The Best Leaf Blowers

Pros:

• Very powerful for an electric leaf blower this cheap; 250 mph air speed with 340 CFM air volume in blow mode.
• Infinite-adjust variable speed lets users choose just the right amount of power for the job.
• Easy, tool-free conversion between blowing and vacuuming modes.
• Durable metal impeller does a very good job of mulching leaves and clippings, reviewers say.
• At 8.5 lbs., light enough to manage without strain.

Cons:

• Vacuum bag isn't the most durable; users say zipper is prone to splitting and some complain of debris leaks at connection and seams.
• Reviewers at Wirecutter ding it for nozzles that can be a chore to switch out.
• 2-year warranty is shorter than some competitors'.

Takeaway: At less than $75, the Toro 51619 Ultra is an affordable, versatile option for anyone who doesn't mind dealing with an extension cord. In hands-on testing of eight different electric leaf blowers, editors at Reviews.com name this Toro corded leaf blower one of their top two picks and praise it for its power and the precision of its airflow: Leaves go where directed and nearby piles stay undisturbed. Consumers are equally enthusiastic for the most part, and there is no shortage of positive comments posted on retailers' websites. Earning an average of 4.3 stars from more than 3,100 reviews at Home Depot, users say the Toro 51619 is as an easy-to-use blower that also performs reasonably well as a mulcher and lawn vacuum (although there are some complaints of clogging with the latter function). Homeowners looking for a little extra power and finer mulching capabilities might consider the nearly identical Toro 51621, which does an even better job in expert testing and sells for about $20 more.

Pros:

• Very inexpensive for an electric leaf blower.
• Sufficient power (160 mph air speed) for smaller yard tasks.
• Weighs just over 4.5 lbs., nearly half as much as similar models.
• 4-year warranty exceeds industry standard.

Cons:

• Speed is not variable; simple on/off control.
• Built-in cord holder does a poor job keeping extension cords connected, owners say.
• Small minority of buyers complain of quality and durability issues.
• Some reviewers say it vibrates too much to grip comfortably for long periods.

Takeaway: Despite its extremely low price, the Greenworks 24012 is an effective piece of outdoor power equipment, at least according to the very positive average rating it receives from more than 2,700 Amazon customers. This corded electric leaf blower isn't really designed for big yards, but for small household tasks — clearing the driveway of grass clippings, whisking dead leaves from a patio, even blow-drying a freshly washed car — it does just fine. In fact, many users say that it's a lot more powerful than its fairly low air speed and air volume (150 CFM) would have led them to believe. As with similarly cheap leaf blowers, this Greenworks model lacks vacuum and mulching capability and doesn't come with extra nozzles or attachments. There's also no cord included, which means that purchasers could end up spending nearly as much as the machine itself, or more, for an extra-long, heavy-duty, three-prong extension cord. And, according to owners, keeping that cord connected to the leaf blower's outlet is a real challenge, despite the "cord lock" feature. Still, minor quibbles aside, the majority of consumer feedback suggests that, considering the cost, this lightweight little Greenworks blower is a deal that can't be beat.

Pros:

• Excels at blowing, vacuuming, and mulching dry debris, according to owner feedback.
• Outpowers many electric rivals with 250 mph air speed (variable) and puts out a comparatively high volume of air, at 400 CFM.
• Easily converts between blower and vacuum.
• Weighs just 8.1 lbs., slightly less than similar models.

Cons:

• Underperforms on wet or compacted leaves and clippings.
• Included reusable bag can be prone to ripping or splitting, some owners report.
• Relatively short 2-year warranty.

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. Wirecutter named it one of the best leaf blowers in 2018, and editors say it still remains a decent choice even though they recommend other models as top picks in their latest round of testing. One slight drawback: There are no nozzles included for gutters or other tight spots, a potential deal-breaker for people with lots of landscaping. On the plus side, given numerous complaints about the quality of the leaf bags on this and other blower vacs, Black & Decker has disposable leaf bags available that can be used instead. Considering the relatively high cost of standard replacement bags, this option could yield serious savings in the long run.

Pros:

• Relatively cheap for a battery-powered blower that also vacuums and mulches.
• Included 40-volt battery and charger are compatible with other Black & Decker tools.
• 6-speed variable air control.
• Weighs less than 6 lbs., fairly lightweight for its class.

Cons:

• Roller-style power switch is hard to adjust for some users.
• Scattered complaints that the vacuum tube clogs on thick debris.
• 2-year warranty is on the shorter side.

Takeaway: Battery-powered leaf blowers in this price range don't often do double-duty as a lawn vac and mulcher, but this Black & Decker cordless leaf blower does it all. It earns top billing at Top Ten Reviews, where editors say that its overall performance, versatility, and ease of use make it a standout. With enough power to handle most yard tasks — despite its relatively low 120 mph airflow — it was also one of the lightest and quietest models they tested. Most users report about 30 minutes of run time on a fully charged battery, which is on par with other cordless leaf blowers, and recharge time is less than an hour. Just note that some owners say the vacuum bag's zipper is prone to breaking, and a replacement bag costs about $25 (and may be plagued by the same issues).

