--- title: "We Tested the Top Leaf Blowers for 10 Hours. These Are the Best Picks to Maintain Your Yard" description: "Select one of the best leaf blowers for your yard, and you'll breeze through yard maintenance. Make the right choice here." date: "2021-04-10" modified: "2025-10-09" authors: - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor/" - name: "Timothy Dale" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale/" - name: "Mark Wolfe" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-leaf-blowers/" categories: - "Landscaping" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn, Garden & Pool" - "Power Tools" - "Reviews" - "Tools & Materials" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # We Tested the Top Leaf Blowers for 10 Hours. These Are the Best Picks to Maintain Your Yard ![The Best Leaf Blowers Options]() *Photo: Debbie Wolfe for BobVila.com Photo: Debbie Wolfe* Manually [raking leaves]() is often a laborious chore, but you can make it an easier and faster process by[ using a leaf blower](). *How much* easier, you may ask? We field-tested 10 highly rated leaf blowers ranging from light-duty handheld blowers to heavyweight professional-grade models to see how well they clear leaves and debris. Check out the best leaf blowers below and find the one that will work best for your needs. 1. **BEST OVERALL:**[ Worx 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#worx-40v-power-share-turbine-cordless-leaf-blower>) 2. **RUNNER-UP:** [Ego Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed Leaf Blower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#ego-power-lb6504-650-cfm-variable-speed-leaf-blower>) 3. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB All-Purpose Electric Blower ]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#sun-joe-sbj597e-sjb-all-purpose-electric-blower>) 4. **BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:** [Black+Decker Electric Leaf Blower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#blackdecker-electric-leaf-blower>) 5. **BEST ADJUSTABLE SPEED:** [Litheli 40V Cordless Leaf Blower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#litheli-40v-cordless-leaf-blower>) 6. **BEST WITH TRIMMER:** [Black+Decker 20V MAX Powerconnect String Trimmer]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#blackdecker-20v-max-powerconnect-string-trimmer>) 7. **QUIETEST OPERATION:** [Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#makita-18v-lxt-lithium-ion-brushless-cordless-blower>) | | **Power source** | **Weight** | **CFM rating** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Worx 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower]() | 40-volt (V) rechargeable battery | 7.3 pounds | 430 | | [Ego Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed Leaf Blower]() | 56V rechargeable battery | 10.2 pounds | 650 | | [Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB All-Purpose Electric Blower]() | Corded electric | 3.9 pounds | 260 | | [Black+Decker Electric Leaf Blower]() | Plug-in electric | 4.4 pounds | 180 | | [Litheli 40V Cordless Leaf Blower]() | 40V rechargeable battery | 5.84 pounds | 480 | | [Black+Decker 20V MAX Powerconnect String Trimmer]() | 20V rechargeable battery | 3.7 pounds | N/A | | [Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower]() | 18V rechargeable battery | 6.5 pounds | 459 | ![The Best Leaf Blowers Options]() *Photo: Debbie Wolfe for BobVila.com Photo: Debbie Wolfe* ## Our Top Picks While there are a tremendous number of options out there, the following list narrows down the possibilities to some of the best leaf blowers on the market. We identified standouts in a variety of categories and then put each one through a rigorous test, [cleaning up wet and dry leaves]() and lawn debris in a variety of settings. Our findings are outlined in the reviews below. One of these tools may be just what you need to take care of those leaves around the yard. #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5 The Worx 40V Power Share turbine cordless leaf blower has an impressive motor that provides power to the turbine to generate airspeeds up to 90 miles per hour (mph) and airflow volumes up to 430 CFM. This rechargeable lawn blower actually boasts variable speeds—you can go fast and heavy, slow and light, or somewhere in between, depending on your needs and the task at hand. The Worx blower weighs only 7.3 pounds and is made to allow one-handed control. **Get the Worx leaf blower at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**Lowe’s**]()**.** #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 3.5/5 Make quick work of yard cleanup with the Ego Power+ 56-volt cordless leaf blower. It is easily controlled with a variable-speed trigger, cruise-control dial, and turbo button to move up to 650 CFM of air. We found in our tests that the longer than average body and blow tube reached farther under shrubs than the others, with ample power to clean out built-up debris and matted leaves. This was the most powerful leaf blower we tested but also the heaviest at 10.2 pounds. Most of the extra weight is in the huge battery that also gave this blower the longest runtime. We liked that this blower moved more air with the press of the turbo button but wondered why not simply boost the top-end power at the trigger. Also, the battery weighs a lot more than the others, making us wonder if it really makes sense to add more weight just to carry it longer. This blower offered the strongest air-handling ability of all the battery leaf blowers we tested. ***Read our full review***: [Ego Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed Leaf Blower]() **Get the Ego Power+ leaf blower at** [**Amazon**]()**.