Fall is near, but have no fear. We found the best leaf blowers. Our research team tested Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart models and compared each based on performance, practicality, and price.
Our leaf blower reviews and buying guide help homeowners choose the best leaf blower for their yard and budget. We found the top gas, electric, handheld, and backpack blowers.
Our top picks
Top 6 handheld leaf blowers – reviews
1. Ego Power+ LB7654 – Best overall
Our favorite handheld leaf blower is the Ego Power+ LB7654. It’s powerful, low-maintenance, and ergonomic. It’s also reliable and packed with fancy features. We recommend it to homeowners with ⅓ to 1 acre yards and many trees.
Blow force: On turbo, it reaches up to 26 N and a high up to 16 N. Its airflow ranges from 260 to 765 CFM, with an airspeed of up to 200 MPH. It clears plentiful piles of dry, wet, and muddy debris without a hitch.
Battery power: Powered by a 56-volt 5 Ah battery, it has up to 150 minutes of runtime on low, 15 minutes on turbo, and 90 minutes on average. The battery lasts long enough to complete most yards under an acre on a single charge.
Our favorite features:
- Cruise control
- Variable speed dial
- Two nozzles (tapered & spread)
- IPX4 weather-resistant
- Battery and charger included
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- Lock button (keeps air blowing without holding the trigger)
Downside: It’s our list’s most expensive handheld model. It costs about 40% more than the average battery-powered handheld and almost twice as much as the average handheld of any power source.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 200 MPH
- Air volume: 765 CFM
- Power source: 56-volt, 5 Ah Li-ion battery
- Noise level: 76 dB
- Warranty: 5 year tool, 3 year battery
- Weight: 9.56 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Durable ✓ Versatile ✓ Lightweight ✓ User-friendly ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Clears very heavy debris ✓ Clears large amounts of debris quickly | ✗ Expensive ✗ Loud for a handheld ✗ Overkill for small yards with few trees |
Where to buy:
2. AiDot ENHULK LBL1493J – Best bang for your buck
The handheld leaf blower with the best blow force is the ENHULK LBL1493J. It also gives homeowners with many trees the best bang for their buck. We recommend it to homeowners with ⅓ to 1 acre yards and many trees.
Blow force: The LBL1493J blows its competition away with a massive 27 N max force. With air volume up to 930 CFM, it moves mammoth debris piles with each blow. With airspeed up to 200 MPH, it effortlessly pushes very heavy waste, including twigs, large piles of pine, and wet/muddy leaves. On low, it gently cleans patios and delicate landscaping.
Battery power: Powered by a 58-volt 5 Ah battery, it has up to 2 hours of runtime on low, 15 minutes on turbo, and 40 minutes on average. The battery lasts long enough to complete most yards under an acre on a single charge.
Our favorite features:
- Variable speed trigger
- One-click cruise control
- Three nozzles (siphon, tapered, spread)
- High-power brushless motor
- Battery and charger included
- SMART-HMI LED control panel
- Coolblast System (its intake and exhaust vent placement lowers its temperature by up to 12 degrees)
Downside: It’s heavy for a handheld. I’m 4’11”, 120 pounds, and very active. I didn’t strain when using it on small areas. However, at 15.37 pounds, my back ached after carrying it through a large property.
It has connection points for a shoulder strap. I suggest purchasing a strap for extended use. If the leaf blower came with a shoulder strap (or weighed less) its rating would have surpassed the Ego Power+ LB7654.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 200 MPH
- Air volume: 930 CFM
- Noise level: 73 dB
- Power source: 58-volt, 5 Ah Li-ion battery
- Warranty: 4 year tool, 2 year battery
- Weight: 15.37 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Durable ✓ Versatile ✓ User-friendly ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Clears very heavy debris ✓ Strongest handheld blow force ✓ Clears large amounts of debris quickly | ✗ Heavy without a shoulder strap ✗ Overkill for small yards with few trees |
Where to buy:
3. Echo PB-2620 (X Series) – Best gas-powered handheld
The best gas-powered handheld leaf blower is the Echo X Series PB-2620. It’s user-friendly for a gas model and durable enough for a pro. We recommend it to homeowners who have yards up to ½ acre, a moderate number of trees, and heavy bits of debris.
Blow force: Its max blow force is 15.8 N, making it more potent than most gas handhelds. With an airspeed of up to 172 MPH, clearing wet leaves and hedge trimmings is a breeze. With airflow up to 456 CFM, it quickly clears a medium amount of debris but lags on large, heavily wooded yards.
Gas power: Its 25.4 cc pro-grade 2-cycle engine efficiently provides a steady stream of energy. It’s built to last with a chrome-plated cylinder and advanced air filtration. We recommend you fill its 20.3 fl. oz. fuel tank with pre-mixed Power Blend Gold or Red Armor.
