When it comes to blowing leaves and other yard debris, you need lots of air flow. While they excel in this category, gas-powered blowers can be very loud, and not everyone appreciates breathing in exhaust fumes while they’re outdoors.
If you prefer to reap the benefits of wind power and zero emissions, or just want a more pleasant experience when dealing with leaves, there is an option out there: cordless blowers. The best cordless blower can fit your needs with a compact design, no exhaust, and reduced noise. These models are battery-powered, and they sacrifice almost nothing over stinky gas models. Keep reading to learn more about these eco-friendly blower options and check out our top recommendations across a range of categories.
- BEST OVERALL: Makita XBU03SM1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower
- UPGRADE PICK: EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed Leaf Blower
- BEST HIGH-SPEED: Greenworks 80V Jet Electric Leaf Blower
- BEST WITH VACUUM: SUNJOE 24V-WSB-LTE 180-MPH 92-CFM Max Cordless Blower
- BEST BACKPACK: Greenworks 80V 145MPH – 580CFM Cordless Backpack
- HONORABLE MENTION: WORX WG584 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Blower
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cordless Blower
The best cordless blower can reduce the amount of backbreaking work that yard cleanup usually entails. But there are a few points to consider when shopping for one of these blowers. The following sections will outline the most important factors to look at while hunting for the best cordless blower.
Size and Weight
There are two basic types of cordless blowers: handheld and backpack. The majority of blowers on the market are handheld, but there are some backpack versions that help carry the load.
Unlike large gas-powered models, most handheld cordless blowers are compact and lightweight. Although the lengths of the airflow discharge nozzles are comparable, many cordless models weigh less than 4 or 5 pounds. A typical gas-powered blower can weigh up to 15 pounds, but modern models are closer to 10.
For those who would prefer to let their shoulders bear the brunt, there are backpack models. They’re a bit heavier overall, weighing around 15 pounds. They do have heavily padded shoulder straps, however, so they distribute the weight comfortably.
Power Source
Unlike gas-powered models that use internal combustion engines to power the blower, cordless blowers rely on battery power. These models feature replaceable, rechargeable batteries that users can quickly snap into the unit, eliminating the spillage and fumes related to gas-powered options.
The size of the batteries used for different models varies greatly. Some units feature lower voltages, like 18V, with higher amp-hour ratings. Other models might feature higher voltages, such as 80V, and lower amp-hours. Most of the best cordless blowers feature plenty of runtime, between 45 to 60 minutes, but some higher-powered or light-duty models might offer only 30 minutes.
Yard Size
Runtime isn’t the only measurement you should consider when shopping for a cordless blower. A blower’s CFM (cubic feet per minute, a measurement of volume) and airspeed (MPH) both determine the yard size each model is appropriate for.
Smaller yards (⅛ to ½ acre) might do well with a lighter-duty model, such as one that produces around 75 to 200 CFM and 100 MPH airspeed. For medium-size yards (½ to 1 acre), a medium-duty blower is more suitable, with CFM in the 200-400 range and speeds around 100 MPH. But for larger yards (over an acre) or heavily forested yards, a heavy-duty model that produces more than 400 CFM and wind speeds in excess of 115 MPH are better suited for the job.
Adjustable Speed Settings
Many of the best cordless blowers feature adjustable speeds. This is usually in the form of a low and high speed, and they allow the user to throttle not just the airflow but also the battery life.
For example, when the grass is short or you’re blowing debris across a garage floor, a low-speed setting is often all it takes. And when you’re blowing across a driveway, the lower speed will keep the blower from creating a dust cloud.
For damp leaves, taller grass, or even pine cones, the higher speed might be necessary to get under the debris, lift it, and move it along. But the higher speed requires the motor to work harder, which translates into a reduced runtime.
Additional Features
Some of the best cordless blowers have additional features that might make them a better fit for a particular scenario. Some models have reversible nozzles or switches that allow the user to turn the blower into a leaf vacuum so they can bring a high-powered vacuum to a car or garage floor without the extension cord. Also, some models feature mulcher attachments that allow the user to suck up leaves and shred them into a bag for easy disposal or composting.
Some models do their best to improve the user’s comfort as well, with specially designed rubber-grip handles and easily manipulated triggers and speed controls. The triggers might even be variable, and many of the best cordless blowers come with a speed lock or cruise control to provide continuous flow without needing to manipulate the trigger.
