The TOP 8 Best Electric Ice Augers for Ice Fishing (Updated Reviews for 2024)

Winter poses all kinds of problems for anglers – but that’s not to say we can’t all still enjoy the sport.

And the number one tool in your fight to keep fishing – is the ice auger.

In these conditions, it’s probably more valuable than your rod.

You can cut through a thick sheet of ice in no time – and create access to your favorite fishing spots.

In this particular article, we’re going to take a look at the best electric ice augers for 2024.

And don’t forget to pick up a quality fish finder for winter use and maximize your chances of success.

Let’s get drilling!

Electric Ice Augers – A Quick Guide & TOP 3 Picks for 2024

If you’re unfamiliar with ice augers, or you’re simply in need of a refresher, here’s a quick guide to the features and factors you need to be looking out for while reading through the reviews.

A full buyer’s guide and FAQ section will follow the reviews to explore these points in more detail, but to get you started, here’s a selection of my top ice auger picks.

First up, it’s hard to see past the new ION Alpha Plus – which is probably the most powerful, yet lightest electric ice auger ever made. Sure, the price point reflects the technology, but if you’re a keen ice angler out there any chance you get – then this could well be the tool for you.

The Strikemaster Lazer isn’t too far behind – and it will certainly save you a cent or two on the price compared with the ION. A long battery life, fast charge, and ability to punch 100 holes in a foot of ice when fully juiced up should be more than enough to keep most ice anglers happy.

Finally, in my top three, I’ve gone for the Jiffy Lightning – because it’s hard not to include an option from the company that invented the ice auger in the first place. With a high torque brushless motor, intuitive controls, and a special Ripper blade, the Lightning is keeping the company’s legacy alive for punching through the ice “in a jiffy.”

Do you agree with my picks?

Let’s dig into the reviews, and you can find out!

The 8 Best Electric Ice Augers for 2024

ION Electric G2 Ice Auger

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While it might be eye-wateringly expensive, the ION 10-inch G2 ice auger is simply the best in the business.

There’s a reason it regularly tops review lists, and it’s no different here. It can make mincemeat out of a foot of ice in just six seconds, making it one of the most powerful battery-operated ice augers on the market.

Packed with ION’s trademark quality, the battery is maximized for cold weather protection, the unit weighs just 17 lbs, and the high-strength polymer cutting head is super-smooth and has no problem re-drilling holes.

Finally, the much-coveted reverse option eliminates the need for an ice skimmer and flushes ice down the hole to save you time and effort.

Pros

• Name to trust in ice fishing.
• Balanced, central point.
• LED lighting for low light conditions.
• Super-lightweight.

Cons

• Exorbitantly expensive for an ice auger.

Takeaway

This is better just about any ice auger available – gas, electric, or otherwise. It’s a game-changer – but you’ll seriously pay for the privilege to own and run this kind of quality and convenience in a power tool.

Landworks Electric Ice Auger

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Let’s shift focus a little now and take a look at some options that aren’t quite as expensive as the high-end stuff.

This eight-inch ice auger from Landworks is an affordable machine that still offers you the ability to cut between 40 and 60 holes on one battery charge, with a three-planetary gear mechanism for higher transmission efficiency.

It’s one of the lighter models on the market at 22 lbs, and comes with a built-in overload protector to stop the power-head from overheating.

Ergonomic handles offer comfort and control, and LED lights keep you drilling after hours, with the high-strength steel auger blade that’s built to pack a punch.

Pros

• Great price point.
• Battery life indicator.
• Safety switch.
• Reverse option.

Cons

• Not as powerful as more expensive units.
• Might struggle in tougher conditions.

Takeaway

Alright, so it’s not going to be able to go toe-to-toe with “the big three,” but this is a decent ice auger if you’re fishing in moderate conditions and you want to save a bit of money.

RAZR 40V Lithium Ice Auger

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A powerful seven-amp, 40 Volt Lithium battery backs up this 10-inch ice auger from RAZR.

At 40-inches in length, it’s also the longest machine on our list (not including extensions) ensuring you have an excellent depth range when burrowing through thick ice.

Durable, die-cast aluminum transmission offers smooth and precise cutting, while the twin, stainless-steel blades are RAZR by name and razor sharp by nature.

The LED lights can be kept on even when the unit is not in use, so you can see where you’re working, and the ergonomic handle distributes the weight evenly, so there is no need to apply force or pressure to let the machine do what it does best.

