For years, keeping goldfish in small bowls without filtration was the norm. Thankfully, that is changing, but some people do still prefer the convenience of a fishbowl as opposed to an aquarium. Fishbowls can be more manageable than aquariums, but there are some important details to consider before purchasing a fishbowl for a goldfish. Goldfish need swimming space, enrichment, and plenty of filtration and oxygenation, so you’ll need to find a bowl that can meet the needs of a goldfish. These reviews of the 10 best fishbowls for your goldfish are intended to provide guidance and a solid starting point to help you find the best bowl for your space and your goldfish.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
biOrb Classic LED Aquarium
Available in three color options
Includes LED light and air pump
Includes five stage filter
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Best Value
FREESEA Fish Tank with LED Light
Budget friendly
Lightweight, sturdy plastic
Two faux plants included
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Premium Choice
Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚
Customizable filter media trays
Raised-top design
Sturdy polycarbonate material
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Marina Cool Goldfish Kit
Good starter kit for children
Multiple samples and gravel
Available in two color options
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biOrb Life MCR Aquarium
Multicolor LED light and air pump
Five stage filter and filter media
LED light
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The 10 Best Goldfish Bowls – Reviews 2023
The biOrb Classic LED Aquarium is the best overall pick for a goldfish bowl because of the features it includes and the quality of the product. This bowl kit is available in four sizes from 4-32 gallons and comes in three color options for the lid and base, which allows you to choose between black, silver, and white. This bowl includes a 5-stage filter that cleans and oxygenates the water, as well as an air pump that helps aerate and circulate the water. The lid has a built-in LED light that’s made to last for years without needing replacement. The bowl itself is made from sturdy acrylic that’s 50% lighter and 10 times stronger than glass. The filter cartridge includes special ceramic filter media that colonizes lots of beneficial bacteria.
Available Sizes: 4 gallons, 8 gallons, 16 gallons
Available Shapes: Sphere
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
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This goldfish bowl is made to be used with biOrb products and does not allow for customization of filter media or the air pump system. Also, this bowl is not made to be used with a heater, so you’ll need to ensure that it stays in a climate-controlled room during the colder months.
Pros
Available in four sizes up to 32 gallons
Available in three color options
Includes 5-stage filter
Includes LED light and air pump
Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
LED light is made to last multiple years
Cons
No customization
Can only be used with biOrb products
Cannot be used with a heater
The FREESEA Fish Tank with LED Light and Filter Pump is a great pick for a goldfish bowl that includes everything you need on a tight budget. This 1.2-gallon square-shaped fishbowl is available in black lid and white lid options. This kit features a hidden filtration system that’s situated behind a false wall at the back of the tank. The kit includes a large filter sponge that can be replaced with any type of sponge you prefer. It also includes a long-lasting LED light and two small faux plants. The tank itself sits on four small feet that raise it slightly so the tank itself isn’t sitting flush on the stand you use. It’s lightweight and made from sturdy plastic, making it more clear than glass.
Available in four sizes up to 32 gallons
Available in three color options
Includes 5-stage filter
Includes LED light and air pump
Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
LED light is made to last multiple years
- Available in four sizes up to 32 gallons
- Available in three color options
- Includes 5-stage filter
- Includes LED light and air pump
- Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
- LED light is made to last multiple years
No customization
Can only be used with biOrb products
Cannot be used with a heater
- No customization
- Can only be used with biOrb products
- Cannot be used with a heater
Available Sizes: 2 gallons
Available Shapes: Square
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
This tank is only available in 1.2 gallons, so it’s not a good long-term solution for a goldfish. The included filter is very strong and may be too strong for very small, young, or sick goldfish. The included electrical cord has a USB end but does not include an adapter to plug it into the wall, so this will have to be purchased separately.
Pros
Budget friendly
Available in two color options
Includes filtration system with filter sponge
Includes LED light
Two faux plants included
Lightweight, sturdy plastic
Cons
Only one size available
Included filter is too strong for small, young, and sick fish
Electrical cord doesn’t include wall adapter
The Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚ fishbowl is a premium-priced goldfish bowl that is available in two sizes. This open-top bowl features a raised top that contains a touch-controlled LED light. It also includes a filtration system, a surface oil skimmer, and a protein skimmer for saltwater applications. The LED light can be set to blue, red, or green, and has day and night settings. This kit includes a Bio-sponge, but also features two customizable media trays for you to choose your own filter media. The bowl itself is made out of a strong polycarbonate.
