Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 730 CFM Review
The Ryobi is one of the best in terms of power; however, it burns through a four amp-hour battery so we recommend buying a larger battery for this blower
The Ryobi Whisper Series 730 CFM blower is both powerful and quiet, if on the expensive side.
Credit: Hale Milano
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 22, 2023
RELATED: The Best Leaf Blowers
Our Verdict
The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 730 CFM is a contender for one of the best battery-powered leaf blowers on the market. Its power production is amongst the best, it is very user-friendly, and it is the quietest model we tested. Since batteries can be purchased separately, it is important to note that this model needs a large-capacity battery to maintain that performance for a reasonable amount of time. It is also one of the most expensive models that we tested. Still, if you are looking for an easy-to-use and high-powered leaf blower, the Ryobi 40V is a great choice.
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Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 730 CFM | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Leaf Blower |  Best Bang for the Buck | A Highly Affordable Light Duty Blower | ||
| Price | $329 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $380 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $220 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $329 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $110 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This is one is near the front of the pack for power, but we recommend buying a larger battery | An impressively powerful model with a long-lasting run time, good ergonomics, and highly tunable output settings | If you're looking for a powerful battery blower to get yard work done faster, this is your model | With a high power output and excellent run time this heavy model can keep on going | If a power-to-price point ratio is of concern, then this ultra-lightweight and ergonomically easy leafblower is just your ticket |
| Rating Categories | Ryobi 40V HP Brushle... | Husqvarna Blaster 350iB | Ego Power+ 615 CFM L... | Ego Power+ 765 CFM | EWORK EK-01GYG |
| Power (50%) | |||||
| Battery (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (15%) | |||||
| Noise (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Ryobi 40V HP Brushle... | Husqvarna Blaster 350iB | Ego Power+ 615 CFM L... | Ego Power+ 765 CFM | EWORK EK-01GYG |
| Nominal Voltage | 40V | 36V | 56V | 56V | 21V |
| Included Battery Size | 4 Ah | 7.5 Ah | 2.5 Ah | 5 Ah | 3 Ah |
| Measured Weight w/ Battery | 9.4 lb | 10.2 | 7.8 lb | 12.2 lb | 5 |
| Measured Run Time on Highest Standard Mode | 12.7 min | 37.4 min | 16.0 min | 25.3 min | 12.5 min |
| Measured Charge Time | 60 min | 70 min | 45 min | 70 min | 60 min |
| Turbo Boost | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Variable Speed | Yes, trigger | Yes, trigger | Yes, trigger | Yes, dial | Yes, trigger |
| # of Batteries Included | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Operating Modes | Variable speed pulling trigger, cruise control, low-high | Variable speed trigger with cruise control and boost buttons | Variable speed pulling trigger with turbo button | Variable speed dial with turbo button | Variable speed trigger with boost button |
| Measured Run Time on Turbo Boost | 7.3 min | 14.3 min | 11.0 min | 15.3 min | 9.7 min |
| Measured Operator Sound Level Highest Setting | 72 dBa | 88 dBa | 85 dBA | 83 dBa | 86 dBa |
| Measured Air Flow on High at 5" | 880 cfm | 840 cfm | 580 cfm | 940 cfm | 510 cfm |
| Measured Air Flow on Turbo Boost at 5" | 1168 cfm | 1105 cfm | 1008 cfm | 1090 cfm | 630 cfm |
| Measured Air Flow on High at 30" | 426 cfm | 500 cfm | 488 cfm | 388 cfm | 250 cfm |
| Measured Air Flow on Turbo Boost at 30" | 512 cfm | 790 cfm | 860 cfm | 437 cfm | 425 cfm |
| Measured Air Speed on High at 5" | 118 mph | 100 mph | 115 mph | 125 mph | 85 mph |
| Measured Air Speed on Turbo Boost at 5" | 158 mph | 153 mph | 136 mph | 141 mph | 81 mph |
| Measured Air Speed on High at 30" | 57 mph | 65 mph | 62 mph | 50 mph | 33 mph |
| Measured Air Speed on Turbo Boost at 30" | 79 mph | 79 mph | 73 mph | 59 mph | 43 mph |
| Blower Model Number | RY404100VNM | 350iB | LB6150 | LB7654 | EK-01GYG |
| Manufacturer Battery Family | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ryobi 40V dealt outstanding performance in our power, ergonomics, and noise tests and earned itself a place at the top of the list of our favorite leaf blowers. This Ryobi does suffer from two downsides. The first is that the standard four amp-hour battery run time is subpar. Fortunately, larger battery sizes are available to purchase with the Ryobi 40V, so run time can be easily remedied. The second downside is that the Ryobi's high power and performance demand an equally high price point. There are other models that perform just as well for much less. However, if you're a fan of Ryobi tools and already have some large-capacity 40V Ryobi batteries, this is a powerful blower that is up to any task.
