8 Best Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers of 2024

gas powered leaf blowers

Homeowners with a hoard of leaves enjoy the ease of gas tools. Needing power and proficiency, most pros also prefer gas. Consequently, we conducted replicable research, revealing the best gas-powered leaf blowers of 2024.

Our research team left no leaf unturned, comparing Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart models. We ranked each tool’s performance, durability, ease of use, and cost to find the best ones. Our article reviews the best blowers and provides a handy leaf blower buying guide

Our top picks

Best handheld leaf blowers
1. Best overall: Echo PB-2620
2. Runner up: Shindaiwa EB252
3. Best leaf vacuum: Husqvarna 125BVX
4. Best bang for your buck: Poulan Pro PRB26
Best backpack leaf blowers
1. Best overall: Schröder SR-6400L
2. Runner up: Husqvarna 150BT
3. Best blow force: Echo PB-9010 
4. Best bang for your buck: Prorun PBB2884

Top 4 handheld gas-powered leaf blowers – reviews

1. Echo PB-2620 – Best Overall

Echo X Series Handheld Blower 25.4Cc

The Echo PB-2620 (X-Series) is the best gas-powered handheld leaf blower. It combines pro-grade performance with homeowner-friendly features. Backed by a 5-year consumer (2-year commercial) warranty, the blower boasts unparalleled reliability.

Performance: With a 15.8 N total blow force, its performance is superb compared to other handheld gas models. It swiftly blows wet leaves, dry leaves, and hedge trimmings. It’s also versatile, with variable speed control and two interchangeable nozzles. The round nozzle is excellent for eradicating large leaf piles, and the flared nozzle is perfect for precision. 

Power: Its 25.4 cc pro-grade engine is smooth and efficient. It’s also highly durable with chrome cylinder plating and a heavy-duty air filtration system. After warming up for about a minute, the engine provides potent power to the tool. 

Ease of use: It’s very user-friendly. The double-grid air intake prevents the product from pulling at your pants and reduces clogging. With cruise control, an auxiliary handle, and vibration-reducing grips, leaf removal is a breeze. Although it’s lighter than average, petite people (like me) usually strain without purchasing a shoulder strap. 

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 172 MPH
  • Air volume: 456 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 25.4 cc
  • Fuel tank capacity: 20.3 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: 70 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Weight: 9.8 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Durable
✓ Ergonomic
✓ Reduced noise
✓ Posi-Loc tubes 
✓ Large fuel tank
✓ Strong blow force
✗ Doesn’t include a shoulder strap
✗ Takes a minute to warm up
✗ Expensive

Where to buy:

2. Shindaiwa EB252 – Runner up

Shindaiwa EB252 25.4cc Handheld; 453 CFM/170mph

Our second favorite gas handheld is the Shindaiwa EB252. Its blow force is about the same as the Echo PB-2620, but it’s lighter, more affordable, and slightly less durable. It doesn’t have all the pizzazz of our number-one pick but comes in as a close second.

Performance: With 15.8 N of blow force, it effortlessly manages most residential debris, including wet leaves and pine straw. It has variable speed and a curved blower tube, giving the operator enhanced control.

Power: Its 25.4 cc pro-grade engine provides reliable power. The 2-stroke engine is potent yet lightweight.

Ease of use: It’s the lightest leaf blower in its class and a cinch to maneuver. The Posi-loc pipes quickly provide a secure connection, and the double-grid intake prevents pulling and clogging. Maintaining a steady speed is simple with the blower’s cruise control.

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 170 MPH
  • Air volume: 453 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 25.4 cc
  • Fuel tank capacity: 18.6 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: ≥70 dB 
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Weight: 8.6 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Lightweight
✓ Reduced noise
✓ Posi-Loc tubes 
✓ Strong blow force
✓ Reasonably priced
✗ Takes a minute to warm up
✗ Not as durable as the Echo PB-2620
✗ Lacks some of the fancy features found in high-priced models 

Where to buy:

3. Husqvarna 125BVX – Best leaf vacuum

Husqvarna 125BVx Gas Leaf Blower, 28-cc 1.1-HP 2-Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower Vacuum Kit with Mulcher and Vac Bag, 470-CFM, 170-MPH, 12.5-N Powerful Clearing

The Husqvarna 125BVX is the best gas-powered leaf blower with a vacuum kit. It’s helpful to homeowners who bag their leaves and ideal for swiftly sweeping patios and decks. Equipped with mulching knives, it grinds grass clippings and leaves to fine pulp, so more debris fits in a bag. 

