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The 8 Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Clear leaves and debris quickly for a beautiful lawn and garden

Leaf Blowers Group Shot

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Minimize the time and effort it takes to keep your outdoor space tidy with a high-quality leaf blower and vacuum. This landscaping tool can help you prepare your garden beds, lawn, and patio for spring, helping to clear out debris and leftover leaves from the fall.

One of the most important specs to consider when buying a leaf blower is airflow capacity, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). According to Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, “For most residential uses, 500 CFM is a good middle-of-the-road power level. Small cordless models with 300 to 400 CFM airflow work just fine for small yards with few trees."

Miles per hour (MPH) is also an important consideration, as it measures the speed at which debris clears your yard. Biermeier advises that you prioritize CFM or MPH based on your particular needs, stating, “If you need to move a small amount of leaves over a long distance, aim for higher MPH. If you need to move a lot of leaves a short distance, higher CFM is the way to go.”

We tested 27 electric leaf blowers, both corded and cordless, in The Lab, evaluating their ease of assembly and use, battery life (if applicable), noise levels, and effectiveness at clearing debris in various landscape conditions. We dropped dry leaves on grass and concrete, as well as damp leaves on grass, and timed how quickly each leaf blower cleared each leaf pile. We also tested to see if we could easily round up leaves into a chalk-drawn box on concrete. We've tested several models with a lower airflow than Biermeier recommended, but after testing, we stand by these picks and expand on those caveats.

After our lab tests, we continued testing the top 10 leaf blowers for six months at home, on a variety of debris and surfaces, including during the peak fall cleanup season. We then reevaluated this list and shared our long-term feedback. Based on all of our testing, here are the best options to keep your lawn and garden looking great all year.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

WORX WG584 Cordless Leaf Blower

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
What We Like
  • Very fast at clearing dry leaves

  • Long battery life

  • Easy to maneuver with one hand

  • Various power modes

What We Don't Like
  • Higher noise rating according to manufacturer

After six months of testing, The WORX 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower has earned the title of best overall on our list. It has a lightweight build and a long battery life, which are two qualities that are particularly handy if you’re working with a larger yard. While testing, we were able to operate the unit using only one hand and didn’t feel any strain on our arm.

Aside from its power and usability, this leaf blower stands out for its various power modes: You can choose to operate the unit with an airflow capacity of 300 to 470 CFM and with an airflow speed of 60, 69, 80, or 95 MPH, making it an excellent option if you have a range of outdoor tasks, including clearing wet leaves.

Note that this leaf blower has a higher noise rating according to the manufacturer than other options on our list, but while testing in our lab, we reported that it seemed fairly quiet, given its amount of power, and didn't report any noise-related issues even during six months of use.

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested this leaf blower on a weekly basis for six months for seasonal cleanup and noted that it was durable, lightweight, and effective for a range of tasks. We found it cleared leaves and other debris quickly, giving us back valuable time each weekend to do other things besides yard work.

We also liked moving around our yard without worrying about tripping over a cord. Just be sure to remember to charge it after each use (this takes around three hours), especially if you don't have extra batteries from compatible Worx tools, so it's always ready for your next outdoor chore.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 7.3 pounds | CFM: 300 to 470 | MPH: 60, 69, 80 or 95 | Noise Rating: 65 dB

Best Budget

Greenworks Single Speed Electric Blower

Greenworks 7 Amp 160 MPH

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Secure plug

  • Easy setup

What We Don't Like
  • Less powerful than other models

  • Control of airflow could be better

We think the Greenworks Single Speed Electric Blower is a great choice for smaller yards and budgets. At less than five pounds, we found it to be very lightweight and easy to maneuver in our outdoor lab. Plus, we never had any issues with the plug coming out of the outlet during use and interrupting our work. We also found it easy to assemble (only two pieces) and started with just the flip of a switch.

