdoor furniture, a driveway, water shoes, a grill, and rafts. We even used the mist setting to water delicate indoor plants that we brought outside for the summer.

After six months, we did not notice any leaking between the nozzle and the garden hose, and it was easy to thread each time. While testing at home, we did note that it was a little heavier compared to other nozzles we’ve used in the past (about the third heaviest on our list), but we don’t mind since the high-quality metal also makes it more durable.

Materials: Metal | Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 13.6 ounces

Best Budget

Automan Garden Hose Nozzle

AUTOMAN Garden Hose Nozzle

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Great value for the price

  • Versatile uses

  • Lightweight and comfortable to use

  • Clearly labeled settings

What We Don't Like
  • Not great for heavy cleaning

Based on our lab and at-home testing, we've found the Automan Garden Hose Nozzle to be an affordable and effective choice for most outdoor needs. Like our best overall pick, the Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun, the Automan has clearly labeled settings and clicks into place very easily. Although it does have fewer settings (seven instead of nine), we found them to be perfect for watering our plants, and cleaning outdoor surfaces, including the sidewalk and driveway.

Although it is plastic instead of metal, it held up during our drop test and didn’t crack or break when dropped down concrete stairs. We also appreciated that it was lightweight and fit well in our hands. Although it doesn’t have a lever like the Revolution, you can lock the nozzle into place so you don’t have to hold it down constantly when spraying. 

While it didn’t provide as much high pressure as others we tested, or reach as far as we hoped (about 16 feet), it was perfect for basic watering and cleaning tasks, and we were able to clean mud off of the Adirondack chair in the lab, fairly easily. However, if you are looking for a high-pressure hose for deep cleaning, this isn’t the best option. But for a budget-friendly nozzle that makes watering your plants, garden, and simple cleaning tasks easier, and doesn't leak even after long-term use, we think this is an excellent choice.

Materials: ABS, TPR plastic | Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches | Weight: 4.2 ounces

Best for Plants

INNAV8 Water Hose Nozzle Sprayer

INNAV8 Water Hose Nozzle Sprayer

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • 10 watering patterns

  • 28-foot spray range

  • Easy thumb operation

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat weak spray at times

If you've spent a lot of time watering your garden and potted plants during the hot summer months, you'll especially appreciate the INNAV8 Water Hose Nozzle Sprayer. We found this hose nozzle to be very comfortable to use, even through long use due to its comfortable grip, and thumb control. Like our best overall, the Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun, you can easily turn it off and on, and control the water flow, without having to constantly hold down a trigger.

This nozzle offers 10 different spray patterns, so you can find the right one for delicate flowers, hardy plants, washing cars, and everything in between. We measured the watering flow to be as long as 28 feet, which is helpful when watering or cleaning hard-to-reach places with a shorter hose, or without having to drag your heavy hose around.

However, while testing in our lab, we didn’t find the water pressure to be particularly strong enough for hosing down a dirty patio. But we did find it to be a comfortable and effective nozzle for taking care of watering your lawn, garden, and plants.

How It Performed Long-Term

While testing this nozzle at home, our favorite feature was the throttle—without having to press a trigger constantly (as we did with our old nozzle), watering felt less tiring on our hands. During many watering tasks, we found the water pressure to be great, but we noticed that it did get weaker at longer distances. However, that might not be an issue if you are just watering far away plants, where you don't need very strong pressure. We haven't reported any issues with leaking or changes in performance during the testing period.

Materials: Metal | Dimensions: 2.75 x 5 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 9 ounces

Best High-Pressure

Gilmour Threaded Hose Nozzle

Gilmour Metal Pistol Nozzle with Threaded Tip

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Features
    3/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Simple design

  • Powerful spray with a long reach

  • Locks into place

What We Don't Like
  • No set spray patterns or one touch control

For a hose nozzle that delivers high pressure for all sorts of tasks, even at long distances, we recommend the Gilmour Metal Front Threaded Hose Nozzle. While putting it to the test in our lab, we measured a strong stream as far as 32 feet, making it a great budget-friendly choice for cleaning off your patio and other grimy surfaces.

Aside from its simplicity, power, and price, we also found it to be very durable. During our drop test, it survived a 4-foot drop down concrete stairs with not even a scratch. Made of metal, it can withstand years of use, but keep in mind that it does not have rubber padding, so it's not as comfortable to hold as other options.

Although it doesn't have selectable spray patterns or a one-touch control feature, the pistol does lock: Once you squeeze it to your desired strength (from a fine mist to a strong spray), you can lock it into position with the help of a metal loop. And while we found it easy to lock—both in the lab and while testing at home—it's not as easy or intuitive as other options we tested.

