As it happens spades and shovels are made for different jobs and can’t really fill in for each other in terms of their specialties so most of us own both types.
Basically, shovels dig and spades scoop and slice. If you want to dig a hole, choose a shovel. If you need to move a pile of loose material, choose a spade.
Shovels usually have a scoop and rounded blade with a pointed end. Shovels also have a longer handle than spades.
A spade is flat with a rectangular blade with a sharp flat tip. Spades often have shorter handle with a D-shaped end to allow for greater control while in use.
Most seasons a shovel is my go-to, although I have both, in the winter I really appreciate a spade when it comes to spreading salt and sand.