The 10 Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops

Installed outside on a driveway or in a garden, they allow you to play a game or shoot some hoops using professional-grade equipment without having to travel to a court.

Unlike portable basketball hoops, in-ground models are permanent fixtures, but they’re sturdier and more durable as a result. And once they’re in, you’re good to go – with no worries about setting up or storage. If you play basketball at home regularly, an in-ground basketball hoop may be the perfect purchase.

Choosing the right model for you, however, can be challenging, as there’s a plethora of options available that can vary hugely in cost. That’s why I searched the internet for the best available at a range of prices, then read hundreds of reviews to check that they actually match up to customers’ expectations. The result is a list of the 10 best in-ground basketball hoops on the market.

Things to Consider

As there are a ton of different in-ground basketball hoops available on the market, it can be confusing when trying to decide the right one for you. There are, however, a few specific points that you should bear in to ensure that you get the right one for your specific requirements. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, here are a few things that you should consider before buying an in-ground basketball hoop. 

1. Height

Perhaps the most important aspect to consider when looking to buy an in-ground basketball hoop is the height – and whether it’s adjustable. Most are, with a maximum height of 10 feet, which is the standard in professional basketball.

The minimum height, however, can vary, with some lowering all the way down to 5 feet and others stopping at 7 to 8 feet, which may make them unsuitable for use by children. Before making a purchase, therefore, you should ascertain what suits your requirements best.

2. Installation

Once your in-ground basketball hoop arrives, you still need to set it up. Unfortunately, that’s often a difficult process that requires expert assistance – and some companies charge a huge installation fee that can even be more than the hoop itself, in the case of some of the cheaper options.

Some of the more expensive options, however, include this in the price, and some models can even be installed easily without expert assistance. Finally, there are some in-ground basketball hoops that, after they’ve been installed, can be moved to another location.   

3. Stability and Durability

If you’re going to invest in an in-ground basketball hoop, you want to make sure it’s going to work as advertised for years to come. Therefore, you should check the materials used, which will help you ascertain its stability and durability.

The thicker the steel pole, the more likely it is to withstand competitive games and minimize shaking. Also consider the material used for the backboard – the last thing you want is it breaking after a particularly hard shot! You should also check whether the rim is strong enough to withstand slam dunks and players hanging from it. 

4. Warranty

As with any product, there’s a chance that something will go wrong with an in-ground basketball hoop, so you need to make sure that the model you’re buying comes with a warranty of at least one year – but really, it should be more, especially if it’s an expensive brand. You should also double-check what the warranty covers – for example, some exclude the backboard.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop Systems

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Products	Features
EDITOR’S PICK 5 1+ 1+ First Team Triple Threat Basketball HoopFirst Team Triple Threat Basketball Hoop	54” shatterproof 1/2″ Glass Backboard Height can be adjusted from 5’ to 10’ with an easy-to-use handle PRICE RANGE: Under $2000 54” shatterproof 1/2″ Glass Backboard Height can be adjusted from 5’ to 10’ with an easy-to-use handle PRICE RANGE: Under $2000 Check price at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED 4.3 340+ 340+ Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball SystemSilverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System	Height can be easily adjusted from 7.5’ to 10’ using a crank actuator The anchor bolt mounting system allows you to move it PRICE RANGE: Under $1,000 Height can be easily adjusted from 7.5’ to 10’ using a crank actuator The anchor bolt mounting system allows you to move it PRICE RANGE: Under $1,000 Check price at Amazon
TOP PICK 5 1+ 1+ First Team Stainless Olympian Supreme HoopFirst Team Stainless Olympian Supreme Hoop	Designed for constant use by professional players and built to withstand high-intensity play for years Features an oversized post constructed of 100% rust-proof stainless steel that can be moved to a different location PRICE RANGE: Under $6,000 Designed for constant use by professional players and built to withstand high-intensity play for years Features an oversized post constructed of 100% rust-proof stainless steel that can be moved to a different location PRICE RANGE: Under $6,000 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 4.4 125+ 125+ Lifetime In Ground Power Lift Basket SystemLifetime In Ground Power Lift Basket System	Coated with the weather- and rust-resistant powder Height can be easily adjusted from 7.5’ to 10’ in 6-inch increments PRICE RANGE: Under $250 Coated with the weather- and rust-resistant powder Height can be easily adjusted from 7.5’ to 10’ in 6-inch increments PRICE RANGE: Under $250 Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK 3.9 15+ 15+ Spalding 54″ Acrylic In-Ground Basketball SystemSpalding 54″ Acrylic In-Ground Basketball System	Heavy-duty Pro Slam breakaway steel rim will withstand competitive play Height can be easily adjusted in 4-inch increments from 7.5’ to 10’ PRICE RANGE: Under $500 Heavy-duty Pro Slam breakaway steel rim will withstand competitive play Height can be easily adjusted in 4-inch increments from 7.5’ to 10’ PRICE RANGE: Under $500 Check price at Amazon

Under $250

Lifetime In Ground Power Lift Basketball System

In Ground Power Lift Basketball System by Lifetime is one of the company’s more affordable models, but it’s still a great choice.

