The Best Pruning Shears for Your Needs: Best 2023 Update

The reason we’re here today is that we evolved and learned how to take care of our bodies, mind, and soul. Without proper nurture and care, nothing can sustain in this world, including plants.

Through the course of our collective lifetimes as sentient beings, we mastered the art of horticulture, agriculture, and garden design.

To do that, we had to invent tools that would alleviate the hard work, and today, it’s easier to find and use them than ever.

That is why we’ve compiled a list of the best pruning shears on the market, crafty tools that will surely help you maintain a healthy life for your plants.

Also, we’ve added a buyer’s guide to help you find out what it is that you should be looking for. Stay tuned!

Take away key points:

• Pruning shears are ideal for keeping your lawn and garden free of pests and thick woods
• You can use them daily, as they are reliable and ideal for more robust application
• The durable design will reduce your cutting time

Best pruning shears 2023: Our Top 13 list

If you need the best pruning shears for your woody stems and other thicker stems, check our reviews below. You will find the best gardening shears for your needs.

$ – Kenossion Gardening Tools Pruning Shears

Best pruning shears with stainless steel blades for multiple uses. The ratchet pruners are durable and reliable for more robust applications. The ratchet pruners are ideal for long-lasting design and more heavy-duty applications. The ratcheting pruners have the ideal capacity for cutting.

$ – Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

Best bypass pruners with ideal efficiency for more robust applications. They are durable and sturdy for different uses.

$ – Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips

Fiskars bypass pruner models are better than other pruners as they offer more effective cutting settings and they are more versatile.

Still, they have bulky handles.

$ – Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner

The classic pruners are ideal for different settings and adjustable designs. They can be used for multiple operations and last longer.

But they need lubrication after each use.

$ – VIVOSUN 6.5 Inch Gardening Scissors

Best power pruners for their reliable construction and more efficient tasks. The straight-blade pruning shears advance other pruning shears with 6.5-inch thick cutting diameter.

Yet these power pruners use poor plastic parts.

$ – gonicc 8″ Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears

Best professional use with advanced system technology and more reliable applications. Ideal for various cutting standards and eight-inch thick diameter.

However, the price is an issue.

$ – KOTTO 4 Pack Professional Bypass Pruning Shears

Ergonomically designed to reduce pressure and pain when using them. Different construction serve different purposes and they can be right and left-handed pruners.

Anyhow, they have gloves issues.

$ – ClassicPRO Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears

Best precision when cutting different plants, wood, and stem systems. Ideal for light and heavy uses.

Nonetheless, you can find design issues.

$ – Garden Guru Classic Bypass Pruning Shears

Best cutting system with more quality and advanced performance. Reliable and solid for heavy-duty uses and different applications.

$ – Horsvill Garden Pruning Shears

Reliable and sturdy for heavy-duty applications, most effective and efficient for reduced working hours.

They are not flexible.

$ – gonicc 8″ Professional SK-5 Steel Blade Sharp Anvil Pruning Shears

Best anvil pruner shears for more robust uses. The anvil pruner hears are critical for more reliable tasks and more efficient working hours without fatigue. Also, the anvil pruner shears use the anvil blade with eight-inch thick diameter for all hard to reach areas.

The anvil pruning shears have sturdiness issues.

$ – Fiskars 391041-1001 PowerGear2 Pruner, Steel

Fiskars 391041-1001 bypass pruner is great for reduced fatigue and pressure while working. The Fiskars bypass pruner system has ergonomic suture to keep you optimal for more working hours.

The drawback is their price point.

$ – Nevler’s Gardening Hand Tools

Best professional application with maximum hand protection and various heavy-duty tasks. The shears are reliable for stable uses. They are one inch thick for cutting.

The shears are not ideal for thick branches.

