I have tested over 15 pairs of pruning shears in the last 3 years. Some were great. Some were terrible. Most were just okay. This guide narrows it down to the 7 best pruning shears for different needs and budgets.
Whether you have arthritis and need something easy to squeeze, or you are a professional who makes thousands of cuts per week, there is a pair on this list for you.
How I Tested These Pruners
I used each pair for at least 2 weeks of regular pruning. That means cutting everything from soft green stems to 3/4-inch hardwood branches. I tested on rose bushes, fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials. I paid attention to:
- Cut quality – Does it slice clean or crush the stem?
- Comfort – How do my hands feel after an hour of use?
- Sharpness out of the box – Some pruners come dull. That is annoying.
- Durability – Does it loosen up? Do the grips slip?
- Value – Is the price fair for what you get?
The 7 Best Pruning Shears (Quick List)
| Rank | Pruner | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felco F-2 | Best Overall | ~$60 |
| 2 | ARS HP-VS8Z | Sharpest Out of Box | ~$45 |
| 3 | Corona BP 3180 | Best Value | ~$25 |
| 4 | Fiskars PowerGear2 Pruner | Best for Arthritis | ~$22 |
| 5 | Felco F-6 | Best for Small Hands | ~$60 |
| 6 | Okatsune 103 | Best Japanese Pruner | ~$55 |
| 7 | Gardena Comfort | Best Budget | ~$18 |
1. Felco F-2 – Best Overall Pruning Shears
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The Felco F-2 is the standard by which all other pruners are judged. Swiss-made with hardened steel blades. Every single part is replaceable – blade, spring, grips, locking mechanism. That means this $60 tool can last you 20 years.
What I like: The cut quality is superb. The action is smooth as butter. The replaceable parts save money over time. Fits medium to large hands perfectly.
What I don’t: The price. Not ideal for left-handed users (get the Felco F-9 instead). Heavier than some competitors at 8.5 ounces.
Who it’s for: Serious gardeners who prune regularly and want one tool for life.
2. ARS HP-VS8Z – Sharpest Right Out of the Box
Japanese-made with a chrome-plated blade that slices through branches with almost no resistance. These are the sharpest pruners I have ever tested straight out of the packaging. The lightweight design (7.5 ounces) makes them perfect for long pruning sessions.
What I like: Incredible sharpness. Chrome plating resists sap buildup. Lighter than Felco. Excellent for precision work.
What I don’t: Replacement parts are harder to find. Handle opening is smaller – not ideal for large hands.
Who it’s for: Gardeners with small to medium hands who want the sharpest cut possible.
3. Corona BP 3180 – Best Value Under $25
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You get about 80% of Felco performance for 40% of the price. Forged steel blades. Comfortable grips. The Corona BP 3180 is the smart buy for home gardeners who prune a few times per season. Cuts branches up to 3/4 inch cleanly.
What I like: Great value. Comfortable in the hand. Reliable cutting performance. Good build quality for the price.
What I don’t: Not as smooth as premium pruners. Spring weakens slightly over time. Limited replacement parts.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious home gardeners who want solid quality without the premium price.
4. Fiskars PowerGear2 Hand Pruner – Best for Arthritis and Weak Hands
Same gear technology as the lopper version but in a hand pruner size. The patented gear mechanism multiplies your cutting force. If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel, or just weaker hands, this pruner will change your gardening life. Cuts up to 3/4 inch branches.
What I like: Significantly less hand strength needed. Comfortable soft grips. The gear mechanism really works. Affordable.
What I don’t: Plastic components feel less premium. The gear mechanism requires full strokes – no quick snips. Bulkier than standard pruners.
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Who it’s for: Anyone with hand pain, arthritis, or reduced grip strength who still wants to garden.
5. Felco F-6 – Best for Small Hands
The Felco F-6 is basically the F-2 but scaled down for smaller hands. Same Swiss steel. Same replaceable parts. Same buttery-smooth cutting action. The handle opening is about 20% smaller than the F-2. It also has a narrower nose for getting into tight spaces on delicate plants.
What I like: Same Felco quality in a smaller package. Perfect for detail pruning. Comfortable for smaller hands. All parts replaceable.
