The Best Loppers for Extra Pruning Power on Thicker Branches
Handheld pruning shears are great for nipping off narrow stems and branches up to ½ inch in diameter, but for pruning thicker branches up to 2 or 3 inches, loppers are often a better fit. Essentially, loppers are the beefed-up version of pruning shears, offering more reach and cutting power. Garden centers and online retailers offer a wide array of loppers, with many of them billed as the best loppers for home landscaping projects.
While some of these tools are excellent, others are just so-so. We tested several loppers from various top manufacturers to find out which ones lived up to their reputations. We certainly put them through their paces—snipping, nipping, and pruning the trees and shrubs in the yard.
We also contacted tree care experts to get their opinion on specific aspects shoppers will want to look for before making a purchase. Ahead, find out what to look for when shopping for this landscaping tool and learn about the pros (and cons) we uncovered when testing the following landscaping loppers.
- BEST OVERALL: Kings County Tools Double-Ratcheting Anvil Lopper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Fiskars 28-Inch Bypass-Style Lopper
- EXPERT RECOMMENDED: Felco 22 Two-Handed Pruning Shear Lopper
- BEST COMPACT: Woodland Tools Compact Duralight Lopper
- BEST COMFORT GRIP: Corona Tools DualLINK Bypass Lopper With ComfortGEL
- BEST FOR GREENERY: Corona Tools 32-Inch Super-Duty Bypass Lopper
- BEST FOR DRY WOOD: Tabor Tools GG12A Compound Action Anvil Lopper
- BEST FOR BROKEN BRANCHES: Spear & Jackson Heavy-Duty Telescopic Anvil Lopper
- BEST POLE LOPPER: Fiskars Pruning Stik Extendable Tree Pruner
- ALSO CONSIDER: Wolf-Garten RR900T Telescoping Bypass Lopper
How We Tested the Best Loppers
We tested each set of loppers extensively and analyzed the results. We found that the amount of cutting power the tool could generate and whether it was designed to cut deadwood (anvil) or green wood (bypass) were crucial. We scored each lopper on performance, blade sharpness, ease of use, and durability.
We tested each set of loppers on various branch sizes and noted the dimension of the thickest branches we could comfortably cut. While some of the loppers offer ratcheting action, which is a wonderful addition for its sheer cutting power, each lopper has a limit to what it will cut based on both the width of the blades when fully open and the strength of the user. Did their maximum cutting force require superhuman strength? Were the handles comfortable? These were only a few of the things we considered as we tested each lopper.
The loppers were also evaluated for comfort, whether they came with padded or nonslip grips, and whether the arms were ergonomically designed to maximize a user’s arm strength. We found that a slight inward curve at the grip section of the handles allowed us to generate more leverage. Safety also factored in, especially with ratcheting loppers that will snap shut on a final pump of the handle.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Hours spent testing | 5 |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $30 to $280 |
Our Top Picks
We tested each of the following loppers to determine what type of branches they were best suited for pruning (deadwood or green wood) and to determine how well the handles were designed in relation to the blade assemblies. Find out how each one fared to determine if one is the right pick for your landscaping tool collection.
Best Overall
Kings County Tools Double-Ratcheting Anvil Lopper
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ergonomics 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Type and use: Anvil, for dry branches
- Length: 26 to 40 inches (telescoping)
What We Like
- Made from quality materials that will last for many seasons of rugged use
- 4-stop ratcheting action builds mechanical pressure, making big cuts easier
- Easy-to-extend arms for a longer reach without climbing a ladder
- Locking lever securely holds the adjustable handles in position
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly heavy if using overhead, which can lead to fatigue more quickly
- Grips would be more comfortable with a bit more cushioning
The first thing we noticed when the Kings County Tools loppers arrived was their heavy-duty construction. These rugged loppers come with a steel head and forged aluminum arms. When we first spread the handles, the blade snapped to its widest jaw position, and it took four pumps of the handle to close it completely. The ratcheting action generates more cutting pressure with each pump of the handle.
