Best In-Ground Basketball Hoop Reviews: Stationary, Adjustable Goal Systems For Home, Backyard & More

Best in-ground basketball hoops; man dunking

You love basketball. Maybe your kids love basketball…

…or maybe you want them to.

One of the best investments you can make in your game and in spending quality time with your friends and family is an in-ground basketball hoop.

This permanent installation will give you the closest feeling of a real gym that you can get at home. It’s a place where you can practice, spend some quality time with the kids, or just have some fun with a friendly game of HORSE.

Look:

The best in-ground basketball hoop reviews will help you to determine if this is the right investment for your game today.

And after reviewing and testing dozens of the top models, we’ve concluded that the Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System is the best all-around permanent hoop.

Let me show you why…

Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops Reviews

Product Details
#1 Silverback 60

Best Selling Gym Style Goal

  • Star Rating: 4.5
  • Backboard: 60" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$
Check Price
#2 Silverback 54

Good Cylinder Action

  • Star Rating: 4.5
  • Backboard: 54" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$
Check Price
#3 LIFETIME 71524 XL Height Adjustable Basketball System

Popular & Great Price

  • Star Rating: 4.2
  • Backboard: 54" Polycarbonate
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#4 Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System

Shatterproof Backboard

  • Star Rating: 4.2
  • Backboard: 52" Polycarbonate Shatterproof
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#5 Lifetime 90020 Height Adjustable In-Ground Hoop

Unique Look, Smaller Backboard

  • Star Rating: 4.2
  • Backboard: 48" Polycarbonate Shatterproof
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#6 Spalding H-Frame In-Ground Basketball System

Easy Assembly

  • Star Rating: 4.1
  • Backboard Material: 60" or 72" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$$$+
Check Price
#7 Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System

Heavy Duty

  • Star Rating: 4.1
  • Backboard: 50" Polycarbonate
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#8 Goalrilla GS54 Basketball System

Rust Resistant

  • Star Rating: 4.1
  • Backboard: 54" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$$
Check Price
#9 Goalrilla GS I In-Ground Basketball System

Super Expensive

  • Star Rating: 3.4
  • Backboard: 72" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$$$+
Check Price

1. Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System – Editor’s Choice

The primary advantage you’ll receive when using this 60″ basketball system from Silverback is its overall durability – which is why it landed at #1 in our rankings.

Here’s why:

It all begins with the 4×4 inch two-piece steel pole that has been given a DuPont powder coating. This ensures you will receive a premium resistance to corrosion, even in the harshest of climates.

To keep the center of gravity down so that the basketball system isn’t top-heavy, the backboard has been given a weather-resistant aluminum frame…

Plus:

The backboard itself is made from 8-millimeter thick tempered glass, giving you an extremely strong and sturdy platform to work on your game for years to come.

Check Price

2. Silverback 54″ In-Ground Basketball System – Good Cylinder Action

This in-ground basketball system is a good value purchase. The two-piece steel pole is 4×4 inches and will give you a stable performance, especially if you add a little concrete to the mix.

The tempered glass gives you a nice rebound and good cylinder action, though at just 4.8mm, it could be a little thicker for the player’s peace of mind.

The goal height adjusts from 7.5 feet to 10 feet and features an all-steel actuator. Assembly is rather simple and a pole pad is included for under-the-rime play.

If you want to create a professional-style court at home, this is one of the more affordable options to consider.

Check Price

3. Liftetime 71524 Height Adjustable In-Ground Basketball Hoop – Popular & Great Value

The support pole for the backboard is a 3.5-inch diameter steel structure, which reduces vibration and movement whenever there is an impact on the rim or the backboard.

The backboard, although it is transparent, is also supported by steel structuring. It’s powder-coated and has a rust-resistant finish to maintain the quality of the basketball system all year long.

But be warned:

Scratches can produce some corrosion over time, however, so you may wish to take some care when installing it along a driveway near trees.

Nonetheless, the positive qualities of this system are what make it a perennially popular choice and one of the best selling units on the market. So you can rest assured you are making a great investment here.

Check Price

4. Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System – Shatterproof Backboard

What’s nice about this in-ground basketball hoop system is the shatterproof backboard.

It’s particularly useful in climates that can see some extreme weather changes from season to season, allowing you to have a worry-free installation…

…and who doesn’t want that?

The 52-inch backboard might be a little smaller than some players may prefer, but the polyethylene backboard does provide a superior level of strength and quality for at-home play.

To round out this review, the power-lift mechanism also makes height adjustments become a simple and easy process so you can spend more time practicing and less time fooling around trying to get the right height.

