The 10 Best Leaf Blowers of 2023

For a lot of people, fall is their favorite time of year. The cool weather, the turning of the leaves, and the pumpkin spice everything all make for a wonderful season. But with fall comes one of its biggest nuisances: leaves piling up on your lawn.

If you’re like most homeowners, then you probably dread the task of raking leaves each fall. Well, what if there was a tool that could make leaf cleanup a breeze? Leaf blowers are one of the most popular garden tools on the market, and for good reason. They can help you clear away leaves and debris quickly and easily.

In this article, we’ll take a look at ten of the best leaf blowers currently available, as well as provide a buying guide to help you figure out what features to look for. So if you’re in the market for a new leaf blower, read on!

How Does a Leaf Blower Work?

A leaf blower is a powerful tool that can help you keep your yard clean and tidy. But how does it work?

There are three main types of leaf blowers: gas-powered, corded electric, and cordless electric. Gas leaf blowers are the most powerful, but they require regular maintenance and can be difficult to start. Corded electric leaf blowers are less powerful than gas models, but they’re much easier to use. And cordless electric leaf blowers offer the convenience of being able to move around without being tethered to a power outlet.

All leaf blowers work by using a motor to create a stream of air that can blow leaves and other debris. The air stream is created by drawing air in through the intake port and then forcing it out through the exhaust port. This process is known as airflow acceleration.

The leaves are blown into a pile by the high-speed air coming out of the exhaust port. The amount of air flow can be adjusted by changing the speed of the motor or by using a nozzle attachment. Leaf blowers can also be used to clean gutters, decks, and patios.

The Different Types of Leaf Blowers

There are many different types of leaf blowers, and they differ due to the power source for their engine, as well as their size and how they are carried. There are leaf blowers with gasoline motors, corded electric, and cordless electric motors.

There are also leaf blowers that you have to push or pull behind you, leaf blowers that you wear as a backpack, and leaf blowers that you can hold in one hand.

Gas Leaf Blowers

Gasoline-powered leaf blowers tend to be the most powerful, so they’re perfect for properties with a quarter-acre of land or upwards.

These leaf blowers are available with two-cycle or four-cycle gasoline engines. Two-cycle engines use a mix of oil and gasoline and deliver high power with less weight. Four-cycle engines run on gasoline alone, but they are heavier than two-cylinder engines and are often in need of an oil change.

Also, because exhaust produced by a gas leaf blower contains carbon monoxide and other pollutants, it must be used outside or in a well-ventilated area.

Corded Electric Leaf Blowers

Corded electric leaf blowers are lighter, more portable, and significantly quieter than gasoline-powered models. Light-duty electric leaf blowers can tackle driveways, decks, and patios while high-capacity units can handle yards a quarter of an acre in size.

Corded electric blowers are powered by a motor that doesn’t require a battery, so they tend to be the most lightweight. They’re mostly useful for small gardens or parts of the yard near the house, however, because their cord restricts their total movement.

Cordless Leaf Blowers

A battery-powered or cordless leaf blower has many of the same advantages as a corded model while also providing much more mobility, although it is also heavier due to the batteries and must be recharged on a regular basis.

Some cordless leaf blowers use batteries that can be used in other power tools or accessories, such as string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws. If you have many of these battery-powered gadgets or a particularly big lawn, keeping some extra batteries on hand might be a good idea so that the cordless leaf blower is never caught out of charge.

Walk Behind Leaf Blowers

Pros and individuals with heavy-duty requirements generally prefer wheeled, walk-behind blowers. These large leaf blowers have a pair of wheels attached to them. The machine’s weight is greater than that of a backpack leaf blower, making it difficult to transport even with backpack straps or a full harness. While some wheeled leaf blowers weigh less than 20 pounds, they are mostly in the 50-100 pound range.

Backpack Leaf Blowers

Leaf blowers that have backpack-type straps on them are best for households with large properties or yards with a lot of trees. These machines have strong motors that are too large to carry in your hands, which is why backpack leaf blowers come with straps to assist distribute the weight. A backpack model has a weight range of 15 to 30 pounds.

