Exercise is one of the most important and fun ways to spend time with your dog!
If you take your dog to a local dog park or any outdoor area, as a pet owner it’s essential to have your pet on a leash. This is especially true in areas where there may be a lot of strangers or other animals.
We tested 12 of the best retractable dog leashes, and 7 of them made our top picks list!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Fida Retractable Dog Leash | Comes in multiple sizes and colors at an affordable price. Going out for a walk sounds a little nicer when you have the right accessories at your fingertips! | Check Price |
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Best For Big Dogs: Flexi Giant Tape Leash | This Flexi Giant Tape Leash is ideal for larger dogs who love to go on long and adventurous runs or walks! | Check Price |
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Best For Comfort & Style: Hertzco Retractable Dog Leash | This leash has a lovely flash of purple. It’s perfect for a breezy summer day out at the beach or park with your furry friend! | Check Price |
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Best For Easy Use: Peteast Retractable Dog Leash | This is a sturdy and durable leash great for any occasion. It will keep your pooch comfortable and at ease on long walks. | Check Price |
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Best For Late Night Strolls: Flexi Neon Leash | This reflective neon yellow leash will allow your pet to stand out against the backdrop of dim light or early morning hours. | Check Price |
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Best For Small Dogs: EC TEAK Retractable Leash | This leash is perfect for a petite pooch. We decided this was perfect for a smaller dog because of its compactness and ease of use! | Check Price |
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Best Budget Buy: QiMH Retractable Dog Leash | This leash is stylish and durable, coming with extra accessories for your pooch. It’s the perfect choice for an active day out! | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Retractable Dog Leashes
When testing these products, we looked at the brands and the quality. We also considered the features and the specifications of each retractable dog leash.
Here’s some insight into the brands we chose.
The brand Fida was established in 1991 and has been making retractable leashes for over 20 years! They specialize in top-quality dog accessories to ensure that you and your pet are comfortable, safe, and happy.
The Flexi brand originates in Germany, specializing in dog leashes and accessories. Their brand is world-renowned and themed toward comfort, fashion, and durability. They have leashes that are made for every occasion and dog!
Hertzko’s motto is “For the Love of Dog”, and its mission is to provide products designed around care and comfort. When it comes to providing the best for your pet, they have great items to keep your pet’s best interest at heart!
After researching the top dog product brands and their products, we’re confident that we found reliable leashes that will compliment your dog’s active lifestyle.
Here are our top 7 best retractable dog leashes!
Best Retractable Dog Leashes Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Fida Retractable Dog Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Sizes: X-Small – Large | Brand: Fida | Neck Style: Round | Features: White reflective materials, soft handle | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds | Length: 10 feet
What We Liked
- Rust-proof swivel hook
- Impact-free, ABS material Nylon Leash
- Reflective embedded material for increased visibility
- Contoured grip that makes this leash comfortable to hold
- Great for dogs of all sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- The retractable button may get stuck at times
We liked all of the features that this leash had to offer. The nylon and polyester materials are durable and long-lasting.
The price is affordable for just about anyone. To use this leash you simply attach the leash to your dog’s collar or harness as you would with any other.
The button at the top of the leash is used to put a brake to its modest, but roomy 10-foot length.
As with all retractable leashes, the button is a safety feature that can be used to stop your dog from venturing into questionable places or from getting close to other dogs or animals that could become aggressive or overexcited.
This leash is a perfect fit for dogs of all sizes and comes in X-Small to Large sizes.
Each size is determined by your dog’s weight, so be sure to find the size that’s strong enough to withstand pulling from your dog.
Though strong, this leash is lightweight and we found that our dogs hardly noticed they were on a leash!
The contoured shape of the handle was also a great bonus for us, as it prevented our hand from slipping and conformed to our hand for a better, more comfortable grip.
2. Best For Big Dogs: Flexi Giant Tape Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 1/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Sizes: Medium – X-Large | Brand: Flexi | Neck Style: Round | Features: Ergonomic Grip Handle | Dogs: Medium to Extra Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Rugged leash built to last
- Allows for superb maneuverability
- Super-lengthy lead
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavyweighted
The most noticeable thing about this lead is definitely the cost of it. It’s one of the more expensive options on our list.
This brand though is based in Germany so the leashes take longer to come in because they could be shipping directly from there.
