The best leaf blowers make fall cleanups a breeze. But finding a high-quality model to suit your yard and budget is challenging. So, we did the research for you.
We analyzed leaf blowers from America’s leading lawn care retailers—Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. Based on performance, durability, ease of use, and cost, we found the nine best leaf blowers overall. This article includes an in-depth review of each blower and a handy buyer’s guide to help you choose the leaf blower that’s best for you.
Our Top Picks
Top 6 Handheld Leaf Blowers – Reviews
1. Ego Power+ LB7654 – Best Cordless Electric Handheld
Ego Power+ LB7654
EGO Turbo Cordless Leaf Blower: Power Meets Versatility. 765 CFM, Variable-Speed Control, Long Runtime, and Weather-Resistant Design. Compatible with EGO 56V ARC Lithium Batteries.
The best cordless electric leaf blower with a handheld design is the Ego Power+ LB7654. Ego’s aeronautics-inspired turbine fan technology creates the world’s most potent handheld leaf blower. It even beats its gas-powered competition with a whopping 26 Newton (N) max blow force. Additionally, the blower is durable, versatile, and user-friendly.
Performance: Heavy-duty debris is no match for this mighty machine. Its whirlwind 200 MPH max air speed effortlessly clears dry leaves, wet leaves, muddy debris, and rocks. With immense air volume, up to 765 CFM, it can also handle a lot of debris at once. Thus, it’s the ideal fall cleanup tool for homeowners with large yards and ample trees.
Ease of Use: Using the LB7654 is a breeze. It’s easy to start and has intuitive controls. The lock-on button keeps the blower running without touching the trigger. Although it gets a little heavy after long periods of use, the weight is well-balanced, and it clears leaves quickly. Most people will find it comfortable to use.
Battery Life: Ego’s ARC Lithium batteries are durable and efficient. The LB7654 runs about 90 minutes on average speed, 150 minutes on low, and 15 minutes on turbo. The batteries charge in about 100 minutes with the included charger, or you can purchase Ego’s rapid charger to save time on refueling.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 200 MPH
- Air volume: 765 CFM
- Battery: 56-volt, 5 Ah ARC Lithium
- Max runtime: 150 min.
- Motor: Brushless
- Noise level: 76 dB
- Warranty: 5 year tool, 3 year battery
- Weight: 9.56 lb.
Battery included? | Yes (2) |
Charger included? | Yes |
Key Features
- Variable Speed Dial (260-580 CFM)
- Cruise Control
- Turbo Button
- Interchangeable Nozzles (Tapered and Spread)
- Weather-Resistant Construction
- Brushless Motor
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Best-performing handheld blower ✓ Quickly clears a lot of debris ✓ Blows very heavy debris ✓ Easy to use ✓ Very durable ✓ Good runtime | ✗ Expensive |
2. Echo X-Series PB-2620 – Best Gas-Powered Handheld
Echo X-Series PB-2620
Unleash the Power of Versatility. 25.4 cc 2-Stroke Engine, Comfortable Handling, and Exceptional Blowing Performance. Your Perfect Yard Cleanup Partner with a 5-Year Warranty.
The best gas-powered leaf blower with a handheld design is Echo’s X-Series PB-2620. It’s reliable, versatile, and ergonomic. Although it doesn’t pack as potent a punch as the Ego Power+ LB7654, it’s quieter, less expensive, and more comfortable to carry. And with a 15.8 N max blow force, it’s hefty enough to handle most residential properties.
Performance: It’s the best-performing gas handheld, slightly beating Stihl’s best model. With airspeed up to 172 MPH and air volume up to 456 CFM, it does an excellent job of clearing debris, including wet leaves, twigs, and pine straw.
Ease of Use: It’s straightforward and comfortable to carry. The double-grid intake keeps it from pulling at your clothes and prevents clogging. With two handles and points to attach a harness, the weight is easy to manage. Its Posi-Loc tubes are super easy to connect, and its rubber grip reduces vibration.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 172 MPH
- Air volume: 456 CFM
- Engine: 2-cycle, 25.4 cc
- Fuel tank capacity: 20.3 oz.
