Last updated: October 9, 2026
Quick answer: A 50-gallon flat-back rain barrel with a screen, an overflow outlet and a way to link a second barrel is a sensible starting point. The RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO, which RTS lists as 100% recycled plastic, had the most ratings among our picks and sits in the budget tier. The FCMP Outdoor 50-Gallon Raincatcher comes with a garden hose, an overflow hose and a linking kit. A diverter such as the EarthMinded 3×4 kit sends overflow back down the downspout.
Below are seven rain barrels (one is a 2-pack, one is collapsible) and one downspout diverter, plus the math on how fast one fills.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How we picked: We compared each listing’s capacity, shape (flat back or round), screen, spigot, overflow and linking options, materials and price tier, and we checked Amazon US availability for delivery to New York 10001 on October 9, 2026. We did not install or test these barrels. Specs below come from the makers’ listings, and the fill-time figures are our arithmetic from USGS rainfall data.
Best Rain Barrels at a Glance
| Pick | Best For | Capacity | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTS Home Accents ECO | Most-rated, budget | 50 gal | Budget |
| FCMP Raincatcher | Hose and linking kit included | 50 gal | Higher |
| RTS Home Accents Brass Spigot | Metal spigot upgrade | 50 gal | Mid |
| RTS ECO 2-Pack | Two barrels, stands, link kit | 2 x 50 gal | Higher |
| Good Ideas Nantucket | Planter top, two metal spigots | 50 gal | Higher |
| Good Ideas Rain Wizard Urn | Decorative urn shape | 50 gal | Higher |
| The Rain Bucket Collapsible | Renters, winter storage | 53 gal | Budget |
| EarthMinded Diverter Kit | Overflow back to the downspout | Accessory | Budget |
Price tiers are from each listing at our check. Prices change often, so check the current price on each listing.
How Fast Does a Rain Barrel Fill?
Quickly: in theory, a 50-gallon barrel can fill from well under a quarter inch of rain. According to the USGS, one inch of rain deposits 27,154 gallons on one acre. By our arithmetic, that is about 623 gallons per 1,000 square feet of roof per inch of rain.
So if 500 square feet of roof drains to one downspout, an inch of rain sends roughly 310 gallons toward it before losses. If all of it reached an empty 50-gallon barrel, the barrel would be full after about 0.16 inch, roughly a sixth of an inch. Real roofs and gutters capture less than that theoretical figure, but the scale is the point.
What that means when you buy
- Plan for overflow as well as capacity. A barrel overflows whenever more water arrives than it has room for. Pick one with an overflow outlet you can hose away from the foundation, or use a diverter that sends extra water back down the downspout.
- Linking adds storage in steps. Two linked 50-gallon barrels give 100 gallons, and you can add the second one later. Check that the linking hardware fits both barrels.
- Height helps. Without a pump, a rain barrel relies on gravity. A stand raises the spigot, which makes room for a watering can underneath. Check the clearance you need.
The 8 Best Rain Barrels and Accessories for 2026
1. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel, 100% Recycled Plastic
- 50-Gallon Capacity: Provides ample storage for harvested rainwater, ideal for watering gardens, lawns, and plants.
- Durable Construction: Made from UV-resistant polyethylene for long-lasting durability and protection from the elements. …
- Overflow Valve: Built-in overflow valve for managing excess water and the option to connect multiple barrels for increas…
Why we picked it: It was the lowest-cost rigid barrel among our picks at our check, and RTS lists it as made of 100% recycled plastic. It had 3,733 ratings, the most among our picks.
The listing describes a 50-gallon flat-back barrel in UV-resistant polyethylene, a built-in overflow valve with the option to connect more barrels, a plastic spigot, and manufacture in the USA. The flat back lets it sit close to a wall or fence.
Best for: a first barrel on a tight budget. Who this is NOT for: anyone who wants a metal spigot or a stand in the box; the stand is sold separately, and the spigot is plastic.
Limitation: the listing includes no hose, stand or link kit, so a full setup costs more than the barrel alone. Check the spigot clearance for your watering can before you buy.
2. FCMP Outdoor 50-Gallon Raincatcher, Flat-Back, Black
Why we picked it: It comes as a kit, and it had 3,167 ratings at our check (the brown version shows the same count). The listing includes a debris screen, a garden hose with a shut-off thumb valve, hose clips, an overflow hose and a kit for linking more barrels.
FCMP lists it as durable polyethylene, holding up to 50 gallons, at 24 x 24 x 32 inches, with spigots on the side for linking barrels. It ships from Spreetail.
Best for: people who want a garden hose, an overflow hose and a kit for connecting more barrels included. Who this is NOT for: budget shoppers; it sat in the higher price tier at our check, well above the RTS ECO.
Note: we hid this card’s listing bullets because one says the screen keeps “the water in your pool” clear and safe for your family. Rain barrel water should not be treated as drinking water.
3. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Walnut
- 50-Gallon Capacity: Provides ample storage for harvested rainwater, ideal for watering gardens, lawns, and plants.
- Durable Construction: Made from UV-resistant polyethylene to withstand outdoor elements and ensure long-lasting durabili…
- Overflow Valve: Built-in overflow valve for managing excess water and the option to connect multiple barrels for increas…
Why we picked it: Like the ECO, the listing describes a 50-gallon flat-back RTS barrel, but this one has a brass spigot. It had 2,050 ratings at our check.
The listing describes UV-resistant polyethylene, a built-in overflow valve, the option to connect more barrels, a textured walnut finish and manufacture in the USA. A stand is sold separately.
Best for: anyone who prefers a metal spigot. Who this is NOT for: shoppers who want an explicit recycled-content claim; unlike the ECO version, this listing does not make one.
Limitation: it sat in the mid tier at our check, above the budget ECO version, for the same listed 50-gallon capacity.
4. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel 2-Pack with Stands and Link Kit
- 2-Pack Set: Includes two 50-gallon rain barrels, perfect for larger water storage needs or connecting multiple barrels. …
- Durable Construction: Made from UV-resistant polyethylene for long-lasting durability and protection from the elements. …
- Overflow Valve: Built-in overflow valve ensures safe water overflow management and prevents flooding.
Why we picked it: It is the only pick that comes as a full two-barrel setup. The listing includes two 50-gallon recycled-plastic barrels, two stands, two plastic spigots, two plastic screens, two hose barbs, Teflon tape and a link kit.
The second barrel adds 50 gallons of storage, and the stands raise the spigots. You still need an overflow path once both barrels are full.
Best for: a garden that needs more than one barrel’s worth of water between rains. Who this is NOT for: anyone with room for only one barrel; check the space two barrels and stands need before ordering.
Limitation: it had only 142 ratings at our check, far fewer than the single ECO barrel, and the listing says it ships in more than one package.
Pro Tip: Check your city or water utility before buying. The EPA notes that many cities and towns distribute rain barrels to residents through annual sales.
5. Good Ideas Impressions Nantucket Rain Water Collection Barrel, 50 Gallon, Dark Brown
- Generous Capacity: Ample collecting and storing space with a 50-gallon capacity rain barrel with a 4-inch planter top
- Ultimate Convenience: Features a mesh screen that blocks debris from entering your water supply
- Smart Water Diversion: Routed channel diverts excess water to the front of the barrel to avoid flooding your foundation
Why we picked it: It looks more like a planter than a barrel. The listing describes a 50-gallon barrel with a 4-inch planter top, a mesh screen, a routed channel that sends overflow to the front, and two metal spigots.
Good Ideas says the second spigot can fill tall buckets from the side, act as extra overflow control or link to another barrel. It had 538 ratings at our check.
Best for: front-of-house downspouts where looks matter. Who this is NOT for: anyone tight on budget; it sat in the higher tier at our check, more than twice the RTS ECO.
Limitation: the listing says the channel routes excess water to the front, so check where that water goes at your spot, and that it runs away from the foundation.
6. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Urn Shaped Rain Barrel, 50 Gallon, Light Granite
- Elegant & Durable Design: 50-gallon urn shaped rain barrel adds function and style to your outdoor space – helping the e…
- Built-In Planter Top: Functional planter adds space for a small herb or vegetable garden or decorative flowers
- Flat Back Design: Optimizes space and allows you to position the barrel close to walls or flat areas; Measures 22″L x 23…
Why we picked it: It offers an urn shape with a planter top. The listing describes a 50-gallon urn with a planter top, a flat back, a mesh screen and an integrated channel that diverts overflow away from the home.
Good Ideas lists it at 22 x 23 x 30 inches, in thick polyethylene resin. It had 501 ratings at our check and ships from Spreetail.
Best for: a patio or garden corner where a plain barrel would look out of place. Who this is NOT for: anyone planning a linked multi-barrel row without checking first; the listing does not mention a link kit.
Limitation: the listing gives a 30-inch overall height but no spigot clearance or stand compatibility details, so check those if you fill tall cans.
7. The Rain Bucket Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon
- Heavy-Duty & Long-Lasting Build: Made from UV-resistant, heavy-duty PVC, this 53-gallon portable rain barrel is built to…
- Mosquito & Debris Protection: The fine mesh cover prevents mosquitoes, leaves, and dirt from contaminating your rainwate…
- Compact, Portable & Easy to Assemble: This collapsible rain barrel requires no tools for setup, making it quick and conv…
Why we picked it: It folds down when it is not in use. The listing describes UV-resistant, heavy-duty PVC, a fine mesh cover against mosquitoes and debris, tool-free setup, a high-flow spigot, an overflow drain and a downspout connector, plus a bonus water bag.
It is in the budget tier and had 59 ratings at our check, with “Only 13 left in stock” shown.