What we loved about this leash is that it’s made for larger dogs. Finding a good leash for a bigger dog with a retractable button brake element seems almost too good to be true.
It can be heavyweighted, but this might be a perk when it comes to handling a pet such as a Great Dane or a Bull Mastiff.
We loved that the handle had an ergonomic grip and that the lead had reflective nylon! This leash is easy to use and will be an excellent fit for your big furry friend!
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY3. Best For Comfort & Style: Hertzco Retractable Dog Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 3/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
Sizes: 7.6 x 2.2 x 8 inches | Brand: Hertzko | Neck Style: Round | Features: Extends to 16 Feet | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Extends to 16 feet
- Ideal for dogs up to 110 pounds
- Push-button retraction
What We Didn’t Like
- No reflective strips
- No sizing options
The Hertzko brand operates on comfort and durability when it comes to the overall wellbeing of your canine. This leash is designed to be a good fit for your dog, no matter the size.
It’s made from nylon materials and is stylish and made to last. It measures up to 16 feet in length so your dog will have plenty of space to roam while you keep an eye on them.
It’s also easy to use. Like most retractable leashes, you can easily press the brake button in order to steer your dog away from any unwanted elements!
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best For Easy Use: Peteast Retractable Dog Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
Sizes: Extra small – Large | Brand: Peteast | Neck Style: Round | Features: Anti-twist Inlet | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Safe Reflective Stitched Seams for visibility
- Push buttons for quick control
- Non-Toxic and odorless plastic casing
What We Didn’t Like
- Can have a slow retraction time
- Leash frays easily when pulled hard
This Peteast retractable leash has a 360-degree movement with an anti-twist inlet feature. It comes in 3 different sizes, from extra small to large. It’s made from zinc and rubber materials, encased in a firm and durable plastic coat.
The leash is lightweight and makes it easy to handle your pet when you’re out for a walk. We loved the reflective stitching and the non-toxic odorless casing.
This leash is easy to use and it is easy to maneuver through the 3 settings on the handgrip. Make your outing with your dog as enjoyable as using this leash is!
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best For Late Night Strolls: Flexi Neon Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Sizes: Small – Large | Brand: Flexi | Neck Style: Round | Features: Reflective | Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Reflective stickers and neon color for better visibility
- Offers maximum safety and comfort
- 16 feet of cord to increase safety for dogs and owners
What We Didn’t Like
- The stop button might be difficult to use
- Leash retraction may wear out over long term use
Sometimes the best time of day is to go for a long stroll at night to clear your head and help your canine exercise a bit before winding down for the day.
This retractable leash is perfect for late-night or early-morning dog walkers!
Whether you enjoy waking up before the sun, or staying out well after it has gone to bed, this neon leash will make sure that you’re seen by busy cars, traffic, and other passersby!
It’s easy to use with a stop push button and 16 feet of cord to allow your pet to wander around no matter the surroundings.
You’ll be able to ensure that no harm comes to them at an hour when sight isn’t the most reliable.
Made from plastic and nylon, this reflective retractable leash is built to last. Most importantly, it’s built to keep both dog and owner safe!
Speaking of staying safe, check out these Best LED Light Up Dog Collars for extra protection and visibility!
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON6. Best For Small Dogs: EC TEAK Retractable Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 3/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
Sizes: 16 ft or 26 ft | Brand: EC.Teak | Neck Style: Round | Features: Extends up to 26 ft| Dogs: Small to Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Great for dog training
- Anti-slip, stress-free hand grip
- Reliable brake and stop push button
What We Didn’t Like
- The long length isn’t ideal for crowded areas
This retractable leash comes with two sizing options, 16 feet or 26 feet cord length. This option allows extra room for your pet to roam if they need it.
Made from plastic and nylon materials, this leash is designed to be durable and long-lasting.
If you’re a pet owner who enjoys going on long walks with their little furry companions, the 26-foot cord could be a great way to go. It will allow them to explore nature a little more independently!
The leash has a lock and unlock switch that can be easily accessed with your thumb and a firm hand grip.
