The 11 Best Dog Leashes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

image of person putting Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash on white dog — Photo:
People / Caitlin Sole

Every dog owner needs a dog leash, and there are hundreds — if not thousands — of options out there to choose from. They come in every size, shape, and color you can imagine, so it can definitely be tricky to find the best leash for your dog.

There are several features to consider when selecting a dog leash, but you’ll want to look for one that’s comfortable for both you and your pet. “The most important features to me are how it feels in hand and the durability of the equipment, or how well it lasts over time,” recommends Leigh Siegfried, professional dog trainer and founder of Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training. “If you’re using a collar or harness, I like a very light, sturdy clip leash because I don’t want to add additional weight to the dog.”

To help you find the right leash for you and your four-legged friend, we tested a total of 26 different products, including nylon leashes, rope leashes, retractable leashes, and more, evaluating them on their performance, durability, ease of use, and more.

The following are the best dog leashes PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon $16

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Best Budget:

PetSafe Nylon Leash at Amazon $8

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Most Durable:

ThunderLeash No Pull Nylon Dog Leash at Amazon $30

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Best Padded:

BAAPET Dog Leash with Padded Handle at Amazon

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Best Rope:

Wilderdog Alpine Reflective Leash at Amazon $32

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Best Nylon:

SALE

Flexi Neon Retractable Dog Leash at Amazon ~~$30~~ $19

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Best Design:

Lucy & Co. Print Leash at Lucyand.co

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Best for Pullers:

Zee.Dog Airleash at Zeedog.com

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Best Dual-Handle:

Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash at Amazon $15

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Best Retractable:

Mighty Paw Retractable 2.0 Dog Leash at Walmart $20

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Best Overall

Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash

PHOTO: Amazon

$16 at Amazon $16 at Chewy $17 at Maxandneo.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The second handle makes it easy to hold your dog closer to you, which can help with training them not to pull.
The loop handles have a rubber lining that’s comfortable to grip.
The leash didn’t get noticeably dirty, even after dragging on the ground.

Cons

We couldn’t find any!

For everyday outings with your pup, this popular double-handle dog leash is our top pick. It’s made from sturdy nylon with reflective details for walking at night, and there are two lengths to choose from, as well as a range of colors. We loved that the looped handles are lined with a rubbery material, which made them comfortable to grip, and the second handle, which is lower on the leash, makes it easy to hold your dog close to you — we found that this can help prevent pulling and is useful for training.

The Max and Neo leash has a D-ring on the upper handle where you can attach doggie bags or another accessory, and even after it dragged on the ground for a bit, the material wasn’t dirty or discolored. We found the material to be sturdy and well-made, and overall, the leash is a well-priced option that will work for any dog.

Length: 4 or 6 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: Two | Reflective: Yes | D-Ring: Yes

People / Beth Stewart
People / Beth Stewart
People / Beth Stewart
People / Beth Stewart

Best Budget

PetSafe Nylon Leash

PHOTO: Amazon

$8 at Amazon $13 at Walmart $8 at Chewy

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The clasp is easy to put on and take off, even with just one hand.
Dirt came off the leash easily when cleaned with a wet wipe.
The material is durable — no threads came loose, even after the leash was chewed on.

Cons

The leash did take a while to dry after getting wet.

For a simple, inexpensive leash, this nylon option from PetSafe will get the job done. It has a tight weave that stood up to quite a bit of chewing, and the leash comes in two lengths — 4 or 6 feet. It features a single, unpadded handle, and we found it was easy to clip the leash onto a dog’s collar, even with just one hand.

The lighter-colored leash did get dirty after a few weeks of use, but we were able to get the stains off using a wet wipe and spot cleaner. However, the material did take quite a while to dry off after getting wet, so it might end up a little soggy on rainy days.

Length: 4 ot 6 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: One | Reflective: No | D-Ring: No

People / Jamie Abarca
People / Jamie Abarca

Most Durable

ThunderLeash No Pull Nylon Dog Leash

PHOTO: Chewy

$27 at Amazon $30 at Chewy

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

When secured around the chest, the leash helped to stop dogs from pulling, and there was no training required.
In its anti-pull orientation, the leash can’t get stuck under your dog’s legs.
The handle is lined, making it more comfortable to hold.

