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10 Best Shovels for Digging and Gardening

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Finding the right shovel can ultimately take several hours of searching and research to make sure you are finding one that fits all your needs and checks all the boxes.

But we are happy to report that we have done all the hard work for you and have come up with a list of the five best shovels you can get for all your yard and garden needs.

Before we get to the reviews, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about shovels and what goes into finding the absolute best for your tasks.

Bully Tools Gauge-Round Point Shovel

Bully Tools Gauge-Round Point Shovel

Our Top Recommendation for Shovels for Digging and Gardening

The Bully Tools shovel is a real 14-gauge steel shovel listed as among Amazon’s Choices. It has a fiberglass 11″-48.5″ handle, a 9.25″ round pointed blade, a welded rib, and an I-beam structure and is 30% thicker than other shovels.

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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shovel

Choosing the appropriate type of shovel might be difficult for someone new to gardening or unfamiliar with the process. Numerous options are available when purchasing shovels taking into consideration the size, form, construction material, etc. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered regarding the factors to consider while selecting the correct type of shovel. 

The guidelines will assist you in understanding the elements to consider when selecting a shovel worth purchasing.

1. Type

A shovel is just a shovel, right? Yes, but only partially.

If you enjoy gardening, you will understand that a shovel is more than simply a shovel because there are several varieties of shovels, each with a certain purpose. So let’s look at the various shovel types that are out there.

  • Basic Shovel
  • Digging Shovel
  • Entrenching tool
  • Drain spade
  • Trench Shovel
  • Gardening Shovels
  • Garden Trowel
  • Root Shovel
  • Planting Trowel
  • Garden scoops
  • Transplant Spade
  •  Square Point Shovel
  • Snow Shovel
  • Folding Snow Shovel

2. Blade Material and Construction

The material and construction of the blade are among the most crucial aspects to consider. A shovelhead’s construction material might be very important. This is true since the shovel head’s substance determines its durability. It also chooses how much it will weigh. The most prevalent material for shovel blades is usually hard metal, such as steel or aluminum.

Shovel blades can be round, square, or other shapes depending on the type of construction. The size of the hole a shovel can dig, the amount of material it can move, or how easily it can pierce the earth depends on the blade’s shape.

3. The Tip

The blade’s lowest edge is known as the tip. The tip varies depending on how the shovel blade is shaped. You have a few options, including flat, rounded, and pointed tips. So, depending on the digging you intend to do, you must choose your shovel’s tip. 

However, remember that rounded and pointed tips perform perfectly for slicing and excavating, while flat tips are excellent for scooping or transporting.

4. Shaft Length and Material

What if we stated that the shovel’s shaft length altered how it dug and lifted? Yes, you heard correctly.

Longer shafts can dig deeper and have more grip against snags in the hole. Additionally, longer shafts allow the user to dig more uprightly. Shorter shafts, however, are simpler to maneuver and can enable you to remove dirt a little more quickly. These are fantastic selections if you have a tighter area to dig.

Therefore, the best method to select the appropriate shovel handle is to assess your body size, the size of the digging area, and the jobs you expect to perform.

We like rust-resistant stainless steel when it comes to the handle’s material. However, wood and fiberglass are other excellent choices. Of all the materials, stainless steel is more durable.

5. Handle and Grip

How can you overlook the quality of this tool’s handle and grip when you use them to dig up the soil? Therefore, one of the most crucial things to think about when purchasing a shovel is how comfortable it is to hold. Choosing a shovel with a solid handle and non-slip grip is a no-brainer. A shovel with a second grip closer to the blade, where your second hand goes, is also advised.

When using the shovel for an extended amount of time, these features will prevent your hand from getting sore or aching.

6. Weight

We can’t just ignore a shovel’s weight. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend money on a shovel you can’t handle or make you tired after a few digging sessions. Here, it is best to remember that the shovel will be heavier the longer the shaft is. 

The type of construction material is also a key determining element in a shovel’s weight. For instance, a fiberglass shovel is lighter than one made of stainless steel. Therefore, we suggest stopping by a local garden center to inspect the shovels by picking them up and holding them. You can tell if you can handle it from that.

