10 Best Pruning Shears for Easier Gardening

Once you get your hands on one of these pruners, you'll never look back.

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There are a lot of different gardening tools made for trimming, cutting and shaping outdoor shrubs and plants. One of the most important is a quality pair of pruning shears. Handheld pruning shears are basically heavy-duty scissors that can cut up to one-inch branches. Unlike loppers, they’re small enough fit in your palm and hang off your belt so you can grip and cut as soon as you spot a runaway branch or stem.

“Investing in a quality pair of pruning shears is essential for any gardener, says Bill Freimuth, a seasoned expert in garden tools and former executive at Fiskars Brands. “These versatile tools allow you to trim, shape, and prune plants with precision, promoting their health and their overall aesthetics. With a reliable pair, you’ll have the means to keep your garden or yard flourishing and well-manicured.”

  • Corona Bp 3180d Forged Classic Bypass Pruner Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Overall Pruning Shears
    Corona Classic Bypass Hand Pruner
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  • Fiskars Softgrip Bypass Pruner Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Value Pruning Shears
    Fiskars Alloy Steel Softgrip Bypass Hand Pruner
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  • Bypass Pruner Ecomm Garrettwade.com
    Best Splurge Pruning Shears
    Garrett Wade French Bypass Pruner
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  • Felco Pruning Shears High Performance Swiss Made One Hand Garden Pruners Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Heavy-Duty Pruning Shears
    Felco 7 Pruners
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  • Pruning Shears Ecomm Grove.co
    Best Lightweight Pruning Shears
    Modern Sprout Pruning Shears
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  • The Gardener's Friend Pruners Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Pruning Shears for Carpal Tunnel or Arthritis
    The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Pruning Shears
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  • Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Electric Pruning Shears
    Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Pruner
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  • Felco Pruning Shears High Performance Swiss Made One Hand Garden Pruner Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Pruning Shears for Small Hands
    Felco 160S Pruning Shears
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  • Fiskars Gardening Tools Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Left-Handed Pruning Shears
    Fiskars Ambidextrous Bypass Pruner
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  • Gonicc Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears Ecomm Amazon.com
    Best Comfort-Handle Pruning Shears
    Gonicc Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
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1 / 10
Corona Bp 3180d Forged Classic Bypass Pruner Ecomm Amazon.com via merchant

Best Overall Pruning Shears

Corona Classic Bypass Hand Pruner

A favorite of both professional landscapers and weekend gardeners is the Corona classic bypass hand pruner. The straight-forward, reliable design at a reasonable price (not to mention the lifetime warranty!) makes it our best overall pick for hand pruners. The durable, forged steel bypass blades can cut up to 1-inch branches, and the non-slip rubber handles provide a comfortable grip even you’re not wearing gardening gloves. After some wear and tear, easily sharpen the blades with the Corona sharpener tool and these pruners are as good as new.

Pros

  • Clean-cutting bypass blades
  • Non-slip handles
  • Blades can be resharpened
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Latch lock doesn’t interfere with cutting

Cons

  • Not comfortable for people with small hands; designed for medium and large hands

2 / 10
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Best Value Pruning Shears

Fiskars Alloy Steel Softgrip Bypass Hand Pruner

For less than $20, you can snag the Fiskars softgrip hand pruner. The sleek black and orange pruners cut up to 5/8-in. branches, perfect for small shrubs and other light yard maintenance like pruning roses. The blades aren’t as thick as more heavy-duty pruners, but they have a low-friction coating that helps them glide and prevents rust. Fiskars is a popular brand with reliably high reviewer ratings, but if these pruners ever break, they’re covered with a full lifetime warranty!