- Noise level: 70 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 9.8 lb.
Key Features
- Professional-Grade Engine
- Two-Stage Air Filtration (Pleated Paper Primary Filter and Foam Pre-Filter)
- Chrome-Plated Engine Cylinder
- Dual Handles
- Variable Speed Throttle (172 – 456 CFM)
- Cruise Control
- Interchangeable Tubes (Round and Flared)
- Shoulder Harness Attachment Points
- Anti-vibration Rubber Grip
- Posi-Loc Tubes
- Wear Ring for Round Tube
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Best performing gas handheld ✓ Blows very heavy debris ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Comfortable to carry ✓ Easy to use ✓ Very durable | ✗ Expensive for a gas handheld |
3. Worx Turbine WG521 – Best Corded Electric Handheld
Worx WG521
Most Powerful Electric Blower: 800 CFM Turbine, variable speed, hyper-stream nozzle, lightweight, and easy assembly with WORX.
The best electric leaf blower with a cord is the Worx WG521. It’s the most potent corded model and the lightest leaf blower on this list. Although it costs a little more than the average corded blower, it’s still a steal at about 1/3 of the Ego Power+ LB7654’s price. Homeowners clearing leaves within an extension cord’s reach get much value from this debris-decimating device.
Performance: The Worx Turbine WG521 is the best-performing corded blower, slightly beating the Toro PowerJet F700. A potent 12 Amp motor empowers its fierce turbine fan technology. It’s the handheld with the highest air volume, reaching up to 800 CFM. So, it moves mass amounts of debris with each blow, including wet leaves, grass clippings, and pine straw.
Ease of Use: It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to handle, but a few users may have trouble controlling it at the highest speed. Its variable speed dial is easy to adjust, and the cord retainer keeps it securely plugged.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 135 MPH
- Air volume: 800 CFM
- Amps: 12
- Max extension cord length: 100 ft.
- Noise level: 82 dB
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 6.6 lb.
Key Features
- Variable Speed Dial (420 – 800 CFM, 70 -135 MPH)
- Hyper-Stream Nozzle Attachment
- Cord Retainer
- Tool-Free Assembly
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Quickly clears a lot of debris ✓ Unlimited runtime ✓ Lightweight ✓ Easy to handle ✓ Affordable | ✗ Hard to control one-handed on high ✗ No cruise control ✗ Loud |
4. Craftsman BV245 – Best Gas Leaf Vacuum/Blower
Craftsman BV245
High-Performance 27cc Gas Blower: 450 CFM/205 mph power, Vacuum Kit with 1.5-Bushel Bag, Easy Start, User-Friendly Design, and Engine Oil Included.
The best gas-powered leaf vacuum/blower is the Craftsman BV245. It’s the perfect piece of power equipment for homeowners who bag their fall leaves for trash pickup. This handy 3-in-1 tool blows, vacuums, and mulches. It can shred 16 bags of leaves down to one bag of mulch. And while you work, it holds the mulched leaves in a large collection bag.
Performance: Its 27-cc full-crank engine provides superior performance, making it the best leaf vacuum for heavy-duty yard work. With airspeed up to 205 MPH, it can haul heavy debris such as wet leaves, twigs, and pine cones. It has powerful suction, and the mulcher makes it easy to bag leaves for trash pickup.
Ease of Use: It’s compact and easy to use with a simple 3-step starting system. Its over-mold handle reduces vibration, and its large collection bag allows you to get a lot done before emptying the bag.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 205 MPH
- Air volume: 450 CFM
- Engine: 27-cc, 2-cycle
- Fuel tank capacity: 14 fl. oz.
- Noise level: 74 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 10.2 lb.
