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Best Loppers of 2023

Updated
Cut away unwanted branches with the best loppers available. 

With tons of loppers on the market, it can be a challenge to find just the thing for cutting the thick stems in your yard.

We’ve researched real customer reviews and gathered the best expert advice. Plus, we’ve applied our own insight to put together a comprehensive list of seven of the best loppers on the market.

Our Top Picks

We independently assess, research, and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper
Best Anvil Lopper
Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper
  • Designed with arthritic wrists in mind
  • Cuts up to two inches thick
  • Non-stick coating on the blade
Product Image of the Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper
Best Lightweight Lopper
Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper
  • Has shock-absorbing bumpers
  • Low-friction blade coating
  • Full lifetime warranty
Product Image of the Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper
Best Durable Lopper
Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper
  • Contoured handles with foam grips
  • 15-inch diameter cutting capacity
  • Withstands wear and tear
Product Image of the Thanos Extendable Anvil Loppers
Best Heavy-Duty Lopper
Thanos Extendable Anvil Loppers
  • Extendable handle from 27 to 40 inch
  • Cut branches up to 2 inches thick
  • Lock system for added safety
Product Image of the SteelHead Gear Bypass Lopper
Best Extendable Lopper
SteelHead Gear Bypass Lopper
  • Anti-blister duragrip rubber handles
  • Non-stick finish on blades
  • 3x more force than other loppers
Product Image of the Gonicc Anvil Lopper
Best Ergonomic Lopper
Gonicc Anvil Lopper
  • Labor-saving lever design
  • Ergonomic handles for comfort
  • Sharp SK-5 blade for effortless cutting
Product Image of the WilFiks Mini Bypass Lopper
Best Budget Lopper
WilFiks Mini Bypass Lopper
  • Razor sharp carbon steel blades
  • Lightweight at only 1.36 pounds
  • Ergonomic non-slip handle


The Best Loppers of 2023

Here are seven of the best loppers on the market.

Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper

Best Anvil Lopper

This anvil lopper by Tabor Tools is one of the most renowned on the market, with thousands of happy customers.

If you’re in the market for an anvil lopper, then we definitely recommend considering this one. It’s capable of cutting thicker branches than bypass anvils, so if you have that need in your yard, this lopper can help. These specific loppers are ideal for pruning green growth but also dry growth. The blades can cut branches up to two inches thick, making them a very versatile choice.

It also has a compound action system with multiple pivoting points. This increases the cutting force behind the blades, making it very easy to use.

Another awesome feature are the 30-inch ergonomic handles. These comfortable grips increase your cutting leverage, making it easier to tackle thick branches while allowing you to work for a while before experiencing fatigue.

And what about the steel? The blades are made from hardened carbon steel that’s designed to remain sharp even after vigorous use. It even has a non-stick coating to reduce gunk sticking to the blades!

Pros

  • Designed with arthritic wrists in mind for comfort.
  • Removes fresh and dry branches up to two inches thick.
  • Rubberized handles for comfortable grip.
  • Non-stick coating on the blade for smooth effortless cutting.

Cons

  • Expensive choice, so not budget-friendly for everyone.
  • Must apply force for cutting anything thicker than 1.5 inches.
  • Blades aren’t very durable; some customers report that they snapped.

Product Specs

Blade Style Anvil
Blade Material Carbon steel
Cutting Mechanism Compound action
Length 30 inches
Cutting Diameter Up to 2 inches

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4.5 / 5
Handle Length
5 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper

Best Lightweight Lopper

Loppers can be quite heavy, often exceeding four pounds. If you want something a bit lighter, then you may like the sound of this 2.9-pound option from Fiskars. The lightweight design makes it easy to use for a while before experiencing fatigue.

Besides that, these are very handy for live branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The steel blades are hard and precision-ground, making them sharp and durable.

A feature that we love, one not found on every lopper, is the shock-absorbing bumpers. This makes the cutting experience much smoother and prevents the jarring sensation you may experience with other loppers. Overall, this provides a comfortable experience when cutting branches all around your garden.

As for the blades, they are rust-resistant, so even if you leave them outside in the rain by accident, there shouldn’t be any damage. The low-friction coating also ensures smooth cutting through wood, without the nasty build-up of gunk, such as sap.

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing bumpers make smoother cuts.
  • Low-friction blade coating for smooth cuts.
  • Full lifetime warranty.
  • Budget-friendly, costing less than the average lopper.

Cons

  • Not made for heavy use.
  • Cutting edge dulls quite quickly.
  • Handles may not always stay locked into place.