Check Price

5. Lifetime 90020 Height Adjustable In-Ground Hoop – Best Budget Pick

For an affordable in-ground basketball system, this model gets a LOT of the basics right.

Here’s how:

The shatterproof backboard gives you a strong, resilient playing experience with a minimal amount of vibration or lateral movement.

At 48 inches on the horizontal, the Makrolon playing surface provides fade-resistant graphics to give your court or driveway a unique look.

Now, we wouldn’t recommend dunking with this system – and long-distance shots take some work – but for a quick home pickup game?

This system is perfect.

Plus, it offers height adjustments for players of all ages and skills.

Check Price

6. Spalding H-Frame In-Ground Basketball System

This steel-framed glass backboard is the closest thing to the real deal that we could find on the market today.

Rebounds are authentic, even if you’re using one of the best outdoor basketballs with a solid rubber cover. It also offers a U-Turn pro lift system that gives you infinite height adjustments between 7-10 feet.

The square pole is a one-piece unit, giving you plenty of stability after it has been installed. A ground tube anchor kit with a hinging base is included for easy assembly.

The backboard has a 3-foot offset from the pole for good under-the-hoop work as well. If you want a heavy-duty basketball system that will give you an institutional level performance at home, then make the investment today.

Check Price

7. Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System

This system from Spalding is centered around the height adjustment mechanism.

It’s a company-specific pro-glide lifting system that gives you a range of 7.5 feet to 10 feet for your rim height. Instead of just giving you one height or the other, however, Spalding has built into the lifting mechanism several stopping increments.

The equipped 6-inch increments allow you to place the rim at 8 feet, 9 feet, or the half-foot stops to give you whatever height the current players need to perfect their game.

Check Price

8. Goalrilla GLR GS54 Basketball System

It all boils down to the quality of the installation. You’ve got to lock the anchor down nice and tight for the pole to be properly supported. The hole for the concrete base must also be deep enough for there to be a strong enough foundation for the pole itself.

If the hole is just a little too shallow or the anchor is a little loose, you’re going to experience sometimes severe vibration with this basketball system.

But, when you get everything right, you’ll find that this is easily one of the best in-ground basketball hoops on the market today.

Check Price

9. Goalrilla GS In-Ground Basketball System

If you want the best in-ground basketball hoop for the home, then this is definitely one of the options that must be considered.

It offers 3/8-inch tempered glass for excellent rebounding potential. Like most, it offers incremental height adjustments from 7.5 feet to 10 feet, but does so with a crank actuator. The included anchor system allows the goal to be moved, but the pro-style breakaway rim still allows for strong dunking.

The square pole is 6×6 inches for added strength and you’ll get plenty of action on the 60-inch backboard. The limited lifetime warranty even includes the glass.

Check Price

The best in-ground basketball hoops are going to give you the opportunity to work on all of your skills with accuracy and regularity. Whether your budget is tight and you just want to compliment a small driveway or you’re installing your own backyard basketball court, you’ll find the right hoop with the correct size of backboard and materials to meet your needs.

Grab your basketball system today so you can have it installed this year and have permanent family fun.

Finding the best in-ground basketball hoop can be a challenge, but of all the models we’ve reviewed, we’ve chosen the Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System as our top choice. The vibration is minimal and the lifetime warranty keeps you protected.

The Best Chart for In-Ground Basketball Hoops

There are several quality points to consider when shopping for an in-ground basketball hoop. How sturdy is the support pole? What is the quality and size of the backboard? Will it be easy to install? The chart below offers you the chance to review today’s top-rated in-ground basketball hoops so that your needs can be effectively met.

Product Details
#1 Silverback 60

Best Selling Gym Style Goal

  • Star Rating: 4.5
  • Backboard: 60" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$
Check Price
#2 Silverback 54

Good Cylinder Action

  • Star Rating: 4.5
  • Backboard: 54" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$
Check Price
#3 LIFETIME 71524 XL Height Adjustable Basketball System

Popular & Great Price

  • Star Rating: 4.2
  • Backboard: 54" Polycarbonate
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#4 Lifetime 71281 In-Ground Power Lift Basketball System

Shatterproof Backboard

  • Star Rating: 4.2
  • Backboard: 52" Polycarbonate Shatterproof
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#5 Lifetime 90020 Height Adjustable In-Ground Hoop

Unique Look, Smaller Backboard

  • Star Rating: 4.2
  • Backboard: 48" Polycarbonate Shatterproof
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#6 Spalding H-Frame In-Ground Basketball System

Easy Assembly

  • Star Rating: 4.1
  • Backboard Material: 60" or 72" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$$$+
Check Price
#7 Spalding NBA In-Ground Basketball System