Collection bag size | 1.5 Bushels |
Mulch reduction ratio | 16:1 |
Key Features
- Adjustable Speed
- Cruise Control
- Vac Kit
- Over-Mold Handle
- Easy Start Technology
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Powerful suction ✓ High-performance engine ✓ Works great on heavy debris ✓ Easy to use ✓ Includes vac kit | ✗ Need a screwdriver to attach the vacuum tube |
5. Ryobi RY404150 – Best Electric Leaf Vacuum/Blower
Ryobi RY404150
RYOBI 40V HP Jet Fan Blower/Vacuum: 2X more power, 600 CFM, 100 MPH, mulching, comfortable harness, 2 batteries, rapid charger, 5-year tool warranty.
The best cordless electric leaf vacuum/blower is the Ryobi RY404150. With an impressive 16 N max blow force and versatile functionality, it simplifies fall cleanups. The metal impeller is durable and efficient, shredding 20 bags of leaves down to 1 bag of mulch. And it’s one of the quietest blowers on our list, making less noise than a standard hair dryer.
Performance: Its jet fan blower clears large leaf piles quickly. However, it has the slowest airspeed on our list and handles dry leaves much better than wet ones.
Ease of Use: It’s a bit heavy, but its adjustable harness with padded shoulder straps supports the weight well. The handle adjusts to comfort. And an easy-to-use dial switches between blower and vacuum modes in seconds.
Battery Life: It gets up to 18 minutes of runtime and comes with a rapid charger that refuels each battery in less than 40 minutes. The LED fuel indicator lets you know when it’s time to recharge.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 100 MPH
- Air volume: 600 CFM
- Battery: 4 Ah, 40 volt Li-ion
- Max runtime: 18 minutes
- Motor: Brushless
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Warranty: 5 year tool, 3 year battery
- Weight: 15.2 lb.
Battery included? | Yes (2) |
Charger included? | Yes |
Collection bag size | 10.5 Gallons |
Mulch reduction ratio | 20:1 |
Key Features
- Metal Impeller
- Adjustable Speed
- Cruise Control
- Mode Change Dial
- LED Fuel Gauge
- Shoulder Harness
- Speed Tip Attachment
- Vacuum Tip
- Rapid Charger
- Brushless Motor
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Quickly clears a lot of debris ✓ Vacuum has good suction ✓ Mulches finely ✓ Includes an adjustable harness ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Quiet | ✗ Expensive ✗ Short runtime ✗ Not great for wet debris |
6. Black+Decker BEBL750 – Best Budget Buy
Black+Decker BEBL750
High Power Electric Leaf Blower: 9 Amp, two-speed control up to 140 MPH, versatile for various surfaces, lightweight, and equipped with a built-in scraper for efficient cleanup.
The best budget leaf blower is the Black+Decker BEBL750. It’s compact, quiet, and efficient. This modestly priced corded model is great for homeowners on a tight budget with light to moderate cleanup needs. It costs less than about 95% of leaf blowers while providing average performance.
Performance: It has moderate performance. Its axial fan produces up to 450 CFM of air volume and an airspeed of up to 140 MPH. It pushes a good amount of leaves with each blow, including wet leaves and pine straw.
Ease of Use: It’s very easy to use. It’s compact and lightweight, so the blower is easy to maneuver. The debris scraper frees stuck-on litter, and its cord retainer keeps it safely plugged in.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 140 MPH
- Air volume: 450 CFM
- Amps: 9
- Max extension cord length: 150 ft.
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 7.06 lb.
Key Features
- Two Speeds
- Cord Retainer
- Built-in Debris Scraper
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Very affordable ✓ Easy to use ✓ Quiet ✓ Lightweight ✓ Unlimited runtime | ✗ Not as potent as other blowers on our list ✗ Few features |
Top 3 Backpack Leaf Blowers – Reviews
1. Schröder SR-6400L – Best Gas-Powered Backpack Blower
Schröder SR-6400L
Schroder USA’s leading backpack leaf blower, a powerful German-designed gas blower with a 63.3cc engine, and a comfortable, lightweight fit for effortless operation.