Best for: renters, short-term setups and climates where you want to pack the barrel away for winter. Who this is NOT for: anyone who wants a permanent, rigid barrel against the house; this is a foldable design.
Limitation: it had fewer ratings than any rigid barrel here, so there is less buyer feedback on long-term durability.
8. EarthMinded Rain Barrel Downspout Diverter Kit for 3×4 Downspouts
- 💧EASY INSTALL: Use the Rain Barrel Downspout Diverter Kit to connect your downspout drain pipe to your rain barrel!
- 💧ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Rain barrels capture water from a roof for use on lawns, gardens or indoor plants!
- 💧HIGH QUALITY: This rainwater diverter kit is made with quality materials. Strong flex pipe stretches from 8″ to 31″.
Why we picked it: It deals with the overflow problem. EarthMinded says the kit fills the barrel and sends overflow back to the downspout, attaches without removing the downspout, and can turn nearly any plastic container into a rain barrel. The flex pipe stretches from 8 to 31 inches.
It had 473 ratings at our check (shared with the round-downspout version), with “Only 7 left in stock” shown. The listing title says drill bits are not included, and it includes a winter cover.
Best for: anyone with a standard 3×4-inch rectangular downspout who doesn’t want overflow pooling by the foundation. Who this is NOT for: round downspouts; EarthMinded also lists a separate kit for 3- and 4-inch round downspouts.
Limitation: the title says drill bits are not included, so check the maker’s installation instructions for the tools you need before you start.
Rain Barrel Rules and Safety
Use rain barrel water outdoors, keep it covered, and check local rules. Treat collected rainwater as garden water, not drinking water, and keep the barrel sealed against insects.
Is rain barrel water safe for vegetable gardens?
Use some caution. The EPA notes that rain flowing over a roof can pick up pollutants, such as bacteria from birds and other animals and chemicals from roof materials, and says these are factors to consider when using rain barrel water on edible plantings.
Are rain barrels legal everywhere?
Not without limits. In Colorado, for example, the Colorado Division of Water Resources says water from the roof of a building used primarily as a residence can be collected in two rain barrels with a combined storage capacity of up to 110 gallons, filled and refilled, without a permit. The water cannot be used for drinking or indoor household purposes, and barrels must have sealable lids to keep insects out. Check your own state or city rules before buying more than one barrel.
How do you keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?
Keep the lid on and the screen intact. Most barrels on this page list a screen or mesh cover; the single RTS barrel listings don’t mention one, so confirm what comes in the box. Check it now and then, and follow the maker’s maintenance instructions.
Getting a Rain Barrel Ready for Winter
In places with hard freezes, our suggestion is to empty the barrel before the first freeze and follow the maker’s winter instructions. A full barrel left to freeze puts stress on the plastic and the spigot.
- Check the diverter. EarthMinded’s listing includes a winter cover for its kit; follow its instructions.
- Fold a collapsible barrel away. Once it is empty and dry, it can be stored folded.
- Fall setup works too. In Bing US search data, interest in rain barrels peaks in spring; a barrel set up earlier is in place before then.
Notes for UK and EU Readers
The product links on this page go to Amazon US, and we did not verify international delivery. In the UK, rain barrels are often sold as water butts and downspouts are called downpipes, which helps when searching for local equivalents. Check local rules and your water company’s guidance before installing one.
Deal Tip: If you shop around Black Friday, compare the exact capacity, spigot type and what comes in the box (stand, link kit, diverter), not just the discount.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size rain barrel do I need?
A 50-gallon barrel is a common starting size, and many can be linked to a second one later. By our arithmetic from USGS data, an inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof is about 623 gallons, so even small storms can fill a 50-gallon barrel.
Do rain barrels need an overflow?
Yes. A barrel overflows whenever more water arrives than it has room for, which can happen in a single storm. Use the barrel’s overflow outlet with a hose pointed away from the foundation, link a second barrel, or fit a diverter that sends extra water back down the downspout.
Can you drink rain barrel water?
Treat it as non-drinking water. Colorado’s Division of Water Resources, for example, says it cannot be used for drinking or indoor household purposes, and the EPA advises caution even for edible plantings.
Is a flat-back rain barrel better?
It is easier to place. A flat back lets the barrel sit close to a wall or fence under a downspout. Compare actual dimensions before you decide.
Are collapsible rain barrels any good?
They suit renters and short-term setups because they fold away. The collapsible pick here had fewer ratings than any of the rigid barrels, so there is less buyer feedback on durability.
Do I need a stand for a rain barrel?
It helps. A stand raises the spigot, which makes room for a watering can underneath. The RTS ECO 2-Pack includes stands; the single RTS barrels sell them separately.
The Bottom Line
Buy for overflow and linking, not just gallons. The RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO is the most-rated, budget pick (listed as recycled plastic), the FCMP Raincatcher comes as a kit with a hose and linking parts, and the RTS ECO 2-Pack includes stands and a link kit. Add the EarthMinded diverter if you’d rather send overflow back down the downspout.
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