The 10 Best Wheelbarrows of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Jul 05, 2023

Your yard work companion for everything from hauling concrete to planting flowers.

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Real Simple / Henry Wortock

A good wheelbarrow is essential for households with yards and gardens. From hauling rocks to transporting soil, wheelbarrows can help you create and maintain your dream outdoor space.

“A great wheelbarrow is durable, stable, maneuverable, versatile, ergonomically designed, and has a capacity that’s appropriately sized for its users and applications,” says Mary Jane Duford, expert gardener and creator of the gardening website Home for the Harvest. “A good wheelbarrow should also be easy to maintain, adding to its lifespan.”

To find the best wheelbarrows, we tested 18 of the most popular options on the market, evaluating setup, design, ease of use, capacity, maneuverability, durability, and overall value. In addition to Duford, we also spoke to Allison Vallin Kostovick, founder of the gardening site Finch + Folly, for her expert advice on using and maintaining a wheelbarrow.

Lowe's

It’s very sturdy and can maneuver across rocks.

Its weight could tire out some users.

For a sturdy and reliable wheelbarrow with airless tires that won’t let you down, look no further than this pick from Kobalt. This large and durable wheelbarrow comes in a striking blue hue with two sizable wheels, and it also has steel handles with comfortable rubber grips so you can steer easily.

During our testing, what stood out most was how solid it is; you won’t have to worry about it tipping over when moving it across tricky terrain. Even if you load up the cart with multiple bags of heavy mulch, it can drive and turn smoothly across the lawn (including over sticks, mulch, and rocks). As a bonus, the wheels are close enough together so you can navigate the cart through smaller spaces.

Additionally, the wheelbarrow is easy to empty—just push the handles forward. The tray is large enough to carry a substantial amount of material at one time. On the downside, this heavier cart could wear out some users. But if you can handle the heft, this cart is a quality pick for all your yard work.

Price at time of publish: $179

Material: Steel | Volume: 7 cubic feet | Weight: 52.85 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Number of Wheels: 2

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Walmart

The cushioned handlebars are comfortable and extra long for easy maneuvering.

It takes a fair amount of time to set up.

Another top-notch wheelbarrow option is this cart from Truper, which features pneumatic wheels rather than airless ones. This pick is large enough to hold plenty of material yet lightweight enough to push and turn, making it the perfect size for yard tasks.

When we tested this steel wheelbarrow, we loved how sturdy and manageable it felt, even when maneuvering it over unsteady areas or moving backward. Its two tires are thick and balanced, so you won’t have to worry about the cart tipping over. It’s ergonomic, too, thanks to the padded hardwood handles, which are long enough to adjust your hand placement as needed. You can even stand between the handlebars to gain extra stability and control while dumping the cart’s contents. We also liked the rectangular tub since it allows for the even distribution of material.

It’s important to note that this wheelbarrow takes a while to build and set up, so you can’t start using it immediately after purchase.

Price at time of publish: $170

Material: Steel | Volume: 7 cubic feet | Weight: Not listed | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Number of Wheels: 2

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

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Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Lowe's

It’s very lightweight, so anyone can push it.

It’s not the most durable wheelbarrow.

If you want to keep your gardening costs low, consider this inexpensive model from Garden Star. The dual-wheel cart isn’t the largest option on our list, but it still has room for average loads and is easy to maneuver across the ground.

This polyurethane pneumatic wheelbarrow has a lightweight design that anyone can push but is still sturdy enough to prevent tipping as you go. During testing, we found that it takes just a few minutes to assemble and holds up well on both even and uneven terrain like branches, gravel, and sidewalks. The loop handle is comfortable to hold and makes it easy to dump out the wheelbarrow’s contents without straining your back. The dual wheels also keep the cart steady, whether you’re moving forwards, backward, or to the side.

This wheelbarrow isn’t as durable as other steel models and might suffer from wear after extended use, especially in inclement weather conditions. But you can’t beat its low price and lightweight design.

Price at time of publish: $79

Material: Polyurethane | Volume: 5 cubic feet | Weight: 29 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Number of Wheels: 2

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Home Depot

It’s lightweight despite its large size.

It’s more expensive than the average wheelbarrow.

Want an extra-large wheelbarrow ideal for heavy-duty projects? Opt for the Rubbermaid Big Wheel Cart, which can hold up to 8.75 cubic feet (300 pounds) of material, a far greater amount than many other carts on the market.