The height can be easily adjusted with one hand in six-inch increments from a minimum of 7.5 feet to a maximum of 10 feet, making it suitable for teenagers as well as adults. It features a 52-inch shatterproof polycarbonate backboard, which provides durability as well as a professional glass look. The backboard has a strong steel frame to increase the sturdiness of the whole system.

The 18-inch ‘Slam-It’ solid steel rim will easily withstand competitive play, as well as players hanging from the rim – and the same goes for the solid steel pole. Both are coated with the weather- and rust-resistant powder that will enable the whole system to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. To back this up, Lifetime provides a 5-year limited warranty with this model (which includes the backboard). 

While this all seems like a fantastic deal, it’s worth noting that unless you can assemble and install this in-ground basketball hoop yourself, the price will rise significantly. Expert assembly comes as an optional extra, but it will set you back another couple hundred dollars.

Under $500

Spalding 54″ Acrylic In-Ground Basketball System

Spalding’s 54″ Acrylic In-Ground Basketball System features a lift that enables the height to be easily adjusted with one hand in 4-inch increments from a minimum of 7.5 feet to a maximum of 10 feet. It features a 54-inch durable acrylic backboard, which provides sturdiness as well as a professional glass look.

There is a 16-inch offset to enable play under the hoop, although it’s worth noting that this is slightly smaller than most other models on this list. The ‘Slam-Jam’ spring-loaded breakaway steel rim will easily withstand competitive play, as well as players hanging from it – and the same goes for the steel pole. 

The major downfall is that unless you can assemble and install this in-ground basketball hoop yourself, the price will rise significantly. Expert assembly comes as an optional extra, which will most likely double the cost of the assembly. Spalding provides a 1-year limited warranty with this product, which includes the backboard.

Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops Under $600

Silverback 54″ In-Ground Basketball System

This basketball hoop’s main solid steel pole is secured with concrete after being directly placed into the ground, which makes the whole structure remarkably strong and, therefore, suitable for high-intensity competitive games. Plus, powder coating at the base protects the steel from corrosion, thereby improving its durability significantly. However, expert assembly will cost you an extra $479.

The height can be easily adjusted using a crank actuator from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, which means it’s suitable for use by teenagers as well as adults. The 54-inch shatterproof tempered glass backboard looks professional but is also durable – plus, it’s fitted with a backboard pad for improved safety and protection. There’s additional padding on the pole.

The spring-activated solid steel breakaway rim is sturdy enough to withstand aggressive slam dunks and players hanging from it, plus it has a two-foot offset to enable play under the hoop. The whole system is coated with weather- and rust-resistant powder for maximum protection, and it comes with a five-year limited warranty (including the backboard).

Under $800

Lifetime 78888 In-Ground Power Lift Backboard Basketball System

This second model by Lifetime is a slight step up from the previous model and designed for high-intensity play. The main difference is its power lift pole, which makes raising or lowering the height extremely easy, even for youths or people without much upper body strength. It can be adjusted from 7.5 feet to 10 feet.

Secondly, this model offers a larger backboard, at 54 inches – although it’s made with the same shatterproof polycarbonate, which is both durable and professional looking. It also has a blow-molded frame pad for added protection. The 18-inch solid steel ‘Slam-It Pro’ rim is fitted with double-compression springs to withstand even the most aggressive dunking.

Both the steel pole and rim are coated with weather- and rust-resistant powder that will enable the whole system to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. To back this up, Lifetime provides a five-year limited warranty with this model (which includes the backboard). However, expert assembly costs an additional $479.

Under $900

Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System

The Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System is very similar to the previous Silverback in-ground basketball hoop featured in this article, but the significant differences that are responsible for the hike in price are as follows. Firstly, as evidenced in the name, the backboard is larger, at 60 inches (as opposed to 54 inches). Secondly, the overhang is bigger, at 2.5 feet instead of 2 feet.

Perhaps the most impressive addition, however, is the revolutionary anchor bolt mounting system that allows you to unbolt and relocate your system if you move home. This feature guarantees that you’ll be able to use this in-ground basketball hoop for as long as you want to, even if you change address. However, expert assembly costs $479.

In addition, this model features the same secure concrete fixing, protective powder coating, safety padding, spring-activated solid steel breakaway rim, and five-year limited warranty as the cheaper Silverback basketball system. The height can be easily adjusted using a crank actuator from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, which means it’s suitable for use by teenagers as well as adults.

Under $1500

Goalrilla FT Series In Ground Basketball Hoop

This is a fantastic in-ground basketball hoop by Goalrilla that is sure to last a lifetime – and if it doesn’t, there’s no need to worry, as it comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the industry-leading brand (which includes the backboard). Moreover, the concrete anchor is not only extremely strong and sturdy, it can also be unbolted and moved if you decide to relocate. However, expert assembly will cost you $479.

Strength and stability is also reinforced by rebar steel rods around the concrete as well as the steel pole, which features a triple-joint connection and dual extension board arms. The 54-inch backboard is made with shatterproof tempered glass that can withstand high-impact shots, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking.

