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The best leaf blower for keeping your garden tidy
Including cordless models and leaf blower vacuums
Tested by Masudah KhatunHousehold Product Tester
While we love to crunch through piles of colourful autumnal leaves at this time of year, they can start to take over the garden and clog up gutters. So, a leaf blower is always a handy (and, let’s be honest, fun) tool for keeping your lawn looking neat and paths hazard-free.
Alongside lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and pressure washers, leaf blowers are one of those gadgets that can make light work of tricky garden jobs, particularly as the seasons change. They have gained a bit of a bad reputation in the past thanks to their noisy motors that blow air at high speeds to loosen the leaves and other debris. However, we're pleased to say that rep is a bit outdated now, as the modern versions we tried were quieter and some are even cordless, for easy use around the garden.
The Good Housekeeping Institute experts battled 18kg of leaves to find the best cordless models and leaf blower vacuums to get the job done – including those that won’t annoy the neighbours…
Check out our top picks below but read on for everything you need to consider before buying.
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Best cordless leaf blower
WORX Nitro WG543E 18V(20V Max) Cordless Leaf Blower with battery
Read review - 2
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Types of leaf blower
If you’re buying a leaf blower, the first thing to consider is which type is best for your garden. You’ll find three different types in this list: corded, cordless and those with an added vacuum function.
Corded
Corded leaf blowers are typically more reliable as you don’t have to worry about the battery running out mid-decluttering.
Just keep in mind that the length of the cable may be restrictive. Typically, they’re around 10 metres long, so if you have a large garden, you’ll need an extension cord to reach further.
All the corded leaf blowers in this list are electric, rather than old-fashioned petrol models. This makes them quieter and more environmentally friendly.
Cordless
If you want better manoeuvrability (or just don’t want to get tangled in a lead), a cordless leaf blower is the way to go. They are powered by rechargeable batteries instead, limiting their running time; the leaf blowers in this list lasted between 12 and 22 minutes. You’ll also need to remember to pop them on charge once you’re done.
But if that’s not an issue for you, cordless models perform well. Some models, such as our winner, the Worx Cordless Leaf Blower, even use batteries that work across the brand's whole range of products, for convenience and flexibility. For example, Worx’s leaf blower uses the same battery as its cordless lawnmower, which we tested (and loved) in our review of the best electric lawnmowers.
Leaf blower vacuums
Once you’ve had all the fun of blowing leaves into a pile, you’re still faced with the task of popping them in the compost or garden bin. Leaf blower vacuums remove that faff by sucking up the leaves as you go, just like (you guessed it) a regular vacuum!
Lots of leaf vacuums have a mulching function too, which finely chops the leaves to fit more into the attached collection bag.
Things to consider when buying a leaf blower
Along with the type of leaf blower, there are a few other things to consider before settling on your purchase.
Noise level
There’s no escaping it, leaf blowers are one of the noisiest garden tools out there, so we've measured the noise level of every model on test. The ones in this list range from 82.9dB (about the noise of heavy traffic) to 95.9dB (similar to a drill or underground train) at maximum speed.
If you have a large garden (or one with lots of trees), you may want to consider using some earplugs to lower this.
Variable speed controls
Some leaf blowers offer adjustable power levels, which give you better control over the blowing speed. It’s not an essential, but it does make tidying your garden easier.
Cruise control
Having a cruise control feature is especially helpful if you have a large garden. It keeps the leaf blower switched on without you needing to hold down a power button – a welcome addition that will stop you getting hand cramp!
Air strength
Many of these leaf blowers claim to blast leaves at over 100mph; however, this air speed is often measured from next to the nozzle where it's at its strongest.
In our tests, our experts measured the strength of cordless models at a distance of both 30cm and 100cm from the leaves and corded ones from 120cm and 150cm to get a more accurate idea of how they would perform in real life situations.
