Gardening gloves are available in an array of designs, materials and with various features, including waterproofing, added grip, cushioning, and breathable fabrics to help regulate hand temperature. The design and features you need will depend on the gardening jobs you intend to carry out and when. Thin, lightweight gloves are best for duties where dexterity and being able to feel what you’re doing is key, such as potting up, weeding and planting. However, heavy duty gardening gloves are essential for providing for protection and support when using tools or doing hard landscaping jobs.

Gardening gloves are available in an array of designs, materials and with various features, including waterproofing, added grip, cushioning, and breathable fabrics to help regulate hand temperature. The design and features you need will depend on the gardening jobs you intend to carry out and when.

• Thin, lightweight gloves are best for duties where dexterity and being able to feel what you’re doing is key, such as potting up, weeding and planting. They will protect your hands and let your skin breathe. Ideally, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Look for gloves with a nitrile coating on the fingers and palms, this will give you plenty of grip but also retain the dexterity. If you’re working with tools, pruning or working in the cold, you might want a pair of lightweight gloves with a little more padding. They won’t offer as much flexibility but will be comfortable and offer more protection.
• Heavy duty gardening gloves are essential for providing protection and support when using tools, doing hard landscaping jobs, or pruning roses or other thorny plants. There is a huge range of materials and styles of heavy duty gloves to choose from. Leather makes a very tough glove; some are entirely made of leather whilst others will have it added to finger tips and palms for strength and durability. It’s also worth carefully considering the fit of heavy duty gloves, as you may lose some dexterity if they don’t fit well. An adjustable cuff can also help with the comfort of the glove and prevent debris getting inside.
• Gauntlet gloves are particularly useful for pruning shrubs, brambles, or roses. The long cuff of a gauntlet glove provides extra protection for the lower arms, preventing scratches and irritation.

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Looking for more garden gear? Consider our reviews of the best wellington boots, best mini chainsaws and the best garden kneelers. If your gardening equipment needs a refresh, consider our test of the best lawn mowers and if it just needs a clean, why not try our expert review of the best pressure washers?

Buying gardening gloves – video

Follow our tips to find the right gardening gloves for you

Best gardening gloves at a glance:

Best lightweight gardening gloves

• Best lightweight gloves for winter use: Niwaki winter gloves
• Best gloves for light work: Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre
• Best gloves for versatility: Feverfew Garden Company
• Best gloves for everyday use: Clip Gloves General Purpose
• Best gloves for grip: Donkey Gloves

Best heavy duty gardening gloves

• Best gloves for summer use : Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection High Performance
• Best gloves for heavy duty work: Clip Gloves Shock Absorber
• Best gloves for wet-weather work: Gold Leaf The Dry Touch
• Best gloves for budget: Verve Latex Coated Garden Gloves
• Best gloves for winter use 2024: Clip Gloves Warm ‘n’ Waterproof 
• Best gloves for winter use: Stihl ThermoGrip
• Best gloves for year-round use: Burgon & Ball Love the Glove

Best gauntlet gloves

• Best men’s gauntlet gloves: Kent and Stowe luxury leather men’s gauntlet gloves

Jump to:

• Best lightweight gardening gloves
• Best heavy duty gardening gloves
• Best gauntlet gloves
• Best of the rest gardening gloves
• How to choose the best gardening gloves
• How we tested gardening gloves

In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best gardening gloves below:

Best lightweight gardening gloves

RRP: £12.00

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Amazon and Niwaki

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Pros

• Fit well
• Warm and all but cuffs waterproof
• Bright so wont loose them easily
• Good value

Cons

• A little bulky
• Not thornproof
• Cuffs aren’t waterproof

These gloves are a great, snug fit and very easy to get on and off thanks to their well fitting elasticated cuff. Made from latex, acrylic and polyester they mould well to the hand and although the bright orange fleece lining makes them a little bulky they’re still soft and flexible and offer a good amount of dexterity. They’re ideal for a wide range of winter jobs including finer weeding and keep your hands really warm and dry. However the cuffs are not waterproof so take care not to get these wet as they take a while to dry. Otherwise, the gloves dry well though and keep their shape. They won’t completely protect you against thorns and brambles but they don’t tear the latex.  They’re excellent value for money for the protection they give and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for the best lightweight winter gloves. They’re available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large.

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RRP: £6.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Amazon in men’s and women’s designs.

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Pros:

• Comfortable and light
• Second skin fit
• Breathable
• Feel strong
• Excellent value

Cons:

• Bamboo snags occasionally

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for light work, our reviewers found the Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre a good fit, easy to take on and off, comfortable and breathable. The gloves are washable and they come with a carabiner to clip them on to your belt. They did snag occasionally but they’re great for delicate work and all day wear in spring and summer. Available in both men’s and women’s designs.

Read the full Clip Gloves Bamboo Fibre review.

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RRP: £22.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Marshalls Garden

Pros

• Robust
• Comfortable with a good fit
• Touch screen fingers work well

Good all rounder

Cons

• A little difficult to get on and off
• Not dextrous for fine jobs

These good-looking gloves by Feverfew have been designed specifically to fit women’s hands and our female testers found them to be a good fit, once they’d softened with a few wears. The elasticated neoprene cuff and Velcro strap make them a little tricky to get on and off, but they’re snug once on and the gloves are stretchy and flexible and ideal for all general gardening jobs, such as weeding, pruning and using tools. They have reinforced fingers, so they’re not for fine work like seed sowing, but they have a padded, microfibre palm and spandex and foam back so they’re comfortable and protective. They’re not waterproof, particularly on the palms, although they do have water resistance and are best for spring and summer wear. They also have handy ‘touch screen’ forefingers and thumbs that work very well, so you can look things up or answer a call if you need to without having to take them off. After use the gloves can be wiped down or machine washed at 30 degree C or below, and there’s a useful clip to secure them together and hang them up. Available in four sizes, XS-L and in a choice of green or plum, they also come in a protective cloth bag, which is a nice touch. They may not be the cheapest gardening gloves but they’re well fitting, comfortable and durable. We gave them a BBC Gardener’s World Magazine Best Buy award for the best lightweight gloves for versatility.

Buy the Feverfew Garden Company gloves from Marshalls Garden.

RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from ManoMano

Pros:

• Snug, comfortable fit
• Padded and reinforced
• Great for everyday, medium duty work
• Hard wearing

Cons:

• Lack warmth
• Not water resistant

With an adjustable wrist strap, extra padding and a tailored fit, these gloves were awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use. They may not be waterproof but the gloves dry well, keeping their shape. Sizes range from small to large in both men’s and women’s styles.

Read the full Clip Gloves General Purpose review.

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Buy now from Treadstone

RRP: £16.00

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon, Sarah Raven

Pros:

• Snug fit
• Good grip
• Well-designed
• Lightweight but sturdy

Cons:

• Not lined, waterproof or water resistant

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for grip, these well-designed gloves fit snugly to help with delicate jobs where good grip is required. While they don’t feature an adjustable strap, the stretchy wrist cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, and there’s a helpful sizing-guide on the website to ensure you choose the right pair. Comfortable to wear, they feature an elasticated, breathable polyester back and a soft suede-padded palm and thumb gusset, which offers extra protection if you’re pruning and clearing borders. They feel well-made and sturdy, but while the material on the palm is water-resistant, moisture soaks through the back of the glove. That said, they dry quickly and the suede palm stays soft. Though warm, they’re not lined so won’t keep out the chill of wintery weather, but they’re a reliable, mid-priced option for everyday work. Available in a range of sizes.

Read the full Donkey Gloves review

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Best heavy duty gardening gloves

RRP: £18.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Durable yet with good sensitivity
• Lightweight and cool
• Elasticated wrist keeps debris out
• Suit most gardening tasks

Cons

• Thin backs vulnerable to stings & thorns

Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best gloves for Summer use, these stylish gloves are immediately comfortable to wear. Made from non-padded leather with polyester backs that ensure breathability, your hands stay comfortable, even in very hot weather. They’re well made, with reinforcement on the wear points at the palms and fingers, and elasticated wrists ensure a close comfortable fit to keep out debris. They give good grip and usability for a wide range of tasks such as weeding, planting and pruning but the reinforced fingers make them unsuitable for jobs needing fine dexterity, like handling seedlings. There’s a small loop on the wrists for easy hanging and storage and the gloves come in sizes small, medium and large. A donation to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is made from the sale of these gloves.