Budget friendly
Available in two color options
Includes filtration system with filter sponge
Includes LED light
Two faux plants included
Lightweight, sturdy plastic
- Budget friendly
- Available in two color options
- Includes filtration system with filter sponge
- Includes LED light
- Two faux plants included
- Lightweight, sturdy plastic
Only one size available
Included filter is too strong for small, young, and sick fish
Electrical cord doesn’t include wall adapter
- Only one size available
- Included filter is too strong for small, young, and sick fish
- Electrical cord doesn’t include wall adapter
Available Sizes: 10 gallons, 14 gallons
Available Shapes: Sphere
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
The LED light included in this kit cannot be set to white and isn’t adequate for live plants. The filtration system cannot be replaced with another type of filter since this one is built into the top.
Pros
Available in two sizes
Includes filtration system with Bio-sponge
Includes touch-controlled LED light with three color options
Customizable filter media trays
Sturdy polycarbonate material
Raised-top design
Cons
Premium price
LED light can’t be set to white light only
Filter cannot be replaced
Available in two sizes
Includes filtration system with Bio-sponge
Includes touch-controlled LED light with three color options
Customizable filter media trays
Sturdy polycarbonate material
Raised-top design
- Available in two sizes
- Includes filtration system with Bio-sponge
- Includes touch-controlled LED light with three color options
- Customizable filter media trays
- Sturdy polycarbonate material
- Raised-top design
Premium price
LED light can’t be set to white light only
Filter cannot be replaced
- Premium price
- LED light can’t be set to white light only
- Filter cannot be replaced
It covers all you need to know about the ideal tank setup, tank size, substrate, ornaments, plants, and so much more!
- Marina Cool Goldfish Kit
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Available Sizes: 1.77 gallons, 2.65 gallons
Available Shapes: Concave
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: No
The Marina Cool Goldfish Kit is a nice goldfish bowl kit for children because it includes everything needed to get the tank up and running and has a fun, concave shape, and the choice between a dark purple and bright pink lid. It’s available in two sizes and comes with samples of water conditioner, beneficial bacteria, and fish food. It includes a Marina internal filter with startup filter cartridge, a silk plant, and gravel to match the kit. It also includes a double-sided background, allowing you to choose and change your background. It sits on four rounded, pink or purple feet that give it a playful look.
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Available Sizes: 1.77 gallons, 2.65 gallons
Available Shapes: Concave
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: No
This kit does not include any type of lighting, so this will have to be purchased separately. The replacement filter cartridges are specific to the Marina i25 internal filter and cannot be customized. The lid includes a feeding window, but it’s close to the side of the tank and is difficult to use without the food sticking to the side of the tank.
Pros
Available in two sizes
Available in two color options
Includes filter with filter cartridge
Includes multiple samples and gravel
Good starter kit for children
Cons
Does not include a light
Replacement filter cartridges are filter-specific
Feeding window is difficult to use
- biOrb Life MCR Aquarium
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Available Sizes: 8 gallons, 12 gallons
Available Shapes: Square
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
The biOrb Life MCR Aquarium is a premium goldfish bowl that’s available in two sizes and three color options. This bowl is a rounded square shape and has a wide edging around the exterior, allowing you to look straight through from front to back but not side to side. The edging is available in black, white, and clear. This chic goldfish bowl option includes a hidden 5-stage filtration system that’s built into the base. It also includes an air pump and a multicolor LED light that’s made to last for years and is easily controlled with a remote. It has 16 preset color options and adjustable fade and brightness settings. It’s made from high-quality, sturdy acrylic, so it’s lightweight and clearer than glass, and it includes samples of water conditioner and beneficial bacteria.
Available in two sizes
Available in two color options
Includes filter with filter cartridge
Includes multiple samples and gravel
Good starter kit for children
- Available in two sizes
- Available in two color options
- Includes filter with filter cartridge
- Includes multiple samples and gravel
- Good starter kit for children
Does not include a light
Replacement filter cartridges are filter-specific
Feeding window is difficult to use
- Does not include a light
- Replacement filter cartridges are filter-specific
- Feeding window is difficult to use
Available Sizes: 8 gallons, 12 gallons
Available Shapes: Square
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
While this goldfish bowl can use any biOrb filter, filter media, or air pump, it cannot use other types or brands of products. It’s not made to be used with a heater, so it will need to be kept in a climate-controlled room during the winter.
