Best garden shears 2025: sterling long-blade snippers for tackling hedges, bushes and shrubs

Home LivingGardenBest garden shears 2025: sterling long-blade snippers for tackling hedges, bushes and shrubsThese are the best garden shears for all your topiary needsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

These are the best garden shears for all your topiary needs

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Niwaki)

best garden tools: Niwaki Shears

(Image credit: Niwaki)

Welcome to our guide to the best garden shears for trimming hedges, bushes, shrubs and the edge of your lawn.

The humble garden shear has many practical uses and is the tool to reach for when trimming hedges, cutting several stalks or thin branches at once. Like theBest Secateurs, shears are among the most usefulManual Garden Toolsyou can have in your horticultural armoury.

We’ve sourced a fine selection of the best garden shears on the market and snipped hither and thither to see which models perform best. All you have to do is follow our guidance at the end of this feature and choose the most suitable pair of shears for you and your garden.

Let’s get shearing…

The best garden shears you can buy in 2023

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(Image credit: Fiskars)

Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92 on white background

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(Image credit: Fiskars)

Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92Best shears for lightness and effortless snippingToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+Light in the hand+Unique PowerGear mechanism+Superb performerReasons to avoid-Nothing to grumble about
Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92

1. Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92

Best shears for lightness and effortless snipping

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon

Reasons to buy+Light in the hand+Unique PowerGear mechanism+Superb performer

+Light in the hand+Unique PowerGear mechanism+Superb performer

Light in the hand

Unique PowerGear mechanism

Superb performer

Reasons to avoid-Nothing to grumble about

-Nothing to grumble about

Nothing to grumble about

Fiskars produces a number of top-quality cutting implements including secateurs, shears and household and fabric scissors. Some of the company’s garden products also feature unique mechanisms that reduce cutting effort while maximising leverage – like this excellent pair of hedge shears.

Aside from being remarkably light – much lighter than they look – the PowerGear X Hedge Shear utilises a patented mechanism that provides three times the force of normal shears. I gave them a whirl on a mutinous hedge and the blades snipped through its larger stems astonishingly well and with very little effort. Of course, it helped that the stainless steel blades themselves are as sharp as sharp can be but I was equally impressed with the quality of the SoftGrip handles and how comfortable and grippy they were. If you can stretch your budget to a snip under £60, this model is a top buy.

(Image credit: Niwaki)

Niwaki Shears on white background

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(Image credit: Niwaki)

Niwaki Garden ShearsBest quality Japanese shears with superb snip-abilityToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Razor sharp SK steel blades+Gloriously comfy wooden handle+Exquisite performanceReasons to avoid-Not cheap-Not to be left outside
Niwaki Garden Shears

2. Niwaki Garden Shears

Best quality Japanese shears with superb snip-ability

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Razor sharp SK steel blades+Gloriously comfy wooden handle+Exquisite performance

+Razor sharp SK steel blades+Gloriously comfy wooden handle+Exquisite performance

Razor sharp SK steel blades

Gloriously comfy wooden handle

Exquisite performance

Reasons to avoid-Not cheap-Not to be left outside

-Not cheap-Not to be left outside

Not cheap

Not to be left outside

There are shears and then there are Japanese shears. Produced in Sanjo, the Niwaki’s blades are cast from hard-wearing SK steel and they are so sharp and efficient that they snip through hedging, shrubs and ivy like scissors cut through hair.

The white oak handles feel fantastic in the hand and they even have an almost indiscernible taper in the middle that you find your hands gravitating towards. The blades on this model are a substantial 185mm in length making them perfect for intensive topiary sessions, but never leave them outdoors because, well, why would you?

We compare these top-rated sheers to a fierce rival in ourNiwaki Shears vs Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge Shearcomparison feature, so check it out for more information.

(Image credit: Gardena)

Gardena Hedge Clippers 2in1 EnergyCut on white background

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(Image credit: Gardena)

Gardena 2-in-1 EnergyCut Hedge TrimmerA top pair of shears for extra wide cutsToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Manually adjustable handle width+Wavy blades for griping branches+Great performanceReasons to avoid-A tad heavy-The articulating handle feels a bit weird
Gardena 2-in-1 EnergyCut Hedge Trimmer

3. Gardena 2-in-1 EnergyCut Hedge Trimmer

A top pair of shears for extra wide cuts

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Manually adjustable handle width+Wavy blades for griping branches+Great performance

+Manually adjustable handle width+Wavy blades for griping branches+Great performance

Manually adjustable handle width

Wavy blades for griping branches

Great performance

Reasons to avoid-A tad heavy-The articulating handle feels a bit weird

-A tad heavy-The articulating handle feels a bit weird

A tad heavy

The articulating handle feels a bit weird

The mechanism used for the Gardena 2in1 EnergyCut is quite similar in concept to the Fiskars at number. However, the German brand has taken its gearing method to an even greater level that allows the left handle to articulate outward, far beyond the range of any other shears. In essence, when you’re up against a branch that’s beyond the normal quarter-to-half an inch in diameter, you simply push the orange selector and the left handle unlocks to swing further outwards. According to Gardena ‘the resulting increase in travel translates into up to two and a half times more force.’

