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Pruning shears are a gardener’s best friend when nurturing a healthy and visually appealing garden. In our gardening journey, we’ve found them indispensable for making precise cuts, shaping plants, and removing dead or overgrown branches. When selecting the ideal pair of pruning shears for your gardening toolkit, always prioritize quality and durability over cost. A well-crafted pruner can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for frequent replacements.
After conducting thorough research and using popular brands and models for years, we have shortlisted a range of the best pruning shears that are both effective and reasonably priced. Below, you will find further information on the top-performing garden shears and some key factors to consider when shopping for one.
Our top picks:
- Niki’s favorite pruning shears: Felco 2 ($59.12 at Walmart)
- Jessica’s favorite pruning shears: Felco 5 ($35.99 at Amazon)
- Tara’s favorite pruning shears: Fiskars Vegetable Shears ($12.99 at Target)
- Also great: Fiskars Micro Tip Pruning Snip ($12.39 at Amazon)
- Best electric pruning shears: Sun Joe 3.6-Volt Electric Cordless Pruner ($60.91 at Amazon)
- Best bypass pruning shears: Corona Flex Dial Bypass Pruning Shears ($28.15 at Amazon)
- Best pruning shears for roses: Felco 6 ($54.65 at Amazon)
Reviews of the best pruning shears
1. Niki’s favorite pruning shears: Felco 2
Felco 2 pruners have a cult following for professional horticulturists and seasoned gardeners. They are renowned for their exceptional durability and precise cutting, making them a perfect partner through countless gardening seasons.
These pruners feature hardened steel blades that allow me to create effortless, clean cuts — one of the best pruning shears for fruit trees, as well as ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials. One of their standout features is the shock absorbers, which significantly lessen hand fatigue and are a game-changer for those who are always out in the garden. They’re a bit of a significant investment initially, but their robust construction and ability to handle everything from delicate trimming to slicing through thick branches make them worth every penny. Plus, with its replaceable parts, the Felco 2 feels like a lifelong gardening companion. I’ve had my pair for over 25 years!
Niki’s tips:
I swear by solid metal pruners with bypass blades because they make clean cuts, promoting plant health. I avoid cheaply made ones, which often have plastic handles or components—they don’t endure.
The specs:
- Type: Bypass
- Weight: 8.8 oz
- Length: 9.25”
- Locking mechanism?: Yes
- Maximum cut capacity: 1”
The pros:
- Reduces need for multiple tools
- Lasts decades
- Supports sustainable gardening
- Celebrated for exceptional quality
The cons:
- Expensive
- Non-ergonomic handles
What others are saying: Wirecutter, U.S. News and Report, and Gardener’s Path all named the Felco 2 as the best pruners they tested.
Buy the Felco 2 pruners:
2. Jessica’s favorite pruning shears: Felco 5
I’ve owned the Felco 5 pruning shears for over 20 years, and their durable construction and high-quality steel blades have consistently delivered precision in every cut. Despite their solid, weighty feel, they don’t cause hand fatigue, making them superior to other models with wider or thicker handles.
Measuring 9 inches, these shears are perfect for both detailed shaping and cutting through thicker branches. The blades and springs, like all Felco pruners, are replaceable, and although I’ve had to change the spring twice and the blade a few times, replacements are straightforward. The pruners’ sharpness ensures clean cuts that don’t damage plants, enhancing the joy and ease of pruning. The reliability and effectiveness of Felco 5 after years of use make it an excellent investment for any serious gardener, providing unmatched efficiency and comfort.
The specs:
- Type: Bypass
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Length: 8.9”
- Locking mechanism?: Yes
- Maximum cut capacity: 1/2”
The pros:
- Maintains a sharp edge
- Ergonomic handles
- Replaceable parts
- Less expensive than Felco 2
The cons:
- Awkward locking mechanism
- Somewhat heavy
- Too large for small hands
What others are saying: The Felco 5 pruning shears have a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from more than 1,945 reviews.
Buy the Felco 5:
3. Tara’s favorite pruning shears: Fiskars Vegetable Shears
I think I use my Herb and Veggie shears from Fiskars the most. I’ve had them at least 10 years. They are great for pruning thin stems, but they’re also handy for harvesting lettuces and other greens, like kale and arugula, herbs, cut flowers, and more. I find they work better for cut flowers than some floral snips. And I’ve never had to sharpen them.
Fiskars Vegetable Shears have sharp blades that are designed for making precise cuts when pruning vegetables and herbs, so you don’t have to worry about tearing leaves or crushing stems. They have stainless steel blades with a serrated blade to help grip stems while you’re trimming, and the blades come apart to make cleaning easy.
The specs:
- Type: Bypass
- Weight: .25 oz
- Length: 8”
- Locking mechanism?: No
- Maximum cut capacity: Not listed
The pros:
- Serrated blades
- Ergonomic handles
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for precise cuts
The cons:
- Not for thick stems
Tara’s tips:
The Fiskars Herb and Veggie Shears go right in the dishwasher after I use them, making cleaning them a breeze.