Cons

We couldn’t find any!

If your dog tends to pull on their leash when you’re out walking, the ThunderLeash has an ingenious design that can help prevent this habit — without any special training. At first glance, we thought the product looked like a standard nylon leash, but its unique clip system quickly proved to be worth the extra cost. When we hooked the leash around our dog’s torso in its anti-pull orientation, it reduced pulling right away, without making our pup uncomfortable. Plus, as an added bonus, the leash never got stuck under the dog’s legs (a common issue with standard leashes).

This leash comes in either 6 or 7-foot lengths, and we did think the 7-foot option is a little too long when used in everyday life. The nylon material felt thick and durable, featuring reflective strands for nighttime walks, and the padded handle was comfortable to hold during use.

Length: 6 or 7 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: One | Reflective: Yes | D-Ring: Yes

People / April Bracelin
People / April Bracelin
People / April Bracelin

Best Padded

BAAPET Dog Leash with Padded Handle

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The thick padded handle is easy to grip and comfortable, even if your dog pulls.
The leash held up well after being lightly chewed on.
It was easy to clean off the leash using just water.

Cons

The leash we tested didn’t include a ring to attach accessories.

For long walks, you can’t beat the comfort of the BAAPET’s padded handle. The nylon rope leash has a thick layer of foam wrapped around the handle, and we thought it made it much more comfortable to hold, even when the dog pulled at the leash. This leash comes in a wide range of colors, all of which feature reflective threads, and you can choose from several lengths ranging from 2 to 6 feet. The thick material held up well, even after being chewed on briefly, and we were able to successfully clean off dirt with just water. However, the leash we tested was missing its accessories ring on the handle — a feature that’s supposed to be included.

Length: 2, 4, 5 or 6 feet | Material: Nylon rope | Handles: One | Reflective: Yes | D-Ring: Yes

People / Mary Amadeo
People / Mary Amadeo
People / Mary Amadeo
People / Mary Amadeo

Best Rope

Wilderdog Alpine Reflective Leash

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 at Amazon View on Wilderdog.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

3/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The leash is surprisingly lightweight, even in its 10-foot length.
The rope is slightly elastic, which makes it more flexible while walking.
The locking carabiner keeps dogs more secure.

Cons

There were small signs of wear, including light fraying, after a few weeks of use.

The Alpine leash is made from ⅜-inch rock climbing rope, making it a super durable choice for walking your dog. It comes in either 5- or 10-foot lengths, and we were surprised at how lightweight it was, even in the longer form. Instead of a standard clasp, it attaches to your dog’s collar with a locking carabiner, and while it does take more effort to put it on, we always felt confident that our pups were securely attached and couldn’t break free.

The climbing rope is actually somewhat elastic, which proved handy for correcting behaviors like pulling on walks, and it has reflective threads for better visibility at night. However, after a few weeks of use, the rope did show slight signs of wear, including a little bit of fraying, which was disappointing considering its higher price point.

Length: 5 or 10 feet | Material: Polypropylene/polyester rope | Handles: One | Reflective: Yes | D-Ring: No

People / Rachel Shalla
People / Rachel Shalla
People / Rachel Shalla
People / Rachel Shalla
People / Rachel Shalla

Best Nylon

Flexi Neon Retractable Dog Leash

Flexi New Neon Retractable Tape Dog Leash

$19 at Amazon View on PetSmart $23 at PETCO

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The leash was very sturdy and had no problem staying “locked” into a fixed length.
The nylon leash doesn’t show any signs of wear, even after being chewed on.

Cons

The handle of the leash is somewhat large for average-sized hands.

