7 Best Leaf Blowers

Garden October 2, 2020
Best Leaf Blowers

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7 Best Leaf Blowers

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Best Leaf Blowers

Keeping your yard tidy and clear of leaves and debris is easier with the help of a leaf blower. A leaf blower can be one of your most versatile tools with the ability to clear leaves, grass clippings and debris from gutters, sidewalks and driveways.

In this article we have highlighted the different types of leaf blowers as well as the features, pros and cons of each.

After consulting with several landscapers in Arizona and California, we were able to compare leaf blowers based on factors the professionals look for. We also received input from several well known manufactures of leaf blowers before conducting our own research.

Personally I have been using leaf blowers for over 20 years and across 5 states. I have used several types of leaf blowers on everything from farmland to townhome properties in all types of terrain.

How We Researched Best Leaf Blowers

  • We spent several weeks researching the best leaf blowers
  • We considered over 15 leaf blowers and narrowed it down to the 7 reviewed in this article
  • We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, testing and comparing the features of each

  Comparison Chart

PICTURENAMERATINGSHOPS
Best Leaf Blowers
1
Makita18V X2 (36V) Leaf Blower
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Best Leaf Blowers
2
BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
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3
Snap Fresh Cordless Leaf Blower
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Best Leaf Blowers
4
Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
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Best Leaf Blowers
5
LiTHELi 40V Leaf Cordless Blower
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Best Leaf Blowers
6
Greenworks 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
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Best Leaf Blowers
7
Husqvarna 125BVx Gas Handheld Leaf Blower
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The Best Leaf Blowers Reviewed

Makita18V X2 (36V) Leaf Blower
Product
Best Leaf Blowers
Overall Score
Pros
  • Delivers up to 120 mph air velocity
  • Dual Port Charger charges batteries in only 45 minutes
  • Zero emissions & no need for gas or oil
Cons
  • Batteries add a lot of weight
  • Higher velocity drains battery
Pros
  • Delivers up to 120 mph air velocity
  • Dual Port Charger charges batteries in only 45 minutes
  • Zero emissions & no need for gas or oil
Cons
  • Batteries add a lot of weight
  • Higher velocity drains battery
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

The Makita delivers up to 28 minutes of run time at mid speed using two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries while the brushless motor delivers up to 120 mph air velocity and 473 CFM of air volume. With this blower there wis no emissions and no need for gas or oil, making it a low maintenance model. It has a 6 stage air velocity selection dial with variable speed control trigger and a built in fan that circulates air through the battery during the charging process to cool the battery for faster charge time

The included dual port charger, charges two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah batteries in only 45 minutes. It includes XPT which is a protective seal, engineered for improved operation in harsh conditions by channeling water and dust from key internal components.

 

BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower
Product
Best Leaf Blowers
Overall Score
Pros
  • 7 Amp motor
  • Weighs only 4.4 pounds
  • Moves up to 180Mph/180CFM of leaves and debris
Cons
  • Plug-in can be difficult to keep cord plugged into
  • Not as powerful as pricier models
  • No adjustments for blow power
Pros
  • 7 Amp motor
  • Weighs only 4.4 pounds
  • Moves up to 180Mph/180CFM of leaves and debris
Cons
  • Plug-in can be difficult to keep cord plugged into
  • Not as powerful as pricier models
  • No adjustments for blow power
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

The BLACK+DECKER LB700 corded blower features a 7 Amp Motor and can move up to 180MPH/180CFM of leaves & debris. It also features built in cord retention for your provided cord to help keep it in place. This leaf blower is lightweight at only 4.4 pounds.

It includes the 7Amp blower, and blow tube. There are also other options to purchase this blower with cord, trimmer and leaf collection bin.

 

Snap Fresh Cordless Leaf Blower
Product
Overall Score
Pros
  • Includes A 20V 2.0Ah Max Lithium Battery
  • Weighs only 2.7 pounds
  • Provides 2 speed choices
Cons
  • Not as powerful as the competition
  • Battery life is short lived
  • Won't blow more than grass and leaves
Pros
  • Includes A 20V 2.0Ah Max Lithium Battery
  • Weighs only 2.7 pounds
  • Provides 2 speed choices
Cons
  • Not as powerful as the competition
  • Battery life is short lived
  • Won't blow more than grass and leaves
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

This Cordless Leaf Blower is Equipped with a 20V/2.0Ah lithium-Ion Battery and comes with a the capability to charge in an hour. There is also a battery indicator to keep track of when charging is needed. This leaf blower can work for up to 30-min under in gear 1 or low and all functions are controlled with one button.

This leaf blower weighs 2.7 pounds and can easily be maneuvered with one hand. It also has a flexible rubber grip to prevent slipping and provide comfort. This blower includes A 20V 2.0Ah Max Lithium Battery, a fast charger and 2 sections of blow tube

 

Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
Product
Best Leaf Blowers
Overall Score
Pros
  • Variable speed throttle control
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Lightweight design
Cons
  • straps are not comfortable
  • Some find it difficult to start
  • Customer service maybe difficult to deal with
Pros
  • Variable speed throttle control
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Lightweight design
Cons
  • straps are not comfortable
  • Some find it difficult to start
  • Customer service maybe difficult to deal with
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

The Poulan Pro 2 gas-powered backpack blower is capable of incredible high-velocity air speeds. It has a 48CC 2-stroke engine that can handle up to 200 mph/475 cfm. The variable speed throttle can be controlled to your preference or just go with cruise control. It is built with a heavy-duty frame, and a soft-grip handle that is large and contoured.

There are adjustable shoulder straps that help support this lightweight blower as well as a load-reducing harness for optimal fit, superior comfort, minimal strain, and reduced fatigue for users of any size.