At 150 CFM airflow capacity and 160 MPH airflow speed, this leaf blower is less powerful than many other options on our list, but thanks to its ease of use and affordability, we stand by it. Overall, it was able to do the important work of blowing leaves, just not as quickly in most cases, or didn't pile them up as accurately. For example, we noticed that it took a bit longer to clear dry leaves and damp piles and wasn't as precise in rounding up the leaves into our chalk-drawn testing box as other options we tested. However, it cleared dry leaves off of concrete in about 16 seconds, which is solidly middle of the pack. It also offers only one speed, so you can't make changes in power for different types of tasks.

We also want to point out that this leaf blower is slightly louder than an average electric model, which seems surprising considering its small size. You also need to purchase an outdoor extension cord separately if you don't already own one, since no cord is included.  If you don't already own one, expect to spend around $25 to $35 (or more depending on the length needed). On the plus side, since it's a plug-in electric model, you don't have to worry about recharging a battery.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing it for six months in one of our own yards, we think this is a small but mighty leaf blower and have used it for general fall cleanup tasks as well as clearing grass from a driveway, removing leaves and flower petals from a walkway, and cleaning out a garage floor and porch (basically, on all outdoor tasks where we would normally use a broom).

We also found it to be lighter and easier to use than other gas models we’ve used in the past. Although you will find more powerful options on this list, this continues to be the best option we tested for the price.

Fuel Type: Corded electric | Weight: 4.5 pounds | CFM: 150 | MPH: 160 | Noise Rating: 69.3 dB

Best Backpack

EGO Power+ LB6003 Cordless Leaf Blower

EGO Power+ LB6003 600 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
What We Like
  • Quickly clears leaves

  • Comfortable to wear

  • Two ways to operate

  • Impressive battery life

What We Don't Like
  • Not the best option for detail work or hard to reach places

If you have a large yard with lots of trees, a backpack-style leaf blower is a great solution and can be easier to carry than a handheld model for longer periods of time. While testing the EGO POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower in our lab and at home for six months, we found it to be comfortable to wear, effective, and even fun to use.

Most of all, this is a powerful blower. We used it in a yard with 20 trees for fall cleanup and it took us less than half the time it would with a leaf rake. The battery life was also impressive—about 25 minutes on turbo, the highest setting—so we were able to clear several sections of our yard at a time, without having to stop to recharge. We found that the battery lasted even longer on lower settings for smaller tasks like clearing the deck or patio. And while this is a heavier blower, the backpack helps distribute the weight, so it doesn't feel as heavy as it would if you were carrying it in your hands.

You can choose between a 320 CFM or a 600 CFM setting, and has an airflow speed of up to 145 MPH (one of the highest on our list), making it great for a range of tasks. The assembly was a very simple process and took about a minute and a half (we just had to attach the blower to the backpack). This model has an adjustable tube, with a wand that is flexible and easy to use.

We especially liked having two options for operation: selecting the desired power setting on the dial (which was less tiring on our hands) or pushing a button while operating for complete control. Most of the options on this list just have one feature that operates the power, a trigger you need to hold continuously, a switch, or a dial, but not two options.

While we found this blower to be more powerful, with a longer-lasting battery for bigger jobs, we did find ourselves using a handheld cordless electric model for smaller jobs, since it was lighter and easier to just grab and go. We also found that the handheld blower was better for more detailed work and wished that the backpack model had a long or angled attachment for hard-to-reach places.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the six-month at-home testing period, this comfortable backpack-style blower saved us time and effort during the busiest time of the year, fall cleanup season. We also used it over this time period to clear debris from our sidewalk and driveway, including sticks, leaves, and even light snow.

After all of this use, we reported no defects or issues with its performance, and although the blower is heavy (it’s the heaviest of our winners), at just over 16 pounds, it feels like wearing a backpack with a couple of textbooks in it. We think it's an excellent option for yards with tons of leaves to clear each fall, but you may still want to keep your smaller, handheld blower handy for small tasks.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 12.7 pounds | CFM: 600 | MPH: 145 | Noise Rating: 64 dB

Best Cordless

Ryobi Lithium-Ion Cordless Jet Fan Blower

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
What We Like
  • Multiple speeds

  • Easy, one-hand operation

  • Powerful and precise

  • Easy setup

What We Don't Like
  • Long chute

After testing the Ryobi Cordless Battery Jet Fan Leaf Blower in our lab, we found that it offers plenty of power and convenience for its price. Further testing at one of our own yards over six months confirmed its performance: it easily cleared leaves, spider webs, grass, sticks, and more, while being lightweight and compact enough to operate with one hand, all without the hassle of a cord, or the fumes of a gas model.