Product Specs

Blade Style Bypass
Blade Material Steel
Cutting Mechanism Manual
Length 28 inches
Cutting Diameter Up to 1.5 inches

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
3 / 5
Handle Length
4 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper

Best Durable Lopper

Your loppers are going to put up with a lot in the garden. They need to be able to withstand repeated cutting of various different kinds of branches, as well as all the gunk that may come from the foliage. That’s why you need something durable, such as the Corona loppers.

These lopper handles are made with durable fiberglass which many experienced lopper users swear by. The blades are high-carbon steel with a PTFE non-stick coating making the design both heavy-duty and very easy to use. More good news: you can resharpen the blade! So if it dulls, that’s not the end of the lopper’s life.

One more thing on longevity: the blade and anvil are replaceable! So if anything goes wrong, you can purchase replacement parts instead of a whole new product.

Keep in mind that this product is specifically for dead, dry wood. That said, it does an astounding job on dead, dry wood. The compound action lever and carbon blade work well together to make strong and forceful cuts where you need them most.

Pros

  • Contoured handles with foam grips for comfort.
  • 1.5-inch diameter cutting capacity.
  • Made for daily use; withstands wear and tear.
  • Blade and anvil can be replaced if necessary.

Cons

  • Not designed for live branches.
  • Foam grips on handles may slide or rip.

Product Specs

Blade Style Anvil
Blade Material High-carbon steel
Cutting Mechanism Compound action
Length 32 inches
Cutting Diameter Up to 1.5 inches

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
4.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4 / 5
Handle Length
4.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Thanos Extendable Anvil Loppers

Best Heavy-Duty Lopper

You can use these Thanos loppers for heavy-duty jobs thanks to their SK-5 steel blade construction. It’s coated with Japanese Teflon making it hard, sharp, rust-resistant and non-slick. So you’ll find this glides beautifully through wood, time and time again.

We also love the extendable handle which goes from 27 to 40 inches long with six different sections for measurements in between. There is a safety release lock button too, making it a very practical design to use. The extendable handle allows you to work flexibly, getting into hard-to-reach areas.

This blade is designed for cutting through tree branches up to two inches thick. This is another feature that ensures that it’s a heavy-duty design since it can do more than many of its competitors.

It’s not a super heavy lopper either. Weighing less than 3.5 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver but still sturdy. The rod is aluminum alloy which is rust-resistant and comfortable to hold. We also love that the anti-slip rubber coating on the handle is ergonomic and reduces vibration.

Pros

  • This lopper has many versatile uses.
  • Extendable handle from 27 to 40 inches long.
  • Suitable for both living and dead branches up to two inches thick.
  • Lock system for added safety.

Cons

  • Handles may bend when in use.

Product Specs

Blade Style Anvil
Blade Material SK-5 steel
Cutting Mechanism Compound action
Length 27-40 inches
Cutting Diameter Up to 2 inches

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
5 / 5
Handle Length
5 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

SteelHead Gear Bypass Lopper

Best Extendable Lopper

Extendable handles are a must-have feature for many people because they increase flexibility. You can use these loppers to get into hard-to-reach places which allows you to clean up and prune every inch of your garden. These loppers are easily extendable from 27 to 40 inches for generous versatility!

The design also allows you to cut back stubborn and thick shrubs and trees due to the compound-ratcheting-gear jaw. This combines three different kinds of cutting mechanisms to create three times the force of some other loppers. This feature allows you to do more while experiencing less fatigue.

Despite the long handles and the somewhat heavyweight (4.09 pounds), these are comfortable to use. The ergonomic handles are easy to hold. They have a non-slip handle which allows you to grip it well, no matter what size your hands are.

In terms of cutting, the capacity of these loppers is 1.75 inches which is generous and good for stubborn and thick branches. The lower jaw also grips hard, which prevents the branch from moving around while you’re cutting it, which is a handy feature to have.

Pros

  • Japanese SK-5 steel for durability and hardness.
  • Anti-Blister DURAGRIP rubber grips on handles.
  • Non-stick finish on blades for preventing build-up.
  • 3x more force than other loppers.

Cons

  • 4.09 pounds is a bit heavy for some people.

Product Specs

Blade Style Bypass
Blade Material High carbon steel
Cutting Mechanism Compound-ratcheting-gear
Length 27-40 inches
Cutting Diameter Up to 1.75 inches

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
4.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4 / 5
Handle Length
5 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Gonicc Professional Anvil Lopper

Best Ergonomic Lopper

If you’re looking for something comfortable and easy to use for long periods of time, then this option from Gonicc is one to consider.

