A quality leaf blower is a must-have tool when you have a decent-sized property and plenty of trees. Leaf blowers can save you hours of tiring work raking up leaves and removing them from walkways and other areas. There are a lot of options when it comes to buying a blower, from cordless to gas-powered and also corded versions. Choosing the right one depends on various factors such as how much work it needs to do, the level of convenience, how much you want to spend and how large your property is.
We extensively researched and compared close to 60 different leaf blowers to create this buyer’s guide. We divided our list up into three parts: cordless leaf blowers, corded leaf blowers and gas leaf blowers. You can also jump straight to our comparison chart for a quick glance at our top picks.
Best Cordless (Battery-Powered) Leaf Blowers
Best Overall: GreenWorks Pro GBL80300 Cordless Leaf Blower
The GreenWorks Pro GBL80300 is the best battery powered blower for most people. Offering as much as 70 minutes of run time, this blower’s motor can deliver as much power as a 32cc gas engine while requiring much less maintenance and generating far less noise at only 60 decibels.
This is the most powerful cordless blower on the market with the ability to deliver 500 CFM of air flow at speeds of 125 MPH, allowing you to blow both wet and dry debris off driveways, sidewalks and yards with ease. The high-voltage motor of the GreenWorks Pro GL80300 not only provides commercial grade power comparable to a gas motor, it also has a simple electric start system and is much lighter in weight than your typical gas leaf blower. This means you can tackle a range of difficult jobs without the need for heavy gear or a mask to deal with gas fumes.
The light weight is also a big plus, along with its cushioned grip which makes it secure and non-slip. It has 3 speed selections and an option for variable speed, giving you just the right amount of power for every job. Read reviews on Amazon >
Worx WG591 Cordless Battery-Powered Leaf Blower
The Worx WG591 is another excellent cordless leaf blower that offers turbo boost, variable speed, 125 MPH blowing power and 465 CFM output. Additionally, it weighs only 8 pounds, making it light enough for just about anyone to use for a lengthy period of time.
For a battery powered blower, the Worx WG591 also delivers strong air volume. It is equipped with a hyper stream air nozzle to easily handle the most difficult conditions. Variable speeds for the air volume means you can easily take on delicate tasks like blowing debris out of flower beds or cleaning garage corners, or heavier tasks like piling up leaves from a yard or driveway.
Convenience is one of the best features of cordless blowers and the Worx WG591 especially delivers here, as it has a simple, ergonomic design to evenly distribute its already light weight to minimize fatigue. You’ll also like that the variable speed control button and turbo boost are located in an easily accessible place on the unit so that you can easily operate it using only one hand. We also like the keyhole cutout on it that makes it easy to hang up on any existing hook or nails in your work space. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: DeWalt DCBL720P1 Cordless Leaf Blower
Featuring a lithium ion battery and a brushless motor, the DeWalt DCBL720P1 offers terrific value for money spent. This blower gives you a very respectable 90 MPH of blowing power and 400 CFM as well as a speed lock feature and variable speed trigger.
The DeWalt DCBL720P1 has a very compact design that nonetheless appears very heavy duty, although it’s actually lighter than the two models above. The wide tube that goes from the base to the front reflects this heavier duty look and also allows it to blow a much wider area . This gives you the ability do more in less time, which is an important feature of a cordless blower that is limited by battery power.
The axial fan design on the back allows for maximum air output while increasing run time. Like other cordless blowers, it provides the convenience of a simple starting mechanism, less maintenance on the engine and no gas fumes during operation. Additionally, the DeWalt motor is especially easy to start as you only need to squeeze the trigger for an instant start, whereas many other blowers require you to start it and then select a speed and/or the turbo option. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 Best Vacuum, Blower & Mulcher Combo: GreenWorks 24322
If you’re looking for a cordless blower that can also vacuum and shred leaves, the best model out there for most people is the GreenWorks 24322. This lightweight “2-in-1” blower/vacuum offers variable speed options and an extension tube for improved efficiency and reach.
