Electric leaf blowers are on track to soon outsell their obnoxious gas counterparts, and for good reason. They’re easier to start, require almost no maintenance, and many run quietly enough for early-morning yard sessions without bothering the neighbors.
Cordless models offer the ultimate freedom to roam untethered, but they come with tradeoffs in power, weight, runtime and of course cost. To find the model that balanced these best, I tested seven models across the price spectrum on dry leaves, damp leaves, pine needles, and general yard debris. Throughout testing, I paid close attention to control, comfort and how long each battery maintained usable power.
Of course, if you’re looking for the most ecologically minded solution, consider leaving some leaves behind.
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Why you should trust me
I have been testing outdoor gear and consumer products for more than 15 years, and I grew up in the midwest, where keeping a tidy lawn is a regional pastime. I still approach yard work with that same mindset.
The 12,000-sq-ft yard of my Colorado home makes a useful testing ground: it’s ringed by a peach tree, an apple tree, a very unruly maple, two spruce trees, and an 80-ft cottonwood. I love the shade this towering tree provides in the summer, but I have come to dread the thick layer of leaves it drops every autumn.
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How I tested
I used every blower in this guide for several weeks of fall cleanup, including moving a mix of dry and damp leaves, pine needles, gravel, mulch and general yard debris. For heavier material, I created compacted piles and wet clusters after a watering cycle, and I used each blower on driveways and sidewalks to see how well I could control the airflow at different power settings.
Almost all modern cordless blowers handle basic leaf-clearing well, so I paid close attention to ergonomics, which can matter just as much as raw power, especially during long sessions. Balance, button and trigger placement, and the ease of checking the battery status, all shape how a tool feels and performs during everyday use.
Using the included batteries, I ran every blower from fully charged to empty on both medium and high power settings, noting total runtime and how quickly power tapered off as the battery drained. A decibel meter captured sound output from the user’s perspective.
An early-season snowstorm also allowed me to test snow-clearing, but your results may vary by region. Powdery Colorado snow is easy enough for a blower to puff around, while the wet accumulation you’d see after a nor’easter would be a tough task for any leaf blower.
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At a glance
Best overall blower:
Ryobi 40V HP Whisper Series
Best blower for precision and control:
Stihl BGA 60
Best budget blower:
Lazyboi Electric Leaf Blower
Best battery life:
EGO Power+ 880 CFM Blower
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Best overall blower:
Ryobi 40V HP Whisper Series
The Ryobi 40V HP Whisper Series combines strong real-world power with excellent ergonomics, long runtime and an impressively low noise level. Across weeks of yard work, it was the model that felt the most composed and effective in everyday use – powerful enough for heavier debris, yet balanced and quiet enough for long sessions without fatigue.
Why we love it
Ryobi stakes a Goldilocks middle ground between raw power and control. Although this blower isn’t one of the lightest models I tested, its thoughtful weight distribution and neutral balance make a major difference in how it handles. The Whisper Series naturally settles into a comfortable working angle, reducing wrist effort and allowing you to guide airflow precisely, whether you’re edging along walkways, sweeping broad driveway sections, or clearing around landscaping. That balance gave it a clear usability advantage over blowers that felt front-heavy or required frequent grip corrections.
It is also impressively quiet. In testing, the Whisper Series produced the lowest noise levels of any comparable full-sized blower, especially at mid-range settings, which most homeowners will use for day-to-day clearing. That makes early-morning or extended sessions noticeably more tolerable for both you and your neighbors.
On a medium setting, the Ryobi ran longer than most blowers in this guide, bested only by the Ego, and its power delivery stayed consistent through the bulk of the charge. The intuitive cruise-control dial rounds out the package: it’s easy to operate by feel, holds its position securely, and makes steady-output clearing far more comfortable than feathering the trigger for long stretches.
It’s a shame that … its peak output is slightly lower than the most powerful blower in this test. For dense, compacted piles or heavy wet leaves, the Ego remains the quicker option. And while the Ryobi delivered one of the longer measured runtimes in my medium-power tests, its 40V pack drains rapidly at full output, so homeowners who require maximum power or have large yards may still want a spare battery.
Weight (with battery): 10.6lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 64 minutes
Noise rating (on medium and max): 57 / 70dB
Air volume: 800 cubic ft per minute (CFM)
Air speed: Up to 180mph
Battery platform: Ryobi 40V
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Best blower for precision and control:
Stihl BGA 60
The Stihl BGA 60 is the most precise, easy-to-control blower I tested, and it quickly became the one I relied on for detailed yard work. While it isn’t the most powerful model here, its balance, ergonomics and predictable power delivery make it exceptionally effective for edging along pathways, steering debris out of tight spaces and working around landscaping without scattering material where you don’t want it.