Not only do we consider this model a good value for what it does, but we also like that it can share batteries with other Ryobi products that are part of its 18-Volt ONE+ system, including saws, drills, and screwdrivers.

We found that the variable speeds could be changed quickly, depending on the type of power needed for the job— whether it was around a delicate garden bed or a wet leaf pile. This model has an airflow capacity of up to 280 CFM and an airflow speed of up to 100 miles per hour. The battery life lasted around 30 minutes using variable speeds (the manufacturer lists it as 10 minutes at the highest power) and took about two to three hours to charge.

At 107 dB, we reported this cordless leaf blower as being very loud (normal conversation is around 60 dB), especially considering its small size, at our outdoor lab. But while testing a home, we didn't find it to be overwhelming or unusually noisy for an outdoor tool, and were not worried about it bothering our neighbors.

Just note that the manufacturer lists this at 65 dB, which is much quieter than we found. However, if you want a powerful but quieter model from Ryobi, we think our best quiet pick, the 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower is a great choice, noted at just 40.2 dB at our lab (almost as quiet as a refrigerator hum or being in a library). Keep in mind that it does come at a slightly higher price point, and has a different battery that is compatible with larger Ryobi products, like battery-powered lawn mowers and chainsaws, and may have more power than you need.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing this product at home several times a week for six months (less in the colder months), we were most impressed by its power and battery life. This tool really helped us tackle the peak leaf-falling season and kept our lawn and garden tidy with little effort.

Initially, we noted that the chute seemed a bit too long, but after more use, we found that the overall design and weight of the blower made it easy to aim the air where we needed it and it was no issue to store. If you are looking for a cordless electric blower at this price point, we continue to recommend this option.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 9 pounds | CFM: 280 | MPH: 100 | Noise Rating: 65 dB

Best Corded

Worx Turbine 600 Electric Leaf Blower

Amazon WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    2/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    1/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Light and easy to carry

  • Powerful and effective

  • Different speed settings

  • Small nozzle for tighter areas

What We Don't Like
  • Too powerful for certain uses

  • Slightly awkward to move power settings one-handed

The WORX TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower is a corded model that offers a lot of power in an easy-to-carry, one-handed design. It gives you the option to choose between a 600 CFM airflow capacity with a 110 MPH airflow speed or a 320 CFM airflow capacity with a 60 MPH airflow speed, so it is good for jobs big and small. However, the lowest setting is still pretty powerful making it not the best option for more delicate areas, like flower beds. But we did find that the nozzle is small enough to get into tighter areas for more detailed work, as long as you don't mind the power.

Since this is a corded electric model, you don't have to worry about recharging the battery and can use it until the job is done. It's also more affordably priced than five other winners on our list. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase the cord separately (about $25 to $35 for an outdoor extension cord depending on the model and length) and will need to make sure it's long enough for your yard. Plus, we did note that the cord fell out of the outlet during the testing process in our lab, even while using the cord retainer that comes with this model. However, during home use, we found that the cord retainer helped keep it in place and had no issues.

Note that while we found the power to be easy to adjust compared to others we tested (without the need to hold down a trigger or button), turning on and off the power switch is a bit difficult while using the leaf blower one-handed. We also noted that this corded leaf blower felt louder than some of the other options we tested (in our lab, we detected it at 101 dB at the highest level), so it is one of the noisiest options on the list.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of use, this leaf blower continues to stand out for its power and ease of use. We love that it's lightweight and easy to maneuver and that it offers enough power to tackle fall cleanup quickly. However, we did note that the extension cord froze in very cold weather (below freezing), making it hard to move around. Also, we did find ourselves wishing there was a lower pressure setting for some tasks. But overall, we think this is a powerful corded model that is perfect for most yard cleanup tasks.