The pro-style breakaway rim flexes under pressure rather than remaining rigid, meaning it will be able to withstand high-intensity play as well as players hanging from it. Lastly, the height, of course, can be adjusted using a crank actuator from a minimum of 7.5 feet to a maximum of 10 feet, meaning it’s suitable for teenagers and adults alike.

Under $2000

First Team Triple Threat In-ground Adjustable Basketball Goal Hoop

If you’re looking for an in-ground basketball hoop that’s suitable for children as well as teenagers and adults, the Triple Threat Basketball Goal Hoop from First Team may be perfect for you. The height adjusts from 10 feet all the way down to 5 feet with just a turn of a handle. Plus, it has a 48-inch offset for play under the hoop.

The 54-inch tempered glass backboard is extremely resilient, as is the solid steel breakaway rim, which is strong enough to withstand aggressive slam dunks as well as players hanging from it. Moreover, everything is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

To improve further on protection and safety, this model comes with post padding and pre-in-stalled backboard padding. Moreover, the zinc galvanized undercoat and top-coat black powder coat paint ensures this system will last a long time and in any weather conditions. It comes with installation instructions, but expert assembly costs are based on the state in which you live – on average, they’re around $400.

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Goalsetter All-American Basketball System – 60 Inch Backboard

The height of this in-ground basketball hoop can be adjusted using an internal compression height adjustment mechanism from 6 feet to 10 feet, which is a wide range compared with some of the other models on the market. It means that children and teenagers can easily use it as well as adults.

This model is built to last, with a 5-inch square off-set mast, a 3/16-inch wall thickness and a square ground anchor for maximum stability. This construction also helps to minimize shake during high-intensity play. The 60-inch shatterproof tempered glass backboard is mounted on a frame made of structural steel tubing for increased durability.

The rim is sturdy enough to withstand dunks and players hanging from it, and the entire model is coated with a weather- and rust-resistant finish.

Goalsetter states that its exclusive ground anchor hinge system enables easy installation that does not require experts – meaning you won’t have to pay those steep installation/assembly fees that raise the price of other in-ground basketball hoops significantly. Moreover, the Goalsetter All-American Basketball System comes with free delivery, so the price you see online really is the final cost.

Under $4000

First Team Titan Arena Inground Adjustable Hoop – 72 Inch Glass

First Team don’t make in-ground basketball hoops by halves – and their prices certainly reflect that. However, although they’re costly, they’re fantastic quality and guaranteed to last, no matter how often they’re used. So, if you’re a regular and enthusiastic basketball player looking for a top-quality professional-standard basketball hoop, this may be the one for you.

The main pole is made of stainless steel and, at 6 inches and reinforced by a heavy-duty deal-strut extension arm, is extremely sturdy and durable. The 72-inch shatterproof tempered glass backboard is built to last – plus, padding can be added as an option extra (although this will increase the price). The rim is one of the sturdiest around and will have no problem withstanding high-intensity play.

Of course, the height is adjustable (between 6.6 feet and 10 feet) with an easy-to-use crank mechanism. One great feature of this model is that the anchor system is not only strong and durable, it allows the whole unit to be moved from one location to another. Lastly, First Team is the first basketball equipment manufacturer to offer a post in your choice of either powder-coated steel or rust-proof stainless steel.

Under $5000

First Team Stainless Olympian Supreme Inground Adjustable Hoop – 72 Inch Acrylic

The First Team Stainless Olympian Supreme Inground Adjustable Hoop is the king of in-ground basketball systems by most people’s standards. It’s designed for constant use by professional players and built to withstand high-intensity play for years.

Moreover, First Team is the first basketball equipment manufacturer to offer an oversized post constructed of 100% rust-proof stainless steel, which ensures maximum sturdiness and durability.

The anchor system used to install this basketball hoop means that it’s incredibly strong and stable – plus, it gives you the option of changing the location if required. Adjusting the height is a breeze – the crank mechanism allows it to be raised or lowered from 6.6 feet to 10 feet with little effort.

The 72-inch shatterproof acrylic backboard and heavy-duty steel rim are strong enough to withstand even the hardest shots as well as players hanging – plus, padding can be added to the backboard as an option extra (although this will increase the price).

Conclusion

So, now you have a definitive list of the 10 best in-ground basketball hoops available online for a range of prices. There should be something here to suit everyone – whether you want something to use to casually shoot some hoops in your driveway or you’re looking to play high-intensity competitive games.

When it came to the Editor’s Pick, I had to choose the sturdy and durable Pro Dunk Silver In-Ground Adjustable Basketball Goal Hoop System. This model is strong enough to withstand professional high-intensity play but can also be lowered from 10 feet to just 5 feet for use by children, so it really is perfect for the whole family.

However, if you’re looking for a budget option, the Lifetime 90020 Height Adjustable In Ground Basketball System and the Spalding NBA Ratchet Lift 44″ In-Ground Basketball Hoop are both great picks.

Although a lot of research and consideration has been put into this article, it’s still always important to read product specifications and reviews before making a purchase, just to ensure it’s the right model for you. After all, you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash on a product that doesn’t fit your requirements. Lastly, if you found this article useful, please share it for others to see!

*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.