Comparison: Best Shovels For Snow And Ice (Updated | Jan 2nd)
Winter can be beautiful, but shoveling snow and ice? Not so much. The right shovel makes all the difference between a sore back and a clear driveway. We’ve tested top picks to find the best snow shovels for every need—whether you’re tackling light flurries or heavy, wet snow. From ergonomic designs to heavy-duty scrapers, these tools will save you time and effort. Let’s dive into the best options to keep your walkways safe and your back happy all season long.
- Best for back-saving design: Snow Joe Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Blade and Assist Handle
- Best for 4-in-1 car kit: 42” Ice Scraper and Extendable Snow Brush Emergency Snow Shovel Snow Broom with Foam Grip 180° Pivoting Brush Head Snow Scraper for Cars
- Best for spring-assisted lift: Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle
- Best for detachable car kit: Wikihhome 42″ Ice Scraper and Extendable Snow Brush
- Best for one-click assembly: 47.3″ Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper
- Best for reinforced ice blade: Snow Shovel with Ice Blade
- Best for all-season scraper: Walensee Metal Snow Shovel 54”
- Best for original snow pusher: The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher (36 Inches)
- Best for emergency car tool: SEAAES Snow Brush and Emergency Snow Shovel for Car
- Best for compact folding shovel: AstroAI 38.4″ Folding Snow Shovel for Car
Product Comparison: Best Shovels For Snow And Ice
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

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic D-Ring handle
- Spring-assisted lifting
- Lightweight at 3.5 lbs
- Durable impact-resistant blade
- Reduces back strain
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Blade size limited
- Plastic parts may wear
42” Ice Scraper and Extendable Snow Brush Emergency Snow Shovel Snow Broom with Foam Grip 180° Pivoting Brush Head Snow Scraper for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vehicle

✓ Reasons to Buy
- 4-in-1 versatile design
- Extendable and adjustable
- Anti-scratch bristles
- Sturdy aluminum build
- Comfortable foam grip
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Shared pole limits use
- May feel bulky
Snow Joe SJ-SHLV20 Shovelution Snow Shovel with Spring-Assist Handle, Heavy-Duty Shovel for Fast Snow Removal, 20 Inches, Blue

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Spring-assisted lifting mechanism
- Reduces back strain
- Impact-resistant blade
- Ergonomic D-Ring grip
- Durable construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavier than others
- Higher price point
- Handle may feel bulky
Wikihhome 42″ Ice Scraper and Extendable Snow Brush, Detachable Snow Scraper, Emergency Snow Shovel with Foam Grip and 180° Pivoting Brush Head for Car Windshield, Car Auto Truck SUV, Vehicle

✓ Reasons to Buy
- 4-in-1 multifunctional design
- 180° rotating brush head
- Cold-resistant materials
- Easy to assemble and store
- Comfortable foam grip
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- May be too short for tall users
- Brush bristles could be firmer
- Not ideal for heavy snow
47.3″ Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper, 3-in-1 Extendable Snow Shovel with Wide Head Snow Shovel and Ice Scraper 180° Pivoting Snow Brush Head for Car Windshield, Durable Snow Remover with Foam Grip

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Versatile 3-in-1 design
- Durable in extreme cold
- Easy one-click assembly
- 180° pivoting brush head
- Comfortable anti-slip grip
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Shared pole limits use
- Slightly heavy when assembled
Snow Shovel with Ice Blade, 22-Inch Heavy Duty Removable Snow Shovel for Driveways, Sidewalks, Garages & Outdoor Use, Includes Car Snow Brush and Ice Scraper for Windshield

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable reinforced steel blade
- Ergonomic D-grip handle
- Quick-detach for storage
- Bonus car snow brush
- Breaks stubborn ice easily
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavier than plastic
- Blade may rust if left wet
Walensee Metal Snow Shovel 54”, Heavy Duty Floor Scraper & Ice Scraper, Flat Shovel for Driveway Sidewalk Garden Deck, Manual Push Plow for Snow Ice & Weed Removal, Back-Friendly Tool for Seniors

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable steel construction
- Sharp blade for ice
- Adjustable handle height
- Multifunctional for yard work
- Easy to assemble
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not for heavy prying
- Compact blade size
- May require frequent sharpening
The Snowplow The Original Snow Pusher (36 Inches)

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable UHMW blade
- Non-stick snow surface
- Sturdy TUFFBRACE design
- Made in the USA
- Quick to assemble
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Bulky for storage
- Limited for tight spaces
SEAAES Snow Brush and Emergency Snow Shovel for Car, Extendable Snow Ice Scraper with Foam Grip, Compact Snow Shovel for SUV Truck Vehicle Windshield Window – Green

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Versatile 3-in-1 design
- Scratch-free bristle protection
- Durable metal-tip shovel
- Ergonomic foam grip
- High-strength ice scraper
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly bulky storage
- Limited shovel length
AstroAI 38.4″ Folding Snow Shovel for Car, Extendable Snow Shovel with Thickened Aluminum Handle and Reinforced Iron Hinge, Portable and Multifunctional for Driveway, Cars, Camping and Mud, Grey

✓ Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Adjustable three-section handle
- Compact folding design
- Durable reinforced hinge
- Multifunctional year-round use
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not ideal for thick ice
- Requires ice breaker attachment
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 when buying a snow shovel?
Look for a lightweight yet durable material like aluminum or polypropylene to reduce fatigue. Consider the blade size—wider blades are great for light snow, while narrower ones handle heavy, wet snow better. An ergonomic handle with a curved or S-shape design can help minimize back strain.
How do manual and electric snow shovels compare?
Manual shovels are cheaper, require no power source, and are ideal for small areas or light snow. Electric models are more expensive but can move snow quickly with less effort, making them suitable for larger areas or deeper snow. Choose based on your budget, physical ability, and typical snowfall.
What features add the most value to a snow shovel?
A reinforced blade edge, like metal or carbide, increases durability and helps scrape ice more effectively. Adjustable handles allow users of different heights to shovel comfortably, reducing back pain. Some shovels also come with wheels or ergonomic grips to further ease the process.
Are plastic or metal blades better for snow shovels?
Plastic blades are lightweight and won’t damage delicate surfaces, making them great for light snow. Metal blades are stronger and better at breaking up ice or heavy, packed snow, but they can scratch surfaces. Choose based on the typical snow conditions in your area.
How do I choose between a pusher and a scoop shovel?
Pusher shovels have wide, flat blades and are designed for clearing light, fluffy snow quickly. Scoop shovels have curved blades for lifting and moving heavier, wet snow. Consider the snow type and your primary need—pushing versus lifting.
What’s the best way to store a snow shovel?
Store your shovel in a dry, cool place to prevent rust or material degradation, especially for metal parts. Hang it or keep it upright to avoid bending the blade or handle. Proper storage extends the shovel’s lifespan and ensures it’s ready for the next season.
How much should I spend on a quality snow shovel?
Basic manual shovels can cost between $15 and $30, while high-end or ergonomic models range from $40 to $80. Electric snow shovels typically cost $100 to $200, depending on power and features. Invest more for durability and ergonomic design if you live in a heavy-snow area.
Are there shovels designed specifically for ice?
Yes, some shovels have built-in ice scrapers or reinforced edges for breaking up ice. Ice chippers or combo tools with a shovel and scraper are also available. These are especially useful in regions with frequent freezing rain or hard-packed snow.