** #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5 The Sun Joe electric leaf blower offers an impressive airspeed of up to 155 mph to effectively remove leaves and small twigs from driveways and walks. In our tests, it performed as well as bigger, more powerful blowers on hard surfaces, although not quite as fast, and it lagged somewhat in grassy areas. Weighing in at just 3.9 pounds, the single-speed blower is easy to hold with just one hand. The Sun Joe features a 6-amp electric motor with a short “pigtail” cord that should be connected to either a 16-gauge 50-foot exterior cord or a 14-gauge 100-foot extension cord for safe outdoor operation. The short cord makes it easy to tie off the plug for a secure connection that won’t easily separate. A standout for power at a low price, the Sun Joe is great for clearing away grass clippings and light leaf accumulation in garden areas, sidewalks, and garages. **Get the Sun Joe leaf blower at** [**Amazon**]()**.** #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 4.3/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5 Weighing just 4.4 pounds, this lightweight leaf blower is a great option if the blower will be used for more than 1 hour at a time. Users won’t need to wait for a battery to recharge or have to make a trip to the gas station with this corded electric tool that can run as long as there is an active electrical connection. However, movement is limited by the length of the extension cord, so it’s a good idea to invest in a cord that can reach the entire yard. In our test runs, this blower worked very well for dry leaves and grass clippings on hard surfaces or mowed grass but less so with wet leaves and debris among taller grass. This leaf blower operates on a 7-amp motor with just one speed setting, allowing users to focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about switching speeds throughout the job. The maximum airflow volume is 180 CFM at 180 mph, and the leaf blower also includes a built-in cord retainer to help ensure the extension cord stays connected even if it gets caught on a deck, tree, or any other obstacles in the yard. **Get the Black+Decker electric leaf blower at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4/5 Weighing just under 6 pounds, this lightweight cordless leaf blower is an excellent option for cleaning up small to medium yards with low to moderate levels of leaf coverage. The leaf blower regularly operates at speeds between 45 and 76 mph, which can be adjusted or maintained with the variable-speed dial on the front handle of the tool. When more power is needed, just push the turbo button to get a maximum airspeed of 92 mph. In our testing, the blower performed well on both hard and grassy surfaces. It moved wet leaves and heavier debris a bit less effectively. While it offers the benefits of an adjustable-speed setting, the controls are not operable one-handed due to the placement of the speed dial on the front of the handle. When the leaf blower is used with the turbo button, it can produce a maximum airflow volume of 480 CFM, allowing the blower to handle large piles and wet leaves with ease. It comes with a battery and a charger as well as a built-in metal scraper around the mouth of the blower tube to help remove wet leaves, dirt, and other debris. **Get the Litheli leaf blower at** [**Amazon**](). #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Performance 3.6/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4/5 Ideal for maintaining small yards, this lightweight Black+Decker model comes with a 20V cordless trimmer that can be used for edging the lawn or garden, giving users multiple methods for maintaining the yard with just two tools. This combo product includes both a leaf blower and a trimmer, along with a battery charger and two 20V batteries that last for about 30 minutes on a full charge. In our test, the sweeper was true to its name. It worked well on hard surfaces with dry material and around obstacles like potted plants and outdoor furniture. The air volume and speed are adequate for daily cleanup on a balcony, patio, or driveway but will not deep-clean built-up layers of wet leaves. Similarly, the trimmer works well for maintaining grass edges but is not intended for use with thick weeds. **Get the Black+Decker 20V MAX leaf blower at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Lowe's**]()**, or** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** #### Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Performance 4.8/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5 Keep the yard clean without worrying about neighborhood noise restrictions with the Makita cordless leaf blower. This surprisingly powerful yet quiet leaf blower runs at a volume of only 63 decibels, similar to the level of sound produced by two people having a conversation. This 18V cordless blower uses the same battery as more than 270 other Makita power tools. In our trial, this blower exceeded our expectations. With only 18 volts of power, it generated airflow comparable to the 56V blowers we tested. At low speed, it was as quiet as listed. At higher speeds, it made more noise but noticeably less than the competition. **Get the Makita 18V leaf blower at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**The Home Depot**]()**.** ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ## How We Tested the Best Leaf Blowers | **Testing Stats** | | | --- | --- | | Products tested | 10 | | Time spent testing | 10 hours | | Tests performed | 4 to 5 | | Price range | $25 to $450 | We wanted to showcase a range of models for various needs. It is worth noting that not all the products here are meant for every application, so we did not attempt to compare the various blowers to one another. To ensure a fair test, we set up two backyard simulation areas with wet leaves, dry leaves, acorns, and pine cones. One of the simulations was on a concrete driveway; the other was on a thick, grassy lawn area. We ran each blower through both simulation areas to see how effectively it moved the material, how comfortable it was to operate, and to observe runtimes for battery-powered models. All the blowers we tested performed at least as well as advertised. | | **Ease of use** | **Performance** | **Noise** | **Value** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Worx 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower]() | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | | [Ego Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed Leaf Blower]() | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | | [Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB All-Purpose Electric Blower]() | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | | [Black+Decker Electric Leaf Blower]() | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | | [Litheli 40V Cordless Leaf Blower]() | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | | [Black+Decker 20V MAX Powerconnect String Trimmer]() | 4.7/5 | 3.6/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | | [Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower]() | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | ## What to Consider When Choosing a Leaf Blower Make sure you are confident about your own expertise with leaf blowers before trying to find the best blowers to clean up your yard. Consider the size, weight, power, and runtime of the tool to help determine which products are the best leaf blowers. Also, keep in mind that while extra features like a variable-speed trigger are great, the core functionality of the leaf blower is more important. ### Types of Leaf Blowers One of the first things to know about leaf blowers is that there are several different types, separated into categories based on the fuel they use. This includes gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered cordless blowers. #### Gas Gasoline-powered leaf blowers are typically the most powerful, and they're ideal for properties of a quarter acre or more. A gas leaf blower produces exhaust that contains carbon monoxide and other pollutants and therefore should always be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. They come with 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines. Two-cycle engines run on a blend of oil and gasoline and offer a good balance between power and weight. Four-cycle engines run on gasoline alone but tend to be heavier than 2-cycle engines and require regular oil changes. While gas leaf blowers are effective, in many small communities and developments, gas blowers are unpopular, largely because they are very loud, disturbing the peace in quiet neighborhoods. Gas leaf blowers are also fairly dirty, producing carbon emissions that are damaging to the environment. For these reasons, many small communities want DIY lawn-care experts to switch over to battery- or electric-powered leaf blowers. These are considered to be more eco-friendly, causing some local legislation to outlaw the sale and use of small gas-powered engines. #### Corded Electric Corded leaf blowers are lightweight, portable, and quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Light-duty electric sweepers can handle driveways, decks, and patios, while higher-powered electric blowers can take on yards up to a quarter of an acre. Corded electric blowers provide steady power without the weight of a battery. However, because the cord restricts mobility, they are used primarily for small yards or areas near the house. #### Battery-Powered Electric Showcasing many of the same advantages as an electric model, a[ battery-powered or cordless leaf blower]() also offers excellent mobility. However, the batteries of a cordless leaf blower add a little weight and need to be recharged periodically. Some cordless leaf blowers use batteries that are interchangeable with other power equipment or accessories, including string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws. If you have several such battery-powered tools, or if you have a particularly large lawn, it may be in your best interest to keep some extra batteries on hand so that the cordless leaf blower is never without a charged battery. ### Size and Weight It is important to take the total weight of the blower into account—while a larger model may be more powerful, it will probably also be more unwieldy. - **Small, handheld leaf blowers** are suitable for an average-size suburban lot with a few trees. A handheld leaf blower typically ranges from 3 to 15 pounds depending on whether the blower is fueled by gas or electricity. Handheld gas blowers are about 6 to 8 pounds heavier than electric models. A small leaf blower also usually sports a shoulder strap. - **Larger, backpack-style models** are ideal for those with bigger properties or yards with many trees. These products have heavy motors that are too unwieldy to carry in your hands, which is why a[ backpack leaf blower]() comes with straps to help distribute the weight. A backpack leaf blower has a