This all-black garden cart is made of plastic, making it more resistant to leaks, cracks, and rust. The ribbed plastic handles are easy to lift and maneuver, and despite the wheelbarrow’s ample size, it’s still lightweight, so you don’t have to strain your shoulders or back while pushing it around the yard. This cart glides easily over all different terrains, staying balanced and sturdy thanks to its large pneumatic tires.

On the downside, this is the most expensive wheelbarrow we tested, and its price may deter some. But if you can swing the cost and are looking for a lightweight cart that can hold plenty of material, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Price at time of publish: $199

Material: Plastic | Volume: 8.75 cubic feet | Weight: 45 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Number of Wheels: 2

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Home Depot

It can handle heavy materials like rocks and bricks even with its compact size.

The handles aren’t very comfortable.

If you want an excellent compact wheelbarrow, this option from True Temper is for you. The relatively tiny cart is perfect for low-key projects that don’t require a ton of material, and its small size means you can store it easily in a shed or garage when it’s not in use.

Although this wheelbarrow may not be massive, it’s fairly sturdy and can handle heavier materials like rocks without issue. During testing, we were impressed by how sturdy it felt and how well it maneuvered across the yard, with only a slight wobble in uneven areas. The one pneumatic wheel is large and supportive, and the cart’s rust-resistant poly tray and steady steel undercarriage ensure that it can last for years.

We wish the wheelbarrow’s hardwood handles were more comfortable, as holding them for long periods of time can be painful. But on the upside, we love the cart’s curved front for its easy emptying, compact design, and low price.

Price at time of publish: $54

Material: Polyurethane | Volume: 4 cubic feet | Weight: 28.3 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Number of Wheels: 1

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Walmart

It’s particularly good at moving backward.

The relatively thin wheel makes the cart slightly less stable.

One-wheel wheelbarrows can be particularly good at maneuvering around a yard and dumping out material, and we’re big fans of this pick from True Temper. Its flat-free tire is quite sturdy, helping the cart stay steady on the ground no matter what surface you’re pushing it across. It turns easily, too, and is especially good at moving backward, as we found during our testing.

The steel handles are covered in a grippy rubber material that’s comfortable to hold, and you can use the handles to dump the cart’s contents without straining yourself or exerting too much effort. The tray is large and durable, can carry heavy materials, and withstands lots of use. This wheelbarrow can last for years thanks to its solid metal make.

We wish the wheel was slightly wider because the wheelbarrow can feel tippy as you move it across the yard. Still, that’s a small complaint for an otherwise high-quality and versatile (not to mention stylish!) cart sold at a very reasonable price.

Price at time of publish: $139

Material: Metal | Volume: 6 cubic feet | Weight: 45.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Number of Wheels: 1

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Amazon

You can guide the lightweight yet durable cart with just one hand.

The cart could dip lower for dumping material.

One of the most important aspects of a wheelbarrow is the quality of its handles, and this cart from Best Choice Products features a long, sturdy, and seriously comfortable handlebar. The padded rubber grip makes it easy to hold and ensures your hands won’t get blistered or tired after pushing it around the yard.

During our testing, we also liked how easily the cart’s two pneumatic wheels maneuvered over all different landscapes (including a metal border lip). It requires minimal effort to push and turn, and you can even guide it with just one hand at times, depending on how much material it’s holding. And while the cart is made from sturdy and durable steel and can fit a large amount of content in its tray, it has a surprisingly lightweight feel.

The one flaw we found with this wheelbarrow is that you might have to put in some effort to fully push out bags of mulch, as it can be tricky to dip the cart low enough. Still, we highly recommend this well-built and comfortable wheelbarrow for around-the-yard use.

Price at time of publish: $130

Material: Steel | Volume: 5 cubic feet | Weight: 26 pounds | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Number of Wheels: 2

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Amazon

This cart has a unique dumping mechanism that requires minimal effort.

It takes a lot of time to assemble.

If you need a device for big projects and heavy-duty materials, opt for the Gorilla Poly Garden Dump Cart. To empty it, just pull a lever to release its contents (rather than tilt the tub with a handle). This design makes it ideal for transporting a larger-than-average load of up to 600 pounds.

We found that the dumping mechanism was easy to use and required minimal effort and strain. The cart also maneuvered over various surfaces including mulch, rock, and gravel—the four sturdy wheels pivoted smoothly, allowing us to turn the wagon without any risk of tipping. It also has a cushioned single-centered handle to provide comfort and additional maneuverability.

