The Best Leaf Blowers

Pros:

• Ample power for clearing most leaf-filled yards, especially for the money, according to owners and expert testers.
• Efficient mulcher, which some users attribute to the metal impeller — an advantage over models with less durable plastic impellers.
• Easy, tool-free conversion among blowing, vacuuming, and mulching modes.
• Variable speed lets users choose the force to suit the job: low for light work around plantings and high for heavier targets like wet leaves.
• Cord lock and extension cord storage hook.
• More than 4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,500 reviewers on Amazon.
• 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 2,300 reviewers on the Home Depot website.

Cons:

• Wirecutter favors the lighter-weight Black & Decker BV6600 (our pick for a good corded electric leaf blower) over this model.
• Nozzles can be tedious to switch out, testers say, and the vacuum handle and speed control are inconvenient.
• Vacuum bag isn't the most durable; the zipper is prone to splitting, users say.

Takeaway: All in all, users are sold on the electric Toro 51619 Ultra, a solid, versatile option for anyone who doesn't mind a corded leaf blower. They judge it an easy-to-use blower, mulcher, and lawn vacuum that performs all its functions reasonably well at a price that's hard to beat.

Pros:

• Battery power combines the cordless convenience of gas with the maintenance-free operation of an electric model.
• More powerful than users expect; effective for most light- or medium-duty chores.
• Lighter and quieter than many other leaf blowers.
• 4.6 out of 5 stars and recommended by 93 percent of the more than 2,600 customers who have reviewed it on the Home Depot website.

Cons:

• Users say the 15- to 20-minute battery life is too short for some jobs.
• May lack sufficient power for tougher duties, like loosening stubborn wet leaves.

Takeaway: Although most users say budget-priced battery-powered leaf blowers just can't compare with higher-end models on power, the Ryobi P2180 comes close. Reviewers say it's a smart buy for homeowners tackling relatively quick jobs who won't have to stop for a recharge.

Pros:

• Very easy start compared with many other gas blowers, users report.
• Powerful enough for most cleanup tasks, including blasting away stubborn leaves and debris on the roof.
• Lightweight for a gas blower, at 8.6 pounds.
• 7-year warranty, among the longest out there.
• Labeled "Best Value" among eight gas models tested by Popular Mechanics.
• 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommended by 95 percent of the nearly 1,800 customers who have reviewed it on the Lowe's website.
• 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 2,500 reviewers on Amazon.

Cons:

• Shorter nozzle means the airstream is a bit less effective than it could be, experts say.
• Side intake may try to suck in lightweight clothing, reviewers complain.

Takeaway: A gas leaf blower that starts without fuss, meets performance expectations, and sells at a very budget-friendly price, the Hitachi RB24EAP deserves a top spot on our list of the best cheap leaf blowers. Happy users say it packs a lot of power in a lightweight package.

Pros:

• Performs well in all modes, reviewers say.
• Included nozzle reducer helps remove leaves and other debris from tight spots with more precision.
• Well-balanced in the hand, expert testers say.
• Easy, tool-free conversion among blowing, vacuuming, and mulching modes.
• Relatively lightweight, at 8.1 pounds.
• Runner-up in testing by Wirecutter.

Cons:

• Bag can be prone to ripping or splitting, users report.
• Older models were recalled in September 2016 because of a potential fan-related laceration hazard, which is fixed on new models.

Takeaway: The Black & Decker BV6600 is equally capable in an open yard or fussy flower beds, and scores of fans say it produces nicely shredded mulch. This corded electric model also has variable speeds and a durable metal impeller, features that users appreciate.

Pros:

• Praise from users and expert testers for focused power when loosening grass clippings, leaves, small sticks, dirt, and dust.
• Relatively lightweight for a gas leaf blower, at 9.4 pounds.
• Well-balanced and easy to maneuver; the blower tube aligns with the handle.
• Easy to start compared with some gas blowers, users say.
• Cruise control and adjustable tube length.
• Easiest to use in testing by Popular Mechanics.

Cons:

• Some users report durability issues such as gas lines that clog easily.
• Not as quiet as electric blowers, but about average for a gas blower.

Takeaway: With power on its side, the Husqvarna 125B is a good pick for clearing significant yard debris without spending a lot of money. An apparent sensitivity to ethanol and a slightly higher price tag than the Hitachi RB24EAP keep it from our top spot.

Pros:

• Relatively quiet for a cordless leaf blower.
• Weighs less than 6 pounds, fairly lightweight for its class.
• Good for small yards or light housework, owners say.

Cons:

• Less powerful than other cordless models.
• Roller switch that controls power level is hard to adjust, some reviewers say.
• Scattered complaints that vacuum tube clogs on thick debris.

Takeaway: Reviewers say this Black & Decker leaf blower is a good choice for clearing grass clippings, dry leaves, or acorns from lawns, driveways and pool areas. Most users report about 30 minutes of run time on a fully charged battery, which is on par with other cordless leaf blowers, with a recharge time of less than an hour. Like many cordless models, a number of owners say they with the Black & Decker were more powerful so it could suck up wet leaves or clear heavy debris like branches or nuts. Some owners also say the vacuum bag’s zipper is prone to breaking.