Comparison: Best Manual Snow Shovels (Updated | Jan 2nd)
Winter is coming, and we all know what that means—snow. Lots of it. But before you break your back with a flimsy shovel or blow your budget on a snow blower, let’s talk about the trusty manual snow shovel. We’ve tested and compared the best options out there, from ergonomic designs to heavy-duty models, so you don’t have to guess. Ready to tackle the snow like a pro? Let’s find the perfect shovel to keep your driveway clear and your back happy.
Key Takeaways
- Spring-assisted lifting reduces back strain for easier snow removal.
- Choose ergonomic handles to minimize physical strain during use.
- Opt for durable, impact-resistant blades for long-lasting performance.
- Lightweight designs enhance maneuverability and reduce fatigue.
Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle
Best overall
- Lightweight and easy
- Ergonomic D-ring handle
- Spring-assisted lifting
- BEST FOR BEST OVERALL: Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SURFACE-SAFE PUSHER: Snow Pusher Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT PICK: Ergonomic Large Snow Shovel for Driveway: 48-Inch Dual-Lock Knob Anti-Wobble Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR WHEELED EFFICIENCY: Ohuhu Snow Shovel for Driveway: 2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Adjustable Angle Wheeled Metal Snow Shovels with 30″x12″ Large Blade for Snow Removal Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ERGONOMIC CURVE HANDLE: VEVOR Snow Shovel for Driveway Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT EMERGENCY PICK: Snow Shovel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BACK-SAVING SENIOR PICK: YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway Ergonomic Design 17” Reinforced Heavy Duty Snow Removal Easy Assembled Tool in Winter Snowy Day for Garage Car Parking Port Workshop Barn Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HEAVY-DUTY ALUMINUM SCOOP: WIKER Aluminum Snow Shovel for Driveway Read More ↓
- BEST FOR LARGE-CAPACITY WHEELED: Snow Shovel for Driveway with Wheels Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Manual Snow Shovels
Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle, 3.5 Lbs – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, Shovelution SJ-SHLV01
The Snow Joe Snow Shovel features an 18-inch impact-resistant blade designed for heavy-duty use, ensuring durability during tough winter tasks. Its ergonomic D-ring handle improves posture and reduces bending, while the spring-assisted design acts as a fulcrum to minimize strain on your back and arms.
This shovel provides enhanced lifting power, allowing you to move heavier loads with less effort. Built for efficiency, it combines comfort and ease of use, making it ideal for clearing driveways and walkways.
At just 3.5 lbs, it’s lightweight yet sturdy, simplifying snow removal for a more effective winter experience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight and easy
- Ergonomic D-ring handle
- Spring-assisted lifting
- Durable impact-resistant blade
- Reduces back strain
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Blade may wear
- Not for deep snow
Snow Pusher, Snow Plow Shovel with Ergonomic Dual D-Handles & 22” UHMW Blade, Lightweight Manual Snow Shovel for Driveway, Sidewalk & Patio
The BVHAB Snow Pusher features a 22-inch UHMW blade and ergonomic dual D-handles for effortless, smooth snow clearing. Its adjustable assist grip promotes a natural 90-degree pushing motion, reducing back strain and saving time.
Built with a sturdy iron shaft and reinforced frame, it offers balanced handling and prevents bending in freezing temperatures. Maintenance-free and rust-resistant, this shovel requires no oiling or tightening—just push, rinse, and store.
