Best Overall
Robert Allen Avery Classic Ironstone Metal Planter Flower Pot
- This pot looks like ceramic but is lighter.
This pot looks like ceramic but is lighter.
- It’s only available in an 8-inch option.
It’s only available in an 8-inch option.
This Robert Allen glazed ironstone planter offers the upscale style of ceramic pots, but is half the weight and is much more durable. The break-resistant material won't dent, and it’s rust resistant. It’s created by three layers of high-quality paint that has been baked after each layer.
To make them even better, this planter has foam on the bottom to ensure it doesn’t scratch your floors or outdoor surfaces. It also comes with a drainage hole with a removable plug so it can work well for both indoors and outdoors.
At roughly 8 inches in diameter, it isn’t suitable for larger plants, but will be sufficient for small- or medium-sized plants.
Product Details: Material: Metal | Weight: 1.05 pounds | Dimensions: 8.25 x 5.75 x 8.25inches | Colors: Autumn blaze
Best Budget
Better Homes and Gardens 8-inch Nikolaos Planter
- A modern look makes this planter a focal point, even before you put a plant inside.
A modern look makes this planter a focal point, even before you put a plant inside.
- Its multilayered finish may be too busy for some tastes.
Its multilayered finish may be too busy for some tastes.
Perfect for small plants, this budget-friendly petite planter makes a strong design statement thanks to a multi-layered glaze that creates the look of fine pottery. The ceramic planter, measuring 8 inches in diameter and 6.7 inches tall, features a finish that’s fade- and stain-resistant.
Since it’s both decorative and durable, the planter makes a great vessel for small houseplants that live indoors during the winter and are brought outside in the summer. The drainage hole includes a removable silicone plug, so you can control the amount of drainage as it moves between indoors and out (and ensure none of your indoor surfaces get ruined by water).
While we love the planter’s multi-layer finish, it may compete for attention with your plants and be too busy for some people’s tastes. It’s also available in two other sizes: 6 inches and 12 inches.
Product Details: Material: Ceramic | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 8 x 6.7 x 8 inches | Colors: Multicolor
Best Splurge
Pottery Barn Eclectic Villa Outdoor Planter
- Handcrafted and painted with a distressed finish, this planter brings the charm and vintage spirit of European gardens to your outdoor living space.
Handcrafted and painted with a distressed finish, this planter brings the charm and vintage spirit of European gardens to your outdoor living space.
- This large planter is too heavy to move around your garden.
This large planter is too heavy to move around your garden.
With a hand painted distressed finish and a vintage look, this Pottery Barn planter will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a European garden. This large pot is 20.75 inches in diameter, but it’s also available in several different sizes—each with a slightly different look.
Made of terra-cotta and handcrafted in the Philippines, these planters look old, but they feature modern enhancements, such as silicone waterproofing and a drainage hole at the bottom. The 20.75-inch pot weighs 88.25 pounds, so it will be too heavy to move around easily after it has soil and a plant in it—you may need a plant dolly if you plan on moving it frequently.
If you can afford to splurge a little, this planter will definitely ensure your garden or outdoor living area stands out from the crowd.
Product Details: Material: Terra-cotta | Weight: 88.25 pounds | Dimensions: 20.75 x 18 x 20.75 inches | Colors: Distressed finish
Best Metal
The Home Depot Metal Box Square Planter
- This planter is a great choice for contemporary-style homes and outdoor living areas. Plus, it can be left outside in all types of weather.
This planter is a great choice for contemporary-style homes and outdoor living areas. Plus, it can be left outside in all types of weather.
- It weighs 35 pounds so it will be heavy to move with soil and a plant in it.
It weighs 35 pounds so it will be heavy to move with soil and a plant in it.
This modern metal planter brings a contemporary flair to patios and decks—or it can be paired with a matching container to make a grand statement on both sides of the front door. At 30 inches tall, it serves as a stylish pedestal for eye-catching plants or topiaries.