Easy to use and made from trusted materials, this retractable leash is a great go-to for your smaller pooches.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON7. Best Budget Buy: QiMH Retractable Dog Leash
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 3/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
Sizes: 7.5 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches | Brand: QiMH| Neck Style: Round | Features: Comes with travel-sized water bowl and doggy bags | Dogs: Large Breeds
What We Liked
- Comes with outdoor pet essentials
- Ergonomic support
- Designed for larger breeds
What We Didn’t Like
- The button may break easily with long term use
This retractable leash specifically designed for larger breeds is a force to be reckoned with!
The leash is made with a nylon cord and reflective stitching to ensure durability and visibility.
BONUS! This leash also comes with an outdoor collapsible water or food bowl, and doggy bags with a clip holder that can attach to your belt or your dog’s collar.
The leash is easy to use with a simple brake and release push button. These features make this a great buy on a budget.
It comes with a quality retractable leash and other goodies for your pet! It’s great for any outdoor activity, especially the dog park!
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best For Big Dogs | Best For Comfort & Style | Best For Easy Use | Best For Late Night Strolls | Best For Small Dogs | Best Budget Buy |
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
Out of all of the best retractable dog leashes, there’s none other than the Fida Retractable Dog Leash!
This retractable collar is the most compact and easy to use. It comes at an affordable price, with multiple sizing and color options, and an easy-to-use quick lock and unlock button feature.
How to Choose the Best Retractable Collar
Consider Your Dog’s Needs
Walking your dog and ensuring that they get enough exercise each day isn’t only beneficial for their overall health, but for your physical and emotional health as well.
Whether it’s getting your dog a new toy that will last or taking them to the vet for a checkup, your dog’s needs should always be evaluated and assessed.
Considering the size and the behaviors of your dog are a great way in determining which retractable leash might be best for them.
Making sure that you’re choosing a dog leash that is the best fit for your pet is always important when shopping for your furry friend.
Hair thickness, temperament, and outdoor behaviors or environmental stimulants are good to consider.
These can all help assess when your dog’s mood may shift, or when they may become more hyper-aware or curious and want to venture off!
Sizing Your Dog
Most of the leashes listed above have sizing options. You want to make sure you’re choosing the option that will best complement the stature of your pet.
Different leash sizes have different durabilities and strengths.
For example, if you get a medium-sized leash for a bigger dog, it might not have the proper durability that’s needed in order to maintain and keep your pet safe!
If a restrictive collar is ever part of your concern, a harness might be another accessory to consider for your pet’s wellbeing.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief look at the 6 options that didn’t make our best retractable dog leashes list.
1. Pet & Cuddle Retractable Dog Leash – Considered for Best Overall
This wasn’t quite what we were looking for in form of the best fit for your pet. In our opinion, the price is too high for the overall leash.
There are also only two different sizing options to choose from, which can limit the breeds that can use this leash. It’s a great pick, just not for our list!
From our testing, the Fida Retractable Dog Leash offers more to choose from!
2. Flexi Retractable Dog Leashes – Considered for Late Night Strolls
This leash offers a lot of similar features to the Flexi Neon Lease but had some flaws we couldn’t look past.
The dealbreaker for us was the grip handle quality and the sizing options.
We felt that the Flexi Neon Leash was a much better option for a late-night stroll!
3. Wigzi Reflective Retractable Dog Leash – Considered for Easy Use
This pick has an interesting approach to untangling itself and offering full 360 function!
It’s ideal for multiple dog use, but it didn’t quite make the cut due to the cord being too short and the features on it wearing down quickly.
The Peteast Retractable Dog Leash was our best choice because of the straightforwardness of the product and the reliability it offers.
4. AiPet Retractable Dog Leash – Considered for Big Dogs
We liked what this leash had to offer, but it didn’t seem to have the right comfort level and grip that we were looking for.
It felt as if the handle wasn’t big enough for an owner to confidently hold.
We’re convinced that the Flexi Giant Tape Leash is the best option for big dogs!
5. Happy & Polly Dog Leash – Considered for Budget Buy
We were intrigued by this option because of the amazing flashlight feature on the leash. This would be convenient for night walks, foggy mornings, walks in the rain, and other low-light scenarios.
We weren’t sold on this option because of how easily the rope could fray. The flashlight is also pretty unnecessary for most dog owners.
We feel that the QiMH Retractable Dog Leash is the better option because of the versatility of the other items. The quality of the leash is also better.
