6 Best Rain Barrels in 2026

The Step2 Lakewood holds 60 gallons, the largest capacity among the standard barrels here, and comes with an integrated elevated stand. A stainless steel mesh screen filters very fine particulate while still allowing maximum water flow, and a 3/4 inch brass spigot is included. The assembled size is 46 inches high, 24 wide and 20 deep, and the maker says you can link several barrels together for more storage and overflow management.

The built-in stand solves the problem that low spigots cannot fit a watering can. The extra height adds gravity pressure for a hose, which a ground-level barrel cannot match. The double-walled plastic body is described as resistant to chipping, fading, cracking and peeling, and the stainless screen is a real mosquito and debris barrier. The tradeoff is size, since the listing does not detail a removable lid, so cleaning relies on wiping and screen care rather than reaching in.

Ownership is simple because the maker lists minimal assembly and an easy wipe down. A full 60 gallons weighs roughly 500 pounds, so the base must be level, firm and sized for a 24 by 20 inch footprint. Drain it before freezing weather and rinse the screen in leafy seasons. Compared with the 55 gallon RTS Premium it holds 5 more gallons and lifts the spigot, while the 53 gallon Laspeiraux gives up that rigidity for easy folding. It suits yards that want one big, easy-access barrel.

The RTS Newport holds 50 gallons and includes a stand, a removable lid and a brass spigot in a slate color. An overflow nozzle can be installed on both sides, so you can steer excess water toward whichever side suits your downspout. A screen kit on top keeps debris out, and an optional link kit lets you connect more barrels for extra storage.

Two-sided overflow is a practical detail for awkward downspout positions, and the removable lid makes it easy to scrub the inside or fill from another water source. The stand raises the spigot so watering cans fit underneath, and the base is described as sturdy. The tradeoff is that 50 gallons is smaller than the Step2 at 60, and a removable lid must be secured against kids and animals. Screens still need cleaning in leafy yards.

For ownership, decide which side the overflow nozzle goes on before you install it, and plan the hose or second barrel it will feed. Link kits are optional, so budget for one if you want more storage. Compared with the Step2 it offers more flexible overflow but 10 fewer gallons. Compared with the Good Ideas Nantucket it has a stand and a lid you can lift off, while the Nantucket offers a planter top and two spigots. It suits yards with awkward downspouts.

The RTS Premium holds 55 gallons with a flat back shape that fits snugly against a wall or fence, in a woodgrain finish with black stripes. The listing highlights a removable lid for easy cleaning and water retrieval, an overflow system that redirects excess water, and a premium brass spigot. It is aimed at gardens, lawns and outdoor plants.

The flat back saves space against a house wall, which matters in narrow side yards. A removable lid lets you dip a watering can or scrub the interior without a hose. The brass spigot should outlast plastic fittings that crack in cold. The tradeoff is that the listing does not mention a screen or a stand, so a low spigot will not clear a tall watering can without blocks, and an open lid needs a tight fit plus a fine screen to block mosquitoes.

A full 55 gallons weighs well over 400 pounds, so the base has to be level and firm before you fill it. Keep the lid seated in storms and rinse out leaf litter after autumn. Compared with the Newport it holds 5 more gallons but documents no stand or screen kit. Compared with the Step2 it sits on the ground rather than on an elevated stand, while the 50 gallon Walnut has a similar flat back and brass spigot. It suits narrow side yards.

The Good Ideas Nantucket holds 50 gallons and has a 4 inch planter top for flowers or herbs. A mesh screen blocks debris from entering your water supply, and a routed channel diverts excess water to the front of the barrel to avoid flooding your foundation. It is made of durable polyethylene in dark brown.

It carries two metal spigots, one at the front for a hose and one at the side for filling tall buckets. The second spigot can also serve as additional overflow control or link to other barrels. The routed overflow tackles the most common rain barrel mistake, which is dumping water beside the foundation. The tradeoff is that planting in the top adds soil and weight near the opening, and the listing does not mention a stand or removable lid.

For ownership, choose shallow-rooted herbs for the planter, keep the screen clear and give the barrel a level base. Without a stand the front spigot sits low, so blocks help when you want to fill a can. Compared with the Newport it trades the removable lid and stand for a planter and a second spigot. Compared with the Step2 it holds 10 fewer gallons, and against the 53 gallon Laspeiraux it is a permanent rigid fixture. It suits decorative front yards.

This RTS barrel holds 50 gallons with a brass spigot, in a flat-back shape and walnut color. The UV-resistant polyethylene is meant to withstand outdoor elements, and a built-in overflow valve manages excess water with the option to connect multiple barrels. It targets garden, lawn and plant watering, and the maker calls it low maintenance and easy to install.

A brass spigot is described as secure and leak free, and it lasts longer than plastic ones that crack in cold weather. The flat back saves space against a wall, and linking multiple barrels through the overflow is straightforward. The tradeoff is that the listing describes no screen, lid detail or stand, so confirm mosquito protection yourself. A low spigot also needs a sturdy base or blocks for watering can access.

For ownership, add a fine mesh over the fill opening, raise the barrel on level blocks and drain it before hard freezes. Because the overflow valve is the linking point, plan the second barrel before you cut the downspout. Compared with the Newport it documents a brass spigot but no stand or screen kit. Compared with the RTS ECO model it adds the brass spigot over a plastic one, and against the 55 gallon Premium it holds 5 fewer gallons. It suits buyers who want a durable spigot.

The Laspeiraux is a collapsible rainwater collection system holding 53 gallons, made of three-layer PVC. The listing says its integrated design with a screw-in faucet is meant to be leak-proof, and that circular footpads help prevent wobbling or tipping. It folds for easy carrying and storage, and it includes a mesh top, a filter kit and an overflow kit.

Collapsing makes winter storage easy, which solves the freeze problem that cracks rigid barrels. It is lighter to move than a hard plastic barrel and suits renters or seasonal gardeners. The tradeoff is that a soft-sided tank is less sturdy than a rigid one, and a full 53 gallons weighs around 440 pounds, so it can bulge and needs a flat, debris-free surface. A faucet near ground level also needs elevation for watering cans.

For ownership, lay it on a smooth surface free of sharp stones, connect the downspout and overflow kit, and drain and fold it before freezing. The seller promises replacements if parts are missing or damaged, which helps a first-time installation. Compared with the Step2 at 60 gallons it is lighter but less robust. Compared with the 50 gallon RTS barrels it adds 3 gallons and folds flat. It suits seasonal use.