Heavy Duty

  • Star Rating: 4.1
  • Backboard: 50" Polycarbonate
  • Price: $$
Check Price
#8 Goalrilla GS54 Basketball System

Rust Resistant

  • Star Rating: 4.1
  • Backboard: 54" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$$
Check Price
#9 Goalrilla GS I In-Ground Basketball System

Super Expensive

  • Star Rating: 3.4
  • Backboard: 72" Tempered Glass
  • Price: $$$$$+
Check Price

The Advantages of an In-Ground Basketball Hoop

In many communities, it is often illegal to place a basketball hoop out on the street. Some HOAs may even forbid the use of a portable basketball hoop in the driveway.

Since you don’t want to do anything illegal when practicing or playing and you don’t need the HOA breathing down your neck, an in-ground basketball hoop gives you a permanent installation that can add value to your property.

Here are the other advantages to think about when shopping for the best in-ground basketball systems today.

  • They take up less ground space. Portable basketball systems need to have a wide base in order to support the hoop properly. In-ground basketball systems just need to have one location where the pole can be properly installed.
  • They provide more stability. For aggressive players, an in-ground system is the best option. The cement installation for the pole will keep the hoop and backboard in place, allowing you to develop your own style of play – no matter how aggressive it may be.
  • They offer numerous backboard options. It is easier for an in-ground basketball hoop to offer a glass backboard, which offers an authentic bounce whenever the ball strikes it. This makes it useful for practicing bank shots or judging rebound trajectories. You can also find graphite and polyethylene backboards available for installation as well.

Some in-ground systems also come with a height adjustment mechanism. This is especially useful for homes that have young players learning the game. Look for systems that can range from 7.5 feet to 10 feet at minimum so that everyone can have the chance to experience the fun which only basketball can provide.

How to Install the Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops

Man with basketball in front of in-ground hoop

The first thing you’ll need to do is dig a hole where the support pole footing for the backboard and hoop will go. You may need to call your local utility for an underground inspection to avoid wires or pipes before digging. Follow the manufacturer’s depth suggestion.

Once you’ve dug the hole, it is a good idea to put 3-6 inches of gravel at the bottom of it for drainage. Tamp the gravel down a little so you have a flat surface.

Place the pole into the ground. As one person holds the pole, have another place bricks, stones, or blocks around it so that it will be stable. Then fill the hole with concrete. You do not want to attach the backboard yet. You are only installing the basketball pole at this point.

Once the concrete has been poured, check the pole to make sure it is level. You will need to brace the pole so it stays level during the drying process. As the concrete dries, the pole can shift in direction or height, so check it periodically as it is setting up.

As the concrete is drying, you can affix the hoop to the backboard, get your hardware together, and string the net for the hoop. Even if you are using quick-dry cement, it may be 24-72 hours before the concrete is fully dry and ready for you to finish the installation of the basketball system.

Goalrilla has put together an excellent video that can take you through the installation steps of their unique in-ground basketball system as well.

 

 

 

Where to Install the Best In-Ground Basketball Hoops

The most common location to install an in-ground basketball hoop is next to a driveway. You can often dig the support hole for the pole right next to the concrete for the driveway, allowing you to use that surface as your basketball court. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to add a permanent basketball hoop to your property.

Some property owners may be able to install their in-ground system next to the street so that it can be used for authentic street ball. Check local jurisdictions before starting this type of installation.

A growing trend is to install a half-court basketball system in a backyard. Composite tiles and other flooring materials are highly affordable, weather-resistant, and give you a more level playing surface than a concrete driveway. Most homeowner associations will allow this type of installation as well.

How Much Do the Best In-Ground Hoops Cost?

In-ground systems are one of the more expensive ways to add basketball to your home life. It is also one of the easiest ways to add more value to your property. A basic in-ground system will typically cost around $250 for the equipment. Advanced systems, which include height adjustments, are usually between $400-$700.

If you want an authentic professional-style basketball system, including a glass backboard, then pricing begins around $1,500.

Any installation costs that may be required, including concrete and tools, are not included in this pricing.

What’s Next

If you are ready to upgrade your home court, look no further than the Silverback 60″ In-Ground Basketball System. This sturdy installation is the most durable option we found to give your court years of quality play without worrying about replacing it anytime soon.

And for those of you who want a solid option without breaking the bank, you’ll be pleased with the Lifetime 90020 Height Adjustable In-Ground Hoop – which is the most affordable option of the bunch and does so without sacrificing quality.

More Guides

Our reviews of the best basketball hoops of all sorts are essential reading before you make any decisions!