Performance: With 12.5 N of blow force, it works well on small to average-sized messes. It doesn’t handle large leaf piles like our other top picks but blows better than competing leaf vac models. It sucks up most debris, including pine needles, pea gravel, and small twigs. It’s also very versatile, with adjustable speed and tube length. 

Power: Its 1.1 horsepower X-Torq engine is potent and fuel efficient. Compared to other 2-cycle models, it burns less fuel and expels fewer emissions. 

Ease of use: It’s well-balanced and ergonomic, with an included harness and satisfying grips. Switching between the blower and vac is simple, with the caveat of care (the connectors are a bit fragile).

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 170 MPH
  • Air volume: 470 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 28 cc, 1.1 hp
  • Fuel tank capacity: 16.91 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: ≥ 94 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Weight: 9.6 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Ergonomic
✓ High air volume
✓ Large debris bag
✓ High-power engine
✓ Multi-use tool: Blows, mulches, and vacuums
✗ Loud
✗ Expensive
✗ Weakest blow force on our list
✗ Must be gentle with the vacuum connection

Where to buy:

4. Poulan Pro PRB26 – Best bang for your buck

Poulan Pro Poulan Pro PRB26 25cc 2-Cycle Gas 470 CFM 200 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower

The Poulan Pro PRB26 leaf blower offers homeowners the best bang for their buck. It packs more power than most handhelds yet costs less than the average gas model. The blower boldly boasts the fastest handheld airspeed on our list. The only faster gas handheld we found is the Troy-Bilt TB27BH, which costs almost 25% more.

Performance: With airspeed up to 200 MPH and air volume up to 470 CFM, its blow force is hefty enough to handle pine needles, wet leaves, and large leaf piles. 

Power: Its 26 cc 2-cycle engine is potent. While it may not run as smoothly as the other models on our list, its power makes it practical for cleaning large yards on a tight budget.

Ease of use: With trigger-operated speed control and a soft-grip handle, the blower is easy to use as long as you can handle its weight. I find the weight fine for short durations, but strenuous for extended use.

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 200 MPH
  • Air volume: 470 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 26 cc
  • Fuel tank capacity: N/A
  • Noise level: ≥ 108 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Weight: 10.65 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Affordable
✓ Strong blow force
✓ Fast air speed
✓ Comfortable handle
✗ Loud
✗ Heavy
✗ Sometimes the engine bogs down
✗ Not as durable as the other blowers on our list

Where to buy:

Top 4 backpack gas-powered leaf blowers – reviews

1. Schröder SR-6400L – Best overall

Schröder Leaf Blower - Schröder Backpack Blower - Gas Leaf Blower - SR-6400L - 3.7 HP Engine - 5 Year Warranty

The Schröder SR-6400L is the best gas-powered backpack blower. It’s potent and reliable, providing high performance at an unbeatable price. It also offers peace of mind with a five-year consumer warranty and a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Performance: With 920 CFM and airspeed up to 230 MPH, it effortlessly handles heavily wooded yards over an acre. It quickly clears plentiful piles of pine straw, wet and dry leaves, and pine cones.

Power: It has a hefty 2.7 hp 2-stroke engine that’s smooth and reliable. It also runs quietly, with a noise level of just 65 dB. 

Ease of use: At 19.5 pounds, the Schröder SR-6400L is a lightweight backpack blower. It has an ergonomic design with thickly padded shoulder straps and back support. However, some people have difficulty pulling its recoil starter.

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 230 MPH
  • Air volume: 920 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 63.3 cc, 3.7 hp
  • Fuel tank capacity: 65 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: ≥ 65 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Weight: 19.5 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Reasonably priced
✓ Strong blow force
✓ Thickly padded
✓ Lightweight
✓ Durable
✓ Quiet
✗ Takes some elbow grease to start
✗ Engine parts are hard to find
✗ Lacks fancy features 

Where to buy:

2. Husqvarna 150BT – Runner up

Husqvarna 150BT Gas Leaf Blower, 51-cc 2.16-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, 765-CFM, 270-MPH, 22-N Powerful Clearing Performance and Ergonomic Harness System

The Husqvarna 150BT is our second favorite backpack blower because it’s ergonomic, robust, and easy to use. It features a comfortable harness system, high-speed air, and advanced engine technology. 

