10 Best Leaf Vacuums of 2023 [Reviews]

A good leaf vacuum makes yard work easy –– no more raking up the leaves or piling up those leaf bags. But which leaf vacuum is right for you?  

We’ve tried to take the guesswork out of choosing a leaf vacuum. We compared several leaf vacuums to compile our list of the top 10 leaf vacuums. 

What factors did we look at to compare the best leaf vacuums? We ranked each leaf vacuum in four categories and took a weighted average of their scores: 

• Performance Index = 50%
• Mulch Ratio: 25%
• Weight: 15%
• Cost: 10%

These 10 leaf vacuums with the best-weighted averages made it to our final list. Check out our buyer’s guide below for tips to help you decide which leaf vacuum belongs in your tool shed. 

Top 10 Leaf Vacuums – Reviews

1. Sun Joe SBJ605E 

The Sun Joe SBJ605E 3-in-1 mulcher, blower, and vacuum offers excellent horsepower and features an easy conversion between a leaf blower and leaf vacuum. Here’s how it works: Blow your leaves into a pile, suck them up, or mulch them down, and you’ll clean up the yard in no time. 

Bonus points: The Sun Joe SBJ605E boasts six adjustable wind speeds and an aluminum alloy impeller designed to shred 16 bags of leaves down to one. 

This Sun Joe leaf vacuum is powerful and affordable. What exactly do we mean by this? Well, the SBJ605E has the highest performance index in our list, and it’s runner-up for the title of least expensive leaf vacuum. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 250 mph
• CFM: 440 cfm
• Weight: 8.6 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 16:1 

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher

✓ Aluminum alloy impeller

✓ 16:1 mulch ratio

✓ Six adjustable wind speeds

✓ Affordable 

✓ Highest performance index on our list

Cons:

✗ Some users report the leaf vacuum is not very durable. 

2. Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum

Users love operating this powerhouse Toro 2-in-1 leaf blower and vacuum. The Toro 51621 offers a metal shredder that reduces up to 97% of mulched debris to less than a half-inch, shredding your leaves into a fine mulch. In other words, it can turn a whopping 33 bags of leaves into one. 

The leaf vacuum also comes with multiple tubes for specialized uses, including an oscillating nozzle kit that sweeps the blowing air back and forth. This oscillating technique creates a wider blowing path on hardscapes, allowing the user to work without straining the wrist. 

And for even more added comfort, the leaf vacuum’s handle allows you to use it with several hand positions. 

The Toro 51621 will turn your yard work into a breeze with its Quick-Release Latch converting your leaf blower into a leaf vacuum in seconds. 

And finally, if you’re tired of cords getting in the way of your work, that’s no longer the case with the Toro 51621. The leaf vacuum’s cord lock system keeps the cable in place with a built-in hook. So while you’re busy gathering the leaves, the cord ought to remain out of your way. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 260 mph
• CFM: 405 cfm
• Weight: 8.9 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 33:1

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher

✓ Reduces up to 97% of mulched debris to less than half an inch

✓ 33:1 mulch ratio

✓ Metal blade impeller

✓ The oscillating nozzle creates a wider blowing path on hardscapes. 

✓ The handle design allows for several comfortable hand positions.

✓ The Quick-Release Latch allows for easy conversion from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum.

✓ Variable speed control in both blow and vacuum mode

✓ Cord Lock System keeps the cord held in place.

✓ Comes with multiple tubes for specialized uses.

Cons:

✗ Expensive

✗ Some operators report the vacuum tube has a poor design.

✗ Some users report the leaf vacuum could not handle magnolia leaves.

3. BLACK+DECKER BV6600

Users praise the BLACK+DECKER BV6600 for its impressive power, great vacuuming, and nearly flawless performance. The leaf vacuum’s high-impact metal fan helps prevent nuisance clogging and shreds up to 16 bags of leaves down to one. 

Equipped with a 12-amp motor, this popular leaf vacuum sucks up leaves, twigs, pine needles, and grass clippings, leaving your lawn spotless in seconds. 