One thing to keep in mind, though, if you’re considering getting this model is that it’s mainly designed for tackling small and medium sized jobs. Although it has a high wind speed of 185 MPH, its CFM rating, which is generally considered to be a more useful measure of a blower’s power, is rather low at only 340. This means that the air blows out (or sucks in) at a relatively high speed, buts it’s more concentrated to a smaller area on the ground, making it much less effective as a blower than it is as a vacuum.
In addition, if you do plan on vacuuming your leaves instead of blowing them, be aware that constantly having to dump out the bag will probably make your job more time consuming than simply blowing them into a pile. So unless you just need a blower for quick and easy projects like sweeping out your garage or taking care of the occasional leaf pile, you’ll probably want to go with one of the more powerful blowers above, especially if you’re going to be dealing with bigger jobs or larger lawns. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Corded-Electric Leaf Blowers
Best Overall: Toro 51621 UltraPlus Corded Leaf Blower, Vacuum & Mulcher
When it comes to corded leaf blowers, the Toro 51621 UltraPlus is the undisputed king. This is a powerful electric leaf blower that can generate very high wind speeds of up to 250 MPH at 410 CFM. It is capable of vacuuming and mulching leaves as well as blowing them, and comes with a vacuum/leaf bag as well as a number of useful accessories to help you tackle a wide range of jobs. In addition, converting the Toro UltraPlus from a blower to a vacuum is easy, as its quick release latch will allow you to conveniently make the switch without having to use any tools.
Offering high performance and flexibility, the Toro UltraPlus has a main blower tube for use on dry leaves and a power insert for use against heavy, wet leaves. A concentrator attachment helps the blower navigate corners and crevices, and it also includes an oscillating nozzle kit to create a wider wind path on hard areas without the need to move your wrist.
Corded leaf blowers in general tend to offer a lot more power than cordless versions, with the caveat that they are inhibited by their cords. However, with a long enough extension cord, you can still get a lot done without having to deal with the extra maintenance associated with a gas blower. But for those of you who want a vacuum-capable blower and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of using an extension cord will want to go with the battery-powered GreenWorks 24322 above. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: Worx WG520 Turbine Electric Leaf Blower
The Worx WG520 Turbine is a 12 amp corded leaf blower that can generate 110 MPH wind speeds. What’s really impressive about this blower is that its CFM rating of 600 is the highest of any electric leaf blower and the highest of any blower on this list. This will enable you to blow a wide area and will help you finish your tasks faster with less passes required.
It can deliver a lot of power due to its turbine fan technology, which allows it to deliver a high air volume at twice the speed as many professional, gas-powered leaf blowers. In addition, the Worx WG520 has a very straightforward design that looks heavy duty with a wide nozzle, but actually weighs less than 7 pounds. Along with that, the Worx WG520 offers a great value for its power and ease of use. Not only can it move large piles of wet leaves and even pine needles, but it even has enough power to air dry a car.
Additionally, this electric blower has variable speed controls that are located right on the top of the handle, giving you easy access when you want to operate it one-handed. The blower also comes ready to use right out of the box, only requiring you to attach the nozzle to the motor before it’s ready to go. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Budget Model: Toro 51585 Power Sweep Corded Leaf Blower
The Toro 51585 Power Sweep is one of the cheapest leaf blowers you can buy, and can be had for less than the cost of a dinner for two at a fancy restaurant. Despite its low price tag – and equally low power – it does has a few things going for it, mainly its super light weight at just under 5 pounds. For those of you who are just looking for an inexpensive blower to do a “once a year” clean-up to remove the dead leaves off your driveway or lawn during the fall, then this is a good choice.
Although it’s severely under-powered compared to many of the bigger, better models out there with an air speed of 160 MPH and a mere 155 CFM, it’s main draw is how light it is. Most leaf blowers are usually in the range of 7 to 20 pounds, so if carrying around that kind of weight sounds uncomfortable to you, then you’ll want to go with the Toro 51585 Power Sweep, which is about as light as blowers get.