Why we love it
The BGA 60 stands out for its precision handling. Smart weight distribution lets the tool naturally settle into a ready-to-use angle, reducing wrist strain and making it simple to guide the airflow exactly where you need it. The two-stage trigger offers a broad, usable range, letting you feather power gently around gravel, mulch or tight beds without kicking debris sideways.
Instead of blasting material indiscriminately, the focused nozzle lifts leaves and settled debris in a predictable line, helping you clear walkways, patios and planting areas with more intention and less backtracking. And because the battery maintains consistent output for most of its charge, the blower feels steady and controllable across an entire full yard session.
It’s a shame that … the BGA 60 doesn’t run as long as some of the larger blowers we tested from Ego and Ryobi, especially at higher settings, so anyone with more than a typical suburban backyard will likely want a spare battery. The narrower nozzle and slightly lower peak output also mean it won’t move dense, compacted leaf piles or heavy wet debris as quickly as the most powerful blowers in this guide. It also lacks a cruise-control setting, which you will miss for pushing larger piles of leaves or clearing long stretches of lawn. Stihl typically sells tools through dealers, so availability may be less convenient than brands with broad distribution online or in big-box stores.
Weight (with battery): 7.9lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 22 minutes
Noise rating (on medium and max): 60 / 68dB
Air volume: 459 CFM
Air speed: 154mph
Battery platform: Stihl AK-series
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Best budget leaf blower:
Lazyboi Electric Leaf Blower
The Lazyboi Electric Leaf Blower is the best budget option I tested. It’s a compact, lightweight blower designed for small yards, patios and quick cleanup jobs rather than heavy leaf removal.
Why we love it
This blower’s low weight, simple operation and affordable price put it in an entirely different league. It’s light enough that fatigue is rarely an issue, and in my testing it handled everyday tasks – clearing dry leaves off a patio, moving dust and small debris – better than expected for this price point. The straightforward design makes it easy to grab for quick jobs in smaller areas where a larger blower would feel unnecessary.
A flattened, angled nozzle attachment concentrates airflow for edging along walkways or nudging debris out of corners. And because the Lazyboi appears to be produced generically and sold under multiple brand names – it may also appear from different sellers at different prices. That occasionally works in the buyer’s favor when similar versions go on sale. Two included 2.0Ah batteries mean you can use one while you charge the other.
It’s a shame that … the Lazyboi doesn’t offer a smooth variable-speed trigger: you have to adjust the speed with settings, which can feel clumsy when you need to delicately modulate airflow around mulch or gravel. Runtime is the lowest of all the blowers we tested at just 18 minutes per battery pack on a medium setting, but it was adequate for small, fast cleanup jobs such as zapping leaves off of a small patio. Basic build quality makes me less confident that this blower would survive rough treatment compared to its bigger peers, and it lacks the force needed for wet leaves or compacted debris. The batteries aren’t part of any larger cordless tool ecosystem, so you can’t share them with drills, trimmers or other tools you may already own.
Weight (with battery): 3.4lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 18 minutes
Noise rating (on medium and max): 78 / 82dB
Air volume: 420 CFM
Air speed: 150mph
Battery platform: Lazyboi 21V
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Best battery life:
Ego Power+ 880 CFM Blower
The Ego Power+ 880 CFM blower delivered the longest sustained runtime of any model I tested at an hour and six minutes. Its large-capacity battery maintained steady power through long stretches of yardwork, making it one of the few blowers here that can handle larger properties without a mid-session recharge – although it does come with a second battery pack if you really need to go the distance. It cleared dry leaves, driveway debris and pine needles with ease, and had enough force at higher settings to move heavier, settled material when needed.
Why we love it
The 880 CFM blower offers strong, consistent airflow across all power levels. I found the mid-level settings ideal for most day-to-day clearing, and they really help stretch the runtime. The LED display is one of the best interfaces I tested, making it easy to see which mode the blower is in at a glance. The cruise-control button was especially helpful when clearing long driveways or wide sections of lawn. Two included 4.0Ah batteries let you charge one while using the other to keep working through larger lawns with shorter downtime.
It’s a shame that … this blower’s balance wasn’t as good as I expected from Ego. It’s angled downward so aggressively that I often had to lift the front to send debris further afield and take advantage of the power on tap. It is still usable, but the included shoulder strap is the best way to manage the weight and improve control.
The blower also feels bulky for detailed work, or when clearing around landscaping. And while the Ego battery platform is widely available and well supported, the kits are more expensive than comparable models from Ryobi or DeWalt.