These loppers have ergonomically rubber handles with soft grips, which will allow you to comfortably hold and maneuver the loppers around your yard. The loppers are also more lightweight than a few other options at 3.54 pounds. Despite the lighter weight, it’s still very sturdy. The handle is also rust-resistant making it nice to use but also easy to store.

This anvil lopper allows you to use the loppers from fruit trees, landscaping, pots, and many more uses. So if you have a variety of foliage in your yard, then these loppers may be just the right thing for you. Moreover, the four-point lever design can save up to 50% of labor.

These loppers are also heavy-duty with the ability to cut branches up to two inches in diameter. The sharp and durable SK-5 blade allows you to cut through these thick branches effortlessly.

Pros

  • Labor-saving lever design.
  • Ergonomic handles for comfort.
  • Durable multipurpose tool.
  • Sharp SK-5 blade for effortless cutting.

Cons

  • May be at a higher price point.

Product Specs

Blade Style Anvil
Blade Material SK-5 steel
Cutting Mechanism Compound action system
Length 22-30 inches
Cutting Diameter Up to 2 inches

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
4.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
5 / 5
Handle Length
4.5 / 5
Ergonomics
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

WilFiks 15-Inch Mini Bypass Lopper

Best Budget Lopper

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good pair of loppers. The WilFiks bypass loppers are more affordably priced than the average pair of loppers, yet they’re still well-reviewed by happy customers.

They’re made with a sharp forged carbon steel blade. This allows even and smooth cuts. It can safely cut off up to an inch of tree branches.

Another awesome feature is that this is one of the lightest pairs of loppers on the market. They only weigh 1.36 pounds, so they’re easy to maneuver and use, especially for long periods of time. Despite the lightweight, you can trust that the loppers are made from durable materials.

The handles also feature shock-absorbing bumpers to ensure a smooth cutting experience. Combine that with the gripped handles, the entire pair of loppers is comfortable and easy to use. The secure grips have a non-slip grip, so you can use them all day long, rain or shine.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly at a fair price point.
  • Carbon steel blade.
  • Very lightweight at only 1.36 pounds.
  • Ergonomic non-slip handle.

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy-duty work.
  • Limited cutting force.

Product Specs

Blade Style Bypass
Blade Material Carbon steel
Cutting Mechanism Manual
Length 15 inches
Cutting Diameter One inch

Our Ratings

Blade Quality
3.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
2.5 / 5
Handle Length
3 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Blade Style Blade Material Cutting Mechanism Length Cutting Diameter
Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper Best Anvil Lopper Anvil Carbon steel Comlb action 30″ Up – 2″
Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper Best Lightweight Lopper Bypass Steel Manual 28″ Up – 1.5″
Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper Best Durable Lopper Anvil High-carbon steel Comlb action 32″ Up – 1.5″
Thanos Extendable Anvil Loppers Best Heavy-Duty Lopper Anvil SK-5 steel Comlb action 27-40″ Up – 2″
SteelHead Gear Bypass Lopper Best Extendable Lopper Bypass High carbon steel Comlb-ratcheting-gear 27-40″ Up – 1.75″
Gonicc Anvil Lopper Best Ergonomic Lopper Anvil SK-5 steel Compound action system 22-30″ 2″
WilFiks Bypass Lopper Best Budget Lopper Bypass Carbon steel Manual 15″ 1″

How to Choose the Best Loppers

Don’t just choose any old lopper. Know what to look for to help you find the right one for you.

Blade Style

First of all, there are different types of loppers available. There are anvil, bypass, and powered loppers.

Anvil loppers are the toughest and are great for clearing away a lot of dense stems. They have a single blade that cuts close to the lopper base with little effort from you. They usually have sturdy blades made from steel. Some even have a non-stick coating to prevent loppers from getting stuck on a branch.

Bypass loppers are the most common kind of loppers with two blades that work like scissors. They will give you a super clean cut which is great for the health of the plant since the stem can heal quicker. However, they aren’t ideal for dead or dry branches as they can jam and bend the blade.

Powered loppers are suitable if you want to cut through thick branches — usually up to four inches — without having to do much of the hard work.

You’ll find both corded and cordless powered loppers which both have advantages. Corded ones have an endless power supply, whereas cordless ones allow you to maneuver wherever you’d like.