How It Performed Long-Term

During six months of use, we used this nozzle for a variety of tough jobs, including spraying off the lawn mower, rinsing off concrete, clearing sand off of a garage floor, and even cleaning the inside of a trash can. We even appreciated its weaker settings and used it to mist our trees and flowers.

We continue to be impressed with its ability to tackle our outdoor cleaning needs and have reported no leaks or defaults. Overall, at less than $10, it's a great watering and cleaning tool to have around.

Materials: Metal | Dimensions: 1.2 x 4.75 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces

Hands using the Gilmour Metal Front Threaded Hose Nozzle to spray water to flowers

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Best Wand

The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand

The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • One-touch throttle

  • Powerful spray with a long reach

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Scuffs when dropped

  • Can't angle or rotate the head of the wand

Colorful flowers and ferns look great hanging on your front porch, but they can be hard to water, especially during the hottest summer months when they may need water daily. That's why we love a great watering wand. These types of hose nozzles help extend your reach, so you don’t have to take the baskets down each time you need to water (which can be daily in really hot weather). We tested several watering wands in the lab during our hose nozzle test, and our favorite was the Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand, which was filled with thoughtful features that made watering feel less tiring on our hands.

The rubber grip was especially helpful when screwing the wand onto the hose. And since it has an adjustable, one-touch lever, you don’t need to pull a trigger the whole time you are using it. We also like how this wand handled cleaning tasks. At a short distance, we noted that the water pressure was strong enough to remove stains more than some of the other nozzles we tested. We also measured the water flow at 27 feet on the strongest setting, which is helpful for a variety of tasks.

This nozzle measures 15 inches long and has eight different settings, so you can give your flowers and plants (and cleaning chores) the right settings they need. However, there are two things to keep in mind that we noticed while testing. Like other plastic options we tested, the plastic scruffed a bit when dropped onto the cement, but we didn't detect any changes in the performance. Also, we wish the wand's head could rotate or pivot so you could hit different angles without pulling the hose around. But other than those two small issues, we found this to be an excellent watering wand, especially for the extra reach, power, and grip it provides.

How It Performed Long-Term

During the six-month testing period, we loved using this watering wand and found it helpful for a variety of tasks, from cleaning off the deck, stairs, and patio furniture, to giving our dog a bath! We noted that it was so lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use, making us water our plants and grass more! The rotating dial was easy to use, and we appreciated the different spray features. All of the features have held up over time, and we noticed no rust or leaks.

Materials: Aluminum | Dimensions: 15.59 x 3.03 x 2.76 inches | Weight: 10.8 ounces

Best Durable

Aqua Joe Multi-Spray Hose Nozzle

Aqua Joe AJHN102 Heavy Duty Indestructible Metal Multi Spray Adjustable Hose Nozzle

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Durable and lightweight

  • Seven spray patterns

  • Easy to use, one-touch throttle

What We Don't Like
  • Drips on spray selection

If you find yourself buying a new hose nozzle every year (or every other year) because it breaks easily or leaks, you’ll appreciate the durability of the Aqua Joe Heavy Duty Indestructible Multi-Spray Hose Nozzle. Not only did it withstand our 4-foot drop test, but even after six months of being dropped onto concrete, the driveway, or being left out all winter, it works like new. We also love that the settings are clearly labeled and click loudly into place, so you easily know what setting you are using. This nozzle felt larger and a little clunky compared to the others we tested, but it was still very comfortable to use.

This nozzle weighs just over a pound and has seven different settings for all your watering and cleaning needs. We especially appreciate the smart throttle—similar to some of our other favorites on this list, this one-touch operation makes the nozzle super easy to turn on and off and control the flow. And once the throttle is turned off, it doesn’t leak.

However, it is worth noting that it does drip a bit onto your hand when you are switching between settings. If you have gardening gloves on, and they are not waterproof, that may be annoying, but otherwise, we didn’t find a little water on your hand to be the worst thing on a hot day. Overall, we think this is a great tool for the gardener that may drop their watering tools a bit more than they would like to admit.

How It Performed Long-Term

Living up to its name, after over six months, we've found the Aqua Joe Heavy Duty Indestructible Multi-Spray Hose Nozzle to be truly durable. We left it out all winter (accidentally) and dropped it many times. We've even dragged it across the driveway along with the hose, and it still works great.

We've used it to water a large flower garden, potted plants, raised garden beds, and even to mist the dogs on hot days. Although we've used this nozzle most of the time, we did find that a watering wand was better for watering hanging baskets. However, we loved that this nozzle was easy to thread off and on for the moments when we didn't use it.