10 Best Shovels for Digging

IMAGEPRODUCTFEATURESPRICE
Bully Tools Gauge-Round Point Shovel – Most Functional Shovel• Commercial grade
• Limited lifetime warranty
• True 14 gauge steel blade
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Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel – Most Durable Shovel• Ideal for digging in tough soil
• Length: 57.5 inches
• Sharpened blade makes it easy to penetrate tough soil or break up hardened dirt clods
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Ashman Round ShovelAshman Round Shovel• Multi utility
• Sharp blades
• D handle
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Seymour Round Point, Notched Shovel – Best Shovel for Tough Digging• Square socket
• Steel ferrule
• Cushion grip on fiberglass handle provides better grip and comfort
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Corona AS90300 Round Point Shovel – Best HighEnd Shovel• All-steel Round Point Shovel
• Material is made for Alloy Steel, Rubber
• Item Weight: 7.98 pounds
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Radius Garden 202 PRO Garden Steel Shovel – Best Shovel for Digging on Rock• Modern stainless steel shovel design
• This lightweight and modern design
• Sturdy shovel that is comfortable to use with lifetime manufacturer guarantee within continental US
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ROOT ASSASSIN OS-002 One-Shot Garden Shovel – Best Shovel for Carrying Material• Extra-large foot step shovel that lets you dig compact soil deeper without cutting your shoe
• Reliable Root Assassin shovel with promised quality
• Versatile assassin shovel for all digging purposes
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Spear & Jackson 2001AD Steel Round Shovel – Best Round-Blade Shovel• Heat tempered for long life
• Epoxy coated for reduced soil adhesion and rust resistance
• Automatically rotary welded to ensure maximum strength
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Coleman Folding Shovel – Most Portable Shovel• Camping knives & tools shovels
• Versatile top of the line
• Another quality product
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Bond LH015 Mini D Handle Shovel• Durable heat treated head
• Comfortable non-slip grip
• Rust resistant powder coated paint
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Now that you know a bit more about shovels and understand your needs and wants, let’s take a look at ten of the best shovels that are currently available.

1. Bully Tools Gauge-Round Point Shovel – Most Functional Shovel

best shovels for digging
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This shovel has a lot of subtle details that make it both comfortable and functional to use, and its many features set it apart from the competition.

Bully Tools Gauge-Round Point Shovel – Most Functional Shovel

Listed as one of Amazon’s Choices when it comes to shovels, it has a full-blade width step and a shock-absorbing wood and fiberglass handle that is resistant to rot.

Bully Tools Gauge-Round Point Shovel – Most Functional Shovel an excellent tool. Built like a tank, but doesn't feel like one in the hand

Shovel Length: 59.25-inches long

Pros:

  • Welded rib and I beam construction for strength and durability
  • True 14-gauge steel
  • Closed-back design eliminated the build-up of debris
  • Reinforced fiberglass handle

Cons:

  • Some found the shovel head to be too heavy
  • Does not have a beveled or sharpened edge
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2. Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel – Most Durable Shovel

best shovels for digging
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If you are looking for a shovel that is great when it comes to digging in tough soil, then this welded 14-gauge hardened steel blade offers the durability and strength that you need to get the job done right.

Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel – Most Durable Shovel

The blade is sharpened so it can cut through tough soil and it can even break up hardened dirt. Its long handle is perfect for those who suffer from sore knees and backs. 

Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel – Most Durable Shovel has good handle

Shovel Length: 57.5-inches long

Pros:

  • Long handle for a more ergonomic design
  • Steel shaft for durability and strength
  • Works on tough soil
  • Affordable option

Cons:

  • Very heavy
  • Blade tip has been known to break easily
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3. Ashman Round Shovel – Best Shovel for Heavy Duty Tasks

Ashman Round Shovel
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A round-headed shovel is best for more generalist diggings, as previously stated. As a result, if you have your garden and need a tool for routine digging activities, the Ashman Round Shovel is the way to go.

Ashman Round Shovel

Thanks to its tear-shaped sharp blade, the Ashman Round Shovel is well-made and can easily penetrate even the toughest soil conditions. Additionally, this shovel has curved sides that make scooping easier. As a result, you may cut, scoop, dig, lift, and dice through hard dirt with this tool. Some of the best features of this shovel include a D handle, 14″ handle, sturdily built, and the ease of clean

Ashman Round Shovel has shown amazing result

Shovel Length: 41 inches long

Pros:

  • Highly durable
  • Affordable
  • It has a sharp blade
  • Convenient to be used for small gardens
  • Ergonomically designed

Cons:

  • The metal of the blade may feel flimsy
  • The size may be smaller than normal
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4. Seymour Round Point, Notched Shovel – Best Shovel for Tough Digging

best shovels for digging
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If you are looking for a heavier duty shovel that can penetrate packed soil, clay soil, and can even make its way through roots and sod, then this is definitely the shovel to consider.

Seymour Round Point, Notched Shovel – Best Shovel for Tough Digging

The blade consists of a set of cutting teeth that can get through even the toughest conditions.

Shovel Length: 48-inch handle

Pros:

  • Can handle tough digging tasks
  • Unique design
  • Good handle length
  • Very durable and strong

Cons:

  • More expensive than other options
  • May be unsafe when not stored properly
  • Have to clean between the teeth after each use
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5. Corona AS90300 Round Point Shovel – Best HighEnd Shovel

best shovels for digging
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Shovel Length: 48-inch handle

When looking for a higher-end digging shovel, you are looking for something that has more of a professional-grade quality and something that will last for years.

Testing Corona AS90300 Round Point Shovel

The Corona Round Point Shovel is a bit more costly than some other models, but it is made to last and has some extreme digging and prying power.