Our favorite features:
- Variable speed
- Cruise control
- Two nozzles (round and flared)
- Posi-Loc tubes (easily connect)
- Rubber grip
- Two handles
- Dual air filters (pleated paper and foam)
- Wear ring (Prolongs the round tube’s life span)
- Double-grid intake (prevents clogging and pulling)
Downside: It’s higher-maintenance and less user-friendly than electric handhelds. It also doesn’t clear large amounts of debris as quickly as our previous picks.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 172 MPH
- Air volume: 456 CFM
- Noise level: 70 dB
- Power source: 25.4 cc gas engine
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 9.8 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Durable ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Large fuel tank ✓ Reliable engine ✓ Pushes heavy debris ✓ Quickly cleans moderate debris | ✗ High maintenance ✗ Takes a minute to warm up ✗ Not as user-friendly as electric models ✗ 2-stroke engines have heavy emissions |
Where to buy:
4. Ryobi RY404130 (Whisper Series) – Best quiet leaf blower
The best quiet leaf blower is the Ryobi Whisper Series RY404130. When Ryobi says Whisper Series, they aren’t just whistling Dixie. With a noise level of 55 dB, you can hear the birds chirp over its hum. It’s best for yards under ⅓ acre with a small to moderate amount of trees.
Blow force: Its 155 MPH airspeed isn’t too shabby. It has enough speed to haul wet leaves, hedge trimmings, and small piles of pine. With airflow up to 600 CFM, it quickly clears medium amounts of debris.
Battery power: It runs on a 40-volt 4 Ah battery and provides up to 22 minutes of runtime on a single charge.
Our favorite features:
- Turbo button
- Cruise control
- Variable speed trigger
- Speed tip attachment
- Battery and charger included
Downside: Its key disadvantage is its short runtime. If your yard is large or heavily wooded, consider another model. Alternatively, you can buy an extra battery to extend its runtime.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 155 MPH
- Air volume: 600 CFM
- Noise level: 55 dB
- Power source: 40-volt, 4 Ah Li-ion battery
- Warranty: 5 year tool, 3 year battery
- Weight: 9.7 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Quiet ✓ User-friendly ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ Pushes heavy debris ✓ Quickly cleans moderate debris | ✗ Short runtime ✗ Not good for large yards ✗ Not good for heavily wooded yards |
Where to buy:
5. Worx WG521 (TURBINE) – Best budget buy
The best budget leaf blower is the Worx TURBINE WG521. It costs almost 40% less than the average handheld but has plenty of power for most yards under ¼ acre. It’s also extremely lightweight, weighing just 6.6 pounds.
Blow force: It quickly clears large amounts of debris with air volume from 420 to 800 CFM. Its airspeed isn’t fast enough to move muddy debris or medium twigs, but at 70 to 135 MPH, it pushes wet leaves, dry leaves, and grass clippings.
Electric power: It has a 12 Amp corded electric motor and is safe to use with an extension cord up to 100 feet long (12 gauges or thicker).
Our favorite features:
- Cord retainer
- Two speeds
- Tool-less assembly
- Includes Hyper-Stream nozzle attachment
Downside: Its primary disadvantage is that the extension cord keeps you on a leash. If you’re looking for a budget model without a plug, consider the battery-powered Kobalt 500 CFM or the gas-powered Wild Badger Power 475 CFM.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 135 MPH
- Air volume: 800 CFM
- Noise level: 82 dB
- Power source: 12 amp corded electric
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 6.61 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Lightweight ✓ User-friendly ✓ Unlimited runtime ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Clears large amounts of debris quickly | ✗ Loud ✗ Must be plugged in ✗ Not good for large yards ✗ Not good for heavy debris |
Where to buy:
6. Craftsman CMEBL7000 – Best leaf vacuum
The best leaf blower with a vacuum kit is the Craftsman CMEBL7000. This 3-in-1 tool blows, vacuums, and mulches leaves. It makes it easy to collect leaves for disposal, compost, or leaf mold. It’s more potent than most leaf vacs but costs about half as much as the average model. We recommend it for patios, decks, and yards up to ¼ acre.
Blow force: It has excellent suction. With a whopping airspeed of up to 260 MPH, it’s the fastest leaf vac we tested. With airflow up to 450 CFM, it clears debris quicker than most leaf vacs. It sucks up wet and dry leaves, but wet leaves clog the vac. It only has one speed, so it isn’t suitable for delicate areas.
Electric power: It has a 12 Amp corded electric motor and is safe to use with an extension cord up to 50 feet long (12 gauges or thicker).
