The 5 best snow shovels of 2024

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 It's a newer version of the original Alpha I tested.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

The Alpha Shovel was the best snow shovel I have ever used, and it's still one of my go-to shovels. Like its renamed counterpart, the slender, serrated edge of the shovel's blade easily cuts into the snow, lifting fresh powder, heavy slush, and icy chunks alike. The long handle makes lifting easier, while the all-metal construction ensures that the shaft won't bend or break and the scoop won't crack or buckle.

Despite the rugged appearance, the Stealth XL only weighs 4.4 pounds. But once you scoop up a large pile of snow, it can become much heavier, so avoid overexerting yourself.

The secret here is the shovel's collapsible and detachable handle. 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. 

Though this shovel isn't cheap, its durable construction ensures it lasts years.

Shoveling snow can lead to a sore lower back. The Shovelution Shovel has a unique design that helps reduce the strain from shoveling, scooping, and tossing piles of snow.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

The Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel is ideal for people who live in areas that 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. 

This electric shovel is best suited to midsize properties, as it tosses snow a distance of about 20 feet. If you have a large driveway or patio, some of that snow is going to fall right back onto it, doubling your work. It does have a cord, so you may need an extension cord to get to the end of your driveway.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 42-inch swath of snow in a single pass.

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. 

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.

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.

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 t

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. The rest of our selections are based on research of reputable brands and reviews. 

Is a metal or plastic snow shovel better?

Both have their pros and cons. Aluminum shovels don't break as easily as plastic, but they tend to be heavier, and snow is likelier to stick to the blade. Plastic shovels are better on wooden surfaces since they don't scratch delicate materials.

What size snow shovel is the best?

As a general rule of thumb, go with a larger blade, like 30 inches, for when you plan on simply plowing snow out of the way. Opt for a smaller blade, around 18 or 20 inches, if you plan on lifting and throwing your snow out of the way. 

Which is better, a straight or bent handle?

Straight handles offer more straightforward control, while the bent-handle design has an ergonomic appeal. Ultimately, it comes down to user preference, so you should get some hands-on testing with both before you make your decision.

Which shovel is best for my physical type?

If you need an adaptive shovel, opt for a tool that uses wheels, focused leverage, or a motor to help minimize your effort. If you think shoveling will take a toll on you, consider the ergonomic snow shovel or electric snow shovel we recommend.