However, when the cart is full, it may be challenging to push and pull using only the handle. During testing, we noticed that the wagon was also tricky to assemble. Still, we love its size, durability, and low price, among other features.

Price at time of publish: $109

Material: Polyurethane | Volume: 4 cubic feet | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Number of Wheels: 4

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

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Amazon

This versatile pick has drink holders, a footrest, and more.

The handles could be more comfortable.

For a tiny yet hardy garden cart, consider this model from Ames. It can hold two cubic feet of material (up to 200 pounds), is the perfect cart for small-scale projects, and can be easily stored when not in use since it’s so compact.

One of the things we like most about this brown cart is its versatility; you can use it to transport materials, sit on the fold-down handle, place drinks or pots in the holders, and enjoy the footrest when you need a break from gardening. Its wide bin and multiple compartments can fit numerous items, and it has a removable tray for extra storage.

When not used as a seat, you can use the handle to steer the cart around the yard, and we found that it maneuvered effectively thanks to its four solid wheels. It maneuvered terrain regardless of whether it was going forwards or backward and stayed sturdy throughout with no wobbling. While we wish the handles were more comfortable, this is still a great (and inexpensive) small cart.

Price at time of publish: $82

Material: Plastic | Volume: 2 cubic feet | Weight: 12.7 pounds | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds | Number of Wheels: 4

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Amazon

Despite being made of fabric, it’s extremely sturdy.

It’s pricey for the size and requires assembly.

If you have limited storage space, this ultra-compact and uniquely designed wheelbarrow from Allsop may be your best choice. It’s a collapsible wheelbarrow that, when folded, takes up minimal space, so you don’t have to worry about finding room for it among your other garden tools.

Despite its fabric make, this wheelbarrow felt sturdy during use; when we took it out for a test, we found that it felt balanced and didn’t tip when we pushed it across different terrains like grass, mulch, and gravel. It maneuvered forward, backward, and while turning, requiring minimal effort and no back or shoulder strain. The foam-like handles are comfortable to hold.

We wish that the wheelbarrow was easier and quicker to assemble, and because it’s made of fabric, it picks up dirt and will require washing every now and then. It’s also fairly pricey for its size. We still think it’s worth the price for its durability and impressive ease of use.

Price at time of publish: $153

Material: Fabric | Volume: 3 cubic feet | Weight: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 150 pounds | Number of Wheels: 1

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After rigorous testing, we think the Kobalt 7 cu.ft. Steel Wheelbarrow with Flat-Free Tires is the best flat-free wheelbarrow, while the Truper TS6-2W 6 cu.ft. Steel Wheelbarrow is the best pneumatic wheelbarrow. Both of these options are super durable, easy to maneuver, and easy to use.

To find the best wheelbarrows, we tested 18 models in our Lab, evaluating them on setup, design, ease of use, capacity, maneuverability, durability, and value.

To assess the ease of setup, we recorded the assembly time of each wheelbarrow from start to finish, noting how difficult it was to put together. We also inspected the quality of the wheelbarrow, evaluating its sturdiness, capacity, materials, amount of wheels, and whether the wheels are pumped or not.

If the tires were pumped with air, we used a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI and recorded our measurements. After taking the initial measurement, we compared that reading to the manufacturer's guidelines, adding or removing air if the PSI was unaligned with the guideline.

We assessed the maneuverability by moving each wheelbarrow through an obstacle course of grass, mulch, and gravel while marking any areas that presented a challenge. After the first run, we filled the wheelbarrow with bags of mulch to capacity and repeated the obstacle course, considering whether there was any difference in maneuverability when filled. We also evaluated the comfort and placement of the handles while moving the wheelbarrow.

Following the obstacle course tests, we emptied the wheelbarrow, noting how easy it was to dump the mulch bags on the tarp. We also re-checked the tire pressure and recorded the final PSI.

Throughout this testing process, we considered each wheelbarrow’s durability, sturdiness, and balance, also looking for any scuffs or chips that may have occurred.

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

There are a few different types of wheelbarrows to choose from. Traditional wheelbarrows feature one wheel and provide “the best maneuverability,” according to Mary Jane Duford of the gardening website Home for the Harvest. That said, they aren’t ideal for heavy loads, as they tip more than other types. Two-wheel wheelbarrows can handle heavier loads and provide “better stability," Duford says, but are more expensive and harder to pivot.