You can give your dog a little extra room to explore with the Flexi Neon Retractable Leash. It comes in a variety of sizes and lengths to match your dog’s weight, and we loved that it’s quick and easy to lock the nylon tape to a fixed length using a button on top of the handle. The lock kept the leash firmly in place, even when our dog was hyper, and it unlocked easily when we wanted to provide more length for exploring. The nylon tape also proved to be very durable — it didn’t show any signs of wear, despite being chewed on occasionally. Our only complaint is that the handle on the larger versions is a bit oversized, and we couldn’t reach the buttons when holding it with one hand.

Length: 10, 16 or 26 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: One | Reflective: No | D-Ring: No

People / Ciara McCune
People / Ciara McCune
People / Ciara McCune

Best Design

Lucy & Co. Print Leash

PHOTO: Lucy & Co.

View on Lucyand.co

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Despite being designed for aesthetics, the material is still very durable and easy to maintain.
The 5-foot length is ideal for smaller dog breeds.
The padded handle is more comfortable to hold than your average nylon leash.

Cons

We couldn’t find anything!

You can walk your dog in style with the Lucy & Co. Print Leash, which comes in more than a dozen colorful patterns. (The brand also has matching harnesses and collars for a fully coordinated look!) While this leash is obviously designed with aesthetic in mind, we were still really impressed with its construction. The nylon material felt durable and was easy to wash, and the padded handle made it comfortable to hold on long walks. The leash is only available in 5-foot lengths, which is perfect for smaller dog breeds, and it even has a locking clasp for extra security on your outings.

Length: 5 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: One | Reflective: No | D-Ring: Yes

People / Cassie Basford
People / Cassie Basford
People / Cassie Basford

Best for Pullers

Zee.Dog Airleash

PHOTO: Zee.Dog

View on Zeedog.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

4.5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The design of the leash effectively absorbed the force of any pulling, preventing us from being jerked around.
The clasp has a large opening, which makes it easy to attach with one hand.
The leash still looked as good as new after several weeks of testing.

Cons

We would have liked a secondary handle, especially on the longer version.

It can make walks quite frustrating if your dog tends to pull on their leash, so we highly recommend the Airleash for any over-excited pups. The leash has a special elastic webbing that’s designed to absorb the impact of pulling, and in our testing, we found it was surprisingly effective! The design stopped us from being jerked around when dogs were pulling, and the padded handle was comfortable to grip, as well.

There were several other things we loved about this leash. The locking clasp has a larger-than-average opening, allowing us to clip it on with just one hand, and the colorful nylon construction proved to be very durable, looking as good as new after weeks of use. Our only (minor) complaint is that we wish there was a secondary handle on the 5-foot leash, which can help maintain better control if your dog gets overly excited.

Length: 3.3 or 5 feet | Material: Nylon rope with elastic webbing | Handles: One | Reflective: No | D-Ring: No

People / Jessica Christopher
People / Jessica Christopher
People / Jessica Christopher

Best Dual-Handle

Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash

PHOTO: Amazon

$14 at Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The leash is thick enough that it feels secure for walking large dog breeds.
Both handles have extra cushioning, making them comfortable to hold, even when your dog pulls.

Cons

The second handle is a little too close to the leash’s clasp, making it somewhat hard to reach.

The Primal Pet Gear Dog Leash has a double-handle design that makes it easy to shorten your dog’s range when needed. The nylon design is 6 feet long with a thick 1-inch width that makes it feel sturdy when walking larger dogs, and both of its handles are lined with extra padding, which made it comfortable to hold. Even when our dogs were pulling, it was easy to keep a sturdy grip on the leash, though we did wish the second handle was a little higher up. Still, the leash is well-made and held up perfectly after several weeks of use.

Length: 6 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: Two | Reflective: Yes | D-Ring: Yes

People / Caitlin Sole
People / Caitlin Sole
People / Caitlin Sole

Best Retractable

Mighty Paw Retractable 2.0 Dog Leash

PHOTO: Amazon

$20 at Walmart $20 at Chewy

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The leash retracts in a smooth movement, preventing it from snapping you or your dog.
The leash stayed in good condition over the course of testing, even after being dropped.

Cons

The handle is a bit bulky on the larger leash size.

