Electric secateurs, or electric pruning shears, are a modern alternative to hand secateurs. Usually battery powered, a pair of blades close when you pull the trigger, making them ideal for cutting larger branches, extended pruning sessions, or for gardeners with limited hand mobility.
While electric secateurs are still relatively new for everyday gardeners, I have been using a pair for several years now, and they have transformed the way that I garden. They let me prune faster, and I regularly choose them over a hedge trimmer or standard pair of secateurs.
Prices range from around £60 to £150 for standard pairs, and up to £800 for professional options. For this guide, I tested the domestic models from leading brands such as Stihl, Stiga, Ryobi and Makita, all of which produce quality tools that deliver on value and performance.
The best electric secateurs: At a glanceHow to choose the best electric secateurs
Choosing the best electric secateurs requires you to understand how they will be used in your garden and which specific features you value:
To make lots of cuts quickly, look for a fast and responsive pair with a high number of cuts per charge.If you have difficulty with hand strength, the pruners should be light and well-balanced.To handle larger branches, look at the maximum cutting diameter to ensure it will meet your needs (otherwise, consider a mini chainsaw).
Keep safety in mind too. Ask whether the the blades be closed after use and if there is a safety mechanism. Electric secateurs are not to be trifled with, so these are important. Look out for tools with progressive cutting too. This is an important safety feature, and means the blade responds to how you pull the trigger, so if you take your finger off, the blade will open rather than continue the cut. It also makes for a great cutting experience.
How I test electric secateurs
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