The 8 Best Loppers of 2024

Copy of Better homes and Garden Best loppers tout — Better Homes & Gardens / Reese Herrington

Loppers are a great addition to your yard tool collection. These hardy tools are similar to pruning shears, but their long handles and heavy-duty construction let you reach higher to trim thick branches.

If you’re not sure which type of lopper is right for you, Verneil Phillips, grounds manager at The College of Charleston recommends choosing a bypass lopper for most landscaping tasks. “Anvil loppers are easier to use but less precise than bypass loppers,” he says. “I recommend the bypass loppers. They cut well and are very durable for any task at hand.”

When buying a lopper, consider a tool’s grip, mechanism, length, and blade as well as the types of woody plants you want to prune. To help you find the best lopper for your property, we’ve thoroughly researched the best loppers and have consulted landscaping and gardening experts on what factors to consider.

What We Researched

Type: We thoroughly researched bypass and anvil loppers when compiling this list. Both types are good for different purposes and are well-represented here.
Mechanism: In addition to the two basic types, there are basic and specialized loppers with different mechanisms, which an impact cutting power and the strength required to make cuts.
Size: The size of a lopper will impact the size of the branches you can cut; it will also make the device heavier and/or lighter for you to hold.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Fiskars Power-Lever Lopper at Amazon ($25)

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Best Budget:

Fiskars Bypass Lopper at Amazon ($27)

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Best Splurge:

Felco F 22 Pruning Shear at Amazon ($271)

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Best Anvil:

Kings County Tools Double Ratcheting Anvil Lopper at Amazon ($70)

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Best Bypass:

Felco 220 at Amazon ($205)

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Best for Bamboo:

Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Small:

Tabor Tools Bypass Lopper at Amazon ($31)

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Best Telescoping:

Spear & Jackson Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper at Amazon ($70)

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Best Overall

Fiskars 28" Power-Lever Garden Bypass Lopper and Tree Trimmer

Amazon

View On Amazon $25 View On Target $25 View On Walmart $25

Why You Should Get It

This easy-to-use lopper offers compound power lever to give you two times the cutting power compared to single-pivot designs.

Keep in Mind

These are bypass loppers which are great for most everyday gardening tasks but you’ll need anvil pruners for more heavy duty jobs.

Our pick for the best loppers overall is the Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper for its ease of use, strength in cut, and affordability. This lopper came recommended by our experts and is a solid pick to have on hand for most jobs in your garden. “I recommend the bypass pruners and my favorite brand to use is Fiskars,” Phillips says. “They have a couple of style options to choose, from extendable handles to stationary handles.”

This lopper includes compound levers that add extra strength to your cutting power so you won’t have to use all your strength when cutting large, thick branches. For those looking for a tool that’s longer than pruning shears but that doesn’t need to open super wide to make a cut, the Bypass Lopper’s 28-inch handle is a great length and can still fit into nooks and crannies.

The steel blade withstands wear and tear, and the non-stick coating helps make a clean cut while resisting sap. Softgrip handles offer extra cushion for your hands, but we always recommend adding a pair of gardening gloves to keep your hands from more wear.

The lopper is great for greenery, live branches, and limbs up to 1.75 inches thick. Plus, Fiskars offers a full lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind in case your lopper breaks down the line.

Best Budget

Amazon

View On Amazon $27 View On Walmart $39 View On Home Depot $20

Why You Should Get It

This lopper gives a powerful cut to live and green branches making it a great everyday lopper.

Keep in Mind

This is a basic tool and doesn’t have a mechanism that enhances its strength for ease of cut.

For those new to this gardening tool or for anyone looking to add an affordable yet effective tool to their shed, this is the best lopper to add to your home gardening tool collection. If you had to have just one lopper at home, this would be a great choice.

The budget-friendly version of our best overall pick, this lopper doesn’t have an extra mechanism to enhance its strength. However, the tool is still effective at cutting overgrowth, greenery, and branches up to 1.5 inches thick.

Like other Fiskars tools, this pick offers extra cushioning in the handles, a steel blade, and shock-absorbing bumpers. Plus, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Best Splurge

Amazon

View On Amazon $271 View On Home Depot $274 View On Felco.com

Why You Should Get It

This lopper is extremely durable and Felco offers replacement parts for extended years of use.

