Best trampolines: tested for safety and ease of assembly

The best trampolines are easy to assemble and stable once built.

We test the most popular 8ft, 10ft round and rectangular trampolines with enclosures from top brands and retailers including Argos, Asda, Plum and Sportspower.  

Our reviews will tell you how long they'll really take you to get upright, which are most stable and secure (whether being jumped on or clambered over) and which have the easiest enclosures to take down on windy days so they don't rip or blow away.

Two we tested bounced ahead of the others and have impressed us enough to be named Which? Best Buy trampolines.

The best trampolines

Only logged-in Which? members can view the trampoline test results below.

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The trampolines we tested

All the trampolines we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best trampolines from our tests. 

Join Which? now to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Where to buy links to 8ft models unless otherwise stated.

Jump Power Elite Series Rectangular Trampoline (10 x 7.5ft)

Available from Smyths Toys (£229.99)

Other sizes available from Smyths Toys (12 x 8ft, £279.99)  

Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal 

Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested May 2024

Sizes available 10 x 7.5ft, 12 x 8ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.73 x 3.05 x 2.29m

Need to know 70kg trampoline weight, 100kg maximum user weight

Kanga Premium Trampoline (8ft)

Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal 

Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested July 2022

Sizes available 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.27 x 2.44 x 2.44m

Need to know 29kg trampoline weight, 100kg maximum user weight, ladder and anchor kit included

Plum Space Zone II Springsafe Trampoline (8ft)

Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal 

Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested May 2024

Sizes available 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.4 x 2.44 x 2.44m

Need to know 40kg trampoline weight, 75kg maximum user weight

Read our guide on how to buy the best balance bike

Plum Wave Springsafe Trampoline (8ft)

Other sizes available from 10ft at Asda (£179), 12ft at Asda (£219), 14ft at Asda (£259)

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Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested May 2024

Sizes available 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.1 x 2.44 x 2.44m

Need to know 39kg trampoline weight, 50kg maximum user weight

See our expert picks of the best board games. 

Sportspower Outdoor Kids Trampoline (8ft)

Available from Argos (£115)

Other sizes available from 10ft at Argos (£135), 12ft at Argos (£170), 14ft at Argos (£220)

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Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested July 2022

Sizes available 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.42 x 2.44 x 2.44m

Need to know 42.5kg trampoline weight, 100kg maximum user weight

Techsport Trampoline (8ft)

Available from Smyths Toys (£119.99)

Other sizes available from 6ft at Smyths Toys (£89.99), 10ft at Smyths Toys (£80) (Out of stock)

Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal 

Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested July 2022

Sizes available 6ft, 8ft, 10ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.45 x 2.44 x 2.44m

Need to know 40kg trampoline weight, 100kg maximum user weight

Thorpe Sports Trampoline (10ft)

Available from Smyths Toys (£149.99) 

Other sizes available from 12ft at Smyths Toys (£199.99)

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Cons Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Most recently tested May 2024

Sizes available 10ft, 12ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.53 x 3.05 x 3.05m

Need to know 55.3kg trampoline weight, 100kg maximum user weight

TP Toys Hip Hop Trampoline (8ft)

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Most recently tested May 2024

Sizes available 8ft, 10ft, 12ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.24 x 2 x 2m

Need to know 38kg trampoline weight, 85kg maximum user weight

TP Toys Up Trampoline (8ft)

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Most recently tested May 2024

Sizes available 8ft, 10ft, 12ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.46 x 2.44 x 2.44m

Need to know 21kg trampoline weight, 100kg maximum user weight

Ultrasport Trampoline (8ft)

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Most recently tested July 2022

Sizes available 6ft, 8ft, 10ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.39 x 2.51 x 2.51m

Need to know 38kg trampoline weight, 120kg maximum user weight

Zero Gravity Ultima 4 Trampoline (8ft)

Pros Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal 

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Sizes available 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft

Dimensions inc. enclosure (H x W x D) 2.56 x 2.43 x 2.43m

Need to know 39kg trampoline weight, 75kg maximum user weight, ladder included

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How we test trampolines

We test trampolines from the most sought-after brands, stocked at the most popular UK retailers.

We buy every trampoline we test, so you can be sure our recommendations are honest and unbiased.

We regularly revisit the trampolines on sale, to see if there are any new and popular models that need testing. When we find them, that's what we do.

