We Tested The Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums to Clear Lawn Debris (2024)

Our Top Picks

After six months of testing, the Worx 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower has earned the title of best overall on our list. It has a lightweight build and a long battery life, which are two qualities that are particularly handy if you’re working with a larger yard. While testing, we were able to operate the unit using only one hand and didn’t feel any strain on our arm.

Aside from its power and usability, this leaf blower stands out for its various power modes: You can choose to operate the unit with an airflow capacity of 300 to 470 CFM and an airflow speed of 60, 69, 80, or 95 MPH, making it an excellent option for a range of outdoor tasks, including clearing wet leaves.

Note that this leaf blower has a higher noise rating according to the manufacturer than other options on our list, but while testing in our lab, we reported that it seemed fairly quiet, given its amount of power, and didn't report any noise-related issues while testing at home.

We tested this leaf blower weekly for six months for seasonal cleanup and noted that it was durable, lightweight, and effective for a range of tasks. It cleared leaves and other debris quickly, giving us valuable time each weekend to do other things besides yard work.

We also liked moving around our yard without worrying about tripping over a cord. Just be sure to remember to charge it after each use (this takes around three hours), especially if you don't have extra batteries from compatible Worx tools, so it's always ready for your next outdoor chore.

_{Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 7.3 pounds | CFM: 300 to 470 | MPH: 60, 69, 80 or 95 | Noise Rating: 65 dB}

We think the Greenworks Single Speed Electric Blower is a great choice for smaller yards and budgets. At less than five pounds, we found it to be very lightweight and easy to maneuver in our outdoor lab. Plus, we never had any issues with the plug coming out of the outlet during use and interrupting our work. We also found it easy to assemble (only two pieces) and started with just the flip of a switch.

At 150 CFM airflow capacity and 160 MPH airflow speed, this leaf blower is less powerful than many other options on our list, but thanks to its ease of use and affordability, we stand by it. Overall, it was able to do the important work of blowing leaves, just not as quickly in most cases, or didn't pile them up as accurately. For example, we noticed that it took a bit longer to clear dry leaves and damp piles and that it wasn't as precise to round up the leaves into our chalk-drawn testing box as other options we tested.

However, it cleared dry leaves off of concrete in about 16 seconds, which is solidly middle of the pack. It also offers only one speed, so you can't make changes in power for different types of tasks.

We also want to point out that this leaf blower is slightly louder than an average electric model, which seems surprising considering its small size. You also need to purchase an outdoor extension cord separately if you don't already own one since no cord is included. If you don't already own one, expect to spend around $25 to $35 (or more, depending on the length needed). On the plus side, since it's a plug-in electric model, you don't have to worry about recharging a battery.

After testing it for six months in one of our own yards, we think this is a small but mighty leaf blower. We have used it for general fall cleanup tasks, clearing grass from a driveway, removing leaves and flower petals from a walkway, and cleaning out a garage floor and porch (basically, on all outdoor tasks where we would normally use a broom).

We also found it to be lighter and easier to use than other gas models we’ve used in the past. Although you will find more powerful options on this list, this continues to be the best option we tested for the price.

_{Fuel Type: Corded electric | Weight: 4.5 pounds | CFM: 150 | MPH: 160 | Noise Rating: 69.3 dB}

If you have a large yard with lots of trees, a backpack-style leaf blower is a great solution and can be easier to carry than a handheld model for longer periods of time. After testing the Ego Power+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower in our lab and at home for six months, we found it to be comfortable to wear, effective, and even fun to use.

Most of all, this is a powerful blower. We used it in a yard with 20 trees for fall cleanup, and it took us less than half the time it would take to do it with a leaf rake. The battery life was also impressive—about 25 minutes on turbo, the highest setting—so we were able to clear several sections of our yard at a time without having to stop to recharge.

We found that the battery lasted even longer on lower settings for smaller tasks like clearing the deck or patio. While this is a heavier blower, the backpack helps distribute the weight, so it doesn't feel as heavy as it would if you were carrying it in your hands.

You can choose between a 320 CFM or a 600 CFM setting. Its airflow speed is up to 145 MPH (one of the highest on our list), making it great for a range of tasks. The assembly was very simple and took about a minute and a half (we just had to attach the blower to the backpack). This model has an adjustable tube and a flexible and easy-to-use wand.

We especially liked having two options for operation: selecting the desired power setting on the dial (which was less tiring on our hands) or pushing a button while operating for complete control. Most of the options on this list just have one feature that operates the power, a trigger you need to hold continuously, a switch, or a dial, but not two options.

