7 Best Snow Shovels

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a foot of fresh powder and realizing your only defense is a flimsy, back-breaking snow shovel. A good shovel isn’t just a tool; it’s the difference between a quick 20-minute clear-out and a trip to the chiropractor. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit digging out my driveway, so I know what works.

You need the right tool for the right snow. A wide pusher is great for light, fluffy stuff on a big driveway, but it’s useless against the heavy, wet mess the city plow leaves at the end of your driveway. For that, you need a scoop that can lift and throw without snapping in two.

After hours of testing and research for 2026, I’ve found the best snow shovels for every type of storm and every kind of person. Here are the ones that actually make winter a little less work.

 

 

Best Ergonomic Snow Shovels

Trazon Ergonomic Snow Shovel

The Trazon Ergonomic Snow Shovel costs about $46. It’s a fantastic choice for taller people who are tired of hunching over a standard shovel.

Its biggest selling point is the extra-long 150-inch handle. This design seriously reduces how much you have to bend, which my back appreciated immediately. It’s also one of the lightest shovels we tested, so each scoop of snow feels less like a deadlift. The bent-shaft design is a classic for a reason—it just works.

The Downside: While effective, its ergonomics are more traditional. If you’re looking for something with a second handle for even more leverage, you might want to look at other models.

 

 

ErgieShovel ERG-SNSH18

At around $50, the ErgieShovel is built for marathon shoveling sessions. If you have a long driveway and expect a lot of snow, this one’s for you.

The dual-handle system is its standout feature. That second handle midway down the shaft forces you into a better, more upright posture, using your legs instead of your back. It feels a little weird at first, but after 10 minutes, you’ll wonder why all shovels aren’t made this way. It’s also sturdy and collapses for easier storage in the garage.

The Downside: The plastic scoop is tough, but after a few seasons of scraping against concrete and ice, it can start to bend or wear down.

 

 

Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV01

The Snow Joe Shovelution comes in at just $40, making it a stellar value for an all-around shovel. It handles most snow conditions without breaking the bank.

I really like the spring-assisted handle. It acts like a second hand, helping you toss the snow and reducing the strain of the lift. The poly blade is lightweight and snow doesn’t seem to stick to it as much as other plastics. At under 4 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver for long periods.

The Downside: That spring-assisted handle has some flex to it. Compared to a rigid steel or fiberglass shaft, it can feel a bit flimsy, especially with heavy, wet snow.

 

 

True Temper 18-Inch Ergonomic Mountain Mover

The True Temper Mountain Mover costs around $50 and is a true jack-of-all-trades. It’s designed to both push light snow and scoop heavy piles.

The curved aluminum shaft is the key here; it really does minimize how much you have to bend over. The front of the blade is flat for easy pushing, while the back is deep enough to hold a good amount of snow for lifting. It’s a great combination that handles almost any task you throw at it.

The Downside: It’s a solid, versatile shovel, but it isn’t as light as some of the more specialized plastic models. You feel the extra weight after a while.

 

 

Best Snow Pushers and Heavy-Duty Scoops

The Snowplow Original 36-inch Snow Pusher

For about $60, this is the tool you want for clearing a few inches of light snow from a big driveway, fast. It’s not a shovel; it’s a pusher, and it’s brilliant at its job.

The 36-inch blade clears a huge path with every pass, and the slick UHMW poly material lets snow glide right off instead of sticking. You just walk forward, and the snow moves out of the way. The fiberglass handle is tough, and the whole thing feels built to last for years of clearing sidewalks and driveways.

The Downside: Don’t even try to lift and throw heavy, wet snow with this. It’s not designed for scooping, and you’ll just make a mess and hurt your back.

 

 

Garant Yukon 36-inch Snow Pusher

The Garant Yukon is another excellent 36-inch pusher, priced at $58. It’s a direct competitor to The Snowplow and excels at clearing large, flat areas.

What sets it apart for some people is the ergonomic steel handle. It gives a comfortable, secure grip for long pushing sessions. The steel wear strip at the bottom of the blade is great for scraping packed-down snow and ice that other pushers might glide over. It’s a very efficient tool for light snowfalls.

The Downside: The steel handle adds some heft. It’s noticeably heavier than some other pushers, which can be tiring over a very large area.

 

 

AMES #12 Aluminum Scoop

Priced at $48, the AMES #12 is a classic for a reason. This is the shovel you need for breaking up and moving the heavy, icy plow sludge at the end of the driveway.

The deep aluminum scoop holds a ton of snow, and the short, sturdy shaft gives you incredible leverage for lifting. It’s not for pushing; it’s for digging and throwing. It also scrapes ice and packed snow really well. I’ve used a similar scoop for moving mulch in the summer, so it’s a versatile tool to have in the garage.

The Downside: With a 13.5-inch blade, it’s much narrower than a combo shovel or pusher. You’ll be taking more passes to clear a wide area.

 

 

How to Choose the Best Snow Shovel for You

The first thing to decide is if you need a pusher, a scooper, or a combination shovel. For light snowfalls of just a few inches on a flat driveway, a wide pusher is the fastest way to clear it. For deep, heavy, or wet snow, you need a scoop with a deep blade that can lift and throw without breaking.

Handle design is the next big thing. A traditional straight shaft is simple, but an ergonomic bent shaft or a model with a second handle can save your back a lot of pain. They force you to use your legs to lift, which is the proper way to do it. It might feel different, but it’s worth it after a big storm.

Finally, look at the blade. Plastic (poly) blades are lightweight and snow slides off them easily, but they can wear down on rough surfaces. A metal edge helps, but a full aluminum or steel scoop is best for chipping ice and scraping, though it will be heavier. Choose the tool that matches the snow you get most often.