How we test leaf blowers
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute testing leaf blowers on grass and astro turf with a mix of leaves and debris
To test the performance of the market-leading leaf blowers, our experts measured out 250g piles of fallen leaves and laid them out on various surfaces, including real grass, astro turf and pavement.
Then they set to work, making note of how easily each blower removed both wet and dry leaves from the surfaces within a five-minute window. They also assessed the leaf blowers’ ability to dislodge debris with a specially formulated mixture of dirt and dust.
Our experts measured each model's air strength – from 30cm and 100cm away for cordless and 120cm and 150cm away for corded – and recorded the noise made on the lowest and highest settings.
For cordless models, our experts noted the charging and run-time, while for corded models, they recorded energy consumption over 30 minutes. For models with vacuums, our testers evaluated their performance and efficiency, too.
Finally, they assessed the ease of use, design and instructions, before combining everything together in one overall score.
These are the ones that blew us away.
WORX Nitro WG543E 18V(20V Max) Cordless Leaf Blower with battery
Pros
- Part of the Worx Power Share system so battery is compatible with other products, including the GHI tried and tested lawnmower and pressure washer
- Comes fully assembled
- Clear diagrams and instructions
Cons
- Only two power modes
Score: 93/100
With the highest air output of all the cordless leaf blowers we tested, it's no surprise that this Worx model topped our list. It blasted leaves at up to 50mph, moving both wet and dry leaves across concrete, astro turf and grass with ease.
The lightweight design was comfortable to hold, and the cruise control function saved our experts from hand cramps when running the blower from fully charged to empty.
They managed 17 minutes of tidying before the battery ran out (five minutes less than the claimed battery life) but it had the quickest recharge time of all the cordless models we tried, at just one hour. So, you’ll be back battling the leaves in no time at all.
Key specifications
| Max claimed air speed | 129mph |
|---|---|
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Weight | 1.7kg |
| Included | 20V battery and battery charger |
| Max noise level in testing | 90dB |
Pros
- One of the most energy efficient corded blowers we’ve tested, using 0.624kWh in 30 minutes (that’s 30p an hour based on current rates)
- Reliable vacuuming function
- Great value
Cons
- Handle isn’t that comfortable to hold
- Quite heavy
Score: 90/100
If you're looking for a reliable corded model, this Bosch leaf blower vacuum is an excellent pick. Clear instructions helped our tester put everything together with no fuss and it felt well-constructed and durable once built. We added the included shoulder strap for extra comfort and got to work quickly by simply turning the rotary dial on top.
Dry leaves moved easily over every surface thanks to the 28mph output, but a few stubborn wet leaves clung to grass and astro turf. The vacuum feature worked well though, picking up all the leaves in our pile, trouble-free.
You won’t have to worry about the battery running out, but the 10-metre cord may prove restrictive in larger gardens.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded leaf blower vacuum |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | 177mph |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Collection bag capacity | 45L |
| Weight | 3.7kg |
| Included | 1x Padded Shoulder strap, 1x Power supply unit, 1x 45Lcollection bag, 1x Vacuum tube, 1x Blower nozzle |
| Max noise level in testing | 95.8dB |
| Cord length | 10m |
Husqvarna Aspire™ B8X-P4A with battery and charger
Pros
- Controls are accessible and easy to use
- Battery works across other products in the Power for All range
- Three speed settings
Cons
- Wide nozzle awkward in tight spaces
- Most of the weight is concentrated at the handle, which wasn’t that comfortable after a while
Score: 89/100
This cordless model excelled at loosening both fine and heavier debris and impressed our tester with its air strength of 40mph. We didn’t notice a large difference in its effectiveness when blowing from 30cm and 100cm away either, showing it maintained good power even from further away.
Clearing dry leaves took four minutes, which isn’t the fastest compared to the other models we’ve tried, but the battery lasted almost 13 minutes, so you’ll still have plenty of time to tidy up other areas. Moving wet leaves was a little trickier, though; our tester struggled to sweep them all away. This won't be an issue if you save your leaf blowing for crisp, autumn weekends.