#1. Kenossion Gardening Tools Pruning Shears – Best pruning shears for optimal performance

• Brand: Kenossion
• Material: Stainless steel
• Style: Classic
• Best for: blade material, ratcheting mechanism, and everyday pruning

Kenossion Gardening Tools offers a great selection of pruning shears that are perfect for all your gardening needs. Their pruning shears are made from high-quality stainless steel and feature a comfortable ergonomic design, making them easy to use and handle.

The blades are sharp and precise, allowing you to make clean cuts with ease. They also come with a safety lock mechanism, which prevents accidental injury while using the tool.

The Kenossion pruning shears come in two different sizes – 8” and 10” – so you can choose the size that best suits your needs.

The 8” model is perfect for smaller jobs such as trimming flowers or herbs, while the 10” model is ideal for larger tasks such as cutting branches or removing dead wood.

Both models feature an adjustable blade tension knob, so you can customize the cutting power to suit your specific needs.

These Kenossion pruning shears also come with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that your investment will last for years to come.

They also come with detailed instructions on how to properly care for and sharpen the blades, so you can keep them in top condition for many years of use.

#2. Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears – Easy glide

• Brand: Fiskars
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Style: Bypass Pruner
• Best for: pruner blades and cutting capacity

The second for a review is a fantastic product that will leave you speechless, the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears.

Pruning shears or the best garden secateurs are ideal for cutting off the top leaves, extra weed that grows around your plants, and overall branch cutting, and when it comes to the best secateurs, you won’t have to look further than here.

A common issue that people find with this type of tool is the accidental opening that might occur during transport.

The developers behind this Fiskars product took care of that by introducing an easy-open locking mechanism that protects the blades during storage and such transport.

Also, this pair of pruning shears is fully hardened with hardened steel, and the steel blade is so sharp you won’t even feel you’re cutting through a branch or a plant in your garden.

The best of all? It comes with a lifetime warranty, even though the product is already cheap. If it gets damaged in cutting action and you’ve used it properly, Fiskars will either repair it or replace it with a brand new pruner.

All in all, getting this ergonomically designed bypass pruning shear will be a decision that you certainly won’t regret!

#3. Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruner Non-Stick Blades – Easy action design

• Brand: Fiskars
• Material: Steel
• Style: Non-stick bypass pruner
• Best for: ergonomic design for more robust use (flower stems, tomato plants, and other green stems)

Moving on, we give you one reliable product that you can count on, the Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruner Non-Stick Blades.

First of all, all the good gardeners know what Fiskars is about. It is one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to gardening and the appliances and tools that go along with it. You can be calm knowing that you have a quality product in your hands.

For example, the micro-tip blades are made out of supreme quality materials that make these pruning shears ideal for trimming, garden design, shaping plants, and cutting off dead branches.

Also, the fancy thing about this particular product is the easy-action design. It enables you to do all the work with little to no effort.

That is possible because of the spring-action design that opens the blades after each consecutive cut, thus allowing you to rest your hands.

Furthermore, the coating is non-stick, which means that jamming and residual build-up are the problems of the past. You can snip away with this Fiskars powerful tool without worrying whether a nasty branch will block the mechanism.

Overall, if we exclude the fact that handles seem a bit bulky, it is a great product that you’ll love having in your tool collection!

#4. Corona BP 3180D Bypass Pruners with 1 Inch Cutting Capacity – Durability

• Brand: Corona
• Material: Steel
• Style: Bypass Pruner
• Best for: ergonomic grip for less hand fatigue and cutting blade material for green stems

Up next is a product that will take care of all those sturdy branches that you have to tackle in the garden. We present to you the Corona BP 3180D Bypass Pruners with 1 Inch Cutting Capacity.

New weeds and branches that grow around your homemade vegetables can be quite problematic. That’s why you need a product that can cut through the thickest of it all, and with a 1-inch diameter, you’ll feel all your problems drift away.

A steel-forged construction amazes every gardener, and when you combine that with the sharp blades this pruner has, you’ll feel confident enough to cut through anything.

