As ski hills begin to open, the holidays approach, and summer hikers start the slow transition to snowshoes, the growing seasonal excitement is palpable from coast to coast. Of course, winter isn’t all fun and games. As temperatures drop and the white stuff starts to pile up, residents of the most wintry locales are preparing for the added seasonal challenges of heating their homes and keeping their driveways and walkways clear of snow.

　　While snowblowers can help clear large zones, owning a high-quality snow shovel is essential. There’s an impressive number of snow shovels on the market, from heavy-duty scoop shovels to lightweight options for powder snow.

　　Weve tested shovels through multiple seasons of full-time living in some of Americas snowiest mountain towns. During the last few historic snowfall winters, we spent hundreds of hours shoveling driveways and sidewalks in Crested Butte, Colo., Lander, Wyo., and the Lake Tahoe region. Shoveling snow can be a brutal chore, but weve realized that a good shovel can significantly ease the pain. After more than our fair share of labor-intensive field research, weve identified the best snow shovels available today.

　　Take a look at our top picks for the best snow shovels to help find the perfect snow-removal tool this winter, or hop on down to our comprehensive buyers guide, comparison chart, or FAQ for more help in choosing.

　　Editor’s Note: We updated this Guide on April 17, 2024, with the addition of the Suncast 20 Combo Shovel Pusher, after putting it to the test throughout three Lake Tahoe winters.

　　The Best Snow Shovels of 2024 Best Overall Snow Shovel: Snow Joe Shovelution Best Budget Snow Shovel: Suncast 20 Combo Shovel Pusher Best Snow-Pusher Snow Shovel: Garant Nordic 24-Inch Best Sleigh Snow Shovel: Garant 24-Inch Sleigh Shovel Best Aluminum Snow Shovel: AMES Aluminum Scoop Best Electric Snow Shovel: Snow Joe 24V SS10 Best Overall Snow Shovel Snow Joe Shovelution Specs Blade width 20 Blade material Poly with aluminum edge Weight 3.7 lbs. Best for General use, seriously snowy winters

　　Pros Ergonomically designed for safe snow removal Easy lifting and tossing Affordable Cons Small shovel blade doesn’t hold a ton of snow Slight learning curve to use properly Constance Mahoney The honor of the best overall best snow shovel goes to the Snow Joe Shovelution strain-reducing snow shovel ($40). The 20-inch plastic blade is strong enough to handle heavy snow while keeping the overall weight of the shovel manageable, and the aluminum edge helps cut through ice or packed snow.

　　The star of this shovel, however, is the handle design. The dual-handle setup creates additional leverage and makes lifting and tossing snow a breeze. The Shovelution eliminates the need for excessive bending over to remove snow, which reduces back strain, and does a good job of evenly distributing the weight of the snow between both of your arms.

　　While other shovels might have bigger scoops or wider blades, the Shovelution is able to keep up performance-wise thanks to the added efficiency of the dual-handle design. As a bonus, its also one of the more affordable shovels that we tested.

　　$31 at Amazon Best Budget Snow Shovel Suncast 20 Combo Shovel Pusher Specs Blade width 20 Blade material Heavy duty coated plastic with steel wear strip Weight 4.1 lbs. Best for All-around use

　　Pros Blade shape works well for both scooping and pushing Includes steel wear strip along blade edge Strong steel-core shaft Affordable price Cons D-grip handle has a slight wobble at shaft attachment point Shorter shaft length not as ergonomic as other models Constance Mahoney The Suncast 20 Combo Shovel Pusher ($34) is one of our favorite all-around snow shovels at a great price. The versatile bucket-shaped blade provides excellent performance in all types of snow conditions from gently pushing a few inches of light powder to scooping and tossing load after load of wet, heavy snow. The metal wear strip along the blades edge does a good job a scraping packed snow or light ice, and the blades material is strong enough to power through the snowplow berm at the end of the driveway.

　　While we appreciate the simple design and all-around utility this shovel provides, its worth noting that the D-grip handle has a slight wobble at the attachment point to the shaft. This hasnt impacted performance in the three Tahoe winters weve used this shovel, but it is noticeable compared to other models. The steel-core shaft is strong and straight and withstands heavy use, but isnt as ergonomic as some other curved or dual-handle designs.

　　Overall, the Suncast Combo Shovel Pusher is a versatile, affordable snow shovel that excels in any type of snow conditions, and should be on your list if youre looking for a simple and reliable tool.