It’s made from thick-gauge galvanized steel which resists cracks and rust. The planter comes with a removable shelf, so you can place a smaller planter inside to hold your favorite plant rather than filling the planter completely with dirt. It also comes with an optional drainage hole so you can ensure excess water drains out if you prefer.
A long 38-inch wide planter is also available if you want to mix and match different sizes. Like a few other planters on our list, this one is heavy at 35 pounds, so you may want to place it in a somewhat permanent location.
Product Details: Material: Galvanized steel | Weight: 35 pounds | Dimensions: 13.6 x 30 x 13.6 inches | Colors: Black, espresso, gray
Best Ceramic
Better Homes and Gardens Teramo Planter
- The simple design and white and tan color scheme really help your plants’ greenery become the star of the show.
The simple design and white and tan color scheme really help your plants’ greenery become the star of the show.
- Because it’s small, the planter won’t be big enough for large plants. It may be too neutral for people who love to add color with planters.
Because it’s small, the planter won’t be big enough for large plants. It may be too neutral for people who love to add color with planters.
Featuring stripes of glazing, this white planter lends visual interest while remaining neutral enough that it doesn’t compete with your plants for attention. With a diameter of 6 inches and a height of 5.4 inches, this planter won’t be large enough for some plants, but it does work well for herbs, succulents, or small flowering plants.
Its weather-resistant design makes it ideal to keep outside all season long, and a drainage hole helps prevent your plants from getting root rot. Because it’s lightweight at just 2.2 pounds, it can easily be moved around your garden or patio. Although it’s not the showiest planter available, it’s a great choice for someone who wants to stick with neutral colors, yet still add a bit of decorative interest.
Product Details: Material: Ceramic | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 6 x 5.4 x 6 inches | Colors: White
Best Concrete
Kante Concrete Tall Planter
- The contemporary planter doubles as a striking garden sculpture.
The contemporary planter doubles as a striking garden sculpture.
- It’s heavier than other materials like resin or plastic.
It’s heavier than other materials like resin or plastic.
A concrete finish and gentle curves give this tall planter a modern sculptural look that promises to upgrade any outdoor living area. It’s made of a lightweight concrete, which combines concrete and weather-resistant fiberglass, so it can stand up well to all types of weather.
Although it’s lighter than standard concrete, it’s heavier than planters made from other materials, such as plastic, fiberglass, or ironstone. It won’t easily be tipped over, but it can still be moved after planting if needed. The planter includes a drainage hole and rubber plug, so it can be used both inside and out.
Product Details: Material: Concrete | Weight: 18.7 pounds | Dimensions: 17 x 21.7 x 17 inches | Colors: Charcoal, dark gray, iron oxide, natural concrete, pure white, weathered concrete
Best Fiberglass
Piccadilly Pot Planter
- Featuring a timeless style, this planter is frost-resistant and exceptionally durable.
Featuring a timeless style, this planter is frost-resistant and exceptionally durable.
- It’s relatively simple and won’t attract as much attention as other options with bright colors or patterns.
It’s relatively simple and won’t attract as much attention as other options with bright colors or patterns.
This round bowl-shape planter mimics the looks of lead, iron, and concrete, but since it’s made of fiberglass it’s 80% lighter than these other materials. Plus, it’s frost-resistant and won’t fade in the bright sun, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it out in harsh weather conditions.
This planter is the smallest in the Piccadilly collection of pots and is well-suited for plants with shallow roots. It comes with a drainage hole to ensure any excess water will drain out to help keep your plants healthy. With a simple design and color, the planter won’t attract as much attention as some more sculptural or colorful planters, but it offers a classic, timeless look and top-notch durability.
Product Details: Material: Fiberglass | Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 17.75 x 8.75 x 17.75 inches | Colors: Gray
Best Small
Better Homes and Gardens 3-inch Devi Planters (set of six)
- With a shiny glazed finish and a textural look, these planters will add a modern, artistic flair to your potted plants.