Moreover, the manufacturers behind this Corona product included a sap groove, which is excellent if you grow vegetables and fruit.

Once you cut through a fully grown plant, juices are bound to come out, and the sap groove will protect your pruning shears in the process.

Also, to prevent accidents, you will be able to rely on the notch tool that you’ll close and keep yourself safe during transport.

However, it’s important to note that you have to lubricate the pruners after each use to keep them healthy and avoid corrosion. Aside from this slightly awkward addition, you’ll get a fantastic pair of pruners in return.

#5. VIVOSUN Hand Pruner Pruning Shear With Stainless Steel Blades – Reduced hand strain

• Brand: Vivosun
• Material: Steel, titanium
• Style: Bypass pruner
• Best for: titanium coated blades with hardened steel for more durable uses

You’re surely expecting a quality product for a runner-up, are you? Here you have it; say hello to the VIVOSUN Hand Pruner Pruning Shear With Stainless Steel Blades.

All gardeners know that a common issue that strikes them all at some point is either arthritis or general fatigue and strain from using the pruning tools.

However, with the technology that Vivosun offers, you’ll be carefree. The micro top snips are spring-loaded, which means they automatically push themselves without needing you to do that. Even if you have smaller hands, you’ll feel the magic of these pruners right away.

Furthermore, the steel blades that this pair of pruners have are exact and ideal for trimming and cutting down dead branches – even the thicker ones.

Since they are not significant in length, you’ll get the maneuverability that you need to go between the plants and cut.

This product also has a secure locking mechanism located on the side that enables you to use it without worrying whether it’ll open accidentally.

Also, the bright colors make it great if you lose them in the garden and can’t find them. The bright orange stands out from the environment and gives it a fantastic look.

One small issue is the plastic parts of this Vivosun pruning shear. They feel flimsy and hard to operate, but that boils down to a feeling. Eventually, it passes.

#6. gonicc 8″ Professional Titanium Bypass Pruner (GPPS-1003) – Ergonomically designed

• Brand: gonicc
• Material: Steel, titanium
• Style: Professional pruner shears
• Best for: pruner blades with carbon steel and higher blade pressure

Next in line is another fantastic bypass pruner, one of the best garden shears, the gonicc 8″ Professional Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1003), Hand Pruners.

The first thing you’ll notice about this pair of pruning shears is the quality that shines out of its blades made of titanium steel, polished with the best technology. It has a drop-forged design with ergonomically designed non-slip handles that feel great even in smaller hands.

Another common problem is the juice that squirts out of plants once you get to cutting, and it can be nasty and make your life harder.

That’s why Gonicc implemented a sap groove that keeps all the juices from the cut plants from the blades, thus protecting and ensuring that your job doesn’t become challenging in a second.

A scissor-like motion that you’ll get from this type of bypass pruner will enable you to cut through the thickest branches in no time, but they have also proved to be efficient in trimming, decorating, and so much more.

Of course, they are more financially demanding than your average pair of pruning shears, but the difference is not that substantial.

Furthermore, the quality you’ll get from investing in this pair of bypass pruners will undoubtedly pay off!

#7. KOTTO 4 Pack Professional Bypass Pruning Shears – Best sturdy shears

• Brand: Kotto
• Material: Stainless steel
• Style: Grass Clippers & Shears – 4 Packs
• Best for: ergonomic design and four types of pruning shears

Our best pruning shears are made of stainless steel, so they are strong and durable. They have sharp blade material that makes cutting through branches easy and efficient.

The ergonomic handle design reduces stress and hand fatigue on your wrist and fits for small or big hands to ensure maximum cutting comfort and no-slip grip.

The Kotto pruning shears also come with a safety lock that keeps them securely closed when not in use. This is great for preventing accidental cuts or injuries.

Additionally, the blades have been sanded to deter tarnish and rust, which helps keep them looking nice for longer periods.

