9 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers, Tested and Reviewed

Toro is a perennial powerhouse in our leaf blower tests and the brand is at it again with the 60V Flex Force. And for under $200, it's a steal. One tester noted, “it’s a ton of power in your hand, but it’s surprisingly easy to control.”

We credit the Toro’s lightweight, ergonomic design and variable-speed trigger with cruise control, which makes it easy to harness all the force coming out of the 605-CFM motor, even in turbo mode. Impressive run time of up to 140 minutes on the 60V lithium-ion battery should be sufficient for large leaf-clearing jobs (though the turbo mode does gobble up power more quickly).

The brushless motor technology, which we’re seeing on more power tools, should extend the lifespan of the blower. Its 63-decibel noise level is a tick higher than the quietest battery-powered models, so noise might be the biggest reason to consider another blower.

Skil is the DIY-friendly brandmate of Skilsaw, a brand aimed at professionals. Though Skil leaf blowers are well-priced, they offer many of the same features as Skilsaw, making for a high-value, high-performance product. The PWR Core 40 is a prime example.

The impressive 530 CFMs of airflow, helping make short work of heavy leaf clearing. For the price, this leaf blower is also solidly built, including its brushless motor, a design that our tests have found to be durable over time. The relatively lightweight leaf blower also boasts many user-friendly features, like the variable-speed control and fast-charging battery, though some online reviewers have noted that the battery run time is short.

This leaf blower was put through its paces by one of our expert testers, Vinny Brodo, a professional landscaper based in New Jersey. Though Brodo is not ready to give up the power and run time of the gas blowers he uses when making the rounds for work, he likes a battery-powered option for home use. “For someone who might be intimidated by a gas-powered backpack blower, this Echo is a great option,” he said, highlighting its simple setup and easy-to-master controls.

At the GH Institute, our pros are impressed by its exceptional blowing power, with 195 MPH speed and 795 CFM airflow that will sweep up any foilage left on the ground. On the downside, all that power takes up a lot of battery, hence the less-than-stellar run time of 50 minutes. We do like, however, that the blower features a triple battery port so you can adjust your power needs depending on the size of your yard.

The chest strap helps to keep the backpack secure and comfortable during use.

This multi-use tool earned a spot on our list of the best lawn edgers on the market, and it comes with 14 handy attachments including a leaf blower, hedge trimmer and more. When testing the tool, its performance was excellent in our assessments, the only downside being that the system is pricey.

While multi-use tools are newcomers to the product tool category, they're still a great choice for some homeowners, including those who are short on storage space and want to tackle a variety of yard work in one go. Though the 480 CPM airflow isn't the best on this list, it should be adequate for standard jobs.

A formidable whoosh rushes from this battery-powered Ryobi when you pull the trigger, but at 57 decibels, the noise level is much quieter than other blowers we tested, especially gas models. Its variable-speed trigger made it easy to switch from low-speed sweeping to turbo-boosted loosening of stuck-on debris.

The cruise control setting is helpful when you’re in the zone, methodically clearing leaves from the middle of the yard. As with many Ryobi tools, a second battery is included, along with a rapid charger that our tests confirmed needs just 40 minutes for a full charge. One thing to keep in mind is that the turbo mode uses up a lot of battery power, significantly reducing the run time.

Stihl bills the BGA 60 as its "most powerful battery-powered blower." After several weeks of field tests witnessing its excellent sweeping and loosening power, we're inclined to agree.

"The blower almost jumps out of your hand when you kick it into boost mode," one tester noted, referring to the maximum-power setting of the variable-speed motor. The Stihl combines impressive oomph with an incredibly lightweight design and quiet operation — at 7.8 pounds, it's the lightest of all top picks and its 56 decibels is the lowest noise rating.

We also like its durability, including the brushless motor and the metal ring on the blower nozzle, a unique feature that should protect against wear and tear over years of service. The one trade-off is a relatively short run time of its battery pack — about 16 minutes at normal speed and 13 minutes in boost mode. So it's best suited to small- to mid-sized yards, say, one acre or less.

This hardy gas-powered leaf blower from Husqvarna can move a lot of air in a hurry — 470 cubic feet per minute at a speed of 170 miles per hour to be exact. That translates into serious sweeping power.

The lightweight construction and ergonomic design maximize comfort and control, while the cruise control setting is nice if you have a lot of leaves to clear and don't need to switch speeds. The clear gas tank is helpful for determining when it's time to refuel. Just be prepared for noisier operation than an electric model — ear protection is a must.

The Echo is the kind of leaf blower you might see being handled by a burly worker on a landscaping crew. It’s a rugged, powerful blower with a 1,100 CFM engine that can really make leaves fly. Our testers liked the vented back pad that provides cooling comfort during long runs or warm days.

The 79.9 cc two-stroke engine is definitely pro-grade, but that means a little more care and maintenance on your part, including mixing in the right amount of oil and adding a fuel stabilizer at the end of the season. But the gas tank is clear, which makes keeping tabs on fuel levels easier.

Just take note that the Echo is also the noisiest pick on our list, so be sure to use ear protection when using. Also double check that your municipality doesn't have noise limits on outdoor power equipment, since the Echo is likely to exceed them.

Walk-behind push blowers are the tool of choice for large yards surrounded by leafy trees. They tend to be pricey, but this gas-powered Champion is quite affordable while delivering all the oomph — up to 1300 CFM — you’ll need to clear thick blankets of leaves all season long.

Like all walk-behind blowers, the 97-pound push machine is a lot to move, but the beefy 12-inch rear wheels help maneuver over all kinds of terrain. The Champion also has many ergonomic features our experts look for, like a soft grip and adjustable-height handle that minimize hand and arm fatigue.

Keep in mind that you’ll need more storage space for the wheeled unit, which measures three feet wide and nearly as deep. It's also quite noisy, so ear protection is essential, and the machine might be in violation of local noise ordinances.