In addition, another advantage of its smaller motor is that it’s less noisy compared to other models, giving you more freedom to take care of your cleaning projects without having to worry about overly bothering your neighbors. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Best Overall: Husqvarna 350BT Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 350BT is our top pick among gas leaf blowers. This extremely popular backpack blower boasts a powerful 2.1 HP engine that allows it to blow air at up to 180 MPH at 494 CFM. It comes with an integrated harness for use by both landscaping professionals and homeowners.
Backpack blowers are typically quite heavy, but the Husqvarna 350BT has a more modest weight of about 22 pounds and is designed for homeowners and professional landscapers with a larger area to cover. Its relatively light weight allows it to be used for a longer period of time while minimizing fatigue, as does the ergonomically designed harness and controls. Additionally, the blower’s efficient X-Torq engine minimizes emissions, and its large 42 oz. gas tank provides hours of run time. Users will also like the unit’s convenient cruise-control feature which will allow you to maintain a consistent fan speed.
The main advantage of this model, and other gas leaf blowers, is that unlike corded blowers, while powerful they may be, don’t require a power outlet or extension cord which can severely limit your blower’s range. Battery powered blowers are similarly limited, as most only have about 30 to 60 minutes of run time at full power. So if you have a large property or you’re a professional landscaper, then the Husqvarna 350BT is truly the way to go. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: Poulan Pro 967087101 Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
The Poulan Pro 967087101 offers great value with its heavy-duty frame, cruise control and strong motor. For its price range, this gas backpack blower delivers a lot of power. It can deliver wind speeds of up to 200 MPH at 475 CFM, which is pretty much guaranteed to move a lot of tough debris.
It can clear wet leaves, grass, old piles of manure, compacted clumps of vegetation, snow and more. If you’re a landowner with a large property or busy landscape professional, it’s hard to beat this blower for power and value. It offers almost as much power as the Husqvarna 350BT at a similar weight, but has a considerably lower price. It also has the more desirable backpack style straps that tend to make it easier to use for those with smaller frames.
The Poulan Pro 967087101 also features an ergonomic design with a shoulder harness that fits much like a sturdy backpack. Its controls are conveniently located and easy to use, and come with a variable speed trigger as well as a button for cruise control. The nozzle naturally points downward, which minimizes the stress on your body when using the blower. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Budget Model: Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
Weighing in at just under 9 pounds, the Hitachi RB24EAP is one of the lightest gas-powered leaf blowers out there. It generates a respectable 170 MPH wind speeds, and features a commercial-grade engine for plenty of power and a long life span.
Although gas blowers tend to be on the more expensive side, the Hitachi RB24EAP is comparable in price to many cordless blowers. Its affordable price combined with its light weight makes it a good option if you have a lot of land to cover, but perhaps only need to use a leaf blower occasionally. It’s also a good choice when you’re trying to get a large cleanup task done quickly, as it’s much easier when you have a light, handheld blower that isn’t limited by battery life or its cord. It also allows it to have use in small cleanup tasks as well as large ones.
The Hitachi also features a low emission, commercial grade 1.13 HP engine, which means less fumes and also compliance with strict California emission laws. The sturdy handle allows a sure grip and it has a large throttle lever for convenient operation. For even more convenience, it has an auto return stop switch to make starting up the machine easier. Read reviews on Amazon >
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Leaf Blower
Even though leaf blowers can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, their main purpose is of course, blowing leaves off of areas like sidewalks, streets, driveways and lawns. Most people who buy leaf blowers however, use them for a variety of jobs all year round. Depending on the power and type of blower, you can use them to clear snow, blow debris off of decks, blow out dust, dirt and cobwebs from a garage, clean out a barn and much more.
The main types of available leaf blowers are gas, battery powered and corded. Lighter models are typically designed for one-handed or two-handed use, while heavier ones come with a backpack or harness. There are also wheeled blowers.