Granted, it is an odd feeling having a left handle that feels like it’s broken but the extra leverage definitely works when applied to thicker branches. The slight curve in the blades also helps keep any slippery branches in position when cutting.

The Gardena 2in1 feels slightly heavier in the hand than the winning Fiskars so bear that in mind if you do a lot of hedge cutting or are weak of limb. Otherwise, this is a fine set of cutters for all your shearing duties.

(Image credit: Burgon & Ball)

BURGON & BALL SOPHIE CONRAN HEDGE SHEAR on white background

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(Image credit: Burgon & Ball)

Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge ShearBest long-reach shears for hard-to-access areasToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Beautifully styled+Designed for high reach+Comfortable FSC-certified ash handlesReasons to avoid-Not suitable for cutting low hedging
Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge Shear

4. Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge Shear

Best long-reach shears for hard-to-access areas

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Beautifully styled+Designed for high reach+Comfortable FSC-certified ash handles

+Beautifully styled+Designed for high reach+Comfortable FSC-certified ash handles

Beautifully styled

Designed for high reach

Comfortable FSC-certified ash handles

Reasons to avoid-Not suitable for cutting low hedging

-Not suitable for cutting low hedging

Not suitable for cutting low hedging

The quality of build is exemplary (you’ll love the shaped grips on the ash handles), which is what we’ve come to expect from most Burgon & Ball products. Just be sure to avoid trying to snip thicker branches that require a lot of pressure if using the full length of the handles because excessive force could cause them to snap. But then simple physics should tell you that.

See how these shears compare to the competition in ourNiwaki Shears vs Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge Shearcomparison feature.

(Image credit: Niwaki)

Niwaki Mini Shears on white background

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(Image credit: Niwaki)

Niwaki Mini ShearsExemplary lightweight shears for light topiaryToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Lightweight and small+Sharp SK steel blades+Grippy rubber handlesReasons to avoid-Blades will rust if left outdoors
Niwaki Mini Shears

5. Niwaki Mini Shears

Exemplary lightweight shears for light topiary

Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon

Today’s Best Deals

Check Amazon

Reasons to buy+Lightweight and small+Sharp SK steel blades+Grippy rubber handles

+Lightweight and small+Sharp SK steel blades+Grippy rubber handles

Lightweight and small

Sharp SK steel blades

Grippy rubber handles

Reasons to avoid-Blades will rust if left outdoors

-Blades will rust if left outdoors

Blades will rust if left outdoors

If you find that some shears are too heavy and large to wield about for long periods of time, try this pair of ultra lightweight Japanese-made shears from Niwaki. The Mini Shears are equipped with razor-sharp blades that are just the right length (14cm) for regular use while the white oak handles are relatively short and are sheathed in knobbly rubber that feels reassuringly grippy in the hands.

The blades themselves are made from SK steel (a hardened alloy comprised of carbon and manganese), the preferred material of kitchen knife manufacturers. For smaller shearing tasks, this diminutive model comes highly recommended.

(Image credit: Stihl)

Stihl PH 10 Hedge Shears on white background

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(Image credit: Stihl)

Stihl PH 10 Hedge ShearsHigh-quality traditional shears from a trusted brandToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Traditional design+Superbly engineered wavy blades+Snips through branches up to one inch in diameterReasons to avoid-Wooden handles easily damaged if left outdoors
Stihl PH 10 Hedge Shears

6. Stihl PH 10 Hedge Shears

High-quality traditional shears from a trusted brand

Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site

Today’s Best Deals

Check AmazonVisit Site

Check Amazon

Visit Site

Reasons to buy+Traditional design+Superbly engineered wavy blades+Snips through branches up to one inch in diameter

+Traditional design+Superbly engineered wavy blades+Snips through branches up to one inch in diameter

Traditional design

Superbly engineered wavy blades

Snips through branches up to one inch in diameter

Reasons to avoid-Wooden handles easily damaged if left outdoors

-Wooden handles easily damaged if left outdoors

Wooden handles easily damaged if left outdoors

Wavy blades like those fitted to this sterling pair from Stihl are a boon for snipping branches up to one inch in diameter. The PH 10s stainless steel blades are 22cm in length and equipped with a wavy design that makes short work of gripping thicker branches that may otherwise slip outwards when under pressure. The classic tapered wooden handles add a touch of traditional comfort though they will be easily soiled if left outside.

These high-quality Germanic shears are about the same price as the lighter Fiskars above but they’re not as technically advanced or as weatherproof. Nevertheless, they come from a pro-spec brand that is renowned for the quality and reliability of all its products, so step this way if that is your wont.