The Kotto pruning shears also come with a storage bag, which is great for keeping the shears organized and protected when not in use. This is especially helpful if you plan on taking them with you while traveling or camping.

The best pruning shears are well-made, durable, and comfortable to use. With their sharp blades and ergonomic design, they make pruning jobs quick and easy.

Due to durability, the best pruning shears will last for an extended time.

#8. ClassicPRO Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears – Best for precise cuts

• Brand: HAUS & GARTEN
• Material: Titanium, steel
• Style: Classic
• Best for: one-inch cutting capacity and hedge shears

These pruning shears are the perfect choice for any gardener looking for a reliable and durable tool. The titanium-coated steel blade ensures a smooth, precise cutting action that delivers maximum force with minimum effort.

The Haus & Garten shears are designed to be used for hard use and can handle even the toughest gardening challenges.

The blades are made from Japanese-grade high-quality hardened steel and have a protective titanium coating that decreases friction and increases durability. This makes them ideal for pruning branches, trimming hedges, or cutting flowers without worrying about rust or corrosion.

The ergonomic design of the handles also provides comfort and ease of use when working in tight spaces or on difficult tasks.

The pruning shears provide an effortless cut every time and you don’t have to worry about sharpening them too often.

They are also lightweight enough to carry around easily while still providing plenty of power when needed.

If you’re looking for a reliable tool that will last you years of use, then these pruning shears should be at the top of your list!

#9. Garden Guru Classic Bypass Pruning Shears – Best for safety standards

• Brand: Garden Guru Lawn & Garden Tools
• Material: Stainless, carbon steel, aluminum
• Style: 1 pack
• Best for: cutting width and adjustable uses

These pruning shears are incredibly sharp and practically indestructible. They are manufactured with high-quality steel, so they won’t have any frail aluminum or plastic parts that can easily break.

The curved cutting blade maximizes cutting effectiveness and ensures clean cuts to help maximize plant health.

So, you can use the Garden Guru pruning shears for different cutting tasks. The cutting width of one inch in diameter ensures precise cuts. The micro-tip pruning is also possible with adjustments.

The handles of the shears are designed for comfort and ease of use. They have a soft grip handle which makes them comfortable to hold even during long periods of pruning. The adjustable tap wrench also helps make sure that you get a secure fit when using the shears.

The locking mechanism also ensures more safety standards and more reliable uses of the bypass pruning shears. So you can easily manage the cutting process.

Finally, the durable and reliable construction makes the bypass pruners ideal for green stems, roots, and other heavy or light-duty applications. They are precise and solid for optimal performance. The pruning shears will last for an extended time.

#10. Horsvill Garden Pruning Shears – Best advanced quality

• Brand: Horsvill
• Material: Carbon steel
• Style: heavy-duty, Japanese
• Best for: heavy-duty construction

If you’re looking for a reliable pair of pruning shears, the Horsvill Pruning Shears are a great choice. Made from premium materials and with strict quality control, these shears are designed to last.

The blades are made with ultra-fine polishing technology and hard Japanese SK4 high carbon steel for long-lasting sharpness. They’re also ergonomically designed to protect your wrist and hand during longer pruning jobs.

They cut through stems, roots, and flowers easily without any snagging or tearing. You will also appreciate how lightweight they are – it makes it easier to maneuver them around plants without tiring out your hands. So you can adjust and maneuver the pruning shears to meet your needs.

Their durability and solid construction are ideal for different heavy and light-duty tasks, so you can fully enjoy the best performance of different operations.

All in all, you’ll be very pleased with your purchase of the Horsvill Pruning Shears. They’re well-made, comfortable to use, and have held up well over time. If you’re in the market for a good pair of pruning shears, we highly recommend giving these a try!

#11. gonicc 8″ Professional SK-5 Steel Blade Sharp Anvil Pruners – Carbon steel blades

• Brand: gonicc
• Material: Alloy steel
• Style: Professional
• Best for: reliable design and anvil pruner

The best pruners will allow you to finish the job in twice the time you’d typically finish, and this product certainly deserves to be on that list. Here’s another reliable gonicc 8″ Professional SK-5 Steel Blade Sharp Anvil Pruners.

