Best croquet set

Spice up your garden with friendly competition with one of the best croquet sets.

best croquet set
(Image credit: Troy Taylor on Unsplash)

Croquet is a classic outdoor game that involves clobbering balls with mallets. The ball-chipping fun began in the 1800s and is still enjoyed in backyards today. Barbeques, picnics, and parties will benefit from the competitive sport because it's low-impact, fun, and strategic for individuals of all ages. Here's a list of my top picks. 

Staff pick

best croquet

(Image credit: Amazon)

Ropoda six-player croquet set

Gather a bunch of family and friends

This croquet set comes with hardwood mallets and resin balls, so it's built to last.

Pros:

  • Great for all ages
  • For two to six players
  • Quality hardwood mallets 
  • Crack-resistant resin balls
  • Comes with carrying case

Cons:

  • Carrying case is not the toughest
  • Mallets can become loose with use

This croquet set is great for individuals of all ages, accommodating six players. The mallets are made from premium hardwood and the six included balls are made from crack-resistant resin, built to last the outdoors and rigorous play. And, the included carrying case makes the game easy to store and transport.

Best stand

best croquet

(Image credit: Franklin Sports Inc.)

Franklin Sports outdoor croquet set

Comes with a storage stand

Game enthusiasts will love this beautiful and substantial wooden croquet set. 

Pros:

  • Accommodates six players
  • All-weather balls
  • Wooden mallets with brass fittings
  • Nine 9-millimeter steel wickets included
  • Two 24-inch wood scoring stakes included

Cons:

  • May not be as sturdy as expected
  • Can be hard to assemble

This six-player croquet set is great for serious lovers of the game. The strong wooden mallets feature brass fittings, giving them a luxurious appearance and sturdy feel. Aside from the heavy-duty mallets, the balls are strong and all-weather to cope with outdoor play. This set also comes with nine 9-millimeter steel wickets and two 24-inch wood scoring stakes. When you're not playing croquet, simply store your equipment on the included wooden rolling stand. 

Best for families

ApudArmis 35in six player croquet set

(Image credit: ApudArmis)

ApudArmis six-player croquet set

Colorful balls and racquets accommodate six players

This croquet set is great for fun-loving gamers of all ages.

Pros:

  • Great for families 
  • Fully equipped set
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Large carrying case included

Cons:

  • Paint may chip with use
  • Rubber can fall off mallet with use

This fully equipped croquet set includes six mallets, six balls, two scoring stakes, nine wickets, an instruction manual, and a large carry bag. The mallets are made from high-quality wood and rubber for strength and longevity. And the balls are made from elastic polymer, ensuring they can handle vigorous mallet knocks. This set is perfect for families and friends, too.

Best aesthetics

best croquet

(Image credit: Amazon)

ROPODA six-player deluxe croquet set

Features a rich, dark brown finish

This croquet set is handsome with a dark, earthy finish that contrasts nicely with the bright-colored accents.

Pros:

  • For ages five and up
  • For two to six players
  • Comes with mallet covers
  • Made from premium hardwood

Cons:

  • May be more fragile than expected

This visually pleasing croquet set has a dark brown color with a glossy finish, so it will stand out on game day. This set comes with six high-quality wooden mallets, six resin balls, two end stakes, and nine steel wickets. The included covers keep your mallets in great condition, and the storage bag neatly tidies the rest of the equipment while not in use. 

Best for kids

Toyandona children's jungle animal croquet set

(Image credit: Toyandona)

Toyandona children jungle animal croquet set

This option is for little ones

This animal-themed croquet set is perfect for beginners.

Pros:

  • Two mallets included
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Bright woodland theme
  • Great for small children

Cons:

  • Animals are not that sturdy
  • Targets may be too small for little children

This croquet set is a great way to introduce kids to the game. It features an adorable and colorful jungle animal theme that's super engaging. The set includes two mallets, six wickets, and two vibrant balls. This game is great for indoor and outdoor play. 

The bottom line

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The best croquet set turns your backyard into a fun sports arena. The Ropoda six-player croquet set can accommodate two to six players and includes everything you need to play a competitive game. When you're not playing, the equipment can be stored in the included carrying case.

If you're looking for a croquet set for kids, the Toyandona jungle animal croquet set for kids is a great choice. It features a brightly-colored woodland animal theme and comes with two mallets, two balls, and a bunch of animal targets. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.