Do you need a new shovel?
If so, do you know which ones are best for digging?
If not, no worries, as we created this helpful blog post to help you choose the best shovel for digging.
By highlighting the 10 best shovels for digging and reviewing each one individually.
Plus, we provide information on what to look for when purchasing a shovel and answer some of the most common questions about shovels.
So, let’s get started!
What are the Best Shovels for Digging?
Here are the 10 best shovels for digging.
1. Bully Tools 14-Gauge Long Handle Round Point Shovel
Best for Durability
- Price: $50
- Length: 60 Inches
- Made From: Fiberglass, Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Most Durable Long Handled Shovel
The Bully Tools 14-Gauge Long Handle Round Point Shovel is one of the most durable and longest-lasting shovels on the market.
Made from 14-gauge steel with welded I-Beam construction, this commercial-grade shovel is built to last and can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
In addition, thanks to the long handle, you’ll have no problem reaching while digging or carrying dirt from one area to another.
And as an added bonus, this long-handled Billy Tools shovel is made right here in the USA.
Review
The Bully Tools 14-Gauge Long Handle Round Point Shovel is a heavy-duty shovel that’s extremely durable that should last for years to come.
Pros
- Extremely Durable 14-Gauge Steel with I-Beam Construction
- Long Handle Gives You Plenty of Reach While Digging
- Pointed Tip For Better Soil Penetration
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Slightly Heavier 5.4 Pound Weight Can Lead to Earlier Fatigue
- Longer Handle Makes it Difficult to Use in Tighter Spaces
- On the More Expensive Side Compared to Other Long Handled Shovels
For more information on the Bully Tools 14-Gauge Long Handle Round Point Shovel, click here.
2. Ashman 41 Inch Heavy Duty Round Shovel
Great for Beginners
- Price: $36
- Length: 41 Inches
- Made From: Fiberglass, Metal
- Why It’s Great: Offers Best Compromise Between Durability and Weight
The Ashman 41 Inch Heavy Duty Round Shovel is an extremely lightweight and durable shovel, that’s well suited for medium to heavy-duty work.
Made from fiberglass and metal, it’s one of the most durable and lightweight shovels on the market, with a weight of just over two pounds.
And thanks to the shovel’s large comfortable D-grip handle, the shovel is very easy to use, as well as control, even when you’re wearing gloves.
Review
The Ashman 41 Inch Heavy Duty Round Shovel is perfect for anyone who needs an extremely durable and lightweight shovel that’s easy to use.
Pros
- Lightweight yet Durable Fiberglass and Metal Construction
- Large Comfortable D-Grip Handle
- Fiberglass Handle has Low Conductivity and Won’t Transfer Electricity, Heat or Cold
- Equipped With a Finely Sharpened Round Teardrop Blade that Penetrates Soil Easily
Cons
- Shorter Overall Lenth Reduces Reach
- Potentially Not as Durable as All Metal Shovels
For more information on the Ashman 41 Inch Heavy Duty Round Shovel, click here.
3. Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel
Best Budget-Friendly Short Handle Shovel
- Price: $30
- Length: 46 Inches
- Made From: Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Budget-Friendly and Durable Short Handle Shovel
The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Digging Shovel is ideal for digging in difficult soil because of its large D-handle design that provides confident two-handed control while digging.
In addition, its 18-gauge steel shaft and welded 14-gauge hardened steel blade provide ample durability that far exceeds wood-handled tools and won’t flex like fiberglass.
And because the shovel has a sharpened edge, it makes it super easy to pierce tough soil and break up large clumps of dirt.
Review
The Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Digging Shovel is a great choice for those who need an affordable and durable shovel that can handle tough digging jobs.
Pros
- All-Steel Construction
- Large D-Handle Design Allows for Confident Two-Handed Control
- Excellent Long Term Durability
- Pre-Sharpened Blade
- Oversized Footstep Provides a Secure and Solid Platform for Extra Leverage
- More Affordable Option
- Life Time Warranty
Cons
- D-Handle Made From Plastic Which Can More Easily Break
- Shorter Length Doesn’t Allow for Longer Reach
For more information on the Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Digging Shovel, click here.
4. Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel
Best Budget-Friendly Long Handle Shovel
- Price: $25
- Length: 57.5 Inches
- Made From: Wood, Fiberglass, Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Most Affordable and Durable Long Handle Shovel
The 57.5-inch Fiskars Long Handle Shovel is ideal for digging in difficult soil thanks to its welded 14-gauge sharpened edge steel blade.
Allowing you to easily dig through hard and tough ground and break up large dirt clods.
And thanks to its long handle design, you can extend the shovel quite far while digging, which means fewer steps and trips back and forth while digging.
Review
The Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel is a great choice for those who need an affordable durable shovel with a long handle for extra reach.
Pros
- Long Handle Design Provides Extra Reach
- Welded 14-Gauge Sharpened Edge Steel Blade Makes it Easy to Dig Through Tough Soil
- Rubberized Top Handle is More Ergonomic and Comfortable
- More Affordable Option
Cons
- Long Handle Maybe Too Long for Some Users
- More Difficult to Use in Tight Spaces
- Less Durable Compared to All Metal Shovels
For more information on the Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel, click here.
5. Hooyman Long Handle Digging Shovel
Longest Reach Digging Shovel
- Price: $40
- Length: 60.25 Inches
- Made From: Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Longest Length/Reach
The Hooyman Long Handle Digging Shovel is perfect for those who need a durable and long-reaching shovel.
Made from alloy steel, it’s built to last and can handle even the toughest digging jobs.
And at just over 60 inches long, it gives you plenty of reach, which helps you avoid extra steps when moving dirt or mulch from one area of the job to another.
In addition, thanks to the shovel’s upgraded non-slip ergonomic H-grip handle that turns tacky when wet, you can be sure you’ll always have a comfortable and secure grip on the shovel while digging.
Review
The Hooyman Long Handle Digging Shovel is best for those who need a durable and extra long-reaching shovel.
Pros
- Made From Alloy Steel for Superior Durability
- Extra Long Handle Provides Additional Reach
- Ergonomic Design Makes it Comfortable to Use
- Oversized Flanges on Both Sides of the Blade Provide Added Leverage While Digging
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Long Handle May Be Too Long for Some Users
- More Difficult to Use in Tight Spaces Due to Longer Handle
- Heavier Than Some Other Models
For more information on the Hooyman Long Handle Digging Shovel, click here.
6. Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Spade
Best For Versatility
- Price: $75
- Length: 40.16 Inches
- Made From: Fiberglass
- Why It’s Great: Most Versatile
The Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Spade is an excellent choice for those who need a durable and versatile multi-tool shovel.
Made from fiberglass, it’s built to last and can handle even the toughest digging jobs.
But what really sets this shovel apart is its multi-function design that includes an integrated arrowhead-shaped head, a serrated saw blade, and a dual-grip handle that provides power, control, and ease of use, all in one well-designed handle.
Allowing this shovel to handle a wide range of jobs, from breaking up tough soil and digging holes, to trenching and chopping through roots.
Review
The Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Spade is a great choice for those who need a durable and versatile multi-tool shovel that can dig through rocky, compacted soils, and clay while also being able to cut through roots.
Pros
- Made From Fiberglass for Additional Durability
- Multi-Function Design Includes an Integrated Arrowhead and Serrated Saw Blade
- Serrated Saw Blade is Perfect for Cutting Through Roots
- Dual Grip Handle Technology
- Shorter Length Ideal For Accessing Tighter Spaces
- Pointed Tip For Better Soil Penetration
- More Expensive Compared to Other Spades
Cons
- Shovelhead is Smaller Than Some Other Models Reducing the Amount of Dirt that Can Be Moved
- Narrow Arrowhead Blade May Be Too Short and Narrow for Some Jobs
- Potentially Less Durable When Compared to All Metal Shovels
- Shorter Reach Due to Short Handle Design
For more information on the Roamwild Multi-Digger Garden Spade, click here.
7. Fiskars Pro 60 Inch Digging Shovel
Best Commercial Grade Digging Shovel
- Price: $60
- Length: 60 Inches
- Made From: Aluminum, Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Professional Commercial Grade Shovel
The Fiskars Pro 60 Inch Digging Shovel is great for a number of reasons.
First, its professional commercial-grade construction ensures the shovel can withstand years of abuse.
Second, its long handle makes it easy to get leverage when you’re digging.
Third, the blade is made from sharpened aluminum, which won’t rust.
