Instead of reaching for a rake this fall, you might consider a leaf vacuum to keep your yard clean. Leaf vacuums are all-in-one systems that allow you to suck up, empty, and dispose of debris from your yard, with most types costing between $70 and $115.
We looked at the best-selling leaf vacuums on the market today—from wearable backpacks to push-powered designs—to pick the best ones. Our top pick is the Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum, which offers surprisingly powerful suction with a rechargeable battery. We also selected six other top picks that might be a better choice depending on your yard and budget. If you’re just looking to move the leaves to an area on your lawn, check out our guide on the best leaf blowers.
Best Leaf Vacuums: Our Top 6 Picks
- Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum: Best Overall
- Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher: Best for Beginners
- LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum: Best Budget
- CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher: Best Quiet
- GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper: Best Walk-Behind
- BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher: Most Powerful
Compare Top Leaf Vacuums
| Product | Airflow | Air Speed | Mulcher Ratio | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/VacuumCheck Price | 340 CFM | 185 mph | N/A | 5.6 lbs |
Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/MulcherCheck Price | 350 CFM | 210 mph | 18:1 | 9.3 lbs |
LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower VacuumCheck Price | 380 CFM | 240 mph | 16:1 | 9.76 lbs |
CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Vacuum and MulcherCheck Price | 450 CFM | 260 mph | Not Listed | 11.27 lbs |
GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden SweeperCheck Price | N/A | N/A | N/A | 14 lbs |
BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf BlowerCheck Price | 400 CFM | 250 mph | N/A | 11.1 lbs |
Leaf Vacuum Terminology
- Airflow: Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and refers to the volume of air that a leaf vacuum can move within a minute. CFM determines suction power and efficiency in picking up leaves and debris. The higher the CFM, the better.
- Air speed: MPH stands for miles per hour and indicates the speed at which air exits the leaf blower’s nozzle. A higher MPH rating means stronger air velocity, which moves leaves and debris more effectively.
- Mulcher ratio: The mulcher ratio in leaf vacuums refers to the reduction ratio at which the vacuum can shred leaves and debris. A 10:1 mulcher ratio, for example, means the vacuum can compress 10 bags of leaves into just one bag after mulching. This helps reduce the volume of collected debris, making disposal more efficient.
Best Overall
Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Good for: Someone who values performance over features.
Cordless vacuums are notoriously weak, but not this model. The Greenworks 40V brushless motor offers speed and power on par with its corded brethren while being the quietest model on our list. It’s plenty efficient to clear both dry and wet leaves, and a simple tool-less conversion lets you switch easily between blower and vacuum modes in seconds. However, you’ll want to invest in a backup battery.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- Airflow capacity adds speed and precision to your task
- Operates quietly at 70 dB
- Has strong torque
- With battery runtime at 20 minutes per charge, longer jobs can be challenging
- Battery life can be lower when vacuuming or mulching at high power
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Overall, we found that most people love this model’s power and versatility. Short battery life is the primary concern among reviewers who hold off on giving the vacuum a perfect score.
Best for Beginners
Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher
Good for: The person tasked with lawn care for the first time.
The Worx’s ergonomic, easy-carry design lets you ease into yard work. It uses a space-saving two-state metal shredder that mulches 18 leaf bags down to one, allowing you to cover more of your yard without stopping to empty.
Pros and Cons of Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher
- Tube design lets you clear debris in corners and tight spaces easily
- Hands-free, no-scoop design stops you from gathering debris by hand
- Collection bag has an easy shoulder strap for satchel-style wearing and single-hand operation
- Doesn’t mulch as well when leaves are damp
- Doesn’t always have enough suction for heavier debris
What People Are Saying About The Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher
Looking at customer reviews, we found his model’s quality and versatility win over many buyers. However, suction power seems to be a sticking point for users who have struggled with wet or heavy-duty leaves and debris.
Best Budget Blower
LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
Good for: Someone looking for a low-maintenance blower for a smaller yard.
If you have a smaller yard, the LawnMaster vacuum is one of our top picks. It’s lightweight and easy to carry with a soft-grip rubber handle. Our favorite feature: easy-glide wheels on the tube allow you to roll it across your yard.
Pros and Cons of LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
- Built-in cord retainer adds to the model’s ease of use
- Lightweight and easy to use for a person without lots of lawn experience
- Switching between functions is easy
- The 14-pound collection bag is on the smaller side
- Safety switch causes problems for some users
What People Are Saying About The LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
Overall, this three-in-one blower is a hit with reviewers who are impressed by its strong performance and user-friendly features. However, more than a few felt that it falls short with battery life.
Best Budget Blower
LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
Good for: Someone looking for a low-maintenance blower for a smaller yard.
If you have a smaller yard, the LawnMaster vacuum is one of our top picks. It’s lightweight and easy to carry with a soft-grip rubber handle. Our favorite feature: easy-glide wheels on the tube allow you to roll it across your yard.
Pros and Cons of LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
- Built-in cord retainer adds to the model’s ease of use
- Lightweight and easy to use for a person without lots of lawn experience
- Switching between functions is easy
- The 14-pound collection bag is on the smaller side
- Safety switch causes problems for some users
What People Are Saying About The LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
Overall, this three-in-one blower is a hit with reviewers who are impressed by its strong performance and user-friendly features. However, more than a few felt that it falls short with battery life.
