Best Overall
Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
- It has a D-shaped handle that reduces fatigue, and there are two footsteps on the top of the blade.
It has a D-shaped handle that reduces fatigue, and there are two footsteps on the top of the blade.
- The handle length is shorter than most of the shovels on our list.
The handle length is shorter than most of the shovels on our list.
Our top pick for the best overall shovel is the Bully Tools 14-Gauge Steel Round Point Shovel. We appreciate its D-handle design, which offers steady control and helps reduce fatigue while you work. The handle’s fiberglass construction offers a durable design that helps prevent splintering or breakage during tough jobs.
This shovel has footsteps on the left and right side to help you dig into hard ground. The handle length is 35.5 inches, and it weighs 4.65 pounds so it isn’t too heavy to use while gardening or landscaping. It’s also corrosion resistant and has a limited lifetime warranty.
Product Details: Type: Round | Blade Material: Steel | Handle Material: Fiberglass | Length: 46.75 inches | Weight: 4.65 pounds
Best Budget
Fiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel
- It has a sturdy steel construction that’ll last for years to come.
It has a sturdy steel construction that’ll last for years to come.
- The square shape may not be suitable for every outdoor project.
The square shape may not be suitable for every outdoor project.
If you like our choice for the best overall shovel but would prefer something less expensive, we recommend the Fiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel. This shovel has every feature that our top choice has however, it has a more square-shaped blade which is great for lifting sod or cutting through hardened ground such as clay.
The shovel is made with powder-coated steel to prevent rust so your shovel can look and function in excellent condition. While the square shape may not be suitable for every type of job, it’s still a durable and effective option at a budget-friendly price.
Product Details: Type: Spade | Blade Material: Powder-coated steel | Handle Material: Steel | Length: 47 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds
Best Splurge
Corona All-Steel Round Point Shovel
- It’s made out of alloy steel and has an adjustable footpad.
It’s made out of alloy steel and has an adjustable footpad.
- It’s the heaviest shovel on our list at 7.98 pounds.
It’s the heaviest shovel on our list at 7.98 pounds.
If you’re willing to splurge on a high-quality shovel, the Corona AS90300 All-Steel Round Point Shovel is the best choice. The blade and handle are made out of alloy steel and are welded together, ensuring a durable design.
If you have hard or compact soil, having a footpad on a shovel can help you use your body weight to push the shovel deeper into the ground. This round shovel features a footpad that can be easily moved from to the left or right side of the shovel, depending on your project or personal preference.
With a handle length of 48 inches, it’s comparable in length to the Fiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel. However, because it’s made of alloy steel, this is the heaviest shovel on our list at just under 8 pounds.
Product Details: Type: Round | Blade Material: Alloy steel | Handle Material: Alloy steel | Length: 48 inches | Weight: 7.98 pounds
Best Lightweight
Hooyman Digging Shovel
- It weighs only 2.2 pounds, and the handle turns tacky when it comes in contact with water.
It weighs only 2.2 pounds, and the handle turns tacky when it comes in contact with water.
- It may not be the best shovel for heavy duty jobs.
It may not be the best shovel for heavy duty jobs.
Our pick for the best lightweight shovel is the Hooyman Digging Shovel. The shovel weighs just 2.2 pounds, and it’s made of carbon steel, so you can comfortably carry it around without straining your back and arms.
In addition to being ergonomic, the shovel handle turns tacky when it gets wet to help prevent slipping when you’re digging. The carbon steel blade features serrations on either side to help loosen compact soil, and there are also footsteps to help you push it down further.
Since this shovel is lightweight, it may not be the best shovel for heavy duty jobs. However, it’s a great option for smaller-scale gardening projects.
Product Details: Type: Round | Blade Material: Carbon steel | Handle Material: Carbon steel | Length: 60.25 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds
Best Handheld
Mr. Pen Garden Trowel
- It’s lightweight and has a large head, so you can move more soil.
It’s lightweight and has a large head, so you can move more soil.
- It’s not ideal for larger outdoor projects.
It’s not ideal for larger outdoor projects.
For smaller gardening projects, the best handheld shovel is the Mr. Pen Heavy Duty Trowel. We appreciate this pick for its non-slip handle and comfortable ergonomic grip. Plus, it has a larger head that’ll make it easy to move more soil.
It’s made of stainless steel, which makes it durable and sturdy when working with clay or hard, rocky soil. The ergonomic shape of the handle helps prevent hand fatigue so you can keep shoveling without any discomfort. This handheld shovel is ideal for those who want a compact yet efficient tool for low-key gardening projects.
Product Details: Type: Round | Blade Material: Stainless steel | Handle Material: Not listed | Length: 13 inches | Weight: 0.59 pounds
Best Foldable
Badland Foldable Utility Shovel
- It’s foldable and comes with a canvas bag for easy storage and portability.
It’s foldable and comes with a canvas bag for easy storage and portability.
- It’s plastic, so it may not be as durable as some other options.
It’s plastic, so it may not be as durable as some other options.
We love the Badland Foldable Utility Shovel since it folds up for easy storage, but the two-position head can also convert from a shovel to a hoe and has double-serrated edges for easy digging and cutting.
Whether you’re leveling out the ground for your tent, digging a fire pit, or need to free your car’s tires from some mud, this is the best foldable shovel to take on any camping trip. As a bonus, it comes with a canvas bag for the ultimate portability.
Since this plastic foldable shovel is best for occasional camping, off-roading, or rare emergencies, it may not be as durable as full-length shovels. However, the price makes it worth buying again if needed since it’s so lightweight and efficient. If you’re looking for a foldable shovel to take on a couple of camping trips this year, this one is your best bet.
Product Details: Type: Round | Blade Material: Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Length: 22.8 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds
Best Ergonomic
Fiskars Ergo D-handle Steel Shovel
- The D-shaped handle helps keep your wrist in a comfortable position.
The D-shaped handle helps keep your wrist in a comfortable position.
- It’s longer than some other options, so it may not be comfortable to use depending on a person’s height.
It’s longer than some other options, so it may not be comfortable to use depending on a person’s height.
An ergonomic shovel gives you a better grip and helps you with a more comfortable stance, which is why we recommend Fiskars Ergo D-handle Steel Shovel as one of the best to consider. The shovel has several features that make for comfortable use, so you’ll be able to work on outdoor projects easily.
It has an angled, D-shaped handle to keep your wrist in a neutral position, reduce strain, and maintain a comfortable grip. Plus, a teardrop-shaped shaft helps with control and stability and there’s a foot platform to maximize force when driving through tough soil.
This is one of the longer shovels on our list, so it may not be ideal for all heights. However, we think its ergonomic design and overall functionality make it one of the best shovels on the market.
Product Details: Type: Round | Blade Material: Alloy steel | Handle Material: Not listed | Length: 51.5 inches | Weight: 4.1 pounds