Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations or editorial integrity. Learn more

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Rain Barrels

Free water falls from the sky—why not catch it? We compared rain barrels from decorative planters to utilitarian drums—finding what actually works and what just breeds mosquitoes.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Good Ideas

Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

The rain barrel that doesn't look like a drum. That flat back sits flush against the house, the oak aesthetic actually looks good, and the child-safe lid prevents curious kids from diving in. American-made from recycled plastic.

Capacity

50 gallons

Material

Recycled plastic

Color

Oak look

Origin

USA

Pros

✓ Oak barrel aesthetic
✓ Flat back design
✓ Child-safe lid

Cons

✗ Spigot position low
✗ Stand sold separately
✗ Lid seal imperfect

$119

View on Amazon

Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel Best Good Ideas	4.5	$119	View
RC4000 Rain Catcher Value FCMP Outdoor	4.3	$89	View
Cascata 65 Gallon Rain Barrel Algreen	4.6	$189	View
35 Gallon Rain Barrel Freeport Park	4.1	$59	View
50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel Ivy	4.2	$49	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Good Ideas

Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

Capacity

50 gallons

Material

Recycled plastic

Color

Oak look

Origin

USA

Pros

✓ Oak barrel aesthetic
✓ Flat back design
✓ Child-safe lid

Cons

✗ Spigot position low
✗ Stand sold separately
✗ Lid seal imperfect

$119

View on Amazon

Best Value

FCMP Outdoor

RC4000 Rain Catcher

4.3 (5,678 reviews)

Function over fashion at a fair price. Screen keeps debris out, linking port lets you add capacity later, and the simple design just works. Not winning beauty contests but reliably catching rain.

Capacity

45 gallons

Material

BPA-free plastic

Feature

Mesh screen

Linking

Yes

Pros

✓ 45-gallon capacity
✓ Screen mesh filter
✓ Linking capability

Cons

✗ Utilitarian look
✗ Spigot quality basic
✗ Light plastic

$89

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Algreen

Cascata 65 Gallon Rain Barrel

4.6 (3,456 reviews)

A rain barrel disguised as a planter. That double-wall construction provides insulation and durability. The integrated planter on top lets you grow flowers while collecting rain below. Form meets function beautifully.

Capacity

65 gallons

Material

Double-wall plastic

Feature

Planter top

Spigot

Brass

Pros

✓ Planter top
✓ Double-walled
✓ Premium spigot

Cons

✗ Expensive
✗ Heavy when full
✗ Planter needs drainage

$189

View on Amazon

Budget Pick

Freeport Park

35 Gallon Rain Barrel

4.1 (2,345 reviews)

Entry-level rain harvesting without the investment. Small enough for tight spaces, affordable enough to test whether you'll actually use collected rain. Upgrade later if you catch the bug.

Capacity

35 gallons

Material

Plastic

Feature

Overflow port

Color

Terra cotta

Pros

✓ Very affordable
✓ Simple design
✓ Overflow port

Cons

✗ Small capacity
✗ Basic construction
✗ Plain appearance

$59

View on Amazon

Ivy

50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel

4.2 (6,789 reviews)

The rain barrel for renters and movers. Collapses flat for storage or moving, weighs almost nothing empty, sets up in minutes. Not as durable as rigid barrels but solves the portability problem.

Capacity

50 gallons

Material

PVC fabric

Feature

Collapsible

Weight

3 lbs

Pros

✓ Collapses flat
✓ Lightweight PVC
✓ Includes diverter

Cons

✗ Less durable
✗ UV degradation over time
✗ Spigot leaks common

$49

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Rain Barrels

How to Choose a Rain Barrel

Free water falls from the sky. Why not catch it? A rain barrel collects roof runoff for watering gardens—reducing your water bill and stormwater runoff simultaneously.

Capacity Planning

One inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof = 600 gallons of water. A typical rain barrel holds 50-60 gallons. That fills up fast in a real rain. Consider linking multiple barrels or accepting overflow during heavy storms.

### Material Options

Recycled Plastic: Most common. Lightweight, durable, affordable. Look for UV-stabilized and BPA-free.

Wood (or wood-look): Traditional aesthetic. Real wood requires maintenance; plastic that looks like wood doesn't.

Fabric/Collapsible: Lightweight, portable, less durable. Good for temporary setups or renters.

### Essential Features

Mesh screen/filter: Keeps debris and mosquitoes out. Non-negotiable.
Overflow port: Directs excess water when barrel is full. Essential.
Spigot: Higher placement means more usable water; lower placement means slower filling of containers.
Linkage port: Lets you connect multiple barrels for more capacity.

### Installation Reality

You'll need to position the barrel under a downspout, likely with a diverter kit (often sold separately). The barrel needs to be elevated if you want gravity-fed hose pressure. Check local regulations—some areas have rain harvesting restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rain Barrels

Is rain barrel water safe for vegetables?

Yes, but with caveats. Avoid using on leafy greens you'll eat raw; apply at soil level, not on edible parts. Roof materials matter—avoid if roof has treated wood shakes or significant asphalt. Let water sit 48 hours for chlorine (if city water) to dissipate.

How do I prevent mosquitoes in my rain barrel?

Keep it sealed. Screen all openings, including overflow ports. If mosquitoes appear, add Bti dunks (bacterial larvicide)—safe for plants, deadly for mosquito larvae. Empty and refill regularly; stagnant water breeds mosquitoes.

What do I do with rain barrels in winter?

In freezing climates, drain completely and store upside down or indoors. Water expands when frozen and will crack barrels. Disconnect diverter kits and restore normal downspout flow for winter.

Can I pressure wash or run drip irrigation from a rain barrel?

Not with gravity alone. Rain barrels provide about 0.5 PSI per foot of elevation—typical garden hoses need 10+ PSI. You can add a pump for pressure applications, or use a watering can and gravity-fed soaker hoses.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

We analyze thousands of real customer reviews, compare product specifications, and curate recommendations so you can make an informed decision without the research hassle.

Curated Recommendations

Real Customer Reviews

Specs Compared

No Paid Placements

Learn more about our methodology →