Do you struggle with making difficult cuts on tree limbs with manual pruning shears? You may want to look into electric pruning shears. They are a great alternative to manual shears, saving you time and energy.
I’ve narrowed down the 5 best electric pruning shears for you! Keep reading to learn more about this convenient tool.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Dragro Electric Shears
Best for Durability
DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Cordless Pruner
Best Value
OMOLA Electric Pruning Shears
Best Overall
Dragro Electric Pruning Shears
My top pick is the Dragro Electric Pruning Shears and for good reason, too! These electric shears have anti-rust, high carbon steel blades attached to a comfortable handle with an anti-slip grip. The rechargeable batteries can make up to 6,000 cuts when fully charged, which is great for a long day’s work. These shears also have a safety switch to prevent children from activating the shears on their own.
Pros
- The shears are made from durable materials
- It has long battery life with a fast recharging time
- There’s a safety switch feature
Cons
- The manufacturer was hard to get in touch with about the warranty for some reviewers.
Best for Durability
DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Cordless Pruner
The DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Cordless Pruner is a powerful model with strong, non-stick coated blades. It has a LED light to help you see your cuts, and there is also a safety feature to keep the shears from being operated when they’re not supposed to. The handle goes over your hand to keep you safe when cutting, and it only weighs approximately 2.5 pounds, which makes it easy to hold.
Pros
- It was built with safety in mind.
- The blades are durable.
- It makes powerful cuts but is extremely easy to use.
Cons
- The batteries aren’t included.
Best Value
OMOLA Electric Pruning Shears
These OMOLA pruning shears are also a great option for those wanting long battery life. The included lithium batteries have around six to seven hours of battery life, and they recharge quickly. The blades on these shears can be inverted to make larger or smaller cuts depending on the size of the limb.
This model also has a safety switch built-in, and it comes with a hard shell carrying case to store all the parts neatly! The best part is the price. The price is hard to beat for all that’s included with these durable shears.
Pros
- There’s a safety switch feature.
- It comes with a backup blade and backup battery.
- It has long battery life.
Cons
- The blades tend to need replacing after repeated use.
Best for Small Branches
Sun Joe Electric Cordless Pruner
The Sun Joe model electric pruner is great for those who need to trim small branches up to a half-inch thick. It comes with an LED light made into the end of the pruner so that you can see to make precise cuts in dim or shaded lighting. (We don’t recommend cutting limbs at night.) It also has a safety switch and blade lock for when you’re not using it.
Pros
- It works great for small bushes and limbs
- The battery is built-in, so you don’t have to keep up with several parts
- It comes with a built-in LED light
Cons
- The blades lose power if cutting thicker branches
Best for Professional Use
KOMOK Professional Cordless Electric Pruning Shears
These KOMOK model electric pruning shears are great for repeated, everyday use. The blades are made from durable, heavy-duty steel. The batteries are lightweight but long-lasting, and the brushless motor provides good torque power for strong cuts every time. If you prune trees more often than the normal homeowner, these KOMOK electric shears are a great tool to own.
Pros
- These shears are extremely heavy-duty
- It has long battery life
- It makes fast cuts
Cons
- The durability is reflected in the hefty price tag
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Electric Pruning Shears
- Blade Size: Blades typically cut limbs up to 0.5, 1, or 2 inches in diameter. Choose larger blades for pruning tree branches, smaller blades for bushes and hedges.
- Arthritis-Friendly Design: Ideal for those with arthritis or weak hands, featuring slender handles for ease of use.
- Safety Features: Look for models with blade locks or safety switches (requiring double press to start), especially important if children are around.
- Blade Material: Choose high carbon steel blades for durability, with non-stick coatings for easy cleaning.
- Battery Life: Select batteries with 2.0 or 2.5 amp-hours for longer use; internal battery models tend to have shorter life.
- Maintenance: Regularly clean blades with a damp cloth and oil them for effective cutting.
- Safety Warning: Exercise caution as these shears are very sharp; keep away from fingers during use and store safely out of children’s reach, particularly models without safety features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric pruning shears cost?
Depending on the different features and battery capacity, electric pruning shears typically cost between $60 and $300. The higher-end shears are good for professional landscapers. For typical yard work, look for mid-range priced shears.
Do electric pruning shears work better than manual shears?
Not necessarily, but electric pruning shears are great for making strong, clean cuts repetitively. Manual pruning shears depend on the operator’s strength and how many cuts you can make before getting worn out. Electric shears make easy work out of pruning, so you have more energy to work on something else!
What should I do when my electric pruning shears arrive?
The first thing you should do is locate the instructions and make sure you follow any start-up instructions. You will also need to make sure you charge the batteries completely before use. Having a fully-charged battery will let you judge the performance of the pruning shears at their full capacity.
Final Thoughts on Electric Pruners
Electric pruning shears are great for those who need extra strength when pruning trees and hedges. They’re easy to hold onto and typically lightweight.
For more information on pruning, take a look at our pruning section!