Materials: Metal | Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds

Best Splurge

Gardena Multi Sprayer Premium

Gardena Multi Sprayer Premium

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Unique pivoting head

  • Boost setting to amplify spray

  • Wider nozzle

  • Locks into place

What We Don't Like
  • Scuffed when dropped

While testing 26 other hose nozzles, the Gardena Multi Sprayer Premium stood out for all of its unique and helpful features. It was the only nozzle that pivots and rotates, so you don't have to move around the hose with it to get the right angle. We also liked the boost setting, which makes the spray even stronger. Plus, the spray head is wider, so it hits a larger surface area. While it did scuff a bit at the lab during our drop test, we reported no other durability issues while testing at home.

We found that it cleaned dirt effectively both at short distances and at distances as long as 19 feet. Like all of the nozzles on this list, it does lock into place, so you don't have to pull the trigger the whole time you are using it. There are five settings to choose from, and you can adjust the power with the trigger (before you lock it). Just note that aside from considering its higher price tag, you will have to purchase a special coupler to attach it to your hose. However, for all of its great features and unique design, it's a great splurge-worthy option for the avid gardener.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of testing, we found that even though it has fewer settings than other hose nozzles on this list, it has all of the spray settings you need. We used it to spray off a stone patio as well as water the garden, trees, plants, and the yard—we found the shower setting to be very useful for flowers and the soaker particularly helpful for plants.

Although it scuffed when dropped at the lab, we accidentally dropped it onto stone at home (at knee level) and noticed no defects. We haven't reported any leaking issues as well. Overall we felt that it was comfortable and easy to use, and we appreciate the locking feature and the rotating dial.

Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.87 x 7.87 inches | Weight: 14.1 ounces

Compare

Ease of Use Features Effectiveness Durability Value
Dramm Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun displayed on a white background
Best Overall:
Dramm Revolution Spray Gun
4.5 5 5 5 5
AUTOMAN Garden Hose Nozzle
Best Budget:
Automan Garden Hose Nozzle
4 5 4 5 5
INNAV8 Water Hose Nozzle Sprayer
Best for Plants:
INNAV8 Water Hose Nozzle Sprayer
5 5 4 5 5
Gilmour Metal Pistol Nozzle with Threaded Tip
Best High-Pressure:
Gilmour Threaded Hose Nozzle
5 3 4 4.5 5
The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand
Best Wand:
The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand
4.5 4 5 4 5
Aqua Joe AJHN102 Heavy Duty Indestructible Metal Multi Spray Adjustable Hose Nozzle
Best Durable:
Aqua Joe Multi-Spray Hose Nozzle
5 5 5 4 4.5
Gardena Multi Sprayer Premium
Best Splurge:
Gardena Multi Sprayer Premium
4 5 4.5 4 4
Final Verdict

After testing 27 hose nozzles both in our lab and for over six months at home, the Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun remains our best overall pick. It continues to stand out for its clearly, marked variety of spray settings and simple, one-touch throttle to turn it off and on, and adjust the power. If you just want a simple nozzle with a strong spray for a variety of cleaning tasks (as well as basic watering needs), we love the budget-friendly Gilmour Metal Front Threaded Hose Nozzle, our best high-pressure pick.

Testing a hose nozzle on an adirondack chair

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Other Options We Tested

Green Mount New Patent Garden Hose Nozzle: We found that there was a lot to love about this hose nozzle: the throttle and handle were comfortable to use; the nozzle withstood being dropped onto concrete, each of the spray settings were easy to click through and were clearly labeled; the spray traveled 25 feet on the strongest setting. However, we did need to use two hands to use this nozzle (one to control the throttle and the other to hold the handle). Also, the throttle had to be fully engaged to be powerful, so we didn't find it that useful (except to turn it off and on).

Flexi Hose Fireman’s Spray Nozzle with 10 Spray Mode: Similar to the Green Mount Hose Nozzle, we thought this option had a great selection of features, including a lever that was easy to use. However, we didn't detect good water pressure in the shower setting, so you would need to drag your hose around to be able to get close enough to water your plants.

Person spraying water with the Aqua Joe Heavy Duty Indestructible Multi-Spray Hose Nozzle while another person uses measuring tape to measure the length of the spray

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

How We Tested the Hose Nozzles

On a hot summer day, we put 27 hose nozzles to the test on our rooftop garden at The Lab. We tested and evaluated each hose nozzle on its ease of use, features, effectiveness, durability, and value.