Keep in Mind

It’s is a heavier pick at over 4 pounds, so you’ll need more arm strength to lift it over your head.

When it comes to garden tools, it doesn’t get much better than the Felco F22. The lopper is highly dependable and durable and offers up a great cut. Its carbon steel blade is incredibly sharp, so you will need less strength to make the cut. Overall, it’s a great pick for serious gardeners who need a heavy-duty tool to use for a wide range of gardening tasks.

These shears are 33 inches in length and can reach higher branches. Do keep in mind that this lopper weighs over 4 pounds, so you’ll need the proper arm strength to use it if you’ll be lifting it over your head. You may need to take breaks to rest when wielding this tool.

Felco’s ergonomic handle and non-slip handle grips will keep your hands cushioned during the hardest cuts, and the shock absorbers help this tool go easy on your wrists.

Felco has a few other perks that we love, including a 30-day return, a lifetime warranty, and the ability to purchase replacement parts directly from the company. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase as Felco makes their products using 100% renewable energy.

While it’s expensive, this lopper is worth the investment for those who have a lot of work to be done in their yard and are looking to upgrade the tools they use.

Best Anvil

Kings County Tools Double Ratcheting Anvil Lopper

Amazon

View On Amazon $70

Why You Should Get It

It includes telescoping arms for the ability to cut branches further away.

Keep in Mind

These are top-heavy, so they can be tricky to handle.

This anvil lopper means business. With the ability to cut branches up to 2.5 inches wide, it can prune tough, dry wood. Unlike bypass loppers that have two blades and work like scissors, anvil loppers have one sharp blade that cut onto a block, making these tools better for tougher

This lopper includes a ratchet mechanism, which helps make cutting thicker branches easier. To do this, the ratchet head grabs ahold of the branch and keeps it in place while you reopen and pump the handles. The multi-step process helps alleviate the need to use all your strength at once and takes the pressure off your arms. However, this makes the head top-heavy, which can make handling this lopper a bit tricky.

The Kings County lopper is made from high-quality steel with aluminum extendable arms, which helps keep the tool lightweight while still providing enough power for tough cuts. Whether you need to give a more precise cut or are looking to weave into those harder-to-reach high branches, this lopper can take care of both. Plus, you can extend the handles up to 40 inches, which may eliminate the need for a ladder.

Best Bypass

Amazon

View On Amazon $205 View On Felco.com

Why You Should Get It

Weighing just under 3 pounds, this lopper is lighter than most on the list and still gives a strong cut.

Keep in Mind

It’s much pricier than the average lopper.

The bright red, ergonomically-designed handles on the Felco 220 are sure to stand out in your collection of tools. The cushioned, non-slip grips and rubber shock absorbers make this lopper feel comfortable in your hands and minimize the chance of tired arms.

This strong lopper features a gearing system that intensifies its cutting strength with minimal effort on your part. In addition, a curved head holds the wood in place as you cut. At just under 3 pounds, you should be able to keep up with your day’s work in your yard with ease.

For frequent gardeners, the high-end price is well worth the added benefits that make this tool incredibly user friendly. Plus, Felco offers a lifetime warranty to give you added peace of mind.

Best for Bamboo

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart $40 View On Home Depot $48

Why You Should Get It

An added gear mechanism lets this lopper cut branches up to 2 inches thick with three times more power than standard loppers.

Keep in Mind

With longer handles, you’ll need to open your arms wide to get the full 2-inch cut, which can cause some arm fatigue.

If you don’t care for it properly, bamboo can grow aggressively and quickly take over your yard. And with bamboo’s hardy stems, you’ll need a powerful lopper to cut back growth. The steel blade on the Fiskars PowerGear2 can already stand up to the hardest cuts, but with an added gear mechanism, these loppers can cut through hardy bamboo. Fiskar’s low-friction coating helps make a smoother cut with less stick. Plus, the blade is resistant to rust.

This long-handled lopper will help you reach branches overhead, and its ergonomic grips make working with this heavier tool a bit easier on your hands. With a 32-inch handle, the lopper is on the longer side, so keep in mind that you'll have to open the tool wide to make a cut.