Pros:

  • All steel construction for strength and durability
  • The handle is made from aerospace-grade steel
  • The 12-gauge blade is pre-sharpened
  • Rubber foot pad helps with fatigue
  • Closed-back provides more strength

Cons:

  • Pricier than other top-end options
  • Very heavy
  • The angle of the blade is slightly less than other shovel types
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6. Radius Garden 202 PRO Garden Steel Shovel – Best Shovel for Digging on Rock

best shovels for digging
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Shovel Length: 42 Inches

It doesn’t matter the type of soil you want to dig over. The 202 PRO Shovel from Radius Garden can tackle them all.

Thanks to its stainless-steel construction and its extra-wide blade, anyone can dig with little effort. Add the cupped blade design lets you dig on rocks and clay with little effort.

Despite its strength and heavy-duty design, the shovel is still comfy with an ergonomic handle. And with its light construction, anyone can get the most out of it.

Pros

  • Short length ensures maximum leverage
  • Comfortable and straightforward rounded handle design
  • Heavy-duty steel build for durability
  • Cupped blade works on stony soils
  • Light construction for easy handling

Cons

  • Small design can be uncomfortable for tall people
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7. ROOT ASSASSIN OS-002 One-Shot Garden Shovel – Best Shovel for Carrying Material

best shovels for digging
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Shovel Length: 69.5 inches

Long and sturdy, the OS-002 from Root Assassin will tackle even the trickiest of digging jobs without a problem. It is still a light shovel with a fiberglass handle, making it decently easy to use and comfortable.

ROOT ASSASSIN OS-002 One-Shot Garden Shovel

Add the steel blade for excellent sturdiness, making landscaping and scooping super-easy on tough soils.

Another considerable advantage you can’t leave behind is the patented wing design. This will help you carry a lot of material on one scoop without spilling any outside.

Pros

  • Only 6 pounds of weight for better handling
  • Wide foot-step design for harmless usage
  • Extra-tough steel blade and fiberglass handle
  • Scoops material quickly and firmly
  • The extended design allows maximum leverage

Cons

  • Narrow spade limits the amount of material you can carry
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8. Spear & Jackson 2001AD Steel Round Shovel – Best Round-Blade Shovel

best shovels for digging
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Shovel Length: 40 inches

Looking for a rounded-spade shovel? The 2001AD from Spear & Jackson is your best bet. At first, you can enjoy the short and comfy handle at only 28 inches long. It allows easy operation while ensuring tons of strength on every digging motion you make.

Testing Spear & Jackson 2001AD

And with the carbon with manganese steel spade, digging through harsh materials won’t be a problem.

The handle also boasts a streamlined shaft, making it easier to grip. This matches well with the contoured handle design, adding up the extra touch of comfort for easy use.

Pros

  • Extremely resilient carbon & manganese spade build
  • Heat-tempered material lasts a lifetime
  • Boasts epoxy coating for smoothness & rust resistance
  • Small design allows easy storage
  • Feels comfortable and firm when handling

Cons

  • Feels heavy despite its size

9. Coleman Folding Shovel – Most Portable Shovel

best shovels for digging
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Shovel Length: 23 inches

Whether it is for your garden, as a work tool, or camping, a portable folding shovel like this one from Coleman won’t let you down.

It is super-small at only 23 inches. Yet, it can fold even smaller to 10 inches, so bringing it around and storing it is a no-brainer.

Coleman Folding Shovel Testing and reviewing

The shovel is still super-sturdy, boasting a forged steel blade. And with a serrated edge, it does not only withstand heavy use but also works as a saw-like tool, making your gardening job even easier.

Pros

  • Folds easily for maximum storage & portability
  • Can be used as a sawing tool
  • Locks sturdily for reliable storing
  • Works on almost any situation
  • Super-sturdy construction lasts a lifetime

Cons

  • Way too small to be comfortable
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10. Bond LH015 Mini D Handle Shovel

best shovels for digging
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Shovel Length: 26.5 inches

Coming back with another small shovel, the LH015 enters as one of the most durable you can find. It comes with a heat-treated steel head, capable of withstanding any application.

This matches well with the sharpened edges, ensuring maximum digging capacity even in the toughest of terrains.

Bond LH015 Mini D Handle Shovel

Another benefit comes from the powder-coating layer that prevents rust wear. Alongside the fiberglass handle, you can expect this shovel to work effortlessly for years.

Pros

  • Comes with a comfortable D-handle design
  • Has a comfortable & reliable non-slip grip
  • Super-light construction is a piece of cake to use
  • Doesn’t rust or wear off easily
  • Goes through challenging terrain fast

Cons

  • Short design can limit comfort and ease of use
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FAQ

Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best shovel, it really comes down to what you are going to be using it for.

Deciding between sharp and flat blades may be a hard decision, but you should remember that a pointed-tip blade is always going to be better for digging, while a flat-tipped blade makes moving soil much easier. 

Finally, never underestimate or overestimate the weight of the shovel either.

You may be using it for hours on end, so you want to find a shovel that is the right weight to help minimize any muscle strain and fatigue.

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