Quietest
CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
Good for: Someone tackling a large yard.
You won’t disturb your neighbors with this powerful backpack blower, vacuum, and mulcher. Its 450 CFM and 260 MPH are among hte highest on our list, and an easy-to-empty bag with a wide-mouth opening adds to the model’s ergonomics and convenience. Just be careful to clean out the bag regularly: The seams can burst if it gets too full.
Pros and Cons of CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
- 55-dB noise level is much quieter than the competition
- At just over 11 pounds, this blower does a lot without being clunky
- Backpack straps are very comfortable to wear
- Strong suction power sometimes causes items to get stuck in the impeller
- The seams on the bag will burst easily if you overfill it
What People Are Saying About The CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
Overall, reviewers enjoy the backpack comfort and strong suction of this model. Some reviewers shared that the blower feature left more of a mess behind than expected.
Best Walk-Behind
GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper
Good for: Someone with back issues who prefers not to bend down while mulching.
This motorless walk-behind sweeper lets you clean up your yard without needing to bend down. Its non-woven bag is supported by a metal frame that resists wear and tear while allowing for breezy emptying. Brush heights are easily adjusted for the surface being covered using tool-free axle adjustment.
Pros and Cons of GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper
- At 14 pounds, this sweeper is easy to maneuver around a yard
- Wall-hung storage option is perfect for garages and shed
- Self-powered design lets you go at your own speed
- As a motorless model that relies on your walking pace, this sweeper can take a while to cover a yard
- Difficult to use on ground that isn’t level
What People Are Saying About The GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper
Overall, our research revealed that reviewers feel that this product is a great buy if you have your expectations in line with reality. Many reviewers were pleased with the way this sweeper handled leaves. A few struggled with the issues of sticking and slowness.
Most Versatile
BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
Good for: Those looking for a versatile leaf cleaner to use on small leaf cleanups who don’t mind a corded model.
This budget-friendly and versatile device from BLACK+DECKER can serve as a corded leaf blower, leaf vacuum, or mulcher. Despite its compact size, it can reach a maximum speed of 250 mph and deliver 400 CFM. This leaf blower also features a flexible tube that increases maneuverability when blowing leaves and lawn debris.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
- Includes a Powerboost function for removing larger debris
- Has unlimited run time since it’s corded
- Comes at an affordable price point
- Is not as powerful as some other models
- Can get clogged easily
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
We find that customers who give this product a positive review like that it offers multiple functions, has good value, and has a strong suction power for its size. However, some others feel this leaf blower clogs too easily, and others say that it is ineffective for large leaf piles.
Leaf Vacuum Buying Guide
When leaves and debris start piling up, a leaf vacuum can be one of the easiest ways to tackle the mess, clearing or even mulching them efficiently. However, selecting the right leaf vacuum depends on your yard size, terrain, and maintenance preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind as you decide.
Power Sources
Electric and battery-powered leaf vacuums are the most popular choices for homeowners, largely because of their affordability, lighter weight, and ease of use. Electric models, which plug into an outlet, are ideal for small to medium-sized yards where you don’t mind using an outdoor extension cord to reach different areas. They’re reliable for continuous operation since you don’t have to worry about running out of power mid-task. However, make sure your yard setup allows for corded operation, as maneuvering around obstacles can be challenging.
Battery-powered leaf vacuums provide cordless freedom, making them a good choice if you need to move around without limitations. However, battery life is a limiting factor—you may only get about 20 minutes per charge. If your yard is large or filled with heavy debris, you might want to invest in a backup battery to extend working time.
Gas-powered leaf vacuums are typically more powerful and faster than electric or battery models, making them ideal for larger properties or yards with tougher terrain and heavy debris. While they tend to be quieter and pack a stronger punch, they require more maintenance, emit fumes, and are more costly. For this reason, gas-powered models are often favored by professional landscapers who need the extra power to handle frequent, demanding work.
Size and Collection Capacity
The size of your leaf vacuum and its collection system will impact how efficiently it can handle debris. Power in a leaf vacuum is generally measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), which represents the volume of air it can move in a minute. Higher CFM ratings—typically 400 CFM or above—indicate more powerful units that can handle larger amounts of debris. If you’re tackling a large yard or need to clear heavy leaf accumulation, look for a vacuum with a higher CFM for faster results.
Many leaf vacuums also come with mulching features that reduce debris volume, allowing you to collect more before needing to empty the bag. A larger debris bag will mean fewer trips to dispose of leaves but may add weight, so choose based on your comfort level and workload.
Speed and Power
When comparing leaf vacuums, CFM (cubic feet per minute) and MPH (miles per hour) are key measurements, but they serve different purposes, and each impacts performance differently.
CFM measures the volume of air that the leaf vacuum can move in a minute, indicating how powerful the vacuum is at gathering debris. A higher CFM means the machine can handle larger amounts of debris, as it can suck up more leaves, dirt, and dust at once. If you’re looking to clear a large area, like a sizable lawn or a driveway scattered with leaves, opting for a higher CFM will allow you to gather more debris in less time.