The best backpack leaf blower is the Schröder SR-6400L. It’s lightweight, durable, and efficient. Although it costs about $100 less than a typical backpack blower, it performs better than most of its competitors. It’s also a lot quieter than most gas-powered models, with a noise level of 65 decibels.
Performance: Although it’s not the most potent gas backpack blower, it’s certainly top-tier. A 3.7 horsepower engine provides plenty of power, allowing mass amounts of Ferrari-fast air to pass through its tube. It can quickly clean heavily wooded yards over an acre. And it can push heavy waste such as wet leaves, muddy debris, and pine cones.
Ease of Use: It’s compact, comfortable, and easy to start. At just 19.5 pounds, it’s the lightest leaf blower in its class. With its padded shoulder straps and back support, most people will have no trouble carrying it for long periods. It’s easy to use for fall cleanups, gutter cleaning, and snow removal. However, the recoil starter is sometimes challenging to pull.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 230 MPH
- Air volume: 920 CFM
- Engine: 2-cycle, 63.3 cc
- Fuel tank capacity: 65 fl. oz.
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 19.5 lb.
Key Features
- Commercial-Grade Engine
- Padded Shoulder Straps
- Back Support
- Two-Stage Air Filtration
- Speed Control
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Blows very heavy debris ✓ Quickly clears a lot of debris ✓ Durable ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ Quiet | ✗ Recoil starter is difficult to pull ✗ No cruise control |
2. Ego Power+ LBPX8004-2 – Best Electric Backpack Blower
Ego Power+ LBPX8004-2
EGO Commercial 800 CFM Backpack Blower: Cordless Power and Durability. Equipped with 1,900W Brushless Motor, 800 CFM, and 120-Minute Runtime. The Future of Professional Blowers.
The best electric backpack blower is the cordless Ego Power+ LBPX8004-2. With a 26 N max blow force, it’s the most powerful electric backpack model. Even though it’s the most expensive leaf blower on our list, it’s worth every penny to homeowners with large yards, many trees, and a preference for electric power. It’s potent, durable, and loaded with high-end features.
Performance: Its 1,900W brushless motor is as fierce as a 60cc gas engine. The high-power motor allows for extraordinary capabilities, including air volume up to 800 CFM and airspeed up to 190 MPH. It quickly clears large piles of debris, including heavy items like wet leaves, muddy debris, and twigs.
Ease of Use: It has an ergonomic design, digital controls, and an effortless electric start. Although a bit heavy, Ego put a lot into making the weight comfortable to carry. Its harness is well-padded with high-quality straps. It has two handles for extra leverage. And the hand grip and blower tube are adjustable.
Battery Life: It comes with two 56-volt ARC Lithium batteries that provide 120 minutes of runtime on low, 30 minutes on high, and 25 minutes on turbo. The included Dual Port Charger refuels both batteries in about 145 minutes. And you can keep track of battery life with its digital battery-level indicator.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 190 MPH
- Air volume: 800 CFM
- Battery: 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC Lithium
- Max runtime: 120 min.
- Motor: Brushless
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Warranty: 5 year tool, 3 year battery
- Weight: 29 lb.
Battery included? | Yes (2) |
Charger included? | Yes |
Key Features
- Commercial-Grade Construction
- IPX5-Rated Weather-Resistant
- UV-Resistant Composite Housing
- Digital Controls
- Variable Speed
- Cruise Control
- Turbo Lock
- Interchangeable Tubes
- Brushless Motor
- Premium Straps and Back Pads
- Dual Grab Handles
- Adjustable Tube
- Adjustable Hand Grip
- Ego Power+ Dual Port Charger
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Most powerful electric backpack blower ✓ Blows very heavy debris ✓ Quickly clears a lot of debris ✓ Durable ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Easy to use ✓ Quiet | ✗ Expensive ✗ Heavy |
3. Echo X-Series PB-9010H – Most Powerful Leaf Blower
Echo X Series PB-9010H
Powerful 79.9cc Backpack Blower with 48 Newtons Performance, Dual Filters for Dusty Conditions, and Durable Metal Ring and Posi-Loc Connection.