While we found this blower to be more powerful, with a longer-lasting battery for bigger jobs, we did find ourselves using a handheld cordless electric model for smaller jobs, since it was lighter and easier to just grab and go. We also found that the handheld blower was better for more detailed work and wished that the backpack model had a long or angled attachment for hard-to-reach places.

After six months of testing, we reported no defects or issues with its performance, and although the blower is heavy (it’s the heaviest of our winners), at just over 16 pounds, it feels like wearing a backpack with a couple of textbooks in it. We think it's an excellent option for yards with tons of leaves to clear each fall, but you may still want to keep your smaller, handheld blower handy for small tasks.

_{Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 12.7 pounds | CFM: 600 | MPH: 145 | Noise Rating: 64 dB}

After testing the Ryobi Cordless Battery Jet Fan Leaf Blower in our lab, we found that it offers plenty of power and convenience for its price. Further testing at one of our own yards over six months confirmed its performance: it easily cleared leaves, spider webs, grass, sticks, and more, while being lightweight and compact enough to operate with one hand, all without the hassle of a cord, or the fumes of a gas model.

Not only do we consider this model a good value for what it does, but we also like that it can share batteries with other Ryobi products that are part of its 18-Volt ONE+ system, including saws, drills, and screwdrivers.

We found that the variable speeds could be changed quickly, depending on the type of power needed for the job— whether it was around a delicate garden bed or a wet leaf pile. This model has an airflow capacity of up to 280 CFM and an airflow speed of up to 100 miles per hour. The battery life lasted around 30 minutes using variable speeds (the manufacturer lists it as 10 minutes at the highest power) and took about two to three hours to charge.

At 107 dB, we reported this cordless leaf blower as being very loud (normal conversation is around 60 dB), especially considering its small size, at our outdoor lab. But while testing a home, we didn't find it to be overwhelming or unusually noisy for an outdoor tool, and were not worried about it bothering our neighbors.

Just note that the manufacturer lists this at 65 dB, which is much quieter than we found. However, if you want a powerful but quieter model from Ryobi, we think our best quiet pick, the 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower, is a great choice, noted at just 40.2 dB at our lab (almost as quiet as a refrigerator hum or being in a library).

Keep in mind that it does come at a slightly higher price point, and has a different battery that is compatible with larger Ryobi products, like battery-powered lawn mowers and chainsaws, and may have more power than you need.

After testing this product at home several times a week for six months (less in the colder months), we were most impressed by its power and battery life. This tool really helped us tackle the peak leaf-falling season and kept our lawn and garden tidy with little effort.

Initially, we noted that the chute seemed a bit too long, but after more use, we found that the overall design and weight of the blower made it easy to aim the air where we needed it, and it was no issue to store. If you are looking for a cordless electric blower at this price point, we continue to recommend this option.

_{Fuel Type: Cordless electric |Weight: 9 pounds |CFM: 280 |MPH: 100 |Noise Rating: 65 dB}

The Worx TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower is a corded model that offers a lot of power in an easy-to-carry, one-handed design. It gives you the option to choose between a 600 CFM airflow capacity with a 110 MPH airflow speed or a 320 CFM airflow capacity with a 60 MPH airflow speed, so it is good for jobs big and small. However, the lowest setting is still pretty powerful, making it not the best option for more delicate areas, like flower beds. But we did find that the nozzle is small enough to get into tighter areas for more detailed work, as long as you don't mind the power.

Since this is a corded electric model, you don't have to worry about recharging the battery and can use it until the job is done. It's also more affordably priced than five other winners on our list.

Keep in mind that you will need to purchase the cord separately (about $25 to $35 for an outdoor extension cord, depending on the model and length) and will need to make sure it's long enough for your yard. Plus, we did note that the cord fell out of the outlet during the testing process in our lab, even while using the cord retainer that comes with this model. However, during home use, we found that the cord retainer helped keep it in place and had no issues.

Note that while we found the power to be easy to adjust compared to others we tested (without the need to hold down a trigger or button), turning on and off the power switch is a bit difficult while using the leaf blower one-handed. We also noted that this corded leaf blower felt louder than some of the other options we tested (in our lab, we detected it at 101 dB at the highest level), so it is one of the noisiest options on the list.

After six months of use, this leaf blower continues to stand out for its power and ease of use. We love that it's lightweight and easy to maneuver and that it offers enough power to tackle fall cleanup quickly. However, we did note that the extension cord froze in very cold weather (below freezing), making it hard to move around. Also, we did find ourselves wishing there was a lower pressure setting for some tasks. But overall, we think this is a powerful corded model that is perfect for most yard cleanup tasks.