What I don’t: Same $60 price as the F-2. Cutting capacity slightly less at 3/4 inch max.
Who it’s for: Gardeners with small hands, women gardeners, or anyone doing precision pruning work.
6. Okatsune 103 – Best Japanese Bypass Pruner
Okatsune pruners are made in the same region of Japan famous for samurai swords. The blades are high-carbon steel that is uncoated – it will develop a patina over time that protects against rust. The cut quality is exceptional. These are beloved by bonsai artists and professional orchard workers.
What I like: Extremely sharp. Beautiful traditional design. Lightweight (7.4 ounces). Very precise cuts.
What I don’t: The uncoated steel requires more maintenance – you must oil the blades or they will rust. Hard to find replacement parts. Red and white handles show dirt.
Who it’s for: Gardeners who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship and are willing to maintain their tools properly.
7. Gardena Comfort Bypass Pruner – Best Under $20
If you just need a basic pruner for light garden work, the Gardena Comfort gets the job done. It is not fancy. It will not last 20 years. But for $18, it cuts garden stems and small branches cleanly enough. Good for beginners or as a backup pair.
What I like: Very affordable. Lightweight. Comfortable grips. Decent cut quality for the price.
What I don’t: Only rated for 5/8 inch branches. Plastic components. Not repairable. Will need replacement after a few seasons.
Who it’s for: Casual gardeners, beginners, or anyone who needs a cheap second pair of pruners.
How to Choose the Right Pruning Shears
Bypass vs Anvil
Bypass pruners (two curved blades passing each other) are best for live plants. They make clean cuts that heal quickly. Anvil pruners (one blade closing against a flat surface) are better for dead wood. They crush more but can handle harder material. For most gardeners, bypass is the way to go.
Blade Material Matters
High-carbon steel stays sharp longest but can rust if not cared for. Stainless steel resists rust but dulls faster. Chrome-plated high-carbon steel (like ARS uses) gives you the best of both worlds – sharpness and rust resistance. Swiss hardened steel (Felco) is the gold standard for durability.
Handle Size
If you have small hands, look for pruners with a narrower grip opening. The Felco F-6 and ARS HP-VS8Z are good choices. If you have large hands, the Felco F-2 or Fiskars PowerGear2 will be more comfortable. A pruner that is too big or too small will cause hand fatigue.
Replaceable Parts
Cheap pruners are disposable. When the blade dulls or the spring breaks, you throw them away. Premium pruners have replaceable parts. Over 10 years, a $60 pruner with replaceable parts costs less than buying a new $20 pruner every year. Do the math.
My Top Recommendation
For most home gardeners, I recommend the Corona BP 3180 ($25). It cuts well. It feels good. It lasts several seasons. You cannot beat the value.
If you are serious about gardening and want a tool for life, get the Felco F-2 ($60). I have used mine for years and it still cuts like day one. The replaceable parts mean this might be the last pair of pruners you ever buy.
If you have arthritis or weak hands, the Fiskars PowerGear2 hand pruner ($22) is the clear winner. The gear mechanism genuinely reduces the effort needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on pruning shears?
Spend $20 to $30 if you prune a few times per year. Spend $50 to $65 if you prune regularly or want a tool that lasts 10+ years. Spending more than $70 is rarely necessary for home gardeners.
Can I use bypass pruners on dead branches?
You can, but it dulls the blade faster. Dead wood is harder than live wood. If you cut a lot of dead branches, use an anvil pruner or a pruning saw instead.
How often should I sharpen my pruners?
Sharpen when the pruner starts crushing stems instead of cutting them cleanly. For most home gardeners, that means once or twice per season. Professionals may need to sharpen weekly.
Do I need different pruners for different plants?
Not necessarily. A good bypass pruner handles most garden plants. However, you might want a dedicated pair for roses (with longer handles for reaching into thorny bushes) and a heavier pair for thick woody stems.
Why are Felco pruners so expensive?
Swiss manufacturing, hardened steel blades, and fully replaceable parts. You are paying for quality that lasts decades, not seasons. Professional gardeners choose Felco because the tools pay for themselves through longevity.