MPH, on the other hand, tells you how fast the air is moving out of the vacuum or blower. This measurement is especially important for determining the size and weight of the debris that the vacuum can handle. A higher MPH means the air moves out of the device with more force, making it effective for blowing or vacuuming up heavier items like wet leaves, twigs, and even small stones. If you often deal with heavy, wet, or compacted leaves, prioritizing a model with high MPH can be advantageous.
Weight and Portability
Weight and portability impact ease of use, especially if you’re working with a larger vacuum bag. Heavier models with higher debris capacity may be effective for extensive cleanup, but handling them for long stretches can be tiring. Consider a backpack-style or wheeled model if you plan to use the vacuum for longer periods or if you’re working on a larger yard. While weight doesn’t directly affect performance, it can impact how manageable the vacuum is for extended use.
Noise Levels
Leaf vacuums operate at noise levels ranging from 55 to 95 decibels, with quieter models comparable to normal conversation and louder ones sounding more like a lawnmower. Noise level is an important consideration if you live in a densely packed neighborhood where loud equipment could disrupt neighbors. Additionally, wearing ear protection is recommended for all leaf vacuums, especially during prolonged use, to safeguard your hearing from continuous noise exposure.
By considering these factors—power source, size, power rating, weight, and noise—you’ll be well-equipped to choose the leaf vacuum that best suits your yard and preferences. With the right tool, leaf cleanup can be efficient and manageable, helping you maintain a tidy outdoor space with minimal hassle.
Leaf Blowers vs. Leaf Vacuums
When it comes to managing leaves in your yard, you might be wondering whether a leaf blower or a leaf vacuum will best fit your needs. While both tools are designed for clearing yard debris, they work differently and are suited to distinct purposes. Many homeowners mistakenly assume blowers and vacuums are interchangeable, but the choice between them should consider factors like the area you need to clear, your preferred method of disposal, and the overall convenience of the tool.
A leaf blower might be your best option if you’re looking for speed, ease of use, and the ability to cover large areas quickly. On the other hand, a leaf vacuum can be more practical if you’re focused on thorough cleanup and waste reduction.
Leaf Blower Essentials
A leaf blower uses powerful forced air to move leaves, grass clippings, and other debris quickly across your yard. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to efficiently clear large areas, like walkways, driveways, decks, patios, and outdoor furniture, without worrying about collecting debris. However, because a blower only moves debris rather than containing it, you’ll need a separate tool if you want to mulch or permanently remove leaves. The instant results of a leaf blower can be satisfying, and many models allow you to choose between handheld or backpack styles, offering flexibility in how you carry it.
One of the benefits of cordless leaf blowers is their relatively low noise levels compared to gas-powered options, making them less disruptive in residential areas. Additionally, leaf blowers can be especially convenient for light maintenance, as they allow you to quickly clear an area of leaves and move on.
Leaf Vacuum Essentials
Unlike blowers, a leaf vacuum works by using suction to draw in leaves and debris into an attached collection bag. This makes leaf vacuums perfect for homeowners who want to fully remove leaves from their yard without needing an additional tool to pick up or mulch them. While vacuums may be slower to operate than blowers, they are highly effective for thoroughly cleaning up debris, particularly in flower beds, around landscaping features, and in tight corners where blown leaves might accumulate.
Most leaf vacuums come with built-in mulching capability, which shreds leaves as they’re collected, reducing the need for a separate mulcher. The collection bag will need to be emptied periodically, which requires a little more time but provides an easy disposal method for compost or waste. Leaf vacuums are available in both handheld and backpack styles, allowing you to select the option that best meets your ergonomic needs.
Leaf Vacuum FAQs
What is the difference between a leaf vacuum and a leaf blower?
The difference comes down to forced air versus suction. Traditional leaf blowers emit forced air that moves leaves and debris. Leaf vacuums have suction power that collects and stores leaves and debris. A leaf blower would be used if you wanted to clear a large area of leaves. Vacuums are used if you want to create a neater space that eliminates debris.
Is CFM or MPH more important when measuring the speed of a leaf vacuum?
It depends on your yard. A leaf vacuum with a high CFM but low MPH may pick up a large volume of light debris but struggle with heavier material. Conversely, a model with high MPH but low CFM may be effective on stubborn debris but will require more time to clear larger areas.
Homeowners with smaller yards or those who primarily deal with dry, loose leaves may benefit from prioritizing CFM, while those tackling more difficult debris should look for a model with both strong MPH and CFM ratings.
What safety measures should you take when operating a leaf vacuum?
First, avoid using a leaf vacuum in windy or rainy conditions. Always wear protective goggles, ear protection, abrasion-resistant gloves, and work boots with toe and ankle protection.
Can you clean your gutters with a leaf vacuum?
Yes, it is possible to use a leaf vacuum to clean gutters if you have an appropriate attachment for this purpose. Some leaf vacuums come with extension nozzles reaching up to 15 feet. We like the Sun Joe model for this job.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of leaf vacuums with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.