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Read the full Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection high performance gloves review

RRP: £18.49

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from ManoMano

Pros:

• Comfortable and well fitting
• Good dexterity
• Sturdy and durable
• Good for heavy duty jobs

Cons:

• None

These gloves mould to the hand to provide good dexterity and an excellent fit and our experts praised their well thought out materials. They’re comfortable and durable but not bulky. There’s a carabiner to clip gloves to a belt and padding on the palms for extra protection. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for heavy-duty work they come in both men’s and women’s sizes and design.

Read the full Clip Gloves Shock Absorber review.

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Buy from Treadstone

RRP: £22.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Harrod Horticultural

Pros:

• Comfortable with good control
• Soft, high quality leather
• Tough and long lasting
• Water resistant
• Good investment

Cons:

• Expensive

The Dry Touch gloves from Gold Leaf are tough, long-lasting and water resistant, and were awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for wet-weather work. Made from soft, supple leather, the gloves have a sturdy, yet luxurious feel and are available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Read the full Gold Leaf The Dry Touch review.

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RRP: £2.50

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Screwfix

Pros:

• Tough, thorn- proof material
• Great for everyday, medium- to heavy-duty work
• Hard wearing
• Great value

Cons:

• Not very breathable
• Lack warmth
• Not water-resistant

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for budget, these gloves offer great protection for tough, thorny jobs at a very reasonable price. We also love that they can be recycled. Featuring a generously-sized elasticated cuff means they’re easy to get on and off, but as they’re made from textured latex, the palm isn’t a snug fit. While the latex is also waterproof, we found that moisture can seep in through the fabric on the back. Great for cold and wet weather, they aren’t lined, so you might need extra protection in harsh winter months. Wipe-clean after use, these tough, durable gloves represent excellent value for money. Available in small, medium and large.

Read the full Verve Nylon Gardening Glove review

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RRP: £12.99

Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Treadstone

Pros:

• Comfortable and warm
• Waterproof
• Sandy texture for good grip
• Lots of dexterity

Cons:

• No good for latex allergies

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for winter use, the Clip Gloves’ Warm ‘N’ Waterproof edition are indeed as warm and waterproof as their name suggests. They offer a great fit, and the fleece-lining is excellent for keeping your hands warm in the chilly weather. The double-dipped latex also makes these gloves completely waterproof – working in damp conditions there was no sign of seep-through. The sandy latex covering on the palm and fingertips is excellent for grip, and the comfortably snug fit allows for very good dexterity, even though the thick lining can make your finger movements occasionally feel a little clumsy when it comes to finer tasks. The additional latex coating on the thumb joint offers extra protection for more heavy duty tasks. Like all other gloves in the Clip Gloves range, the carabiner clip is a handy addition to keep the gloves paired together. Great multi-purpose gloves, they’re ideal for working snugly through cold wet winters rather than year round use as they’re a little too toasty for the summer months. They come in women’s small and medium sizes, and men’s medium and large.

Buy now from: Treadstone

RRP: £8.82

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Sam Turner and Sons

Pros:

• Comfortable and snug
• Warm
• Good grip
• Good value

Cons:

• Bulky

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for winter use these thick gloves have been designed to keep your hands toasty and warm in the winter months. Stihl’s ThermoGrip gloves are sturdy with a snug, knitted fit and although their chunky thickness means they lack a little dexterity they have a good grip and a waterproof latex layer.

Read the full Stihl ThermoGrip Gloves review.

Buy now from Sam Turner and Sons

RRP: £19.49

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros:

• Comfortable and snug
• Good dexterity and control
• Strong and durable
• Attractive, quality materials

Cons:

• Wrist strap fiddly for some

Made from artificial suede and tweed with a leather trim, the Burgon and Ball Love the Gloves were some of the best ladies gardening gloves on test and were awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for year-round use. The materials are high quality and the gloves are breathable, tough and  provide protection all year round. The wrist strap is adjustable for a snug fit but some may find it fiddly. They’re available in two sizes – small/medium and medium/large.

Read the full Burgon and Ball Love the Glove review.

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Buy now from Burgon and Ball

Best gauntlet gloves

RRP: £15.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Amazon and ManoMano

Pros

• Comfortable, warm and well sized
• Good quality leather with strong stitching
• Excellent protection against thorns
• Great value

Cons

• Cuff a little snug
• Not waterproof
• One size only

These simple but tough gauntlet gloves provide excellent protection from thorns and prickles in both the thick sturdy hand and the long suede cuff, although the cuff can be a little tight depending on the thickness of the coat you’re pulling them over. Available in men’s large size only, they’re a good fit for large hands with the leather moulding well to the hand. They feel tough but flexible and comfortable and there’s enough dexterity to grip secateurs and loppers for regular pruning jobs, although these gloves are not for finer work like planting. They’re also warm enough to wear throughout the colder pruning months of the autumn and winter. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best men’s gauntlets, they’re comfortable, protective and sturdy and excellent value for money.

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Best of the rest:

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test:

RRP: £20.00

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Genus

Pros

• Flexible
• Totally waterproof
• Dry well
• Available in a wide range of sizes

Cons

• Loose fit at the wrists and the fingers are long
• Liner loose
• Dexterity tricky with fit

These well-made gloves are ideal for keeping your hands totally dry when weeding, planting and working in wet weather. They’re well made with synthetic leather palms, polyester backs and tough seams, and although they won’t completely protect you from thorns and brambles they won’t snag or tear. They’re reasonably thin and better for fine rather than heavy work, however, despite measuring our hands before ordering, the fingers are long, which makes very fine delicate work difficult. The elasticated wrist is also quite loose, which is a bit drafty and lets in debris when you work.  But they are waterproof and the fleecy style lining keeps your hands warm, just watch when you take them on and off as it does work loose. They’re quite expensive but if you’ve got wet work to do, like leaf raking or digging they would be useful. They’re available in sizes – XS, S,M, L, XL,XXL and 3XL.

Buy now from Genus

RRP: £5.99

Our Rating : 4.3 out of 5

• Buy now from Tooled Up

Pros:

• Super light and comfortable
• Excellent dexterity
• Machine washable
• Made from sustainable materials

Cons:

• Very thin
• Early wear and tear evident
• Slippery fingertip coating

Extremely thin and breathable, these are a good pair of gloves to use in the spring and summer months. They’re excellently suited for delicate potting and sowing, as you can still feel what you’re doing, although we found that the coating on the fingertips was slippery, which is a shame when you’re attempting to tackle those finer, more fiddly tasks. Made from plastic bottles sourced from the ocean, their sustainability credentials are great, and they’re a bargain at £5.99. It’s also handy to have a machine-washable glove and running them through a cold cycle left them mostly stain-free and ready to use again. However, because of their thinness they’0re susceptible to ripping; just a small snag on a thorn or wayward branch results in holes on the back of the hand. They’re not a go-to, all-rounder glove, but if you’re looking for something to protect your hands while you do light work, they’re a nice addition to your collection. They’re available in sizes extra small, small, medium and large.

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Buy now from Town and Country

RRP: £8.99

Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5

• Buy now from Tooled Up and Town and Country

Pros:

• Good protection
• Comfortable
• Sustainable

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Fingers a little loose

As with other gloves in Town & Country’s Eco-Flex range, these gloves are made from recycled plastic sourced from the ocean and the materials themselves feel great – the elasticated wrist is snug and comfortable, and the coated palm and fingertips offers sturdy protection when tackling more heavy-duty tasks, including handling thorny stems and clearing waste. The rubber coating is somewhat stiff and doesn’t soften with use, and it can feel a little strange for the glove to want to snap back to its resting position. This also makes you feel less dexterous when tackling more tactile tasks or handling secateurs. The thin lining keeps your hands warm, but the backs of the glove soak through easily and are unpleasant to wear when wet. It’s very handy that they’re machine washable, and they come out looking clean with no signs of damage from a 30℃ cycle. They’re a good pair of multi-purpose gloves for the price, and their sustainable credentials are a big plus. They come in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large.