Retractable leashes offer more versatility on your walks, and this one from Mighty Paw allows your dog to walk up to 16 feet away from you. The leash comes in two versions—one for larger dogs and one for smaller breeds — and we liked that the inner tape retracts very smoothly, preventing it from snapping or jolting our dog. It also felt secure when locked at a fixed length, and we didn’t worry that it would release if our dog started pulling. The handle itself is a bit bulky, but it’s comfortable to hold and has a convenient D-ring on the bottom where you can attach an accessory. Plus, the retractable leash still looked (and performed) great after several weeks of testing, even after being dropped a few times.

Length: 16 feet | Material: Nylon | Handles: One | Reflective: Yes | D-Ring: Yes

People / Michelle Ehrich
People / Michelle Ehrich
People / Michelle Ehrich
People / Michelle Ehrich

Best Long

NIMBLE Waterproof Training Lead

PHOTO: Amazon

$19 at Amazon

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

3.5/5
Performance

5/5
Durability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

The poly coating prevents the leash from getting too dirty and is easy to wipe clean.
The material is sturdy and waterproof, and it held up well to outdoor use.

Cons

There’s no easy way to store the leash, as it’s fairly bulky and hard to wind up.
The handle on this leash isn’t the most comfortable to hold.

If you’re working on recall training with your dog, the Nimble Training Lead comes in 30- and 50-foot lengths that let your dog explore farther away from you. The leash is made from nylon with a rubbery coating, and we thought it felt durable and held up well after being used outdoors several times. It’s also waterproof, so you can easily use it while your dog is swimming. The material is easier to clean than a standard nylon leash — you can simply wipe off the rubbery finish with a cloth and it will dry quickly. However, the extra-long leash isn’t well-suited for everyday walking, and the longer lengths are cumbersome to store, as it’s bulky when rolled up.

Length: 5, 10, 16, 30 or 50 feet | Material: Poly-coated nylon | Handles: One | Reflective: No | D-Ring: No

People / Karla Murthy
People / Karla Murthy
People / Karla Murthy

Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Leash

Style

There are several popular styles of dog leashes, including standard flat leashes, rope leashes, bungee leashes, retractable leashes, and training leads. Each style has its benefits, and you’ll want to select one that fits both you and your dog’s needs.

Standard flat leashes such as our top-rated Max and Neo Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash, are the most popular. “A standard flat leash that is non-retractable is the best type,” says dog trainer Liz Dimit, a dog expert for Dogtopia. “They offer the most safety and, depending on your needs, come in different lengths.”
Rope leashes have a similar design, but they’re made from round strands of rope, which some people find more comfortable to hold.
Bungee leashes, such as the Zee.Dog Airleash, have more elasticity and are beneficial for dogs who pull on their lead, as the stretchy material prevents your dog from jerking you around when they pull.
Training leads, including the NIMBLE Waterproof Training Lead, are similar to flat leashes, but they’re extra long—often 20 feet or more—to give your dog more range when training recall and other commands. They’re useful for training sessions, but not so much for everyday walks.
Retractable leashes like the Mighty Paw Retractable 2.0 Dog Leash are one of the more controversial options. Many people like these leashes, as you can either lock them into a fixed length or allow your dog more range to roam. However, retractable leashes can be dangerous — the retractable cord or tape can easily get wrapped around your dog or you, causing a rope burn or cuts. Additionally, these leashes are more prone to breaking, so you’ll want to use extra caution if you choose this style.

Length

There are both fixed-length and adjustable leashes, and you’ll want to think about your dog’s walking habits to pick the right leash size.

“The best length depends on the environment where you’re walking your dog,” says Siegfried. “I personally like a 6-foot leash, which provides plenty of space for dogs to walk freely. Dogs actually move at a pace faster than us, and so their preference to be ahead of us is a natural thing. You can always adjust your handling and make the leash smaller as needed.” Shorter 4-foot leashes are sometimes better for walking in high-traffic areas, such as the city, as they will keep your dog closer to you.

“I’m also a big fan of a long line, like a 15-foot leash,” Siegfried notes. “It might not be practical for someone who’s walking in Manhattan, but if you live in the suburbs or the country, it’s great if you want your dog to be able to sniff around.”