With a shiny glazed finish and a textural look, these planters will add a modern, artistic flair to your potted plants.
- It’s only available in neutral colors.
It’s only available in neutral colors.
Only 3 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall, these ceramic planters are ideal for small succulents or cacti. You get six planters in this set, so you can either display them in a collection or give some away as housewarming or hostess gifts.
Featuring a shiny white glaze and a modern look, these planters serve as a sculptural partner for your plants—adding interest without attracting too much attention. They will fit well on a table on a porch, balcony, or patio. Practical as well as pretty, the planters include a drainage hole at the bottom with a removable plug.
They are available in two colors: white or assorted. Even if you opt for the assorted option, note that the pots are all neutral colors and won’t offer a pop of color.
Product Details: Material: Ceramic | Weight: 3.96 pounds | Dimensions: 3 x 2.5 x 3 inches | Colors: White and assorted
Best Large
PolyStone Milan Tall Modern Rectangular Trough Planter
- This tall planter offers a great way to lend privacy to an outdoor living area and can be left outside all year.
This tall planter offers a great way to lend privacy to an outdoor living area and can be left outside all year.
- Because of its size and weight, it may be cumbersome to move.
Because of its size and weight, it may be cumbersome to move.
Fill this planter with flowers, herbs, or foliage plants and use it to lend privacy to a deck or patio. It looks and feels like stone, but it weighs much less since it’s made from a composite material. You can leave the planter outside all year, as it’s safe in temperatures as low as -30 degrees and as high as 150 degrees.
It’s also resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and salt spray. An insulated core helps protect plant roots from temperature fluctuations and three drainage holes with exit channels help remove any excess water.
The planter features a contemporary look and is available in an array of colors to match any decor. Since it is longer than most outdoor planters on our list, it may be awkward to move around, so you may want to decide on a permanent location for it before planting.
Product Details: Material: Composite | Weight: 27 pounds | Dimensions: 46 x 19 x 17 inches | Colors: Concrete gray, white, black, chocolate brown, greige, slate gray, gray granite, sandstone granite, white granite, black granite
Best Hanging
Gardener’s Supply Company Viva Self-Watering Hanging Basket
- This hanging planter includes a self-watering feature that allows you to water less often.
This hanging planter includes a self-watering feature that allows you to water less often.
- It’s more suited for flowers or hanging plants rather than fruits or vegetables.
It’s more suited for flowers or hanging plants rather than fruits or vegetables.
Hanging baskets are not always the easiest planters to water, but at least these self-watering planters make the job easier. You can fill the water reservoir with water and easily check on the water level. This allows you to water less often while still ensuring that your hanging basket doesn’t dry out in the sun.
The planter includes the hanging chain and hook, so you don’t have to purchase the items separately. Since the chain hangs above the planter, it’s not ideal for tall plants like fruits or vegetables. However, we think it's ideal if you want to add a splash of color to your outdoor space by adding a bright hanging planter with flowers.
Product Details: Material: Polypropylene | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Dimensions: 13.75 x 7.5 x 13.75 inches | Colors: Teal
Best Resin
Better Homes and Gardens Kamala Light Blue Resin Planter
- The high-gloss colorful finish will add an elegant touch to your outdoor space.
The high-gloss colorful finish will add an elegant touch to your outdoor space.
- Since it’s lightweight, it may be knocked over more easily than heavier planters.
Since it’s lightweight, it may be knocked over more easily than heavier planters.
Made of polypropylene resin, this planter is lightweight at 3.3 pounds so it’s easy to move around if you redecorate your patio or notice your plants need more or less sunlight. It’s also frost and weather resistant, so it can stay outside in all types of weather.
The high-gloss finish is fade resistant and available in several different colors so you can match your overall decor. It’s suitable for holding low-maintenance ferns, succulents, flowers, and more. At 14 inches tall and with a 15.7-inch diameter, the planter is big enough to hold multiple plants or one larger plant. Knock-out drainage holes ensure proper drainage for your plants.