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Buy now from Town and Country

RRP: £12.49

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

Available from Amazon, Tooled Up and John Lewis & Partners

Pros:

• Easy to get on and off
• Comfortable and well-fitting
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not lined
• Not waterproof or water-resistant

Spear & Jackson’s Kew Garden Collection Gardening Gloves feature an adjustable velcro strap, so they’re easy to get on and off. Comfortable to wear, the palm is made using soft leather so doesn’t fit snugly, but you can feel what you’re doing and grip tools. The gloves have an elastane back, which makes them lightweight, breathable and flexible. As they’re not lined, waterproof or water-resistant, these gloves are best for dry weather in spring and summer. With double stitching and additional leather reinforcement on the thumb and index finger, they feel sturdy and durable enough to tackle everyday medium work. Available in small, medium and large for men and women.

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RRP: £14.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from Marshalls Garden and Electrical World

Pros:

• Soft and comfortable
• Thorn-proof
• Waterproof and warm
• Thick and shock absorbant

Cons:

• Bulky

The Kent and Stowe Luxury Leather Gloves are easy to get on, offering a great fit that moulds to the hand and up the wrist, even though there isn’t an adjustable strap. Made of leather with a warm polyester lining, these gloves are soft and comfortable, perfect for hard work in the winter. Though they’re only lined, not padded, these gloves are so thick they’ll still cushion your hands when you use a spade or a fork. The keystone stitches around the thumb make for extra durability, and it’s comfortable to lift heavy rocks or logs. They’re thorn-proof and waterproof, and they don’t stiffen after getting wet, even after a good soaking.
However, these gloves are quite bulky and inflexible, which means you’ll struggle with more nimble work like pruning and weeding. In summer, these will be far too hot to be comfortable, but they’re brilliant for wet work in winter. They’re a good value pair of leather gardening gloves. Available in ladie’s small and medium sizes and men’s medium and large.

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Our rating: 3.8 out of 5

• Buy now from Home & Garden Extras

Pros

• Snug and comfortable fit
• Good for dextrous work
• Latex covering for good grip
• Keen price

Cons

• Not at all durable
• Low level of protection

Made predominantly from recycled plastic bottles and coated with latex on the palms and fingers to give a good grip, these gloves are well fitting and comfortable. With a snug fit, they are good for light tasks, including jobs needing reasonably fine dexterity.  Although not waterproof, they will dry quickly but the main drawback of these gloves is that the covering wears and starts to come off after only a short time. And, although they’re made from recycled bottles, which is good from an environmental point of view, they can’t be recycled once they wear out. The latex covering is also not suitable for people  allergic to latex, but the packaging does highlight this. Like all Clip Gloves, they have wrist loops and a small metal carabiner so the gloves can clip onto a belt or bag when not in use or hang up easily. They come in sizes medium and large.

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RRP: from £15.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon and Town & Country

Pros:

• Soft and supple
• Generously-sized cuff for extra protection

Cons:

• Not water-resistant

While an extra-wide cuff means they’re easy to get on, the overall shape of these gloves feels loose and baggy.However, as you’ll use them for tackling rose bushes and other thorny shrubs this isn’t too much of an issue and the extra length in the cuff is more important than dexterity. Featuring a suede cuff and ultra-soft leather for the palm and fingers, these gloves are very supple, but there’s a seam at the base of the second and third finger which makes them uncomfortable to grip tools or branches, especially if you’re doing so for any length of time. They’re not lined but the leather provides some warmth, which is important as you’ll be pruning roses in late winter. Simply designed, we like the quality of the leather and suede, which remain soft even after getting wet. To clean, remove dry mud with a suede brush. Available in two sizes, medium to large.

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RRP: £19.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Soft leather with comfortable lining
• Good protection
• Water resistant

Cons

• Bulky
• Short cuff
• Leather catches and tears easily

With leather palms, a faux suede cuff and reinforced fingers and thumbs these pruning gloves from Clip Glove offer good protection, whether you’re tackling roses or grappling with brambles. The leather softens quickly and is water resistant, so they’re ideal for working in damp weather but, it catches and tears easily, meaning the gloves age quickly. A soft poly cotton lining gives extra warmth and protection but unfortunately, it’s bulky, which makes the fingers feel thick and limits dexterity quite a bit. The gloves are easy to get on and off and the cuff is wide enough to slip over most coats but it is short, only coming halfway up the forearm, so although the gloves give you the confidence to grab even the thorniest stem, it would be helpful if the cuffs offered the same protection to the elbow. They come in women’s sizes small and medium and men’s medium and large.

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RRP: £64.95

Our rating:  4 out of 5

Available from Sarah Raven

Pros

• Long cuff offers excellent protection
• Comfortable
• Good dexterity

Cons

• Hands lack padding and can feel thorns
• Colour dirties easily
• Limited choice of sizes
• Cuff a little snug

These simple gauntlets have soft, white leather hands and long suede cuffs that protect the forearm all the way to the elbow.
They’re soft and comfortable, moulding quickly to the hand, although we found the limited sizes meant they weren’t the best fit in the fingers for some of our testers. They’re easy to pull on, even though the cuff did struggle over thicker coats and a lining to the hands offers some extra warmth and protection. However, they are thin and without any additional padding we could feel the odd thorn as we worked which isn’t ideal. The leather is waterproof but as it’s white, dirties quickly which given the price of them is a shame.They re available in one colour and sizes small and large.

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RRP: £15.99

Our Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Available from B&Q and Amazon

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Long protective cuff
• Easy to slide on and off

Cons:

• Tough leather around fingertips make fine work tricky
• Hard to clean
• Tough poppers
• Limited sizes available

With their lush yellow leather and classy herringbone backs, these gloves have a classic look, but unfortunately style may have been favoured over substance. They’re incredibly easy to slide on and off, especially with the elongated leather cuff, which comfortably covers most of the lower arm and provides good protection when pruning thorny shrubs and climbers or tackling brambles and nettles. The fleece lining feels cosy, and they‘re water-resistant when working in wet weather. However, even after a good amount of wear, it’s hard to get the leather to soften around the fingertips, which reduces dexterity and makes it difficult to feel or grip fine material. An adjustable strap on the back of the gloves allows you to choose the fit, but the poppers are tough to snap on and off and the difference between the two fits is negligible, so it feels more like an aesthetic offering rather than a practical one. The yellow leather also gets dirty quickly, although that can add to its charm. They are available in ladies medium size only.

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How to choose the best gardening gloves

Choosing the best gardening gloves for you will depend on the jobs you’re planning to do. A range of materials are on offer including leather, bamboo, latex and nylon as well as recycled materials. Bamboo fibre is one of the more environmentally-friendly options and is typically soft, close fitting and flexible. Latex and leather are both tear-resistant and are often used to improve grip.

Additional padding or cushioning can also be helpful. Look out for padding on knuckles, fingertips, wrists and palms for increased protection when taking on manual tasks. Elasticated cuffs will provide a snug fit, prevent soil and plant debris falling in and are easy to get on and off.

Finally, if you intend to use gardening gloves all year round, water-resistance is helpful. This is often achieved using latex, leather or synthetic materials that can be specially treated to repel water.

How we tested gardening gloves

Compost is nature’s gift to your garden, a rich blend of nutrients that not only nourishes your plants but serves as an ideal fertiliser, organic mulch, and soil improver. Making your own compost is both a rewarding and sustainable practice that allows you to recycle garden and kitchen waste to provide your plants with the essential elements they crave. Simply put your garden waste and some kitchen waste into a compost bin and it will break down over a year or so to reveal fresh, home-made compost. If you’re looking for a compost bin for your garden they come in a range of shapes, sizes, and prices.
Whether you have a large country garden or a small outdoor space in the city, there are compost bins to suit all tastes and requirements. To help you choose between the hundreds available on the market we’ve tested several to provide a broad range of compost bins to inspire your next purchase.
We’ve also got some useful information regarding the different materials that compost bins can be made of, how to choose the best compost bin and what to put in your compost bin.