　　$34 at Amazon Best Snow-Pusher Snow Shovel Garant Nordic 24-Inch Specs Blade width 24 Blade material Alloy steel Weight 6.6 lbs. Best for Pushing wet, heavy snow

　　Pros Durable steel blade Long hardwood handle is great for shock and leverage Good option for harder snowpacks Cons Heavy shovel for some Edges of steel blade can curl if not careful Constance Mahoney When it comes to snow-pusher shovels designed to handle everything from champagne powder to hardpack snow and ice, the Nordic 24-inch Steel Blade Snow Pusher from Garant ($61) is one of the best on the market. The wide blade on this shovel provides ample surface area for snow entrapment. Constructed from a single piece of high-quality steel, the Nordic Snow Pusher is plenty durable for all snowpacks.

　　Like many steel shovels, the corners slightly furl if caught on a rough edge of the pavement. That said, even if the blade is a bit bent, the effectiveness of the Garant Nordic is rarely compromised. Additionally, the longer hardwood handle is excellent for both leverage and shock absorption, and the D-grip allows for easy handling when wearing gloves.

　　For a snow-pusher that can handle the hardpack, the Garant Nordic 24-inch snow shovel is an excellent option.

　　check price at amazon Best Sleigh-Style Snow Shovel Garant 24-Inch Sleigh Shovel Specs Blade width 24 Blade material Poly with steel wear strip along the edge Weight 11.5 lbs. Best for Clearing heavy snowfall from large areas

　　Pros Huge blade for maximum snow collection Ergonomically designed handle reduces back strain Best shovel for large areas or massive snowfalls Cons Large shovel that can be hard to handle for some Takes a little practice to perfect More expensive than alternatives Constance Mahoney In recent years, more and more people are gravitating toward sleigh-style snow shovels, and the Garant 24-inch Sleigh Shovel ($73) has become the industry standard. The massive 24-inch bucket on this shovel can collect a lot of snow at once, helping clear heavy snowfalls and large areas much more efficiently.

　　The plastic blade reduces weight without compromising durability. And the steel edge on the bottom helps protect the main blade from damage. With an ergonomically designed handle, snow-removers can put in the hard work knowing that any concerns over posture or back strain have been taken care of through engineering.

　　If you’re done lifting and tossing snow and are ready to adopt a new push-and-clear approach, the Garant 24 Sleigh Shovel may be the tool for you.

　　$90 at AmazonCheck Price at Home Depot Best Aluminum Snow Shovel AMES Aluminum Scoop Specs Blade width 11.3 Blade material Aluminum Weight 3.5 lbs Best for Residential users with occasional snowfall

　　Pros Lightweight design Rustproof aluminum blade Strong and durable hardwood handle Cons Not the right choice for major snowfalls or heavy moving Short handle not ideal for tall people Constance Mahoney If you’re looking for a lightweight shovel that can tackle light snowfalls with ease, consider purchasing an aluminum-blade option. Of this category, AMES has a longstanding reputation for sturdy and reliable yard tools.

　　The Aluminum Scoop shovel from AMES ($55) is an excellent choice for people who don’t deal with consistent major snowfalls over the course of a winter. The aluminum blade makes the shovel lightweight, and the D-grip handle and hardwood shaft help with leverage, strength, and control.

　　While not durable enough for hardpack or wet snow, the AMES Aluminum Scoop is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal to stay ahead of little bouts of precipitation.

　　$47 at Amazon Best Electric Snow Shovel Snow Joe 24V SS10 Specs Blade width 10 Blade material Plastic Weight 12.8 lbs. Best for Large driveways, frequent snowfall, users with limited strength and/or mobility

　　Pros No need for cords, fuel, or mechanical tune-ups Runs quiet Suitable for light snow and small areas Cons Expensive Can only cover small areas for short periods Most efficient with light, fluffy snow Constance Mahoney Although helpful tools, snowblowers are expensive and can be intimidating to first-time users. On the opposite end of the spectrum, shovels are affordable but demand a considerable amount of work to truly make an area snow-free. Enter the electric snow shovel.

　　The Snow Joe 24V SS10 ($180) is our favorite electric snow shovel on the market and provides a good solution to help clear light snow in small passes. This battery-powered shovel has a two-blade paddle auger designed to toss snow up to 20 feet as it clears a 10-inch-wide, 6-inch-deep path.

