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.
- Designed with arthritic wrists in mind
- Cuts up to two inches thick
- Non-stick coating on the blade
- Has shock-absorbing bumpers
- Low-friction blade coating
- Full lifetime warranty
- Contoured handles with foam grips
- 15-inch diameter cutting capacity
- Withstands wear and tear
- Extendable handle from 27 to 40 inch
- Cut branches up to 2 inches thick
- Lock system for added safety
- Anti-blister duragrip rubber handles
- Non-stick finish on blades
- 3x more force than other loppers
- Labor-saving lever design
- Ergonomic handles for comfort
- Sharp SK-5 blade for effortless cutting
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.