5 Best Leaf Blowers (2024 Guide)
A leaf blower is a must-have for quickly clearing your yard, driveway, or patio. But with so many models available, finding the best one for your needs can be overwhelming.
We’ve done the homework for you, evaluating the top leaf blowers based on power, weight, ease of use, noise level, and power source. We also interviewed numerous landscape industry experts to learn what the pros consider when buying leaf blowers for heavy-duty use. Whether you’ve got a small yard or a larger property to maintain, we’ll help you find the best fit.
For most homeowners, we recommend the WORX WG520 Turbine 600 Corded Electric Leaf Blower. You’ll need to plug it in, but it’s low-cost and powerful. If you’re willing to spend extra for a cordless model, we like the EGO Power+ LB5804 Cordless Leaf Blower.
Check out our top six picks—including models that are gas, electric, and battery-operated—to see which leaf blower suits your needs. If you have a small yard, you may want to consider our list of the best garden rakes instead.
Top 5 Leaf Blowers
- Best Corded Blower: WORX WG520 Turbine 600 Corded Electric Leaf Blower
- Best Cordless Runtime: EGO Power+ LB 6151 Cordless Leaf Blower
- Best Warranty: DEWALT DCBL722P1 XR Blower
- Best Backpack Blower: Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- Most Lightweight: Greenworks 24252 Cordless Leaf Blower
Compare Top Leaf Blowers
| Product | Design | Weight | Max Airflow | Max Speed | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Corded |
6.4 pounds |
600 CFM |
110 MPH |
3 years |
|
|
Battery powered |
7.5 pounds |
615 CFM |
170 MPH |
3 years |
|
|
Battery powered |
5.4 pounds |
450 CFM |
125 MPH |
3 years |
|
|
Gas powered |
8.8 pounds |
475 CFM |
200 MPH |
2 years |
|
|
Battery powered |
3.3 pounds |
135 CFM |
150 MPH |
4 years |
Best Corded Blower
WORX Corded Electric Leaf Blower
This leaf blower uses a cord that’s 11.5 inches long and comes with a retainer, so it won’t disconnect from an extension cord. It offers two speeds, and the advanced turbine fan technology integrated into this model also allows you to complete larger projects more efficiently.
- Boasts an impressive 600 CFM airflow capacity
- Features a hyper-stream air nozzle for efficient airflow
- Is easy to switch air speeds using the hand switch
- Is heavy at over 6 pounds
- Operating volume is louder than many competing models
What People Are Saying About The WORX Corded Electric Leaf Blower
Customers liked this leaf blower’s airflow, which was twice as high as many cordless leaf blowers. However, some complained about its noise level, which users found to be too loud for use in residential areas.
Best Cordless Runtime
EGO Power+ Cordless Leaf Blower
This model from EGO is one of the best cordless leaf blowers on the market. While most cordless blowers need to be recharged every 30–45 minutes, the EGO Power+ model has a lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 75 minutes per charge. You can also use this powerful battery with other EGO power tools, extending its usefulness beyond your cordless leaf blower.
- Its turbo button delivers up to 615 CFM
- Variable speed control delivers a range of power
- Weather-resistant construction
- Price point is on the higher end
- Some customers experienced issues with the manufacturer’s warranty
What People Are Saying About The EGO Power+ Cordless Leaf Blower
Customers praised this leaf bower’s power, which made it easy to blow even heavy, wet leaves. However, some customers complained that they had trouble redeeming their warranty in the event of a breakdown.
Best Warranty
DEWALT DEWALT DCBL722P1 XR Blower
This battery-powered leaf blower from DEWALT is one of the quietest models you’ll find. It also comes with a 3-year warranty that gives you protection for defective parts as well as a year of free service for damage that’s caused by normal wear and tear.
- Features a lightweight, ergonomic design
- Its brushless motor promotes a longer motor life
- Comes in a highly visible yellow color
- Weighs over 5 pounds, making long leaf-blowing jobs feel more cumbersome
- Has a limited maximum air speed of 125 mph
What People Are Saying About The DEWALT DEWALT DCBL722P1 XR Blower
Users raved about this model’s versatility, saying that it was equally as effective at removing spiderwebs from the side of a house as it was at blowing leaves off of a driveway. Customers who weren’t satisfied with this product complained about its short battery life, which many claimed was half the time of comparable models.