The telescoping handles were effortless to adjust—we just depressed the white buttons on the upper handles and slid the extension arms out. The arms have five individual setting lengths about 3 inches apart, so we could lengthen them just a bit or telescope them all the way out to 40 inches to reach high branches. We were able to trim branches that previously required standing on a ladder to reach.
If you need the convenience of a mid-length lopper most of the time but the reach of a longer tool some of the time, these anvil loppers are a worthy pick. We were impressed by the tough blade of carbon-coated steel—it didn’t dull or nick even with the hardest dry branches. The tool is rated to cut branches up to 2.5 inches thick. We could only cut through a dead branch that was just more than 2 inches in diameter with average pressure, but with extra effort we could cut through one that was nearly 3 inches in diameter.
The Kings County Tools loppers earn the Best Overall spot due to their versatility—they can be lengthened quickly; they offer powerful ratcheting cutting force; and they come with ergonomic, nonslip handles.
Get the Kings County Tools loppers at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Fiskars 28-Inch Bypass-Style Lopper
Our Ratings: Ergonomics 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Type and use: Bypass, for green branches
- Length: 28 inches
What We Like
- Sharp bypass blade with nonstick coating cuts smoothly and leaves clean edges
- Wipe-clean blade resists sap buildup and corrosion for easier maintenance
- Padded, nonslip grips reduce user fatigue, even with extended use
- Budget-friendly price point won’t break the bank
What We Don’t Like
- These loppers are not equipped with a safety lock
For reasonably priced cutters that don’t sacrifice performance, these Fiskars bypass loppers are a solid choice. The rust-resistant stainless steel blades are hardened and precision ground, meaning they’ll retain their edge over an extended period. The low-friction coating allows the blades to cut through wood easily and results in less sap residue. We found these Fiskars loppers easy to use on green branches and the cutting action to be supersmooth. We didn’t spot any tearing of the limbs or ragged cuts, which tend to make a tree more susceptible to disease.
These 28-inch cutters are suitable for living green growth with a cutting capacity of branches up to 1.5 inches thick. Shock-absorbing bumpers make the tool easier to use, and padded grips offer additional comfort. While these loppers aren’t the lightest on the list, they still weigh a modest 2.9 pounds, so they’re not difficult to use when cutting overhead.
After testing, we found that the coated nonstick blade wiped clean with just a soft cloth. This is important because other bypass loppers can be difficult to clean, requiring scrubbing with steel wool and a lubricant. All loppers used to cut green wood will get slightly wet and may become covered in sticky sap, so being able to wipe the blade clean is a big plus. Those looking for a quality cutting tool at a reasonable price won’t be disappointed with these Fiskars loppers.
Get the Fiskars 28-inch loppers at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Expert Recommended
Felco 22 Two-Handed Pruning Shear Lopper
Our Ratings: Ergonomics 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5; Performance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Type and use: Bypass, for green branches
- Length: 33 inches
What We Like
- Top-quality components and construction, plus all parts are replaceable
- Cuts cleanly through green branches up to 2 inches thick with less effort
- Ergonomic angled handle design maximizes cutting efficiency and reduces fatigue
- Razor-sharp bypass blades resist corrosion and sap buildup
What We Don’t Like
- One of the more expensive professional-grade loppers available
- No safety lock to prevent blade movement when the tool is not in use
These sturdy bypass loppers are a serious upgrade in performance and ergonomics. In fact, they’re a favorite brand of Kaustubh Deo, the owner and CEO of Blooma Tree Experts, a Seattle-based tree care company featuring ISA-certified arborists and 17+ years of experience. He says, “We recommend Felco as a brand for loppers and other pruning equipment because they produce high-quality equipment that is trusted by professional crews.”
The hardened carbon-steel blades are Swiss made and designed for making clean, precise cuts. Users can also resharpen the blades as needed. Everything about these loppers screams quality. They’re made to last, and all of the parts are replaceable, so this may be the last lopper you’ll ever buy.