Product Details: Material: Resin | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Dimensions: 15.7 x 14 x 15.7 inches | Colors: Light blue
Best Wood
World Market Alicante Wood And Metal Outdoor Planter
- The removable metal inserts make it easy to repot plants.
The removable metal inserts make it easy to repot plants.
- They're on the pricier side.
They're on the pricier side.
If you're looking for a stylish addition to your entryway, consider these large wood outdoor planters. The outer planter is made from acacia wood, while the smaller removable inserts are made of metal and include drainage holes for proper aeration.
The planters are available in three sizes, but are sold separately. The smallest of the three planters weighs 17 pounds, and the largest weighs nearly 29 pounds, so you won't have to worry about them tipping over from a gust of wind.
The inserts can be cleaned with soap and water. While the planters are safe for outdoor use, you'll want to keep them fairly dry as the cleaning instructions recommend drying the wood after wiping with a damp cloth.
Product Details: Material: Acacia wood, metal insert | Weight: 17, 19.8, and 28.6 pounds | Dimensions: 15 x 24 .4 x 15, 36 x 9.75 x 11.27, and 15 x 36.2 x 15 inches | Colors: Natural finish
VegTrug Herb Garden
- Separate compartments make it easy to grow multiple herbs in one spot.
Separate compartments make it easy to grow multiple herbs in one spot.
- If you only grow one or two herbs, this planter may be larger than you need.
If you only grow one or two herbs, this planter may be larger than you need.
This elevated planter includes eight lined planting compartments so you can grow eight different herbs and keep all your plants organized. These separate compartments also make it easier to add herbs at different times without disturbing the roots of the existing herbs.
At 32 inches tall, the planter brings the gardening workspace up to a comfortable level, making gardening more comfortable and reducing the need for bending and kneeling. The wood is treated with a water-based, food-safe preservative. We also love that the planter includes a slatted shelf for storage below the planting compartments, so you can easily store your watering can or potting soil.
It’s available in several finishes so you can choose the color that best matches your patio decor. It takes up more space on a deck or patio than a standard pot, so it may be too much for some—but it’s the best outdoor planter if you want to grow a flavorful herb garden.
Product Details: Material: Cedar | Weight: 21 pounds | Dimensions: 31 x 32 x 23 inches | Colors: Brown, natural, gray, and sage green
Best for Vegetables
Vivosun Fabric Grow Bags
- Fabric pots can help boost air circulation and drainage for vegetable plants, and these have reinforced handles so you can easily move them if needed.
Fabric pots can help boost air circulation and drainage for vegetable plants, and these have reinforced handles so you can easily move them if needed.
- They’re not the most stylish choice of planter.
They’re not the most stylish choice of planter.
Fabric pots are one of the best options for growing container vegetables. They increase air circulation to the plant and provide drainage (extra water can pass through the fabric, so you don’t need a drainage hole).
These pots are made from nonwoven fabric which is BPA-free, and they feature reinforced handles to make it easier to move them if needed. At the end of the season, you can just clean these planters out and fold them up for easy storage in your outdoor shed or garage.
This set comes with five 3-gallon pots, which are big enough for many vegetable plants. Although they are not the most stylish option, they are extremely practical and will help make your vegetable gardening endeavors a success.
Product Details: Material: Nonwoven fabric | Weight: 0.93 pounds | Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.8 x 9.7 inches | Colors: Black
Best for Balconies
Harmiden 30-inch Window Box Railing Planter with Coco Liner
- These railing planters won’t take up any square footage.
These railing planters won’t take up any square footage.
- It’s only available in one color and style.
It’s only available in one color and style.
Nothing completes a garden balcony like a railing planter to add charm to the space. Constructed of hand-welded metal, these planters (you get a set of two) are sprayed with a hard plastic coating that helps them resist rust and corrosion. They come with a coconut fiber liner that helps retain water, which the plant roots can use when needed. However, the liner also allows excess water to drain, and the planter has a drainage hole as well to help prevent root rot.
