We recommend secateurs that score at least 80% overall.

This overall score is made up of performance (70%) and ease of use (30%).

The performance score is an equally weighted average of the testing panel's scores. The four-person panel (made up of men and women who are left and right handed) assesses how well the secateurs cut green and semi-dry cuttings up to about 20mm in thickness, as well as hard 9.5mm dowel.

The ease of use score is an equally weighted average of the testing panel's scores. The four-person panel (made up of men and women who are left and right handed) assesses the secateurs for comfort in the hand while in use and the ease of using the safety catch.

Recommended or typical retail price.

Ambidextrous design means the safety catch is positioned centrally so that it can be easily accessed no matter which hand you use to hold the secateurs, and the handles are not specifically shaped to fit one hand in particular. Most models have ambidextrous handles but several have the safety catch on the left side of the secateurs, to be operated by the right-hand thumb.

The cutting diameter is the thickest branch the secateurs claim to cut. This is usually for green or soft wood – with hard, dry wood, they might only manage smaller diameters.

The measured weight of the secateurs, in grams.

Some brands state a "lifetime" warranty rather than a specific number of years. This may be open to debate if you make a warranty claim several years after purchase, so a model with a long warranty stated in years could be a better bet.

The stated country of manufacture.

A non-stick coating may help prevent rusting.

Whether you can replace the blade if it gets damaged.

Whether you can adjust the handle to fit your hand more comfortably.

Whether the secateurs claim to be able to come apart for cleaning or replacing of parts.