The first thing you’ll notice about these anvil pruning shears is the carbon steel blades made with chromium-plating technology.

Even though most stainless steel tools have a coating that prevents corrosion, the added carbon also introduces higher efficiency, quality, and malleability. And unlike bypass pruners, this type of material works excellent with anvil pruners.

Moreover, all these added materials do not mean extra weight. This pair of pruners is quite lightweight, weighing just below 190 g – every gardener’s dream. There’s no more strain on your hands and fingers with this product.

Another great feature is the lifetime warranty that you’ll get if you were to opt-out of these pruning shears. In the case of malfunction, you’ll surely get your money’s worth.

However, you might feel underwhelmed if you go for the thicker branches. In all other cases, you’ll see that these carbon steel pruners work like a charm!

#12. Fiskars PowerGear 2 Pruner – Design

• Brand: Fiskars
• Material: steel
• Style: Professional
• Best for: nonstick blades

The penultimate pruning shear is the Fiskars PowerGear 2 Pruner.

Even though it is the last item on this review list, it does not mean it falls short in comparison to the other pruners. It is a product that you’ll love owning, especially knowing that it comes from Fiskars.

This Amazon’s Choice product has modified gears and a cam mechanism that enables it to cut through thick branches with ease. Alongside this, the bypass steel blade has a low-friction coating that makes cutting seem like a piece of cake.

As it is the case with all Fiskars products, the design is the main attraction of this device. Ergonomically designed handles that fit every hand perfectly are something that all gardeners need.

Plus, the way you hold these hand pruners provides natural motion and reduces hand fatigue.

However, they are a bit pricey, which is why they’ve landed in the last place, but the quality is certainly not an issue here. If you’re looking to invest some money into your gardening equipment, this is it!

#13. Mockins Heavy-Duty Garden Anvil Pruning Shears – Professional use

• Brand: Nevlers
• Material: Stainless steel
• Style: Protective
• Best for: hand protection

Whether you’re a novice or an expert gardener, you’ll surely enjoy the benefits that Mockins Heavy-Duty Garden Anvil Pruning Shears bring to the table.

Initially designed for professional use, these pruners have transcended and offered every gardener something to look forward to. They are ideal for clipping plants, flowers, vegetable leaves, and so much more.

If you have small hands, there’s no reason to worry. It’s ergonomically designed in a way to fit every person’s hand like a glove.

Furthermore, it features a safety lock that comes in quite handy when you’re not using this tool.

As for the blade, you can rest assured knowing that stainless steel of high quality is there to make your life better. The gliding sensation that you’ll get with these pruners will undoubtedly be a novelty in your life.

Also, it’s essential to know that Mockins protects its customers and that you’ll get a lifetime warranty or a full refund with this product.

Just remember that you might have some trouble cutting through thicker branches, but all in all, it’ll work great for everything else.

The cutting experience: How to find the best pruning shears on the market?

As you can see, there are so many different models of pruners on the market, especially if you take into account their design.

Bypass pruners are a safe bet since they are great at cutting down small plants, trimming, and going through thicker branches, and that is something to consider once you’re out there buying.

Also, anvil pruners are great if you’re looking to trim dead branches or dry wood. The blade presses against the flat surface and makes a smooth cut.

Here are a couple more things to consider.

1. Design

As we’ve already said, trimming and snipping is quite stressful, literally. It can create blisters and wounds and even make you bleed if you don’t have the proper tool.

The situation complicates further when you have hands that are either bigger or smaller than the handle design of the pruners. That is why this should be the first thing to pay attention to.

2. Blade

In most cases, you’ll be delighted with a stainless steel blade. However, if you plan on doing some more significant work on a professional scale, we recommend you try carbon steel.

