If you don’t want to spend your time raking leaves, you’ll need a leaf blower. But finding a high-quality model that’s right for your needs and your budget can be difficult on your own. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best leaf blowers of the year, complete with detailed information on which one will work best for you.
Whether you want a tool that’s big and powerful or compact and efficient, our top picks include the perfect leaf blower for you. We’ve split up the different types into their own sections for easy comparison:
We’ve also put together a buyers guide to help you choose which of the best leaf blowers of the year is actually the best leaf blower for you.
Top Gas Leaf Blowers – Reviews
1. Husqvarna 350BT 2-cycle gas backpack blower |
2. Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower |
1. Husqvarna 350BT 2-cycle gas backpack blower
Husqvarna 350BT gas backpack blower
This professional-grade backpack leaf blower is perfect for multi-acre properties that take a long time to clear.
This professional-grade backpack leaf blower is perfect for multi-acre properties that take a long time to clear. It packs a powerful punch capable of blowing away dense, matted wet leaves and debris.
As a backpack blower, the Husqvarna 350BT is substantially heavier than handheld models like the Makita BHX2500CA, but it makes up for the extra weight with comfortable, ergonomic straps.
Reviewers said they were impressed with the power of the 350BT, but they wouldn’t recommend it for smaller tasks. If you only plan on blowing off your patio, driveway, or small yard, you’ll probably want to choose a model that’s lighter and easier to maneuver.
Users also said the engine runs loud, so it’s not an option for communities with strict noise regulations.
Because it’s so powerful, the Husqvarna 350BT isn’t cheap, but if you have a large property with lots of trees, this model will make your life much easier when the leaves pile up.
Specifications:
- Power source: Two-cycle gas engine
- Air volume/air speed: 494 cfm at 180 mph
- Weight: 22.5 lbs
Pros:
✓ Powerful enough for tough jobs
✓ X-torque engine reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency
✓ Variable speed options with cruise control
✓ Backpack-style for easier carrying
Cons:
✗ Expensive
✗ Runs loud
2. Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
The Poulan Pro PR48BT is a great option if you want the convenience of a gas-powered backpack blower without the high cost.
If you have a large property and you want the convenience of a gas-powered backpack blower without the big price tag, this might be the choice for you. It’s significantly cheaper than our other gas blower picks, and it doesn’t sacrifice power.
Reviewers said that the PR48BT works well for their large yards. Some even reported using it for professional landscaping jobs.
However, there’s a reason this model is so cheap compared to the others. Several users said the fuel tank started leaking after only a few months, and they had to buy a replacement. Others said their blower stopped working altogether after two or three years.
With its impressive power levels, the Poulan Pro PR48BT is more than worth the price you’ll pay for it. Just keep in mind that it may cause more expenses down the line if you plan on using this leaf blower for a long time.
Specifications:
- Power source: Two-cycle gas engine
- Air volume/air speed: 475 cfm at 200 mph
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Special features: Load-reducing harness for comfort, variable speed with cruise control, adjustable shoulder straps
Pros:
✓ Inexpensive for a backpack leaf blower
✓ Impressive power for the price range
✓ Variable speed options with cruise control
Cons:
✗ Some users had issues with the fuel tank leaking
✗ May not last more than a few years
Top Corded Electric Leaf Blowers – Reviews
1. Toro 51619 Ultra electric blower/vacuum |
2. BLACK+DECKER BV6600 3-in-1 electric leaf blower |
3. WORX WG520 Turbine 600 corded electric leaf blower |
4. BLACK+DECKER LB700 electric leaf blower |
1. Toro 51619 Ultra electric blower/vacuum
Toro 51619 Ultra electric blower/vacuum
The Toro 51619 is one of the best and most useful leaf blowers, and it’s an exceptional value.
The Toro 51619 offers a big whoosh for your buck with its three-in-one functions. In addition to blowing away leaves, it has vacuuming and mulching capabilities. So, it’s your choice whether you want to blow your fall leaves away, vacuum and bag them, or turn them into mulch that you can use to improve your lawn or garden’s health.
The 51619 model has a new and improved metal impeller (the part of the mulcher that grinds up the leaves) that can handle more and larger debris than plastic impellers. Reviewers reported that the mulcher function works exceptionally well, even better than in previous Toro models.