Best Backpack Blower
Poulan Pro Backpack Leaf Blower
This model is our choice for the best backpack leaf blower available. While this leaf blower gets heavy once it’s filled with gas, you can wear it on your back using the adjustable shoulder straps. The straps distribute the weight of the blower evenly to make it feel lighter. It offers a cruise control option for continuous blowing.
- Produces speeds up to 200 mph
- Fits on user’s backs, taking weight off of their arms
- Offers variable speed throttle control
- Emits toxic fumes due to its gas-powered motor
- Operating noise level is loud
What People Are Saying About The Poulan Pro Backpack Leaf Blower
Homeowners who used this model for landscaping claimed that it was long-lasting and capable of blowing heavy debris, such as manure. However, customers who rated this product poorly said that this model’s spark plugs were poorly made.
Most Lightweight
Greenworks Greenworks Cordless Leaf Blower
Heavy leaf blowers can be taxing to use, especially if you have arthritis or are an older adult. If you’re looking for a lightweight leaf blower, this cordless Greenworks blower may be your best option. It weighs just over 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around your yard.
- Offers a variable speed dial to suit various jobs
- Produces speeds up to 150 mph
- Lightweight design delivers superior handling and minimal fatigue
- Its use is limited to its battery life
- Some customers complained about the leaf blower’s durability
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks Greenworks Cordless Leaf Blower
Customers liked this blower’s adjustable speed feature, which allowed them to extend its battery life by using less power in areas that didn’t require as much. However, dissatisfied customers complained that its body was poorly constructed, making it less durable.
Buyer’s Guide to Leaf Blowers
In addition to the type or power source, there are a few other features to look for before purchasing a leaf blower.
Air Intake
A leaf blower either sucks in air through the bottom of the machine or through the sides. Look for a model that takes in air from the bottom because an air intake on the side could suck in your clothing.
Balance
You’ll want a balanced machine that evenly distributes its weight from the handle to the nozzle. A leaf blower that’s imbalanced will put more stress on your hands, wrists, and arms, making it uncomfortable to use.
Nozzle
The nozzle on a leaf blower is either rounded or flat. A rounded nozzle is best at blowing loose leaves, while a flat nozzle loosens dirt or wet leaves. Some leaf blowers offer both nozzles, allowing you to switch depending on the type of job you’re completing.
Power
The power of electric handheld leaf blowers is sometimes measured using voltage, with a common voltage being 20 or 40 volts. However, gas blowers aren’t measured using voltage, so we’ll discuss cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH), which are two measurements used by both electric and gas blowers.
CFM is a measurement of how much air passes through a leaf blower in a minute. The higher the CFM rating, the easier it will be to collect leaves. MPH measures how quickly the air passes through the nozzle, which tells you how forcefully your leaf blower can clear an area. When looking at the power of a leaf blower, look at these two measurements in conjunction with each other.
“Most leaf blowers these days have an average range of power that is acceptable for most uses,” says Ward Dilmore, founder of Petrus Luxury Estate Landscaping. “MPH and CFM are details that can be considered more of a marketing tactic for most applications, but they may have some uses if people are hoping for the most powerful blower on the market.”
Dilmore also said more powerful leaf blowers are best used for wet leaves or blowing gravel/stone dust.
To give you an idea of how much power to expect from a leaf blower, here’s a breakdown of the average measurements for each blower type:
Leaf Blower Power
| Type | Electric Handheld | Gas Handheld | Gas Backpack | Gas Wheeled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CFM |
349-605 |
358-460 |
360-907 |
1,090-8,500 |
|
MPH |
95-250 |
145-195 |
145-251 |
153-200 |
For residential consumers, David Angelov, founder of PlantParenthood, says that comfort and size should also be a factor. This is especially true for leaf blowers that mount like a backpack, which he says shoppers should seek out smaller units with extra padding.
“For non-backpack blowers: I would recommend getting the strongest handheld blower you can,” Angelov said. “It can always be turned down, but you can’t add extra power if it doesn’t already have it.”
Speed Control
Leaf blowers typically come with two speeds or a variable speed lever. If given the choice, a variable speed lever is preferred because it allows you to tailor the speed to the type of task you’re doing. For example, if you’re blowing the sidewalk near a flower bed, you’ll want to be able to turn the speed down so that you don’t uproot the plants.
