The 6 Best Portable Basketball Hoop Under 500 For Pro-Players Reviews

What can you get with 500 dollars? A small refrigerator, a cabinet, a heater, or a bicycle. But what about getting a portable basketball hoop?

Nowadays, more and more teenagers are keen on basketball sports and would like to spend a lot of time practicing it. It is no longer a sport but also serves as an important bridge to connect close relationships with your family and your friends.

A portable basketball hoop refers to its movable performance, you can roll it around and change it anywhere as an arena. There is no court needed.

Wherever in the backyard or on your driveway, you can call your friends and family out for playing and practicing.

Well, you may also ask, a cheap portable basketball hoop is capable enough for family entertainment, why do I need one for around $500?

So in this article, we will tell you the reason and also offers the best portable basketball hoop under $500 review for you to choose from.

Quick Pick From the Best Portable Basketball Hoops Around $500 Comparison Chart

 

Why Do I Need the Best Portable Basketball Hoop Under $500?

Portable basketball hoop prices vary according to their materials and performance in playing. Cheap types that range from $100-300 are normally polycarbonate backboards with classic rim or Slam-It rim for some. They are durable and can be used for a long time, their shatterproof features also free you from replacing breakable backboards frequently. But of course, the rebounding effects are worse, so worse that you should never expect they have. Therefore, these kinds of hoops are the perfect ones for residential entertainment.

The middle level, however, ranges around $500-800. They are typically equipped with an acrylic backboard. Acrylic, as we both know, is harder than polycarbonate and thus creates more bank shots and rebounding effects when playing. The cons, of course, is that it is not as sturdy as polycarbonate.

The highest price level refers to those cost around $1000, like “The Beast”. Apart from their glass backboard, there is also a technological design to keep the hoop stable all the time, to ease the process of moving and adjusting the height. They are basically the same as their counterparts on the court, so of course, they are perfect for professional players for improving their basketball skills at home.

From the analysis of each level, you may understand that the best portable basketball hoop under 500 belongs to the middle level. It means both the working performance in playing and the price are in the middle. In other words, if you intend to get a good performance type but do not want to pay that much money, then you can casually choose one from these. And they both satisfy the need for family recreation and high-scoring races.

 

Features of Best Portable Basketball Hoop Under $500

Backboard

The backboard of the best portable basketball hoop under 500 is normally acrylic material, it is quite strong and has good rebounding effects. Most of them are made clear with only a few graphics printed on, this design, gives the feel and looks of pro glass.

Rim

There are altogether three rims, one is the classic rim, the other is equipped with springs, and the last one is covered with steel metal to protect the hoop in dunking actions. Both the second and the third types are capable enough of accepting dunking or over rim actions. Luckily, the portable basketball hoops we are about to recommend are nearly all with Slam-It rims, they are equipped with durable springs on protecting hoops. But long-time dunking easily gets spring sags, so we still do not suggest using them for dunking practice.

Base

Unlike polycarbonate backboard, the acrylic backboard is quite heavier, if lacking a strong base, it may easily get tripped down or wiggle much in playing, resulting in much “give” when the ball hits the backboard. Therefore, most of the bases are 35 gallons, 37 gallons, and even 40 gallons. The heavy base enables sturdiness in playing but also adds difficulty in moving around to some extent.

Advanced Features

Unlike cheap portable basketball hoops, there are also some advanced features, some have angled poles, some change the way of wheels, and some innovative easy designs on adjusting the height.

 

Best Portable Basketball Hoops Under 500 Reviews

1. Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop

Silverback is always dedicated to producing high-quality in-ground basketball hoops, and lately, it spreads its touch into portable types. And does bring innovative changes to portable basketball hoops. The type we will talk about, NXT portable basketball hoop is the hot-selling one and is mostly praised by users.

Here we do not say much about the usual features that most portable hoops have, such as a sturdy polycarbonate backboard, easy height adjustment, etc. But the emphasis on its advanced improvement. From the shape of the hoop, we can see the slight change is on its base, there is Stabili-Frame connecting the chassis and main pole directly to increase stability and strength. See the back stand on the back of the base? That is the reason for the easy moving of the hoop, it balances the weight one must carry and it can even tilt backward.