Pros
Available in two sizes
Available in three color options
Includes 5-stage filter and filter media
Includes multicolor LED light and air pump
Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
LED light is made to last multiple years and is remote-controlled
Cons
Premium price
Can only be used with biOrb products
No customization
Cannot be used with a heater
- Related Read: Goldfish Care Guide for Beginners: 11 Essential Steps
- Penn-Plax Desktop Fish Tank Kit with LED Light & Internal Filter
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Available Sizes: 5 gallons
Available Shapes: Rectangle
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
The Penn-Plax Desktop Size Fish Tank Kit with LED Light and Internal Filter is another budget-friendly pick for a goldfish bowl with included lighting and filtration. This plastic tank sits on a black raised base and has a clear lid. It features an ultra-bright LED light and a 3-stage internal filter with included filter media cartridge.
Available in two sizes
Available in three color options
Includes 5-stage filter and filter media
Includes multicolor LED light and air pump
Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
LED light is made to last multiple years and is remote-controlled
- Available in two sizes
- Available in three color options
- Includes 5-stage filter and filter media
- Includes multicolor LED light and air pump
- Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
- LED light is made to last multiple years and is remote-controlled
Premium price
Can only be used with biOrb products
No customization
Cannot be used with a heater
- Premium price
- Can only be used with biOrb products
- No customization
- Cannot be used with a heater
Available Sizes: 5 gallons
Available Shapes: Rectangle
Filtration Included: Yes
Lighting Included: Yes
This kit is a good starter kit for a goldfish but isn’t a good long-term solution for a goldfish. It’s made to be a betta kit, so the filter may be too weak for a goldfish once it gets over 3-4 inches. The filter attaches to the side of the tank via the included suction cups, which are relatively weak, so the filter may fall into the tank frequently. There is only one brand and size of replacement filter cartridge that can be used in this filter, so it is not customizable.
Pros
Budget friendly
Includes 3-stage internal filter and filter cartridge
Includes ultra-bright LED light
Clear lid allows views from the top
Raised base is included
Cons
One size available
Too small for long-term use
Filter suction cups are weak
One brand and size of replacement filter cartridge
Not customizable
- Koller Products BettaView 1.5 Gallon 360-LED Lighting
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Available Sizes: 1.5 gallons
Available Shapes: Cylinder
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: Yes
The Koller Products BettaView 1.5 Gallon 360-LED Lighting goldfish bowl is a classy, cylindrical goldfish bowl option with included LED light. The LED light has seven color settings and is controlled with a simple remote that allows you to set a lighting timer. The light itself can use 3 AAA batteries or be plugged into the wall outlet to save on battery costs. The bowl itself is made from impact-resistant plastic and is lightweight. The shape allows for full 360˚ viewing and the acrylic means the viewing has great clarity.
Budget friendly
Includes 3-stage internal filter and filter cartridge
Includes ultra-bright LED light
Clear lid allows views from the top
Raised base is included
- Budget friendly
- Includes 3-stage internal filter and filter cartridge
- Includes ultra-bright LED light
- Clear lid allows views from the top
- Raised base is included
One size available
Too small for long-term use
Filter suction cups are weak
One brand and size of replacement filter cartridge
Not customizable
- One size available
- Too small for long-term use
- Filter suction cups are weak
- One brand and size of replacement filter cartridge
- Not customizable
Available Sizes: 1.5 gallons
Available Shapes: Cylinder
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: Yes
This goldfish bowl doesn’t include a filter, which is necessary for a goldfish’s environment, so this will need to be purchased separately. The included clear lid to the bowl is difficult to get on and off securely, so care should be taken to not spill the bowl. The LED light can be finicky, so some people choose to replace it with a more reliable light option.
Pros
Budget friendly
Allows 360˚ viewing and top down viewing
Includes LED light with remote
LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
Impact-resistant, high-clarity plastic
Cons
One size available
Filter not included
Lid is difficult to get on and off
May tip easily due to size and weight
LED light can be difficult to get to work correctly
- Penn-Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank
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Available Sizes: 0.5 gallon, 1.4 gallons
Available Shapes: Cylinder
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: No
The Penn-Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank is a clever bowl design that makes for a great short-term home for a goldfish. This cylindrical bowl includes a clear lid with built-in planter with ceramic substrate, allowing you to place a Peace Lily, Pothos, or other water-loving plant with its roots in the tank. These plants can help filter the water and create an enriching environment for your fish. The lid is vented, but opening it fully is the easiest way to feed your fish.
