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We bought 9 leaf blowers for a true hands-on, side-by-side comparison. We've cleaned driveways, decks, and patios with these tools, measuring and ranking the overall performance of each.
With this update, we've added the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB which became the obvious champion following our extensive testing. With phenomenal measured blowing power, a long-lasting battery, and a highly ergonomic balance and feel, it's going to be hard to unseat this model.
Our previous Editors' Choice, the EGO Power+ 615 CFM Blower LB6151 has now become our budget-friendly recommendation. While it can't quite keep up with the Husky across all of our performance metrics, it still earned a high overall score and offers the best price to performance ratio.
If you're looking to expand your landscaping power tool arsenal, check out our review of our favorite chainsaws for pruning those trees and the top-rated lawn mowers to keep your yard looking sharp.
Editor's Note: On November 28, 2024 we added new blowers to the lineup including top-tier models along with some ultra-affordable versions to see how they stacked up against the rest.
Hurricane force winds, longest runtime, swift charge speed
Impressive power, cruise control settings, fast battery charging
Powerful, excellent performance, well balanced
Mighty, outstanding battery life and recharge time
Plenty of strength, ergonomic, interchangeable batteries with other handheld cordless Makita tools
Lightweight, includes speed lock setting
Light, powerful for 18V
Hyperlight, cheap, easy to use, two batteries included
Affordable, quiet
Cons
Heavy, expensive, a bit loud
Not the longest battery life
Expensive, poor battery life
Not well balanced, heavy
Expensive, requires two batteries
Not very powerful, battery has short runtime, 90-minute recharge time
Expensive, no turbo setting, takes a long time for full recharge
Lacks power, low runtime, no cruise control
Lacks power, poor battery life
Bottom Line
This model has a tried and tested name, immense amounts of power, it had a runtime of over 37 minutes, and is perfect for those long and tough jobs
This model was the highest-scoring blower we tested, and one of the most cost-efficient options
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
With a high power output and excellent run time this heavy model can keep on going
This is a solid blower on its own merits and has interchangeable batteries with handheld Makita power tools
This model will appeal to folks who already own an arsenal of cordless DeWalt tools, but it isn't our favorite
Fans of Milwaukee's 18-volt tool line won't be disappointed, though there are better choices outside this brand
A rather valuable leaf blower with killer ergonomics and a spectacular power-to-price ratio
This blower does okay considering the price, but there are other options with comparable costs that perform significantly better
The Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB simply blew the other competition away when it came to nearly every metric that we tested. While on turbo at 5" from the nozzle, the blower ran a whopping 1105 CFM at 153 mph, giving more than enough muscle for bigger and more demanding jobs. Not only does it pack a punch, but it also ran on high for 37 minutes and 26 seconds, which was over 12 minutes longer than the next leafblower. It's also really easy to fine-tune the power output with this model. Our head tester said, “ It has an easy-to-use variable trigger, cruise control button, and turbo boost button, which allows for supreme control of power.” On a final note, the battery system used by Husqvarna allows for compatibility across multiple tools in their lineup, allowing you to upgrade both your batteries and tools within the brand.
The Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB puts out category 4 hurricane force winds, allowing for swift and easy cleanup of tougher material.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
Despite its perfect score in power, there were some minor drawbacks with the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB. When running on turbo mode, there is so much power that it can be slightly difficult to control at times, and the nozzle of the blower can nose dive. It can also be difficult to use ambidextrously, as we weighed it at 10.2 lbs. The 350iB is also a big purchase with a total cost of $380. If you're looking to save a few bucks but still want a high-performance tool, the EGO Power+ 615 CFM Blower LB6151 is the way to go.