Fuel Type: Corded electric | Weight: 6.4 pounds | CFM: 600 | MPH: 110 | Noise Rating: 90 dB

Best Quiet

RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3/5
  • Battery
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
What We Like
  • Light and easy to maneuver

  • Efficient power

  • Turbo mode

What We Don't Like
  • Control of airflow could be better

The Ryobi 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower impressed us with its quiet operation. While the product description lists the unit as having a noise rating of 59 dB, our noise level test showed it to only have a noise rating of 40.2 dB, the lowest on our list. So it’s a great option for anyone who doesn't want to bother their neighbors (or themselves) with a lot of noise, without having to sacrifice power for larger jobs.

We also loved how easy it was to operate and didn't note any hand fatigue after operating it for the duration of the lab test. This Ryobi model has batteries that are compatible with its line of cordless 40V products including lawn mowers, chainsaws, and log splitters.

This model has an airflow capacity of 550 CFM and an airflow speed of 125 MPH, so it's one of the more powerful options on our list. While testing on the patch of grass in our outdoor lab, it cleared the pile of dry leaves in 27 seconds and the pile of damp leaves in 28 seconds. It cleared the dry leaves from the patch of concrete in only 11 seconds (the second fastest on our list, aside from backpack picks). We weren't able to fully wrangle all the leaves into the chalk square we drew on concrete, but this one was solidly middle of the pack in terms of precision.

When we used this leaf blower in a real-world setting, the results were the same: We found that it was powerful and effective, but not as accurate in getting the leaves exactly where we wanted them, which means at home it’s easy to wrangle lots of leaves from a big yard, but not as easy to get them all in one spot. However, it does a great job of clearing leaves quickly, and we found the turbo setting helpful when we needed the extra power.

How It Performed Long-Term

After using it almost daily for three months, we continued to be impressed with this leaf blower's power and quiet operation while tackling many outdoor tasks in our own yard (even better than we expected!). It has saved us time and effort in clearing our driveway and yard of leaves. We also found it really easy to use with just the press of a button. Although we didn't find it to be an issue in our lab, one of our shorter team members testing at home wished the leaf blower was a little lighter, and found it to be a bit tiring to operate for longer periods of time. In turbo mode, it is also a bit harder to steady and may require two hands.

We also wished that the battery life was a little longer. We found that it only lasted about 15 minutes (mostly in turbo mode), but luckily we had two batteries so we could swap them out easily. But overall, if you want a relatively quiet, yet powerful leaf blower, this is a great option that is comfortable for most users.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 9.7 pounds | CFM: 550 CFM | MPH: 125 | Noise Rating: 59 dB

Person using RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Whisper Series Jet Fan Leaf Blower on cobblestone walk

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Best Splurge

Greenworks Pro Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
What We Like
  • Comfortable to wear

  • Substantial airflow capacity

  • Fast recharge time

  • Long battery life

What We Don't Like
  • Long setup process

  • Could be awkward to maneuver

The Greenworks Pro 80V (180 MPH / 610 CFM) Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower is a backpack model, so it distributes a significant amount of its weight onto your back, lightening the load placed on your arms and wrists. While we found this leaf blower to be heavier than other options we tested (except for the other best backpack option), we found it to be fun to use, and easy to carry. Just keep in mind if you are short, this blower has a longer spout so it may be harder to put on and awkward if you bend over while using it. Overall, we loved that there were multiple power control options thanks to the variable speed trigger, and it was very user-friendly.

Powerful and effective, this model has an airflow capacity of 610 CFM and an airflow speed of 180 MPH. Of all the leaf blowers on this list, this one cleared the patch of concrete from dry leaves the fastest, finishing the job in just 6 seconds. On grass, it cleared the pile of dry leaves in 25 seconds and the pile of damp leaves in 17 seconds. However, we spent 25 minutes getting the unit together, the longest assembly time out of all of the leaf blowers we tested (others were under two minutes). The process required a screwdriver, and we struggled to figure out the correct order in which to attach the tubes.

Once it’s up and running, though, this cordless leaf blower can run for up to 13 minutes while on its highest setting (longer on lower settings), and it has a quick, 45-minute recharge time—which is convenient since any last-minute charging won’t delay your yard work too long. This is the most expensive model on our list, but we think it's worth the splurge if you want a powerful, long-lasting cordless model to tackle any type of outdoor cleaning task.