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If you’re new to composting or would like more practical tips and information, see our guides on how to make compost and how to make a composting trench. We also have a handy trouble-shooting video on common problems with composting. For tested tools to help with the process, check out our guides to the best spades, electric garden shredders, border forks, gloves, wheelbarrows and best cordless mowers.

Best compost bins to buy at a glance:

• Best budget compost bin: Blackwall Green Compost Converter
• Best large compost bin: Modular Compost Bin
• Best compost bin for versatility: Green Johanna 330 Litre Hot Composter
• Best compost bin for speed: Hotbin Mk. 2 Composter

Jump to:

• Best compost bins in 2024
• Best of the rest
• What materials are compost bins made of?
• How to choose the best compost bin
• What to put in a compost bin
• How we tested
• Trouble shooting – what to do if your compost doesn’t look quite right

In every review, we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best compost bins below:

The best compost bins in 2025

RRP: £42.99

Our rating: 4.25/5

Available from Even Greener

Pros

• Low price
• Black bin totally recycled
• Optional base plate to site on hard surface
• Long warranty

Cons

• Thin, non-ventilated construction
• Slowest to compost
• Only one access hatch

The Blackwall Compost Converter is a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget model. Made of recycled plastic, it consists of a one-piece cone-shaped body with a snug-fitting removable lid and single hatch. It’s very quick to set up – just stand it on the soil and you’re good to go. It’s a great option for those who want a simple and affordable compost bin. However, because of its thin sides, it was one of the slowest composters on test, so if you want results quickly you may want one of the other models featured here.

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Read the full Blackwall Compost Converter review.

Buy Blackwall Compost Converter at Even Greener

RRP: £199.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Suttons

Pros

• Simple, tool-free assembly
• Insulated cover sits directly in compost
• Planks slide out for easy filling/ access
• Accessed in any side
• Extends with additional three-sided modules

Cons

• Cover lets in some rain

This traditional wooden compost bin has a huge 573 litre capacity, earning it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for the best large compost bin. Made from sustainably sourced Scandinavian softwood, the planks easily slot into upright grooves on the corner posts and the bin can be accessed from every side. Thanks to its plastic cover, it produces the highest internal temperature of any of the wooden bins on test, guaranteeing fantastic compost. However, you should note that this cover let in a little rain.

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Read the full Suttons Modular Wooden Compost Bin review.

Buy the Suttons Modular Wooden Compost Bin at Amazon and organiccatalogue.com

RRP: £144.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Compost food and garden waste
• Made from 100% recycled plastic
• No need to pre-mix waste
• Good capacity for price

Cons

• Can’t harvest compost when the winter jacket is on

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the most versatile compost bin, the Green Johanna 330-litre Hot Composter has a good capacity and works effectively for all types of food and garden waste. It does not need pre-mixing and is made from 100 per cent-recycled plastic.

Read the full Green Johanna 330 Litre Hot Composter review

Buy Green Johanna 330 Litre Hot Composter at Van Meuwen, Suttons, Amazon and Great Green Systems

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RRP: £255

Our rating: 4.25/5

Pros

• Quickly composts food and garden waste
• Self-contained and comes part assembled
• Achieved highest temperature

Cons

• Waste needs pre-mixing
• Made from vigin materials
• Cam straps make compost access awkward

If you want quick compost, look no further – the Hotbin Mk. 2 Composter is a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy winner for being the fastest to compost. A good option for small spaces, it has a built-in carbon filter to absorb smells, a temperature gauge on the lid and a tank in the base to collect the liquid produced during composting. That said, all waste needs mixing before going into this composter, and it can be a little tricky to access the compost.

Read the full Hotbin Mk. 2 Composter review

Buy Hotbin Mk. 2 Composter at Hotbin, Thompson & Morgan, Even Greener, and Dobies

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The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a Best Buy award, they still have various features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

RRP: £134.99

Our rating: 4/5

Pros

• Smart and compact, made from 90% recyclable plastic
• Takes both food and garden waste
• Easy to fill and empty
• Tank to collect/dispense liquid
• Makes compost quickly if regularly turned

Cons

• Lots of assembly
• Heavy to turn when fuller
• Needs regular attention for fast composting
• Household would need more than one composter
• High price

This compost bin is a ‘tumbler’ type, designed to enable the frequent turning and mixing of waste material, and produces compost much faster than a traditional compost bin due to the high level of aeration. It’s smart and well made, from 90% recycled plastic, and its vermin-proof design enables the composting of both food and garden waste. Thanks to its compact size of 60 x 50 x 65cm, it’s also easy to site almost anywhere. Both adding and emptying waste is straightforward, as the hatch is large and opens and locks smoothly with a chunky knob. There are also plenty of grip points to rotate the drum with relative ease, although once the tumbler is around two-thirds full, this becomes quite hard to do due to the weight.
One of its best features is that when the compost is ready, you simply roll the drum off the base to a convenient emptying place in the garden. The nutrient-rich liquid that drains during the composting process is also collected in a tank which clips onto a garden hose, allowing this useful plant tonic to be easily dispensed when watering.

However, while this bin is clearly solidly made and the product of a carefully thought-out design, there are drawbacks. The cost is high in comparison to the amount of waste it can process and the subsequent amount of compost produced. Another, is that it needs ‘tending’ to tumble the waste: not in itself an arduous task, but to produce compost rapidly this does need regular attention, ideally daily. The air vents do allow small flies to enter, and during warm weather, these fly out in clouds when the hatch is first opened, so opening it and standing back for a minute is advisable. Any garden waste such as stems and woody material aren’t suitable to use in this compost bin, if the aim is to produce compost in a period of weeks. However, the chief drawback is that this can’t be the only composting solution because the waste needs to be left for a period of a month or so without adding fresh material. This therefore necessitate either having two of these composters, or an alternative composting solution. It comes with a three-year warranty.

Buy the Hozelock EasyMix 2-in-1 composter from Keen Gardener, B&Q, Wickes and Amazon

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RRP: £84.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Primrose

Pros

• Good size capacity for price
• Removable front makes it easy to add waste and harvest compost
• Long warranty

Cons

• Drill required for assembly
• No lid or cover
• Waste composted slower at front and top

The simple construction of this wooden compost bin allows for a whopping 718 litres of volume. It’s made from slats to allow air circulation around the compost and the front ones are removable, making filling up the bin much easier and allowing lots of room to get at the compost when it’s ready. However, we found that these wide gaps meant that it composts relatively slowly. Made from pressure treated pine, the slats have a smooth, planed finish and are guaranteed against rot for 15 years.

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Buy Lacewing Easy-Load Wooden Compost Bin from Primrose

RRP: from £199

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Harrod Horticultural

Pros

• Very sturdy construction
• Planks slide out for easy filling/access
• Accessed on any side
• Extends with additional three-sided modules

Cons

• Lots of assembly and requires a powered screwdriver
• Screws for lid rails too short

Producing some of the best and fastest compost on test, this composter is for serious gardeners. It’s designed to be modular, so you can add multiple units for extra capacity, and is very sturdy as it’s made of sustainably sourced wood with aluminium fittings. The planks slide out smoothly so it’s easy to add waste and remove compost. However, the lid isn’t included, and this composter needs a lot of assembly with power tools, so if DIY isn’t your bag you may want to look elsewhere.

Buy the Harrod Horticultural Slot and Slide Wooden Compost Bin from Harrod Horticultural

RRP: £94.99

Our rating: 3.75/5

Pros

• Insulated and vented sides
• Two-part hinged lid for easy filling
• Made from 100% recycled plastic
• Optional base plate so can be sited on a hard surface

Cons

• Multiple lugs make assembly and hatch replacing tricky
• Connectors don’t feel very durable

This plastic compost bin has a great 400-litre capacity. On test, its foamed plastic walls and carefully designed ventilation system helped it handle this volume quickly, producing excellent compost. It’s made from 100% recycled materials and includes a wide two-part hinged hatch for easy filling. However, it’s a little tricky to assemble.

