Exploring
For most people, the RTS 50-Gallon Rain Barrel is the best all-around way to start harvesting rainwater. The collapsible 53-gallon tank is the best value and stores flat, and a downspout diverter kit is the cleanest way to feed water in.
How We Picked
We looked at capacity, build quality, spigots and overflow handling, and how easily each connects to a gutter downspout. A complete setup usually pairs a barrel or tank with a diverter. To make collected rainwater drinkable, run it through a gravity water filter first.
1. Best Overall: RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
RTS Home Accents
- 50-gallon flat-back rain barrel
- Made from 100% recycled plastic
- Brass spigot and debris screen
- Flat back sits flush to a wall
- Trusted best-seller, 4.3★
Why we picked it: The RTS barrel is the classic starting point for rainwater harvesting — 50 gallons of storage, a built-in screen to keep out debris and mosquitoes, and a brass spigot for a hose or watering can. The flat back tucks neatly against a wall under a downspout. Best overall rain barrel.
2. Best Value: Collapsible 53-Gallon Rain Barrel
Collapsible 53-Gallon Rain Barrel
Collapsible
- 53-gallon collapsible water tank
- Folds flat for off-season storage
- Spigots, filter, and overflow kit
- Connects to a gutter downspout
- Great-value rating, 4.2★
Why we picked it: This collapsible tank stores slightly more than a standard barrel but folds flat when empty — ideal for seasonal use or tight spaces. It ships with a filter lid, spigots, and an overflow kit, so you can set it up the day it arrives. Best value rainwater tank.
3. Best Diverter Kit: EBaokuup Rainwater Collection Diverter
EBaokuup Rainwater Collection Diverter
EBaokuup
- Stainless steel downspout diverter
- Fits 3" x 4" standard downspouts
- Screens leaves and debris out
- Routes clean water to your barrel
- Simple, well-rated add-on, 4.2★
Why we picked it: A diverter is the piece that makes a barrel work well — it taps into your downspout, screens out leaves, and sends clean water into storage while letting overflow continue down the spout. This stainless unit fits standard downspouts and upgrades any barrel setup. Best rainwater diverter.
Comparison Table
| Pick | System | Capacity | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | RTS 50-Gallon Barrel | 50 gal | Rigid barrel | Everyday harvesting |
| Best Value | Collapsible 53-Gal Tank | 53 gal | Collapsible | Seasonal & tight spaces |
| Best Diverter Kit | EBaokuup Diverter Kit | Diverter | Downspout add-on | Cleaner intake |
What to Look For
Storage capacity. Match tank size to your rainfall and needs — a 50-gallon barrel suits a garden, while multiple barrels or a large tank support animals or a household.
Overflow handling. Rain doesn't stop when the barrel is full; a good overflow port or linked barrels send extra water safely away from your foundation.
Debris filtering. A screen or downspout diverter keeps leaves, grit, and mosquitoes out, which keeps stored water cleaner and your spigot from clogging.
Spigot & connections. Look for a sturdy spigot at a usable height and standard fittings so you can attach a hose, soaker line, or link multiple barrels.
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
For most people: the RTS 50-Gallon Barrel. Simple, durable, ready to harvest.
Best value: the Collapsible 53-Gal Tank. More storage, folds flat when empty.
To feed it cleanly: the EBaokuup Diverter Kit. Screens debris and routes water in.
Ready to buy?
Jump straight to our top picks on Amazon — prices shown at click-through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rainwater collection system in 2026?
The RTS 50-Gallon Barrel is our best overall pick for 2026. The Collapsible 53-Gal Tank and the EBaokuup Diverter Kit cover the other cases this guide compares. See the comparison table below for specifications and owner ratings, then choose the one that matches your setup.
Is a rainwater collection system legal?
In most U.S. states a rainwater collection system is legal and even encouraged, but a few have restrictions or rules on volume. Check your state and local guidelines before building a large system.
Can you drink collected rainwater?
Not straight from the barrel — roof runoff picks up dust, debris, and contaminants. Filter and purify it (for example with a gravity filter) before drinking or cooking.
How much rainwater can I collect?
A lot — roughly 600 gallons per inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof. Even a single downspout can fill a 50-gallon barrel in one modest storm.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?
Use a sealed lid and a fine screen on the inlet, and keep the overflow covered. A tight screen blocks mosquitoes from laying eggs in stored water.
How do I stop the barrel from overflowing?
Add an overflow hose that routes excess water away from your foundation, or link several barrels together so they fill in sequence.
Related Guides
How We Research
Picks are based on manufacturer specifications, current Amazon availability, and patterns across verified owner reviews. Specs, capacities, and included accessories vary by listing — confirm the current details at the retailer before buying.
Note: Roof runoff isn't safe to drink untreated. Use collected rainwater for irrigation and animals as-is, and filter plus purify it before any drinking or cooking use. Keep barrels screened and covered to block debris and mosquitoes.