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Clean-cutting bypass blades
  • Low-friction and rust-resistant coating
  • Full lifetime warranty
  • Easy push button lock

Cons

  • Only cuts up to 5/8-inch branches
  • Some reviewers mention problems with the spring mechanism

3 / 10
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Best Splurge Pruning Shears

Garrett Wade French Bypass Pruner

Even pruning shears can be chic! If you want something a little more luxurious in your gardening tool kit, check out this French-made bypass pruner from Garrett Wade. The 8-inch blades are made with durable forged steel for smooth cutting. The handles feature real leather grips and come with a leather holster, giving the tool old-world elegance you probably wouldn’t expect from ordinary pruning shears. You’ll pay a little more, but these pruners deliver on both style and function worthy of the price.

Pros

  • Forged steel blades
  • Real leather grips
  • Leather holster included
  • 90-day money back guarantee

Cons

  • Quality materials mean a higher price
  • No warranty

4 / 10
Felco Pruning Shears High Performance Swiss Made One Hand Garden Pruners Ecomm Amazon.com via merchant

Best Heavy-Duty Pruning Shears

Felco 7 Pruners

Swiss-made Felco is another brand of pruners professionals recommend as a long-lasting tool. The Felco 7 pruners are made for more demanding pruning jobs thanks to the revolving handle. It moves on its axis with your hand, reducing the force required to cut through larger branches so you get maximum cutting power with minimum hand cramps. You’ll also love the cushioned shock absorber handles in signature Felco red.

Pros

  • Durable steel blades
  • Cuts thick branches with ease
  • Includes a sap groove to keep blades clean
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Unique revolving operation might feel awkward at first
  • Not comfortable for small hands

5 / 10
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Best Lightweight Pruning Shears

Modern Sprout Pruning Shears

Who knew dependable pruning shears could be so stylish? The Modern Sprout pruning shears have a unique modern shape with pretty gray-blue rounded handles. They’re small and lightweight; perfect to stow in your pocket, then whip out as needed to snip flowers and tend to small plants. The needle nose tip on the carbon steel blades means you can access tight spaces where your shrubs need trimming with accuracy. They’re smart for indoor plants too!

Pros

  • Easy to carry; lightweight
  • Chic modern design
  • Pointed blades for accuracy

Cons

  • Only cuts small branches
  • Narrow handles might be hard for large hands to grip

6 / 10
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Best Pruning Shears for Carpal Tunnel or Arthritis

The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Pruning Shears

The Gardener’s Friend pruning shears are designed specifically for gardeners who suffer from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. The secret to these easy-to-use pruners is in the ratchet mechanism, which uses leverage to make cuts that are gentle on your hands. Open the pruners wide to make a large cut and then squeeze the handles; release and squeeze again to continue cutting through the branch. It usually takes about three “squeezes” to get through a large branch (up to 3/4 inch), with much less hand pressure than traditional pruner cutting action. These pruners are one of our favorite adaptive gardening tools.

Pros

  • Ratchet system requires less hand pressure
  • Comfortable handle for arthritic hands
  • Carbon steel blades

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the push button lock is difficult to operate
  • Can only cut up to 3/4-inch branches

7 / 10
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Best Electric Pruning Shears

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Pruner

For faster pruning, consider this electric pruner, which operates with the pull of a trigger. This little power tool helps you snip and cut piles of branches at double the speed as a hand pruner. It features steel precision blades for clean cuts, a soft grip handle for comfort and can cut up to 3/4-inch branches. Don’t forget to check out this battery-operated Stihl GTA 26 pruner.

Pros

  • Faster and more powerful than hand pruners
  • Long-lasting battery cuts up to 800 times on a single charge
  • Lightweight and cordless
  • Charger included

Cons

  • Bulkier size makes it difficult to reach tight spaces
  • No lifetime warranty (2-year battery warranty included)

8 / 10
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Best Pruning Shears for Small Hands

Felco 160S Pruning Shears

Measure your hand from the tip of your fingers to the base of your palm. If the measurement is less than 6 7/8 inches (17.5 cm.) your hand is considered “small” according to Felco, and you might need more compact pruning shears. The Felco 160S pruning shears are smaller and ergonomically designed so those with smaller hands can operate them comfortably. The cushioned, shock absorber handles soften the cutting impact. But don’t let their small size fool you! The hardened steel blades ensure reliably powerful and precise cuts.