Buy the 400 Litre Thermo-King Composter at Robert Dyas, Crocus and Garden Tech

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RRP: £208.88

Our rating: 3.75/5

Available from Garden Delights. Also available in 700L

Pros

• Insulated and vented sides
• Hinged lid, easy to fill
• Compost accessed on any side
• 100% recycled plastic

Cons

• Assembly hard to align single-handed
• Comparatively high price

With a robust, sectional design and made from thick recycled plastic, this bin is easy to access thanks to a wide hinged lid. Insulated and vented sides help it compost quickly and it’s available in a range of sizes, from 250L to 700L (pictured). However, we found that it’s fiddly to assemble without help, and it comes at a relatively high price.

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Buy the Thermo Compost Bin Komp 420 on Amazon and Garden Delights

RRP: £199.99

Our rating: 3.75/5

Pros

• Compost food and garden waste
• Produced compost in reasonable time
• Finished compost easy to access

Cons

• Waste needs pre-mixing for high temp
• Leachate tank hard to access
• Made from virgin materials

Our tester liked this this high-tech compost bin, which thanks to its internal ‘lung’ to circulate air and a rigid recycled plastic outer shell produces compost quickly. It’s easy to access, but the bin needs a regular supply of ready-mixed waste to maintain temperature, as well as a drainage hose, which isn’t supplied. The leachate tank is also tricky to access.

Buy the Aerobin 200L Composter from Amazon and Water Butts Direct

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RRP: £189.99

Our rating: 3.5/5

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Pros

• Durable with effective lid
• FSC wood
• Long anti-rot warranty
• Looks good

Cons

• Lengthy to build
• Needs a prop to hold up lid
• Hard to harvest from hatch
• Slow to make compost

This attractive wooden, beehive-style compost bin makes a stylish feature in the garden. Made from FSC pressure treated softwood it arrives flat packed and took our tester a lengthy two hours to slot together and build. It has a hinged lid and a hatch at the base for accessing the compost, and tools including a drill and screwdriver are needed to attach both of these. The bin holds 250 litres of compost, although this is more like 230 litres when you allow for a gap at the top for air circulation, and it’s easy to add material, as long as you’re strong enough to lift the lid with one hand. Our tester fashioned their own prop to hold the heavy lid up while they worked and it’s a shame that given the price, one isn’t included with the bin as it makes a massive difference to ease of use. It’s also awkward to harvest compost from the hatch as material needs regularly turning and so you end up turning and using the compost at the top.
The quality of compost was as you would expect with a cold composting system of this size and it took 18 months before we had a good crumbly mix. The bin is well aerated and the secure lid prevents compost getting soggy from the rain. The bin is also open at the bottom so it’s ideal for placing directly on the soil but this does mean that rodents can burrow up into the compost. The bin feels very durable once built and it comes with a 15-year anti-rot warranty, which as the wood is in direct contact with the damp ground is reassuring. The build quality and looks of this bin and are its best features but it’s not for gardeners who lack strength or don’t want to spend time putting it together.

Buy from Amazon

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What materials are compost bins made of?

Compost bins come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are made using different materials:

• Plastic compost bins: Ideal for a small space, the plastic sides and lid retain moisture and heat to encourage rapid decomposition, as well as blocking out light to stop weeds from growing. This type of bin should ideally be placed on grass or earth.
• Wooden compost bins: Typically 1x1m but the biggest wooden bins can produce hundreds of litres of compost. They’re often modular, so you can fit several together and cycle compost throughout the year to ensure a steady supply. Usually open to the elements, you can also increase their efficiency with a wooden lid or plastic cover.
• Hot compost bins: Insulated with a close-fitting lid, these are designed to allow decomposition at a much higher temperature and therefore higher speed than other composters (30-90 days, compared to around six months). They also result in a finer compost. Roughly the size of a wheelie bin, they need to stand on a hard surface.
• Wormery bins: These work similarly to compost bins, but are slightly different. They’re designed for the small-scale composting of kitchen waste, and use tiger worms to break down material instead of decay. These specialised worms mix and break down the compost quickly and produce a nutrient-rich liquid for use as a fertiliser. Compost worms can also be added to larger bins. However, not all waste is suitable for a wormery, so you’ll still need a compost bin too.
  For more info, check out our expert tests of the best wormeries or read our guide on how to set up a wormery.

You can also make your own compost bin using wooden pallets or corrugated iron. Enclosing the sides will retain heat, which speeds up the rotting process – the larger the pile, the more heat. The ideal minimum size is 1m x 1m and, if possible, make more than one, so it’s easier to turn the compost. For more help, take a look at our advice on how to build a compost bin and our guides to the best multi-tools, best cordless drills and best hammers, should you attempt to build your own.

How to choose the best compost bin

When choosing a compost bin, consider the size of your plot, the design of your garden and the amount of compost you’d like to produce.

Where will it go? Location is likely to influence your choice of bin. A site in full or part shade is best for successful composting. Most bins need to be placed on soil to achieve good drainage and boost microbial action, but the Aerobin and Hotbin must be on a level hard surface. If you want a cheaper compost bin but only have hard surfaces, look for a model with the option of a base plate to create good drainage and aeration.
Which design is best? If you only want or have room for a single bin, choose a design where finished compost can be easily harvested from the bottom so you can keep filling from the top. This applies to all the plastic composters in our trial.
How fast is compost produced compared to the work involved? Composting in traditional (non-insulated) bins takes 6-12 months on a ‘fill and forget’ approach. You can speed up the process by emptying out, turning and refilling to incorporate air and up the temperature, but obviously this takes time and effort. Easiest is two bins so one rots while the other fills. A lid or cover will help retain heat and moisture, and keep out excess rainfall, so cover open bins with a piece of plastic or old carpet. Material and thickness also influence compost speed by retaining more heat. Wood is a good insulator while thin plastic has the poorest qualities. Highly insulated or ‘hot’ composters are most expensive but do have the potential to make compost in just a few weeks as the composting process is faster at higher temperatures. This type of bin suits a ‘little and often’ mode of filling: note the Aerobin and Hotbin require a weekly supply of pre-mixed waste to work at their most effective.
What do you get for the money? Consider the length of warranty, particularly with wooden bins and the eco-credentials of the bin, which can vary – some are made from FSC wood or totally from 100% recycled plastic while others contain none.

What to put in a compost bin

Most garden material is compost-able, including grass clippings, annual weeds, leaves of perennial ones (not roots, they’ll keep growing) and soft prunings. This ‘green’ material, as it’s often called, would become airless and soggy on its own, so for effective composting, mix with around the same amount by volume of ‘browns’ like chopped-up woody stems, brown cardboard and non-shiny paper. Raw vegetable scraps, teabags, coffee grounds and cut flowers can go in any type of bin, but cooked food, meat and fish must only go in an enclosed vermin-proof design.

How we tested compost bins

The bins were assembled and sited according to instructions, and then tested over a year. They were given the required type of waste and similar bins were given the same mix of waste at the same time. They were assessed throughout the year using the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

• Design & setup. Looked at ease and clarity of instructions, siting restrictions, and how well the design worked and extra features.
• Ease of use. Assessed the simplicity of adding waste and then removing compost from the bin.
• Compost quality & speed. Focussed on the speed the waste rotted down (including checking the temperature using a compost thermometer) and the quality of the finished compost.
• Value for money & eco credentials. Considered the value relative to the above, including warranty and RRP and as well as eco credentials such as type of material and, if plastic, whether virgin or recycled.

For more information in our testing process, take a look at how we review.

Trouble shooting

Balance is key when adding materials to the compost bin, but if your heap doesn’t look quite right follow these tips

Compost too dry?
This might be down to too much brown waste and pruning waste that’s not been broken down sufficiently. Make sure cardboard is ripped up and prunings are shredded. And ensure you’re mixing regularly and adding enough green waste.

Compost too wet?
If you add too much green waste, the compost may get too wet and potentially smelly. Keep the balance and add more brown waste if you notice it’s becoming too wet. Make sure green material is added in small amounts, for example adding a pile of grass clippings in one go may cause problems.

Compost isn’t rotting down?
If your compost is taking too long to break down, check your balance of green to brown waste, and turn the heap more regularly.

Too many flies?
It’s natural to have fruit flies, fungus gnats and other small flies in your compost – they are a key part of the ecosystem. But fly infestations are more likely if the compost is too wet or has too much green waste. Keep a good balance of material or place a layer of cardboard or soil at the top of the heap.