How It Performed Long-Term

During the six-month testing period, we used this leaf blower weekly for small and larger tasks. At first, we were worried that it would be hard to put on and that we wouldn't want to use it often, but we ultimately found it easy and comfortable to use. In fact, we find ourselves using it for any outside cleaning task, including clearing spiderwebs, grass clippings, wet dirt, sand, and dry or wet leaves. We first struggled to steer the debris into the same spot, but it got easier with each use. Also, we were very impressed with the battery life and didn't have to charge it each time we used it. It's great for people with large yards, or who forget to charge it from time to time.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 14.64 pounds | CFM: 610 | MPH: 180 | Noise Rating: 87 dB

Best Value

Toro Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower

Toro Power Sweep 160 MPH 155 CFM 7 Amp Electric Leaf Blower

Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight and compact

  • Two speed settings

  • Efficient and easy to control

What We Don't Like
  • Limited to small and medium tasks

The Toro Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower stood out during testing for being compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly—similar to our best budget pick from Greenworks. We found that it manages to store a good amount of power in such an easy-to-maneuver, easy-to-manage design. Plus, unlike the Greenworks handheld model, this option offers two-speed settings, with the highest mode offering a 155 CFM airflow capacity and a 160 MPH airflow speed. While testing, we found that it offers a lot of power without the kickback that you may feel from other models (especially if you’re used to a gas model).

On a patch of grass in our outdoor lab, we cleared out a pile of dry leaves in 16 seconds and a pile of damp leaves in 27 seconds. On concrete, this unit cleared the pile of dry leaves in a speedy 8 seconds, and, despite its small size, it had no problem pushing the fishing line weights a 10-foot distance. And while the power and efficiency are great for small and medium yards, precision is where this leaf blower really stands out. We were able to wrangle a pile of leaves into the box we drew with chalk on concrete in just 9 seconds. Compared to how long it took us to successfully round up the leaves using the other leaf blowers on this list, this unit’s 9-second time was the quickest.

This corded model includes a cord lock to help secure the plug, and we never had any issues with the plug being pulled from the outlet during our lab and at-home testing. However, keep in mind that with any corded model, you'll need to have an extension cord that is long enough to reach around your yard and this Toro model might not be the best option for large yards. However, for small and medium-sized yards, this is a powerful and effective budget-friendly leaf blower that eliminates the need for battery charging.

How It Performed Long-Term

After tackling fall leaf cleanup, we fell in love with the leaf blower even more. It made quick work of clearing leaves and debris from our deck and all around the house. We even used it to clean leaves out of the gutters. It helped us blow all of the leaves into an area in the yard, so we could quickly clean them up with a lawn sweeper. Our only complaint is the need for the cord, since you need to be somewhat close to an outlet. But other than that, we thought it was a great value.

Fuel Type: Corded electric | Weight: 4.6 pounds | CFM: 155 | MPH: 160 | Noise Rating: 63.5 dB

Toro Power Sweep 160 MPH 155 CFM 7 Amp Electric Leaf Blower being used to blow leaf on garden

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Compare

Effectiveness Battery Ease of Use Portability Noise Level
Best Overall:
WORX WG584 Cordless Leaf Blower
5 5 5 4 3
Greenworks 7 Amp 160 MPH
Best Budget:
Greenworks Single Speed Electric Blower
4 5 4 4
EGO Power+ LB6003 600 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower
Best Backpack:
EGO Power+ LB6003 Cordless Leaf Blower
5 5 5 4 3
Best Cordless:
Ryobi Lithium-Ion Cordless Jet Fan Blower
5 4 5 5 4
Amazon WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower
Best Corded:
Worx Turbine 600 Electric Leaf Blower
5 2 4 1
Best Quiet:
RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower
3 4 5 5 5
Best Splurge:
Greenworks Pro Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
4 5 5 4 3
Toro Power Sweep 160 MPH 155 CFM 7 Amp Electric Leaf Blower
Best Value:
Toro Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower
4 5 5 3
Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing 27 leaf blower models under various conditions, the WORX 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor is our best overall pick. While testing in the lab and at home, we found it to be powerful and fast, with a longer battery life. It's also easy to maneuver with one hand. We also love our best budget pick, the Greenworks 7 Amp Electric Blower. This corded model is lightweight and has a secure plug that didn’t fall out during our test, making it easy to haul around.