Ego Power+'s specialty is cordless electric yard maintenance tools, so it comes as no surprise that the Ego Power+ 615 CFM Blower earned an award in our review. Power is essential when choosing battery-operated tools, and this model delivers plenty of it. The dial allows you to set your desired power level easily and effectively, and the turbo button truly embraces the word “turbo,” providing plenty of extra power on demand. On top of its blowing performance, we found it to be highly ergonomic. According to our head tester, “ It has stellar balance, practically no vibration, and it's made to use with either hand.” It has a respectable runtime of 16 minutes under normal use with the included 2.5 amp-hour battery. The included batteries also charge faster than any other brand in our lineup. Another notable advantage to the Ego is its battery compatibility; you can upgrade to larger Ego brand batteries or swap batteries between your other Ego Power+ yard tools. Best of all, the Ego 615's price point is below average, even though it performs much better than several models with higher price tags.
A specialized pitot tube and homemade stabilizing apparatus were used to take consistent measurements for each model's airflow and air velocity. The Ego brand versions significantly increase their output on turbo mode.
Credit: Hale Milano
Our one minor complaint about this powerhouse is that its high power output creates a tendency for the tip to dive in turbo mode, requiring the operator to use a little extra effort that quickly becomes tiring. Still, this is a small tradeoff for the overall excellent performance the Ego Power+ 615 offers. If this leaf blower has more power than you need, a lower voltage version such as the EWORK EK-01GYG might be all that you need.
For the most part, it is an impractical dream to have all of our cordless yard equipment and handheld power tools on one battery system. Many handheld tools utilize a lower voltage battery system than most leaf blowers we have reviewed. Additionally, most lower-voltage leaf blowers tend to perform poorly compared to the models in this review. The exception, however, is the Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower. It solves this problem by using a pair of 18-volt cordless tool batteries for power. “ I love the fact that I can use the same batteries for my drill, my circular saw, and even a stereo,” said our lead tester.
The Makita might not have a turbo mode, but the six adjustable speed settings are good enough to push a lot of organic debris quickly.
Credit: Hale Milano
The convenience of having a solitary battery system across all your tools is undeniable. However, the batteries of the Makita 36V LXT Brushless still have some downsides. The two-battery requirement means you must charge two batteries at once (not a huge deal since the included charger features two charging slots), but it also means you'll need two fresh batteries ready to go if you want to work without interruption. That said, the convenience of a unified battery system across your yard tools and hand power tools outweighs this deficiency. We highly recommend this leaf blower to anyone shopping for a single battery system across all their tools. Just note that this model is downright loud. So, if you want to minimize the chance of annoying a neighbor or waking a napping child, the Milwaukee M18 is much easier on the ears than the Makita.
When looking for the most economical cordless blower that can tackle some of those smaller jobs quickly, the E-Work EK-01GYG is an absolute ace in our book. “ It's not the most powerful, but for the price, I must say it's sufficient for quick and easy clean-ups,” said our lead tester. It's one of the lightest models, and we weighed just barely 5 lbs with the battery attached. Throughout our rigorous testing, we found the blower allowed for supreme control and ambidexterity, scoring an 8 in our ergonomics test. By being so nimble, this tool can be used by nearly anyone in the household to complete some weekend chores or a quick clean-up. One of our favorite bonus features is an easy-to-use turbo button, which we tested at a reasonable 510 CFM. Not only does this leafblower come with a budget-friendly price tag, but it also comes with two batteries that took us only 60 minutes to charge, giving some added juice for longer use.
Need a tool that the whole family can use? Then take a look at the EWork Ek-01GYG.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
Despite being lightweight and maintaining a good value, the E-Work EK-01GYG blower does have some downfalls that simply wouldn't work well for anyone looking to accomplish those tougher jobs. With our tested run time of 12 minutes and 29 seconds, it lacked longevity without having to replace or recharge your batteries. After testing both airflow and speed of the E-work, we found that it only had 85 mph windspeed on turbo, making it tough to move or push around anything other than leaves. Unfortunately, the batteries to the E-Work are specifically designed for this blower. Therefore, these batteries will only work in this unit, and there are no other options as far as tools or batteries go. If having serious power, a longer runtime, and more selection on a range of tools and batteries, you might want to take a look at the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB, which we tested at over 37 minutes making bigger jobs a piece of cake.
