BEST OVERALL

Garden Star Yard Rover Wheelbarrow

Credit: Lowe's

Why You Should Get It

• This wheelbarrow performed excellently on our obstacle course, navigating through grass, gravel, and branches without straining the tester.

Keep in Mind

• Polyurethane is susceptible to degradation when exposed to UV light, so it’s best stored indoors.

This well-priced model from Garden Star is our top choice because of its reliable output in all of our tests, comfortable handles, and successful execution of its duties without creating noticeable strain on the user.

It easily fit two bags of mulch that we were able to dump on the ground in a forward motion without having to significantly lift the wheelbarrow. 

The two wheels provided sufficient and sturdy balance, and we never felt like there was a risk of the wheelbarrow losing control or tipping over.

Additionally, the wheelbarrow moves as easily to the side, around corners, and backward as it does forward. It maneuvers easily over gravel, branches, and smooth surfaces.

When testing the wheelbarrow in our yard for six months, we did find that using it to dump heavier items like rocks has the potential to bend the plastic bucket. Because of this, we recommend it for lighter loads like soil, loose mulch, or plants. If you're going to transport heavier objects like rocks, it may be best to lift them out of the wheelbarrow rather than dump them to prevent damage.

While the full wheelbarrow naturally requires more strength than navigating it while empty, adding weight did not make it less efficient on different terrains or around turns. The single bar handle was also comfortable to hold and easy to steer.

The wheelbarrow is a reasonable size for a home gardener or someone doing small tasks around the yard, but could be too small for someone doing large scale projects.

Additionally, polyurethane can sometimes lose its weather-resistance when exposed to heavy sunlight, so be sure to keep it in a garage or outdoor shed. That being said, after owning the wheelbarrow for six months, we didn't notice any significant damage or wear.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | Volume Capacity: 5 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 29 lbs. | Material: Polyurethane | Wheel Type: Air-filled

• The Garden Star's two wheels helped the wheelbarrow remain steady while navigating over various terrains.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It took us less than 40 minutes to set up the wheelbarrow.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The 5-cubic-foot capacity is perfect for transporting multiple medium-sized plants.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The air-filled wheels were easy to inflate.

Wheelbarrows vs. Garden Carts

We included a mix of wheelbarrows and garden carts in this article. While they have similar uses, they work best for different situations:

• Wheelbarrows have only one or two wheels, making them easy to maneuver in tight spaces. They're best for dumping heavy materials, but they require strength to balance.
• Garden carts have four wheels, so they are more stable and often have a higher weight capacity. However, they aren't as easy to maneuver, so they're best for solely transporting heavy items rather than dumping.

BEST STEEL

Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow

Credit: Lowe's

Why You Should Get It

• This model is “solid as a rock,” and the slim front wheels make it one of the best choices for maneuvering around delicate gardening areas.

Keep in Mind

• It takes some arm strength to move it around.

This wheelbarrow from Kobalt is a sturdy steel option that holds an incredible amount of weight. The two front wheels are close together to provide balance and security, as well as an easy way to move around flower beds or other areas you don’t want to collide into.

The wheels are filled with foam, so they’ll never need to be pumped with air and, in our tests, they still performed as well as their air-filled counterparts. 

The Kobalt also never tipped when the wheelbarrow was filled with mulch during testing, and it was steady and easy to control when pushed backward or moved on gravel or grass.

This wheelbarrow is also incredibly comfortable to use—its rubber handles function similarly to bicycle handles, so they keep the user comfortable while working.

Plus, the steel construction will certainly prove to be durable over the years—we didn't noticed any change in quality after regularly using the wheelbarrow in our yard for six months.

It's a great find for anyone who does heavy work in the garden or backyard on a more frequent basis. However, you’ll also have to be fairly strong; it’s over 50 pounds and made of steel, so pushing it around for long periods of time can be laborious.

If you lack arm strength and don’t foresee lugging heavy objects inside it often, you’ll likely be better off with a lighter model.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: Not Listed | Volume Capacity: 7 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 52.85 lbs. | Material: Steel | Wheel Type: Foam-filled

• The steel Kobalt wheelbarrow has a 7 cubic-foot capacity, big enough to haul three bags of mulch or multiple large plants.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The textured rubber grips were comfortable and prevented slipping.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The handles sit just over 27 inches apart, which felt comfortable.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Dumping the contents was simple, though the heavier weight did require more strength than plastic models.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The two large wheels moved easily over various terrain, and turning was easier than we expected.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST HANDLE

Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• This wheelbarrow’s handle features one secure bar that has a comfortable rubber padding around the top and sides.

Keep in Mind

• We noticed a few minor dings and scratches after only one use.