(Image credit: Gardena)

Gardena Rotatable Comfort Grass Shears on white background

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(Image credit: Gardena)

Gardena Rotatable Comfort Grass ShearsBest manual grass shearsToday’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Red)View at AmazonView at Walmart(Orange)Reasons to buy+Great for finishing grass borders+Perfect for detailed snipping+360˚ blade for a variety of tasksReasons to avoid-Not ideal for intensive grass manicure
Gardena Rotatable Comfort Grass Shears

7. Gardena Rotatable Comfort Grass Shears

Best manual grass shears

Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Red)View at AmazonView at Walmart(Orange)

Today’s Best Deals

View at Amazon(Red)View at AmazonView at Walmart(Orange)

View at Amazon(Red)

View at Amazon

(Red)

View at Amazon

View at Walmart(Orange)

View at Walmart

(Orange)

Reasons to buy+Great for finishing grass borders+Perfect for detailed snipping+360˚ blade for a variety of tasks

+Great for finishing grass borders+Perfect for detailed snipping+360˚ blade for a variety of tasks

Great for finishing grass borders

Perfect for detailed snipping

360˚ blade for a variety of tasks

Reasons to avoid-Not ideal for intensive grass manicure

-Not ideal for intensive grass manicure

Not ideal for intensive grass manicure

These Germanic grass scissors are a boon for trimming the edges of a small suburban lawn without having to reach for one of theBest Grass Strimmers. Mind, even if you have a lawn the size of a tennis court, they’re just as handy for tidying up those inevitable bits of stray grass you forgot to trim in the first place. But above all, these hand shears are especially useful for trimming grass that borders the edges of ponds, flower borders and anywhere that requires careful manual maintenance.

The Gardena Comfort Grass Shears have a comfortable, smooth action and come equipped with blades that can be swivelled 360˚ so you can also use them to trim the edges of a lawn from absolutely any angle. They can also be used as standard shears to perform delicate topiary on a hedge or an unruly bush. Well handy.

How to choose the best garden shears

There are two main types of garden shears: hedge and edging. Hedge shears are basically like a giant pair of scissors with two long blades of around 20cm in length and two equally long handles. Unlike secateurs which are designed for singular snipping and general plant maintenance, shears can cut through a swathe of foliage in one go and branches up to about half an inch in diameter in some cases. They are ideal for trimming and styling hedges and shaping bushes.

Edging shears usually have two extra long handles attached to a heavily angled blade so you can trim lawn edges while stooping instead of crouching. That said, you can also buy lawn edging shears for hand use. Normally these shears have a mechanism that allows you to turn the blade 360˚ so you can trim lawn edges from the top or the side.

When choosing a pair of shears, consider the weight of the product because you’ll be using them at arms’ length and after ten minutes or so of snipping you really will start to feel the weight.

Most shears are equipped with straight blades but some more expensive models come with wavy blades that are designed for holding wider branches and stems in position while they’re cut. That said, wavy bladed shears are a bit harder to sharpen. And speaking of sharpening, you’d do well to invest in a blade sharpener like the excellentStihl Sharpening Tool. This little gizmo is perfect for keeping shears, secateurs and household scissors in tip-top condition.

The majority of larger shears are also equipped with a bumper system. This is usually in the form of two rubber stoppers that help absorb the impact when the two blades meet after cutting thicker branches. It’s a small and seemingly insignificant feature to have but one that makes long hedge-trimming sessions more comfortable on the wrists.

Now you’ve found yourself the best shears, compliment them with some other essential gardening items like theBest Garden Sprinkler, theBest Garden Watering System, theBest Cordless Lawn Mowerand, for those with larger gardens, theBest Petrol Lawn Mower.

Round up of today’s best deals

Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92$80.15ViewSee all pricesGardena Comfort Grass Shears$26.97ViewSee all prices

Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92$80.15ViewSee all prices

Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge…

Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92

Amazon

$80.15View

$80.15

See all prices

Gardena Comfort Grass Shears$26.97ViewSee all prices

Gardena Grass Shears Comfort…

Gardena Comfort Grass Shears

Amazon

$26.97View

$26.97

See all prices

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The best garden shears you can buy in 2023#

1. Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92#

2. Niwaki Garden Shears#

3. Gardena 2-in-1 EnergyCut Hedge Trimmer#

4. Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge Shear#

5. Niwaki Mini Shears#

6. Stihl PH 10 Hedge Shears#

7. Gardena Rotatable Comfort Grass Shears#

How to choose the best garden shears#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

The best garden shears you can buy in 2023

1. Fiskars PowerGear X Hedge Shear HSX92

2. Niwaki Garden Shears

3. Gardena 2-in-1 EnergyCut Hedge Trimmer

4. Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Hedge Shear

5. Niwaki Mini Shears

6. Stihl PH 10 Hedge Shears

7. Gardena Rotatable Comfort Grass Shears

How to choose the best garden shears

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