And finally, the shovel has a large stable footstep on the back of the aluminum blade, so you can really put your weight onto it when digging for extra leverage.
Review
The Fiskars Pro 60 Inch Digging Shovel is best for those who need a commercial-grade super durable long-handled shovel and don’t mind paying a little extra for it.
Pros
- All-Metal Construction for Superior Durability
- Long Handle Design Provides Extra Long Reach
- Aluminum Blade Will Not Rust
- Full Lifetime Warranty
- More Expensive Compared to Other Long Handled Shovels
Cons
- Long Handle May Be Too Long for Some Users
- More Difficult to Use in Tight Spaces Due to Longer Handle
- Heavier Than Some Other Models
For more information on the Fiskars Pro 60 Inch Digging Shovel, click here.
8. ROOT ASSASSIN 43 Inch One-Shot Garden Shovel
Unique Winged Shovel Design
- Price: $50
- Length: 43 Inches
- Made From: Fiberglass, Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Winged Technology Helps Keep the Dirt on the Shovel
The ROOT ASSASSIN 43 Inch One-Shot Garden Shovel is one of the most unique shovels on the market today.
Thanks to the shovel’s one-of-a-kind winged technology, that lets you carry more per scoop and helps to keep the dirt on the shovel while in transit.
Ensuring more of the dirt ends up where it’s supposed to be, as opposed to being dropped along the way.
Made from fiberglass and alloy steel, it’s designed to be extremely durable while still being somewhat lightweight, at just six pounds.
The shovel also has a large comfortable D-grip handle that makes it easy to use and control while digging.
And thanks to the shovel’s unique One-Shot blade design and extra-large footstep, the blade is able to penetrate the soil with much less effort.
Review
The ROOT ASSASSIN 43 Inch One-Shot Garden Shovel is perfect for anyone who needs an extremely durable and lightweight shovel that excels at not only digging but also carrying and moving dirt.
Pros
- Lightweight yet Durable Fiberglass and Alloy Steel Construction
- Large Side Wings on the Shovelhead For Better Material Control
- Extra-Large Footstep Provides More Leverage While Digging
- Large Comfortable D-Grip Handle for Better Control
- Unique One-Shot Blade Design Penetrates Soil More Easily
Cons
- Shorter Overall Lenth Reduces Reach
- Not as Durable as an All Metal Shovel
- More Expensive Compared to Other Short Handle Shovels
For more information on the ROOT ASSASSIN 43 Inch One-Shot Garden Shovel, click here.
9. Martha Stewart 27 Inch Mini Round Point Shovel
Best for Gardening
- Price: $20
- Length: 27 Inches
- Made From: Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Best for Gardening
Ideal for gardening, pruning, and weeding. This small lightweight shovel from Martha Stewart is perfect for light-duty work around the house or garden.
It’s great for digging holes, planting small shrubs, transplanting perennial plants, and spreading mulch.
The small design of the shovel also makes it perfect for working at ground level or in restricted spaces.
And its powder-coated and rust-resistant finish ensures years of dependable use.
Review
The Martha Stewart 27 Inch Mini Round Point Shovel is ideal for light-duty DIY projects and great for gardening.
Pros
- Lightweight and Easy to Use
- Ideal for Small Jobs or Restricted Spaces
- Large D-Handle Design Allows for Confident Two-Handed Control
- Powder Coated Finish for Rust Resistance
- Pointed Tip For Better Soil Penetration
- More Affordable Compared to Other Smaller Shovels
Cons
- Not Suitable for Heavy-Duty Jobs
- Shovel Head is Smaller Than Some Other Models
- Shorter Length Provides Less Reach While Digging
For more information on the Martha Stewart 27 Inch Mini Round Point Shovel, click here.
10. N/N Small Round 28 Inch Digging Shovel
Most Compact Digging Shovel
Price: $28
Length: 28 Inches
Made From: Wood, Metal
Why It’s Great: Most Compact
The N/N Small Round 28-inch Digging Shovel is great for those who want a lightweight small shovel that’s easy to maneuver and store.
Made from wood and metal, it’s strong and durable yet super lightweight at just two pounds, allowing you to use this shovel for hours on end without becoming fatigued.
It also has a large comfortable D-grip handle at the top of the shovel that makes it easy to use and maneuver.
As well as a high-temperature cured and coated shovelhead that makes the head of the shovel extremely tough and durable.
