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10 Best Garden Shears 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears, 5/8-Inch Cut Capacity Garden Clippers, Gardening Scissors with Sharp, Rust Resistant Steel Blade

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,271
Cutting Capacity
Safety Features

Most important from
49534 reviews

Cutting Capacity
These shears are excellent for handling and cutting small to medium branches across various plants.
Safety Features
Sharp, durable, and easy to lock and unlock, making it perfect for gardening and trimming leaves.

The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are designed for precise and efficient garden pruning, featuring a sharp, rust-resistant steel blade. The bypass blade type is particularly good for cutting delicate stems without causing damage, making these shears ideal for a variety of gardening tasks.

The low-friction blade coating ensures smooth cuts and reduces gumming, which enhances durability. Additionally, the self-cleaning sap groove prevents the blades from sticking, offering a hassle-free gardening experience. The non-slip grip handle and easy-open lock provide better control and safety, fitting comfortably in most hands. Weighing 10.4 ounces, they are lightweight and easy to maneuver.

However, some users might find the handle material, which includes steel and wood, less comfortable for prolonged use. These shears can cut branches up to 5/8 inches in diameter, suitable for most garden pruning needs. The full lifetime warranty adds peace of mind for long-term use, making these shears a solid choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners looking for reliable, high-quality pruning tools.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,271
Cutting Capacity
Safety Features

Most important from
49534 reviews

Cutting Capacity
These shears are excellent for handling and cutting small to medium branches across various plants.
Safety Features
Sharp, durable, and easy to lock and unlock, making it perfect for gardening and trimming leaves.
#2

FELCO Pruning Shears (F 14) - High Performance Swiss Made One-Hand Garden Pruner with Steel Blade,Red, Silver

Rating
9.4
Handle Design
Cutting Capacity

Most important from
517 reviews

Handle Design
Designed perfectly for smaller hands, making pruning comfortable and efficient.
Cutting Capacity
Ideal for small to mid-size bushes, offering precise and clean cuts every time.

The FELCO F 14 pruning shears are a solid choice for gardeners who need precision and comfort, especially if you have smaller hands. The blades are made of hardened steel, which means they stay sharp and cut cleanly, whether you're trimming branches or small twigs. These shears use a bypass and anvil blade design, which helps make close, precise cuts without crushing the plant, important for healthy pruning.

The handle is made from forged aluminum, making the pruner both strong and lightweight at just about 0.43 pounds. It has an ergonomic shape with cushioned grips and a shock absorber, which helps reduce hand fatigue and makes it easier to use for extended periods. This is especially useful if you do a lot of pruning or have sensitive hands.

With a cutting capacity of about 18 millimeters, these shears handle most typical garden pruning tasks well, from flowers to small branches. The tool also includes a sap groove to prevent the blade from sticking and a small wire cutter, adding to its versatility. This model is specifically designed for right-handed users with smaller hands, so it might not be as comfortable or effective for those with larger hands or left-handed users.

Rating
9.4
Handle Design
Cutting Capacity

Most important from
517 reviews

Handle Design
Designed perfectly for smaller hands, making pruning comfortable and efficient.
Cutting Capacity
Ideal for small to mid-size bushes, offering precise and clean cuts every time.
#3

Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips - 6" Garden Shears with Sheath and Comfort Grip - Sharp Steel Blades - Quality Pruning Shears for Plants in Grow Tents and Hydroponics - Garden Tools

Rating
9.2
Blade Material
Handle Design
Cutting Capacity

Most important from
23769 reviews

Blade Material
The blades stay remarkably sharp and cut through stems effortlessly, providing precise, clean snips every time.
Handle Design
The SoftGrip handle fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing control and making repeated use a breeze.
Cutting Capacity
The compact 6-inch size allows access to tight spots, making delicate trimming tasks much easier.
Weight
Extremely lightweight and ergonomic, these snips reduce hand fatigue even during extended pruning sessions.

The Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips are a solid choice if you need precise and clean cuts for small plants, flowers, or herbs, especially in confined spaces like grow tents or hydroponic setups. The blades are made of stainless steel, which means they stay sharp and resist rust even with frequent use. Their thin, micro-tip design allows for very accurate cutting right up to the tip, ideal for delicate pruning tasks. The snips use a bypass blade type, which is generally better for live plants because it cuts cleanly without crushing stems.

Weighing only about 0.32 ounces (or 9 grams), they’re extremely lightweight, which helps reduce hand fatigue during repeated use. The handle features a comfort grip, making it easier and safer to hold, plus they come with a sheath for safe storage. These pruning snips are quite small (6 inches total length, with a blade just under 2 inches), so they are best suited for light trimming rather than cutting thicker branches or tougher garden work.

There is no specific mention of additional safety locks, so care should be taken when handling or storing them around children. With a lifetime warranty, these shears offer good value if your main focus is detailed, small-scale pruning rather than heavy-duty cutting.

Rating
9.2
Blade Material
Handle Design
Cutting Capacity

Most important from
23769 reviews

Blade Material
The blades stay remarkably sharp and cut through stems effortlessly, providing precise, clean snips every time.
Handle Design
The SoftGrip handle fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing control and making repeated use a breeze.
Cutting Capacity
The compact 6-inch size allows access to tight spots, making delicate trimming tasks much easier.
Weight
Extremely lightweight and ergonomic, these snips reduce hand fatigue even during extended pruning sessions.

Buying Guide for the Best Garden Shears

Choosing the right garden shears can make a significant difference in your gardening experience. The right pair of shears will help you trim plants efficiently, maintain the health of your garden, and reduce strain on your hands and wrists. When selecting garden shears, consider the type of plants you will be working with, the frequency of use, and your own physical comfort. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing garden shears.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of garden shears is crucial for durability and cutting performance. Common materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and titanium-coated blades. Stainless steel blades are resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making them ideal for general use. Carbon steel blades are very sharp and durable but require more maintenance to prevent rust. Titanium-coated blades offer extra durability and resistance to corrosion. Choose stainless steel for low maintenance, carbon steel for heavy-duty cutting, and titanium-coated for long-lasting performance.
Blade TypeGarden shears come with different blade types, such as bypass, anvil, and ratchet. Bypass blades work like scissors and are ideal for cutting live, green plants as they make clean cuts that promote healthy growth. Anvil blades have one sharp blade that cuts against a flat surface, suitable for cutting dead or woody stems. Ratchet blades have a mechanism that allows for easier cutting of thicker branches with less effort. Choose bypass blades for general gardening, anvil blades for pruning dead wood, and ratchet blades if you need extra cutting power.
Handle DesignThe handle design of garden shears affects comfort and ease of use. Look for ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in your hand and reduce strain during prolonged use. Handles with non-slip grips provide better control and safety. Some shears have rotating handles that follow the natural movement of your hand, reducing fatigue. If you have smaller hands or suffer from arthritis, consider shears with smaller or adjustable handles. Choose ergonomic and non-slip handles for comfort and safety, and rotating handles for reduced hand strain.
Cutting CapacityCutting capacity refers to the maximum diameter of branches that the shears can cut. This is important to ensure that the shears can handle the size of the plants in your garden. Cutting capacities typically range from 1/2 inch to 1 inch or more. For general gardening tasks, a cutting capacity of up to 3/4 inch is usually sufficient. For thicker branches, look for shears with a higher cutting capacity. Match the cutting capacity to the size of the branches you will be trimming to ensure efficient and effective cutting.
WeightThe weight of garden shears can impact how comfortable they are to use, especially during extended periods. Lighter shears are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, making them suitable for prolonged use. Heavier shears may offer more cutting power but can be tiring to use over time. Consider the weight of the shears in relation to your strength and the duration of use. Choose lighter shears for extended gardening sessions and heavier shears if you need more cutting power for tougher tasks.
Safety FeaturesSafety features on garden shears help prevent accidents and injuries. Look for shears with locking mechanisms that keep the blades closed when not in use, reducing the risk of accidental cuts. Some shears also have finger guards to protect your hands while cutting. Safety features are especially important if you have children or pets in your garden. Choose shears with reliable locking mechanisms and additional safety features to ensure safe usage and storage.

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