Performance: With a 22 N blow force, the 150BT is ideal for heavily wooded medium yards or moderately wooded large yards. It takes longer to clear large leaf piles than the other backpack models on our list but is better at pushing heavy debris.

Power: Its 2.16 hp 2-cycle engine utilizes Husqvarna’s X-TORQ technology, reducing fuel usage by up to 20% and emissions by up to 60%. The engine also has a purge bulb, so starting takes less effort. 

Ease of use: The 150BT has an ergonomic design and easy-to-access controls. It has adjustable padded straps, cruise control, and a right-side handle. However, it’s a bit loud and it vibrates vigorously. 

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 270 MPH
  • Air volume: 765 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 51 cc, 2.16 hp
  • Fuel tank capacity: 42.6 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: ≥ 110 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Weight: 21.95 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Super fast airspeed
✓ Ergonomic harness
✓ User-friendly
✓ Efficient
✓ Reliable
✗ Loud
✗ Heavy vibration
✗ Difficult to assemble
✗ Lower CFM than other backpack models on our list

Where to buy:

3. Echo PB-9010 – Best blow force

Echo X Series Back Pack Blower With Tube Throttle 79.9Cc

If you crave power and performance, consider the Echo PB-9010H. It’s a brilliant blower with a blunt force beyond a typical backpack model. Although overkill for most homeowners, those with large, heavily wooded yards and big budgets delight in the blower’s speed, durability, and lavish list of features. 

Performance: With industry-leading performance, it effortlessly plows through immense piles of wet leaves, pine straw, and twigs. It’s the most powerful backpack blower money can buy, and, in some tests, it surpasses 48 N of blow force.

Power:  Its professional-grade 79.9 cc engine is reliably rugged. It has 2-stage air filtration for extended engine life and a purge bulb for simplified starting.

Ease of use: It has thick padding, a vibration-reducing handle and frame, and cruise control. The intake system blows cool air on your back, increasing comfort on hot days. It also has a flexible blower tube, a Posi-loc pipe, and easy-to-access controls.

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 220 MPH
  • Air volume: 1,110 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 79.9 cc
  • Fuel tank capacity: 83.8 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: ≥ 80 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Weight: 26.7 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Comfortably padded
✓ Strong blow force
✓ Feature-packed
✓ Ergonomic
✓ Durable
✗ Expensive
✗ No hip strap
✗ Overkill for most homeowners

Where to buy:

4. Prorun PBB2884 – Best bang for your buck

PRORUN 75.6cc 1020 CFM 240 MPH Gas-Powered 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower

The Prorun PBB2884 is the best budget buy for large yards. It provides premium power at an affordable price but lacks the reliability of higher-priced models. 

Performance: With 42 N of total blow force, it’s the most potent leaf blower at its price point. It quickly clears debris from large yards with many trees, including wet leaves and pine cones.

Power: The PBB2884 is a force to be reckoned with, running on a 4.2-horsepower commercial-grade engine with heavy-duty air filtration.

Ease of use: It’s easy to use with intuitive controls and spring-assisted starting. It has back padding, adjustable straps, and cruise control. 

Specifications

  • Airspeed: 240 MPH
  • Air volume: 1,020 CFM
  • Engine: 2-cycle, 75.6 cc, 4.2 HP
  • Fuel tank capacity: 56 fl. oz.
  • Noise level: ≥ 77 dB
  • Variable speed: yes
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Weight: 24.25 lb.

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Strong blow force
✓ User-friendly
✓ Potent engine
✓ Affordable
✗ Not as durable as other blowers on our list
✗ The straps strain to carry the blower’s weight

Where to buy:

Buyer’s guide to gas leaf blowers

To buy the best leaf blower, savvy shoppers consider these characteristics:

Blow force

Measured in Newtons (N), blow force describes a leaf blower’s air power. Its calculation combines several factors, but the following are foremost to the formula:

  • Airspeed (velocity): Measured in miles per hour (MPH), it tells how fast air moves through the blower’s tube. Leaf blowers with faster airspeed blow heavier debris and push it further distances.
  • Air volume: Measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), it describes the amount of air that passes through the blower’s tube. Leaf blowers with higher CFM are quicker to clear large areas with many leaves. 