Dewalt 20V MAX 125 Mph 450 CFM Brushless Cordless Battery Powered Handheld Leaf Blower

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Other Options We Tested

Makita XBU03SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower Kit: This cordless unit offers adjustable power levels, with a maximum airflow capacity of 459 CFM and a maximum airflow speed of 116 MPH. We liked that this model allowed for easy one-handed operation—we had no problem using one hand to grip the handle and another hand to adjust the speed settings. While powerful and good for a range of tasks, due to its design, we found while testing that this leaf blower struggles a bit in pushing leaves and debris into a precise location but is effective in clearing them away.

Dewalt Brushless Handheld Blower: Like the Makita, this cordless unit has a lot of power but struggles a bit at getting leaves and debris into a precise location. However, this model’s easy-to-use controls are what really make it stand out, and we liked the variable speed trigger and speed lock. We also didn’t find it to be particularly loud while operating and were able to use it in a garden bed without damaging any of the plants. Just note that during our longer-term testing, we noted that the battery life was particularly short, at around 10 minutes, so it's not the best option for longer tasks.

How We Tested the Leaf Blowers

In order to make the best picks for this list, we initially tested 27 leaf blowers in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating each product’s effectiveness, battery life, ease of use, portability, noise level, and value.

In order to test effectiveness, we timed how fast each blower could clear leaves from an area under various conditions. We relied on a decibel meter to measure the air blowers’ noise levels, and we noted whether each blower's power output remained consistent and if its battery life started depleting during the test to evaluate battery life. We weighed each unit to help us to determine portability, but we also assessed how balanced each unit felt and how easy each unit was to operate with one hand. For corded models, we also considered the length and manageability of the cord. Ease of use was determined through a variety of factors, such as how seamlessly we could switch between modes on models with variable speeds, locate a unit’s controls, maneuver a unit for an extended period of time, and use a unit’s extra attachments when applicable. Value was determined by weighing all of a model’s pros and cons against its price to determine whether it was an advisable investment.

Our test accounted for different real-life conditions in which you would use your leaf blower. On a 10-foot by 10-foot patch of grass, we spread out 0.75 pounds of dry leaves. We used each leaf blower on its highest modes and timed how long it was before all the leaves were cleared from the patch of grass. We repeated this step two more times for each leaf blower—once with dampened leaves on the patch of grass, and then again with dry leaves on a patch of 10-foot by 10-foot concrete.

In addition to testing the effectiveness in terms of power, we also tested effectiveness in terms of precision. We spread leaves in a garden bed, dispersing them among plants. We used each blower at its lowest speed and evaluated how effectively it cleared leaves without harming the plants. If the unit had a vacuum or mulching function, we tested to see how effectively it could suck up the leaves in the garden and if picked up any mulch while operating on those modes. We also rounded up a small pile of leaves to test the function’s suction power when up against a denser concentration of debris and noted how many times we had to empty the bag before the area was cleared.

On the 10-foot by 10-foot concrete surface, we also evaluated how easy it was to control each leaf blower’s airflow and accurately direct leaves with each unit. We used chalk to mark a starting point, and 10 feet away from that point we drew a 6-inch by 6-inch box with chalk. We placed a pile of leaves at the starting point and, using the modes and attachments we saw fit, directed the leaves toward the box and noted how many leaves successfully made it into the box’s borders. We repeated this test again, but using 0.25-, 0.5-, and 1-ounce fishing line weights instead of leaves in order to better test the power of the leaf blower.

When these tests were complete and we gathered the results, we continued testing the top 10 options in our own yards for up to six months, including during the busy fall cleanup season. After clearing grass clippings, sand, dirt, wet and dry leaves, snow, and even gutters in some cases, we shared our long-term insights and reevaluated our picks.