Tired of your corded tools unplugging and slowing down the work? The BLACK+DECKER BV6600 has a built-in cord retainer designed to keep the cord snug and in place. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 250 mph
• CFM: 400 cfm
• Weight: 8.1 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 16:1

Pros:

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher

✓ Emits a low noise level at 68 dBA

✓ High-impact metal fan helps to prevent clogging

✓ 16:1 mulch ratio

✓ A built-in cord retainer keeps the cord plugged in for uninterrupted use

✓ Sucks up leaves, pine needles, twigs, and grass clippings

✓ Variable speed control

✓ Relatively lightweight

Cons: 

✗ Operators report the leaf collecting bag breaks easily.

✗ Expensive

4. Toro 51619

The Toro 51619 leaf vacuum features many of the same specs as the Toro 51621 but at a much more affordable price. The leaf vacuum shares the same mph, CFM, variable speed knob, Quick-Release Latch for easy conversion, metal impeller, Cord-Lock System, and comfortable handle. 

The Toro 51619 shreds up to 88% of mulched debris to less than a half inch, giving it a mulch reduction ratio of 8:1. The tool is designed to handle small sticks and large, heavy leaves. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 260 mph
• CFM: 405 cfm
• Weight: 8.5 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 8:1

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher

✓ Variable speed control 

✓ Metal blade impeller

✓ Variable speed knob

✓ Comfortable handle allows for several handle positions

✓ Cord lock system keeps cord in-place and out of the way

✓ Quick-release latch allows for an easy transition from leaf blowing to vacuuming

✓ Bag has a zipper at the bottom for easy disposal of debris

✓ Affordable

Cons: 

✗ Only an 8:1 mulching ratio

✗ Users complain the bag has low zipper quality

5. BLACK+DECKER BV3600

The BLACK+DECKER BV3600 makes it easy to keep your turf, back deck, garden, and outdoor living space clear of leaves. Users report the BLACK+DECKER leaf vac sucks up grass clippings and small twigs in an instant. 

The leaf vacuum features a two-speed switch for controlled cleanings, an anti-clog impeller, and a built-in cord retainer to help prevent the cord from unplugging during your work. 

The BLACK+DECKER BV3600 also boasts a 1.5-bushel leaf collecting bag. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 230 mph
• CFM: 385 cfm
• Weight: 8.1 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 10:1 

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher

✓ Relatively lightweight

✓ Affordable

✓ Anti-clog impeller

✓ Built-in cord retainer helps prevent the cord from unplugging

✓ Sucks up small twigs, grass clippings, and leaves

✓ Two-speed control switch

✓ The bag has a 1.5-bushel capacity

Cons:

✗ Users complain that converting from leaf blower to vacuum can be cumbersome.

✗ Users report the leaf vacuum stopped working after a few uses.

6. WORX WG509 TRIVAC

The WORX WG509 is a blower and vacuum that lets you blow your leaves in a pile, flip a switch, and suck them right up . The leaf blower’s switch makes it simple to switch from leaf blower to vacuum. 

The WORX WG509 leaf vacuum is designed to be controlled with just one hand; its ergonomic design funneling the wind in a way that allows for easy handling. 

Can’t seem to reach those hard-to-reach places? The WORX WG509’s tube curls at the lip to enable easy access underneath lawn fixtures or spaces inside the garage. In other words, you won’t need to get on your hands and knees to collect the hidden leaves and debris. 

This leaf vacuum’s two-speed function gives you greater control over the tool’s power. The plus side? You can adjust the leaf vacuum sucking power when you’re collecting leaves over small rocks you want to avoid sucking up. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 210 mph
• CFM: 350 cfm
• Weight: 9.3 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 18:1

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher

✓ Easy conversion from leaf blower to vacuum with a flip of a switch

✓ Ergonomic design allows the user to control the tool with one hand

✓ The tube’s curled lip makes it easier to access hard-to-reach places

✓ The electrical cord comes with a retainer to help prevent disconnection from the extension cord  

✓ The two-speed function allows user to adjust the speed

✓ 18:1 mulch ratio

✓ Metal impeller

Cons: 

✗ Some users recommend avoiding wet leaves.

✗ Some users report the suction power drops considerably. 

✗ This tool may be too heavy for some users.

7. Greenworks 24022

Looking for a leaf vacuum that promises power? Users praise the Greenworks 24022 for its impressive performance and durability. 