The shape of a blower’s nozzle also affects blow force:

  • Round nozzles maximize the air released, leading to higher CFM and lower MPH. They’re best for clearing large piles of debris.
  • Flat nozzles expel less air at a higher speed, thus providing higher MPH and lower CFM. They’re more precise and better at clearing heavy debris.

The table below shows the typical velocity and volume of air in residential gas-powered leaf blowers.

MPHCFM
Average190750
Typical range160 – 220400 – 1,100
Weakest125350
Most potent2702,530

Blower design

Gas leaf blowers come in three design types:

  • Handheld leaf blowers are lightweight, compact, and affordable. However, they’re less potent than other designs. Gas handhelds are best for light to moderate debris on yards under an acre. 
  • Backpack blowers are preferred by professionals and homeowners with large yards and many trees. Their big engines and heavy-duty parts make them more potent than handheld models. They also weigh more, but weight is easier to carry on your back than your arms.
  • Walk-behinds are the most potent leaf blowers, quickly clearing immense amounts of debris. However, they’re heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially uphill. Most homeowners prefer handheld or backpack blowers, but commercial pros may prefer a walk-behind model. 

The following table describes the blow force of residential gas leaf blowers by design type.

Typical MPHTypical CFM
Handheld145 – 190400 – 500
Backpack190 – 250525 – 950
Walk-Behind150 – 2001,200 – 2,500

Although residential walk-behinds tend to have much more air volume than other design types, they have a slower average airspeed than backpack models. 

Engines power

Learning a little about gas engines will help you buy the best gas-powered leaf blower.

Here are the basics:

  • Combustion: Gas engines work because combustion converts fuel into mechanical energy. First, fuel is injected into the engine’s air. Next, the fuel-air mixture is compressed, increasing heat and pressure. Ultimately, the fuel-air ignites, causing combustion.
  • Engine displacement: Measured in cubic centimeters (cc), it tells you the volume of an engine’s cylinders. Engines with higher displacement have more air moving through them, thus greater power potential. Engines that are more volumetrically efficient, need less cc for the same energy output. 
  • Horsepower (hp) measures the energy an engine produces using the formula hp = Torque × RPM  ÷ 5,252.
  • Gas engines vs. electric motors: The combustion process is very efficient, making most gas models more potent than electric power equipment. 

The table below shows the typical engine displacement of gas leaf blowers by design type.

Typical Engine Displacement
Handheld25 – 30 cc
Backpack45 – 75 cc
Walk-behind170 – 275 cc

Next, we’ll take a look inside a leaf blower’s engine:

  • Carburetors mix fuel with air before sending the mixture to a cylinder. Small engines with a purge bulb start quicker by removing unused air, ensuring fresh fuel circulates through the carburetor. 
  • Cylinders contain crucial compression components — a piston and values. Small engine cylinders are usually steel, but cast iron is best for big engines. Some steel cylinders are protected by plating to increase the engine’s lifespan.
  • Pistons (i.e., disks) move up and down inside cylinders, transferring energy to the crankshaft. Typically, there’s one piston per cylinder, made of cast iron or aluminum. Engines with piston plating are more durable.
  • Crankshafts convert the piston’s vertical energy into rotational movement. A torque-generating connection rod passes the piston’s energy to the crankshaft. After conversion, the flywheel stores and stabilizes rotational energy, supplying power to the leaf blower’s mechanical parts.
crankshaft graphic

Engine cycles

Cycles (also called strokes) are the number of phases it takes a piston to travel across its cylinder. Most handheld and backpack leaf blowers have 2-stroke engines, but there’s a few 4-stroke models. Walk-behinds usually have a 4-stroke engine, but there are some 2-stroke models. 

Two-cycle vs. four-cycle engines:

  • 2-cycle engines run on a mixture of gas and oil. They’re quieter, lower maintenance, and have a higher power-to-displacement ratio. However, they’re prone to overheating and produce greater pollution.
  • 4-cycle engines run on straight gas and have a separate lubrication system for oil (like a car). Compared to 2-stroke engines, they consume less fuel, expel fewer emissions, and have a longer lifespan. However, they’re heavy and vibrate vigorously, making 4-cycle leaf blowers less comfortable.

Comparing engine power: Fair comparisons are essential in dirt bike races, so I compare two- and four-stroke engines using racing guidelines—a 250-cc 2-cycle engine is as potent as a 450-cc 4-cycle engine.