Budget friendly
Allows 360˚ viewing and top down viewing
Includes LED light with remote
LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
Impact-resistant, high-clarity plastic
- Budget friendly
- Allows 360˚ viewing and top down viewing
- Includes LED light with remote
- LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
- Impact-resistant, high-clarity plastic
One size available
Filter not included
Lid is difficult to get on and off
May tip easily due to size and weight
LED light can be difficult to get to work correctly
- One size available
- Filter not included
- Lid is difficult to get on and off
- May tip easily due to size and weight
- LED light can be difficult to get to work correctly
Available Sizes: 0.5 gallon, 1.4 gallons
Available Shapes: Cylinder
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: No
Using this fishbowl as a planter does not eliminate the need for a filtration system, and this bowl does not include a light. The smaller size of this fishbowl is too small for a goldfish and most other fish, and the larger size is too small for long-term use for a goldfish.
Pros
Clear lid with built-in planter and ceramic substrate
Plants help filter waste products from the water
360˚ viewing
Vented lid may be used as a feeding hole
Cons
Opening the lid is the easiest way to feed your fish
Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
Doesn’t include a light
5-gallon size is too small for a goldfish
4-gallon size is too small for long-term use for a goldfish
- Koller Products BettaTank 1-Gallon Deco Fish Tank with LED Lighting
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Available Sizes: 1 gallon
Available Shapes: Semicircle
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: Yes
The Koller Products BettaTank 1-Gallon Deco Fish Tank with LED Lighting is a unique goldfish bowl option. It’s shaped like a semicircle or half-moon, so it isn’t very wide but has 15 inches of long, uninterrupted swimming space for a goldfish. The bowl sits on a black base and has a matching black lid. It includes a LED light with seven color options and a timer that is set by flipping a switch. The light can use 2 AA batteries or the included power adapter.
Clear lid with built-in planter and ceramic substrate
Plants help filter waste products from the water
360˚ viewing
Vented lid may be used as a feeding hole
- Clear lid with built-in planter and ceramic substrate
- Plants help filter waste products from the water
- 360˚ viewing
- Vented lid may be used as a feeding hole
Opening the lid is the easiest way to feed your fish
Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
Doesn’t include a light
5-gallon size is too small for a goldfish
4-gallon size is too small for long-term use for a goldfish
- Opening the lid is the easiest way to feed your fish
- Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
- Doesn’t include a light
- 5-gallon size is too small for a goldfish
- 4-gallon size is too small for long-term use for a goldfish
Available Sizes: 1 gallon
Available Shapes: Semicircle
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: Yes
This bowl does not include a filter and the size and shape of it means it is difficult to find one to fit, but a filter is necessary to keep a goldfish in this bowl. This is not a good long-term solution for a goldfish, even with the long swimming space. The LED light can be unreliable and difficult to get to work correctly.
Pros
Unique shape features 15 inches of uninterrupted swimming space
Includes LED light
LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
Cons
One size available
Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
Difficult to find filter and other items to fit
Not a long-term solution for a goldfish
LED light is unreliable
- Koller Products 3-Gallon Fish Bowl
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Available Sizes: 3 gallons
Available Shapes: Sphere
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: No
The Koller Products 3-Gallon Fish Bowl is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a traditional fishbowl. This bowl is made from shatterproof, lightweight plastic. It is easily dented during transit, but it is usually not too difficult to pop the dents back out. It does not include a lid, filter, or light, so you will, at minimum, need to purchase a filter separately. This bowl is large enough for a small goldfish to live in for a long-term period with proper filtration and water maintenance. This is a no frills, no bells and whistles sort of goldfish bowl, and while it is inexpensive, it’s not the best deal once you purchase a filter and décor for this bowl.
Unique shape features 15 inches of uninterrupted swimming space
Includes LED light
LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
- Unique shape features 15 inches of uninterrupted swimming space
- Includes LED light
- LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
One size available
Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
Difficult to find filter and other items to fit
Not a long-term solution for a goldfish
LED light is unreliable
- One size available
- Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
- Difficult to find filter and other items to fit
- Not a long-term solution for a goldfish
- LED light is unreliable
Available Sizes: 3 gallons
Available Shapes: Sphere
Filtration Included: No
Lighting Included: No
Pros
Traditional fishbowl large enough for long-term keeping of a small goldfish
Shatterproof
Cons
One size available
Easily dented in transit
Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
Not budget-friendly
Traditional fishbowl large enough for long-term keeping of a small goldfish
Shatterproof
- Traditional fishbowl large enough for long-term keeping of a small goldfish
- Shatterproof
One size available
Easily dented in transit
Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
Not budget-friendly
- One size available
- Easily dented in transit
- Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
- Not budget-friendly
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the Right Goldfish Bowl for Your Needs
Size: Traditional goldfish bowls are often far too small for even one goldfish, so ensuring you’re choosing an appropriate size bowl for the size and number of goldfish you’re keeping is extremely important. Goldfish create a ton of waste, which builds up quickly in a small environment, even with proper filtration. A goldfish in a 1-gallon bowl needs water changes multiple times weekly to maintain water quality. Also, consider the space you have available for a goldfish bowl when choosing the size. There are lots of great desktop-sized options available for small spaces.