Best Small

Tabor Tools GL18A Medium Size 20â Bypass Lopper

Amazon

View On Amazon $31 View On Tabortools.com

Why You Should Get It

This lopper is the lightest on our list, weighing under 2 pounds.

Keep in Mind

It doesn’t include an additional mechanism for tougher branches.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, shorter, and super-simple lopper, the GL18A Bypass Lopper by Tabor Tools is as good as it gets. While it’s the smallest lopper on our list at only 20 inches long, it doesn’t skimp on power, allowing you to work quickly and closely to your greenery.

The size also means you’ll be able to get in a full day's work—they are light enough to carry around and use for hours and are the best loppers for those with limited mobility.

Like other Tabor Tools, this model offers a strong carbon steel blade and comfortable grips. Keep in mind, it doesn’t have any additional mechanisms for tougher branches and the blade can only cut branches up to 1 inch in diameter, so it’s best getting around lower growth or making precise cuts.

Best Telescoping

Spear & Jackson 8290RS Razorsharp Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Loppers

Amazon

View On Amazon $70

Why You Should Get It

It offers a locking mechanism to make the tool safe to store.

Keep in Mind

The lopper can only extend to one extra length.

Another hardy and strong anvil lopper, this tool has multiple features including telescoping arms for extended reach and a ratchet mechanism to make cuts easier. You can extend the lopper from 28 inches to just over 40 inches, making it a great pick for close shrubs and high branches alike. Once extended, the handles simply twist to lock into place. Keep in mind, while some telescoping loppers have multiple steps, this pick has just two length options.

The ratchet mechanism holds the blade in place on your cut while you pump the arms to complete the job in multiple steps. A carbon steel upper blade meets lightweight aluminum handles that have a no-slip grip for comfort. It also includes a locking mechanism to make the tool safe to store when not in use.

The Bottom Line

When purchasing loppers, there are many things to consider, but the most important thing to remember is your own personal strength and comfort in use. We recommend the Fiskars Power-Lever Lopper (28-Inch) as the best lopper for its easy use and added power-lever mechanism. If you’re looking for an anvil lopper, we recommend the Kings County Tools Double Ratcheting Anvil Lopper.

What to Know About Loppers Before Shopping

Type

There are two types of loppers: bypass and anvil. Anvil loppers have one cutting blade that meets a block and gives a powerful cut. This is ideal for larger, woody branches and dead stems. On the other hand, bypass loppers work like scissors, using two blades that bypass each other to create a clean cut. Bypass loppers are ideal for cutting back your live branches, bushes, and shrubs.

If you’re not sure which type is the best lopper to add to your shed, Adam recommends starting with a bypass lopper. “I’ve used anvils before and have had them crush stems and branches I am cutting. Bypass seem to work better for most jobs.”

Mechanism Type

Basic loppers are great to have on hand for regular outdoor upkeep and tasks, but if you have thicker, harder-to-cut limbs in your yard or are looking for a bit more ease in your cut, specialized loppers can help in those tougher situations.

Ratcheting loppers catch and hold the branch while you squeeze. You can then release and squeeze again, cutting in several steps. This eases the pressure you need to use when trying to cut.

“Ratcheting loppers are great for people with less strength or for those who may have arthritis or trouble with their hands,” says Edward Adam, long-time gardener and owner of Adam’s Garden of Eden. “It can make the cut easier by taking steps versus using all of your strength to cut it in one.”

Compound action loppers also give a powerful cut by using a mechanism that increases the cutting power. These loppers need to be opened wide to get around thicker items but give a powerful cut with minimal strength. One thing to know is that compound loppers tend to be heavier than the other types of loppers.

Geared loppers, like compound loppers, need to be opened wide to get around larger cuts. They have a geared mechanism to offer extra cutting power without increasing force. Geared loppers tend to be lighter than compound action loppers.

Length and Weight

Lopper handles come in different sizes, typically ranging from 15 to 32 inches. The size range typically dictates the weight, and some smaller loppers can weigh as little as 1 pound. Most loppers on our list range between 3 to 4 pounds.

Loppers longer in length are handy for harder-to-reach higher branches. Some longer loppers also have enhanced mechanisms for cutting which gives more power. While the extra length is handy, these tend to be a bit heavier and require more effort to open and cut.