Our favorite thing about the Best Choice Products wheelbarrow is its handle—instead of one bar on each side, it’s one long bar, similar to a push lawn mower, surrounded by rubber padding.

As for the other features, they’re solid. The wheelbarrow managed to feel lightweight even when filled with bags of mulch. We also found it especially adept around tree lines and corners, and it even went in circles easily.

It is almost easier to pull than it is to push, which doesn’t have much of an effect on use but is worth noting. While it requires some arm strength to get through difficult terrain, it can still be used without much strain.

When testing the wheelbarrow at home, it continued to be a great option, especially for the price. It's pretty durable—we left it outside and exposed to the elements and it's held up very well—and we found it reliable for all types of yard work.

We had a bit of trouble getting the mulch out by dipping the wheelbarrow at a downward angle and ultimately had to push the bags out with our hands.

The only other notes are minor: after the first use, the polyurethane bin had some minor scuffs and scratches, which could build up with more use. The basin is also a bit shallow compared to other options.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: 330 lbs. | Volume Capacity: 5 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 26 lbs. | Material: Polyurethane | Wheel Type: Air-filled

• The Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow was easy to push, even when full.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Dumping the contents was a bit more difficult than other wheelbarrows we tested.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The tires are air-filled, and setting up the whole wheelbarrow took just over half an hour.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The rubber-gripped handle was extremely comfortable and provided more flexibility when it came to hand placement.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST CART

Gorilla Carts Garden Dump Cart

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• Thanks to its one narrow handle (think of it more like a heavy-duty wagon) it’s really easy to guide this wheelbarrow.

Keep in Mind

• It can end up causing strain on one arm and one side of the body after consistent use.

Garden carts can serve many of the same purposes as wheelbarrows, and we were impressed with the Gorilla Cart, especially as an alternative for those with limited mobility.

We love how easily it can dump its contents with less effort and strain than other models: just push the lever located in the front, then tip the cart slightly to assist.

It’s also fairly low to the ground—the height of this cart is just under 20 inches, with other models on this list landing around 30 inches in height. This means if you have a hard time lifting heavier objects, this could be the best wheelbarrow for you. 

In addition, the four wheels make it easy to navigate in straight lines, around obstacles, and move cleanly and smoothly across all different types of terrain.

However, the one handle does provide some significant strain on the hand you choose to use it with. If used for prolonged periods of time, it will likely lead to some soreness on that side of the body as well.

That won’t be an issue, however, if you just want a secure wheelbarrow to move heavier objects every so often, or to transport items without having to lift them up.

Still, there are some other details to note. The tires lost quite a bit of air after the first use during testing, which might prove inconvenient over time, and the set-up time was over an hour.

However, this handy little cart held up great after six months of periodically using it to do all sorts of tasks, like transporting plants, wood, rocks, and items in the garage.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: 600 lbs. | Volume Capacity: 4 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 32 lbs. | Material: Polyurethane | Wheel Type: Air-filled

• While it's not your traditional wheelbarrow, the Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart can perform almost all the same tasks.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The single-handle design may cause more strain, especially if pulling heavy objects.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The gold lever releases the cart's tub backwards, dumping out the contents.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

Ames Lawn Buddy Rolling Garden Cart

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• This is a lightweight wagon made for small tasks; it would be perfect for moving flower pots, a bag of mulch, or a collection of tools.

Keep in Mind

• This is a small, plastic option that isn’t going to hold a lot of weight.

Why buy a heavy-duty wheelbarrow when you don’t need one? This rolling utility cart is great for weeding, light landscaping, re-potting flowers, and other small tasks around the yard that require using both hands.

It's easy to use and roll around, and only has difficulty around tight corners. It has four wheels that provide a sturdy, flat surface when moving, and it won’t wobble or tip. 

The lid makes this a versatile pick as it doubles as a tray to set your tools on or as a gardening stool to sit on. While we don't recommend leaving it outside for long-term storage, the lid is also a helpful feature for keeping tools covered if left outside overnight.

Because it’s lightweight at under 11 pounds and fairly small in size, it’s a versatile gardening cart that you might use for lots of other things. Place drinks and snacks in it when hosting a backyard party, move groceries or other purchases from the car to your home, or use it as a place to store vegetables you’re picking from your garden or errant weeds you remove from your lawn.

Portia Cozzolino, owner of Mike’s Hothouse in Modena, New York, adds, “A clean wheelbarrow lined with a large contractor's garbage bag is useful at a BBQ as an extra ice cooler/drink holder.”

When testing the cart at home for six months, we continued to use this cart for light, simple gardening tasks. It isn't the most useful for dumping, so we viewed it as more of a cart than a wheelbarrow. But for basic work around the yard, it's fantastic, and it held up very well.