Tips for Using Cordless Leaf Blowers
Cordless blowers are much quieter than gas-powered models, but some still reach decibel levels as high as 66 dB. Prolonged exposure to decibel levels that high can damage your hearing. For that reason, it’s important to use hearing protection such as a pair of over-ear muffs or insertable earplugs.
If you’re blowing leaves in the yard, dust might not be a major concern. But for those who might use their blower to clear sawdust out of the garage or clean off the driveway, using a cordless blower can create quite a dust storm. Users should always wear a dust mask or respirator when kicking up lots of dust.
Trying to blow leaves directly after a rain or snowmelt is a tough job, and it doesn’t matter how much CFM or MPH your blower can create. These leaves stick together and become very heavy. It’s best to wait until they dry or have a helper loosen them with a rake before blowing them into a pile.
- Use earplugs to protect your hearing from prolonged exposure.
- A dust mask is necessary for blowing debris across driveways, shop floors, and any other dusty scenario.
- Blowing soaked leaves is difficult regardless of the amount of power a blower has, so wait a day or two until they dry or have a helper loosen them with a rake.
Our Top Picks
It might seem like there’s a lot of information about choosing and using the best cordless blower, but don’t feel overwhelmed. The following list of products should help streamline the shopping process, as it consists of some of the best cordless blowers on the market. Just be sure to keep the top considerations in mind when comparing these blowers.
Photo: amazon.com
When a company uses an established battery system to power a quality tool, it’s worth taking a look. Makita’s XBU03SM1 cordless blower uses the company’s popular 18V battery system to power it. Though the 4.0ah battery that comes with it supplies only 30 minutes of runtime, users already invested in the line will have a host of fresh batteries on hand for plenty of additional blowing time.
This cordless blower produces up to 459 CFM at speeds of up to 116 MPH, offering plenty of wind power for larger yards. This model has a variable-speed trigger that allows users to throttle back airflow for better battery life and light-duty projects, as well as cruise control that holds the trigger in place for continuous airflow. And even with all those features, it weighs just 6.5 pounds, reducing the amount of fatigue a user might experience with a similarly powerful gas-powered model.
Product Specs
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Air Flow: 459 CFM
- Additional Features: Variable speed trigger, speed lock, cruise control setting
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Speed lock feature
- Overheat, overcharge, and overload protection
Cons
- No airflow attachments included
Get the Makita cordless leaf blower at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for a cordless unit with a bit of a power edge over the competition should give EGO’s Power+ blower some serious consideration. This model has variable speeds between 225 and 500 CFM with a Turbo button that temporarily boosts output to 650 CFM. Its runtime of over 90 minutes can cover large, time-consuming jobs, thanks to the brushless motor and included 5Ah 56V lithium-ion battery.
This EGO leaf blower comes with a flat nozzle for getting underneath piles of wet leaves and debris, and a tapered nozzle that concentrates airflow for long-distance blowing. It has a rubber overmolded grip for improved ergonomics and balance over other blowers. Just be aware that the blower and battery weigh almost 15 pounds, so it’s not a lightweight model.
Product Specs
- Weight: 12.9 pounds
- Air Flow: 650 CFM
- Additional Features: Variable speeds, turbo button, nozzle attachments
Pros
- Two airspeed settings
- Two nozzle attachments included
- Rubber-grip handle
Cons
- Heavier than similar models
Get the EGO Power+ cordless leaf blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
When it comes to brute force, Greenworks’ electric leaf blower deserves some thought. This cordless blower uses Greenworks’ 80V battery system and a brushless motor to create 580 CFM of airflow at a top speed of 145 MPH, giving users the power to toss large debris across the lawn without issue.
This heavy-duty, high-speed model from Greenworks features a variable-speed trigger and cruise control for continuous running free from cramped trigger fingers. It also features a comfortable rubber overmolded grip, which makes carrying this 10-pound blower a bit more comfortable. Do understand that the variable trigger helps users throttle back the flow and battery life and that running it wide open will result in a 22-minute runtime.
Product Specs
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Air Flow: 580 CFM
- Additional Features: Variable speeds, turbo button, rapid charger
Pros
- Three airspeed settings
- Lightweight build
- Good for heavy-duty work
Cons
- Lower battery power than other blowers
Get the Greenworks cordless leaf blower on Amazon and at Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Those who prefer a bit more versatility from their cordless blower might find Sun Joe’s 24V-WSB-LTE cordless blower and vacuum combination interesting. This model features a 92-CFM blower with a 180-MPH top speed for light-duty jobs, but it also converts to a vacuum for cleaning up debris piles. Simply switch the discharge nozzle to the inlet side and attach a debris bag to the discharge side, and this blower becomes a vacuum.