Here at GearLab, we believe that hands-on testing is the only way to truly evaluate a product's performance.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
How We Test Leaf Blowers
Over the past four years, we have put more than 15 unique models of leaf blowers through our gauntlet of tests. We test these products rigorously, clearing tens of thousands of square feet of lawn, decks, and driveways of leaves and other debris. To compare and score comfort and ergonomics, we recruited a varied panel of testers with a wide range of hand sizes to try out each product to see how they felt to carry around, examining features such as balance and ambidexterity. We measured the sound levels and qualities produced by each blower at various speeds. We measured their total runtime on various operating settings and timed their recharge speeds. For more details about our testing process, check out our complete testing article.
Power and Battery hold the most influence out of our four rating metrics.
We divided our testing into 4 mutually exclusive rating metrics:
Power (50% of total score weighting)
Battery (25% weighting)
Ergonomics (15% weighting)
Noise (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
If you are looking for unbiased expert reviews, you've come to the right place. At GearLab, we buy all the products in our reviews from retailers and manufacturers at consumer prices, so you can be 100% certain that we have no financial interest in picking one product over another. Our testing team of dedicated, detailed, and easily excitable professionals starts with a genuine yard tool and DIY enthusiast Hale Milano. Hale has extensive experience with yard tools and battery-powered tools. Living in the woods, Hale has years of experience battling waves of fall leaf clean-up and other yard maintenance activities and was more than up to the task of evaluating our leaf blower lineup. New to the team this year is Aspen Rain Weaver, whose expansive knowledge in construction, nature, and outdoor gear of all kinds is reflected in his detail-oriented testing style. Aspen has been cleaning his family properties since the ripe young age of three and continues his love of home, yard, and everything in between through his work with GearLab.
Testing got technical with a specialized pitot tube and anemometer to measure airflow and velocity, and a sound meter to measure decibels at ear height.
An anemometer, pitot tube, digital sound meter, and good old-fashioned leaves were used to test each cordless blower.
Analysis and Test Results
We began by researching dozens of different blowers, then picking out the products to buy and test that look like the best, the most popular, and the most promising models on the market today. We discuss the results from our detailed comparative analysis of each leaf blower below.
What's the Best Value?
If you want high performance without spending top dollar, the Ego Power+ 615 CFM is one of our favorite blowers. The Makita, another high-performing model, was slightly more expensive. While it is not a value pick, you could factor into your purchasing decision the potential savings of conveniently adopting a single battery system across all your tools. On the other hand, sometimes you get what you pay for. And if it's power you're after, the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB is a costly but extremely powerful option that may be worth the investment for anyone blowing heaps of heavy, wet leaves or thick pine needles. Lastly, the EWORK EK-01GYG is highly affordable but can't quite keep up with the top contenders in terms of overall performance. Still, for smaller areas, the job is done while costing a fraction of the cost of expensive models.
We were impressed by the high power of the Ego models.
Credit: Laura Casner
Power
This section has the biggest impact on each product's final score and ranking, accounting for 50% of each cordless blower's score. To test this, we measured two common data points in blowers - airflow and air velocity. Both were measured with a specialized anemometer and pitot tube attachment. Airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), is the volume of air being pushed out and is an important indicator of performance. Air velocity is just as important - that is, the speed at which the air can be pushed away, and it is measured in miles per hour (mph). While raw data is nice, real-world performance is what matters, so we also used each blower to clear the same area with similar amounts of debris. We noted how close the nozzle had to get to move the debris and the length of time it took to clean a set area with every model.
The Husqvarna 350iB blew away all of the other competition in our real-world test of blowing leaves into a marked box.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
During our power measurement tests, we measured both airflow and air velocity several different ways, in order to account for variances during measurement. We assessed each model's power at both the highest standard setting and turbo setting, if available. Readings were taken with a pitot tube at both five inches and 30 inches away from the nozzle for both airflow and air speed.
The chart below shows air flow in cubic feet per minute measured at our two different test distances. All of the leaf blowers tested showed higher flow rates at five inches than 30, but some models were much weaker at the greater distance.