Of course, you don’t want to use this for heavy-duty projects, although we will say that it didn’t become harder to use once we added mulch to the bin. But it’s a great item for most homeowners to keep in a basement or garage.

One noticeable flaw is its handle—it’s not immediately uncomfortable, but its lack of cushioning makes long-term use slightly unpleasant.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: Not listed | Volume Capacity: 2 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 10.8 lbs. | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Plastic

• The Ames Lawn Buddy is small, but it did the job for lighter projects, like carrying a single bag of mulch.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The handle doubles as a lid, which, when closed, can be used as a seat or surface to set tools.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• At less than 10 pounds, the cart is lightweight enough to have kids help pull in the yard.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The shorter size means you won't need to lift as far, but may require more bending.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The handle is entirely plastic, so there's no comfortable rubber or foam padding.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST LARGE

Rubbermaid Big Wheel Yard Cart

Credit: The Home Depot

Why You Should Get It

• With the largest volume capacity on the list, this plastic yard cart is absolutely made for wear and tear, and is perfect for someone who wants to transport messy or otherwise unmanageable loads.

Keep in Mind

• The thin, plastic wheels made going over some surfaces a little more difficult.

With a large volume capacity and a durable plastic bin, this Rubbermaid wheelbarrow is great for landscaping, farm work, or other dirty jobs. The wheels on either side provide a stable surface that won’t tip over to one side and are easy to maneuver. 

This garden cart is easier to move around compared to a traditional wheelbarrow, thanks to its weight being distributed on two wheels rather than one.

It’s also easier to dump the contents out of the cart, as the wide handle is molded directly onto the bin and makes it easy to tip over. It looks similar in construction to a large, commercial garbage can. 

When testing at home, it allowed us to move bigger items such as piles of firewood that we would not previously have used a wheelbarrow for. The two wheels also provide more stability when traveling up and down hills.

However, it can be difficult to roll over certain surfaces. Specifically, it had a lot of trouble getting over a metal lip during testing, which is important to note if your work area has a similar barrier surrounding it.

Still, if you’re working with a lot of loose material and want a sturdy option that won’t scratch or scuff, this is a great pick.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | Volume Capacity: 8.75 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 45 lbs. | Material: Plastic | Wheel Type: Foam-filled

• The extra large Rubbermaid Commerical Big Wheel Yard Cart had the greatest capacity of any cart we tested.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The wheelbarrow fit four bags of mulch.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• When filling the cart, it felt sturdy.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The large wheels made it easy to maneuver over various terrain, like rocks.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The ribbed plastic handles didn't offer a rubber grip, which we would have appreciated.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FOLDABLE

Allsop Foldable Garden Cart

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• It's lightweight and easy to store.

Keep in Mind

• It’s got a fabric bin that can easily become stained and dirty.

While this isn't the most ideal wheelbarrow for heavy-duty jobs, it performs quite well considering it's a lightweight, foldable model.

It moved as easily with the mulch inside as it does without it, smoothly maneuvering both forward and backward. We didn’t struggle with it on any particular terrain, either—it works as well on gravel as it does on grass. 

Since it's a compact, foldable wheelbarrow with a fabric bin, it's great if you have little room or need to take it up and down stairs for storage. At 11 pounds, it’s also perfect to throw in your trunk to help load your car if you’re transporting heavier items.

However, it has one of the lowest weight capacities of the wheelbarrows we tested at 150 pounds. It also doesn't stand up on its own; once you set it down, the contents are essentially flat on the ground.

While testing this model at home, it performed even better than we expected. After six months it continued to work as well as it did the first day we tried it.

Keep in mind that the fabric material will likely stain over time, so we recommend wiping it down after each use so it will stay in good shape for as long as possible.

Product Details: Weight Capacity: 150 lbs. | Volume Capacity: 3 cu. ft. | Wheelbarrow Weight: 11.02 lbs. | Material: Fabric | Wheel Type: Air-filled

• The Allsop WheelEasy has a smaller capacity at just 3 cubic feet.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• This was one of the toughest wheelbarrows to assemble, and we found the instruction manual lacking.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Small hooks connect the sides to the main section to provide more structure.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• When you put the cart down, it lies flat, which may make it harder for those with limited mobility to use.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The detent pins need to be positioned differently for use and storage.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

With solid volume and weight capacity that would work for both small and medium landscaping jobs, the Garden Star Yard Rover Wheelbarrow is our pick for the best wheelbarrow. However, if you're looking for a heavy-duty pick for bigger jobs, we recommend the Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow.