These planters do need to be assembled, but assembly is easy. Featuring adjustable brackets, they’ll fit on balcony or deck railings that are 3 to 6 inches wide. You can also use the pre-drilled tabs to screw them onto a wall or windowsill and install them as a window box rather than a railing planter. At 30-inches wide, they offer a generous amount of planting space for flowers and plants. While some planters on our list are available in multiple colors and styles, this set is only available in black.
Product Details: Material: Metal | Weight: Not Listed | Dimensions: 7 x 30 x 7 inches | Colors: Black
Best for Cold Weather
Better Homes and Gardens Terrence 19-inch Round Resin Planter
- This planter’s UV-resistant finish holds up well to temperatures as low as -20°F.
This planter’s UV-resistant finish holds up well to temperatures as low as -20°F.
- It’s only available in gray.
It’s only available in gray.
Made of high-quality resin, this planter stands up well to weather extremes, including freezing temperatures. It features a UV-resistant finish that won’t chip, crack, or peel in temperatures as low as -20°F. It also won’t fade in bright sunlight.
With a 19-inch diameter, this planter is large enough to work well for both flowers and vegetables. Its neutral gray color fits into a range of decorating styles, but keep in mind it’s only available in one color
Because it’s made of resin, the planter is lightweight and easy to move around as needed. It includes a pre-drilled hole and a removable drainage plug, so you can ensure excess water doesn’t collect at the bottom of the pot.
Product Details: Material: Resin | Weight: 3.1 pounds | Dimensions: 19.30 x 16.20 x 19.30 inches | Colors: Gray
Best Terra-cotta
Pennington Large Heavy Rimmed Terracotta Clay Pot
- The terra-cotta pot offers a classic appeal that complements any setting.
The terra-cotta pot offers a classic appeal that complements any setting.
- This planter will become very heavy when filled with soil and plants so you won’t be able to easily move it around your garden or outdoor living area.
This planter will become very heavy when filled with soil and plants so you won’t be able to easily move it around your garden or outdoor living area.
Sometimes classic is best, and this terra-cotta pot is a great pick for holding a large plant or even a small tree. The terra-cotta clay is porous, so it lets the plant’s roots breathe. Additionally, a drainage hole lets any excess water run out to help prevent overwatering.
The subdued orange color offers a classic look that complements a range of outdoor decor styles, and it will develop a patina over time to add to the appeal. Because the planters are handmade, each one may vary slightly.
These planters are big enough to create a striking focal point near a door or an outdoor living area, but when they’re filled with soil and plants, they’ll be too heavy to move around. You’ll need to decide on a location and keep the planter there all season, or place the planter on a plant dolly.
Product Details: Material: Terra-cotta clay | Weight: 33.5 pounds | Dimensions: 17.5 x 16 x 17.5 inches | Colors: Terra-cotta
Best Self-Watering
Lechuza Cube Cottage Self-Watering Planter
- It includes a drainage plug to remove excess water after it rains.
It includes a drainage plug to remove excess water after it rains.
- It's only available in two colors.
It's only available in two colors.
If you tend to forget to water your plants or regularly go on vacation, a self-watering planter may be a great fit for your outdoor space. This option from Lechuza includes both a built-in water level indicator, which lets you easily see when it's time to water, and a drainage plug to remove any excess, which may be necessary after rainfall.
The planter is made of rust- and fade-resistant resin that has a woven look for added style. Plus, a removable liner allows for easy cleaning and repotting when necessary. The planter is 25 pounds, and its cube shape will help prevent it from becoming top heavy and tipping over from any strong winds.
Keep in mind, this planter is only available in gray or a lighter sand brown color, so it may not be an ideal pick if you're looking to add color to your patio.
Product Details: Material: Resin | Weight: 25 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 19.5 x 19 inches | Colors: Granite, sand brown