Ease of assembly/disassembly

• We assemble each trampoline and rate how easy each one is to put together.
• We consider the instructions, ease of putting parts together, how easy the springs are to attach, how straightforward the enclosure is to assemble and how clearly parts are labelled.
• In strong wind, it's best to take the enclosure off your trampoline, so we also look at how easy it is to quickly detach and disassemble each trampoline enclosure. 

Safety checks

Bouncing on a trampoline will always carry a level of risk, but the best trampolines minimise this. 

• Frame and enclosure height We check each trampoline's frame and enclosure height requirements (50cm for the frame and 150cm/180cm for the enclosure on 8ft/10ft+ trampolines).
• Finger entrapment We check how easy to get your fingers trapped in the enclosure safety net.
• Visibility We check there are no blind spots on the enclosure, so you're able to see and supervise your children, no matter what your viewing angle.
• Durability We place 150kg on each trampoline mat for 10 minutes and check each spring for signs of permanent deformation, and that the frame padding still covers all the springs.
• Warnings Trampolines are required to have certain warnings in their instructions and on the trampoline itself. We check that they are all there. 

All the trampolines we've tested so far have passed these checks. 

Stability and strength

• We check each trampoline's stability by placing a fixed weight that's around the weight of two adults on the edge of the trampoline frame to see if it tips over. 
• We also check the stability when bouncing with a side-to-side motion, and that the legs can't easily be pulled out when lifting the frame.

Enclosure strength

We hang 60kg from the top of each enclosure to test its strength.

The best trampolines we've tested don't budge or deform, while others have the enclosure pop out of their connections to the support poles, or the top pole permanently deforms.

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

Trampoline safety

When you're buying a trampoline, look for one with a safety enclosure that runs along the inside of the mat. This minimises the chance of your child making contact with any of the hard frame materials.

We've tested trampolines to make sure they've been designed to be safe. They all passed the standard safety checks, but when we pushed them we found a few differences in:

• Topple stability You shouldn't sit on the edge of the trampoline, but we checked to see which ones are more resistant to tipping. Our tests found that some – but not all – start to tip with a heavy weight (about two average adults).
• Bounce stability You should bounce up and down, rather than side to side. However if a bouncer's movement does have a bit of lateral movement, we found some trampolines wobble less than others.
• Enclosure strength This is important in case your child decides to try and hang off the top of it when you're not looking. We found that some enclosures hold up when hung from, while others bend and the top poles deform.  

Despite our tests finding the most secure trampolines, this activity will always carry some risk.

You should never leave your child unsupervised while they're using a trampoline, but remember that accidents can still happen, so keep these other safety tips in mind:

• Only allow one child on the trampoline at a time According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 60% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at a time.
• No bouncing exits Don't let your little ones launch themselves off the trampoline onto the ground. This might seem obvious, but it's a common cause of injury.
• No somersaults Kids shouldn't attempt them unless they've been taught properly, otherwise there's a good chance of landing badly.
• Kids under six years old shouldn't use standard trampolines They should only use models that have been designed specifically for younger children. Kids under the age of six have not developed sufficiently to handle the bouncing movement.
• Check for wear and tear, especially after long periods of not being used If you're not using your trampoline much over winter, for example, you might wish to remove the mat and springs and store them away.
• If it stays up and out, check for signs of sagging, stretching and deterioration Lift up the padding to check the state of the springs and for any signs of rust. Check the frame for any signs of bending or weld joints beginning to weaken.

Best sun creams – for staying safe while trampolining in the sun

How to assemble a trampoline

Assembling even the easiest of trampolines is a physically demanding and involved task. The ones that were easiest to assemble still took us at least an hour – and we've been doing this for a while!

Manufacturers recommend that at least two people should assemble a trampoline. We follow this advice in our testing and recommend that you do the same.

If it's your first time putting up a trampoline, it'll likely take you two hours to assemble an 8ft trampoline, longer if it's bigger.

1. Assemble the frame and legs You may need a screwdriver, allen keys, a mallet and/or a spanner to do this. All the trampolines we've tested come with the right tools (except the mallet), but they're usually quite basic so you may find your own comfier and more effective to use. Sometimes the poles are a bit greasy, so we recommend wearing gloves.  
2. Attach the mat to the frame or the enclosure to the mat The type of enclosure will change what order these happen in. Make sure you're wearing gloves and safety glasses when attaching springs to the trampoline. Join Which? to find out the method to attach the enclosure that our testers would recommend.
3. Attach the padding to the frame This is usually done with elastic ties, which we recommend you double-knot, or clips that wrap around the frame and attach to the mat hooks. The latter, we found, makes this a bit quicker. 
4. Erect the enclosure You'll need to attach the top pole first, then the support arms to raise the enclosure. This is easiest with two people working on opposite sides of the trampoline. Join Which? to reveal the features we've found that make this easier.