Our Testing Process

To create our list of top wheelbarrows, we performed a series of tests in the BHG Test Garden. To begin, we timed the set-up, noting how long it took to get the wheelbarrow ready to use by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

After set-up, we used a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI (pounds per square inch) of the tires if they were air-filled, adding or removing air if the number was lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation. If there was no manufacturer’s recommendation, we set the tires in the 20-30 PSI range. 

Once the tires were checked, we completed an obstacle course to evaluate the wheelbarrow’s ability to navigate different terrain and various turns, including on gravel, grass, around trees, and over branches.

First, we performed the course while the wheelbarrow was empty. Next, we added bags of mulch, determining the amount based on the wheelbarrow’s volume and weight capacity.

After completing the same course with the mulch, we then emptied the wheelbarrow by dumping the mulch or removing it by hand.

Finally, we measured the PSI of the tires again when relevant, and recorded a number of observations, including ease of use, comfort, and obstacle course performance.

After testing the wheelbarrows in our test garden, we brought the top-performing options home to test in our personal gardens and backyards for six months, evaluating any changes in quality over time.

Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know About Wheelbarrows Before Shopping

Weight Capacity and Volume Capacity

Volume capacity, measured in cubic feet, provides a guideline for how much volume will fit in the wheelbarrow.

Keep in mind that one cubic foot has a different weight depending on the material and its density. For example, one cubic foot of water weighs about 62 pounds, while a cubic foot of soil can weigh about 100 pounds (but this varies depending on if the soil is wet or dry).

Wheelbarrows should also list their weight capacity so you know how much weight you can safely load in it. Of course, it’s important to exercise caution when filling your wheelbarrow, as weighing it down can break it either instantly or over time, so be cautious and don’t try to hit the maximum weight.

If you're unsure which size wheelbarrow is right for your needs, it's a good idea to try out several options to see which one feels most comfortable to you.

“Most homeowners and hobby gardeners find that a mid-sized wheelbarrow will meet their needs," Phillips says. "These wheelbarrows typically hold between 4-6 cubic feet of material or two to three large bags of garden soil.”

Material

The bin material is generally the most important material to consider. It will likely be made of steel or plastic. Price can be a consideration, as steel can be more expensive, but all of them do a good job when it comes to transporting objects and materials. However, each has a downside: steel can be easier to scratch and can rust, and plastic can become weaker over time due to UV rays.

Wheel Type

The wheels on a wheelbarrow will either be air-filled or not air-filled, which are typically foam or hard plastic. When it comes down to it, the choice is a matter of convenience.

Tires that don’t need air lessen the necessary upkeep to ensure your wheelbarrow is working as it should. But, while tires that need air do require filling when necessary, they generally provide more stability and versatility on different terrains. We included several of both types on our list. Some may find it worth it to sacrifice some smooth movement in exchange for more convenience. 

It’s also worth considering the orientation of the tires. "I have pretty good balance, but it's very easy to get off-balance with a heavy load that shifts unexpectedly, and having two front tires helps keep you steady, requires less strength to control, and prevents the wheelbarrow from tipping over,” Cozzolino says.

We did find during testing that two wheels in front generally make it easier to navigate a wheelbarrow, especially in comparison to one wheel in front. However, some garden carts have four wheels, which generally provide a sturdy flat surface, so if you’re nervous about tipping, you can try that.

Other Wheelbarrows We Tested

Worx WG050 Aerocart

The Worx WG050's metal frame is sturdy but still lightweight, and we appreciated the foam rubber handles. However, it fell short when it came to maneuverability. The plastic wheels were difficult to roll on grass and rocks, and it felt awkward to dump contents onto the ground.

Jackson #M6T22 Steel Wheelbarrow

The Jackson #M6T22 Steel Wheelbarrow performed fairly well, but it became scratched after one use, so we removed it from consideration. However, if it’s on sale, it’s not a bad choice.

Smart Garden #SLC450 5.5 cu. f. Heaped Poly Smart Plastic Garden Cart

We found the Smart Garden #SLC450 Plastic Garden Cart too low to the ground, which would likely cause back pain for most people if used fairly regularly. It also proved to be slightly unstable while going over certain terrain, making it a decent option, but not a great one.

Better Homes & Gardens

Who We Are

The article was written by Nor'Adila Hepburn, who specializes in writing about gardening tools and home appliances, and Alida Nugent, a writer for BHG with years of expertise in the kitchen, pets, beauty, bedding, and home. Alida has been working in the media space for over a decade. She specializes in testing products, editing, writing, and strategizing about the rapidly changing online shopping landscape.

We consulted Portia Cozzolino, owner of Mike’s Hothouse in Modena, New York, and Katie Phillips, co-founder of Spade & Sparrow Designs, for additional insight. In addition to expert insight, our team tested 18 wheelbarrows and evaluated them based on design, capacity, maneuverability, and ease of use to come up with our list of the best options.