Trimming and pruning may sound unnecessary to gardening newbies. But experts know how cutting off stems can keep plants healthy. And for that matter, you’ll need to have shears.
Know, though, that not all garden shears are created equal.
Some are great for live plants, while others are for chopping off dead branches. But how will you know which pruner to pick?
Luckily for you, we’ve searched for and compiled the best garden shears on the market right now. Read through our reviews and see how each pruner might help you with your trimming tasks. Then, learn more about the essential pruner features you need to look for using our buying guide.
Let’s check the shears out.
Table of Contents
- Product Overview Table for Our Garden Shears Reviews
- Best Garden Shears Reviewed
- 1. Fiskars All Steel Bypass Pruning Shears
- 2. Fiskars Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip, 6in
- 3. Gonicc 8″ Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
- 4. VIVOSUN 6.5″ Gardening Hand Pruner Pruning Shear
- 5. TABOR TOOLS B212 Extendable Hedge Shears
- 6. TABOR TOOLS K18A Straight Pruning Shears
- 7. Mockins Professional Garden ANVIL Pruning Shears
- 8. Fiskars Garden 392861-1002 Powergear2 Hedge Shears
- 9. Mockins Professional Garden Bypass Pruning Shears
- 10. Sun Joe 7.2-Volt 2-in-1 1250-RPM Cordless Grass Shear
- What To Look For When Buying
- Making The Best Buy
Product Overview Table for Our Garden Shears Reviews
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Garden Shears Reviewed
We’ve listed ten of the best garden shears that we’ve found on the market. Feel free to compare and contrast each of their features. Then, see which pruner can be your best buddy for your trimming needs.
1. Fiskars All Steel Bypass Pruning Shears
The Fiskars 91095935J features fully-hardened steel blades. This means it can stay sharp even with frequent use. With a low-friction coating, its blades can glide through stems with ease.
It has a maximum cutting capacity of 5/8-inch diameter. So, you might find this model useful for pruning light tree branches. The material is also resistant to rust, so it can be easy to maintain.
The Fiskars 91095935J comes with a secure lock that can protect the blades from damage. And also yourself from accidental cuts.
In case it breaks, this product comes with a lifetime warranty.
Key Features
- Blades: fully-hardened, precision-ground steel
- Coating: low-friction coating
- Handles: ergonomic
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: ⅝-inch diameter
- Warranty: lifetime
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Fiskars Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip, 6in
If you need more precise snippers, the Soft Touch Pruner could be a great choice. Its Micro-Tip® blades can handle deadheading, shaping, and trimming.
If you’re dealing with arthritis, you could also find its Softgrip® handles comfortable to use. They’re non-slip.
Meanwhile, this snipper has high-quality springs. They can reduce the impact on your hands while snipping. Whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, it might not matter, too. The design caters to both cases.
Like the 91095935J above, Fiskars also offers a lifetime warranty on this product.
Key Features
- Blades: fully-hardened, stainless steel
- Handles: non-slip Softgrip® handles
- Weight: 2.56 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: ¼-inch diameter
- Warranty: lifetime
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Gonicc 8″ Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
With drop-forged body and handles, the Gonicc GPPS-1003 could last you longer. Compared to other shears. Its blades are made of premium titanium steel with a sap-groove design. That’s to keep sap off and prevent sticking.
It also has cushioned non-slip handles, which could give you added comfort.
Since it’s a bypass pruner, the GPPS-1003 can be most useful in cutting live green plants. You may use it with branches of up to ¾ inch thick.
Key Features
- Blades: premium titanium steel
- Handles: ergonomically designed, non-slip
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: ¾-inch diameter
- Warranty: lifetime
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. VIVOSUN 6.5″ Gardening Hand Pruner Pruning Shear
The Vivosun 6.5″ Hand Pruner comes with stainless steel blades. And these were precision-sharpened. It also features a spring that makes the blades open up automatically. Without applying any manual force.
With a secure and easy-to-operate lock, you might find this pruner safe to use. It comes with a micro tip for maximum cutting efficiency.
For added convenience, this shear could be used with either the right or left hand. Its handles are in black and orange, which could set it in clear contrast against the greens in your yard. Might help if you left it by accident. Easy to spot, that is.