If you want to minimize strain during yard work, you could also opt for an electric wheelbarrow. They are battery-powered, have multiple speed settings, and can handle heavy loads, but they are the most expensive type. Garden carts, like the Gorilla Poly Garden Dump Cart or the Ames Lawn Buddy Garden Cart, are another solid option for those who want to pull rather than push the load.

Last but not least, collapsible wheelbarrows like the Allsop WheelEasy LE Foldable Garden Cart fold up and are made of lightweight fabric instead of steel or plastic, making them handy but not suited for heavy loads.

To determine what capacity and size wheelbarrow is right for you, consider your yard size, upcoming projects, and the intensity of yard work. If you primarily do small projects with lightweight materials, a wheelbarrow with a capacity of 4 cubic feet is perfect, while those frequently hauling bulky goods should opt for wheelbarrows with deeper trays of 6 cubic feet or more.

“The load capacity should be large enough to make it worth using but not so great that it is too heavy and hard to manage when loaded,” says Duford. The largest wheelbarrow we recommend is the Rubbermaid 8.75 cu.ft. Commercial Big Wheel Cart, while the smallest we recommend is the True Temper 4 cu. ft. Poly Wheelbarrow.

Wheelbarrows are made of many materials, including plastic, wood, and steel. Steel is popular because it is “strong, durable, and adaptable to rough terrain,” says Duford. Plus, steel wheelbarrows “can carry heavy loads that lighter-weight materials may not be able to support.” Both of our Best Overall picks are made of steel.

For a lightweight and affordable option, Allison Vallin Kostovick, founder of the gardening site Finch + Folly, suggests a plastic wheelbarrow. “While not as durable over the long run as metal, it does fit the bill for most garden tasks,” she says. Our Best Budget pick, the Garden Star Dual-Wheel Yard Rover Wheelbarrow, is made of sturdy plastic.

Duford adds that plastic wheelbarrows “are often the easiest to maneuver around outbuildings, through pastures, and between garden beds” and are rust-resistant.

Then there are wooden wheelbarrows, which “are used almost exclusively for decorative purposes,” says Duford, who adds that they are “well-suited to holding ornamental planters and idyllic photoshoots but are rarely used in day-to-day gardening.”

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Husky 6 cu. ft. Poly Wheelbarrow with Dual Flat-Free Tires: This sizable wheelbarrow can hold a large amount of material in its deep tray, and the two large wheels help it maneuver through uneven terrain. However, it’s heavy to push, and the handles aren’t comfortable to hold.

Anvil 5 cu. ft. Poly Wheelbarrow with Wood Handles: This one-wheel wheelbarrow felt extremely sturdy during testing, and moved well over all different terrain. That said, it’s uncomfortable to use, and the one-wheel made balancing heavy loads difficult.

One-wheel and two-wheel wheelbarrows each have their pros and cons, so the best style for you depends on your unique needs, according to Duford. Many gardeners prefer one-wheel wheelbarrows as they are “generally easier to maneuver around the yard, easier to dump in a specific location, and less expensive to purchase,” she says. The best one-wheel wheelbarrow we tested was the True Temper 6 cu. ft. Steel Wheelbarrow.

While a one-wheel wheelbarrow may be fine for most general tasks, those working on heavy-duty projects should opt for a two-wheel model, according to Kostovick.

Two-wheel wheelbarrows “tend to be more stable and benefit from distributing heavy loads over two tires,” Duford adds. “They may also be preferable when tipping must be minimized, whether due to safety or an operating environment like a dock over open water.”

Wheelbarrows can range from $100 to $150, according to Duford, and possibly more depending on the “quality, materials, capacity, and features," she says. “Base model options are usually available under $100, while models with extra features can be $200 or more."

“A well-made wheelbarrow can last a decade or more if used, maintained, and stored correctly,” says Duford. “For the longest lifespan, choose heavy-duty materials such as steel, keep load sizes and weights below listed maximums, clean it often and keep up with maintenance (mostly the wheel), and store it in a dry covered area away from harsh weather conditions and standing water."

Kostovick adds that plastic wheelbarrows generally “offer the shortest lifespan, as they tend to eventually crack whether from use or just exposure to the sun and elements.”

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers gardening products and did significant research on wheelbarrows for this story, including speaking to Mary Jane Duford of the gardening website Home for the Harvest and Allison Vallin Kostovick, founder of the gardening site Finch + Folly. We also conducted extensive testing on 18 wheelbarrows, evaluating them on setup, design, ease of use, capacity, maneuverability, durability, and overall value.

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