　　The battery will hold a charge for just under 30 minutes and be fully recharged in under 2.5 hours. It’s not the best for large projects, but it’s useful for clearing small walkways or to meet Grandma in the middle when she insists that she’s not too old to shovel. The Snow Joe 24V SS10 saves time and — more importantly — back pain.

　　$86 at Amazon Best of the Rest Bully Tools Combo Snow Shovel Specs Blade width 22 Blade material Poly Weight 3.7 lbs. Best for Wide sidewalks and large driveways

　　Pros Simple and durable design Long handle makes shoveling easier on your back Affordable price point Cons Not ideal for hardpack snow or ice Constance Mahoney For a no-frills, gimmick-free workhorse of a shovel, look no further than the Combo Shovel from Bully Tools ($40). With a limited lifetime warranty, this American-made brand has a longstanding reputation for making high-quality and durable lawn and garden tools.

　　With a seemingly simple design, the extra length on the fiberglass handle helps eliminate back strain. Additionally, the D-grip handle provides optimum comfort when working with or without gloves. The blade on the Combo Shovel is 22 inches wide, providing a large but manageable scooping bucket.

　　check price at amazon DMOS Collective Stealth Shovel Specs Blade width 16 Blade material Aluminum Weight 4.4 lbs. Best for In-car storage in case of sudden need or emergency

　　Pros Packs down small Aircraft-grade aluminum blade is ultra-strong Full-length, adjustable handle Cons Expensive Constance Mahoney Looking for a tough yet ultra-portable snow shovel? Then you need the DMOS Stealth Shovel ($113). The blade is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it plenty of strength to battle the toughest ice and snow. The full shaft allows for comfortable, ergonomic shoveling. And the height can adjust to three lengths — 35, 47, or 57 inches — so you can find a perfect fit.

　　This shovel is also a favorite for Overlanding and off-roading, as it can stand up to digging dirt and sand. Whether you need to dig out after a big storm, level the campsite, break the ice, or get your rig unstuck at the beach, the Stealth can do it. Need a quick refresher on how to get unstuck in the snow, check out this article.

　　Best of all, the DMOs Stealth Shovel packs down small for easy storage. It can easily fit in the trunk (or a backpack), or you can add a Stealth Shovel Mount for quick access. This USA-made shovel does come at a premium price, but it’s worth it if you regularly drive over snowy mountain passes or find yourself exploring off-road.

　　CHECK PRICE AT AMAZON Bully Tools One Piece Poly Shovel Specs Blade width 14 Blade material Poly Weight 3.7 lbs. Best for Keep this lightweight shovel in your truck for regular residential use

　　Pros D-Shaped handle is wide enough for work and snow gloves It won’t rust It can be used year-round Cons The 42” length might be too short for some taller people Not the shovel for ice Constance Mahoney If you need a multipurpose shovel for year-round activity, The Bully Tools One Piece Poly Shovel ($44) is a dependable option. It can be used for all types of snow days, but it can stay out when the snow stops sticking. The scoop design is great for picking up mulch and animal feed, and is sturdy enough for dirt projects. 

　　This shovel lives in the back of our tester’s truck and goes wherever she goes. The 3.7 pounds of single-piece poly makes it light enough to carry around easily and strong enough for digging out the driveway when a snowplow goes by. It has no problem cutting through the banks and tossing the snow to the side.

　　The scoop capacity (14” wide by 17” long) is also an excellent shovel for roof shoveling. Unlike metal blades, you don’t have to worry about damaging roofs or decks with the poly material. 

　　The Bully Tools Poly Shovel is a multipurpose shovel that is tough enough for a wide variety of uses and won’t crack from changing temperatures.

　　$44 at Amazon Best Snow Shovels Comparison Table

　　We tested shovels in one of Colorados snowiest mountain towns; (photo/Constance Mahoney) Testing snow shovels is pretty straightforward. We gathered the best snow shovels we could find and set our testers loose in all the different snow conditions.

　　We noted the durability of each shovel and how the shovel handled in different snow conditions. We also paid particular attention to how we felt using the shovel. Did the ergonomic design actually help? How did the length feel, and was the grip usable when wearing bulky gloves? Then, we considered the best use of the shovel. Not all shovels serve the same purpose. Some work better for lighter snow, some for heavy wet snow, and some for smaller areas versus large driveways.

　　Our testers love to play outside. That means living in some of the snowiest places in the US. When you like winter activities, snow shoveling is part of the game. Solid shovels are critical whether used for shoveling out houses, cars, or testing avy conditions.