Shape: Goldfish bowls aren’t just round bowls anymore, so you have tons of shape options. A big consideration for the shape should be that goldfish prefer long, uninterrupted swimming space, which isn’t provided by traditional bowls. The shape will also need to fit the space you have available for it and suit your aesthetic preferences.
Included Items: Choose a goldfish bowl or kit that you’re most comfortable with. If you’re comfortable choosing a filtration system, then you can get away with getting a goldfish bowl that doesn’t include a filter. If you have a specific light you want to use, then you don’t need to pay extra for a kit just because it includes a light. To meet your needs, choose a goldfish bowl that includes just what you need and nothing more, unless you’re just trying to build up a stash of aquarium goodies.
How Important is Filtration?
Extremely!
Size: Traditional goldfish bowls are often far too small for even one goldfish, so ensuring you’re choosing an appropriate size bowl for the size and number of goldfish you’re keeping is extremely important. Goldfish create a ton of waste, which builds up quickly in a small environment, even with proper filtration. A goldfish in a 1-gallon bowl needs water changes multiple times weekly to maintain water quality. Also, consider the space you have available for a goldfish bowl when choosing the size. There are lots of great desktop-sized options available for small spaces.
Shape: Goldfish bowls aren’t just round bowls anymore, so you have tons of shape options. A big consideration for the shape should be that goldfish prefer long, uninterrupted swimming space, which isn’t provided by traditional bowls. The shape will also need to fit the space you have available for it and suit your aesthetic preferences.
Included Items: Choose a goldfish bowl or kit that you’re most comfortable with. If you’re comfortable choosing a filtration system, then you can get away with getting a goldfish bowl that doesn’t include a filter. If you have a specific light you want to use, then you don’t need to pay extra for a kit just because it includes a light. To meet your needs, choose a goldfish bowl that includes just what you need and nothing more, unless you’re just trying to build up a stash of aquarium goodies.
- Size: Traditional goldfish bowls are often far too small for even one goldfish, so ensuring you’re choosing an appropriate size bowl for the size and number of goldfish you’re keeping is extremely important. Goldfish create a ton of waste, which builds up quickly in a small environment, even with proper filtration. A goldfish in a 1-gallon bowl needs water changes multiple times weekly to maintain water quality. Also, consider the space you have available for a goldfish bowl when choosing the size. There are lots of great desktop-sized options available for small spaces.
- Shape: Goldfish bowls aren’t just round bowls anymore, so you have tons of shape options. A big consideration for the shape should be that goldfish prefer long, uninterrupted swimming space, which isn’t provided by traditional bowls. The shape will also need to fit the space you have available for it and suit your aesthetic preferences.
- Included Items: Choose a goldfish bowl or kit that you’re most comfortable with. If you’re comfortable choosing a filtration system, then you can get away with getting a goldfish bowl that doesn’t include a filter. If you have a specific light you want to use, then you don’t need to pay extra for a kit just because it includes a light. To meet your needs, choose a goldfish bowl that includes just what you need and nothing more, unless you’re just trying to build up a stash of aquarium goodies.
Goldfish are easily one of the heaviest bioload producers in aquariums. They eat a lot, and they excrete a lot, which means water quality can go downhill quickly with goldfish in the picture. A goldfish has vastly different filtration needs than a handful of dwarf shrimp or tetras. Goldfish need well-filtered water that has a filter that adequately removes waste products, like ammonia, and colonizes beneficial bacteria. An inadequate filter will result in more frequent water changes and lower water quality.
Conclusion
The best goldfish bowl is biOrb Classic LED Aquarium, which is sleek and includes everything you need. If you can go for a premium price, then check out the Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚F, and for a budget-friendly option, try the FREESEA Fish Tank with LED Light and Filter Pump, which brings together functionality and cost-effectiveness. These reviews bring together the best of the best goldfish bowl options on the market today to help simplify your search for the perfect goldfish bowl. Whatever you choose, make sure the wellbeing of your goldfish is top priority and you’re providing a healthy home with great filtration for them.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