And what’s next? The pole is designed as an angled type to improve stability. The last is the backboard, it features most of the Infinity Edge backboard, it folds backward directly to increase rigidity and also to increase rebound. Finally, if you find assembling too trouble, try this one. It is said to take only 90 minutes on it.

Pros:

1. Polycarbonate material
2. Backboard and base is quite sturdy, do not have any give
3. Height adjustment is quite simple, one kid can do it by himself
4. Easy assembling
5. Instructions are pretty thorough
6. High quality constructions

Cons:

Some of the parts are mislabeled

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2. Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System

Spalding is a portable basketball hoop brand that focuses on the high-end types. From the shape, we could feel directly, that it looks more pro. This type, however, costs less among all its products but still has wonderful performance for beginners or intermediate players use.

It is equipped with a 54-inch acrylic backboard, few graphics are printed but only an NBA logo, making it more real in playing. The acrylic backboard does have a good rebounding effect, but if you intend to use it for dunking practice, you are choosing the wrong one. The Slam breakaway rim protects the hoop in dunking, but too often rim action brings spring into sag easily.

Being too high for young kids? The screw jack behind the pole is what you can use for adjusting the height from 7.5 to 10 feet. An Angled pole increases stability, as well as moving difficulty though.

Compared with other brands of portable basketball hoops, there is a front cover acting as a rebounder, to prolong your playing time smartly.

Do not worry about it wiggling much in playing, for the 40 gallons base keeps it stable all the time.

Pros:

1. Quite stable, no hanging on the rim
2. The hoop is solid in all sorts of bad weather
3. Easy to lower or raise through the crank
4. Great quality, no wobble
5. Nice instructions

Cons:

1. Requires two-person on installation and takes about 4-5 hours
2. Difficult to move once filled in with water or sand
3. Difficult to pull the main pole together

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3. Lifetime 71524 XL Height Adjustable Basketball System

Lifetime is a portable basketball hoop brand that is not strange to us. It experts on primary-level and middle-level hoops and are thus more cost-effective. With the relatively cheap price, most of the hoops of it are polycarbonate type.

Thus if you are a pro player intending to get one with a brilliant rebounding effect with less money, return back to the above two types. For recreational use, please go on reading.

This is a large-inch backboard, reaching 54 inches, and thus provides more bank shots in playing. Its clear backboard with few graphics gives you the look of a pro and is also shatterproof.

For height adjustment, use the hand crank on the pole, you can easily raise it up and down from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6 increments. The operation of it is really not hard, even small kids are capable to do it (if he or she is tall enough).

Worried about shaking? Well, it is polycarbonate material, so it will wiggle a bit. But with 35 gallons base, it can be quite stable though.

Pros:

1. Easy to adjust the height with a hydraulic system
2. Large backboard size (54 inches)
3. Both bring fun to adults and children
4. Totally worth the price

Cons:

1. Takes about 2 or 3 hours on assembling
2. Shakes quite hard when the ball hits the backboard or rim

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4. Lifetime 71566 50 Inch Shatter Proof Portable Basketball Hoop

This one is listed as the fourth recommended best portable basketball hoop under 500, the price of which is, of course, reasonable and unbeatable, but the performance is of course not as good as the above types. However, for daily entertainment, this one does well.

50-inch shatterproof backboard, a bit small for races but ranks average size among portable types. All the materials are weather-resistant and able to withstand the harshest elements outdoor, including UV-protected ink, nylon net, and solid steel rim.

In terms of the rim, it has double compression springs to protect the hoop in dunking actions. But springs are easily getting sag for long time of use, so try not to practice dunk with this hoop.

Normally polycarbonate backboard can be wiggle much, but this is really excellent in that aspect, perhaps because of its large diameter pole.

It takes about 4 hours on assembling, and takes more infilling with sand or water, for the filling hole is quite small. Instructions are pretty clear, so if you read them carefully before doing it and call a partner for help, it will an easy task to do.

