---
title: "This Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower is the Best Under $400 for 2026"
description: "We've tested dozens of snow blowers, and this Snow Joe stands out for many reasons, most of all its affordability. See our honest thoughts."
date: "2026-01-21"
modified: "2026-01-21"
authors:
  - name: "Dan Goldstein"
    job_title: "Editor"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/dan-goldstein/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/exterior/best-snow-blower-under-400-2026/"
categories:
  - "Exterior"
  - "Reviews"
  - "Tools & Materials"
tags:
  - "Snow & Ice"
  - "SPR"
---

# This Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower is the Best Under $400 for 2026

![This Snow Joe Cordless Snow Blower is the Best Under $400 for 2026](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Snow-Joe-Snow-Blower-Under-400.jpg>)
*Photo: BobVila.com Team*

We recently put a bunch of [cordless snow blowers](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-cordless-snow-blower/>) to the test in order to figure out which ones were worth the money and which weren’t. We tested budget-friendly picks, high-end models worth thousands, and everything in between. Though some of the fancy blowers did impress us, few wowed us the way the ultra-affordable [Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Cordless Snow Blower Kit](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SBV6FRY>) did. Read on to learn how this value-packed cordless blower managed to pack such a punch.

The first thing we noticed about the Ionmax was just how light it is. Weighing just 37.5 pounds, this is a far cry from the heavy, gas-chugging beasts you’re probably used to seeing your neighbors use. But don’t let this lean, mean blower’s small footprint fool you. During testing, the Ionmax was a workhorse, carving out an 18-inch-wide path with ease. It’s only rated for 10-inch-deep snow, which means you may have to work in layers to get the job done when you’re dealing with deeper snow. (And again, thanks to its light weight, this is pretty easy).

![Snow Joe Snow Blower close-up](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Snow-Joe-Snow-Blower.jpg>)
*Photo: Zach Lazzari for BobVila.com*

We loved how easy the Ionmax is to store, but perhaps what impressed us most during testing was its throw distance of 20 feet. We really weren’t expecting that from a single-stage, budget-tier snow blower. Powered by two 4Ah batteries, the 48V system also gave us about 40 minutes of runtime, which is plenty for most driveways and sidewalks. Other features that stood out were the dual LED headlights and the built-in crossbar, which makes the unit easy to grab and carry while you’re not blowing snow with it.

On the other hand, this isn’t the most rugged blower on the market. We noticed that it tended to get hung up on uneven surfaces or small obstructions, something we experienced less with heavier, higher-quality models. But factoring in its long runtime, easy maneuverability, and value-packed price, we think this is a no-brainer for most homeowners. And the best part is that it costs hundreds of dollars less than many of the market’s more popular cordless blowers.