_{Fuel Type: Corded electric | Weight: 6.4 pounds | CFM: 600 | MPH: 110 | Noise Rating: 90 dB}

The Ryobi 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower impressed us with its quiet operation. While the product description lists the unit as having a noise rating of 59 dB, our noise level test showed it to only have a noise rating of 40.2 dB, the lowest on our list. So it’s a great option for anyone who doesn't want to bother their neighbors (or themselves) with a lot of noise without having to sacrifice power for larger jobs.

We also loved how easy it was to operate and didn't note any hand fatigue after operating it for the duration of the lab test. This Ryobi model has batteries compatible with its line of cordless 40V products, including lawn mowers, chainsaws, and log splitters.

This model has an airflow capacity of 550 CFM and an airflow speed of 125 MPH, so it's one of the more powerful options on our list. While testing on the patch of grass in our outdoor lab, it cleared the pile of dry leaves in 27 seconds and the pile of damp leaves in 28 seconds. It cleared the dry leaves from the patch of concrete in only 11 seconds (the second fastest on our list, aside from backpack picks). We weren't able to fully wrangle all the leaves into the chalk square we drew on concrete, but this one was solidly middle of the pack in terms of precision.

When we used this leaf blower in a real-world setting, the results were the same: We found that it was powerful and effective but not as accurate in getting the leaves exactly where we wanted them. This means that at home, it’s easy to wrangle lots of leaves from a big yard but not as easy to get them all in one spot. However, it does a great job of clearing leaves quickly, and we found the turbo setting helpful when we needed the extra power.

After using it almost daily for three months, we continued to be impressed with this leaf blower's power and quiet operation while tackling many outdoor tasks in our own yard (even better than we expected!). It has saved us time and effort in clearing our driveway and yard of leaves. We also found it really easy to use with just the press of a button.

Although we didn't find it to be an issue in our lab, one of our shorter team members testing at home wished the leaf blower was a little lighter and found it to be a bit tiring to operate for longer periods of time. In turbo mode, it is also a bit harder to steady and may require two hands.

We also wished that the battery life was a little longer. We found that it only lasted about 15 minutes (mostly in turbo mode), but luckily, we had two batteries, so we could swap them out easily. Overall, if you want a relatively quiet yet powerful leaf blower, this is a great option that is comfortable for most users.

_{Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 9.7 pounds | CFM: 550 CFM | MPH: 125 | Noise Rating: 59 dB}

The Greenworks Pro 80V (180 MPH / 610 CFM) Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower is a backpack model, so it distributes a significant amount of its weight onto your back, lightening the load placed on your arms and wrists. While we found this leaf blower to be heavier than other options we tested (except for the other best backpack option), we found it to be fun to use, and easy to carry.

Just keep in mind if you are short, this blower has a longer spout so it may be harder to put on and awkward if you bend over while using it. Overall, we loved that there were multiple power control options thanks to the variable speed trigger, and it was very user-friendly.

Powerful and effective, this model has an airflow capacity of 610 CFM and an airflow speed of 180 MPH. Of all the leaf blowers on this list, this one cleared the patch of concrete from dry leaves the fastest, finishing the job in just 6 seconds. On grass, it cleared the pile of dry leaves in 25 seconds and the pile of damp leaves in 17 seconds. However, we spent 25 minutes getting the unit together, the longest assembly time out of all of the leaf blowers we tested (others were under two minutes). The process required a screwdriver, and we struggled to figure out the correct order in which to attach the tubes.

Once it’s up and running, though, this cordless leaf blower can run for up to 13 minutes while on its highest setting (longer on lower settings). It has a quick, 45-minute recharge time, which is convenient since any last-minute charging won’t delay your yard work too long. This is the most expensive model on our list, but we think it's worth the splurge if you want a powerful, long-lasting, cordless model to tackle any outdoor cleaning task.

During the six-month testing period, we used this leaf blower weekly for small and larger tasks. At first, we were worried that it would be hard to put on and that we wouldn't want to use it often, but we ultimately found it easy and comfortable to use. In fact, we find ourselves using it for any outside cleaning task, including clearing spiderwebs, grass clippings, wet dirt, sand, and dry or wet leaves.

We first struggled to steer the debris into the same spot, but it got easier with each use. We were also very impressed with the battery life and didn't have to charge it each time we used it. It's great for people with large yards or who forget to charge it from time to time.

_{Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 14.64 pounds | CFM: 610 | MPH: 180 | Noise Rating: 87 dB}

The Toro Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower stood out during testing for being compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly—similar to our best budget pick from Greenworks. We found that it manages to store a good amount of power in such an easy-to-maneuver, easy-to-manage design. Plus, unlike the Greenworks handheld model, this option offers two-speed settings, with the highest mode offering a 155 CFM airflow capacity and a 160 MPH airflow speed. While testing, we found that it offers a lot of power without the kickback that you may feel from other models (especially if you’re used to a gas model).