To test the ease of use, we attached each nozzle to the end of two standard garden hoses, one at a time, noting whether the nozzle threaded easily or required extra effort. Turning on the water, we aimed the spray into a bucket and evaluated the effectiveness of various settings, from jet to mist, and noted how easily we could switch from one setting to another and whether they were clearly labeled. To further test effectiveness, we tried cleaning dirt off of an Adirondack chair from the weakest to the strongest setting. We also used a tape measure to help us record how far the water traveled on the strongest spray. Finally, to test durability, we dropped each nozzle onto concrete from a height of 4 feet and repeated the other tests, noting how well each survived the fall.

After testing all of these nozzles in the lab, we tested the winners in our own homes for over six months to see how they held up in real-world settings. We used these nozzles on a variety of tasks, from watering delicate flowers to cleaning off patios, trash cans, garage floors, and more. We even used them to cool off or give our dogs a bath. All of the nozzles on this list have had minimal wear and tear after the testing period, and have all continued to be great gardening tools.

Testing Hose Nozzles for Ergonomics, Comfort, and Usability

What to Look For in a Hose Nozzle

Material

Hose nozzles are usually made of metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. Metal is almost always more durable and will last longer than plastic. If you find an all-metal hose nozzle that works for you, it will likely be more expensive but will last through multiple seasons with proper storage and care. Our best overall pick, the Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun, is all metal and a little heavier than some nozzles but is built to withstand anything.

Many hose nozzles have metal interior parts and fittings, with plastic exterior parts to keep costs down. These can also have more comfort features, such as padded or textured grips. Many are still made very well and can last through multiple seasons.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Experienced gardeners spend a lot of time watering their plants, so a garden hose nozzle that is easy and comfortable to use is essential. Some features to look for that increase comfort include an ergonomically designed grip, which includes grooves for your hands and fingers to hold it in a natural grip. The comfortable ergonomic handle on the Dramm 14506 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun contributed greatly to its selection as our Best Overall. Thumb controls are often more comfortable than traditional squeeze triggers, especially for prolonged use.

We appreciated the Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand, our best watering wand pick, for its easy-to-maneuver thumb control as well as its extended reach. Finally, a locking trigger can keep your hands from getting too fatigued during longer watering sessions. The AUTOMAN Garden Hose Nozzle, our best budget pick, proved you don't have to spend a lot of money to get this useful feature.

Type

There are four main types of hose nozzles: pistol, dial, wand, and traditional nozzles. There is some overlap, especially between pistol and dial nozzles, since both can be adjustable. You can also look for a traditional hose nozzle, which attaches directly to the hose and is controlled at the hose valve.

  • Pistol nozzles, such as our best high-pressure pick, the Gilmour Metal Pistol Nozzle with Threaded Tip, have a pistol-like grip that controls the water flow. Squeezing the grip releases more water, which then flows through the nozzle and creates whatever spray pattern you have chosen.
  • Dial nozzles refer to any type of hose nozzle with an adjustable front dial. Many of our selections sport this feature, including our best durable pick, the Aqua Joe Multi Spray Hose Nozzle. The dial controls the spray pattern, allowing you many options to suit your watering needs.
  • Water wands often function similarly to dial nozzles, just with an extra few feet between you at the base and the water output at the top. They can also allow you to water directly at the base of your plants without climbing into your garden to do it. Our best wand pick, the Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand, is great for reaching hanging plants.
  • Traditional hose nozzles don’t have a lot of features, like adjustable spray patterns or ergonomic grips. But they are often made of all-metal, usually brass, and last for years with very little maintenance or care. 

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may also need for taking care of your yard and garden.

  1. Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler: You'll have to remove the hose nozzle, but you can water your garden automatically with a great sprinkler. We love this lightweight option that covers up to 4,400 square feet and connects to any standard-size hose.
  2. Xlux Soil Moisture Meter: Double-check that your plants and grass need watering with a moisture meter. We like this one from Xlux because it's budget-friendly and easy to read and use.
  3. Liberty Garden 2-Wheel Pneumatic Tires Garden Hose Reel Cart: We love this hose reel because you can easily cart it to where you need it and store your nozzle and other supplies in the basket.
  4. Zero-G Ultra Flexible Durable Garden Hose: Of course, you can't use a hose nozzle without a hose, and this one is the best one we tested. We found it easy to maneuver, reel and unreel, even though it was 100 feet long,

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Jenica Currie, an editor for The Spruce who tests gardening, outdoor, and home improvement products and has been with the team since 2020. She used our insights from testing 27 hose nozzles in our lab and updated it after we continued testing the top performers at our homes across the country. An avid gardener, Currie is still testing the Aqua Joe Multi-Spray Hose Nozzle, and even after using it all summer and leaving it out all winter (accidentally!), it still works as good as new.