Buying Tip

Deciding which type of loppers you want will narrow down your search, making shopping much easier.

Blade Material

Take a look at the blade material. Most loppers are made from steel or carbon steel which are durable, heavy-duty materials. While we advise the blade be made of either of these, you may want to go a step further and look for one with a non-stick coating. This prevents gunk from sticking to the blade, making it easier to clean.

Cutting Mechanism

There are four main types of cutting mechanisms.

  • Manual: This is the most simple, which features a single screw, so the loppers work like scissors. These loppers are best for narrow branches. If you cut too thick branches, then it will be more effort for you which can lead to frustration.
  • Ratcheting: Ratcheting loppers are a bit easier to use since you can get a wider and stronger grip. Just squeeze the handles together, and the blade will latch on the branch. It’s also good for thicker stems since many ratcheting loppers allow you to open and close the handles a few times.
  • Compound action: These loppers have one or more pivoting arms which increase the cutting force. Again, they are ideal for thick branches and they usually contain extra steel which helps with forceful cuts. Keep in mind that this does increase the weight of the loppers which can lead to fatigue.
  • Gear Action: These loppers have oval section handles rather than round tube handles. In a way, they are easier to use because they provide extra strength and are less likely to jam.

Depending on what kind of branches you’ll be cutting and how thick they are, it’s important to choose the appropriate cutting mechanism.

Size

Consider the size of the loppers. You can measure this in inches from tip to tip. Most are around 30 inches long, but many are adjustable up to 40 inches if you want the extra length.

You should also consider the weight. Loppers aren’t the lightest garden tools, usually weighing around four pounds. There are some for under three pounds though if you want a lightweight option.

The cutting capacity is also a key feature to consider. This measures the branch width it’s capable of cutting. Most are between one and two inches, but some do go higher if you have thicker branches you need to cut.

All of these details will measure how easy it will be for you to use. If you want something particularly easy, you may want to go for a lightweight option with adjustable handles and a large cutting capacity.

Ergonomics

The better designed the handle, the easier it will be to use for long periods of time. You may want to look for something with a cushioned non-slip grip that makes it comfortable to hold the loppers for a long time. Some also have a slight curve that fits more ergonomically in the user’s hands.

Budget

Lastly, consider your budget. Loppers tend to be between $30 and $60. If you’re on a budget, you can find a high-quality option between $30 and $40. Thankfully, though, we do have a suggestion that’s even less than that.


Tips for Using and Maintaining Loppers

Before you go, here are some handy tips for using your loppers safely and keeping them in good shape:

  • Don’t exceed the recommended diameter. If your loppers are made for cutting branches up to 1.5 inches thick, don’t cut two-inch branches.
  • Situate the branch deep into the blade before cutting. This will make an effective cut and reduce fatigue.
  • Extending the lopper handles is handy, but it can increase fatigue. Only extend the handles when necessary.
  • Don’t twist the loppers, as this will make an unclean cut.
  • Don’t use loppers where you could use pruning shears. It may be tempting to always reach for one tool, but pruners often suffice. If you overuse the loppers, they’ll wear out more quickly.
  • Keep your loppers sharp by sharpening them when you can and ensuring you don’t use them improperly, which can dull them down quickly.
  • Keep the blades clean and dry, especially before storing them. Check out the user manual for other specific advice from the manufacturer, such as oiling the loppers.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between a Lopper and a Pruner?

The difference between a lopper and a pruner is how you use the tool. Pruners are one-handed cutters, whereas loppers require two hands to grip longer handles.

How Do You Sharpen Lopper Blades?

The best way to sharpen your lopper blades is to take them apart, use either a chisel or a sharpening stone, clean them with soapy water and then reassemble them.

What Size Loppers Do I Need?

The size loppers you need is determined by the size of the branches you want to cut. Most loppers have extendable handles, enabling you to adjust the size to suit the task.

Which is Better: An anvil or Bypass Loppers?

Knowing which is better between an anvil or bypass loppers depends on the task. Bypass loppers work like scissors, with both blades pivoting, whereas an anvil set has one blade that cuts against a stationary edge.

How Do Geared Loppers Work?

The way geared loppers work is to ratchet slowly so that you can cut thicker branches. Every time you operate the handle, the blade closes further, eventually slicing through the object.

Can You Cut Tree Branches With a Hedge Trimmer?

You can cut tree branches with a hedge trimmer if they are thin, but for thicker limbs, use the correct cutting tool like geared loppers.


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Headshot of Beth McCallum

About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!