Weight (with battery): 19lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 66 minutes
Noise rating (on medium and max): 76 / 88dB
Air volume: 880 CFM
Air speed: up to 190mph
Battery platform: Ego 56V
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Best of the rest
Consider for delicate work:
Worx LeafJet 40V Nitro
For homeowners who want something stronger than a budget 20V blower without the weight and bulk of a 56V model, the LeafJet lands in a nice middle ground. It has a slimmer body and a forward-weighted feel that makes it easy to guide through smaller spaces such as porches, walkways and tight garden areas. In everyday use, it handled dry leaves and light debris well and felt noticeably easier to maneuver than most 40V blowers.
Significantly smaller and lighter than its peers, the LeafJet is easier to store, carry and use for quick cleanup jobs. The front-weighted balance gives it a ready-to-use posture that reduces wrist effort, and the dual-intake design provides respectable power for its size.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the LeafJet struggled with wet leaves and heavier, compacted debris during testing. It uses a roller dial rather than a trigger, which makes it harder to shut off quickly – something to keep in mind if you have kids or pets running through the yard mid-cleanup. Runtime is naturally shorter due to its smaller battery packs, and Worx’s 20V/40V PowerShare platform isn’t as popular or widely supported as systems from Ryobi, DeWalt or Milwaukee, which may limit future tool expansion.
Weight (with battery): 6.4lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 28 minutes
Noise rating (on medium and max): 78 / 88dB
Air volume: 620 CFM
Air speed: 165mph
Battery platform: Worx PowerShare 20V/40V
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Consider for quick cleanups:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower is a durable, contractor-focused tool built for quick cleanup jobs rather than long leaf-clearing sessions. Its compact, rugged design feels immediately familiar if you already use Milwaukee’s drills, saws or outdoor power tools, and in testing it excelled at moving small piles of leaves and general lawn debris. For homeowners already invested in the M18 platform, it’s an easy, cost-effective addition that performs reliably for light to moderate yardwork. Its compact size makes it one of the easiest blowers in this group to store or hang on a wall, and it feels immediately ready for action.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the M18 is noticeably less powerful than our top-performing models. It struggled with wet leaves and compacted debris, and the airflow pattern seemed less focused than other blowers we tested. The rear-mounted air intake also occasionally sucked jackets or loose clothing against the intake screen, briefly interrupting airflow. If you’re not already using Milwaukee tools, the M18 platform isn’t the most versatile option for outdoor power equipment compared with Ego or Ryobi.
Weight (with battery): 8.4lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 65 minutes
Noise rating(on medium and max): 62 / 72dB
Air volume: 500 CFM
Air speed: 120mph
Battery platform: Milwaukee M18
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Consider for DeWalt diehards:
DeWalt 60V Blower
If you’re already stocked up on DeWalt’s 60V FlexVolt batteries, this is a feature-rich, high-capacity blower that offers a familiar layout, robust construction and enough power for most routine yardwork. In testing, it delivered strong performance on dry leaves and loose debris, and the broad nozzle helped sweep wide areas of lawn and driveway efficiently. Strong, immediate airflow makes quick work of open areas, long driveways and moderate leaf piles, and the large FlexVolt battery provides steady output.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it doesn’t quite measure up to comparably priced blowers from Ego or Ryobi, so it only makes sense if you’re already invested in DeWalt 60V batteries. The blower becomes notably back-heavy with the FlexVolt battery installed, requiring constant downward pressure to keep the nozzle aimed correctly. DeWalt also places the air intake directly behind the handle, and in testing this design pulled clothing into the screen more frequently than the Milwaukee, interrupting airflow. Combined with its overall weight, these issues make the tool less comfortable for longer sessions or more detailed work.
Weight (with battery): 12lbs
Runtime (on medium setting): 26 minutes
Noise rating: 75 / 80dB
Air volume: 600 CFM
Air speed: 125mph
Battery platform: DeWalt FlexVolt (20V/60V)
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What you need to know about the best leaf blowers
What are CFM and MPH?
Manufacturers list airflow in CFM (cubic feet per minute) and MPH (miles per hour). CFM affects how much material a blower can move, and MPH affects how well it can lift debris that’s stuck to the ground.
Do those power ratings actually matter?
In practice, I found that high numbers don’t always translate into better performance. Most blowers in this guide moved leaves well enough, but the more important factor was how predictable the airflow felt. The best blowers create a wide, predictable air stream that sweeps across a driveway or patio evenly. Others produce a narrow jet that looks powerful but sends debris scattering unpredictably. In many everyday yard tasks, airflow shape and consistency matter just as much as the raw numbers.
Do I need a high-powered blower?
Not always. During my tests, even mid-range models handled everyday leaf clearing very well. High-powered blowers are most useful for large yards, heavy seasonal cleanups, or clearing debris that has settled into grass or gravel. For smaller outdoor spaces, a lighter, simpler blower often feels easier to manage.
