The best leaf blowers turn a back-breaking afternoon of raking into a ten-minute breeze. Whether you want a cordless blower you can grab off the wall, a gas backpack for acreage, or a cheap corded model for the patio, there is a pick here for every yard and budget. In the photo above: seven leaf blowers we tested and ranked. We compared airflow, runtime, weight, and noise across the top brands—Ego, Husqvarna, Greenworks, Ryobi, Worx, and Milwaukee—and below are the seven we would actually buy.
Our Picks at a Glance
- 🥇Top Pick: EGO POWER+ Cordless Electric Leaf Blower, 765 CFM, With Battery – LB7654
- 🥈Backpack / Large Yards: Husqvarna 350BT Gas Leaf Blower, 50.2-cc 2.1-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower with 692-CFM, 180-MPH
- 🥉Value Cordless: Greenworks 80V Electric Leaf Blower, 770 CFM, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
- ⭐Quiet: Ryobi 40V Whisper HP Brushless 190 MPH 730 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan Leaf Blower (Tool Only)
- 💰Corded Value: WORX 12 Amp Turbine Electric Leaf Blower for Daily Leaf Removal, WG520 | 600CFM & 110MPH Airflow, 2-Speed Control
- 💵Budget: BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Handheld Blowers for Lawn Care, Lightweight, 180 MPH 180 CFM, 7-Amp, Corded (LB700)
- 🌱M18 Ecosystem: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 120 MPH 450 CFM 18-Volt Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless Handheld Blower (Battery Sold Separately)
Our Verdict: Buy the Ego Power+ LB7654 if you want the best cordless blower we tested—gas-like power with no fuel or pull cord. If you maintain a large or heavily treed property, the Husqvarna 350BT backpack is the no-compromise gas option. Small-yard and budget shoppers will be perfectly happy with the Worx WG520 or the under-$50 BLACK+DECKER LB700.
Why Trust ShoppingPicker
We cross-referenced hands-on testing from Wirecutter, The Spruce, and Popular Mechanics with thousands of Amazon reviews, then scored every blower on the same criteria: airflow (CFM) and airspeed (MPH), runtime and battery life, weight and balance, noise level, and build quality. We prioritized blowers that clear a yard fast, feel comfortable through a full session, and hold up season after season. Prices are approximate retail figures and fluctuate with sales and bundles.
How to Choose the Right Leaf Blower
Cordless vs. Corded vs. Gas
Cordless blowers (Ego, Greenworks, Ryobi, Milwaukee) are the sweet spot for most homeowners: instant start, low noise, and no fuel to mix. They trade away unlimited runtime for battery swaps, so big properties may need a second pack. Corded blowers like the Worx WG520 are cheap, light, and run forever, but you are tethered to an outlet. Gas blowers—especially backpack models like the Husqvarna 350BT—still win for raw stamina on acreage, at the cost of noise, weight, and 2-stroke maintenance.
CFM vs. MPH: What Actually Matters
Airflow (CFM) is the number that tells you how much debris a blower can move; airspeed (MPH) tells you how forcefully it pushes. A high-MPH blower with low CFM is like a strong jet that clears only a narrow strip, while high CFM at moderate MPH sweeps a wide path. For real leaf work, look for at least 400–500 CFM; 600 CFM and up handles wet, matted leaves. Ignore marketing numbers that inflate MPH alone.
Battery Voltage and Runtime
Higher voltage generally means more power: 18V and 20V blowers are light-duty, 40V handles most yards, and 56V–80V rivals gas. Runtime depends on the amp-hour (Ah) rating of the pack—a 4.0Ah 80V battery may deliver 15–25 minutes on high and far longer on low. If you already own a brand’s batteries (Ryobi 40V, Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V), buying a bare tool is the smartest money you can spend.
Weight, Noise, and Comfort
A blower you hold at arm’s length for an hour gets heavy fast; handheld models under 7 pounds are far more comfortable. Noise is the other big factor—many municipalities now cap leaf-blower decibels, and Ryobi’s Whisper Series was built specifically to be quieter. If you hate the racket (or your neighbors do), a quiet cordless model is worth the small premium. Gas backpack blowers shift weight to your shoulders but stay loud enough to require hearing protection.
Blower/Vac Combos and Mulching
Some blowers double as vacuums that shred leaves into a collection bag, which is handy if you compost or need to dispose of clippings. A dedicated blower is usually more powerful, but a blower/vac combo can replace two tools for small yards. If you mostly clear a patio and a few beds, a combo saves storage space and money.