Safe for concrete, wood decks, and pavers, it glides without scratching surfaces. With tool-free assembly, this versatile snow pusher is perfect for driveways, porches, and backyard tasks.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Effortless snow pushing
- Dual ergonomic handles
- Durable UHMW blade
- Maintenance-free design
- Safe for all surfaces
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not for lifting
- Limited blade size
Ergonomic Large Snow Shovel for Driveway: 48-Inch Dual-Lock Knob Anti-Wobble Handle, 16″ Plastic Blade w/Metal Edge, Ultra-Light 1.9 lb, Portable Aluminum Shaft, Car, Camping & Emergency, Black
- Dual-Lock Knob — Threaded + Twist Collar, Low-Wobble in Cold — The screw-in shaft joint reinforced by a tool-free locking collar tightens the 2-section aluminum shaft to reduce looseness and play vs. push-pin joints, staying snug through freeze-thaw and heavy use (4-piece: handle/blade/2-section shaft)
- Ergonomic & Ultra-Light (1.9 lb) — D-grip and a balanced 48-inch overall length help reduce hand fatigue and back strain, so you can shovel with less bending; This lightweight shovel comfortable for women, seniors, and supervised teens
- 16″ Wide, High-Capacity Blade w/ Metal Edge — Thickened plastic blade moves more snow per pass; the metal wear strip helps break packed snow/ice and protects the leading edge—great for driveways, sidewalks, stairs & decks
- Fast 4-Piece Assembly, Packs Small — Handle + blade + 2-section shaft assemble tool-free in seconds and stow easily in a car trunk, SUV, RV or closet; perfect for emergency kits, camping, overlanding & ski trips
- Eco-Conscious & Winter-Tough (Black) — Manual, zero-fuel operation = no exhaust & low noise; corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft stands up to road salt, and the durable modular design supports a long service life and fewer replacements—ideal for homes, HOAs, schools, churches, offices & property crews
Ohuhu Snow Shovel for Driveway: 2025 Upgraded Heavy Duty Adjustable Angle Wheeled Metal Snow Shovels with 30″x12″ Large Blade for Snow Removal, Snow Pusher with Wheels Efficient Remove Tool
- Upgraded Snow Shovel: With a 29×12.2in large steel blade and 8in jumbo wheels made of PP plastic, Ohuhu Upgraded Snow Shovel with Wheels can beat snow drift up to 5.9inch/15cm high, making snow removal a breeze
- Reinforced Construction: Unlike traditional snow shovels that can break easily, this wheeled snow pusher is built to last. With reinforced structure and welding junctions, it’s absolutely unbreakable. Plus, the wheeled design helps take the stress off your back and knees, while boosting cleaning efficiency
- Adjustable Shoveling Angle: The large concave blade is as flexible as it comes. It can be adjusted 30 degrees bi-laterally or fixed in a preferred angle, so you can plow through the snow in any direction you want
- 3 Adjustable Handle Heights: To make snow removal comfortable for people of different heights, the handle is designed with an adjustable structure that can be set at 32.3/37.8/42.5in (82/96/108cm). Clearing snow has never been easier!
- Rustproof Treatment: This snow shovel is processed with a plastic spray treatment, making it weather-resistant and rustproof. It will always bring its A-game when it comes to removing snow. (Note: Please wipe dry the snow pusher before storing)
- Simple Installation and Storage: With Ohuhu, things are always easy and hassle-free. You can mount and demount this snow shovel in minutes! (Note: Watch the installation video to make the process even easier)
VEVOR Snow Shovel for Driveway, 17 in Wide Plastic Snow Shovel with D-Shaped Handles & Aluminum Blade, Large Capacity Snowplow Shovels, Lightweight Snows Removal Tool for Garden Car Camping
The VEVOR Snow Shovel for Driveway features a 16.5 x 13.4-inch widened shovel head with an aluminum blade, making it perfect for clearing dry or wet snow efficiently. Its ergonomic curved design and 55.1-inch length reduce waist strain, while the EVA non-slip pad and D-shaped handle ensure a firm grip.
The high-toughness PP shovel head resists frost, pressure, and cracks, and the durable steel shaft handles heavy snow. Weighing just 4.19 lbs, it’s easy to assemble and carry, ideal for driveways, walkways, or even camping and gardening.
A versatile, reliable tool for winter and outdoor use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Wide shovel head
- Ergonomic curved design
- Non-slip grip
- Durable steel shaft
- Lightweight and portable
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavy
- Plastic may crack
Snow Shovel, Upgrade Emergency Snow Shovel for Driveway with Aluminum Handle Large Capacity Lightweight and Adjustable Portable Survival Shovel for Home, Garden, Camping, Mud and Snowman(Black)
The UMUACCAN Upgrade Emergency Snow Shovel is a versatile tool with a shovel head and three handles, offering two adjustable lengths (33 or 45 inches) for different needs. Its high-polymer board and aluminum alloy head are sturdy, odorless, and resistant to pressure.
The ergonomic D-shaped handle and foam grip ensure comfort and anti-skid control. With two screw reinforcement holes, the shovel stays secure during use.
Lightweight at 1.45 pounds, it’s easy to assemble and store, perfect for cars or outdoor activities. Ideal for snow, soil, or sand, it’s a thoughtful gift for winter enthusiasts or anyone needing a reliable shovel.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Adjustable length
- Lightweight design
- Ergonomic foam handle
- Durable aluminum head
- Easy to assemble
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited capacity
- Shorter handle option
YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway Ergonomic Design 17” Reinforced Heavy Duty Snow Removal Easy Assembled Tool in Winter Snowy Day for Garage Car Parking Port Workshop Barn
The YEITSNOW Snow Shovel features an innovative curved Z-shape handle that minimizes back strain and bending, allowing for comfortable, upright shoveling. This ergonomic design is back-saving and ideal for seniors.