Measured Air Flow at 5 inches vs 30 inches
Product
5 inches
30 inches
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB
840
500
Ego Power+ 765 CFM
940
388
Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower Kit XBU02PT
865
450
Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper 730 CFM
880
426
Ego Power+ 615 CFM
580
488
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Handheld
760
285
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower Kit 2724-21HD
540
290
LEAPUL 21V
530
280
EWORK EK-01GYG
510
250
In terms of air flow, the Husqvarna is the most consistently powerful model, producing 500 CFM at the 30" distance.
The Ego Power+ 765 CFM is certainly powerful, and if you want to clear heavy or wet debris, this model may be a top choice. However, we feel that for a handheld blower, there may just be such a thing as too much power. Although this model put up the highest air flow we measured for 5" at 940 CFM, it dropped to a flow of 388 CFM at 30", leading us to wonder if the 5 Ah battery might be unnecessary power and weight for this category of power tool.
This Ego has really high power capabilities, but its high weight makes it tiring to use as a hand-held leaf blower.
Credit: Hale Milano
The 765's smaller cousin, the Ego Power+ 615 CFM, produces a lesser airflow of 580 CFM at 5" but outperforms the larger model with 488 CFM at 30", making for a more consistent airflow overall. The 615 was followed closely by the Makita 36V LXT Brushless and Ryobi 40V, which both produced reasonably in the field with over 400 CFM at 30 inches from the nozzle.
The Ego Power+ 615 was one of our favorite leaf blowers; it was easy to use and could push heavy debris with no trouble.
Credit: Hale Milano
When measuring each blower's airflow on Turbo Mode, we noticed a slight shift in the rankings. The Ego models, specifically the Ego Power+ 615 CFM, delivered healthily at 30 inches from the nozzle with 860 CFM. In turbo mode, the 765 tends to nose dive, making it difficult to hold the blower at an optimum angle and position for extended periods of time.
The Husqvarna 350iB was also a top performer in our dynamic power tests on turbo. At 30 inches from the nozzle we recorded 790 CFM, and at just five inches, it blew a blistering 1105 CFM.
The Husqvarna 350iB has enough power to clear a myriad of materials including actual blankets of organic matter.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
Air speed, or velocity, can be just as important as airflow when it comes to effectively blowing leaves. We measured airspeed the same way as volume, with a pitot tube at both high and turbo mode, at just 5 inches from and 30 inches from the nozzle. The chart below shows each model's measured air speeds at both distances.
Measured Air Speed at 5 inches vs 30 inches
Product
5 inches
30 inches
Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower Kit XBU02PT
132
66
Ego Power+ 615 CFM
115
62
Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper 730 CFM
118
57
Ego Power+ 765 CFM
125
50
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB
100
65
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Handheld
104
43
EWORK EK-01GYG
85
33
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower Kit 2724-21HD
73
42
LEAPUL 21V
72
35
The Makita 36V LXT Brushless earned a high score for its airspeed in our raw power tests. It's worth noting that once we measured models using turbo mode, the Makita didn't score quite as well. While not all models have it, we generally found that we used turbo mode most of the time when it was an option. Utilizing turbo, the Husqvarna 350iB, Ryobi 730, and Ego 615 produced some of the fastest air speeds.
Despite a lack of turbo mode and generally feeling underpowered, the Makita cleared our leafy yard in 56 seconds, just one second behind the Ego 765. We also were pleased to note that the Makita did not overblow, meaning push leaves and debris past where we intended or remove mulch from a flower bed.