Noise Level

Decibels (dB) measure noise intensity. The majority of gas leaf blowers have a noise level of 65 – 90 dB.

Blower DesignTypical Noise level
Handheld65 – 90 dB
Backpack70 – 95 dB
Walk-behind75 – 100 dB

When comparing noise levels, consider the following:

  • Hearing protection: Power tools that are 85 dB or louder require hearing protection, such as ear muffs or plugs.
  • Local Guidelines: Given that gas leaf blowers are noisy, some cities and HOAs restrict their use. Always check your local guidelines before buying a blower.

Weight

Lighter leaf blowers are easier to maneuver and require less physical strength. However, high-power leaf blowers tend to weigh more. Ergonomic engineering balances a blower’s weight, making it more comfortable to carry. 

The table below shows the usual weight of gas-powered leaf blowers.

Blower DesignTypical Weight
Handheld10 – 15 pounds
Backpack20 – 25 pounds
Walk-behind80 – 135 pounds

Leaf blower prices

The average gas-powered residential leaf blower costs $400, but the average handheld model only costs $185.

Average Price of Gas Leaf Blowers$400
Typical Price Range$170 – $625
Cheapest$110
Most Expensive$2,400

The next table breaks down pricing by design type. Handhelds are the cheapest and walk-behinds are the most expensive.

Blower DesignTypical Price
Handheld$140 – $230
Backpack$300 – $570
Walk-behind$500 – $2,000

People pay a premium for high-performance gas-powered leaf blowers, as shown in the table below.

CFMAverage Price
< 500$195
500 – 699$350
700 – 999$480
1,000 – 1,500$575
2,000+$1,550

FAQ about gas leaf blowers

What is the best brand of gas leaf blowers?

The best brands that manufacture gas-powered leaf blowers include:

  • Echo: Many consumers choose Echo gas blowers because they are robust and durable. They also give you peace of mind with a 5-year warranty. 
  • Schröder: This German manufacturer makes some of the best gas-powered leaf blowers and offers a 5-year warranty. 
  • Husqvarna: Most of Husqvarna’s gas-powered leaf blowers are built with their X-TORQ technology, reducing fuel usage and emissions.

Are gas-powered leaf blowers worth their carbon footprint?

Gas-powered leaf-blowers give you the best bang for your buck, but they also expel harsh gas fumes. Carbon-conscious consumers often purchase battery-powered leaf blowers, but doing so may be futile:

  • Mining: Columbia Climate School found that lithium mining releases mass emissions and uses devastatingly high amounts of water.
  • Production: Most of America’s lithium-ion batteries come from China. China has less environmental protections than the U.S. and Europe, so their production heavily pollutes our atmosphere. 
  • Shipping: The further a product is shipped, the more gas it burns during transit. Every 2 to 5 years power equipment batteries need replacing and most models are shipped from overseas.  
  • Use: Wanting to curb its carbon footprint, Oregon State University switched to electric lawn care. They spent bookoo bucks on unstainable cordless electric tools. It took a ton of fossil-fueled electricity to charge the batteries, but the blowers lacked the potency to keep their campus clean. Inevitably, OSU switched back to gas.
  • Gas Vs. Electric: OSU attempted a comparative emissions analysis between gas and electric blowers but could not reach a relevant conclusion. I’ve searched for such a study for years and have not found one. Honestly, no one really knows which power source is best for the environment.

Final Verdict: Corded electric leaf blowers are very affordable, making them ideal for small yards with few trees. Many homeowners with medium yards prefer the best battery-powered blowers because they’re low-maintenance, quiet, and convenient. But if you have a large yard, think twice before sacrificing to switch to an electric model.

Can I use my leaf blower to remove snow?

It depends on how much snow:

  • < 1 inch: Using a gas model with at least 400 CFM and 150 MPH is best. Many homeowners use gas leaf blowers to remove snow from vehicles, driveways, and walkways because they melt and blow snow. 

When to call a lawn care pro

When the summer sun fades into fall foliage, many homeowners hire a leaf removal pro. They’d rather hone in on the holidays than do back-breaking labor.

Luckily, Lawn Love links you to insured lawn care pros with unbeatable leaf removal prices. In addition to yard cleanups, we offer over 30 outdoor home services, including lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, and aeration. 

Sources:

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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.

Main Image Credit: Charles & Hudson | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 2.0 with Text Overlay using Canva Pro

Michelle Selzer

Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.