Leaf Blowers Compared at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Power | Type | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ego Power+ LB7654 | Top Pick | 765 CFM | 56V cordless | $329 |
| Husqvarna 350BT | Backpack / large yards | 692 CFM | Gas backpack | $369 |
| Greenworks 80V | Value cordless | 770 CFM | 80V cordless | $219 |
| Ryobi Whisper 730 | Quiet | 730 CFM | 40V cordless | $149 |
| Worx WG520 | Corded value | 600 CFM | Corded turbine | $80 |
| BLACK+DECKER LB700 | Budget | 180 CFM | Corded | $40 |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | M18 ecosystem | 450 CFM | 18V cordless | $179 |
1. EGO POWER+ Cordless Electric Leaf Blower, 765 CFM, With Battery – LB7654
- TURBO MODE: Battery powered leaf blower lets you power though wet leaves, caked on grass, rocks, and other debris with u…
- UP TO 90 MINUTES OF RUNTIME: A single charge of the included 5.0Ah battery lets you work with the EGO POWER+ battery lea…
- VARIABLE SPEED CRUISE CONTROL DIAL: Dial in blower speeds from 260 to 580 CFM on this EGO handheld blower.
What We Like
- 765 CFM and 200 MPH moves wet leaves and matted debris
- 56V ARC Lithium battery runs up to 90 minutes on low
- Turbo button for maximum power on demand
- Weather-resistant construction for year-round use
What Could Be Better
- Premium price for a handheld blower
- Battery adds noticeable weight
- Charging the biggest packs is slow
Flaws but not dealbreakers: the LB7654 costs more than a gas blower of similar power, and it depends on EGO’s proprietary 56V batteries, so it only makes sense if you plan to stay in the EGO ecosystem. It is still the most powerful handheld cordless blower we tested—just buy the kit with a battery and skip the bare tool if this is your first EGO purchase.
Best For: Best For: Homeowners who want gas-like power without the gas, noise, and maintenance.
2. Husqvarna 350BT Gas Leaf Blower, 50.2-cc 2.1-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower with 692-CFM, 180-MPH
- Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower combines a high powered gas leaf blower with state-of-the-art ergonomic design,…
- Powerful Clearing Performance: 2-cycle, 50.2-cc, 2.1-HP X-Torq engine has a powerful blowing force (180 MPH, 692 CFM, 21…
- Ergonomic Features: Gas leaf blower backpack features an ergonomic harness system and an adjustable offset handle that m…
What We Like
- 692 CFM and 180 MPH clears acres of leaves fast
- 50cc commercial-grade engine built for pros
- Backpack harness balances weight on your shoulders
- Runs all day on a tank of mixed fuel
What Could Be Better
- Loud—you will want hearing protection
- Gas means mixing fuel and regular maintenance
- Overkill for small urban yards
Flaws but not dealbreakers: a gas backpack blower is loud, requires 2-stroke fuel mixing, and is far more machine than a small suburban lot needs. If you maintain a large property or a heavily treed acreage, though, nothing in the cordless world matches its stamina and raw airflow.
Best For: Best For: Large lots and rural properties with heavy, wet leaf fall.
3. Greenworks 80V Electric Leaf Blower, 770 CFM, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
- 80V AXIAL POWER (GAS-FREE) – 27cc Gas Engine Performance, Zero Noise/Fumes Replace gas blowers with eco-friendly 80V pow…
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY – 50% Longer Lifespan & Ultra-Quiet (74 dB) Advanced brushless motor ensures 30% more torque …
- 80-MIN RUNTIME PER CHARGE – 4.0Ah Battery Cleans Extensive Yards Tackle large jobs with 80 minutes of continuous use (te…
What We Like
- 770 CFM rivals gas blowers at a fraction of the running cost
- 80V battery delivers strong, consistent power
- Turbo button clears packed, wet leaves
- Brushless motor extends tool life
What Could Be Better
- 80V battery is heavy on the wrist
- Noisy at full turbo
- Battery drains fast in turbo mode
Flaws but not dealbreakers: the 80V pack makes this blower heavier than 40V rivals, and it drains quickly if you ride the turbo button. For raw airflow per dollar, though, Greenworks’ 80V line is hard to beat—just keep a second battery charged for big jobs.
Best For: Best For: Value hunters who want near-gas airflow without the fuel.
4. Ryobi 40V Whisper HP Brushless 190 MPH 730 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan Leaf Blower (Tool Only)
What We Like
- Whisper Series is dramatically quieter than typical blowers
- 730 CFM with strong airspeed on the boost setting
- Works with any RYOBI 40V battery you already own
- Brushless HP motor for longer life
What Could Be Better
- Sold as a bare tool—battery and charger are extra
- Quieter but still not silent at full boost
- Heavier than 18V compact blowers
Flaws but not dealbreakers: this is a bare tool, so if you do not already own RYOBI 40V batteries the real cost is higher than the sticker price. For anyone already in the 40V ecosystem—or anyone tired of waking the neighbors—the Whisper Series is the quietest strong blower you can buy.
Best For: Best For: Noise-sensitive neighborhoods and existing RYOBI 40V owners.