Pros:

1. Easy height adjustment
2. Good instructions
3. Pretty sturdy, the backboard does not wiggle a bit even you hit the backboard hard
4. Surprisingly good quality, reasonable price for the quality
5. Pole is big in diameter

Cons:

1. Take about 4 hours on assembling with two people
2. Shake a bit in playing

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5. Lifetime 71286 XL Portable Basketball System

This portable basketball hoop is actually quite the same as the 71566 type we have introduced before. But is larger on backboard size and is printed in different colors and shapes.

The regulation backboard size of the NBA is 72 inches, and the average size for portable types is normally 52 or 54 inches. Thus this 52-inch shatterproof polycarbonate backboard gives you more chances of bank shots. The backboard is printed with black ink, looking wise when placed outdoor. Fade-resistant ink protects it from the harshest elements outdoor.

There are also double compression springs on the Slam-It rim, they protect the hoop from dunking actions. If you intend to adjust the height, just get a long stick and raise the goal up and down from 7.5 to 10 feet.

The operation is quite easy and kids are able to do it themselves. When you stop using it for a long time, you can push it into the garage with two detachable wheels set on the base.

Though it is at a relatively cheap price level, the quality is surprisingly good. If you are looking for one for daily recreation use, you can never miss this type.

Pros:

1. Very sturdy, easy to lower and up the height by kids themselves
2. The hook is in good quality

Cons:

1. A bit awkward on moving
2. Takes about 4-5 hours on assembling

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How to Choose the Best Portable Basketball Hoop Under $500?

There are different types of such price levels, and each of them is designed for different usage and levels of players. Here we will give you some tips on getting the best portable basketball hoop under 500 as follow:

1. Size

Backboard sizes of portable basketball systems are normally 44 inches, 48 inches, 52 inches, 54 inches, and even 60 inches. The larger the backboard size is, the more bank shots it provides. For kid’s entertainment, there is no need to get a large one, 44 inches or 48 inches is enough. If professional players on improving basketball skills, you may need a 54-inch or 60 inches to give you the real feeling of playing like a pro.

2. Usage

For different users, the selection of portable basketball hoops is also different. If you are a beginner and want to get one for daily recreation, or get the first touch with basketball, you may get a cheap one for around $200 or $300. But if you are an intermediate player who practices basketball a lot at home, but lacks enough money, then get one with a middle price. For pro players, we strongly suggest a tempered glass type.

3. Mobility

The biggest difference between the portable basketball system and the in-ground hoop is mobility. Instead of being fixed by cement, portable types are movable with two wheels set on the base. However, with the strong base filled with water or sand, some of them are really hard to move. If you need to push it around frequently, get one that is easy to transfer.

4. Assemble

From investigation, we found that large portions of people are worried about assembling. After all, a portable basketball hoop is a big item and occupies much space in your backyard. Instructions and design are both important. In the review of us, we will give you the average assemble time it needs and also the assemble tips for reference. Choose an easily assemble type if you hate putting things together.

5. Others

Apart from the above tips, there is also something we want to tell you. Lifetime, Spalding, and Silverback are all famous brands in producing basketball and related gear. They all provide a limited 5-year warranty for you. Thus if there are missing parts or the item sent to you is of poor quality, you can call them directly for help. Make sure to use it under instructions, or the service life may be shortened, even worse (which we do not want to see), and causes harm to safety.

 

Who Is a Portable Basketball Hoop Under $500 For?

The following cadres of persons will find the portable basketball hoop under $500 particularly handy for their use and engagements:

Starters

If you have never attempted to play the game of basketball before, this hoop will usher you in the game pretty fine. It is somewhat simpler and easier to mount. These notwithstanding, the performance of the item is still top-notch and does not disappoint at all.

Intermediates

Just in case you have already mastered the basics of the game and merely wish to up your skills, you will yet again find this hoop appropriately suited for your course. It is moderately complicated and hence capable of elevating your experiences considerably. The overly reliable nature of the hoops makes them better suited for this.

Amateurs

Could it be that you only want to play the game of basketball for fun or to kill time, you yet again have this wonderful hoop to try out? Being simple and cheap, the hoops are well within your affordable range and is also able to serve you repeatedly.