This Review roundup was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

A strong, comfortable and reliable pair of wellington boots is essential for every gardener, whatever the time of year. Whether you’re looking for the best wellies for walking, digging or weeding, we’ve tried and tested a range of styles to bring you clear advice on the best wellington boots for you.

Once you’ve ordered your wellies, why not think about storage? We’ve found the most practical, and stylish solutions in our best boot racks roundup, and while you’re at it, see our guide to the best boot scraper and brushes to help keep them mud-free. And if you’re searching for lighter footwear, we’ve also found some of the best garden shoes to wear in the garden.

Buying wellington boots – video

Best wellington boots at a glance:

Women’s

• Best wellington boots for long walks: Joules Printed Wellies with Back Gusset
• Best wellington boots for for sustainability: Lakeland Tall Wellington Boots
• Best wellington boots for everday use: Merry People Bobbi wellington boots
• Best wellington boots for summer months: Le Chameau Women’s Iris Jersey Lined Wellington Boots
• Best wellington boots for wider leg shapes: Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2

Men’s and Unisex

• Best all rounder wellington boots: Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boot
• Best men’s heavy-duty wellington boots: Skellerup Red Band Knee Length 
• Best wellington boots for cold weather: Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined 

Jump to:

• Best women’s wellington boots
• Best men’s and unisex wellington boots
• The best of the rest
• How to choose the best wellington boots
• How to look after your wellington boots 
• How we tested

In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best wellington boots below:

Best Buy women’s wellington boots

RRP: £59.95

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Pros:

• Comfortable and light for long walks
• Very easy to take on and off
• Good grip in muddy conditions
• Available in range of colours and patterns

Cons:

• Need socks for warmth

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for long walks, these women’s wellington boots are made from 60% natural rubber and 40% synthetic mix, which makes them lightweight and flexible while offering good support. There’s a removable, shock absorbing insole for extra comfort, and a moulded heel and arch, which holds feet in position. Fully waterproof, they have an elasticated back gusset with popper fastening so you can adjust for comfort and to tuck in trousers, and although they have a ridge rather than a kick spur, they’re easy to get on and off. A ridged sole and block heels means they offer plenty of grip in heavy mud, as well as on loose gravel on slopes. They’re also quick to clean as the ridges aren’t too deep, so the soles don’t clog with mud. Despite not having toecaps, they’re suitable for digging as the heel and sole are strong and sturdy. However, they’re not well insulated so need a thick pair of socks for warmth in cold weather. Scuff-resistant, they come with a one-year warranty and are available in a range of different colours and patterns.

UK sizes: 3-9

Digital market & commerce executive, Angelica Wilson says:

‘I have high arches and struggle with very flat shoes, so I was really pleased these boots support my foot shape and feel comfortable.’

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RRP: £59.95

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Buy now from Lakeland Footwear (£59.95), Ethical Superstore (£59.95), and Natural Collection (£59.95)

Pros:

• Vegan friendly
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced natural rubber
• Comfortable fit
• Breathable, cotton lining
• Available in 10 colours

Cons:

• Need thick socks for warmth in cold weather

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for sustainability, these wellies are suitable for vegans, are made entirely with FSC certified natural rubber, sourced in Sri Lanka, and have an organic cotton lining. Light and flexible, they’ve an adjustable strap, making them very easy to get on and off and our tester wore the next size up, which allowed plenty of room for warm socks. They have a good arch support, which means they’re comfortable and don’t rub, even on long walks. Block heels make them good for digging, and the toe area is reinforced with extra rubber, offering additional structure and support for lighter gardening jobs. Gripping well in muddy woods and on icy roads, the sole doesn’t clog up with mud, which means they’re quick and easy to rinse clean too. Fully waterproof and scuff-resistant, even after walking through brambles, they come with a one-year warranty.

UK sizes: 4-8

Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:

‘These wellies are nice and light, so well suited to long walks with the dog, as well as pottering in the garden.’

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RRP: £84.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Buy now from Merry People (£84.95)

Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Made with tough, vegan materials
• Light, easy to wear

Cons:

• Does not have protection above the ankle
• Tread not for very muddy conditions

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for everyday use, the Bobbi wellington boots are light, tough, and comfortable to wear. Easy to slip on and off, with two straps to help you get your feet in quickly, once slipped on, these boots are warm, thanks to a neoprene lining, and comfortable with good arch support. Made from natural vegan rubber they’re tough, waterproof, and very easy to wipe clean. The Bobbi boot’s tread has good general grip, and there’s a chunky heel to help keep you up and out of the mud but although these boots are great for everyday gardening, they don’t protect your legs from the mud so are not for wearing in very wet or muddy conditions.
Available in a wide range of colours they come with a one-year warranty. We recommend buying your normal shoe size, but rounding down if you’re at a half size.

UK sizes: 3-10

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RRP: £110

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Buy now from Country Attire and Le Chameau

Pros:

• Comfortable fit
• Jersey lined to wick away moisture
• Supportive sole and heel
• Easy to clean
• Available in seven colours

Cons:

• Need thick socks for warmth
• No toe cap reinforcement

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for summer months, Le Chameau’s Iris women’s wellington boots are made from 80% natural Chamolux rubber, sourced from a mature rubber plantation in Vietnam. The additional 20% is synthetic rubber to improve durability. Light and flexible, they’re a great fit, despite not having an adjustable strap, and offer plenty of support. They’re lined with jersey cotton, which prevents slipping or rubbing and wicks moisture away from feet, keeping them dry and making them ideal for hot weather. However, our tester needed to wear thick socks for warmth on colder days. They grip well in muddy conditions and the heel feels solid and balanced, although there isn’t reinforced toe protection. Available in seven colours, they’re 100% waterproof, scuff resistant and easy-to-clean. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.

UK sizes: 3-8

Picture editor, Sarah Edwards says:

‘My feet never felt wet or moist thanks to a jersey lining.’

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RRP: £90.00

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Buy now from Country Attire and Aigle

Pros:

• Soft, supple and flexible
• Excellent grip
• Good support
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Big for size

These rubber wellington boots are handmade and easy to get on and off. They feel soft and supple and have a handy quick dry lining. They were comfortable to wear with generous room around the calves and feet and have a firm grip underfoot. There is a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for wider leg shapes.

Sizes: UK 2-8

Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:

‘Really easy to get on and off and great for tucking in your jeans so they stay clean and dry too.’

Read the full Aigle Chambord Pro Lady 2 review.

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Best Buy men’s wellington boots and unisex pairs

RRP: £135
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

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Pros:

• Adjustable calf
• Foot support
• Good for digging
• Strong and sturdy

Cons:

• Block heel unpopular

Hunter’s original rubber wellington boots offer a comfortable and flexible fit and are easy to get on and off. The boots don’t rub, making them ideal wellington boots for walking or digging in. There’s a good grip and a range of colours for both men and women. A two-year guarantee is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy as an all-rounder choice.

Sizes: UK 3-12

Gardening editor, Emma Crawforth says:

‘Hefty price tag but they’re sturdy, supportive and stylish.’

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Read the full Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots review.

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RRP: £75

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Buy now for £63.36 from Granite Workwear

Pros:

• Helpful kick spur
• Robust and heavy duty
• Distinct heel and deep tread

Cons:

• Bit big around the calves

Skellerup’s thick rubber wellington boots are cotton-lined and feature a kick spur so are easy to get on and off, although they are little big for size. The cushioned insole makes them comfortable while the reinforced toe ensures sturdiness. There’s a good grip, so the boots are ideal for muddy conditions and warmer weather. A one-year warranty is included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for men’s heavy duty wellington boots.

Sizes: UK 4-14

Deputy editor, Kevin Smith says:

‘They are wide around the calf (so good for those with bigger calves) but a little gappy around the ankle.’

Read the full Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot review.

• Buy the Skellerup Red Band Knee Length Farm Boot from Granite Workwear

RRP: £200

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Exceptionally warm
• Shoe like fit
• Easy calf adjustment
• Good support

Cons:

• Can be hard to get off

Made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, these wellington boots by Le Chameau are very warm and have an adjustable calf for a better fit. Although easy to slip on, the pair can be harder to get off. They have a comfortable fit with a shoe like feel, although they may be snug for wider feet. There’s a wide range of sizes and colours and they are available for men and women. There’s a two-year warranty included and we awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for cold weather.

