Best rain barrels for collecting rainwater (2026)
A rain barrel catches water from your roof for later use. The EPA says rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use on lawns, gardens or indoor plants, and collecting roof runoff reduces the water flowing off your property. This page compares the barrels we list on capacity and fit. We haven't used these ourselves; every spec is from the listing.
By Tom Calder · Updated October 24, 2026 · 4 products, prices indicative
Our picks
RTS 50-gallon rain barrel
A straightforward 50-gallon barrel
FCMP Slim Line 45
Tight spaces beside the house
VEVOR 100-gallon collapsible
The most water, folded away in winter
FCMP Catalina 45
A barrel that looks like a planter
All 4 compared
| Barrel | Capacity | Build | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
50 gallons · 100% recycled plastic · Overflow valve; can link to more barrels A straightforward 50-gallon barrel | 50 gallons | 100% recycled plastic | Overflow valve; can link to more barrels | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched Fifty gallons in recycled plastic with a built-in overflow valve and the option to link more barrels. Use the water on lawns, flower beds and plants you don't eat: CDC says rainwater isn't necessarily safe to drink without first removing germs and chemicals. To stop mosquitoes, CDC says to screen the inlet or empty the barrel at least every 10 days. Best for A straightforward 50-gallon barrel Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need storage for drinking water: see our water storage containers. | ||||
45 gallons · Slim, flat back · Side spigots to link barrels Tight spaces beside the house | 45 gallons | Slim, flat back | Side spigots to link barrels | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A slim, flat-backed 45-gallon barrel that sits flush against a wall, with side spigots to link more barrels. Good where a round barrel won't fit. Same CDC rule: water for plants you don't eat, not for drinking untreated. Best for Tight spaces beside the house Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have room for a round 50-gallon barrel. | ||||
45 gallons · Decorative barrel · See the listing A barrel that looks like a planter | 45 gallons | Decorative barrel | See the listing | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A 45-gallon barrel styled to look decorative rather than utilitarian, for a front yard or patio. The usual CDC rules apply: screen the inlet and use the water on plants you don't eat. Best for A barrel that looks like a planter Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if looks don't matter: the RTS holds more for less. | ||||
100 gallons (380 L) · Collapsible · Folds away for winter The most water, folded away in winter | 100 gallons (380 L) | Collapsible | Folds away for winter | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A collapsible 100-gallon barrel that holds twice what a rigid barrel does and folds away when it isn't needed. Fabric barrels are less tidy than rigid ones, and the CDC rules about screens and non-drinking use still apply. Best for The most water, folded away in winter Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a permanent fixture: a rigid barrel lasts longer outdoors. | ||||
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Before you buy
Capacity: 45 to 50 gallons is typical; link barrels or use a 100-gallon collapsible for more.
Fit: a slim, flat-back barrel fits tight spaces against a wall.
Mosquitoes: CDC says to add a screen where water enters, or empty the barrel at least every 10 days.
Keep it separate: CDC says rainwater must never be able to enter the pipes carrying your drinking water.
We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labeled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test — and commissions never change a ranking either way. Read our full methodology →
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Common questions
Can you drink rain barrel water?
Not without treatment. CDC says rainwater isn't necessarily safe to drink without first removing germs and chemicals, and recommends public tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking where possible.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?
CDC says to add a screen where the water comes into the system, or empty the barrel at least every 10 days.
What is a first flush diverter?
A device that sends the first, dirtiest rainwater from your roof away from the barrel. CDC suggests one to improve the quality of the water you collect.