Practicing

For your regular practices, you need a hoop that is strong and truly reliable. This might yet again come in handy for your own rescue. Not only is it tough but also does it bears many repeated spates of impacts and strength workouts. Choose it to elevate your experiences further and effectively.

 

Best Brands of Portable Basketball Hoop Under 500 Dollars

As we speak, these are the best brands of portable basketball hoops under $500:

Lifetime

If you are seeking a brand to adjust easily to fit many areas, you have the Lifetime brand for your choice and ultimate leverage. Its adjustment mechanism does possess the Action grip trait that allows you to basically vary the dimensions appropriately. Moreover, the frames and the poles are also resistant to corrosion.

Spalding

Seeking a hoop for your outdoor residential plays? Look no further than the Spalding brand. It is strong, weather-resistant, and pretty suited for the matter. Most of its products are made of tempered glass. The use of this material makes the stronger yet light enough to carry around easily.

Goalrilla

If you want to play the game of basketball in areas that are far detached from the mainstream, you want a hoop that may be mounted independently without any external assistance. This brand will get the job done for you. It comes with its own anchor system that allows for remote installations conveniently.

Silverback

The Silverback brand is for that person who wants to practice and master the rules of the game of basketball keenly. That is because it comes in the form of the arena-style and is thus able to bring to you the benefits and privileges of the full-fledged arena.

First Team

Do you change locations too much? The First Team is the brand to set your eyes on. It is by far the lightest, most compact, and most portable of all the brands of hoops we have around. Moreover, it also gives you the leeway to make the necessary adjustments you need to have your way.

SKLZ

For competitive sporting activities, none beats the SKLZ. It is the toughest and the most capable of managing intense and rigorous sporting activities. All of its hoops are stronger and reliable principally by virtue of the shatterproof clear polycarbonate material that is highly resistant to all forms of damage.

Yaheetech

In a nutshell, the Yaheetech brand is built to last. Its parts and material components are coated with non-toxic antirust paint. That makes the same highly resistant to corrosion and the risks of premature damage. All in all, the hoops are lighter and quite convenient to carry around.

MaxKare

Planning to play the wonderful game of basketball in the company of many people? You have to choose and make use of a hoop whose height you can adjust easily. Under such a circumstance, the MaxKare might be the brand to set your eyes on. It does adjust seamlessly to accommodate the heights of many users.

 

Is a Portable Basketball Hoop Under 500 Dollars Suitable for Beginners?

YES, it is! Below are the reasons that make it be suited for beginners:

Cheaper

A portable basketball hoop under 500 dollars is cheaper to come by owing to the fact that it costs below $500. Just about any other person who is in need of it may hence afford it. You will not need to dig too deep into your pockets to come by it. Most beginners lack the necessary financial muscle and hence find it great.

Simpler

On the whole, this item is simpler to comprehend and ultimately makes great use of. It is devoid of the hard and complicated parts that characterize the other sophisticated hoops. This being the case, the item takes less of your hassles and efforts to operationalize as a beginner.

Stronger

Though simple, the item is stronger and able to serve you repeatedly without the risks of breaking down or falling apart. Its sheer strength is also advantageous in the sense that it demands limited spaces of repair and maintenance from you. Its sheer strength also sees to it that it remains resilient for longer.

Adaptable

For all practical purposes, the portable basketball hoop under $500 is adaptable to numerous environments and settings. These include backyards, neighborhoods, open spaces, and poolsides. As a beginner, the hoop gives you the convenience to mount it just about anywhere you might need to. You won’t feel constrained or inconvenienced at all with it.

 

Summary

Best	Type
Best technological type	Silverback NXT Portable Basketball Hoop
Best one for middle-level players	Spalding NBA Portable Basketball System
Best cost-effective type	Lifetime 71524 XL Basketball System
Best one for beginners	Lifetime 71566 Portable Basketball Hoop
Best for daily recreation	Lifetime 71286 Portable Basketball Hoop

500 dollars is not a small sum for most of the family, therefore, in choosing the best portable basketball hoop for under 500, you need to make clear your needs and select according to your levels and budgets.

If you want to know more details on specifications or price details, please check out Amazon freely. There will always be a great deal on it that helps save a large amount of money for you.