The leaf vacuum has a two-speed control system, a cushioned grip, and a 10:1 mulch ratio that shreds ten bags of leaves into a single bag. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 230 mph
• CFM: 375 cfm
• Weight: 9.26 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 10:1

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher 

✓ Two-speed control system

✓ Cushioned grip

✓ The most affordable leaf vacuum on our top 10 list

Cons: 

✗ A 10:1 mulch ratio may not be sufficient for some users. 

✗ This tool may be too heavy for some users.

✗ Users complain that dust escapes from the vacuum bag.

8. WORX WG50

With the WORX WG505, get three yard jobs done — blowing, vacuuming, mulching — with the flip of the switch. When you’re all done, you have a free bag of mulched leaves for your garden and flower beds. 

This leaf vacuum sucks up dry leaves with a 16:1 mulch reduction ratio. That means while you’re busy vacuuming 16 bags of leaves, your leaf vacuum is shredding them down to a single bag of mulch. 

Similar to the WORX WG509 Trivac, the WORX WG505 leaf vacuum is designed for a one-handed operation. The tube is also conveniently designed to allow easy access underneath lawn fixtures and other hard to reach places. 

Specifications:

• Power Source: Corded Electric
• MPH: 210 mph
• CFM: 350 cfm
• Weight: 9.5 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 16:1

Pros:

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher 

✓ 16:1 mulch reduction ratio

✓ Designed for a one-handed operation

✓ Adjustable airflow speed

✓ Easy access to hard-to-reach places

✓ Change tool function with a flip of the switch

✓ Users report it’s easy to assemble 

✓ Affordable

Cons:

✗ Operators report the tool is heavy

✗ Users complain the leaf vacuum emits dust

✗ The leaf vacuum’s sucking power receives mixed reviews

9. BLACK+DECKER BV3100

The lightweight BLACK+DECKER BV3100 leaf vacuum will serve you well on those warm autumn days. Weighing in at only 7 pounds, this leaf vacuum has a two-speed control system that allows you to adjust the power for the task at hand, and a mulch reduction ratio of 10:1. 

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Corded
• MPH: 210 mph
• CFM: 300 cfm
• Weight: 7 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 10:1

Pros: 

✓ 3-in-1 design: blower, vacuum, and mulcher 

✓ Two-speed control system

✓ Affordable

✓ Lightweight design

Cons: 

✗ BLACK+DECKER does not recommend using this leaf vacuum on wet leaves

✗ Users report the leaf collecting bag fills quickly.

✗ Plastic impeller

✗ Users report that converting from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum can be difficult. 

10. Greenworks 24322

Tired of breathing in harmful exhaust fumes and power cords restricting your work area? Well, put down the gas-powered and corded electric leaf vacuums and turn to the battery-powered Greenworks 24322. This eco-friendly leaf vacuum gets the work done without the hassle of an outlet.

With a 185 mph and 340 CFM, this leaf vacuum is an excellent choice for homeowners with small yards. The leaf vacuum includes a 40-volt lithium-ion battery with a speedy 2 hour charge time. Just charge up the battery and start vacuuming in places your corded-electric model could never take you.  

Worried about the hefty price tag that comes with adding a 40-volt battery to your cart? You won’t be for long. This battery is compatible with over 40 Greenworks tools. So if you’ve already got 40-volt Greenworks tools at home, chances are you’ve already got a battery that’s compatible with your new leaf vacuum, so there’s no need to buy an extra.

And if you don’t have a battery yet at home but plan to get more Greenworks tools, buying a battery now may help you save on those future tools.

Specifications: 

• Power Source: Battery
• MPH: 185 mph
• CFM: 340 cfm
• Weight: 9.92 lbs
• Mulch Ratio: 10:1 

Pros: 

✓ The brushless motor provides more power and durability

✓ Features a variable speed dial with six speed selections

✓ Turbo Button

✓ Cushioned over-mold grip

✓ The 40-volt lithium-ion battery is compatible with over 40 Greenworks tools.

Cons: 

✗ 9.92 lbs may be too heavy for some users

✗ The initial cost of the battery and charger may be expensive for some would-be buyers

✗ Limited runtime

Buyers Guide

Each leaf blower has its own bells and whistles. But when shopping for your new leaf blower, there are a few factors to consider before making the big purchase. 