This model comes with a 24V battery, a charger, and two discharge bags. The Sun Joe also has two speeds to choose from to make the most of the battery life. Possibly most attractive of all is that this model weighs just 3.5 pounds, and the rubber grip makes prolonged use comfortable. This cordless blower also comes with several nozzles for blowing up air mattresses and pool floats.
Product Specs
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Air Flow: 105 CFM
- Additional Features: Vacuum setting, additional nozzles, vacuum collection bag
Pros
- Two-in-one functionality (blower and vacuum)
- Lightweight build
- Two collection bags included
- Comes with a tethered blower nozzle
Cons
- Lower battery power than comparable options
Get the Sun Joe cordless leaf blower on Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
For home lawn maintenance experts, shouldering the weight of cordless blowers might make more sense. This Greenworks backpack blower is the right product for them, as they can strap this 580-CFM, 180-MPH blower on their backs instead of carrying it around. While this unit weighs just 15 pounds, the thickly padded straps comfortably distribute the load across the shoulders and core.
This model uses Greenworks’ 80V battery system and comes with a 2.0Ah battery and a 40-minute rapid charger, though the battery life lasts only between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on the power level (this model does have a Turbo button to boost airflow temporarily). To extend that time, users can employ the variable trigger and cruise control.
Product Specs
- Weight: 14.64 pounds
- Air Flow: 610 CFM
- Additional Features: Variable speeds, turbo button, adjustable shoulder strap
Pros
- Covers yards up to 1 acre
- Trigger-activated speed control
- Comfort-grip handle
Cons
- Lower battery power than comparable options
- Limited runtime (up to 18 minutes on high)
Get the Greenworks cordless leaf blower at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart,
Photo: amazon.com
WORX WG584 leaf blower is an all-around quality model that many DIY lawn care aficionados might want to check out. This unit features three speeds, including 69 MPH and 350 CFM, 80 MPH and 390 CFM, and 90 MPH at 430 CFM. Users have the ability to choose between battery life and sheer force.
This model from WORX uses two of the brand’s 20V batteries to produce up to 40V of power. It also comes with a dual-port charger that will charge both batteries at the same time. Even with both batteries plugged in, the WG584 weighs just over 7 pounds, so it’s easy to handle—especially coupled with the ergonomic, rubber overmolded grip.
Product Specs
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Air Flow: 430 CFM
- Additional Features: Variable speeds, dual port charger
Pros
- Three airspeed settings
- Lightweight build
- Comfortable handle with rubber grip
- Includes two batteries and a dual-port charger
Cons
- Lower battery power compared to other models
Get the WORX cordless leaf blower at Amazon, WORX, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
Our Verdict
Selected for its powerful 4Ah batteries, portability, and thoughtful features like overheat, overcharge, and overload protection, the Makita was our top choice. But, for users who prefer something that is powerful and effective, lightweight, and comes with two adjustable speeds, the WORX is a solid, affordable alternative.
How We Chose the Best Cordless Blowers
Choosing this top selection of the best cordless blowers was possible after researching all the key considerations users may have when selecting a leaf blower. Many of the above picks are made with different specifications like powerful batteries and airflow, thoughtful features, and lightweight designs.
Some of the key unique features that are included in these products are the trigger-locking features, comfort-grip handles, and airflow attachments that can assist in the types of jobs you have in your yard.
One of the other versatile features that some of the options above have is two-in-one functionality as both a blower and vacuum. However, some of the options above come without their respective chargers or batteries, and this should be taken into consideration before purchase.
FAQs
Even with all of that background and information about the best cordless blowers, there could be some additional questions blowing around in your mind. The following section aims to answer those questions. Be sure to check for an answer to your question listed below.
Q: How many CFM do I need for a leaf blower?
It depends on the size of the yard and the debris you’ll be shuffling around. In general, light-duty models have outputs up to 200 CFM, medium-duty models offer up to 400 CFM, and heavier-duty models offer 400 CFM or more.
Q: What is a good runtime for a cordless leaf blower?
Runtime is relative, as many of the most powerful models have shorter runtimes, and not every manufacturer provides the data. In general, though, 45 minutes to an hour are good runtime amounts.
Q: How well do cordless blowers work?
If you choose a quality model, like any of the ones on the above list, they’ll work just as well as comparable gas models.
Q: How long do cordless leaf blowers last?
Most battery-powered tools can last more than 10 years, but the batteries typically only last between 3 and 5 years.