Key Features
- Blades: stainless steel
- Handles: spring-loaded
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. TABOR TOOLS B212 Extendable Hedge Shears
The Tabor Tools B212 comes with unique telescopic handles. You could find this handy when trimming and cutting shrubs. And with decorative topiary plants in your garden, too.
It comes with forged carbon steel blades which can help make precision cuts. They’re also designed with a wavy shape, which can help make your cuts safer for your plants.
The B212 features shock-absorption bumpers that can stop vibrations. And this mechanism can reduce arm fatigue. Its flower-shaped pivot bolt allows you to adjust the blade tension. So, it might help if you’re pruning different kinds of plants.
Key Features
- Blades: forged carbon steel
- Coating: low-friction coating
- Handles: telescopic and ergonomic
- Weight: 3.25 pounds or 52 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: ¾-inch diameter
- Warranty: 1 year
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. TABOR TOOLS K18A Straight Pruning Shears
The Tabor Tools K18A can handle shaping, trimming, and cutting. With non-stick Japanese steel blades, it can make clean cuts with less effort.
While its handles are also made of steel, they include a non-slip coating. It can prevent slipping.
Its comfortable grip handles can also help prevent blisters. The K18A includes shock-absorbing bumpers so your arms could feel less fatigue. Every time you’re pruning.
For enhanced safety, the K18A includes an open/close safety clip.
Key Features
- Blades: high-carbon Japanese stainless steel
- Coating: low-friction coating
- Handles: comfort grip with embedded spring
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: ¾-inch diameter
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Mockins Professional Garden ANVIL Pruning Shears
With stainless steel blades, the Mockins Anvil Pruners can shape up flowers. And bushes, too. It comes with a safety lock to help prevent injuries when not in use.
Thanks to its ergonomic rubber handles, it can give you a comfortable grip. This anvil pruner’s design can work even for small hands. And those with arthritic joints, too.
In case of damage, you can opt to avail of the lifetime warranty or a full refund. Quite generous, huh?
Key Features
- Blades: stainless steel; anvil design
- Handles: ergonomic rubber grip
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: 8-mm diameter
- Warranty: lifetime warranty or full refund
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Fiskars Garden 392861-1002 Powergear2 Hedge Shears
The Fiskars Garden boasts of 10-inch long, non-stick-coated steel blades. The top blade is precision-ground, while the bottom blade is notched and serrated.
With cushioned aluminum handles, these hedge shears can be comfortable to use.
The Fiskars Garden 392861-1002 also has shock-absorbing bumpers. These could practically reduce vibrations during cutting.
Key Features
- Blades: hardened and precision-ground top blade; serrated bottom blade
- Coating: non-stick
- Handles: vinyl plastic hand grips
- Weight: 2.45 pounds
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Mockins Professional Garden Bypass Pruning Shears
This Mockins Bypass Pruner has stainless steel blades. Just like its anvil counterpart above.
It looks very similar to the anvil pruner. Almost every feature is the same, except for the blade type.
The anvil model has the classic chopping board style, which can work well with dry branches. Meanwhile, the bypass version can be best used for live stems.
You can also enjoy the same options for manufacturer support. Either a lifetime warranty or a full refund in case of damage.
Key Features
- Blades: stainless steel; bypass design
- Handles: ergonomic rubber
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Maximum Cutting Capacity: 8-mm diameter
- Warranty: lifetime warranty or full refund
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Sun Joe 7.2-Volt 2-in-1 1250-RPM Cordless Grass Shear
The Sun Joe cordless grass shear features titanium steel blades with a deep sap groove. Together with its low-friction coating, this shears can resist rust.
With drop-forged body and handles, it could endure getting beat up. You won’t have a hard time to maintain the shape and evenness.
Its handles are also ergonomically-designed, so it can sit comfortably on your hand.
Key Features
- Blades: premium titanium steel
- Coating: low-friction coating
- Handles: ergonomic and non-slip
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Interchangeable 4-inch shear blade and 6-inch hedge trimmer
- Power source: battery-powered
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What To Look For When Buying
So, you love to keep your garden neatly trimmed and shaped. Of course, trimming can make your lawn feel more welcoming and relaxing.
To accomplish just that, you’ll need to have trusty garden shears.
It should help you shape, trim, and cut your garden plants and shrubs. Manually. But without much fatigue.