On a patch of grass in our outdoor lab, we cleared out a pile of dry leaves in 16 seconds and a pile of damp leaves in 27 seconds. On concrete, this unit cleared the pile of dry leaves in a speedy 8 seconds, and, despite its small size, it had no problem pushing the fishing line weights a 10-foot distance.

While the power and efficiency are great for small and medium yards, precision is where this leaf blower really stands out. We were able to wrangle a pile of leaves into the box we drew with chalk on concrete in just 9 seconds. Compared to how long it took us to successfully round up the leaves using the other leaf blowers on this list, this unit’s 9-second time was the quickest.

This corded model includes a cord lock to help secure the plug, and we never had any issues with the plug being pulled from the outlet during our lab and at-home testing. However, keep in mind that with any corded model, you'll need to have an extension cord that is long enough to reach around your yard, and this Toro model might not be the best option for large yards. However, for small and medium-sized yards, this is a powerful and effective budget-friendly leaf blower that eliminates the need for battery charging.

After tackling fall leaf cleanup, we fell in love with the leaf blower even more. It made quick work of clearing leaves and debris from our deck and all around the house. We even used it to clean leaves out of the gutters. It helped us blow all of the leaves into an area in the yard, so we could quickly clean them up with a lawn sweeper. Our only complaint is the need for the cord, since you need to be somewhat close to an outlet. But other than that, we thought it was a great value.

_{Fuel Type: Corded electric | Weight: 4.6 pounds | CFM: 155 | MPH: 160 | Noise Rating: 63.5 dB}

While a leaf blower can clear leaves, a leaf blower and vacuum combination tool can also clean them up for you. We haven't tested it yet, but we love that it's lightweight and easy to use like the other Greenworks models we tested, plus it comes with a vacuum tube and collection bag. These accessories can help turn the equivalent of 10 bags of leaves into one bag because they mulch the leaves they collect.

With a variable speed as high as 185 MPH and a CFM of 340, this tool can clear both wet and dry leaves and other debris from your yard. We think it's better for smaller yards because the battery life lasts around 20 minutes, but you can extend it by swapping out the battery if you have other Greenworks tools with compatible 40-volt, four-amp-hour batteries.

When you want to use it as a vacuum/mulcher, you will need to attach the mulching tube and bag, but this is a relatively simple process. The bag can hold up to 1.2 bushels of shredded leaves.

_{Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 5.6 pounds | CFM: 340 | MPH: 185 | Noise Rating: 70 dB}

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing 27 leaf blower models under various conditions, the Worx 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor is our pick for the best leaf blower. While testing in the lab and at home, we found it to be powerful and fast, with a longer battery life. It's also easy to maneuver with one hand. We also love our best budget pick, the Greenworks 7 Amp Electric Blower. This corded model is lightweight and has a secure plug that didn’t fall out during our test, making it easy to haul around.

Testing Leaf Blowers for Noise, Battery Life, and Power

FAQ

• Is CFM or MPH more important in a leaf blower?

  CFM measures the volume of air that the leaf blower can move, whereas MPH measures the speed at which the air moves. It’s important to look at both numbers because they work together. However, a higher airspeed does nothing without a large push power—the volume of air coming out every minute (CFM)—and therefore, large differences in CFM between models can often make a bigger difference in how quickly you can complete a job.

  Biermeier compares leaf blowers to snow plows, comparing CFM to “volume of pushing power or the size of the snowplow's blade“ and MPH to “the speed of the vehicle pushing the plow.” Larger blades move more snow, whereas faster speeds throw the snow a greater distance. In other words, a higher CFM will reach and move more leaves at a time, whereas a higher MPH will blow the leaves a greater distance. Biermeier advises that you prioritize CFM or MPH based on your particular needs.

• Can you clean gutters with a leaf blower?

  Many people clean leaves and other debris out of their gutters using leaf blowers, as the tool makes this cumbersome chore faster and easier. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind if you clean gutters with a leaf blower. It’s not advised to try to wrangle your leaf blower while balancing on a ladder, and—instead, you should invest in a gutter-cleaning attachment for your specific tool (such as the Worx Gutter Cleaning Kit). These attachments include a long tube with a hooked end, allowing you to blow leaves from your gutters while standing on the ground. Biermeier recommends you buy an appropriate, specially-designed extension kit to clean your gutters, rather than climbing on top of your roof and relying on your leaf blower to do the job. Biermeier also notes when it comes to thick, wet leaves “a more powerful, corded or gas model might be able to blast them out, but a cordless model only does a fair job of it when the gutter contents are thoroughly dry.”

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