After analyzing our girthy sheet of objective data and pondering our subjective real-world feel for each leaf blower, our team agreed that the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB was the clear overall winner for this portion of our review. While there was no clean sweep across all of our power tests, the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB was our only model that scored nearly perfectly in the power metric. This was due to its sustained intensity on high mode at 30 inches from the nozzle, resulting in 500 CFM and 65 mph air speed, which allowed us to complete our real-world test of cleaning up leaves in just 43 seconds. With consistent power at our furthest testing point, the Husqvarna made for swift and easy work cleaning all forms of material, from wet leaves and large debris to pebbles, sticks, and leaves alike.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery technology has made huge strides in the last decade, though none of the cordless blowers here come close to matching the runtimes of their gas-powered cousins. A “great” run time for a cordless leaf blower is generally just 15+ minutes, which pales compared to gas-powered blowers. But consider the reasons you're interested in a battery-powered model in the first place: quieter operation, unlimited range (compared to corded models), lack of fumes, and never having to fill up the gas tank. We scored and ranked performance off of the measured maximum run time in our tests and the time it took the included charger to recharge a fully depleted battery. We also considered what other battery sizes in the given voltage a manufacturer provided and what other tool platforms the batteries would fit in.
Choosing Your Battery Family
Each of the products that we tested has other tools that share battery compatibility across a variety of platforms, spanning from yard tools like lawnmowers, string trimmers, and snow blowers to hand tools such as impact drivers, circular saws, and grinders. Consider what other tools you already have or plan on having as you factor in battery compatibility and benefits.
It is worth noting that the models we tested came with batteries ranging from two and a half amp-hours to eight amp-hours, and this generally defines the overall runtime of each model. Larger batteries naturally perform longer at the cost of weight (and additional purchase). For consistency, we assessed each model with its included battery.
The Husqvarna 35iB again dominated when it came to how long it ran, with an astonishing 37 minutes and 26 seconds of runtime on high. This nudged out every other blower in the competition by over 12 minutes, giving it a huge advantage when it comes to handling longer projects. Not only was it our longest-running leafblower by far, but it came with a large 7.5 amp-hour battery that charged in a very reasonable time of 70 minutes, allowing for more juice in less time. But the battery alone weighs just over 4 lbs.
The Husqvarna BLi30 battery has active cooling technology to help prolong its runtime.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
The Ego Power+ 765, with its five amp-hour battery, achieved an outstanding run time of 25 minutes and 19 seconds on high power which was not surprising, given Ego's specialization in battery technology. The Ego batteries also charge rapidly, and there are also several models of chargers available to further expedite charging.
The 5Ah Ego Power+ battery fully recharges in about 70 minutes using the 320W Charger.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The Makita 36V LXT Brushless employs two five amp-hour batteries to achieve an excellent runtime of 18 minutes and 11 seconds. It balances battery life and rapid charging to minimize downtime. Another advantage of this model is for those who own other Makita cordless tools (or those who would plan to own them); the two 18V batteries are interchangeable with other Makita handheld cordless tools, like cordless drills, impact drivers, portable wet-dry vacuums, and more.
The XBU02PT1 is unique in that it uses two, 18-volt batteries to equal 36-volts instead of one large battery like most other blowers.
Each battery takes about an hour to charge.
The Makita uses twin 18V batteries that are compatible with their other 18V tools.
While larger batteries tended to correlate with a longer run time, they are also often directly linked to larger charging times. Some brands provide different types of chargers for larger batteries to reduce the overall charge time. Having multiple compatible batteries is one way to cut down on wait time while your battery charges.
One of our favorite models, the Ego Power+ 615 CFM, ran a respectable 16 minutes without using the turbo setting before expiring. This model's charge time is remarkably fast for a battery of this amperage and voltage. The Ego 615's small 2.5 amp hour battery is also considerably lighter than larger options.
Measured Charge Time vs Run Time
Product
Charge Time
Run Time
Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB
70
37.4
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower Kit 2724-21HD
90
13.6
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Handheld
90
8.6
Ego Power+ 765 CFM
70
25.3
LEAPUL 21V
70
12.6
Makita 36V LXT Brushless Blower Kit XBU02PT
60
18.2
Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper 730 CFM
60
12.7
EWORK EK-01GYG
60
12.5
Ego Power+ 615 CFM
45
16
The chart above shows that it's important to consider both the charge time and the run time when shopping for a leaf blower. If you've got a big yard or area to clear, it'd be wise to make sure you get a model that will last long enough to complete the job, or you might be waiting around for your battery to juice up for quite a while.
