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The Best Pruning Shears

Last updated on November 25, 2020

We looked at the top 11 Pruning Shears and dug through the reviews from 32 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Pruning Shears.

Best Pruning Shear

Our Review Process

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While scissors are great for thin stems, you’ll need a set of pruning shears to tackle thick stems and light tree branches. Not only will the pruning shears help you shape your shrubs and rid your trees of dead branches, but when you use them properly, you’ll also encourage the growth of new buds. If you’re in the market for a set of pruning shears, there are a few things you’ll want to consider as you shop.

A quality blade that is both sharp and durable is the first thing you’ll want to look for in a set of pruning shears. You’ll find models made using titanium, stainless steel and high-quality hardened steel. Some blades have a low-friction coating to make cutting easier. This coating also prevents sap from sticking to the blades; however, many pruning shear models are designed with sap grooves that serve the same purpose.

Examine the pruning shears handle next. Thicker handles may be harder to hold. Thinner handles that are well-designed have just as much power as the thicker models. Look for handles that have an ergonomic design, as they are more comfortable and put less strain on your hands. You also want a rubber grip, so that your hands don’t slip when you use the pruning shears.

Finally, check the pruning shears to see if they have any extra features. For example, there are models that use pulley systems and spring mechanisms to assist in squeezing the shears. That’s a great option for individuals with joint pain or conditions like arthritis. You’ll also find many pruning shears have built-in safety mechanisms that can be utilized with a thumb or just one hand.

Our Picks For The Top Pruning Shears

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

VIVOSUN Gardening Hand Pruning Shears

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VIVOSUN

Gardening Hand Pruning Shears

You won't have any trouble making precise cuts with this set of pruning shears. The straight blades are made from a durable stainless steel that won't rust. The gardening tool is also spring-loaded to make the shears easy to operate and to reduce hand fatigue.

Overall Take

Economical PickDon't let the budget-friendly price tag fool you, as these pruning shears are of the highest quality.

Pros
" Small lightweight tool that easily fits in your pocket"
Cons
"Blades are not as sharp"
 Safety Lock Feature

Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears

Fiskars

Steel Bypass Pruning Shears

Keep your trees and shrubs in optimal health with these pruning shears. The shears are made using a precision-ground steel blade that can cut through small branches. A low-friction coating was also added to the blade to prevent rust from forming and tree sap from sticking.

Overall Take

Precision-Ground Steel BladeEach one of these pruning shears purchases comes with a built-in lock for safety.

Pros
" Efficient cutting and quick cleaning"
Cons
"The blade may rust after some time"
 Unique Design

gonicc Steel Blade Anvil Pruning Shears

gonicc

Steel Blade Anvil Pruning Shears

Let these pruning shears do the hard work for you. This set of pruning shears is unique, as it uses a pulley design and spring loaded-mechanism that allow you to make cuts without much physical effort. The handles are coated with a non-slip material, so you'll have no trouble retaining a good grip while you work.

Overall Take

Pulley System for Easy CutsThese pruning shears have an ergonomic handle that provides comfort and a solid grip.

Pros
" The safety lock is extremely easy to use."
Cons
"Quality of springs is a little wanting."
 Won't Get Sticky

Haus & Garten Titanium Pruning Shears

Haus & Garten

Titanium Pruning Shears

One of the best features of these pruning shears is its long handle with anti-slip cushions and shock absorbing pads. It's also ergonomically designed, which means its more comfortable to hold and less tiring to use. It's also made from a heavy-duty titanium that can stand the test of time.

Overall Take

Ergonomic DesignYou won't have to worry about these pruning shears sticking, as they are made with sap grooves that channel the sap.

Pros
" The anti-slip grip on the handles provides a very comfortable surface that is easy on your hands."
Cons
"Not ideal for people with smaller hands. Quality sometimes appear hit or miss, but it comes with a lifetime warranty."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the pruning shears available to purchase.
11

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Morning Chores, Keen Standing, Garden Instrument, Gear Trench, Webestoned.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 11 Pruning Shears and also dug through the reviews from 32 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Pruning Shears.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • Reviewers report that some pruning shears do better on green or growing wood than they do on dead branches.
  • It’s good practice to hand wash your pruning shears after each use. Don’t forget to dry them immediately afterward to prevent rust from forming.
  • Design and construction material play the biggest role in determining the price for a set of pruning shears. The Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears are a more basic model, and therefore the most affordable. You’ll pay a little more for the gonicc Steel Blade Anvil Pruning Shears, as it comes with a pulley design and spring-loaded mechanism that require the user to exert less force. On the higher end of the price scale is the Haus & Garten Titanium Pruning Shears, which is easily adjustable and made from high-quality titanium.

Pruning Shears Rankings

1. VIVOSUN Gardening Hand Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 5

2. Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 7

3. gonicc Steel Blade Anvil Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 6

4. Haus & Garten Titanium Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 5

5. Vremi Garden Pruning Shears with Rust Proof Blades

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 2

6. Corona Forged Classic Bypass Pruner, 1-Inch

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

7. Mockins Heavy Duty Garden Anvil Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

8. gonicc Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

9. Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 6

10. TOOLMOOM Hand Heavy Duty Pruning Shears

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 1

11. GROWNEER Gardening Hand Pruning Snears

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 2

More to Explore

Pruning shears are an important tool that every home gardener should have on hand. Below are a few facts that will help you get the best use out of your pruning shears.

  • Wear a thick set of gardening gloves when working with your pruning shears. This is good practice even if the shears have a built-in safety mechanism.
  • Sterilize your pruning shears regularly to prevent the spread of disease among your plants. Bleach and isopropyl alcohol will help you accomplish this task.
  • Sharpen your pruning shears when they start to dull a little, as sharp blades produce cleaner cuts.

More to explore