Sizes: UK 2.5-15

Senior reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:

‘Good fit and the lining of these boots keep feet warm and dry.’

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Read the full Le Chameau Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Wellingtons review.

The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

RRP: £119

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Buy now from Niwaki (£119)

Pros:

• Steel toe cap, so useful for heavy duty jobs
• Washable inside and out

Cons:

• Snug fit
• Need socks for warmth
• Comparatively expensive

Comfy, supportive and stylish, these heavy-duty boots are rubber lined so don’t need thick socks to keep feet warm, which is just as well as they’re a snug fit. The chunky soles grip well in muddy conditions and stony slopes, and given the substantial heel, work well when using garden spades and forks. They also feature steel toe caps, which means they’re good for other practical gardening and DIY jobs, but are still light enough for walking. There’s a soft rubber hood at the top of the boot, which is designed to make them watertight, but had a tendency to flop down on test – though this could be to do with calf size rather than design. We also like that they’re easy to wash, both inside and out, but you must remove the insoles first. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a two-year warranty.

Sizes: UK 5.5-10.5

Senior digital reviews writer, Cinead McTernan says:

‘I love the look of these boots, and they’re also a practical option if you want a sturdy pair that’s ideal for all sorts of gardening jobs.’

• Buy Niwaki Rubber Boots from Niwaki

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RRP: £120

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

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Pros:

• Easy to get on/off – so perfect for a backdoor boot
• Waterproof but breathable
• Sturdy toe protection
• Lightweight so not tiring

Cons:

• Slightly wide in the foot
• Soles could be sturdier to enable extended digging
• The pale colour, which may not age as well as a darker shade over time.

These half-height boots are easy to slip on and off, thanks to moulded heels and flexible neoprene boot cuffs at the top, which can be rolled down for ease of access but are high enough to tuck-in for trousers. Lined and warm, even in cold weather, they’re reasonably true to size, and good for wider feet, so if you’ve narrow feet, you may want thicker socks. Sturdy and lightweight, they have a padded insole with some arch support, which makes them comfortable for a long day in the garden. They also have a band of reinforcement over the tips of the toes, for protection during lighter jobs. However, they’re not cushioned enough for prolonged digging, or distance walking, where you’d also want firmer ankle support, and shallow treads means they lack good grip in muddy, wet conditions. Easy to clean – either sponging off or brushed clean where mud was left to dry, the uppers in a pale colour might stain in time, but after 2 months wear, they retain a near-new look despite wearing in winter mud. The rubber boots are waterproof, while the neoprene uppers repels water. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.

Sizes: UK 3-9

Former Editor, Lucy Hall says:

‘They are a good second boot for me – as they’re easy to keep by the backdoor, to kick on and off in a hurry, but the lack of grippy sole means I’d always need a sturdier boot for extended digging, dog-walking or rambling over rougher terrain.’

• Buy Muck Boot RHS Muckster 11 boots from John Lewis

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RRP: £59.99

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

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Pros:

• Very lightweight, but built to last
• Removable lining
• Kick spur, so easy to put on and take off

Cons:

• Wide fit, no support for calves or arches
• No toe cap reinforcement
• Only available in green and black

These short-style wellington boots from Leon Boot Company are surprisingly light. A great option if practicality is at the top of your wish list, they feature deep, thick soles that grip well, even in muddy conditions, a kick spur on the back to help remove the boots, and a removable liner. Made from a solid piece of rubber, they’re also completely waterproof, durable and simple to wash as there’s nowhere for mud to collect. A loose-fit design, it’s easy to put them on and take off, however, this generous sizing means they don’t support the calf, and as the heel is relatively low and the sole flat, people with high arches might find them uncomfortable. They also don’t have toe protection and aren’t breathable, which means feet can get hot and sweaty. They come with a one-year warranty for the boot, but the internal sock has no warranty.

Sizes: UK 3-14

Senior content creator, Miranda Janatka says:

‘They definitely deliver on their promise – surprisingly lightweight and yet still feel strong, solid, and flexible.’

• Buy Explorer ultralight boots from Amazon

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RRP: £140

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

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• Very light and bouncy
• Breathable
• Toe protection

Cons:

• Rub on back of heel
• Adjustable calf more for decoration

This pair of long wellington boots are light and springy to wear and ideal for walking. Made from a combination of rubber and leather, the pair offer good grip and support although they can rub on the back of the heel for some wearers. There’s a choice of three colours available and they are guaranteed for one year.

Sizes: UK 3-8

• Buy the Burford waterproof rubber boots from Ariat

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RRP: £110

Our rating: 4 out of 5

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Pros:

• Very bouncy and comfortable
• Very light
• Easy to get on and off
• Good grip

Cons:

• The straps are hard to adjust and close
• The fit is wide around the foot and the ankle
• Colours won’t be for everyone
• Expensive for lack of thermal lining

The new Kelmarsh rubber boot from Ariat come up a bit big and are quite wide in the foot and ankle, which, together with a slight but effective bump on heel, means they’re very easy to take on and off. There’s also an adjustable strap at the back, but it’s quite awkward to use and needs both hands to close the clip fastening. Lightweight and bouncy – thanks to a cushioned, shock absorbing sole – these boots are comfortable for walking and prolonged use. Strong and sturdy, they also grip well, and the soles don’t clog up with dirt as they push mud out to the edges as you walk. Fully waterproof, scuff-resistant, and warm, thanks to a jersey lining, they don’t feature toe protection. Disappointingly, there’s a choice of just two colours – blue or grey – as well as a large logo on the back, which might not appeal to everyone. Amongst the more expensive pairs on test, they come with a one-year warranty.

Sizes: UK 3-8.5

Reviews editor, Kay Maguire says:

‘These are bouncy and light and very comfortable even after a day in the garden, and are great for walking the dog too.’

• Buy the Kelmarsh Rubber Boot from Ariat

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How to choose the best wellington boots

• Make sure they’re comfortable to wear and fit well. In our descriptions of each pair of wellingtons, we’ve noted if the sizing is particularly large or snug. We’ve also highlighted features that we found improved or impeded the comfort of each pair.
• The material the boots are made from will also affect how they feel to wear. For instance, neoprene may make the boots more flexible, while fleece linings will improve comfort and warmth.
• Every pair will have a slightly different grip and heel size and some may also have features such as reinforced toes, which are useful for heavy duty work. In any wellington boot, a good, strong grip is important to keep you steady on your feet in wet, stony, or muddy conditions.

How to look after your wellington boots

Always clean your boots regularly, preferably after every use, but especially when they’re very muddy. Wash them with cold soapy water, make sure they’re dry, then store them out of direct sunlight, somewhere cool and dry. Don’t leave them near a radiator or fire to dry, or store them outside in a cold shed or garage, as this can cause shrinking, splitting and cracking. With rubber boots, consider investing in a silicone spray or boot buffer, which will help to prevent the rubber degrading

Excess heat or sunlight can cause blooming on rubber wellies – when a white powdery finish forms on the surface of the boots. It should come off by wiping a wet cloth downwards across the rubber, but if it
doesn’t shift, then try a rubber buffer spray.

How we tested wellies

We tested a range of women’s and men’s wellington boots for several months over the winter and into spring. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

• Comfort. Looked at how easy they were to put on and take off, general size and fit, as well as suitability for a range of gardening jobs and walking.
• Sole and materials. Focused on grip and how well they coped with mud. We also assessed the heels and soles for digging, as well as if they featured toe caps, were warm and finally, if they were easy to clean.
• Durability. Assessed if the boots were sturdy and built to last, as well as if there were waterproof and scuff resistant.
• Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.

For more information on our testing process see How we Review.

This review was last updated in February 2024. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Always useful, whether you’re weeding, transporting plants or moving heavy landscape materials, a wheelbarrow is a valuable addition to a gardener’s tool shed. Typically single wheeled with a metal tray, many different sizes, styles and materials of barrow are also available, from 100% recycled plastic to two wheeled barrows.
The type of wheelbarrow you need will depend on the jobs you do most so before you choose, think about the main jobs you need it for. If you regularly do just lightweight gardening tasks then a plastic, shallow barrow should suffice but the heavier, bulkier the loads, the more demand you’ll put on both the tray and wheels.