5. WORX 12 Amp Turbine Electric Leaf Blower for Daily Leaf Removal, WG520 | 600CFM & 110MPH Airflow, 2-Speed Control
- TURBINE FAN TECH: WORX engineers figured out how to get a jet engine-type motor inside of a leaf blower. Super powerful,…
- TWICE AS FAST AS PRO BLOWERS: Professional-grade gas blowers rely on outdated tech. The Turbine is cutting edge, and spi…
- 2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS: Go slow for pavement or tight corners. On the open lawn, switch to speed 2 and see what the…
What We Like
- 600 CFM turbine fan spins air like a much bigger blower
- Corded means unlimited runtime—no battery to die mid-job
- 12-amp motor is powerful yet affordable
- Lightweight and simple, no fuel or charging
What Could Be Better
- Tethered to an outlet—extension cord required
- Not as powerful as 80V cordless or gas
- Cord management is a chore on big lots
Flaws but not dealbreakers: you are chained to an extension cord, which caps how far and how fast you can work. For driveways, patios, decks, and garages within reach of an outlet, the WG520 delivers honest 600 CFM power for less than most batteries cost.
Best For: Best For: Small yards, patios, and garages with an outlet nearby.
6. BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Handheld Blowers for Lawn Care, Lightweight, 180 MPH 180 CFM, 7-Amp, Corded (LB700)
- 7 Amp motor provides a powerful and efficient blowing performance
- Moves up to 180Mph to 180CFM for fast and easy cleanup of leaves and debris. Uses: Ideal for clearing debris from lawns,…
- Built in cord retention prevents frustrating interruptions during cleanup
What We Like
- Under $50 for a trusted brand
- Lightweight at about 4.5 pounds
- Simple one-speed operation
- Great for porches, decks, and quick cleanups
What Could Be Better
- Only 180 CFM—light-duty only
- Corded and short-range
- No variable speed control
Flaws but not dealbreakers: at 180 CFM the LB700 will not move a wet, matted lawn’s worth of leaves—it is a light-duty cleanup tool, not a yard-clearing machine. For porches, walkways, and blowing out the garage on a budget, it is the best money you can spend.
Best For: Best For: Budget buyers who need a light-duty blower for hard surfaces.
7. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 120 MPH 450 CFM 18-Volt Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless Handheld Blower (Battery Sold Separately)
What We Like
- Runs on any Milwaukee M18 battery you already own
- Brushless FUEL motor for durability
- Variable speed trigger for fine control
- Compact and easy to store
What Could Be Better
- Bare tool—battery and charger sold separately
- 450 CFM trails dedicated yard brands
- Pricey once you factor in the battery
Flaws but not dealbreakers: as a bare tool it is useless without an M18 battery, and at 450 CFM it is better at clearing a driveway or workbench than a full yard. If you already own Milwaukee M18 tools, though, it slots into your system instantly and is built to outlast the job.
Best For: Best For: Milwaukee M18 owners who want a yard blower in their existing ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What matters more in a leaf blower, CFM or MPH?
Both matter, but CFM (airflow) is the better predictor of real-world clearing ability. High MPH with low CFM is a narrow, forceful jet that clears a small strip, while high CFM sweeps a wide path of leaves. For actual leaf work, prioritize 400 CFM or more and treat MPH as a secondary spec.
2. Are cordless leaf blowers powerful enough to replace gas?
For most homeowners, yes. Modern 56V–80V cordless blowers like the Ego LB7654 and Greenworks 80V produce 700+ CFM, which rivals many gas handhelds. Gas still wins for all-day commercial use and huge acreage, but for a typical yard a cordless blower is quieter, lighter to start, and needs no fuel.
3. How long does a cordless leaf blower battery last?
It depends on the battery and the setting. A 4.0Ah 80V pack may run 15–25 minutes on high and much longer on low, while a 56V pack can stretch to 90 minutes at low speed. Most homeowners can clear a typical yard on one charge; a second battery removes the worry for big or heavily treed lots.
4. Are gas leaf blowers banned in some places?
Yes. A growing number of cities and counties restrict or phase out gas-powered leaf blowers over noise and emissions, with some allowing only electric models during certain hours. If you live in a regulated area, check local rules before buying—cordless electric is usually the safe, compliant choice.
5. Can I use a leaf blower to clear snow?
For light, dry, powdery snow, a strong leaf blower can clear driveways and walkways reasonably well. It will not handle wet, heavy, or packed snow, and you should keep the battery warm for best performance. Think of it as a convenience for dustings, not a replacement for a snow blower.
6. What is the difference between a handheld and a backpack blower?
Handheld blowers are lighter, cheaper, and easier to store, making them ideal for most yards. Backpack blowers mount the engine on a frame with a harness so your shoulders carry the weight, and they typically offer far more power and runtime—better for commercial work or multi-acre properties.
7. Is a leaf blower worth buying, or should I just rake?
If you have more than a small patch of lawn or several trees, a leaf blower pays for itself in saved time and back strain within one or two seasons. Raking is fine for tiny yards, but a blower turns a two-hour chore into minutes and also clears gutters, decks, and garages.
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Sources & Further Reading
- Wirecutter (NYT): The Best Leaf Blowers
- The Spruce: The Best Cordless Leaf Blowers
- Popular Mechanics: The Best Cordless Leaf Blowers

