ActiveOutdoorsOutdoor TechBest secateurs 2025: prune, snip and cut like a horticultural proThese are the best secateurs you can buy for all your gardening requirementsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveOutdoorsOutdoor TechBest secateurs 2025: prune, snip and cut like a horticultural proThese are the best secateurs you can buy for all your gardening requirementsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
These are the best secateurs you can buy for all your gardening requirements
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Burgon & Ball)
(Image credit: Burgon & Ball)
Secateurs – or hand pruners to coin the American term – are basically garden scissors for snipping small branches and stalks up to about 20mm in diameter.
We’ve tested a variety of different secateurs on various branch widths and come to the conclusion that they all cut extremely precisely without leaving any bruising. In fact the biggest differences we‘ve noticed between the different models is size, comfort, cutting strength and whether they have the ability to select different jaw widths to suit individual hand sizes. If you’re not sure what type of secateurs you need, head to the bottom of this page where you’ll find the answer.
Here’s our list of the best secateurs you can buy today.
The best secateurs you can buy in 2023
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Burgon & Ball)
(Image credit: Burgon & Ball)
Burgon & Ball Pocket PrunerBest secateurs for practicalityToday’s Best DealsView at AmazonReasons to buy+Brilliant performer+Really small+Extra lightReasons to avoid-Old fashioned design
Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner
1. Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner
Best secateurs for practicality
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best Deals
View at Amazon
View at Amazon
View at Amazon
Reasons to buy+Brilliant performer+Really small+Extra light
+Brilliant performer+Really small+Extra light
Brilliant performer
Really small
Extra light
Reasons to avoid-Old fashioned design
-Old fashioned design
Old fashioned design
Even if you have large hands, these dinky pocket-sized secateurs are brilliant for snipping stalks, stems or branches up to 1.5cm in diameter. The RHS-endorsed Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruners measure just 17cm in length yet, despite their diminutive size, the curved, grippy handles are easy to hold without any slipping. At 150g, they’re as light as a feather, too.
With their hardened and tempered carbon steel blades, these traditional secateurs make light work of any pruning task. They’re exceedingly comfy in the hand and equipped with a nice, soft spring action that doesn’t require too much effort. Top buy.
(Image credit: Gardena)
(Image credit: Gardena)
- Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M
2. Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Green)
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Green)
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Green)
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon(Green)
Today’s Best Deals
View at Amazon(Green)
View at Amazon(Green)
View at Amazon
(Green)
Reasons to buy+Dual jaw width+Effortless practicality+Comfy in the hand
+Dual jaw width+Effortless practicality+Comfy in the hand
Dual jaw width
Effortless practicality
Comfy in the hand
Reasons to avoid-Not the best for ultra then stems
-Not the best for ultra then stems
Not the best for ultra then stems
(Image credit: Niwaki)
(Image credit: Niwaki)
Niwaki Mainichi SecateursHigh quality Japanese-made carbon steel secateursToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonReasons to buy+Premium SK85 carbon steel blades+Stupendous stem snippingReasons to avoid-Wide spring action-Will rust if not looked after
Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs
3. Niwaki Mainichi Secateurs
High quality Japanese-made carbon steel secateurs
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Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best Deals
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
Reasons to buy+Premium SK85 carbon steel blades+Stupendous stem snipping
+Premium SK85 carbon steel blades+Stupendous stem snipping
Premium SK85 carbon steel blades
Stupendous stem snipping
Reasons to avoid-Wide spring action-Will rust if not looked after
-Wide spring action-Will rust if not looked after
Wide spring action
Will rust if not looked after
Now, it must be said that these beautiful secateurs are of the traditional variety which means a simple spring between two slim, plastic-sleeved steel handles. Consequently, they do require a bit more muscular action to prevent the jaws from springing wide open. Also, these are not the type of secateurs to leave lying about in the flowerbed because that beautiful metal work will get badly soiled. In fact, Niwaki advise using a bit of camellia oil every now and then to keep rust at bay.
However, when it comes to snipping delicate stems and thin branches up to 10mm in diameter, these secateurs cut with utmost precision leaving no bruising and an exactness of cut that your plants will thank you for. They’re also reassuringly weighty, comfortable in the hand and feature a blade locking mechanism that has a satisfyingly decisive snap to it.
If you’re a discerning horticulturist who insists on using only the sharpest and best quality garden tools in the shed, then make these secateurs one of your very first ports of call. Alternatively, if money is no object and you want to snip like a professional, opt for the drop-forged and hand finishedNiwaki GR Proinstead.
(Image credit: Gardena)
(Image credit: Gardena)
Gardena SmartCut Comfort Ratchet SecateurA great choice for thicker branchesToday’s Best DealsVisit SiteReasons to buy+Cuts branches up to 25mm in diameter+Superb performance+Anvil style for fead woodReasons to avoid-The three-stage cutting action takes a bit of getting used to
Gardena SmartCut Comfort Ratchet Secateur
4. Gardena SmartCut Comfort Ratchet Secateur
A great choice for thicker branches
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Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best Deals
Visit Site
Visit Site
Visit Site
Reasons to buy+Cuts branches up to 25mm in diameter+Superb performance+Anvil style for fead wood
+Cuts branches up to 25mm in diameter+Superb performance+Anvil style for fead wood
Cuts branches up to 25mm in diameter
Superb performance
Anvil style for fead wood
Reasons to avoid-The three-stage cutting action takes a bit of getting used to
-The three-stage cutting action takes a bit of getting used to
The three-stage cutting action takes a bit of getting used to
Ratchet action anvil secateurs are brilliant for cutting through tough dead wood branches up to 25mm in diameter. Unlike normal secateurs, a ratchet model like this sterling pair from Gardena uses some clever pivoting that enables the snipping of bigger branches in three short steps.
