The best snow shovels of 2026, tested in heavy snow

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With heavy snow in the forecast and plenty of storms still to come this season, snow shovels are a necessity for quickly clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks. The best snow shovels clean up snow efficiently and thoroughly, with ergonomic features to prevent strain on your shoulders, joints, and back.

After extensive research and testing, our top pick is the Garant Alpine Snow Shovel. Our tester has used this shovel for years of frigid Northeast winters, and she's consistently impressed with its durability and lightweight design. If you're looking for a ergonomic pick, the Snow Joe Shovelution Shovel has a unique, two-handle design that reduces aches and pains from shoveling.

For more snow and ice removal coverage, check out our best snow blower, and best ice melt guides.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for snow shovels

Best overall: Garant Alpine 18-Inch Poly Blade Snow Shovel - See at Amazon

Best ergonomic: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV01 Shovelution Snow Shovel - See at Amazon

Best pusher: Manplow RevolutionX Snow Pusher - See at Amazon

Best compact: Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel - See at Amazon

Best electric: Greenworks 2600602 Cordless Electric Snow Shovel - See at Amazon

Best heavy-duty: Dmos Stealth XL Shovel - See at Amazon

Best overall

This snow shovel from Garant isn't fancy, but it's easy to use, effective, durable, and reasonably priced. I've owned it for more than four years, and because I live in New England, it's gotten plenty of use during snow storms each winter.

It cuts through snow and ice with ease. The Garant Shovel has a yellow polyethylene blade and wooden handle, and it works well for moving both fluffy and wet snow. I particularly like that snow doesn't stick to its blade as you work, unlike other shovels that I've tried, and there's a steel edge along the front that helps scrape ice and prevent the plastic from cracking if you hit a rock or other obstacle. The blade is 18 inches wide, cutting a decent-sized path through the snow, and the whole thing is lightweight enough that it doesn't cause arm fatigue. However, it's not the most ergonomic design, so it may cause a bit of back strain if you're shoveling for long periods.

This shovel is surprisingly durable, even under strenuous use. In addition to shoveling snow in the winter, I also use its wide blade to clean out my chicken coop bedding on a monthly basis. The shovel gets used year-round, and it's held up well for more than four years now — it just has one small crack on a rivet along its upper edge, but it doesn't impact its functionality at all. - Camryn Rabideau

Best ergonomic

The Shovelution Shovel prevents soreness while shoveling. It's no secret that shoveling snow can lead to a sore lower back. This shovel has a unique design that helps reduce the strain from shoveling, scooping, and tossing piles of snow.

It features two handles. Essentially, it's a regular snow shovel with a straight handle and an 18-inch shovel blade that's curved to help you collect loads of snow. But right above the main handle is a spring-assisted handle that helps counterbalance the weight of each shovel full of snow. By keeping one hand on the main shaft and another on the secondary handle, the Shovelution Snow Shovel allows you to stand up straighter as you work and reduces the strain on the back's lumbar region.

It gets more work done with less strain. The spring-action second handle also helps you fling aside heavy snow with less effort and reduced shock at the end of each toss. This limits the strain on your joints, muscles, and skeletal system, so you don't wind up with a sore back after shoveling. 

The design takes some getting used to, but it's worth it. Former senior editor Jada Wong used her Shovelution for over a year to remove snow about a foot deep around her driveway, walkway, porch, and deck. She said the second handle seems flimsy at first and takes getting used to, but it's ultimately a much better shoveling experience. 

Best pusher

This tool clears a huge path in one go. The Manplow RevolutionX Snow Pusher is not technically a snow shovel because it's not meant for lifting and tossing scoops of snow. Instead, it's an extra-wide tool that clears a 48-inch swath of snow in a single pass.

It's safe on rocky terrain. The broad blade is designed not to damage terrain, so you can use the RevolutionX on cobblestone, brick, wood, and more as long as it's smooth — it's easy to get jammed up on uneven heights. Yet it's rugged enough to shove heavy loads of snow out of the way without bending your body.

It's best at clearing three to four inches of snow. For quickly clearing most driveways and walkways, it's hard to beat a big snow pusher like this. If the snow piles up more than three or four inches high, the RevolutionX becomes less effective, as snow can spill over the top of the blade.

It will last for years. The Manplow RevolutionX Snow Pusher is a great alternative to a more traditional shovel. And thanks to its clever reversible blade, it will serve you for years, too. When the edge of the pusher becomes too worn down and uneven to be effective, just remove the blade, flip it upside down, and enjoy a like-new snow tool.

Best compact

Pop this shovel in your car in case of an emergency. Sometimes, a snowstorm can happen out of nowhere, so it's a good idea to keep the Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel in your car in addition to an ice scraper. You can stow this compact and multipurpose shovel in the trunk or backseat.