We reviewed a range of the most popular wheelbarrows on the market, putting them through their paces in the garden throughout 2021, to bring you a list of the best wheelbarrows.
Each model has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to ease of use, comfort, performance, and value for money. Each wheelbarrow below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

Getting ready to tidy the garden? Why not check out our expert tests of the 18 best secateurs: bypass, anvil and rachet and 10 of the best gardening gloves. You might find our roundup of 20 of the best garden kneelers and 10 of the best garden aprons and garden tool belts useful too.If you’re planting or lifting and dividing plants, see our review of the best garden spades, or if you’re pruning, take a look at our review of the best loppers. For more help composting see our review of the best compost bins.

How to choose a wheelbarrow

Before you buy think about the following:

• Size. Wheelbarrow capacity varies and is usually given in litres, although weight limits, given in kilogrammes can also be stated. Capacity tells you how big a load a barrow can handle but be sure to take into account your own strength and how much you can lift and carry comfortably. Check the dimensions of your garden, particularly if it’s smaller, including the width of gateways and any narrow alleys you may need to push it down.
• Wheels. A typical barrow has just one wheel positioned towards the front of the tray but wheelbarrows can also have two, even four. Traditional one wheeled barrows are easier to manoeuvre around the garden and to lift and empty but they can tip over easily, particularly when turning with a heavy load or if filled unevenly. Two wheeled barrows are less likely to topple over but can be less nimble and harder to turn and lift and dump.
• Tyres. These can be solid rubber, plastic or pneumatic. Solid rubber or plastic wheels can’t puncture or go flat but they are not as smooth in use as an air filled tyre and can struggle on very rough ground. Pneumatic, air-filled tyres can puncture or start to go flat and need regular pumping up but if kept well pumped up will they are lighter and give a much more comfortable, cushioned ride over bumps and uneven ground.
• Materials. Trays are usually made from either plastic or steel and which is best depends on how much weight you can handle and what you’re lifting. Steel trays are tough and can handle more weight than plastic but they are susceptible to rust (unless there’s a rust-resistant coating) and are heavy. They are great for transporting bricks, rocks and large plants. Plastic trays are light and often cheaper than metal barrows. They can split under heavy loads, bend and scratch easily but are ideal for shifting prunings, weeds and compost.
• Handles. A classic wheelbarrow has two handles, which should be long enough to easily push, lift and tip. Ergonomic bar type handles are easier on the arms when pushing but have less leverage when dumping a load. Look for grips which help to protect the hands and will make the barrow easier to push and lift. Soft rubber or plastic with ridges and grip are both comfortable and stop hands slipping but check they’re fitted firmly.

Best wheelbarrows at a glance

Best Buy: Lasher Ecobarrow
Best Buy: Vonhaus 78L wheelbarrow
Best Buy: Draper Garden Caddy
Walsall Endurance Black Steel Heavy Duty wheelbarrow
Draper Galvanised 65L wheelbarrow

Browse our pick of the best wheelbarrows below.

Five of the best wheelbarrows

RRP: £144.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

• Great eco credentials
• Light and nimble
• Funneled tray for easy tipping
• Well designed

Cons

• Handles lack grip

This lightweight barrow is quick and simple to put together taking just 20 minutes. Both the frame and steel are made from surprisingly strong, 100% recycled polypropylene and nylon and it has a sturdy pneumatic tyre which gives a smooth, cushioned ride over all ground. It has two, u-shaped tipping bars for good stability when lifting and dumping the load and has some great extra features. The 70 litre capacity UV-resistant tray is deep and funnelled to make tipping really easy and also allows it to fit in between plants in beds and borders. The feet have grips on the base to keep the barrow stable and the handles have been ergonomically shaped to fit the hand, although they are smooth and so lack the extra grip other barrows have. It’s at the top of the price scale for barrows in our test but it’s great quality, long lasting and comes with a five year warranty. It was awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for Best All Round Barrow in our review.

Read the full Lasher Ecobarrow review

Buy the Lasher Ecobarrow from Primrose, Amazon, Zoro and Manomano

RRP: £79.99

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

• Surprisingly lightweight
• Nimble and easy to use
• Simple to tip
• Well balanced

Cons

• Tricky assembly

With two wheels, a steel frame and plastic tray this wheelbarrow is surprisingly lightweight. Despite the double wheels it’s also nimble and copes easily with awkward corners and they actually help to stabilise the barrow even when the 78 litre tray is fully loaded. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for Stability the pneumatic tyres give a smooth, cushioned ride, even over stony ground.
It is fiddly to assemble, particularly to attach the tray and the instructions are confusing but once it’s built it’s well designed and made from good quality materials. The looped handle is a great feature, which unlike the typical two handles on a traditional barrow, allows you to push and steer with just one hand. Emptying the barrow is also easy and it has a soft grip on the handle for extra comfort. It comes with a two year warranty.

Read the full Vonhaus 78 litre wheelbarrow review

Buy the Vonhaus 78L wheelbarrow from Vonhaus

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RRP: £28.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

• Lightweight but sturdy and balanced
• Easy to use and lift into green bin or compost heap
• Good capacity for prunings and weeds
• Weatherproof

Cons

• Wheels struggle over rough ground

Easy to put together despite a slightly unclear manual, this lightweight, basket-style barrow is ideal if storage space is limited and was awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for Small Gardens. Made from sturdy plastic it has a useful tool clip to help you keep a broom or rake handy and feels well balanced with solid plastic wheels. It has a 65 litre capacity but is best for lighter loads, and it struggles over rough or wet grass. The handle may be a little low for taller users but we love it’s simple, easy to fill and empty design and think it’s great for pulling alongside you as you weed and prune. It comes with a generous lifetime warranty.

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Read the full Draper Garden Caddy review

Buy the Draper Garden Caddy from The Range, Robert Dyas and Wayfair

RRP: £54.00

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Pros

• Solid and strong
• Balanced and easy to manoeuvre
• Sturdy wheel
• Ready to go

Cons

• Wide for narrow alleys and gates
• Signs of rust

No assembly is needed for this steel wheelbarrow, which arrives ready to go and it feels sturdy and stable in use. It’s comfortable, with plastic hand grips to prevent slipping and help you feel in control and the strong pneumatic wheel gives a smooth ride and is easy to push and turn. The tray is comparatively wide, so it’s worth checking this width if you have an alleyway or gate to manoeuvre it through and the steel did start to show signs of rust after a few months in our test. However, it’s more than capable of dealing with ordinary gardening tasks as well as carrying heavy loads of compost or gravel and has a generous 85 litre capacity.

Buy the Walsall Endurance Heavy Duty Black Steel Wheelbarrow from B & Q, Argos and Trade-Point

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RRP: £48.95

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Pros

• Well balanced and comfortable
• Lightweight
• Robust

Cons

• Shallow tray
• Signs of rust

This simple, basic wheelbarrow is ideal for everyday gardening jobs rather than construction or landscaping work. It’s easy to assemble, taking about 30 minutes to put together and feels well balanced and comfortable to push with good soft grips on the handles. The barrow also stands up well when not in use. It feels robust although it did show signs of wear and tear as well as rust after our year’s test and the 65 litre capacity tray, at just 22cm deep is shallower than other models. It has a pneumatic tyre and replacement wheels are available. It comes with a generous lifetime warranty.

Buy the Draper galvanised 65L wheelbarrow from Amazon, Garden Street and Machine Mart

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How we tested wheelbarrows

To see which wheelbarrows could cope with the demands of a range of gardening tasks, the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team tested different wheelbarrows throughout 2021, observing how they fared carrying prunings and weeds, lugging compost and bricks and generally lightening the load as they worked around the garden. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

• Ease of Use. We looked at assembly, weight, material and design including manoeuvrability, wheel, balance and stability.
• Comfort. This assessed how comfortable it is to push and lift, the length of handles and any ergonomics and grips.
• Performance. We focussed on strength, sturdiness and rust resistance and the maximum weight limit.
• Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.

For more information on our testing process see How we Review

This review was last updated in November 2021. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.