Pros:

• Comfortable to hold and operate; also fairly quiet, according to reviewers.
• Included battery and charger can be used with other Ryobi lawn tools.
• Variable-speed trigger.
• 3-year warranty is longer than many cordless competitors'.

Cons:

• 15- to 20-minute battery life is too short for some jobs.
• Tends to scatter leaves, not sweep neatly, owner feedback indicates.
• May not have the power for tougher duties, like loosening stubborn wet leaves.
• No vacuum/mulch feature.

Takeaway: Most professional reviewers overlook this cheap battery-powered electric leaf blower, but it's a very popular cordless model at Home Depot, where more than 3,600 consumers have contributed reviews. This Ryobi cordless blower isn't quite as powerful at other models in this report, but its variable-speed motor can generate 100 mph and 280 CFM of air power, which is definitely sufficient for patios, driveways, and light yard debris, users say. Anything more demanding, however, and you're likely to be disappointed. It weighs 9 pounds, heftier than other cordless leaf blowers, yet few reviewers complain about the weight. One thing some owners do gripe about is the lack of a nozzle or similar attachment for clearing debris in tight spaces. If you already own a compatible Ryobi One+ 18-volt power tool, like the Ryobi P2060 weed eater, you can purchase this leaf blower without the battery pack or charger included from Amazon. The price is nearly $50 less.

Pros:

• Named a top leaf blower in testing by multiple experts.
• Comparatively lightweight for a gas-powered blower, at just 8.6 lbs.
• Trigger-controlled variable speed.
• 7-year warranty is among the longest out there.

Cons:

• No speed-lock feature, which may cause fatigue for some.
• Side intake may try to suck in lightweight clothing, reviewers complain.
• Leaf blower only; no mulching or vacuuming functions.

Takeaway: This Hitachi gas leaf blower is a reviewer favorite, making it onto lists of top-rated leaf blowers at Best Reviews and Top Ten Reviews, among others. Buyers are equally enthusiastic, especially given the budget-friendly price; it's earned a 4.3 rating from more than 3,000 shoppers on Amazon and scores an even higher 4.6 at Lowe's. The two-stroke engine produces 170 mph of blowing power (441 CFM air volume), and in tests the Hitachi makes short work of dislodging wet, matted debris, and sweeping away dead leaves. Since there's no lock on the throttle, users have to keep the trigger squeezed while operating, which means that prolonged use of this handheld leaf blower can be a little tiring. But most owners say it feels fairly comfortable and the light weight helps a lot. One other drawback: As with other gas-powered leaf blowers, this unit is loud enough that ear protection should definitely be worn.

Pros:

• Adjustable blower tube length keeps the nozzle close to the ground to maximize power.
• Well-balanced and easy to maneuver, according to professional testers.
• Easy to start compared with some gas blowers, users say.
• Variable-speed throttle and cruise control setting.
• Relatively lightweight for a gas leaf blower, at 9.4 pounds.

Cons:

• Many say this model can be hard to start and prone to stalls.
• Some users report durability issues, such as gas lines that clog easily and early demise.
• Does not vacuum or mulch.
• 2-year standard warranty is shorter than some competitors'.

Takeaway: When an electric leaf blower simply can't get the job done, the Husqvarna 125B is a good pick for clearing significant yard debris without spending a slew of cash. This entry-level Husqvarna gas leaf blower can produce an air speed of 170 mph (425 CFM air volume) and, even better, it's designed to do an effective job while keeping user comfort a priority — not true of all cheap blowers. The most common complaint comes from buyers who say their leaf blower's engine either began running rough or stopped working entirely after the first season's use. A likely cause, say professional testers, is using fuel that's blended with ethanol or not using fresh gas before running it after a period of disuse. While its slightly higher price tag keeps it out of our top spot for best handheld gas leaf blower, all in all it's a decent choice, at an affordable price, from a trusted brand.

Pros:

• Cheaper than many other backpack blowers.
• Good expert feedback for harder jobs like moving wet leaves and loosening debris embedded in grass.
• Powerful enough to tackle yards up to roughly 2 acres, users say.
• Variable-speed throttle and cruise control setting.
• Lightweight for a backpack-style gas blower, at 14.6 pounds.
• Padded harness gets good reviews for comfort.

Cons:

• Can be tough to start, some users complain.
• Some reviewers consider the 29.5 cc engine underpowered, especially compared with other backpack blowers.
• Does not vacuum or mulch.
• Relatively short 2-year warranty.

Takeaway: Backpack leaf blowers like this one are designed for homeowners with large yards, tons of trees, and lots of landscaping to maintain. But whereas similar models carry much higher price tags, the Husqvarna 130BT comes in well under the $300 mark. This Husqvarna backpack blower doesn't get the same wildly enthusiastic reviews that its pricier, and more powerful, brandmates do (the Husqvarna 150BT and the Husqvarna 350BT are very popular with both experts and owners), but buyers who know they aren't getting a commercial-grade backpack leaf blower should be satisfied with the Husqvarna 130BT. With air speed of 145 mph and 360 CFM airflow in the pipe, owners say that as long as you don't have a huge property it'll get the job done. And its backpack harness and light weight will provide a huge amount of comfort while you work.