It's compact. It's around 1.3 pounds and can be adjusted from 25 to 32 inches in length, allowing for comfortable use by people of various heights. The blade is smaller than most traditional snow shovels, but it can still scoop enough snow to clear steps outside your home, carve out a narrow walking path, or help dig your car tires out of the snow.

Keep in mind is best for clearing small areas. Because this shovel is so compact, don't expect to use it for large snow-clearing jobs. The handle is quite short, and it will be rough on your back. Think of this as more of an emergency-preparedness tool than an everyday shovel.

Best electric

Electric shovels offer quick and easy clearing. This electric shovel can help you clear an area quickly and with much less effort than a traditional shovel requires. But with snow any deeper than that or with snow that's particularly wet and heavy, it can get jammed up.

It's best for people who get moderate snowstorms a few times per season. While it can't handle deep snow, it clears the result of light precipitation right down to the pavement. Just push a button to start it, and you're off. 

It's excellent at clearing smaller areas. This electric shovel is best suited to midsize properties, as it tosses snow a distance of about 25 feet. If you have a large driveway or patio, some of that snow is going to fall right back onto it, doubling your work. For sidewalks, stoops, or small-to-medium-sized driveways, it's a great tool. The thrower cuts a 12-inch swath as it moves along so that you can clear a 1,000-square-foot area covered by 4 inches of snow in about 20 minutes.

Best heavy-duty

This is a redesign of our favorite snow shovel. The Dmos Stealth XL Shovel has a clever build that can help you move snow all day long. It's a newer version of the original Alpha that I tested. Its stronger aircraft-grade aluminum is slightly heavier, but is otherwise very similar.

It's designed for heavy duty jobs. The slender, serrated edge of the shovel's blade easily cuts into the snow, lifting fresh powder, heavy slush, and icy chunks alike. The collapsible and detachable handle makes lifting easier. The shaft telescopes out to a generous 61.5 inches, giving taller users plenty of length for proper leverage, and it can be shortened for users of differing heights. Plus, its all-metal construction ensures that the shaft won't bend or break and the scoop won't crack or buckle.

It's surprisingly lightweight. Despite the rugged appearance, the Stealth XL only weighs 6.89 pounds. But once you scoop up a large pile of snow, it can become much heavier, so avoid overexerting yourself. Though this shovel isn't cheap, its durable construction ensures it lasts years.

What to look for in snow shovels

Blade Type: The shape of a snow shovel's blade indicates how effective it is for different tasks. Curved blades are convenient for capturing and lifting snow and great for tossing snow aside as you go. Flat blades are better for pushing snow — like a snow plow — and their wide shape is efficient for clearing larger areas like driveways and sidewalks. If you want to be prepared for various snow shoveling tasks, look for a blade that combines both. 

Handles: Make sure the handle of the shovel is comfortable to hold and durable enough to withstand the stress of heavy loads. If you plan on scooping and tossing large shovel-fulls of snow, look for a shovel with both a rear handle and a secondary handle on the shaft itself. These dual-handled shovels allow for a more ergonomic grip when lifting and tossing, minimizing injury and maximizing efficiency. 

Size: While larger shovels can remove more snow faster, they also place more physical stress on the user and can be counterproductive if you're not able to use it safely. Be realistic about your physical limitations, and go with a shovel that matches your abilities. You should also think about where you plan on storing your shovel and if you want it to fit in a trunk of your car or a storage shed.

How we chose the best snow shovels

This guide is a mix of hands-on testing and research. We've tested some products on the list, like the Snow Joe Shovelution Shovel and the Garant Alpine Shovel. The rest of our selections are based on research of reputable brands and reviews. 

Snow shovel FAQs

Is a metal or plastic snow shovel better?

Metal and plastic snow shovels both have pros and cons. Aluminum or metal shovels are more durable than plastic, but they're usually heavier and snow can stick on the blade. Plastic shovels are lightweight and gentle on delicate materials like wood, but they won't last as long as metal shovels.

What size snow shovel is the best?

Generally, opt for a blade around 30 inches if you just need to plow snow out of your way. If you'll be lifting or throwing, look for an 18-20 inch blade, since it will be easier to move.

Which is better, a straight or bent handle?

Bent-handle designs are more ergonomic, while straight handles are usually easier to control. It depends on your personal preference, so we recommend trying out both to see what you prefer.

Which shovel is best for my physical type?

If you're worried about the impact of snow clearing on your body, we recommend an ergonomic or electric snow shovel. If you need an adaptive shovel, look for an option with a motor, focused leverage, or wheels.

What is the best snow shovel for older people?

For older folks, look for snow clearing tools that minimize your effort and actions like lifting and throwing. A pusher or electric snow shovel is usually best. If you're looking to forgo shoveling altogether, check out our guide to the best snow blowers.