　　Contributor Constance Mahoney lives in the heart of the Colorado Rockies and is not a stranger to epic snowfalls. A self-proclaimed “snow farmer” in the winter, Constance knows the value of a dependable snow shovel; her winter snow removal job depends on it. Whether she is up on a roof or digging out sidewalks, she is an expert on shovels.

　　With our most recent update of this Buyers Guide, Lake Tahoe resident Nick Bruckbauer contributed some feedback after withstanding one of the snowiest winters on record. After growing up in Wisconsin and eventually migrating out west, Nick likes to say you havent really lived in a ski town until you do your own snow removal!

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Snow Shovel Variables such as climate, type and amount of snowfall, and the area you have to keep clear should be considered when choosing the best snow shovel for you. There’s no universal answer for everybody. Many folks build an arsenal of shovels to tackle everything Mother Nature throws at them throughout the winter season. Below are just a few things to consider.

　　Your Location and Snow Type The type of snow you get makes a big difference in the type of shovel that works best. For colder climates, with lighter, drier snow, a snow pusher is a great option. Basically, anything with a blade over 24 inches isn’t meant for lifting, it’s instead designed for simply pushing snow away.

　　If you live in a location that gets large amounts of wet snow (hello, Sierra Cement), then you’ll want a true shovel. You’ll need something that you can lift to move heavy snow out of the way. Also, consider if you regularly shovel off a deck or other structure that may need to fit in a smaller space or offer improved maneuverability.

　　Blade and scoop size make a serious difference in the time and effort required to complete a shoveling job; (photo/Constance Mahoney) Shovel Style When choosing between shovels, perhaps the most apparent distinction is the overall style. Here, we’ve subdivided shovel styles into three categories — traditional shovel, pusher, and combination — and each serves its purpose.

　　Traditional Shovel Traditionally shaped snow shovels have been around for a long time and have maintained their popularity for decades. These tools generally have a simple bucket design that allows users to scoop and toss snow away easily.

　　Generally speaking, traditional shovels have a wood shaft and plastic blade — though some heavier-duty options are made of aluminum, steel, or another metal alloy. The AMES Aluminum Scoop is an example of a traditional snow shovel. You can find traditional snow shovels in all lengths, and the longer the shovel, the more leverage it has.

　　Our top overall pick, the Snow Joe Shovelution, has a fairly traditional blade shape, but is combined with an ergonomic dual-handle, improving comfort and efficiency.

　　Pusher In recent years, people have gravitated more toward shovels designed for pushing snow, referred to as “pushers.” For some, it’s easier to push piles of snow than to lift and toss, especially because pushing is easier on the back. The Garant Nordic 24-Inch is our top choice for a pusher snow shovel.

　　This shovel style is designed to place under a pile of snow and slide forward, clearing a path in its wake. Pushers work great for light snow — even in large quantities — but can be a real hassle when the precipitation is wet and heavy. Snow sleighs like the Garant 24-Inch Sleigh Shovel are the newest addition to this category.

　　Combination Combination snow shovels are precisely what they sound like: suitable for both pushing snow and lifting and tossing. The Suncast 20 Combo Shovel Pusher is our top choice in this regard. While it may not do either as well as a shovel dedicated to a specific job, combo shovels are an excellent middle ground, and are very versatile for a variety of snow conditions.

　　Many people welcome the versatility of combo shovels, as it’s rare for a winter storm to cater perfectly to a specific type of shovel. People find themselves pushing, lifting, tossing, and even chipping following a snowfall in most cases. If you only plan on having one shovel in your quiver, a combo shovel like the Suncast or the Bully Tools Combo may be the right move for you.

　　Straight vs. Curved Shaft If you’ve spent any time shopping for shovels, you’ve likely noticed a stark difference in shaft design — notably straight and curved options. Each design is meant to create a mechanical advantage in different situations, and the correct shovel shaft design for you depends on how you plan to use it.

　　Straight-Handle Shovels Shovels with straight handles are optimized for chopping, lifting, and tossing snow. A straight handle allows users to achieve the best hand position to lift, carry, and throw snow. In addition, shovels with this design better lend themselves to chopping blocks or clearing particularly stubborn areas of hardpack snow.

　　Curved-Shaft Shovels When you need to push snow around, reach for a curved-shaft shovel. Whereas the shaft’s curvature hinders one’s ability to safely and efficiently lift a heavy shovelful of snow, it’s perfectly designed for pushing. Bent handles are specially designed to limit lower-back stress when a push force is applied moving forward. Curved-shaft shovels generally prevent users from excessive bending and overuse when moving snow on the ground.