The leaf blower function’s power also is top-of-the-line. At 250 mph, its air speed is even greater than that of the gas blowers we picked. Unlike gas-powered models, though, the Toro 51619 is lightweight, quiet, and eco-friendly. It’s easy to maneuver and most likely won’t violate your neighborhood’s noise ordinances.
The only substantial problems reviewers mentioned were with the vacuum feature. Some said the bag that holds the debris is flimsy and can rip after a while. They also said this tool has a hard time sucking up wet leaves and other debris.
All in all, the Toro 51619 is one of the best and most useful leaf blowers, and it’s available at an exceptional value.
Specifications:
- Power source: Corded electric
- Air volume/air speed: 350 cfm at 250 mph
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
Pros:
✓ Impressive power for an electric leaf blower
✓ 3-in-1 blowing, bagging, and mulching capabilities
✓ Variable speed control
Cons:
✗ Vacuuming feature isn’t the best
2. BLACK+DECKER BV6600 3-in-1 electric leaf blower
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower, Vacuum, Mulcher (BV6600)
The BLACK+DECKER BV6600 3-in-1 electric leaf blower makes it easy to maintain your home’s curb appeal.
The BLACK+DECKER BV6600 3-in-1 is comparable to the Toro 51619 in many ways. It, too, doubles (or triples) as a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher. The two models also have about the same level of power. At almost $100, though, the BV6600 isn’t quite as much of a steal.
There’s a reason you pay more for this model. Its powerful, efficient mulcher attachment can turn 16 bags of leaves into one. Reviewers reported that the controls are user-friendly, making it easy to switch between the blower, vacuum, and mulcher modes as needed.
If you typically have a lot of heavy debris in your small to midsize yard and you’re willing to spend a little extra money, the BV6600 is a great option for you.
Specifications:
- Power source: Corded electric
- Air volume/air speed: 400 cfm at 250 mph
- Weight: 8.1 lbs
Pros:
✓ Impressive power for an electric leaf blower
✓ 3-in-1 blowing, bagging, and mulching capabilities
✓ User-friendly operation
✓ Variable speed control
Cons:
✗ Expensive compared to similar models
3. WORX WG520 Turbine 600 corded electric leaf blower
WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower
Intended for bigger lawns or anyone looking for a truly powerful blower at a hard-to-beat price.
For one of the most lightweight corded blowers on our list, the WG520 has an impressive power level. Its wide nozzle, which moves 600 cfm of air, allows you to clear a wide space in a fraction of the time it might take with other models. It also comes with an attachable hyper-stream nozzle for tough jobs that require more concentrated airflow.
Aside from its high power, reviewers praised the WG520 for its durability. Some reported using their blower every day without ever experiencing significant wear-and-tear or other issues.
The WORX WG520 is more than enough to take care of all your leaves in the fall, and it’s one of the least expensive of our picks.
Specifications:
- Power source: Corded electric
- Air volume/air speed: 600 cfm at 110 mph
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
Pros:
✓ Clears large spaces quickly
✓ Inexpensive
✓ Lightweight
✓ Variable speed control
Cons:
✗ Low mph
✗ Wide nozzle doesn’t produce the concentrated airflow needed for heavy piles of leaves
4. BLACK+DECKER LB700 electric leaf blower
BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, 7-Amp (LB700)
The BLACK+DECKER LB700 delivers a powerful and efficient blowing performance.
Remember the little engine that could? That’s the BLACK+DECKER LB700. It’s incredibly lightweight at only 4.4 pounds, and you can easily operate it with one hand.
While this little guy may not be as powerful as the other corded blowers listed here, it’s perfect for quickly cleaning your patio, deck, driveway, or small yard. That’s not to mention that it has the signature high-quality construction of a BLACK+DECKER product. Reviewers who used the LB700 for light yard work reported no issues.
If you know you’re only going to use your leaf blower for small jobs, there’s no reason to spend a bundle. The LB700 is the perfect choice for homeowners on a tight budget, and it’s more than worth its roughly $30 price tag.