Buy the Fiskars Vegetable Shears:
4. Also great: Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snip
The Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips are a must-have tool in our gardening kit. These snips come with precision blades designed to shape and promote the healthy growth of plants and flowers. The blades are coated with a non-stick material that keeps them free of sticky resin and makes them easy to maintain. Additionally, the snips come with an ergonomic design and an integrated spring that ensure comfort and efficiency, allowing extended use without discomfort or hand fatigue.
The Arthritis Foundation has awarded the Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips with the Ease-of-Use Commendation due to their Easy Action spring mechanism that gently opens the blades after every cut, reducing the discomfort that can arise from repetitive cuts. This feature is beneficial for gardeners with arthritis or limited hand strength. They make each cut a breeze and help keep your plants looking their best.
The specs:
- Type: N/A
- Weight: .1 oz
- Length: 6.06”
- Locking mechanism?: Yes
- Maximum cut capacity: Not listed
The pros:
- Easy to maintain
- Light and easy to handle
- Comfortable grip
- Sharp blades make clean cuts
The cons:
- Not suitable for thick stems
What others are saying: The Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips have a 4.7-star rating from more than 21,880 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snip:
5. Best electric pruning shears: Sun Joe 3.6-Volt Electric Cordless Pruner
Upon first glance, the Sun Joe 3.6-Volt Electric Cordless Pruner may seem like a trendy garden gadget with limited usefulness. However, after trying it, we found it impressively powerful for its size, easily cutting through half-inch-thick branches in less than a second. Its cordless design, powered by a 2000 mAh rechargeable battery, provides excellent mobility and convenience, so we can make up to 750 cuts on a single charge.
The device is slightly over two pounds, which some users may find a tad heavy. However, it requires no hand strength to operate, reducing fatigue during longer pruning sessions and making it the best pruning shears for arthritic hands. While it is best suited for green wood and softer plant materials, its performance and ease of use make it a great choice for keeping our garden in shape.
The specs:
- Type: Anvil
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Length: 12.05”
- Locking mechanism?: Yes
- Maximum cut capacity: ½”
The pros:
- Easy to use
- Rechargeable battery
- No hand fatigue after use
The cons:
- Heavy
- Anvil blades may crush stems
- Expensive
What others are saying: Tom’s Guide and Bob Vila name the Sun Joe 3.6-Volt Electric Cordless Pruner as the best electric pruning shears.
Buy the Sun Joe 3.6-Volt Electric Cordless Pruner:
6. Best bypass pruning shears: Corona Flex Dial Bypass Pruning Shears
Tara’s been using the Corona Flex Dial Bypass Pruning Shears in her garden for many years, and it’s one of the best bypass pruning tools available. The full steel blade offers precision and durability, making it ideal for efficiently cutting through soft and semi-hard branches. Best of all, the adjustable flex dial has eight different positions so you can customize the shears to best fit your hand size and grip. The handles have gel cushioning to prevent blisters, and the built-in shock guard bumpers cushion each cut and help to minimize hand strain.
Like the Felcos, Corona pruner blades can be sharpened. You also can order replacement parts, and the company offers a limited lifetime warranty.
The specs:
- Type: Bypass
- Weight: .6 lbs
- Length: 8.63”
- Locking mechanism?: Yes
- Maximum cut capacity: 3/4”
The pros:
- Adjustable grip
- Non-stick blade
- Affordable
The cons:
- Can rust without proper maintenance
- Handle lock can stick
Tara’s tips:
The Corona Flex Dial pruning shears have a bright red handle which makes them easy to find in the grass.
Buy the Corona Flex Dial:
7. Best pruning shears for roses: Felco 6
We have found the Felco 6 to be the best pruning shears for roses. These pruners boast a compact design that allows for excellent reach and cutting power, making them perfect for shaping and maintaining rose bushes. The handles are made from forged aluminum, while the blades are crafted from hardened steel, ensuring that the pruners are ultra-durable and long-lasting. What’s more, the Swiss design of these pruners provides comfort and robustness, making them easy to handle and providing precision in cutting.
Like all Felcos, the blades can be sharpened and there are replaceable parts. With their overall balance and craftsmanship, the Felco 6 pruners are a must-have for any serious gardener, especially when tending to roses.
The specs:
- Type: Bypass
- Weight: .5 lbs
- Length: 7.7”
- Locking mechanism?: Yes
- Maximum cut capacity: .8”
The pros:
- Shock-absorbing handles
- Tapered cutting head
- Built-in wire cutter notch
- Replaceable parts
The cons:
- Expensive
- Not for large hands
What others are saying: The Felco 6 pruning shears have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon from more than 3,849 reviews. They were also named the best overall by Tom’s Guide.