How important is weight and balance?
A blower’s balance is just as important as its weight. A well-balanced blower naturally angles slightly downward in your hand, putting the tool in a neutral, ready-to-use position. When a blower is back-heavy – a common issue with larger batteries – you end up fighting the tool to keep the nozzle pointed where it needs to go. After 20 or 30 minutes, that small correction becomes surprisingly tiring. Handle shape and weight distribution also made bigger differences than I expected.
Because ergonomics vary so widely between models, you should try to pick up the tool in person before you buy. Even two blowers with nearly identical weights can feel completely different once you have them in your hand. Hold the blower for a minute or two with the battery installed, which will make it easier to spot awkward handle designs, unbalanced weight distribution, or controls that don’t feel natural.
Should I buy a blower that uses batteries I already own?
If you already own cordless tools from Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ego or Stihl, staying within the same platform can save money. Batteries are usually the most expensive part of a blower kit, so reusing ones you already own makes the overall cost much more reasonable. Small 18V and 20V batteries have enough juice for quick cleanups such as sweeping sawdust, clearing work areas, or blowing debris off tools.
But if you’re buying a blower primarily for lawn and garden work, tool batteries probably won’t cut it. It often makes more sense to choose a blower that’s part of a dedicated outdoor-equipment platform, such as Ego’s 56V or Ryobi’s 40V systems. These batteries are designed with the steady power consumption of outdoor tools in mind and so are the tools.
DeWalt and Milwaukee do make big batteries that put their blowers at parity with outdoor brands, but then you have the opposite problem: they’re overkill for everyday cordless tools. Hanging a massive battery on an impact driver or drill changes the balance of the tool and makes it tiring to use.
Match your battery system with your intended use.
How long should a cordless leaf blower run?
In general, a blower should be able to run for at least 20 minutes at a medium setting to be useful for the majority of yardwork and cleanup tasks. But runtime varies widely. Some high-powered models offer excellent performance but drain their batteries quickly at full output. Others maintain steady power for much longer, especially at medium settings. The few blowers that maintained consistent airflow until the final minutes were easier to work with than ones that tapered off early.
How loud are cordless leaf blowers?
They’re quieter than gas models, but not silent. Some brands, including Ryobi’s Whisper Series, tune their motors and housing to reduce noise levels. During testing, I compared noise by ear at a consistent distance. The differences weren’t dramatic, but quieter models were more pleasant to use for extended periods and less intrusive in tightly spaced neighborhoods.
Can a cordless leaf blower clear snow?
Yes, to a point. Snow-clearing wasn’t part of my original testing protocol, but an early-season storm in Colorado gave me a chance to see how each blower handled it. My snow is typically light and powdery, which makes these blowers more effective. Your results may vary depending on local conditions. Cordless blowers can be very effective for clearing an inch or two of light powder off your car or driveway, but anything more than that, and you’re better off reaching for a snowshover for your driveway and a snowbrush for your vehicle.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive blowers?
Cheaper blowers usually have smaller batteries, less refined ergonomics, and lower airflow. They’re fine for patios, short driveways, and small yards. More expensive models offer stronger airflow, longer runtime, smoother trigger control, and better balance. Those differences become noticeable during longer sessions or when dealing with damp leaves, pine needles or compacted piles.
Do I need a trigger?
Personally, I would not buy a blower without a manual trigger. A smooth variable-speed trigger makes it easy to feather airflow around gravel, mulch, plant beds and edging. Blowers that relied on dials or mode buttons instead of a traditional trigger felt less precise and were harder to shut off quickly.
Cruise control features were more useful than I expected on longer driveways or open lawns, reducing finger fatigue and making big jobs feel less tedious.
What else should I pay attention to?
Air intake placement matters more than you would expect. Two models with poorly positioned intakes sometimes pulled jackets or shirts against the screen, interrupting airflow at the worst moments.
Noise levels also varied far more than the specs suggested. Some of the most powerful blowers were quieter than smaller, compact models.
Nozzle angle played a surprising role as well, since even slight upward or downward tilts changed how much effort it took to guide the air where I needed it.
Extra features such as displays, mode buttons and interchangeable nozzles can be useful, but they don’t compensate for awkward ergonomics or inconsistent airflow.
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Josh Patterson is a journalist and editor with 16 years of experience covering cycling, outdoor gear, electronics and other consumer products. In addition to his love of cycling and the outdoors, Josh is an enthusiastic supporter of brunch, voting rights, and the right-to-repair movement. In the end, he suspects a lock’s greatest test may be less about theft resistance than about how much destructive testing the cul-de-sac can tolerate.