Testing Leaf Blowers for Noise, Battery Life, and Power

What to Look for in a Leaf Blower or Vacuum

CFM

Cubic feet per minute, or CFM, refers to the volume of air that the leaf blower can move. The higher the CFM, the more air is pushed through the tube every second. This translates into a more powerful gust of air, allowing you to move leaves, sticks, and twigs at a faster pace. Out of all the leaf blowers on our list, our best splurge pick, the Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower is capable of moving the largest volume of air. It has an airflow capacity of 610 CFM, making it well-suited for managing more sizable yards. However, other handheld options are similar, including our best corded pick, WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower, which has a 600 CFM. Our best lightweight and best budget options have a lower CFM, but we still included them as a great option for smaller yards and budgets after testing.

MPH

You'll also see that leaf blowers have an airspeed listed in MPH. Faster speeds increase the ability to move yard debris and often reduce how many passes it takes to clear a section of your yard, driveway, or deck. The Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower, our best splurge pick, offers the fastest airflow speed of any of the models on our roundup. It’s able to reach airspeeds of up to 180 MPH.

Power Source

Leaf blowers can be powered in several ways, including by gas engines, rechargeable batteries, or power cords.

Corded electric models are quieter and more eco-friendly because they don't emit fumes, but you're limited by the length of your extension cord. According to Biermeier, “Corded leaf blowers offer far more power than cordless models with very little maintenance, but you remain tethered to the nearest outlet while using it. For homeowners with small yards that are filled with leaf-shedding trees, corded models offer high power performance to clear the space.” We like the WORX WG520 Electric Leaf Blower because it is affordable, lightweight, and has a cord retainer to help prevent the cord from being pulled out of the outlet, mid-use.

Battery-powered leaf blowers have a convenient cordless design, but their runtime is typically limited, especially if you're using them at the highest speed. If you have a small yard, a model with a standard lithium-ion battery may suffice. However, if you have a lot of ground to cover, you might want to invest in a model with longer battery life or keep a backup battery on hand to swap in when the first battery dies.

It’s also worth noting how long a leaf blower’s battery takes to recharge fully. For instance, the Greenworks Pro 80V (180 MPH / 610 CFM) Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower can run for up to 18 minutes at its high mode but only takes 45 minutes to recharge.

Gas models are cordless and typically provide the most power, but they are louder and require more maintenance. If you opt for a gas-powered leaf blower for its power, consider whether you want a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. The two-stroke engines are typically less expensive than more complex four-stroke engines, but they will require you to blend gas and oil at the right ratio for proper operation. On the other hand, a gasoline leaf blower with a four-stroke engine accepts straight gasoline into its fuel tank, but it will need regular oil changes. If you don’t mind pre-mixing fuel, then a two-stroke engine is likely adequate for your leaf-blowing needs.

Handling Method

Our roundup consists mostly of handheld leaf blowers that you simply hold by a handle and point toward leaves. Some handheld models are better suited for light-duty use, while others are more professional-grade and intended for serious lawn care. Backpack leaf blowers, like the EGO POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower, our best backpack pick, typically offer more power than handheld models, and they’re usually on the heavier side. However, the weight is evenly distributed with the help of thick shoulder straps and a padded back plate that allows the blower to rest relatively comfortably between your shoulders. These leaf blowers are often used by professional landscapers to cover large areas, but can be useful to residential users, especially those with larger yards.

Some leaf blowers include a vacuum attachment that collects leaves and debris into a bag or includes a mulching feature to turn suctioned items into a mulch you can spread around your trees or garden. Walk-behind models tend to have a much higher airflow capacity—anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 or more CFM is normal. They are best suited for commercial applications or professional landscaping teams, but you might opt for a walk-behind model if you don’t want to carry a blower (and don't mind the added expense).

Noise

Noise is a critical consideration since some leaf blowers can be loud enough to disturb the neighbors—or even violate local noise ordinances. The noise rating of any leaf blower is rated in decibels. Electric leaf blowers are likely to be the quietest, followed by gasoline models, and the loudest of all are walk-behind leaf blowers. Our top choice for quiet operation, the Ryobi 40V Brushless 125 MPH 550 CFM Cordless Battery Whisper Series Jet Fan Blower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger, is listed as having a 59 dB noise rating in its product description, but our measurements showed it to be lower at 40.2 dB.