 

LiTHELi 40V Leaf Cordless Blower
Product
Best Leaf Blowers
Overall Score
Pros
  • Low noise design for quiet operation
  • Space-saving design with a detachable blower tube
  • 90-day money back guarantee
Cons
  • Battery life is not reliable
  • Not as powerful as a gas blower
  • Turbo speed will drain battery fast
Pros
  • Low noise design for quiet operation
  • Space-saving design with a detachable blower tube
  • 90-day money back guarantee
Cons
  • Battery life is not reliable
  • Not as powerful as a gas blower
  • Turbo speed will drain battery fast
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

The LiTHELi leaf blower has an industrial axial fan that is noticeably quieter than the average gas blower. The soft grip handle, variable speed dial and turbo function give you both comfort and control . It’s not only quieter than gas, it has a push-button start, virtually zero maintenance, no pull cords, no messy mixed gas or harmful fumes.

LiTHELi is equipped with a universal battery eco-system, housing world-class Samsung cells that are included with this blowers 40V Li-ion battery pack. You can adjust the blower air speed from 45 MPH to 98 MPH and lower air speed means longer battery time and less noise.

 

Greenworks 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
Product
Best Leaf Blowers
Overall Score
Pros
  • Provides up to 70 minutes run-time on speed 1
  • Gas equivalent performance
  • 80V 2Ah battery and rapid charger included
Cons
  • Battery drains fast in higher speeds
  • Price on the high side
  • Airflow is obstructed by clothing
Pros
  • Provides up to 70 minutes run-time on speed 1
  • Gas equivalent performance
  • 80V 2Ah battery and rapid charger included
Cons
  • Battery drains fast in higher speeds
  • Price on the high side
  • Airflow is obstructed by clothing
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

This Greenworks leaf blower is low weight, with an axial fan and well thought-out technology. It comes with a padded and adjustable harness to fit almost anyone. It also has a brushless motor with variable speed, boost function and cruise control. It features a simple electric start, and a quieter motor, without the hassle of gas, fumes, heavy gear or delicate maintenance needs of gas powered engines.

The green works lithium-ion technology means you can simply snap in a battery by pressing a button. This blower comes with a 4 year tool and 2 year battery warranty.

 

Husqvarna 125BVx Gas Handheld Leaf Blower
Product
Best Leaf Blowers
Overall Score
Pros
  • Offers a 2-year limited warranty
  • Is a leaf blower and vacuum in one
  • 170 MPH Air Velocity
Cons
  • Vacuum tubing is not easy to attach or remove
  • Mediocre power at best
  • Vacuum clogs easily
Pros
  • Offers a 2-year limited warranty
  • Is a leaf blower and vacuum in one
  • 170 MPH Air Velocity
Cons
  • Vacuum tubing is not easy to attach or remove
  • Mediocre power at best
  • Vacuum clogs easily
Maneuverability
Weight
Power
Ease of Use
Price

This leaf blower offers 1.1-horsepower, two-cycle engine and maximum power speed of 8,000 RPM. It is able to generate wind speeds up to 170 miles per hour and comes with a flare nozzle for higher air speed and a Vac-Kit for vacuuming/mulching lawn debris. It weighs 9.6 pounds and comes with the Husqvarna's Smart Start, meaning the engine and starter have been designed so the machine starts quickly with minimum effort.

It also includes an easily adjustable soft-grip handle, intuitively gathered controls, and an air purge function that removes air from the carburetor and fuel system. It's backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

 

What to Consider When Buying a Leaf Blower

Type – Leaf blowers are available in gas, corded electric, and battery-powered. There is also a variety of styles, from handheld units to backpack and some with both. Depending on your preferences or needs, one maybe better over the other.

Mulch Ratio – This is how much space you will save if you mulch your leaves instead of raking them up whole. This information isn’t always accurate on manufacturers descriptions but it could be a helpful feature depending on your yard.

Portability – This is related to type mentioned above but also depends on your landscape. This means you need to choose between handheld, backpack, or even a walk behind blower. This will depend on the size and need of the property you will be using it on. Also consider storage options especially when choosing a gas model. They should be stored empty.

Maintenance – Always consider the maintenance of a leaf blower. Typically electric models tend to require less maintenance, if any at all, and can be stored easily with removable parts.

Charging time – If you choose a cordless leaf blower, then it will need to be charged which varies by model. Some blowers can only run for 20 minutes, while others can go for hours on a single charge. Consider the size of your yard and battery life before making a purchase.

Noise level – Some cities and neighborhoods have noise regulations that may restrict the use of certain blowers. Loud leaf blowers may also effect your personal experience when operating. The noise level is determined by several factors, but generally electric blowers tend to be quieter than those with gas engines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to re-charge a leaf blower battery?

It varies depending on the brand, but some claim 40 minutes while others claim 90 minutes.

Are battery powered leaf blowers expensive?

They are usually less expensive than gas blowers. It really depends on several factors like velocity and speed settings. Once you determine your needs you can shop around for the best brand with the features you want.

Are battery operated leaf blowers worth it?

Battery operated leaf blowers with have many advantages such as no cords getting in the way and no emissions from gas. They are usually quieter than gas operated blowers. This all depends on your needs and the size or your yard.

Do I need a leaf blower with a vacuum?

This is a preference. Some leaf blowers do have the ability to "vacuum" up leaves and mulch them into a more manageable size. This means changing parts on your leaf blower and cleaning out the collection bag, which is messy.

Tyler is a DIY-er who enjoys working with his hands and building things. His background is mixed with home improvement and all things food related. He is here to share his experience of quality outdoor products, while leaving out the hype.
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