Tools with shorter handles are the best loppers for you if you are looking for something lighter and need to prune thinner branches or undergrowth. They also tend to make cleaner cuts.

“I prefer to use shorter loppers and for the harder-to-reach places, bring a ladder along,” Adam says. “Shorter loppers are easier to handle and you do not have to open them as far to get a good cut. They are also great for getting into those tight spots.”

Telescope handles are also an option if you are looking for something that can be extended for longer to reach items. However, telescoping handles tend to be heavier than non-telescoping handles and require a bit more arm strength.

It is important to remember to purchase a pair of loppers you can control and feel comfortable using. Remember to think about the length and weight as well as your personal strength.

Grip and Handle Type

Blisters, beware—finding a good grip is another thing to add to your list when considering which lopper to grab. Many loppers come with padded cushioned grips, but it’s important to note, the softer foam grips tend to tear with extensive use. Cushioned grips help reduce the pressure on your hands and wrists, and some are even ergonomically designed to fit your hand. Some loppers on our list also have no slip grips which can give you great piece of mind making those harder-to-reach cuts.

Even with the softest cushioned grips, we recommend you still wear a good pair of gardening gloves to reduce the chance of blisters and to keep your hands from too much wear.

Your Questions, Answered

Are bypass loppers better than anvil loppers?

If you’re not sure which type to choose, both Adam and Phillips say the best lopper to start with is a bypass lopper. Anvil loppers give a more powerful cut and are great for tackling strong, dry branches. On the other hand, using anvil loppers on live, more delicate branches or stems will crush the stem. Bypass loppers give a cleaner cut to live plants and branches and are often still powerful enough for most home gardening tasks.

What is the lifespan of a lopper?

Proper maintenance of your tools will prolong their lifespan. Cleaning your lopper after each use, sharpening it, and ensuring it’s kept somewhere dry are a few ways to prolong the tool’s lifespan.

“I’ve had loppers that lasted, four, five, even six years with the proper upkeep,” Adam says. “I keep them out of the elements and keep them cleaned and sharpened.”

Some of the loppers that have made our list have lifetime warranties. Many companies sell replacement parts for your loppers to repair broken or worn items and extend their use.

How much does a lopper cost?

Loppers can range from about $20 for budget loppers and up to $300. The most affordable lopper on our list is the Fiskars 28" Steel Blade Garden Bypass Lopper, while the biggest splurge is for the Felco F 22 Pruning Shear. Pricier loppers tend to included added mechanisms and comfortable grips, and are more durable, last longer, and have replaceable parts to extend their use if they break.

Who We Are

This article was written by Jacquelene Amoquandoh. Jacquelene has over 15 years of writing experience and has spent extensive time outdoors and in the garden. For this article, she researched and reviewed multiple types of loppers taking into consideration what the average customer would prefer and use. She also interviewed experts, Verneil Phillips, Grounds Manager at The College of Charleston and Edward Adam, long-time gardener and owner of Adam’s Garden of Eden.

In This Article

Best Overall

Fiskars Power-Lever Lopper

Best Budget

Fiskars Bypass Lopper

Best Splurge

Felco F 22 Pruning Shear

Best Anvil

Kings County Tools Double Ratcheting Anvil Lopper

Best Bypass

Felco 220

Best for Bamboo

Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper

Best Small

Tabor Tools Bypass Lopper

Best Telescoping

Spear & Jackson Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper

Related Articles

The 8 Best Loppers of 2024 to Keep Your Yard Manicured

In This Article

Best Overall

Fiskars Power-Lever Lopper

Best Budget

Fiskars Bypass Lopper

Best Splurge

Felco F 22 Pruning Shear

Best Anvil

Kings County Tools Double Ratcheting Anvil Lopper

Best Bypass

Felco 220

Best for Bamboo

Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper

Best Small

Tabor Tools Bypass Lopper

Best Telescoping

Spear & Jackson Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper

The Bottom Line

What to Know About Loppers Before Shopping

Type

Mechanism Type

Length and Weight

Grip and Handle Type

Your Questions, Answered

Are bypass loppers better than anvil loppers?

What is the lifespan of a lopper?

How much does a lopper cost?

Who We Are

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