Not all pruning shears are created equal. The right pair can make clean cuts, protect your hands, and extend the life of your plants.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top-rated gardening shears of 2025:
Shears | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
Felco F-2 Classic Manual Pruners | All-purpose / Professional use | – Swiss-made precision – Replaceable parts – Ergonomic design | – Higher price – Not ideal for small hands | $$$ |
Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears | Budget-friendly beginners | – Affordable – Non-slip grip – Sharp and durable | – Not as long-lasting – Not for thick branches | $ |
Corona ClassicCUT Bypass Pruner | Frequent home gardeners | – Comfortable handle – Heat-treated blade – Smooth cutting | – Can feel bulky for some | $$ |
Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners | Precision cuts / Bonsai | – Razor-sharp blade – Lightweight and fast – Japanese steel | – No cushioned grip – Minimalist design may not suit all | $$ |
ARS HP-VS8Z Professional Series | Heavy-duty use / Advanced gardeners | – Super sharp – Easy to clean – Locking mechanism | – Pricey – Not for small hands | $$$ |
How to Choose Your Perfect Pair:
- Bypass vs. Anvil: Bypass blades are better for live plants (clean cuts), while anvil shears are ideal for dead wood.
- Hand size matters: Look for ergonomic or smaller-hand designs if regular pruners feel awkward.
- Cutting diameter: Choose based on what you’ll be pruning (herbs vs. branches).
- Blade material: High-carbon steel or Japanese steel stays sharper longer.
Roots and Review Tip:
If you’re just starting out, the Fiskars Bypass Shears are reliable and budget-friendly. For serious gardeners, nothing beats the smooth, precise action of the Felco F-2 or ARS Professional Series.
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Steel blade plant shears ideal for a variety of pruning tasks like cutting flower stems; gardening …
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Fiskars pruning shears with low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, …
- SMART FEATURES: Garden Scissors- Heavy Duty, with self-cleaning sap groove keeps blades from sticking and non-slip grip …
$13.25
- Comfortable, lightweight, sturdy aluminium alloy handles
- High quality hardened steel blades, forged aluminium alloy handles, wire cutting notch
- Anvil blade with sap groove, rubber cushion shock aborbers
$67.98