The Echo X-Series PB-9010H is the most powerful leaf blower overall. Its 48 N max blow force is great for homeowners with heavily wooded multi-acre properties and lawn care pros. The blower is potent, durable, and loaded with fantastic features. However, it’s the second most expensive blower on our list, and its strength is overkill for most homeowners.
Performance: Its 79.9 cc professional-grade engine provides supreme power. Although Echo advertises its max blow force at 48 N, some testers clocked it at over 50 N. With wind speeds up to 220 MPH and air volume up to 1,110 CFM, this mighty machine decimates dense piles of debris. It effortlessly blows hefty items such as wet and muddy debris, pine cones, and twigs.
Ease of use: It’s comfortable to carry and easy to use with thick padding and intuitive controls. It has a vibration-reducing over-mold handle, and you can access the air filter without tools. Its vented back pad blows cool air on you, which is great on hot summer days. And the throttle is hip-mounted for easy access.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 220 MPH
- Air volume: 1,110 CFM
- Engine: 2-cycle, 79.9 cc
- Fuel tank capacity: 83.8 fl. oz.
- Noise level: 80 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 26.4 lb.
Key Features
- Professional-Grade Engine
- Two-Stage Air Filtration (Pleated Paper Main Filter + Foam Pre-Filter)
- Variable Speed Throttle
- Cruise Control
- Posi-Loc Pipes
- Patented Wear Ring
- Vented Back Pad
- Heavy-Duty Padding
- Vibration-Reducing Over-Mold Handle
- Hip-Mounted Throttle
- Tool-less Air Filter Access
Pros and Cons
What we liked | What we didn’t like |
✓ Most powerful backpack blower ✓ Blows very heavy debris ✓ Quickly clears mass amounts of debris ✓ Very durable ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Ergonomic | ✗ Expensive |
Buyer’s Guide
To choose the best leaf blower for your yard, please consider the following:
Power Source
There are three main options for leaf-blowing power tools:
- Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: If you have a large yard, gas leaf blowers give you the best bang for your buck. There are also more high-performance gas models than electric ones. However, gas blowers tend to be noisy, and they emit toxic fumes. They are also higher maintenance than electric models.
- Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers: Most cordless electric leaf blowers run on lithium-ion batteries. They are typically quieter than gas blowers and emissions-free. However, they tend to be heavy and have shorter runtimes than gas models. The best cordless leaf blowers compete with gas power, but high-performance cordless models cost a lot.
- Corded Electric Leaf Blowers: Corded models are the most affordable, so many homeowners with small yards prefer them. They have unlimited runtime and are lightweight and emissions-free. However, their extension cords keep you on a leash, and most corded leaf blowers are suited for light to medium-duty cleanups only.
Blower Design
Most homeowners purchase a handheld or backpack leaf blower:
- Handheld Leaf Blowers are the most popular choice for homeowners because they’re compact, lightweight, and affordable.
- Backpack Leaf Blowers are typically more potent than handhelds. Because weight is easier to carry on your back than arms, they can have bigger engines/motors and hold more batteries. Most homeowners with yards over an acre and a moderate to large amount of trees prefer backpack blowers. Pros also prefer backpack models.
Blow Force
Measured in Newtons (N), blow force describes the intensity of airflow. The two main contributing factors to the leaf blower’s blow force are air volume and air speed:
- Air Volume: Measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), air volume is the amount of air that passes through the blower’s tube. Leaf blowers with higher CFM clear more debris with each blow, making fall cleanups quicker.
- Airspeed: Measured in miles per hour (MPH), airspeed is the rate at which air passes through the blower’s tube. When air moves faster, it can push heavier debris and move the debris further distances.
The table below shows leaf blowers’ typical range of MPH and CFM by power source.