Ergonomics
This metric focuses on how comfortable and easy to use all of these cordless tools are and accounts for 15% of each product's final score. We evaluated how balanced each blower is, its weight, and the comfort of its grip while in use.
We also compared the air intake location, penalizing products prone to suck in clothing during our tests. Although you may be tempted to choose the most powerful model out there, solid ergonomics can make yard chores less painful, and you should not have to fight the equipment to accomplish the task.
While not a very powerful model, the Dewalt blower is light and easy to use for greater periods of time.
Credit: Laura Casner
The DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Handheld blower snagged the top spot for ergonomics. Since there were a lot of similarities between the models, it was down to the details here. The DeWalt's low weight and features like variable trigger speed control, auto lock, and true ambidextrous controls, plus a perfect balance during use, solidified its perfect ergonomics score.
The 9.4-pound Ryobi 40V Whisper Series is perfectly balanced and vibrationless (even on turbo). This model also has user-friendly features like adjustable trigger speed, a dial for cruise control, and an ambidextrous turbo mode button.
The Ryobi 40V has an adjustable speed trigger, a dial to lock the speed setting, and a turbo button.
Credit: Hale Milano
The 5 lb EWork EK-01GYG was nearly perfect in its weight and ease of use. Its hyper ambidexterity, nimble small design, and easy to access turbo button made this one of our favorites. Due to its ability to tackle small jobs around the house and be useful in the hands of everyone in your household, we truly thought it was one of the best in terms of ergonomics.
At only 5 lbs the EWork is one of our favorite models for ambidexterity and ease of use for the whole family.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
The other top-scoring models aren't the lightest or the most ergonomic, but the Husqvarna Leaf Blaster 350iB, Ego Power+ 615 CFM, and the Makita 36V LXT Brushless are still fairly comfortable to use, and our gripes are minor. The Ego Power+ is a little front-heavy, the Makita weighs 9 lbs, and the Husqvaran weighs a lofty 10 lbs.
The Turbo button is located on top, easily pressable with a thumb.
We liked the grip on this model.
Both the Ego 615 and Makita are comfortable enough to use, although both are on the heavier side.
Noise
We scored each cordless leaf blower based on the amount and quality of noise it produced. After all, part of the reason many people choose these battery-operated tools is because they're quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. Each product's score was assigned based on the measured noise level at ear height when holding the blower normally and operating it at maximum power. We also evaluated their sound quality, noting any high-pitched whines that could be particularly annoying to your family or neighbors.
Hearing Loss is No Joke!
You should always consult the manufacturer and OSHA guidelines regarding proper safety equipment when it comes to operating a cordless leaf blower — or any other power tool, for that matter. Regardless of the noise levels we measured in this test, we strongly encourage you to refer to the manual for specific guidelines and always wear the proper safety equipment, such as hearing protection, eye protection, and a dust mask.
Keeping the volume down and the neighbors happy is the Ryobi 40V Brushless. Despite its massive airflow and air velocity scores, this high-powered model runs quietly, reaching just 72 decibels on high power. We are also pleased to note that the pitch of the Ryobi was very neutral; overall, this model will keep your ears happy.
The Ryobi 40V is a large and powerful blower, and it is also very quiet.
Credit: Hale Milano
To help get a feel for what decibel readings mean, we recorded the volume of both our quietest and loudest models side by side. The Ryobi 40V is not only quiet but also has a pleasant pitch. Other quiet scoring models sounded harsher to our ears. In comparison, the loudest model we tested was the Makita. There is a difference of only 19 decibels between the two. Again, it had a soft pitch despite its objectively louder decibel measurement. It's worth noting that despite the difference in decibel readings, the pitch played a large role in determining how loud each blower sounds.
Side-by-side sound comparison of the quietest (far blower, Ryobi) and loudest (near blower, Makita) reveals that pitch makes just as much an impact on sound perception as decibels.
Credit: Hale Milano
The rest of the models we measured hit their peak decibels in the 80-90 decibel range. What distinguished these models was the overall pitch and sound of the unit while running. Whereas some registered at higher decibels, their low pitch actually made them seem quieter to the ear while operating.