Specifications:
- Power source: Corded electric
- Air volume/air speed: 180 cfm at 180 mph
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
Pros:
✓ Super affordable
✓ Lightweight enough for one-handed use
Cons:
✗ Not powerful enough for large jobs
Top Battery-Powered Cordless Leaf Blowers – Reviews
1. DeWALT DCBL722P1 cordless leaf blower |
2. Greenworks GBL80300 cordless leaf blowe |
1. DeWALT DCBL722P1 cordless leaf blower
DeWALT DCBL722P1 cordless leaf blower
When it comes to cordless leaf blowers, there’s no better value than the DeWALT DCBL722P1.
When it comes to cordless leaf blowers, there’s no better value than the DeWALT DCBL722P1. It has similar air speed and volume to other blowers in its class, but it costs $50-$100+ less.
At full charge, the DCBL722P1’s battery runs for 15-30 minutes depending on the speed setting you use, which is typical for a cordless leaf blower. The added bonus of this model is its brushless motor, which can help extend both run time and the life of the blower.
Reviewers recommended the DCBL722P1 for light chores around the yard because it’s easy to maneuver and lightweight compared to other cordless blowers. However, some warned that it isn’t great for heavy-duty debris or yards of an acre or more.
Specifications:
- Power source: Lithium-ion battery
- Air volume/air speed: 450 cfm at 125 mph
- Weight: 5.43 lbs
Pros:
✓ Inexpensive compared to similar models
✓ Lightweight
✓ Brushless motor extends the life of the blower
✓ Variable speed control with speed lock
Cons:
✗ Not suited for heavy-duty use
✗ Battery doesn’t last long enough for large properties
2. Greenworks GBL80300 cordless leaf blower
Greenworks Pro 80V (125 MPH / 500 CFM) Cordless Axial Leaf Blower
The Greenworks GBL80300 is quiet, has a battery that charges in just 30 minutes, and features variable speed control.
The Greenworks GBL80300 is the happy medium between our other cordless picks, both in price point and power. With an air speed of 125 mph and air volume of 500 cfm, this model is powerful enough to take care of most household yard chores efficiently.
Ranging from about 12 minutes at the highest speed setting to about 70 minutes at the lowest, this blower’s run time is nothing remarkable. The charge time is what’s really impressive about Greenworks products. The GBL80300’s rapid-charging battery reaches full charge in just 30 minutes.
As an added bonus, you can use the same battery for this blower that you use for other Greenworks tools. If you already own others or are interested in purchasing them, the GBL80300 is worth the investment.
Fair warning regarding Greenworks batteries: Some customers said they had to get a new battery for their blower after only about six months of regular use.
Specifications:
- Power source: Lithium-ion battery
- Air volume/air speed: 500 cfm at 125 mph
- Weight: 8.9 lbs
Pros:
✓ Battery charges in just 30 minutes
✓ Quiet operation (60 decibels)
✓ Variable speed control
Cons:
✗ Heavy
How We Chose the Best Leaf Blowers of The Year
To figure out which leaf blowers were the cream of the crop, we compared each model’s power and cost, then paired those stats with information from customer reviews.
To measure the leaf blowers’ power, we used two stats: air speed and air volume.
Air speed, measured in miles per hour (mph) tells you how fast the air coming out of a leaf blower will be. Knowing a leaf blower’s air speed helps you figure out how far it can blow leaves and other debris.
Air volume, measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm), tells you how much air the leaf blower expels at one time. With air volume, you can determine how large of an area you’ll be able to clear at once.
In this list, we describe a leaf blower’s power as X cubic feet per minute at X miles per hour. For instance, if you see “300 cfm at 150 mph,” that means the blower produces 300 cubic feet of air moving at 150 miles per hour.
If all this technical talk is too confusing for you, here are the basics you need to remember: The more mph a leaf blower has, the farther it will be able to blow leaves and debris. The more cfm it has, the larger an area you’ll be able to clear in a shorter time.
Buyers Guide
What you need in a leaf blower all depends on your property and what you’re going to use the leaf blower for. As a general rule of thumb, these factors should indicate if a leaf blower is right for you:
- Power: The larger your property is and the more leaves you’re dealing with, the more power you’ll need.