Crafted from high-quality poly material, the lightweight yet durable 17-inch wide scoop includes an aluminum wear stripe for efficient snow removal. The handle is reinforced with improved steel for superior strength and fracture resistance, load-tested up to 124 lbs—40% more than previous models.
Every shovel undergoes rigorous pre-delivery testing for flawless performance. Quick three-step assembly ensures you’re ready to tackle snow right out of the box.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic curved handle
- Lightweight yet durable
- High load capacity
- Easy to assemble
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires assembly
WIKER Aluminum Snow Shovel for Driveway, 45-Inch Large Capacity Blade, 3.5lbs Lightweight with Fiberglass D-Grip Handle, Heavy Duty Metal Snow Removal Tool for Home and Garden
The WIKER Aluminum Snow Shovel boasts a sturdy, thick aluminum scoop and a comfortable handle, designed to outlast cheap plastic shovels. This 45-inch shovel is lightweight at 3.5 lbs but tough enough to break through crusty, plowed snow and manage packed slush.
Its large capacity blade and turned-up sides maximize scoop efficiency, reducing the number of bends needed. Perfect for heavy snow removal, it’s also versatile for gardening tasks like moving wood chips, mulch, or debris.
With a lifetime warranty, this metal shovel ensures long-term reliability for driveways, yards, and farm chores, making it a durable all-around tool.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable aluminum construction
- Large capacity blade
- Lightweight design
- Lifetime warranty included
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavier than plastic
- Limited grip options
Snow Shovel for Driveway with Wheels, Metal Snow Pusher with 29″ Adjustable Blade, Heavy Duty Snow Plow for Easy Driveway Snow Removal
The Yokayoay Snow Shovel with Wheels is a heavy-duty snow pusher designed to make clearing your driveway effortless. Its large 29” x 16.5” adjustable blade allows you to shovel snow quickly, while the 5-level handle (16.5”-45.6”) accommodates users of all heights, including children and the elderly.
The blade can be angled 30° left or right for precision. Equipped with two non-slip, wear-resistant tires, it reduces strain by letting you push instead of lift.
Easy to assemble in 10 minutes and compact for storage, this durable, sun- and water-resistant tool is a winter essential for efficient snow removal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large blade covers more area
- Adjustable handle for all heights
- Wheels reduce physical effort
- Blade angle is customizable
- Quick and easy assembly
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be bulky to store
- Not ideal for deep snow
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a manual snow shovel?
Look for a lightweight yet durable material like aluminum or fiberglass to avoid fatigue. Ensure the handle length suits your height to prevent back strain while shoveling.
How do manual snow shovels compare to electric ones?
Manual shovels are cheaper, quieter, and require no maintenance but demand more physical effort. Electric shovels are faster and easier but are heavier and require power sources.
Which shovel blade material is best?
Plastic blades are lightweight and ideal for light snow, while metal blades are more durable for heavy or icy snow. Consider a hybrid shovel with a metal strip for added strength.
What features add the most value to a snow shovel?
Ergonomic handles with grips reduce strain, and curved blades help lift snow more efficiently. Some models include wheels or adjustable handles for added convenience.
Are ergonomic shovels worth the extra cost?
Yes, ergonomic shovels are designed to minimize back pain and improve posture during use. They are especially valuable for frequent shoveling or large driveways.
How do I choose the right shovel size?
Smaller shovels are easier to handle for light snow, while larger blades clear more area quickly for heavy snow. Balance your physical strength with the typical snowfall in your area.
What’s the difference between push and scoop shovels?
Push shovels have wide, low blades designed to clear snow without lifting, ideal for light snow. Scoop shovels are deeper and better for lifting and throwing heavy or wet snow.
Can I use the same shovel for both snow and ice?
Some shovels come with built-in ice chippers or scrapers for dual use, but they may be heavier. Dedicated ice scrapers are often more efficient for icy conditions.
How important is the handle material?
Wood handles are durable but can be heavy, while aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. Fiberglass offers a balance of strength and flexibility for prolonged use.
What’s the best way to maintain a manual snow shovel?
Rinse the shovel after use to prevent rust, especially if it has metal parts. Store it in a dry place to avoid damage from moisture or freezing temperatures.