Adjustable leashes, such as retractable leashes, can often extend up to 20 feet or more, and they give your dog more range when walking in less populated areas. Just keep in mind that the further your dog can wander, the harder it will be to regain control if they get excited or try to take off.

Handles

Along with a collar, a harness, and canine rain coat, a good leash is an essential pet supply. That's why it shouldn’t just be comfortable for your pooch—it should be comfortable for you, too! Padded handles are easier to grip for longer walks, and they can also prevent rope burn if your dog is prone to pulling. “Ensure the handle is comfortable for you to hold and the material doesn't cause irritation to your dog’s skin,” recommends Dimit.

You may also want to consider a leash with more than one handle, such as Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash. These leashes have a secondary handle midway down the length, allowing you to hold your dog closer if you’re in a busy area or if they get excited about a squirrel or other sighting.

showing distance between person and dog with the NIMBLE Waterproof Training Lead — People / Karla Murthy

How We Tested

To find the best dog leashes for you and your pet, we tested a total of 26 options, including all popular leash styles. Each leash was evaluated by real dog owners, who used the products as part of their everyday routine over the course of several weeks. Here’s what they looked at:

Ease of use: For each leash, we evaluated its weight and size, noting how easy it is to carry and store. We also considered whether the clasp was easy to attach, and whether the leash could be adjusted in any way.
Performance: While using the leashes, we looked at factors like whether it felt secure, if it was a suitable length, and whether it seemed obtrusive to our dogs. We also considered if the leash was comfortable to hold and the effectiveness of any special features, such as anti-pull mechanisms.
Durability: We noted whether the leashes were well made and if there were any notable problems with the construction. After using each leash for several weeks, we noted whether there were any signs of wear.
Ease of cleaning: After testing them for a length of time, we cleaned each leash, noting how easy it was to do and how effectively we could get rid of dirt.

woman next to white dog on the Primal Pet Gear Double Handle Dog Leash in backyard — People / Caitlin Sole

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strongest dog leash material?

Thick nylon braided leashes, such as the Max and Neo Nylon Reflective Double Dog Leash, are incredibly strong, and there’s virtually no chance that the material will break, even if your dog is pulling hard. Many of these leashes can also withstand being chewed on, in case your dog likes to bite as their leash during walks. Siegfried mentions that leashes made from climbing rope, such as the Wilderdog Alpine Reflective Leash, are particularly durable, but not everyone will find the bulkier material comfortable to hold.
What’s the best length for a dog leash?

“The best length for a dog leash can vary based on your dog's size, training needs, and your preferences,” explains Dimit. For most dogs, a 6-foot leash is an appropriate length, as it gives your dog enough distance to move freely while allowing you to stay in control. If you like to be able to keep your dog closer to you, a 4-foot leash is also a popular choice, or you can opt for a dual-handle leash.
What leash can teach a dog not to pull?

“Certain leash types, like front-clip harnesses or head halters, can aid in training by redirecting your dog's attention and discouraging pulling behavior without causing discomfort or pain,” says Dimit. In our testing, the ThunderLeash No Pull Dog Leash offered an effective solution against pulling by wrapping around the dog’s torso, and the Zee.Dog Airleash helped minimize jolting thanks to its elastic design.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products, and she currently owns two dogs. In her more than seven years of experience as a product tester, she's reviewed hundreds of pet products firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, and Homes & Gardens.

To put together this list of the best dog leashes, she reviewed the firsthand testing notes from the People Tested team, and she spoke to two experts, including dog trainers Leigh Siegfried of Opportunity Barks and Liz Simit of Dogtopia.

Our Experts

Leigh Siegfried is professional dog trainer and the founder of Opportunity Barks Behavior & Training in Philadelphia.
Liz Dimit, CPDT and ABCDT, is a franchise trainer and dog expert for Dogtopia, a dog daycare and boarding franchise.

person holding the Flexi New Neon Retractable Tape Dog Leash as they walk dog down stairs — People / Ciara McCune

What Is People Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.