- Portability: If you need to cover a large area or your yard has a lot of obstacles, you may not be able to use a leaf blower with a cord.
- Cost: Decide your price range before you start shopping. A leaf blower can cost anywhere from $20 to $500+.
- Noise: If your community has noise regulations, make sure you choose a leaf blower that meets them.
Gas leaf blowers 101
A gas leaf blower might be the best option for you if you have a large property and don’t want to be tethered to a cord or a battery’s run time.
Gas blowers can have one of two types of engines: a four-cycle or a two-cycle engine (aka a four-stroke or a two-stroke engine). If you choose one with a two-cycle engine, you’ll have to mix gas and oil for its fuel (or buy a premixed blend). With a four-cycle engine, you can use regular gas.
Both engines are far less eco-friendly than electric leaf blowers, so if your goal is to be environmentally conscious, this isn’t the way to go. Gas blowers also tend to be heavier than others, so you should have solid upper body strength if you’re planning to handle one for long stretches of time.
Gas leaf blowers require regular maintenance such as cleaning and oil changes. Be prepared to commit substantial time to taking care of your gas blower if you want it in prime condition for years to come.
That being said, gas blowers are generally the most powerful type of blower. They’re great for properties with lots of trees, where you’ll regularly have to clear away huge amounts of debris. The typical cost of a gas leaf blower reflects that power level. Gas blowers can be some of the most expensive options.
Corded electric leaf blowers 101
If you only need a leaf blower for small jobs like cleaning your patio or small yard, a corded electric blower is the way to go. These are powerful, sometimes even as powerful as gas blowers, and they typically cost well under $100.
Corded electric leaf blowers are also typically the lightest and easiest to maneuver. If you don’t have much upper body strength or experience with power tools, you should still be able to use one of these without any trouble.
The only downside is you’ll be tethered to a cord. You’ll most likely buy an extension cord along with one of these blowers, but even that can typically only reach about 100 feet. If you need to cover an area that’s nowhere near a power outlet, you’ll have to choose a more portable gas or battery-powered option.
Battery-powered cordless leaf blowers 101
Battery-powered cordless leaf blowers combine the portability of a gas blower with the eco-friendliness of an electric blower. If you have a large property but don’t want to deal with the hassle, noise, and fumes of a gas engine, a cordless blower might be your solution.
Most modern cordless leaf blowers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Their power source makes them the quietest type of leaf blower by far, generally speaking. Cordless blowers are a great option for neighborhoods with lots of rules about noise levels.
Like all good things, cordless blowers have their downsides, too. Battery run time for a leaf blower is usually pretty low. Using the blower’s highest speed, the most you can expect is about 10-30 minutes. Having to stop and recharge or carry extra batteries can make cordless blowers annoying to use for big, time-consuming jobs.
The price point for cordless blowers is another deterrent. Some models are even more expensive than their gas counterparts. Also keep in mind that in some cases, you have to buy the battery and charger separately from the blower itself, increasing your costs even more.
That being said, if you have some extra money in your pocket and a small yard with lots of obstacles (trees, gardens, etc.) that make it difficult to walk around while attached to a cord, a cordless leaf blower could be perfect for you.
FAQs About Leaf Blowers
That depends on what you specifically will use your leaf blower for.
If your goal is to move a larger volume of leaves, pay more attention to the cfm.
If your goal is to move the leaves a longer distance, pay more attention to the mph.
The constant noise of leaf blowers can be dangerous for your hearing, so always make sure to protect your ears with earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs when using a leaf blower.
Gas leaf blowers can also become a fire hazard (because of their fuel) if not stored properly.
Your options for leaf disposal vary depending on where you live.
If there are woods around your property, you can simply blow the leaves off your lawn and into the woods. If your city allows burning, you can blow your leaves into piles and then burn them.
Otherwise, you can use the leaves as mulch or bag them and have your trash service pick them up.
Conclusion
There you have it: The best leaf blowers of the year. Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that there’s a gas, corded electric, or battery-powered leaf blower that’s perfect for you. With our suggestions and advice on what to look for while you shop, you should be ready to tackle your fall yard chores almost effortlessly with the help of a new leaf blower.
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