How Leaf Blowers Are Tested
Leaf blowers are generally tested against large piles of leaves within a standardized boundary. The larger backpack and wheeled leaf blowers are tested against larger areas with more leaves as these styles are meant for professional landscapers and homeowners with very large yards or acreage. Since blowers have different wind speeds and wind areas, they are tested against how much debris they can move and how quickly.
Gas Vs. Electric Leaf Blowers
When you go to choose a leaf blower, you’re mainly choosing between gas and electric, whether the latter is corded or cordless. There are definitely pros and cons between each type and you’ll need to weigh those when it comes to choosing the blower that’s right for you.
A gas handheld blower can be fairly light weight and it can obviously go anywhere as it doesn’t require charging or a power outlet. However, gas blowers typically cost more than electric and they’re also louder during operation. A gas engine needs maintenance and, of course, fuel. If you’re sensitive to gas fumes, that might also be a concern. You may need to wear extra equipment like ear protection and a mask during use.
Corded blowers can easily be just as powerful as a gas blower and they’re usually lighter as a rule. They don’t emit gas fumes and they can often be much quieter than a gas blower. On the other hand, you can’t take them anywhere and extension cords usually don’t go much further than 100 feet.
Battery powered blowers are also light, can be quite powerful, but again, they are limited by battery life. Some can run for over an hour on lower settings, but most battery powered blowers can only go on full power for half an hour at most, some may only last 15 minutes. For quick jobs however, this might be more than enough for a lot of people.
If you really need a lot of power and have a lot of area to cover, then backpack blowers may be the way to go. These are generally well over 20 pounds and the backpack or harness design is to keep the weight distributed evenly on your body during operation. These are considered commercial grade blowers and are usually the most expensive aside from wheeled blowers.
Noise Pollution
One thing to consider when you’re shopping for a leaf blower is the noise. Believe it or not, some areas have strict rules on leaf blower operation. You might find rules restricting blowing to certain hours, or blowers above a certain decibel level and some communities even ban them completely. With regards to noise, gas blowers are almost always the loudest type of blower, so if you find them banned in your community, you’ll have no choice but to consider an electric blower.
Blowing Power & Other Considerations
When you go to compare different blowers, it’s good to know exactly what you’re comparing. Blower power is generally decided by air flow, as in, how quickly air comes out of the blower. Ratings might be in wind speed miles per hour or cubic feet of air per minute, or CFM. Many experts believe that CFM is a better indicator of power than MPH. Blower manufacturers often use both to rate their machines. The noise level is usually rated in decibels.
If the blower is also a leaf vacuum, then its mulching capacity comes into play. A high ratio is better and a metal impeller is also better than a plastic one.
Other factors to consider include weight and control options. Depending on the area you need to operate in, a variable speed control might be a good idea. For example, if you’re working in a flower bed or other area with delicate plants, you won’t want to put a full blast of air here.
Comparison Chart
Best Cordless Blower
$$$$
Battery-Powered
500 CFM / 125 MPH
No
8.2 lbs
Best Corded Blower
$$
Corded-Electric
410 CFM / 250 MPH
Yes, with Mulcher
8.9 lbs
Best Gas Backpack
$$$$$
Gas-Powered / Backpack
494 CFM / 180 MPH
No
22.5 lbs
Best Leaf Vacuum
$$$
Battery-Powered
340 CFM / 185 MPH
Yes, with Mulcher
5.6 lbs
Best Value Cordless
$$$
Battery-Powered
400 CFM / 90 MPH
No
7.1 lbs
Best Value Corded
$
Corded-Electric
600 CFM / 110 MPH
No
6.4 lbs
Best Value Gas/Backpack
$$$$
Gas-Powered / Backpack
475 CFM / 200 MPH
No
22 lbs
Best Budget Corded
$
Corded-Electric
155 CFM / 160 MPH
No
4.6 lbs
Best Budget Gas
$$$
Handheld Gas-Powered
441 CFM / 170 MPH
No
8.6 lbs
Best Commercial Blower
$$$$$
Commercial Gas Backpack
908 CFM / 206 CFM
No
25.8 lbs