It offers similar capabilities as the stainless steel blades, but it is malleable and heavy-duty, which will work great for all types of plants, dead or alive.

3. Locking mechanism

Safety is your number one concern. Even though gardening may seem harmless to some people, a lot of accidents can happen on the field, especially if the blade were to make its way out of the compartment that you’re storing it in.

That is why all the best pruners have safety locking mechanisms that exist to prevent such mishaps and avoid injuries on the field.

FAQs

What are pruning shears used for?

Pruning shears are used for cutting and trimming plants, such as twigs, branches, and limbs. They are a type of scissors specifically designed for gardening tasks.

Pruning shears come in either an anvil or bypass version. Anvil pruning shears crush stems and branches to remove overgrowth while bypass pruners slice through branches so that the plant can heal cleanly.

What are bypass pruning shears?

Unlike anvil pruners, the primary blade passes the secondary blade in a bypass motion that resembles scissoring.

By doing that, it’s capable of trimming and cutting in a swift action without risking any injuries to the plants.

Which is better: bypass or anvil pruners?

It depends on two criteria – what are you comfortable with, and what will you be using it for?

Anvil pruners are excellent for snipping dry wood and dead plants, while the scissor-like motion that bypasses pruners offer is ideal for cutting down parts of the plants without hurting them.

What is the best material for pruners?

The best material for pruners is forged steel. Forged steel is strong and durable, making it ideal for pruning shears that will be used frequently. It also resists rust and corrosion, so your pruners will last longer.

Additionally, forged steel is lightweight, which makes it easier to use and maneuver when cutting branches and stems.

Can I use scissors instead of pruning shears?

Yes, you can use scissors instead of pruning shears. However, it is important to note that regular scissors should not be used for pruning as they are not designed for the job and are less efficient than pruning shears.

Pruning shears have sharpened blades that cut rather than tear, making them better suited for pruning tasks. Additionally, bypass pruning shears are best used on live wood and are known for giving a clean cut.

What is the best brand of pruning shears?

The best brand is the Kenossion, but other popular brands are Corona, Firskas, Gardena, Felco pruners, etc.

Where are Corona pruning shears made?

The Corona pruners are made in the United States.

What shears are best for cutting thick branches?

The best pruning shears for cutting thick branches are the Kenossion Gardening Tools Pruning Shears due to their overall performance and design.

What is the best tool to sharpen pruning shears?

The best tool to sharpen pruning shears is a file or sharpening stone. You should grip the file or sharpening stone in both hands and move it in, out, and away from you, drawing the tool firmly from the base of the blade to the point.

How can I sharpen my pruning shears?

Follow these steps:

– Secure the shears in a vise or clamp.

– Use a file or sharpening stone to sharpen the blade, making sure to set the file at the same angle as the existing bevel (usually about 20-25 degrees).

– Use a wire brush to remove any rust from the blade and mechanism.

– Oil all moving parts of the pruners with light machine oil.

How to sterilize pruning shears between cuts?

The most effective way to do this is by using a disinfectant such as 70% alcohol solution, bleach, or trisodium phosphate (TSP).

To use alcohol, simply spray the blades of the pruning tool with the solution and then wipe them off with a paper towel or cloth.

For bleach, mix one part bleach to nine parts water in a bowl and submerge the blades of your pruning shears into the mixture for at least three minutes.

Lastly, for TSP, mix a 10% solution (one-part TSP to nine parts water) and let the tools sit in the solution for at least three minutes.

So, the best pruning shears are…?

The best pruning shears are the Kenossion Gardening Tools Pruning Shears.

They are better than most pruning shears due to their more reliable design and advanced cutting system. There are a few pruners with maximum performance, and these ratchet pruners are the top units due to their effortless and efficient use.

The ratchet pruner is also affordable to all users.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, you can choose your best pruning shears and finish all tasks instantly. Let us know once you find your perfect model.