Our favorite features:
- 12:1 mulch ratio
- 55-liter backpack collection bag
- Concentrator nozzle included
- Tool-less conversion (blower and vac mode)
Downside: It only has one speed and has to stay plugged into an outlet while you work. If you prefer a cordless leaf vac, we recommend the gas-powered Husqvarna 125BVX or battery-powered Greenworks 24322.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 260 MPH
- Air volume: 450 CFM
- Noise level: N/A
- Power source: 12 amp corded electric
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 11.27 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Mulches debris ✓ Excellent suction ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Blows heavy debris ✓ Ergonomic backpack collection bag | ✗ Plastic impeller ✗ Only one speed ✗ Clogs sometimes ✗ Must be plugged in ✗ If you don’t wear gloves, it might shock you with static electricity |
Where to buy:
Top 3 backpack leaf blowers
1. Schröder SR-6400L – Best overall
The best backpack leaf blower is the Schröder SR-6400L. It’s robust, reliable, and lightweight. Compared to the average backpack blower, it’s about 25% cheaper, 50% more powerful, and half as loud. It quickly clears debris on 1+ acre yards with many trees.
Blow force: With airflow up to 920 CFM and speed up to 230 MPH, it’s powerful enough for large, heavily wooded yards. It quickly clears huge heaps of wet/dry leaves, pine buildup, and hedge trimmings.
Gas power: Its 3.7 horsepower (63.3 cc) 2-cycle engine is potent and reliable. It has a 65 fl. oz. fuel tank.
Our favorite features:
- Variable speed
- Padded shoulder straps
- Padded back support
- Many attachments available
Downside: It has fewer fancy features than high-end models.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 230 MPH
- Air volume: 920 CFM
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Power source: 63.3 cc, 3.7 hp gas engine
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 19.5 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Clears large amounts of debris quickly ✓ Clears very heavy debris ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ Thickly padded ✓ Lightweight ✓ Durable ✓ Quiet | ✗ Takes some elbow grease to start ✗ It’s hard to find parts for its engine ✗ Not as many features as high-end models |
Where to buy:
2. Echo PB-9010 (X Series) – Best blow force
The backpack leaf blower with the best blow force is the Echo PB-9010. It’s overkill for most homeowners but perfect for pros and homeowners with heavily wooded multi-acre yards.
Blow force: It has an unbeatable blow force, up to 48 N. With up to 1,110 CFM, it clears immense debris piles at lightning-fast speed. Its 220 MPH max airspeed plows through massive mounds of muddy debris, wet leaves, and pine needle buildup.
Gas power: It has a pro-grade 79.9 cc 2-cycle engine and a large 83.8 fl. oz. fuel tank. Its heavy-duty two-stage air filtration extends engine life, and its purge bulb makes it easier to start the engine.
Our favorite features:
- Variable speed
- Cruise control
- Thick padding
- Posi-loc pipes (easily connects)
- Flexible blower tube
- Vibration-reducing handle
- Vented back (keeps you cool)
- Metal ring on lower pipe (increases durability)
Downside: It’s expensive and overkill for most homeowners.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 220 MPH
- Air volume: 1,110 CFM
- Noise level: 80 dB
- Power source: 79.9 cc gas engine
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 26.7 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Comfortably padded ✓ Strongest blow force ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Durable ✓ Great for pros | ✗ Expensive ✗ No hip strap ✗ Overkill for most homeowners |
Where to buy:
3. Greenworks 2429602 – Best electric backpack blower
The best electric backpack blower is the cordless Greenworks 2429602. It’s powerful, lightweight, and affordable. We recommend it to homeowners with ⅓ to 1 acre yards and many trees.
Blow force: With airflow up to 730 CFM, it clears much debris in little time. Its airspeed reaches 185 MPH, quickly pushing heavier debris like wet leaves and hedge trimmings.
Battery power: It comes with a 60-volt 4 Ah battery and 3 Amp charger. On low, it provides up to 60 minutes of runtime, and the battery fully charges in about 75 minutes.
Our favorite features:
- Variable speed trigger
- Cruise control
- Metal debris scraper
- Padded shoulder straps
- Cushioned grip
- Concentrated nozzle
- Battery and charger included
Downside: Turbo mode quickly drains the battery, so some homeowners won’t be able to complete their yard on a single battery charge. You can purchase an extra battery to extend runtime.
Specifications
- Airspeed: 185 MPH
- Air volume: 730 CFM
- Battery: 60-volt, 4 Ah
- Motor: Brushless
- Noise level: N/A
- Warranty: 4 year tool, 4 year battery
- Weight: 14.5 lb.