Maintenance
Electric leaf blowers typically require little maintenance compared to gas-powered blowers. If you are considering a leaf blower that runs on gasoline, expect to do a little bit of work at the end of the work season.
“Maintenance involves once a season, [usually] at the end, removing all of the gas,” says Angelov. “In the spring, clean the air filter, fuel filter, and carburetor (if there is one), make sure there’s always the right mixture of gas that the machine needs.”
According to Dilmore, owners should also perform spark plug checks and maintain a well-balanced fuel-to-oil ratio to ensure a long life for a gas blower.
Brands
When it comes to leaf blowers, finding a reliable brand that will deliver a high-quality project is key. Some of the top leaf blower brands on the market include:
- BLACK+DECKER
- Craftsman
- DEWALT
- Makita
- Echo
- EGO Power+
- Greenworks
- Husqvarna
- Poulan
- Ryobi
- Stihl
- Sun Joe
- Toro
How To Use a Leaf Blower
Using a leaf blower may seem simple, but there are some important things you should keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the most use of your device. Here are some important things to remember when determining how to use a leaf blower.
Develop a Plan
One common mistake that’s made when using a leaf blower is not knowing where exactly you want your leaves to end up and not having a clear plan before leaves start flying all over. Blow all of your leaves towards a dedicated spot so that it is easy to collect them. You may need to put smaller batches of leaves together first and then bring them together into a larger pile at the end.
Angelov says it is also useful to have extra batteries if you are using a cordless electric leaf blower.
“If you already have a preferred drill set in your home, it is a no-brainer to buy the matching leaf-blower because the batteries are the same,” he says. “Some companies are better than others for electric machines. For residential work, any of them will do. “
Be Aware of the Weather
While it may not always be possible to use a leaf blower in perfect conditions, you should always try to use a leaf blower when there are calm winds or, better yet, no winds at all. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the leaves are completely dry from the latest rainfall before you blow them.
Check the Area in Advance
Before operating a leaf blower, it’s important that you are fully aware of the area you plan on working in. This means checking for large branches or debris, moving any lawn furniture, garden hoses, or other equipment and objects that may be in the way. Finally, make sure there aren’t any pets in the vicinity when you get started, as the noise can harm their hearing and cause them to run away.
Wear the Proper Equipment
When operating a leaf blower, you should use hearing protection to guard your ears against the machine’s loud operating volume. You should also use reliable safety glasses to avoid any pieces of debris flying into your eyes. Last but not least, we recommend wearing long sleeves and pants while using your leaf blower.
Hold the Blower in the Proper Position
Technique is just as important as strategy and conditions when using a leaf blower. You should always hold the blower at your side, pointing the front end towards the ground.
When walking, avoid any jerky motions and smoothly glide the leaf blower back and forth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaf Blowers
Are there any leaf blowers that are quiet?
Every leaf blower makes noise, but the quietest models are cordless or corded electric blowers. We recommend not using your leaf blower early in the morning or late at night to avoid disturbing your neighbors or family members.
What’s the difference between a two-stroke and four-stroke leaf blower?
Two-stroke gas leaf blowers are less efficient than four-stroke models, but typically have a lower price point. Four-stroke leaf blowers have highly efficient engines and often are less noisy than two-stroke blowers.
What leaf blower is best for a yard that’s covered in leaves?
If your yard is covered in leaves, consider purchasing a gas-powered blower, which is better at moving densely packed leaves than an electric counterpart. Unless you have several acres of land, a backpack blower should suffice. High-powered leaf blowers can also help you clear materials like grass clippings and mulch.
Can you use a leaf blower on wet leaves?
Blowing wet leaves is not recommended since they are much more difficult to move. However, if your leaf blower has a high CFM, it may be able to work on wet leaves. The more leaves that are wet, however, the more trouble a leaf blower will have with them. Large piles or clumps of wet leaves will be tough for even the most efficient leaf blowers to move.
Who This Leaf Blower Guide Is For
Whether you’re a budding landscaping hobbyist, longtime homeowner, or somewhere in between, a quality leaf blower can be key to transforming your outdoor space into an oasis. Our Reviews Team considered a variety of options, from traditional gas-powered leaf blowers to slimmed-down electric models.
How We Selected the Best Leaf Blowers
To provide our readers with the best leaf blower 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 blowers 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: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. 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 pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn care, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
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.
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