　　Blade Material Like shovel style, shovel blade material plays a major role in determining the best snow shovels for any given situation. In general, shovel blades range from heavy-duty steel to lightweight plastic, with a few options in between. Like choosing a shovel for design, consider climate and snow type when looking at blade materials.

　　Plastic blades, like the Bully Tools One Piece Poly Shovel, work incredibly well for light snow and large shoveling jobs.

　　Steel blades are an excellent option for wet, heavy snow or chipping hardpack and ice.

　　Aluminum blades are a perfect lightweight option but won’t hold up to the challenging task of moving large quantities of wet precipitation.

　　Generally speaking, plastic blades are the most common blade available, and for good reason. They can handle most jobs and are the most efficient at doing so. If you have only one shovel in your garage, a strong plastic-blade option will probably suffice.

　　One-piece poly shovels like the Bully Tools Poly Shovel benefit from solid construction and a lack of small breakable components; (photo/Constance Mahoney) FAQ Which snow shovel is best? The best snow shovel is almost entirely specific to the individual and situation. When deciding which snow shovel is best for you, consider the type and quantity of snow you most regularly receive, the area you need to clear, and your personal preference between shoveling and pushing. It’s best to have a few different options available.

　　Are ergonomically designed snow shovels better? Ergonomically designed snow shovels are ideal. Shoveling snow is no easy task, and each winter, countless people hurt themselves by overdoing it when removing snow. Ergonomically designed options are meant to combat this by limiting the amount a person has to bend over, providing a mechanical advantage, and reducing the physical demands of snow removal.

　　Some shovel styles aren’t ergonomic but may be required for certain tasks. When this is the case, be extra cautious and pay attention to your form and body.

　　Is it better to shovel snow before it becomes ice? When possible, experts recommend shoveling several times during a storm to prevent the accumulating snowflakes from bonding to each other or the bed surface. By being proactive, you can prevent ice buildup on the snowpack’s basal layers and remove new precipitation when soft and light instead of hard and cohesive. This will save you a lot of work and stress when compared to the challenge of ice removal.

　　What is the proper way to shovel snow? Proper snow-removal technique depends on the tools available and the type and quantity of snow. That said, there are a few universal steps that will help keep you working safely and efficiently throughout the winter season.

　　Dressing in layers is always a good idea. You don’t want to overheat, so wear clothes that breathe or can be shed when you heat up. Remember to wear gloves; blisters can form quickly! Here is our recommendation for winter gloves or mittens. Also, you may need extra traction on your boots to help from slipping.

　　Warming up is imperative before any major snow-removal project. Stretch and loosen up your muscles before putting on layers and tackling the job ahead. Whether lifting or pushing, don’t forget to bend at the knees and use your legs, not your back.

　　When you’re lifting snow, keep the blade close to your body and alternate your grip to target different muscles. Finally, don’t be afraid to take breaks and come back to it later. The biggest mistake people make when shoveling snow is overworking and trying to tackle too much at once.

　　Are electric snow shovels any good? Electric snow shovels serve their purpose, but they should by no means be considered a full-time replacement for a traditional shovel. Having to rely exclusively on electronic components in the middle of winter is never a good idea, and we highly recommend owning a standard shovel in addition to an electric shovel.

　　That said, electric shovels can be a good option for clearing your property’s nonessential parts. Many people use them for porches or decks while relying on shovels or snowblowers for driveways and walkways. Our top choice is the Snow Joe 24V SS10.

　　Electric snow shovels can also be an excellent middle ground for the older folks in your family. These shovels allow elderly family members to continue to help with snow removal without overburdening them with heavy lifting and pushing. The relatively short runtime of electric snow shovels — 20 to 45 minutes — is also fairly self-limiting to the workload.

　　Should I keep a shovel in my car?

　　If you live where it snows or regularly drive off the beaten path, it is highly recommended to keep a shovel in your car. You never know when you might get stuck or come across someone else who needs help getting dug out. The DMOS Collective Stealth Shovel is the best, as it can dig someone out from snow and sand.

　　The Best Snow Tires of 2024 This winter, have confidence on the roads in any weather with a solid set of snow tires.

　　The Best Work Boots of 2024 Intense work can tread over sharps, hot surfaces, high voltage, and dangerous objects. Protect your feet with one of our picks for the best work boots!