As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date shown on Amazon.
our top picks

The Best Croquet Sets for Backyard Champions

Croquet is the perfect gateway to a backyard league: easy enough that grandma will play, sneaky enough that grandma will absolutely send your ball into the neighbor's hydrangeas. The right set is the difference between a relaxing afternoon and a warped-mallet meltdown by July. Here are the picks I would actually draft, from grab-and-go family kits to heirloom hardwood sets.

TOP 5 PICKS RANKED FOR REAL BACKYARDS 2 to 6 (singles or teams) PLAYERS
New to the game? Read the rules

Disclosure: LawnLeagues is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The shortlist

Our top croquet picks at a glance

PickBest forScore
GoSports Six Player Croquet Set Best Overall 92 Check Price
Juegoal Croquet Set Best Budget 84 Check Price
Hey! Play! Croquet Set Best for Families 86 Check Price
Franklin Sports Starter Croquet Set Premium Hardwood Pick 90 Check Price
Baden Champions Croquet Set Best for Weddings 89 Check Price
MVP Pick
92 Best Overall

GoSports Six Player Croquet Set

  • Full 6-player kit so nobody waits their turn
  • Adult-friendly mallet length with a sturdy carry stand
  • Smooth-rolling balls that track straight on real grass
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

84 Best Budget

Juegoal Croquet Set

  • Wallet-friendly way to get a whole crew playing
  • Lightweight enough for kids and casual players
  • Comes with a carry bag so storage is easy
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

86 Best for Families

Hey! Play! Croquet Set

  • Bright color-coded balls keep kids organized
  • Easy to assemble with no tools needed
  • Forgiving weight that younger players can swing
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

90 Premium Hardwood Pick

Franklin Sports Starter Croquet Set

  • Solid hardwood mallets that feel great on the swing
  • Trusted brand build that survives season after season
  • Looks the part for backyard weddings and garden parties
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

89 Best for Weddings

Baden Champions Croquet Set

  • Classic deluxe look with a handsome wheeled cart
  • Tournament-feel mallets and balls for serious play
  • Easy to roll out and set up for big gatherings
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

From the commissioner

How to choose a croquet set

  • Mallet length matters for adults. Most cheap sets ship with 24-inch mallets built for kids, which means a sore back for grown players. Look for 28 to 35-inch handles if adults will be swinging.
  • Count your players. A 4-player set is fine for a small household, but if you ever want couples night or a real round-robin, spring for a 6-player set so nobody sits out.
  • Wood quality decides the lifespan. Pine and rubberwood are budget-friendly and fine for casual play, while hardwoods like ash or beech hold up to harder strikes and years of outdoor storage.
  • Check the wickets and stakes. Thin wire wickets bend the first time someone steps on one. Heavier-gauge steel wickets and solid stakes keep the court honest.
  • A carry bag or cart is a real upgrade. Croquet gear is awkward to haul, so a wheeled stand or zippered case saves you from juggling nine pieces across the yard.
next up

Build the whole roster

Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how croquet stacks up against the rest.

Shop the bundle → More picks
Buyer's desk

Croquet buying FAQ

What size croquet set should I buy?

Go by your guest list. A 4-player set covers a small family, but a 6-player set is the sweet spot if you ever host friends or want a full round-robin. You can play a 6-player set with fewer people, but you cannot stretch a 4-player set to fit a crowd.

Are wooden mallets better than plastic?

For anything beyond little-kid play, yes. Wooden hardwood mallets give a satisfying solid strike and last for years outdoors, while plastic heads can crack and feel mushy. Plastic is fine for toddlers, but adults will want real wood.

How long should croquet mallets be for adults?

Look for handles in the 28 to 35-inch range. Many budget sets ship with short 24-inch mallets meant for children, which force taller players to hunch over and strain their back during a long game.

Can croquet sets stay outside?

Better to bring them in. Even weather-resistant hardwood and painted balls will fade and warp if left in sun and rain all season. A carry bag or cart makes it easy to stash everything in the garage between matches.

Is croquet hard to learn?

Not at all, which is why it is a league favorite. The basics take about five minutes to explain, and the strategy of sending an opponent's ball flying keeps adults coming back. It is genuinely a game for ages six to ninety.