Not only does the Leapful LP-69 have no irritating noises, it also weighs very little.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
We measured the EWork EK-01GYG at 86 decibels and the Leapful LP-69 at 85 decibels, which seemed high. However, both of these cordless blowers also had a very soft sound and were not at all unpleasant, giving them note to anyone in need of a softer sounding product. This is in contrast to the Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V, which, despite scoring second and third in the decibel test (81 and 82 decibels, respectively), both felt the loudest to our naked ears.
No matter what sort of outdoor debris you're trying to clear, the right battery-powered leaf blower can make your task easier.
Credit: Laura Casner
How to Pick a Leaf Blower
Finding the right leaf blower can help make your weekend yard maintenance a piece of cake. To help in your search, we compiled four important buying categories, including battery life, noise, and features to help narrow down your options.
Battery, Gas, or Corded?
There are pros and cons to each type of leaf blower power source. Corded-electric models are great if you're only ever doing a small driveway or yard because you'll never have to recharge a battery or fuel up, but the downside is the limitations of the cord itself. Gas-powered blowers offer lots of power, and they have the benefit of having insignificant downtime when they run out of fuel as long as you have a gas can ready nearby. The downsides with gas are that you have to deal with gasoline and two-stroke oil mixtures, and they emit toxic fumes. As with any internal combustion engine, they also require routine maintenance and are much more prone to getting finicky or breaking down than electric versions. With the recent improvements in battery technology electric motors, we have decided that battery-powered blowers are the way to go for most people. They don't have the limitations of a cord, you don't have to be around gasoline or exhaust fumes, and they don't have to warm up or idle. The main con of battery models is the downtime related to charging, but you should be able to find the right model for your application based on our recommendations. Plus, you can always buy an extra battery.
Does Power Matter?
Depending on your property size and typical debris, finding a leaf blower with enough power to cover your area will make things go quicker and more efficiently. Consider how large of an area you have to blow and how much time it typically takes. For those in urban settings moving debris from sidewalks and porches, a smaller blower is typically sufficient. But if you own a larger property or live in a rural area with more acreage, finding a blower with adequate power is vital to effectively clearing large areas of debris and clippings.
From pine needles on your deck to swaths of leaves in your yard, finding a suitable leaf blower makes the job easier.
Credit: Laura Casner
How Important is Battery Life?
For folks with large properties or for more professional operations, a leaf blower with a strong battery life is critical to tackling debris effectively. While larger batteries help with run time, consider the charge time tradeoff and added weight on the blower itself. It's also worth noting how many batteries are included when purchasing, as having a backup battery is especially useful for those running their blowers for more than ten minutes at a time.
Generally speaking, choosing a battery with a higher amp per hour rating gives longer runtime.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
Do You Need a Quiet Blower?
While electric blowers will already be significantly quieter than their gas counterparts, those concerned about noise should consider options that avoid unpleasant pitches and loud motors. Different blowers will have different sounds and pitches, even with similar running volumes. It's also worth noting that just because a blower is quiet does not mean it will lack power and blowing capability.
Despite only influencing 10% of the total score, our Noise metric was highly important to test as it can affect neighbors, children, and pets.
Credit: Aspen Rain Weaver
What About Ergonomics?
Finding a leaf blower that's comfortable to handle and easy to operate makes the task more enjoyable and can help you avoid fatigue and pain. Attributes such as the balance while holding your machine, as well as the trigger function and controls, all affect the ergonomics of a leaf blower. Consider options like trigger speed and auto-locking triggers if you prefer a more comfortable experience.
Control settings are worth considering if you plan to leaf blow for an extended time or need more control over your blower.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Whether you need a high-end powerhouse for extensive cleaning or a budget model for light-duty work, there's a leaf blower for you. We hope that our extensive testing, measurements, and hands-on experience help you to identify the right blower for your needs. Cutting the cord from electricity and leaving behind the noisy, messy gas guzzlers of old, your yard can soon be leaf-free with less effort and noise. We've tested hundreds of outdoor tools to find the top products on the market.