The Ryobi pushes all kinds of debris, including twigs, leaves, and small rocks, with ease. Credit: Hale Milano
Power
The Ryobi 40V scored near the of the pack for its airflow measurements; on turbo mode, at five inches from our pitot tube, we recorded a whopping 1,168 CFM. The airflow was only slightly less on high, measuring at 880 CFM at a distance of five inches. Its airspeed was equally impressive, hitting speeds of up to 158 mph on turbo mode and 118 mph on high. A fresh battery is critical for the Ryobi's performance levels. We noticed a distinct drop in air volume and airspeed at lower battery levels.
The Ryobi 40V had the highest measured airflow and air velocity on turbo mode out of any model we tested. Credit: Hale Milano
The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 730 CFM also nearly led the pack in our real-world testing. This battery-powered leaf blower cleared a large pile of leaves from our yard and into a target area in only 44 seconds. That is almost seven seconds faster than the next-best model. Even on turbo mode, the Ryobi felt perfectly balanced and under control, and we could focus on our task instead of controlling the blower. Additionally, despite its high power output, we found the focused nozzle of the Ryobi 40V helped to not spray leaves and debris all over the place.
The Ryobi 40V cleared our yard of grassy leaves in only 44 seconds, and was perfectly balanced even under max power. Credit: Hale Milano
Battery
The Ryobi performed below average in the runtime test and on par for recharge time. However, it is important to note that larger batteries can be purchased individually, which will greatly increase the run time of this powerful product.
The Ryobi 40V performed below average with the four amp-hour battery we used for testing. Its overall runtime was the lowest of any model we tested, lasting just 12 minutes and 42 seconds on high power. A larger capacity battery, or several batteries, would significantly increase the attractiveness of this option.
The Ryobi 40V is a powerful blower, but even small jobs will burn through this small battery. Credit: Hale Milano
Fortunately, the included four amp-hour battery charges are on par with other options. The included charger took just 60 minutes to reach a full charge, starting from completely drained. This is quite good because some brands took over two hours to charge one battery.
This model has a small charger compared to most in our testing. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Ergonomics
The Ryobi 40V was delightfully easy to use and scored highly across most of our ergonomics tests.
The Ryobi 40V has an average grip design but maintains a solid balance and nozzle angle when in use and under turbo mode — not something that can be said for all models. The Ryobi 40V also comes with a detachable rubber nozzle tip that can be added to the end to focus and enhance the air stream. This feature was very helpful in increasing its air velocity.
A detachable rubber nozzle on the Ryobi 40V helps focus the airflow. Credit: Hale Milano
The Ryobi 40V is one of the larger models we tested and one of the heaviest, weighing 9.4 pounds with the battery installed.
This cordless leaf blower has a dial interface to control the speed, as well as a variable speed squeeze trigger. The adjustable trigger speed is helpful for not over-blowing leaves or working around delicate yard features. Although the cruise-control dial is designed for right-handed users, the Ryobi is easy to switch between hands to adjust the dial and get back to work. The turbo mode button is also centrally placed, enabling it to be fully ambidextrous.
The Ryobi 40V ambidextrous trigger and turbo button were user friendly. Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Noise
The Ryobi 40V is one of the quietest models we tested.
Despite producing the most power overall, the accurately named Ryobi Whisper Series measured in at only 72 decibels, the lowest of any model we tested, and had a very pleasant sound with no aggravating whines.
Out of the many models we tested, the Ryobi Whisper Series 730 CFM is impressively quiet, hitting just 72 decibels. Credit: Hale Milano
Should You Buy the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 730 CFM?
The Ryobi 40V Whisper Series is a powerful cordless leaf blower that blows away the competition and the leaves. While it is packed with excellent performance and ergonomic features, it also demands a high price point and a higher-capacity battery. This model is well-suited for anyone who loves Ryobi tools and does not mind purchasing a larger battery to extend the overall run time and performance.
The Ryobi 40V is well-balanced and comfortable to use, even left-handed. Credit: Hale Milano
What Other Cordless Leaf Blowers Should You Consider?
If you're looking for a more budget-conscious option that is equally high-performing, consider the EGO Power+ 615 CFM Blower, which scored highly across the board and costs significantly less. It also comes with a longer-lasting battery. If you are more interested in multi-tool compatibility, the Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower Kit runs on two 18V Makita batteries that are compatible with Makita's robust lineup of 18V tools.
—Hale Milano
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