Key specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | 90mph |
| Cruise control | No |
| Weight | 2kg |
| Included | Battery, charger and storage hook |
| Max noise level in testing | 90dB |
| Battery run time in testing | 13 minutes |
Ryobi 18V ONE+™ Cordless Brushless HP Whisper Blower
Pros
- Well-balanced with a comfortable soft-grip handle
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Left a few wet leaves behind on grass and astro turf
- Only loosened 83% of debris
Score: 85/100
The clue is in the name – Ryobi’s Whisper Blower is quiet, registering just 77.3dB on its lowest setting and 82.9dB on its highest. Okay, so it might not be “Whisper” quiet (more like the noise of a washing machine spinning or a car speeding by), but it’s still the quietest of all the models we’ve tested.
There are three power modes, plus a turbo setting, which testers found effective, especially when sweeping dry and wet leaves across concrete. There was little difference in air strength across different distances too, so you won’t need to stand close to the leaves for the same effect. Note, it took two hours to fully recharge, so make sure to pop it on to charge once you’re done tidying.
Note, this is the bare tool and requires an 18V ONE+ 5ah battery, bought separately.
Key specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | 124mph |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Weight | 2.5kg |
| Included | - |
| Max noise level in testing | 82.9dB |
| Battery run time in testing | 17 minutes |
Pros
- Extensive safety, cleaning and maintenance advice
- Good cruise control function
- Good air strength even from further away
Cons
- Only one power mode
- Changing between blower and vacuum attachments is time-consuming
Score: 83/100
Our testers pressed one button, and this corded leaf blower delivered impressive sweeping results. Wet and dry leaves vanished from all surfaces and even fine debris was loosened. The same wasn’t quite as true for the vacuum though, which struggled to suck up all the leaves from our testing area – it still provides a decent helping hand though.
That aside, testers were won over by how easy the blower was to use – the controls are clear and well-positioned, there’s a soft grip handle and shoulder strap attachment, and the narrow-ended chute reached in and out of tight spaces, fuss-free. A great buy.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded leaf blower vacuum |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | 192mph |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Collection bag capacity | 45L |
| Weight | 4.8kg |
| Included | 1x 45L collection bag, shoulder strap |
| Max noise level in testing | 95.9dB |
| Cord length | 10m |
Pros
- Blower and vacuum attachments are easy to switch between
- Good set of instructions with clear diagrams
Cons
- No storage for attachments
- Fiddly to change the filter between the blower and vacuum, in part due to the need for an extra tool (provided), which is small and easy to misplace
Score: 83/100
Similar to the Flymo leaf blower above, this Black + Decker model was really enjoyable to use. The controls are easy to reach, and you only need to push one button to start up the motor. From there, you can pop it in cruise control mode and hold the extra handle at the top for better precision.
The leaf blower maintained good air strength over different distances and had no trouble moving debris and dry leaves. Our experts were pleased with the vacuum function too, but it still left a few leaves behind, so you may need to do a quick follow-up rake for any stragglers.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded leaf blower vacuum |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | 195mph |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Collection bag capacity | 40L |
| Weight | 4.4kg |
| Included | 1x 40L collection bag, vacuum attachment |
| Max noise level in testing | 95.5dB |
| Cord length | 10m |
Pros
- Easy to start up with just one button
- Soft-grip handle was comfortable to hold for extended periods
Cons
- Only one power mode
- Removed an average of 80% of debris in our loosening test (as opposed to some others that captured 100%)
Score: 82/100
Designed with a thin, narrow end, this leaf blower is perfect for reaching tight spaces and moving around obstacles.
It wasn’t the most powerful – we recorded a maximum output of 16mph – so our tester had to stand closer to the leaves than with some others. While it delivered good results when faced with a mess of dry leaves, it was a different story with wet leaves; there were still small patches left behind even after five minutes of blowing, so you may want to wait for them to dry out first.