weight range from 15 to 30 pounds. - **Wheeled, walk-behind blowers** are generally used by pros and people with heavy-duty needs. These large leaf blowers sit on a set of wheels. The weight of the machine exceeds the weight of a backpack leaf blower, making it too much to carry, even with backpack straps or a full harness. While some wheeled leaf blowers can weigh as little as 20 pounds, most range from 50 to 100 pounds. ### Power Leaf blowers are rated by CFM, a measurement of the volume of air that is pushed through the unit. Blowers typically have a CFM between 200 and 800. High CFM ratings from 500 to 800 make it possible to move a lot more leaves than models on the lower end of the scale. Miles per hour, yet another indication of a blower’s power, measures the speed at which air exits the unit. This refers to the blower’s ability to move a leaf over a long distance rather than the ability to move a large number of leaves. The mph rating of a leaf blower generally ranges from 100 to 250 mph. The size of the motor on a leaf blower is measured in cubic centimeters for gasoline-powered motors, with larger motors capable of displacing more fuel and running at higher power. Amps are used to measure power output for corded electric blowers, and volts is the unit of measurement typically used for cordless, battery-powered blowers. However, it should be noted that using both CFM and mph is much easier than trying to determine the power output of a leaf blower with cc, amps, or volts because CFM and mph are consistent measurements across all types of leaf blowers. ### Runtime The runtime of a leaf blower is a metric commonly used for battery-powered models. Gas-powered products technically also have a runtime, though this is rarely provided by manufacturers because the fuel mixture and power output can greatly affect the rate at which fuel is burned, whereas battery runtime tends to be relatively consistent. Typical runtimes range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, but if a short runtime is the only factor that doesn’t appeal to you, consider investing in one or more spare batteries and chargers so a charged battery is always available. ### Speed Settings Basic leaf blowers operate at a static speed and airflow, producing a consistent CFM at a constant speed. However, most manufacturers have improved the speed settings of leaf blowers to incorporate variable-speed triggers and even include speed control features that allow the leaf blower to reach a specific speed and maintain that output as if the leaf blower had been set to cruise control. This helps manage a long period of leaf blowing without having to keep the trigger squeezed. When turning to a large pile of leaves or when the blower needs to move a clump of wet leaves, the speed control can be used to increase the blower to the maximum CFM output, lifting and pushing the leaves without a problem before dropping back down to a lower CFM to manage the rest of the yard. Keep in mind that holding a trigger down for long periods of time can lead to cramping or hand fatigue. ### Noise The most frequent complaint about leaf blowers is that they are noisy. Many gasoline-powered models emit 90 to 102 decibels during use; electric and battery-powered units typically range from 65 to 78 decibels. Some local municipalities have enacted laws capping leaf-blower noise at 65 or 70 decibels at a distance of 50 feet away, so it might be a good idea to check the local ordinances before purchasing a leaf blower. A unit with variable-speed settings, which allows adjusting the airflow and movement of debris, can also help with noise control. Always wear eye and ear protection and a dust mask while operating a leaf blower. ### Accessories Compatible accessories can be a helpful benefit that add to a leaf blower’s capabilities. A[ leaf vacuum]() or shredding or mulching attachment can be a highly desirable feature. It can shred leaves so they can be used as mulch in garden beds, thereby reducing yard waste. Some vacuum-capable models include larger-diameter chutes or tubes that help collect leaves. Reduction ratios—such as 10:1 or 16:1—indicate the number of bags of leaves that a blower with mulching capabilities can reduce to one bag. ### Additional Features After determining what type of leaf blower is suitable and taking time to learn about the power potential, runtime, and speed settings of leaf blowers, it’s time to consider extra features. These additions aren’t necessary for the leaf blower to function properly, but they can make the job easier. Common features include trimmer kits, oscillating nozzles, and detachable shoulder straps. - **Trimmer kits** aren’t strictly additions to the actual leaf blower. These kits include both a leaf blower and a grass trimmer, helping users take care of yard maintenance in more ways than one. - **Oscillating nozzles** allow the user to adjust the length and concentration of the airflow coming from the leaf blower. This is ideal for moving small clumps of wet leaves that need a precision burst of airflow to lift them from the ground. - **Detachable shoulder straps** make it easier to operate the leaf blower and provide the user with the option to adjust the size of the straps so the leaf blower can be operated by a variety of people, regardless of their height or size. ## FAQs Now that you know more about leaf blowers, there may be new or lingering questions popping up. Below is an assortment of some commonly asked questions about these lawn tools. ## Author Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.