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ User-friendly ✓ Strong blow force ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ Comfortable straps | ✗ Not good for yards larger than 1 acre ✗ Not enough runtime for some yards less than 1 acre |
Where to buy:
Buyer’s guide
When buying a leaf blower, savvy shoppers consider the following:
Power source
When choosing a leaf blower, first select a power source:
- Gas-powered leaf blowers are the most potent, giving homeowners with large yards the best bang for their buck. However, they’re loud, high maintenance, and emit smelly gas fumes. The best gas leaf blowers include the highest performing backpack models. They come in 2-stroke and 4-stroke models.
- Corded electric leaf blowers are the most affordable and least potent, making them the best budget buy for small yards with few trees. They’re also low-maintenance, lightweight, and emissions-free. They have unlimited runtime but must stay plugged in.
- Cordless electric leaf blowers are low-maintenance, quiet, and user-friendly. They run on lithium-ion batteries and have the shortest runtime. Some of the best battery blowers are affordable, but high-performance models cost a pretty penny. They don’t emit gas fumes, but OSU and Columbia Climate School warn that they’re not eco-friendly.
Design type
Next, choose your preferred leaf blower design:
- Handheld leaf blowers are typically cheaper, quieter, and lighter than backpack and walk-behind models. Because handhelds generally have less power than the other design types, they’re best for small to medium-sized yards.
- Backpack leaf blowers pack more power than handhelds, so they’re preferred by pros and homeowners with large yards. Although heavier than a handheld, the weight is easier to carry on your back than arms.
- Walk-behind leaf blowers are the most potent and the most expensive. Many commercial pros prefer their speed and potency, but walk-behinds are overkill for most homeowners.
CFM, MPH, and N
The following specs help you determine a leaf blower’s potency:
- CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures airflow volume. Blowers with higher CFM clear more debris with each blow.
- MPH (miles per hour) measures airspeed. Blowers with more MPH move heavier debris.
- Newtons (N) measure total blow force. An increase in CFM or MPH increases N.
The ideal CFM vs. MPH for your yard depends on its size and debris.
Noise level
Measured in decibels (dB), leaf blowers with a higher noise level are louder and more annoying.
| Noise Level (dB) | |
| Handheld | Average: 72 Typical Range: 58 – 86 High: 130 Low: 50 |
| Backpack | Average: 76 Typical Range: 65 – 86 High: 110 Low: 64 |
| Gas-powered | Average: 80 Typical Range: 66 – 93 High: 110 Low: 64 |
| Corded electric | Average: 76 Typical Range: 64 – 87 High: 130 Low: 50 |
| Battery-powered | Average: 66 Typical Range: 60 – 75 High: 92 Low: 50 |
When looking at a leaf blower’s noise level, consider the following:
- Variation: A 1 dB difference is negligible, but a 5 dB difference is apparent. A 10 dB increase makes a leaf blower twice as loud.
- Local restrictions: Several cities and HOAs have noise restrictions on leaf blowers. Check local guidelines before buying a blower.
- Hearing protection: If you purchase a power tool that is 85 dB or louder, you must have proper hearing protection.
Weight
Lighter leaf blowers are more comfortable to carry, but high-performance models often require larger engines/motors.
| Leaf blower type | Average weight |
| Handheld | 8 lb. |
| Backpack | 24 lb. |
| Gas-powered | 18 lb. |
| Corded electric | 7 lb. |
| Battery-powered | 13 lb. |
We suggest selecting a leaf blower that allows you to clean fall leaves without much strain.
Cost
Most leaf blowers cost $105 to $500. However, corded models can cost as little as $25, and gas-powered walk-behinds can cost as much as $2,400.
| Leaf blower type | Average cost |
| Handheld | $170 |
| Backpack | $500 |
| Walk behind | $890 |
| Gas-powered | $400 |
| Corded electric | $75 |
| Battery-powered | $315 |
FAQ about leaf blowers
Is it better to rake leaves or use a blower?
If you have a small yard and little debris, the best leaf rakes are affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient. But homeowners with yards over ¼ acre save much time with a leaf blower.
How much does professional leaf removal cost?
What’s the cheapest leaf blower?
Typically, professional leaf removal costs $155 to $460. However, homeowners can spend as little as $60 or as much as $740, depending on yard size and location.
The cheapest leaf blower we found is the Sun Joe SBJ597E. It’s a corded electric handheld with an airspeed of up to 155 MPH and air volume of 200 CFM.
When to call a leaf removal pro
Instead of working hard in the yard, consider hiring a pro. Lawn Love links you to insured leaf removal pros with prices that’ll blow you away. In addition to leaf removal, we help with lawn mowing, aeration, and over 30 more outdoor home services.
Sources:
- “Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart.” Eastern Kentucky University
- “Gas vs. electric leaf blowers – which option is more sustainable?.” Oregon State University
- “Hearing Protection.” Creighton University
- Tedesco, Marco. “The Paradox of Lithium.” Columbia Climate School
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