Buy the Felco 6:
Other pruning shears we’ve researched
Corona ClassiCUT Bypass Hand Pruner
The Corona ClassiCUT Bypass Hand Pruner is a no-frills pruner that offers precision and durability, making it ideal for efficiently cutting through soft and semi-hard branches. The forged steel design feels robust and well-built, and ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular gardening without significant wear. The main con we have with these pruners is rusting, which can be prevented by regular maintenance to keep them rust-free. The Corona ClassiCUT Bypass Hand Pruner Is availabe at Amazon for $24.85.
Fiskars PowerGear2 Softgrip
The Fiskars PowerGear2 Softgrip pruner is a good choice for cutting stems and light branches up to 3/4″ in diameter. It has a durable build and a comfortable fit, but may not match the precision cutting and long-term durability of top-tier pruners, like the Felco 2 and Felco 6, which professional gardeners and serious hobbyists prefer. The Fiskars PowerGear2 Softgrip is available at Amazon for $28.32.
Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears 5/8”
The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears 5/8″ are efficient for cutting green growth up to 5/8″ in diameter. They have a hardened steel blade and rust-resistant, low-friction coating. However, high-end models like Felco 2, Felco 6, or Corona ClassicCUT pruners offer better durability, ergonomics, and replaceable parts, making them more appealing to professional gardeners and frequent pruning tasks. The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears 5/8” is available at Amazon for $13.98.
Why you can trust us
Hi, we’re Savvy Gardening. Our team consists of Jessica Walliser, horticulturist and award-winning author of seven books; Niki Jabbour, award-winning author of four books and long-time radio host; and Tara Nolan, gardening writer, speaker, and author of two books. With our extensive expertise and years of practical gardening experience, we provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about all things gardening.
Our recommendations on pruners are not just based on personal use, but also our continuous interaction with the gardening community through books, radio shows, and gardening presentations. We are deeply connected with the needs and preferences of gardeners, and we understand their requirements regarding gardening tools’ functionality, durability, and ergonomics. Our extensive gardening experience, ongoing educational outreach, and published works in highly reputable gardening publications make our recommendations particularly trustworthy for anyone purchasing the best garden pruners. When creating this list of the best pruning shears, we considered ease of use, quality, efficiency, and value.
What to know about pruning shears
When buying pruning shears, consider the plants you’ll prune, the size and design of the shears, and features that enhance durability and ease of use.
Type:
- Bypass pruners: Best for live plants and green wood; they provide a clean cut without crushing plant tissues.
- Anvil pruners: Ideal for dry branches and dead wood; the blade closes onto a flat surface, often resulting in a slightly crushed cut.
- Ratchet pruners: Similar to anvil type, but with a mechanism that cuts in stages, which is easier on the hands.
- Snip pruners: Designed for delicate tasks, like flower pruning and herb cutting, offering more precision.
Features:
- Ergonomic design: Look for handles that fit comfortably in your hand, reducing strain during extended use.
- Material quality: High-quality materials, like carbon or stainless steel, ensure durability and a longer-lasting sharp edge.
- Safety lock: A safety lock helps prevent accidents when the shears are not being used.
- Adjustability: Some pruners come with adjustable blade tensions, which can be tailored to your hand strength and task.
- Maintenance accessories: Consider additional maintenance tools, such as oil for the blade or a sharpening tool.
- Replacement parts availability: Check if the brand offers readily available replacement parts, such as blades and springs, which can extend the life of your pruners.
What are bypass pruning shears?
Bypass pruning shears are scissor-like tools with two curved blades that slide past each other to make precise cuts, preventing damage to plant tissues. They are great for delicate pruning tasks, like shaping plants and trimming herbs or flowers, promoting healthy plant growth with minimal harm.
What is the best way to sharpen pruning shears?
Sharpening pruning shears is simple. Use a diamond file to sharpen the blade’s edge with moderate pressure. You can also use a Dremel tool with a sharpening stone attachment for detachable blades. Once you’re done, clean and oil the shears to maintain smooth functionality and prevent rust.
What is the best way to disinfect pruning shears?
To effectively disinfect pruning shears, spray the blades with 70 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol and let them air dry, or soak them in a 10 percent bleach solution or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution for about 10 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
How to adjust fiskars pruning shears
To adjust Fiskars shears, ensure the blades are clean and debris-free. If the blades are touching unevenly or the shears feel loose, tighten the pivot nut or bolt that holds the blades together until they move smoothly without any wobble. Regular maintenance like cleaning and tightening ensures optimal performance and longevity of your shears.
Our pruning guides
Pruning plants keeps them healthy and attractive. Check out some of our favorite tips for using your pruning shears in the garden.
- Pruning blueberries: Step-by-step instructions
- Tips for pruning lilacs
- When to cut back peonies
- Tomato pruning mistakes: 9 pruning mistakes to avoid in your garden
- When to prune a rose of Sharon
- When to cut back roses: Pruning advice for timing and technique
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Great article