Power Source

Like many other tools, leaf vacuums are either gas-powered, corded, or battery-powered. Each power source has its own advantages and disadvantages and may meet your needs in different ways. 

Gas-powered

High-performing gas-powered tools are typically reserved for commercial projects. Gas-powered tools are powerful and will often outperform corded and battery-powered models (though not always). 

The downsides: Gas-powered tools are high-maintenance and tend to create lots of noise pollution. They also emit exhaust fumes that are harmful to the environment and you, the operator. 

Corded Electric

Corded electric leaf blowers and vacuums are usually easier to maintain than gas-powered leaf vacuums and don’t emit the harmful pollutants that gas-powered tools do. 

Corded leaf vacuums have an unlimited run time, unlike battery-powered tools. Just plug the leaf vacuum into an outlet, and you are good to go. 

The downside to corded leaf vacuums is that they aren’t always as powerful as gas leaf vacuums, and the cord limits you to a particular space. If you need to work in an area with no available outlet, a corded model may not be what you need.

Battery-powered

Battery-powered leaf blowers are eco-friendly and allow for cordless yard work. No more unplugging a cord when you wander too far, and you aren’t limited to working near an outlet. 

The drawback to battery-powered leaf vacuums? They run out of juice and need to be recharged. You miss out on unlimited run time, and you won’t get the same power as some of the higher-performing gas models. 

MPH and CFM

Miles per hour (mph) and cubic feet per minute (CFM) are two numbers you’re bound to see when shopping for your new leaf vacuum. 

But what do they mean? 

MPH measures how fast the air moves through your leaf vacuum. If your leaf vacuum has a 250 mph, that means the air sucking up your leaves is moving at 250 miles per hour. 

CFM measures how much air moves through your leaf vacuum. If your leaf vacuum has a 400 CFM, that means the leaf vacuum sucks up an air volume of 400 cubic feet of air per minute. 

But which measurement is more important?

Both numbers are significant, not just one. Don’t let an exceptionally high number coupled with a low number fool you. 

For example, if a leaf vacuum with an unusually high mph is coupled with a relatively low CFM, this leaf vacuum may not be the tool you need. Because even if the air is moving fast, it won’t suck up that many leaves if the amount of moving air is low. 

The bottom line: A small volume of fast-moving air won’t compete well with a leaf vacuum that has both a good mph and CFM.

Versatility

When shopping for your leaf vacuum, keep in mind that many models can do more than suck up leaves. Every leaf vacuum in our top 10 list has a 3-in-1 design as a leaf blower, mulcher, and leaf vacuum. Some operators value the ease of switching between the two tasks, while others may prefer a tool specifically designed to target one task. 

Mulch Reduction Ratio

If you’re dealing with several leaves in the yard, you may like a leaf vacuum with a high mulch ratio. The mulch ratio measures how many bags of leaves the leaf vacuum can shred down to one bag. In other words, the mulch reduction ratio measures how well a leaf vacuum lowers the volume of debris. 

Bag Size

Each leaf vacuum comes with its own reusable leaf collecting bag. The bigger the bag, the less often you need to empty it. The collecting bag’s capacity is measured in bushels or gallons and typically ranges between 1 and 1.5 bushels. 

Weight

A leaf vacuum’s weight may not seem important to consider at first, but once you’re sweating in the hot sun and your arms are growing heavy, you may wish you had bought a leaf vacuum a couple of pounds lighter. 

Noise

Leaf vacuums are noisy, and some are noisier than others. Many counties and cities have local ordinances to limit noise pollution. Before buying your leaf vacuum, make sure its decibel rating (dBA) is appropriate for your area’s laws.

Need a visual guide? Check out this blower vacuum buyer’s guide by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine:

FAQ About Leaf Vacuums 

When to Call a Professional

While a good leaf vacuum can cut the workload in half, sometimes the best yard work is no yard work at all. Call a local lawn care professional near you to take the job off your hands. 

A lawn care professional can also mow the lawn, add mulch to the flower beds, and get the yard looking pristine for your next garden party.

And we’ll let you in on a little secret: The best leaf vacuum (more powerful than many models for homeowners) often is in the hands of a professional. You know, the leaf blower that gives you more time with friends and family and less time sweating as you vacuum leaves. 

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Note: Amazon star ratings and the number of reviews for the products listed above may have changed since that material was collected.