Capable of going through 1,784 inches of ice on a single charge, the RAZR is a force to be reckoned with.

Pros

• Long auger shaft.
• Rapid recharger.
• Durable, rust-proof blade.
• Easy reverse function.

Cons

• It might be a little on the heavy side for some.

Takeaway

A quality, alternative option to the more well known, tried and tested ice auger brands out there, RAZR’s 40 Volt machine can easily go toe-to-toe with the best. Especially considering you can get through three feet of ice without the need to add an extension.

How to Choose the Best Electric Ice Auger – A Buyer’s Guide

In case you’ve never bought an ice auger before – or you simply need a refresher – check out the tips and advice below on what to look out for when you’re shopping.

What is an Ice Auger?

Ice augers are devices that are designed to drill a hole through a sheet of ice to gain access to the water below.

This could be for any number of reasons – but we’re specifically talking about fishing needs.

They’re different from earth augers, which are generally heavier with rounded blades to break down soil and rocks. The two machines should only be used for their intended purposes – ice augers for ice, earth augers for earth. Simple.

Make sure you understand that when researching ice augers. Some review websites will have you believe that an earth auger is the same – when it certainly is not.

Gas Versus Electric Versus Manual

Ice augers (and all other types of auger for that matter) are available with three different power sources.

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make upon deciding you need to purchase an ice auger – is what the power source will be.

Let’s briefly outline the pros and cons of each below – without going into too much detail.

Manual ice augers are by far the cheapest – you can pick one up for under $50. They’re also the simplest to use, the lightest, and require zero maintenance. Except to give them a sharpen every once in a while.

I won’t labor you with their biggest disadvantage though. Let’s get on to the heavy-duty stuff.

Of which, gas is the most powerful. And a decent gas-powered ice auger will have a much longer run time than any other type.

However, they also require the most maintenance, messy fuel and oil to run, and are the least environmentally-friendly option out there. While that might be negligible, try operating a gas-powered ice auger under an enclosed tent and see how you like it.

Not to mention how damn loud they are, and often difficult to even start.

Good battery-powered (electric) ice augers are much quieter than gas. They don’t give off any fumes or foul-smelling emissions, and they’re generally lighter and more maneuverable.

Additionally, they don’t require nearly as much maintenance, and you save a bunch on refueling costs because they don’t exist. They also get going at the push of a button – which is a massive plus point.

However, at this moment of time, the best electric ice fishing augers are still super expensive. That’s the trade-off, I’m afraid.

And they do still have run-time limitations. The battery doesn’t last forever, however good it is.

Still, many fishing people (including myself) have been making the switch and viewing battery-powered ice augers as a long-term investment. And they’re not wrong.

Size and Weight

Auger blades come in a variety of different sizes, the most common of which will be six, eight, and ten inches.

Your choice of blade size will likely depend on what species you’ll be fishing for. For the likes of panfish and walleye, you don’t really need anything larger than five-inches.

Another factor might be how many holes you want to drill – as smaller machines will be much more maneuverable and able to punch through double or even triple that of a larger, heavier machine.

And not to be overlooked – is how much stuff can actually fall through larger holes. If safety is a concern – especially if you’re fishing with young children or pets around, then bigger isn’t always better.

However, for fishing more and drilling less, as well as the option of hunting the bigger prey, then larger auger blades are the way to go. If you’re after pike or lake trout, for example, this is what you need.

Types of Blade

Ice augers are designed to have sharpened blades to cut through that ice sheet in next to no time – but there are a few things you need to consider when it comes to the edges themselves.

Chipping blades are also more suitable for re-cutting existing holes, or anywhere other material might have frozen into the ice.

The type of blade is important, and different companies will offer their own take on it. Some blades are better quality than others.

Unfortunately, such is the rivalry between brands, they generally make it difficult to use cross-brand parts, and switch out blades with other makes or models.

Bear that in mind when choosing your ice auger – there’s a strong chance you’ll be stuck with that brand and their parts for life (or at least, the life of the auger).

Cutting Depth

For most people, you’ll want an auger that is capable of cutting through a foot of ice at the very least.

Unless you’re experiencing a particularly brutal freeze, this is all you’ll need.

Thankfully, then, most ice augers offer a maximum cutting depth of around two feet, some might offer more. The choice of ice auger length is negligible, with most options having a difference of an inch or two.

The depth of cut isn’t as important as the width, but it’s still worth mentioning to anyone buying an ice auger for the first time.