How to put the springs on a trampoline

Assembling a trampoline is a physical job, and the hardest bit is stretching the springs to attach the trampoline.

• We advise you to have two people on hand, one to hold the frame steady while the other pulls the springs to attach the mat to the frame. 
• Take it in turns to give each person a break. We also recommend you wear thick gloves and safety glasses.
• You'll need to attach the springs by first hooking them onto the hooks of the mat.
• Then put the other end of the spring onto the hooked end of the spring pull tool, pictured above. Every trampoline we've tested comes with one.
• Pull the spring with this tool and connect it to one of the slots on the frame.
• Your trampoline instructions will tell you what order to attach the springs in, and we recommend you follow this. This ensures the tension in the mat is evenly distributed, making attaching more springs less of a faff. 

How to dismantle a trampoline

If, at any point, you want to completely disassemble the trampoline, we recommend doing it in dry weather. If you do it when the trampoline is wet, and then put it away in storage, you might end of with a mouldy mat and padding.

1. Lower the enclosure You'll want to do this in high winds to reduce the risk of the trampoline blowing away. Join Which? to reveal the features we've found that make this easier.
2. Disassemble the enclosure You may need a screwdriver or allen keys to do this. If bendy poles are used as the top pole, they can be tricky to pull apart as they're under a lot of tension, so you'll be better off with two people doing this. 
3. Detach the padding The ties are usually elastic, so if you've double-knotted them, pull the ends to release the knots and make it easier to undo.
4. Detach the mat from the frame You'll need the spring pull tool to detach each spring from the frame. It's a physically tough task, so we recommend two people do it, and wear gloves and safety glasses. Join Which? to discover the trick that we found helped remove tougher springs.
5. Disassemble the frame and legs You may need a screwdriver, allen keys and/or a spanner to do this. After being under tension, you may also need a mallet to knock the legs and frame out of the connectors. Wear glove and safety glasses.

How to measure a trampoline

The size of a round trampoline is the diameter of the metal frame, not just the mat. 

So an 8ft (2.4m) trampoline, for example, will have a total diameter of 8ft. The jumping area will be smaller, typically 6.5ft (2m) for a trampoline labelled as 8ft.

The same is true with larger sizes of trampolines. As a general rule of thumb, the jumping surface will be about 40-50cm (1.3-1.6ft) smaller than the total diameter.

There are usually two heights provided by manufacturers for a trampoline: the frame height (from the floor to the top of the frame) and full height (from the floor to the top of the enclosure).

How to buy the best trampoline

Here's what else to consider when you shop.

• Size Trampolines come in standard sizes, from 6ft up to 14ft. For spring-free trampolines, the size options are different.
• Padding It covers the springs and should be a decent thickness and resistant to rain. The PVC covering should be UV-resistant, as prolonged exposure to sunlight could increase the risk of it perishing.
• Metal frame A trampoline frame is constructed from hollow steel tubes. The thicker the poles, the stronger the frame, but it will also be heavier. You also want the poles to be galvanised, to reduce the chance of rusting.
• Safety netting Make sure the netting is made from a strong and durable material that can withstand the weather, although it's recommended you replace the netting every one or two years.
• Number of springs Larger trampolines have more springs and tend to be bouncier.
• Positioning If you plan to leave the trampoline out when it's not in use, think about placing it where there isn't too much sun, as the PVC covering could degrade over time if left in direct sunlight.
• Ground type Make sure the trampoline is placed on soft ground, such as a lawn or wood chip. If that's not possible, get shock absorbers for the base and crash matting to put around the trampoline.
• Anchor kit For larger trampolines, consider tying it down with an anchoring kit so it doesn't get caught up in big gusts of wind.  

Spring vs spring-free trampolines

Brands such as Springfree and Plum manufacture trampolines with fibreglass rods instead of springs. In theory, this makes for a safer trampoline, as they eliminate the impact areas that can cause injury.

However, they cost significantly more to buy than regular spring-based trampolines. 

In-ground vs above-ground trampolines

In-ground trampolines have certain advantages: they take up less space, are less of an eyesore in the garden and might be safer as your kids can't fall off.

However, they require a big hole in the ground to fit them in, which can be as deep as 90cm for the widest models. Additionally, you'll need to ensure proper drainage to prevent rusting and deterioration of the trampoline below the ground.

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