The forged-aluminum handles are smooth to the touch. However, the tool weighs in at 4.4 pounds, so it’s not for the faint of heart. With a 33-inch length, these loppers can reach up to trim higher branches. We found it most comfortable to cut branches at waist level or lower. After trimming a few overhead branches, some wrist and arm fatigue began to set in.
The grips on these cutters are nonslip with a slight inward angle, allowing you to exert force while maintaining a more comfortable arm position. Built-in shock absorbers on the handles protect the arms and wrists—so they’re well suited for intense, time-consuming landscaping tasks. This is a lopper for the serious arborist, and it makes sharp, clean cuts on green wood.
Get the Felco loppers at Amazon, The Home Depot, A. M. Leonard, Big Frog Supply, or Felco.
Best Compact
Woodland Tools Compact Duralight Lopper
Our Ratings: Ergonomics 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.1/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 1.34 pounds
- Type and use: Anvil, for cutting dry branches
- Length: 15.8 inches
What We Like
- Compact size is compatible with safe up-close work in dense branches and foliage
- Gear-amplified cutting mechanism makes it easier to cut hardened dry wood
- Ergonomic U-shaped design and comfortable padded grips improve comfort for extended use
- Coated high-carbon steel blades cut cleanly, hold a sharp edge longer, and resist sap buildup
What We Don’t Like
- Short length is not ideal for reaching high or low branches
Weighing less than 1.5 pounds and about 16 inches from end to end, this Woodland Tools lopper is the most compact, lightweight model we tested. It may not look like much, but it proved to us that it is well built for the task of removing hardened dry branches.
We used the Woodland Tools Compact Duralight lopper to remove the branches from a dead and down apple tree. It made quick work of anything that would fit inside the blade, up to about 1.25 inches thick. The handle grips are soft and comfortable, and the short handles made it easy to move around and work among dense branches.
The ratchet assist gave us mixed results: On one hand it truly helped increase cutting force for cutting hard branches, but it requires a wider handle spread to fully open the blade, which occasionally is not possible when working in a tree canopy. Still, to us, the benefit of the shorter handle length and increased cutting force outweighed the occasional lack of room to spread the handles.
Although the tool does not have a conventional bumper guard to keep the handles from knocking together at the end of a cut, the unique U-shaped design maintains adequate separation to protect the user’s knuckles. This tool offers a lot of usefulness and only one occasional drawback that we uncovered. It’s a smart choice for working on smaller branches in tight spaces.
Get the Woodland Tools loppers at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Menards, or Woodland Tools.
Best Comfort Grip
Corona Tools DualLINK Bypass Lopper With ComfortGEL
Our Ratings: Ergonomics 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 3.9/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Type and use: Bypass, for green branches
- Length: 31.5 inches
What We Like
- Handle bumper system absorbs shock and reduces stress on the user
- Comfortable gel-type grips are incredibly comfortable, even without work gloves
- Blade can be resharpened to maintain efficiency and extend the life of the tool
- Narrow blade opening improves tool agility in tight spots
What We Don’t Like
- The nearly 4-pound tool can feel heavy when used overhead
The ComfortGEL grips on these Corona loppers felt so good, we didn’t even consider wearing gloves when using them. Our hands didn’t slip, so we didn’t have to worry about blisters. The grips offer just the right amount of padding while remaining solid, and the slightly curved shapes fit nicely in our hands.
The compound action loppers are well suited for cutting thick branches. We were able to remove with ease an unwanted branch on an apple tree that was more than 1.5 inches in diameter. The long aluminum arms make it possible to generate a lot of leverage. The additional compound link magnifies cutting force and reduces the necessary work, while sturdy steel handles manage the extra power. At 3.8 pounds, the Corona loppers are heavier than some of the ones we tested, but they’re not quite as heavy as other ratcheting models.
These cutters have a narrower blade opening, so they’re beneficial for getting at hard-to-reach tree limbs. When we first examined the loppers, we w