Get the facts on whether your community or municipality limits the decibels of yard equipment like leaf blowers, or outlaws the use of them altogether. Also be sure to use hearing protection when operating a leaf blower, since sustained use can lead to hearing damage and loss.

FAQ
  • Is CFM or MPH more important in a leaf blower?

    CFM measures the volume of air that the leaf blower can move, whereas MPH measures the speed at which the air moves. It’s important to look at both numbers because they work together. However, a higher airspeed does nothing without a large push power—the volume of air coming out every minute (CFM)—and therefore, large differences in CFM between models can often make a bigger difference in how quickly you can complete a job.

    Biermeier compares leaf blowers to snow plows, comparing CFM to “volume of pushing power or the size of the snowplow's blade“ and MPH to “the speed of the vehicle pushing the plow.” Larger blades move more snow, whereas faster speeds throw the snow a greater distance. In other words, a higher CFM will reach and move more leaves at a time, whereas a higher MPH will blow the leaves a greater distance. Biermeier advises that you prioritize CFM or MPH based on your particular needs.

  • Can you clean gutters with a leaf blower?

    Many people clean leaves and other debris out of their gutters using leaf blowers, as the tool makes this cumbersome chore faster and easier. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind if you clean gutters with a leaf blower. It’s not advised to try to wrangle your leaf blower while balancing on a ladder, and—instead, you should invest in a gutter-cleaning attachment for your specific tool (such as the WORX Gutter Cleaning Kit). These attachments include a long tube with a hooked end, allowing you to blow leaves from your gutters while standing on the ground. Biermeier recommends you buy an appropriate, specially-designed extension kit to clean your gutters, rather than climbing on top of your roof and relying on your leaf blower to do the job. Biermeier also notes when it comes to thick, wet leaves “a more powerful, corded or gas model might be able to blast them out, but a cordless model only does a fair job of it when the gutter contents are thoroughly dry.”

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may also need.

  1. Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves: While a leaf blower can clear the bulk of the leaves, you might need to take a few out by hand. A great pair of garden gloves, like this pair we tested, will keep your hands dry while digging out wet leaves and other debris to make room for spring flowers.
  2. Southwire Supreme Extension Cord: Several of our picks are corded, so you'll need the right size outdoor-rated extension cord to power it up. This cord is bright blue (so it's easy to spot outside), durable, and available in 25-, 50-, and 100-foot lengths.
  3. Yocada Heavy-Duty Outdoor Broom: If you are waiting for your leaf blower to charge (or just want to dust off your porch), a great outdoor broom is always handy. We like this one because it has durable bristles that are great for outdoor surfaces and elements.
  4.  Sun Joe Electric Pressure Washer: Another great outdoor spring cleaning tool, a pressure washer, can get your patio, deck, and fences sparkling clean. We loved this compact and affordable option we tested, and found it great for a range of outdoor cleaning jobs.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jenica Currie is an editor for The Spruce, specializing in outdoor, home improvement, garden, and gift guide topics since 2020. She has tested dozens of products at home and in the lab, including solar lights, snow blowers, hose nozzles, and wet/dry vacuums. All of the products in this article were tested in our lab and for up to six months in our own homes. Currie analyzed all of the feedback, including taking into consideration new models, and results from our long-term testing, and revised this list. Currie has spent many hours during the fall raking and bagging leaves in her yard and hopes to add a cordless leaf blower to her outdoor shed soon.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. What Causes Hearing Loss, Centers for Disease Control.

  2. Pollock C, Sparks G, Banks JL. Lawn and garden equipment sound: A comparison of gas and battery electric equipmentJournal of Environmental and Toxicological Studies. 2018;3(1). doi:10.16966/2576-6430.118

  3. Shaw G. Noise-induced hearing loss: what your patients donʼt know can hurt themThe Hearing Journal. 2017;70(5):26. doi:10.1097/01.HJ.0000516772.30916.b8