If you’re concerned with the depth, then consider purchasing an extension pole (providing the machine is compatible with one), or picking up an auger that already has it as part of the kit.

Battery Type/Strength

If someone could invent a never-ending battery that would be great, thanks. Not only would they become a billionaire overnight, we’d solve the world’s energy problems.

Or at least, the problem of battery-powered machines running out of juice.

That said, the best battery-powered ice augers are designed to offer you solid run time – so you can be sure to drill the holes you need to during your session.

Still, it’s important to bear this in mind, as different machines will offer different performance levels when it comes to power and longevity.

The more powerful the battery, the higher the cost.

Cost

And that brings us nicely onto our next point when it comes to finding the right ice auger for you.

Budget.

Granted, these babies aren’t cheap – at least at the time of writing. As technology advances, hopefully, the price will come down.

But you can still find some good stuff out there that won’t break the bank, and the best electric ice auger for the money awaits.

As I mentioned earlier – see it as an investment. When ice anglers make the switch to electric – they rarely look back.

Extra Features

Good ice augers will likely come with some additional features to help make life a little easier out there.

LED lights are perhaps the most notable of these extras – something that gas-powered versions certainly do not provide, and they can help keep you fishing or preparing to fish in low light conditions.

USB charging ports are handy for keeping your machine juiced.

Safety features such as dead-man switches and motor locks are a nice addition to any potentially lethal power tool.

And don’t overlook the handles, grips, and any anti-vibration systems that an auger offers. You want as much control and comfort as possible when you’re powering a sharp blade through a thick sheet of frozen water.

FAQs

What is the best electric ice auger?

That’s a tough question to answer, but if I had to choose I’d say it’s a toss-up between the first three entries in this review – the ION, the Strikemaster, and the Jiffy.

Check out this handy video that pits the three side by side.

Having said that, there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there as these three choices aren’t that pleasant on the bank balance.

Electric vs Manual ice auger – which is the best?

Both have their advantages. A manual ice auger is lighter, cheaper, safer, and more maneuverable. But if you’re not physically fit – it’s going to really take it out of you.

Heck, even if you’re the Hulk, manually drilling ice holes all day is going to seriously take it out of you.

Personally, I think an electric wins hands down. Bite the bullet for this one-time purchase and save your back years of pain.

How long do ION ice auger batteries last?

I don’t know about ION specifically, but most electric ice augers will give you somewhere between 40-100 holes depending on ice thickness and the size of the auger blade.

For the battery’s total longevity – again, depending on the make – expect somewhere between 600-800 recharges before you will notice a drop in performance levels.

What size ice auger should I buy?

It depends on how many holes you want to punch through, and the type of fish you’re angling for.

Smaller augers will cover more ground and produce more holes, larger blades are better for landing the bigger fish – and for more stuff to accidentally fall through.

Depending on what you’re using it for – or if you specifically need a larger auger – I’d suggest going with a middle-of-the-road eight-inch option to cover as many bases as possible.

Do electric ice augers work?

Yes.

Very well, in fact. So much so that once an ice angler has made the switch to an electric model, they won’t go back to gas or manual.

Pro anglers regularly sing the praises of electric ice augers – so don’t get left behind. They work, they’re awesome, they’ll change your ice fishing game for the better.

And these comfy ice fishing boots will also assist in improving your winter fishing experience all round – regardless of which auger you choose.

How well do hand ice augers work?

Meh, they’re okay. Manual augers are a decent option if you’re only drilling a couple of holes a season, or if the ice isn’t that thick.

They’re also a good option to save money, require very little maintenance, and are near silent in operation with only the user providing the power source.

They do the job, but if you want something a lot more efficient and powerful, then choose electric or gas.

What do I need for ice fishing?

A very good question. Apart from a rod, ice fishing reel and an auger, I would strongly suggest one of these excellent fishing flashers – otherwise, your day or night on the ice is going to be 99% guesswork.

Watch the video below for more information and an example of one keen ice fisherman’s set up.

Which is better, electric or gas powered ice augers?

The answer to this is covered in more detail in the buyer’s guide above. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, it will just come down to personal preference.

But for me, it’s electric all the way, dude.

Summary

Ice fishing is a fun challenge that keeps you angling even in the colder months, and the freezer stocked with supplies for the family.

But if you don’t have a decent auger – you might as well not bother venturing out.

The best electric ice augers for 2024 will soon remedy that problem. Let me know which one you’ve gone for and why, or just any memorable experiences you’ve had through the winter.

Stay warm out there, and happy ice fishing.