Dog Leash:
16-Foot Retractable Dog Leash – Smooth Control, Tangle-Free Design & Comfortable Grip
30-Foot Heavy-Duty Tie-Out Cable for Dogs – Strong, Safe & Rust-Resistant
Amazon Under $20
Other Recommendations from Us
Top Picks
You can choose from these 10
The Max and Neo Triple Handle wins the gold medal, hands down. Its three neoprene-lined handles give you multiple options for easy control over your dog while providing a comfortable grip. We found the middle handle unique to this leash and favored its placement to that of the handle closest to the dog, which was hard to reach without reining your dog in close (though useful in tight situations). The leash has reflective stitching to keep you and your dog visible to passing cars during evening walks, and a handy metal ring at the top of the leash to attach small accessories like poop bags. Finally, this model stood up well in our durability testing, showing minimal fraying when rubbed against a knife, no distress when firmly tugged on, and remaining functional after dragging.
Due to the triple handle design and neoprene handle lining, it is important to note that this Max and Neo model is heavier in hand than other dog leashes we tested. Athough this is not a deterrent for our testers, folks with small dogs or those seeking a lightweight and packable leash may find this one too bulky. Medium to large-sized dogs will benefit most from this leash, especially if they are strong pullers. Overall, the Max and Neo should be considered by owners who don't mind the added weight and bulk of additional handles, as it provides excellent control and comfort during walks.
If you and your pup are always seeking adventure, the versatile Ruffwear Roamer is a great leash. The Roamer features a sturdy clasp, two handles, a bungee middle, and an adjustable buckled handle that can also be worn comfortably around your waist or be used to secure your dog as needed. Because of these features, we found ourselves reaching for this leash when headed to meet up with friends, go for a bike ride or a run, or take a stroll down the beach. The bungee was especially useful in situations where testers and their dogs moved quickly, like biking. This leash's extra stretch (almost four feet) was much appreciated when the dog abruptly pulled in a different direction, which prevented sudden jerking movements that could be downright dangerous on a bike. One of our pairs of testers has even used it for skijoring in the winter. Additionally, the Roamer is easy to stuff into a pack because it weighs less and is less bulky than other elastic leashes we've tested.
However, testers noted that this same elasticity meant that they had less control over their dog in situations where slack needed to be taken out of the leash quickly. Unless you can reach down and grab the handle right above the clasp attached to the dog, it is hard to make quick adjustments to your dog's direction or action. Because of this, we recommend the Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash for those looking for a practical leash for many outings and activities where tight, constant control over your pup's roaming is not necessary.
The PetSafe Nylon Leash is the most basic leash we tested, in a good way. Simple, durable, and functional, this flat leash is excellent for those leash training a puppy or other situations where control is of the essence. Available for a reasonable price point, both the clasp and nylon held up very well during our durability test. It also comes in a variety of colors to match your preference.
There's nothing wrong with this featureless model, but if you appreciate bells and whistles, then this may not be the leash for you. It doesn't have multiple handles to choke up on the leash for increased control, and you'll have to carry your own bottle opener because this one doesn't have it. It is fundamental in its design, meant for easy function. However, the affordable PetSafe Nylon Leash is calling your name if you are looking for a simple leash that gets the job done without any fuss.
Retractable leashes are a handy tool for those who prefer to give their dog the freedom to roam during a walk. The Fida Heavy Duty Retractable Leash did just that during our testing while remaining lightweight, comfortable to hold, and featuring reflective banding for additional safety on evening walks. We found the leash's flat nylon tape to be very smooth when extending or retracting, and it held up well after being dropped and tugged. The pause and lock mechanisms worked efficiently without fail by pushing the button forward and down. We also appreciated that it came in multiple yet simple color options.
The downsides of this leash are minor. There is no accessory ring for items like a poop bag, often a necessity when taking your dog on a walk. It also may get twisted while retracting quickly, but we noticed this was easy to fix if it occurred. Finally, it was not the most durable leash we tested when rubbed against a knife, as the nylon tape is thin. We would not recommend leaving your dog alone with this leash when chewing may occur. However, for those taking their restless, sniff-tastic dog on a walk, the Fida leash is an excellent retractable option that offers a compact build and the comfort of reflective materials.
The Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash immediately stood out to our testers for one huge reason — its minimalist design makes it extremely compact. Great for those who like to explore with their dog off-leash, the Knot-a-Leash is ideal for taking your dog from car to trailhead and is easy to stash. The leash also has features like reflective material, a loop to attach accessories, and an incredibly durable locking carabiner to hook to your dog's collar. The carabiner can be locked by twisting a small piece over the gate, providing extra security when attached to your dog.
During testing, it was noted that the leash was a little short, coming in at only 5 feet compared to the 6 feet of many other leashes, but it was not a significant issue. We tested the “small” sized leash, which is 7mm thick, and found it to be a little flimsy when used on larger dogs. We would recommend using the “large” 11mm leash for pups that require a more sturdy leash. This leash's rope held up poorly when tested for fraying, while the carabiner attachment held firm in all situations. We would not recommend this for dogs who like to chew. However, it is an excellent choice for those searching for a compact, lightweight, no-fuss leash that's ready for your next adventure and easy to stash when it's no longer needed.
Like other multi-handle leashes we tested, the Primal Pet Gear Leash provides additional control via its second handle while embracing comfort through extra padding. It features an accessory attachment ring, reflective stitching, and it performed well in our durability tests. We also appreciated the multitude of color options to choose from, ensuring that you can find a leash that matches you and your dog's aesthetic.
As with other models, this leash's thicker construction (necessary for the dual handles) made it heavier to hold than a more basic leash. We recommend using the Primal Pet Gear leash on medium to large dogs who may not mind the additional weight and require more control.
Rope leashes have become trendier in recent years as the stylish look of rock climbing ropes has made its way to the pet world. The BAAPET 5FT Strong Leash stood out for its sturdy feel, affordability, and comfortable foam handle. This leash provided easy and sturdy control of all the dogs it was tested on, all at a reasonable price. We appreciated its extremely reflective material at night and the squishy foam handle that prevents rope burn when tugged by a dog.
We noticed that the foam handle tends to collect dust over time and is more susceptible to wear and tear compared to the rest of the leash (we were able to scratch a large chunk off by just using our fingernails). The rope itself frayed a decent amount during our friction test but otherwise held up well and did not collect much dirt. For its affordable price, rock climbing aesthetic, and comfortable handle, this is a decent leash.
If you have a dog who likes to chew, but you still want to enjoy the freedom of a retractable leash, the TUG 360 Tangle-Free Retractable Leash has considered your needs. The TUG 360 itself is not chew-proof but arrives with a special, removable extension made of a thicker material that can be added to the dog's end of the leash. This extension is more durable than the tape of the leash if your dog decides to lunge for a mid-walk snack. Other merits of the TUG 360 are its tangle-free construction. It was designed with a special retraction opening that prevents the flat nylon tape from twisting and getting tangled on itself.
As noted before, the leash's actual nylon tape is not chew-proof and stood up poorly during our durability test. It also has no additional features, causing it to rank lower than other leashes. Finally, the TUG 360 felt bulky compared to others of similar size and length. If you're seeking a nice-looking retractable leash, don't mind a little bulk, and want the added security of the chewing attachment, we definitely recommend this leash.
No matter who was testing the Embark Urban Leash, all immediately noted its pattern's aesthetic appeal. Available in many different options, the embroidered print received compliments no matter where we went. Testers also noted that the clasp was very easy to use one-handed, as part of the outside simply presses in when pressure is applied.
Aside from its patterned face fabric, the Embark Urban Leash is very simple. A flat leash constructed of nylon, this leash had no additional features to it. It also was considerably shorter than other leashes tested, coming only in a 4-foot length. Finally, while the nylon held up during our durability testing, the embroidered side frayed quickly and was easy to separate from the rest of the leash. With that in mind, we would recommend this model to those who highly value style and prefer a basic, short leash.
The incredibly sturdy ZippyPaws Tough Climbing Rope Leash is a notably thick leash constructed with rock climbing rope. This rope leash held up well with minimal fraying during our durability test when rubbed against a knife, maintaining its structural integrity.
While aiding in durability, the thickness of this leash was a bit cumbersome to our testers. The leash is stiff due to its thickness and is not as pliable as the other leashes tested. Also, the thick material makes it harder for those with smaller hands to hold when it's coiled up. Overall, we would recommend the ZippyPaws leash for someone who values a sturdy leash above all else.