Pros

  • Compact design for small hands
  • Lightweight
  • Includes a sap groove to keep blades clean
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Not capable of heavy-duty cutting
  • Priced higher than comparable pruners

9 / 10
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Best Left-Handed Pruning Shears

Fiskars Ambidextrous Bypass Pruner

Calling all lefties! Thanks to its ambidextrous design, the Fiskars 5.5-inch bypass pruner works for both right and left-handed gardeners. The cushioned comfort grip handles provide secure, slip-free use. And the steel, low-friction blades are always sharp and ready for action.

Pros

  • Ambidextrous design
  • Enclosed spring
  • Full lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Plastic lock instead of metal
  • Coating on blade might flake off with use

10 / 10
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Best Comfort-Handle Pruning Shears

Gonicc Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears

If your hands hurt from gripping hard handles, you’ll like the Gonicc titanium bypass pruning shears. The handles are made from high quality aluminum, but are wrapped in a thick cushioned layer of PVC foam. One five-star reviewer says, “These garden shears are well-made, sharp and easy on the hands. I love the soft covered handles. It makes them super comfortable and easy to grip.”

Pros

  • Soft, ergonomically designed non-slip handles
  • Premium titanium steel blades
  • Includes a sap groove to keep blades clean
  • Blades are coated with rust prevention oil

Cons

  • Only cuts up to 3/4-inch branches
  • No warranty

What to Look for When Buying Pruning Shears

Look for high-quality, sharp blades made from durable materials like hardened steel, says Freimuth. “Sharp blades ensure clean cuts, promoting plant health. Ergonomic handles with a comfortable grip reduce strain on your hands during prolonged use.

Consider handles with non-slip features for added safety and opt for sturdy construction to ensure longevity. A durable build ensures that shears can withstand regular use and tough plant material. A reliable locking mechanism secures the shears when not in use, preventing accidents and injuries. Test it out and make sure it doesn’t become sticky.”

Why You Should Trust Us

Writer Erica Young is a regular Family Handyman contributor who writes about home decor, organization, cleaning, landscaping and DIY projects. To find the best pruning shears, we reached out to Bill Freimuth, co-founder of Centurion Brands and a former executive at Fiskars. Freimuth is a seasoned expert in garden tools, appearing on QVC and HSN and speaking at events like the Philadelphia Flower Show.

How We Chose the Best Pruning Shears

We’ve been giving expert gardening advice for decades, so when it comes to picking the best pruning shears, you know you can trust us to find the best of the best. In our search for the best pruning shears, we researched dozens of options available from major retailers, taking different styles and prices into account and considering how well they would work for gardeners of various skill levels. In addition to consulting with industry experts in gardening and tool manufacturing to get their insider opinions, we meticulously analyzed customer reviews and feedback, incorporating real-world experiences, with only the top-performing products making the cut.

FAQ

What are the different types of pruning shears?

“There are several types of pruning shears, each designed for specific tasks,” says Friemuth. “Bypass pruners, anvil pruners and ratchet pruners are the most common. Bypass pruners are ideal for precision cutting, anvil pruners for cutting deadwood and ratchet pruners for making cuts in stages, especially useful for those with less hand strength.”

How much should pruning shears cost?

The price of pruning shears varies, depending on the brand, quality and features. Freimuth suggests considering your gardening needs and frequency of use when determining your budget.Entry-level pruning shears can start at around $20, while high-end, professional-grade options may range from $50 to $100 or more,” he says.

Erica Young
Erica Young is a freelance writer specializing in home trends and lifestyle topics. She contributes regularly to Family Handyman, and has written about home decor, organization, cleaning, landscaping and DIY projects. Erica’s work has also appeared in Taste of Home, POPSUGAR, The Belladonna, Your Tango, The Organized Mom, Reader's Digest and Curbly.