Simply place the carbon steel blade around the branch and perform the same hand pumping action you would employ with a normal pair of secateurs. The blade will cut only a few millimetres before resetting itself for the second and third compressions respectively. And all without putting much strain on the finger and thumb muscles.
This model cut through all the dead wood in our test with effortless aplomb, leaving the neatest of finishes in the process. Although the maximum stated width is 25mm, it managed to slice through an even thicker branch of around 28mm without any struggle at all. Impressive.
If you don’t fancy carrying a large pair of loppers around with you, then pop a pair of these in your tool holster.
(Image credit: Fiskars)
(Image credit: Fiskars)
- Fiskars P57 PowerLever
5. Fiskars P57 PowerLever
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Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best Deals
Visit Site
Visit Site
Visit Site
Reasons to buy+Clever mechanism that maximises leverage+Designed for smaller hands+Suitable for arthritis sufferers+Lovely springy action+Good price
+Clever mechanism that maximises leverage+Designed for smaller hands+Suitable for arthritis sufferers+Lovely springy action+Good price
Clever mechanism that maximises leverage
Designed for smaller hands
Suitable for arthritis sufferers
Lovely springy action
Good price
Reasons to avoid-The blades open a tad too wide
-The blades open a tad too wide
The blades open a tad too wide
Constructed out of lightweight FiberComp material, these smooth feeling secateurs have a cutting width of 2cm, making them suitable for any green-stem pruning duties. At a snip under £24, they’re not too pricy either.
(Image credit: Corona)
(Image credit: Corona)
Corona Tools FS3214BB ComfortGel Deadheading SnipsSlim snippers for sensitive snippingToday’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit SiteReasons to buy+Slim, sharp scissor blades+Grippy handles with gel coating+Also handy for household use
Corona Tools FS3214BB ComfortGel Deadheading Snips
6. Corona Tools FS3214BB ComfortGel Deadheading Snips
Slim snippers for sensitive snipping
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best Deals
Check AmazonVisit Site
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
Visit Site
Visit Site
Reasons to buy+Slim, sharp scissor blades+Grippy handles with gel coating+Also handy for household use
+Slim, sharp scissor blades+Grippy handles with gel coating+Also handy for household use
Slim, sharp scissor blades
Grippy handles with gel coating
Also handy for household use
Corona – a leading horticultural brand in the USA – has a history dating back to 1928 when it helped revolutionise the US citrus fruit industry with production of one of the very first professional pruning shears for snipping fruit off the stem without damaging it.
(Image credit: Fiskars)
(Image credit: Fiskars)
High-end pruners with grippy cork handles and wider cutting diameter
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon
Today’s Best Deals
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
Reasons to buy+Classy secateurs for effortless snipping+Can cut stalks up to 26mm in diameter+Comfy cork handles+Smooth action
+Classy secateurs for effortless snipping+Can cut stalks up to 26mm in diameter+Comfy cork handles+Smooth action
Classy secateurs for effortless snipping
Can cut stalks up to 26mm in diameter
Comfy cork handles
Smooth action
Reasons to avoid-Heavier than the norm
-Heavier than the norm
Heavier than the norm
(Image credit: Spear & Jackson)
(Image credit: Spear & Jackson)
Keenly-priced pruners for smaller hands
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon
Today’s Best Deals
View at Amazon
View at Amazon
View at Amazon
Reasons to buy+Small size for small hands+Two jaw widths
+Small size for small hands+Two jaw widths
Small size for small hands
Two jaw widths
Reasons to avoid-Not best for big hands
-Not best for big hands
Not best for big hands
(Image credit: Stihl)
(Image credit: Stihl)
Good quality German-made secateurs
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsCheck AmazonVisit Site
Today’s Best Deals
Check AmazonVisit Site
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
Visit Site
Visit Site
Reasons to buy+Exceedingly comfy+Great colour
+Exceedingly comfy+Great colour
Exceedingly comfy
Great colour
Reasons to avoid-Handle coating is a bit slippery
-Handle coating is a bit slippery
Handle coating is a bit slippery
The Stihl PG20 is equipped with two razor-sharp steel blades for snipping through stems and branches up to around 15mm in diameter. In the pantheon of standard manual pruners, the Stihls feel great in the hand, are extremely sharp and super efficient.
(Image credit: Fiskars)
(Image credit: Fiskars)
- Fiskars PowerGear P921
10. Fiskars PowerGear P921
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Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best DealsVisit Site
Today’s Best Deals
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Visit Site
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Reasons to buy+Ergonomic lever+Clean cutting
+Ergonomic lever+Clean cutting
Ergonomic lever
Clean cutting
Reasons to avoid-Some may not like the swivelling handle action
-Some may not like the swivelling handle action
Some may not like the swivelling handle action
Where most other pruners come with two fixed grip levers, this model has a finger lever that swivels 45˚ as you close your hand. Fiskars states that its PowerGear mechanism ‘makes cutting up to 3.5 times easier than standard mechanisms’ and we’re inclined to agree.
Now check out our guides to:
Which type of secateurs are best for you?
Round up of today’s best deals
Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner$61.08ViewSee all pricesGardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M$26.99$18.09ViewSee all pricesSpear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage$16.51ViewSee all prices
Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner$61.08ViewSee all prices
Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner$61.08ViewSee all prices
Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner
Burgon & Ball Pocket Pruner
$61.08View
$61.08
$61.08
See all prices
Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M$26.99$18.09ViewSee all prices
Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M$26.99$18.09ViewSee all prices
Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M
Gardena Garden Secateurs B/S-M
$26.99$18.09View
$26.99$18.09
$18.09
See all prices
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage$16.51ViewSee all prices
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage$16.51ViewSee all prices
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage
$16.51View
$16.51
$16.51
See all prices
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