Typical MPH | Typical CFM | |
Gas | 165 – 220 | 435 – 1,200 |
Corded Electric | 115 – 210 | 300 – 610 |
Cordless Electric | 115 – 170 | 390 – 650 |
Weight
Lighter leaf blowers are more comfortable to carry. The average leaf blower weighs about 11 pounds, but blower weight varies by design type and power source.
The table below shows the typical weight of handheld leaf blowers by power source.
Average Weight | Typical Range | |
Gas | 10 lb. | 9 – 11 lb. |
Battery | 10 lb. | 6 – 10 lb. |
Corded | 7 lb. | 5 – 9 lb. |
The next table shows the typical weight of backpack leaf blowers by power source.
Average Weight | Typical Range | |
Gas | 23 lb. | 21 – 25 lb. |
Battery | 26 lb. | 17 – 35 lb. |
Noise Level
Decibels (dB) measure a sound’s intensity. The average leaf blower has a noise level of about 70 dB, but it varies by power source and design type.
The table below shows the typical noise level of all leaf blowers by power source.
Average dB | Typical dB Range | |
Gas | 78 | 65 – 90 |
Corded | 70 | 60 – 80 |
Battery | 65 | 60 – 75 |
The next table compares the noise level of handheld leaf blowers by power source.
Average dB | Typical dB Range | |
Gas | 74 | 65 – 82 |
Corded | 70 | 60 – 80 |
Battery | 65 | 60 – 70 |
The following table shows the typical noise level of backpack blowers by power source.
Average dB | Typical dB Range | |
Gas | 80 | 69 – 89 |
Battery | 70 | 58 – 82 |
Leaf Blower Prices
The average leaf blower costs about $250, but prices vary by power source and design type.
The table below shows the cost of all leaf blowers by power source.
Power source | Typical Price Range |
Gas | $200 – $670 |
Battery | $150 – $400 |
Corded electric | $55 – $125 |
The next table shows the cost of handheld leaf blowers by power source.
Power source | Typical Price Range |
Battery | $140 – $340 |
Gas | $140 – $225 |
Corded electric | $55 – $125 |
And the final table shows the cost of backpack leaf blowers by power source.
Power source | Typical Price Range |
Battery | $345 – $555 |
Gas | $310 – $535 |
FAQ About Leaf Blowers
1. Are leaf blowers dangerous?
The constant noise of leaf blowers can be dangerous for your hearing, so always make sure to wear hearing protection (i.e. earplugs, noise-canceling earmuffs) when using a leaf blower.
Gas leaf blowers can also become a fire hazard (because of their fuel) if not stored properly.
2. What should I do with leaves after blowing?
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 in your lawn or bag them and have your trash service pick them up.
3. What’s the best lawn care equipment?
There are a few essential tools for DIY lawn care, and we found the best ones:
- Lawn Mowers: The best self-propelled lawn mower is the GreenWorks Pro 80V cordless mower, and the best mowers for big yards are the self-propelled Toro TimeMaster 21199 and the John Deere S140 lawn tractor. The best push mower is the PowerSmart DB8621CR.
- String Trimmers: The best gas string trimmer is the Husqvarna 128LD 2-cycle straight shaft string trimmer, and the best electric string trimmers are the cordless Earthwise LST02010 and the corded BLACK+DECKER BESTA510.
- Fertilizer Spreaders: For a handheld model, the best fertilizer spreader is the Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader, and the best walk-behind is the Scotts 76565 Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader.
Cold Climates: If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you may also want to consider the best snow blowers, which include the PowerSmart PSSAM24 and Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34XP.
When to Call a Pro for Leaf Removal
If you’re short on time or energy, consider hiring a leaf removal pro. LawnStarter connects you with local pros who are qualified, affordable, and insured. Our network helps homeowners with over 30 outdoor home services, including yard cleanups, lawn maintenance, and landscaping. Getting an online quote is quick and free, so get yours today to see how much time and money you could save on lawn care.
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