Review
The N/N Small Round 28 Inch Digging Shovel is perfect for anyone who wants a compact, ultra-lightweight, easy to maneuver shovel.
Pros
- Super Lightweight at Just Two Pounds
- Large Comfortable D-Grip Handle
- High-Temperature Quenched Shovelhead for Durability
- Ultra-Compact Size Makes it Well Suited for Working in Tight Spaces
- Less Expensive Compared to Other Short Handled Shovels
Cons
- Shorter Overall Lenth Reduces Reach
- Not as Durable as All Metal Shovels
- Smaller Flanges on Top of Shovelhead Reduce the Amount of Force You Can Apply While Digging
For more information on the N/N Small Round 28 Inch Digging Shovel, click here.
What to Look for When Choosing a Shovel for Digging
When choosing a digging shovel, there are a few key things you’ll want to consider, to make sure you find the perfect one to meet your needs.
So make sure to keep the below things in mind when shopping for a digging shovel.
Length of the Shovel
A longer handle will give you more reach while digging but may be difficult to use in tighter spaces.
While a shorter handle will be easier to maneuver in tight spaces but will not give you as much reach.
Size and Shape of the Shovelhead
The size and blade shape of the shovel will greatly affect its digging performance.
As the shovelhead’s size and shape will affect how big of a hole the shovel can dig, how much material it can move at a time, and how easily it can penetrate the ground.
As larger and wider shovel blades can dig larger holes and carry more material, while smaller and narrower shovel blades can more easily penetrate the ground.
Shovelhead Material
The material a shovelhead is made from can make a big difference in how durable the shovel is as well as how much it weighs.
As a steel shovelhead is more durable than an aluminum one but will also add more weight to the shovel.
Shaft/Handle Material
The material the shaft or handle is made from will also play a big role in how durable the shovel is as well as its weight.
With a steel shovel handle being the strongest, followed up by fiberglass, and then finally wood as the least strong.
However, with that added strength and durability also comes added weight as well, as a steel handle shovel also tends to be much heavier compared to a fiberglass or wooden handle shovel.
Desirable Features and Add-Ons
Beyond the basic construction of the shovel, there are also certain desirable features you should look for when buying a digging shovel such as:
- Comfort Grips
- Large D-Handles
- Extra-Large Footsteps
- Winged Shovelhead Flanges
- Pre-Sharpened Shovelheads
- Premium Coatings to Prevent Rust
- Premium Coatings to Increase Durability
Shovel Type
When it comes to digging shovels, there are many different types to choose from, including shovels with rounded heads, shovels with flat heads, trenching shovels, spade shovels, trowel shovels, and edging shovels.
Shovel Brand
Finally, when choosing a shovel, it’s important to consider the brand, as some brands are simply better than others and hold up much better over time.
Some of the most popular and well-reviewed shovel brands include:
- Bully Tools
- Ashman
- Fiskars
- Ames
- Corona
FAQs
Pointed narrow rounded shovels are best for breaking through the soil, as their blade can easily penetrate through hard and compacted soils.
For even more improved soil penetration though, make sure to choose a shovel that has a pre-sharpened shovel blade, as this will slice through the dirt more easily.
As well as a shovel with an extra-large footstep, as this will provide more leverage while digging.
For digging small holes, a trowel is the best tool to use as it is specifically designed for this purpose.
However, for larger holes, a shovel is the best tool to use, as it can dig much larger holes much faster than a trowel.
And for the largest of holes, you may need to use a shovel and an auger.
A spade is a type of shovel that has a completely flat or mostly flat narrow blade, while a regular shovel has a much larger and rounded blade.
Spades are better for digging in loose soil and for breaking through hard soils, while shovels are better for scooping and moving large amounts of material.
A digging shovel is a tool that is specifically designed for the purpose of digging holes in the ground.
They typically have large and rounded blades, which make them ideal for scooping up large amounts of dirt and soil.
In addition, they also often have larger footsteps, which provide more leverage when breaking through hard and compacted soils.
A trowel is a small hand shovel that is specifically designed for digging small holes.
They typically have much smaller blades than regular shovels, and they often have serrated edges to make it easier to break through compacted soils.
Additional Resources
To see the best landscape fabric for rock, check out our article “7 Best Landscape Fabrics for Rock and Gravel“.
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