The battery lasted between 12 and 13 minutes, making it better suited to small gardens, but it charged quickly in just over an hour. All in all, it’s a great value buy.
Key specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | Unspecified |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Weight | 1.7kg |
| Included | - |
| Max noise level in testing | 90.1dB |
| Battery run time in testing | 12 minutes |
Pros
- Easy to switch between leaf blower and vacuum attachments
- Excellent troubleshooting advice
Cons
- Handles vibrate a lot, which was uncomfortable after extended use
- Not the highest quality design
Score: 78/100
This is another budget pick, and it was the quietest corded leaf blower we tried, making it a smart buy if you live near others. Dry leaves proved no challenge – the blower left our testing area beautifully tidy – however, it wasn’t as effective when our expert switched to vacuum mode, leaving some small patches behind.
You can’t use this leaf blower on wet materials, which isn’t ideal (especially given how rainy our autumns tend to be), but for dry days, the easy-to-use controls, six power levels and good air strength still offer a lot to love for the price.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded leaf blower vacuum |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | Unspecified |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Collection bag capacity | 40L |
| Weight | 4.4kg |
| Included | 1x 40L collection bag, carry strap |
| Max noise level in testing | 84.4dB |
| Cord length | 10m |
Pros
- Leaf scraper attachment helps with wet materials
- Clear and well-labelled diagrams in the instructions
Cons
- Handle is made of hard plastic which was quite uncomfortable after a while
- Only one power mode
Score: 76/100
If you have a large garden but are set on a cordless leaf blower, this model is for you. The Karcher design boasted a 22-minute running time, which was the longest we recorded and means you can tackle bigger jobs with ease. However, it also had the longest charging time, taking over five hours, so make sure you fully charge it before heading out into the garden.
Our experts noted it loosened finer debris well but struggled with heavier mud and leaves on grass and astro turf – not a massive surprise considering it had one of the lowest air strengths during testing. It performed much better on concrete though, leaving only a few wet leaves behind, so it’s a good pick for paved gardens and ensuring any paths are less slippery.
Key specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Max claimed air speed | 130mph |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Weight | 2kg |
| Included | Leaf scraper attachment |
| Max noise level in testing | 90.1dB |
| Battery run time in testing | 22 minutes |
Our verdict on leaf blowers
If you’re after a cordless leaf blower, the winning Worx Nitro 20V Cordless Leaf Blower is our top pick due to its good battery life and fantastic performance when tackling leaves on all surfaces.
Alternatively, if you don't want to worry about recharging, there's our best corded leaf blower and vacuum, the Bosch Universal Garden Tidy 3000. And if you’re on a budget, we loved the VonHaus G-Series Cordless Leaf Blower, which costs less than £55.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for 100 years and our team of experts uses all that expertise, along with their industry experience, to separate the best products from the middling ones.
Masudah Khatun, our household product tester, designed strict protocols to put each leaf blower through its paces before passing on the results to our homes writer, Megan Geall.
Megan has written hundreds of home and garden reviews including our lawnmower guides, so is adept at picking out all the details you need to know before buying. As a plant lover, she spends lots of time scouring the market and attending gardening exhibitions to find the very best gadgets on the market and ensure our list is always up to date.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Masudah has a master's degree in clinical drug development and combines this scientific background with a love for all things homes – from cooking appliances to smart home tech. She enjoys collecting and analysing quantitative data, ensuring that her product evaluations go beyond mere opinions. She particularly loves using the Digi Eye machine in the GHI lab to assess the colour and texture of products as part of our duvet cover and detergent tests. In her spare time, Masudah enjoys learning about new tech, baking delicious treats, and keeping her home spotless. With a passion for creativity and an eye for detail, she brings a unique perspective to every product she tests.
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