Garden shears are relatively cheaper compared to other garden tools. So, since they’re already affordable — generally — feel free to pick the best. Or those at the higher end of your budget.
While price doesn’t always mean quality, it reflects the materials used. Plus the design. Plus the overall convenience it brings.
So, when you buy garden shears, consider the material. Examine the grip. Check if there are safety locks. See if it has a spring as it can aid your pruning.
But more than anything else, determine first which type of shears you need.
Find Out Which Type You Need
We categorize garden shears based on several factors. These include their efficiency and function.
Based on Efficiency
Anvil
Anvil pruning shears are best for cutting off dead branches. An anvil pruner actually works like a pair of knife and chopping board. Its top blade serves as the knife, while its bottom blade serves as the chopping board.
It doesn’t work well with live tree branches, though. If you insist on using anvil pruners on a live plant, you could end up with a diseased plant.
Bypass
Bypass shears are best recommended for precision cutting. A bypass pruner acts in a scissor-like fashion, so it usually works well with live plants.
It can make smooth cuts, leaving your plants less prone to disease after pruning.
Pro Tip: You might as well repurpose some stones and spend virtually nothing.
Ratchet Pruner
Ratchet pruners are basically anvil pruners but with a more efficient cutting mechanism. A ratchet pruner can perform the cutting action in stages. So, it can offer more leverage if you have small or weak hands.
Based on Function
There are two general types of shears based on how they’re operated.
Manual
As the name suggests, manual shears are those that require manual labor. Duh. So you have to apply pressure on the pruners just to cut.
Some of them are for one-hand use. And we call these tools pruners or secateurs.
Meanwhile, loppers are those with long handles. They enable you to reach and cut leaves and branches higher off the ground.
Then there are pruning shears. Some choose to refer to them as large shears with long handles and straight blades. And you have to use them with both hands when doing light trimming.
Somehow, these terms get jumbled up in everyday use. Still, they all require physical labor.
Motorized
Electric pruning shears have the potential to deliver more precise cuts. That is, compared to manual snippers. Since they’re motorized, they require less grip strength. And that means added convenience.
Some electric shears look like the razors used to cut your hair.
Generally, though, motorized shears aren’t that cheap. Maintaining them won’t likely be more affordable either. Some run on batteries, while others had to be plugged in. In other words, what saves you physical energy can cost you in some other form.
Pro Tip: You might as well repurpose some stones and spend virtually nothing.
Scrutinize the Blade Material and Springs Incorporated
A garden pruner is only as efficient as its blades. So, you need to look into the blade material and check its quality. See to it that its sharpness can last for a long time.
Among others, carbon steel blades are durable, lightweight, and cost-effective.
Meanwhile, it also helps to examine if the garden pruner has a spring. Most garden shears do. But consider checking if the spring is a coiled-metal type or a wire spring type.
The purpose of the spring is to facilitate the return of the blade to initial position after cutting. For heavy-duty work, a coiled metal spring is usually more preferable.
For light trimming tasks, a coiled-metal spring can be more than enough.
Pro Tip: You might as well repurpose some stones and spend virtually nothing.
Prioritize Comfort
Several factors determine how comfortable your garden shears can be. These include the weight and the type of handles it uses.
Weight
If your shears are heavy, you might not be able to use it straight for long hours. Doing so could cause hand fatigue. So, before purchasing, be sure to check how much the shears weigh.
Handles
Look for pruning shears with ergonomic handles. It might even be better to avoid garden shears with plastic or polished wooden handles. They could slip too easily and lead to hand fatigue.
Making The Best Buy
Reviewing these garden sheers above, I can’t help but have a favorite. And the TABOR Tools B212A comes out as the winner. It does everything I would expect of a quality garden shear. And extending my arms gives me more leverage for any difficult or larger shrubs in diameter.
It may not be for everyone as this can go through thickets like a hot knife through butter. But if you’re looking for quality shears that will last you more than your old pair, then I would recommend this. I can definitely say, it no longer takes to get the job done.
Pruning shears are essential tools any gardener needs to have. They can aid you in maintaining the health of your plants.
When it comes to trimming, pruning, and shaping, garden shears are your best mate.
They’re already generally cheaper than other gardening tools. So, make sure you’re buying the best you can find.
Avoid settling for less, and you can enjoy having one with little maintenance needed. It’s something that could last you years, even.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