Handheld Leaf Blowers

In general, handheld leaf blowers are ideal for a small suburban yard with a few trees. Depending on whether the leaf blower is fueled by gasoline or electricity, it may weigh anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds; gasoline-powered handheld blowers are about 6-8 pounds heavier than electric versions. A shoulder strap is often included but is not always necessary, especially for quick clean up jobs.

How To Get Rid of Leaves From Your Yard

Depending on your location, you may have a variety of tools for leaf disposal. If you live in a wooded area, you can simply take the leaves from your lawn and bring them into the woods. You can blow your leaves into heaps before burning them if your city permits burning. Another option is to go over them with a mulching lawn mower to shred them into small pieces and let those pieces degrade and compost into the soil. Otherwise, you could put them in a bag and let the municipal waste collectors pick them up.

Buyer’s Guide For Leaf Blowers

With so many different leaf blower models on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect leaf blower for your needs.

When considering a leaf blower, the first thing you’ll want to think about is how it performs relative to other models in categories such as noisiness, power output, portability, any additional features it might come with, and cost. You also want to know what CFM and MPH are in relation to leaf blowers, and how each one affects their performance.

CFM vs. MPH

The volume of air moved – represented by CFM, or cubic feet per minute – shows you how much the blower is accomplishing. You can consider CFM to be a way to quantify leaf displacement over time, or how much material you may expect your leaf blower to blow. A leaf blower with a higher CFM should be able to move more leaves more effectively than one with a lower CFM, with all other considerations being equal.

Air speed is the other half of the leaf blower power equation. This rating indicates how fast the air comes out of the end of the nozzle, as measured in miles per hour, or MPH. A machine with a greater air speed should make it simpler to move sticky or wet leaves than one with a lesser air speed.

Why is this information significant? A high CFM but low MPH will allow you to clean a larger region, but it won’t send the leaves very far. A higher MPH but below average CFM will be able to blow a smaller part of the leaf pile further away.

This can affect what you pay attention to more when buying a leaf blower – homeowners with tons of leaves in a small space need more CFM, and those with a large backyard might steer more toward MPH. You will have a very powerful leaf blower indeed if it has both a high CFM and MPH rating, as this will allow you to clear more leaves in less time and with less effort.

Power

So, what are the CFM and MPH power ratings of a typical leaf blower? Leaf blowers generally have a CFM in the range of 200 to 800. High CFM figures of 500 to 800 allow you to move more leaves than models with lower ranges. Gas powered models are the most powerful, and often are rated at 700 or 800 CFM, whereas cordless or corded electric models tend to max out around 550 – 650.

The MPH rating of leaf blowers is usually between 100 – 250 MPH. Again, leaf blowers with gasoline-powered engines are more powerful and have higher MPHs, usually between 200 – 250, and electric models have a maximum capacity of between 155 – 180.

However, when it comes to checking the MPH and CFM ratings of leaf blowers, the main issue is that there is no agreed-upon method to assess blowers’ airflow statistics. Some measure them from the end of the blower tube, while others calculate air coming straight off the engine, which inflates their figures. So, for comparative purposes, these numbers are helpful but need to be analyzed in context.

Noise

The most common complaint people make about leaf blowers is that they are loud. During operation, many gasoline-powered versions produce 90 to 102 decibels, whereas electric and battery-powered units typically range from 65 to 78 decibels, so if you are concerned about noise or about complaints from your neighbors, an electric leaf blower would be your best option.

The noise of a leaf blower is generated by the engine and exhaust system. The engine’s compression, fuel efficiency, and RPMs all contribute to how loud or quiet the machine sounds. A wide variety of sound-reducing accessories are available for residential use. Those with changeable speed settings can become louder or softer with more or less speed. You may also wear earmuffs or headphones while using a leaf blower if you want to reduce the strain on your ears.

If you think you might live in an area where local governments have imposed a 65 or 70 decibel leaf blower noise restriction at a distance of 50 feet, it’s a good idea to double-check your local legislation before purchasing one.

Portability

If you’re in the market for a new leaf blower, one of the most important factors to consider is portability. After all, there’s no point in spending money on a gas-powered blower if it’s too heavy to carry around your yard.

If weight is your primary concern, then an electric or cordless leaf blower is likely your best bet. These types of blowers are usually much lighter than their gas-powered counterparts, making them easier to carry around. However, electric and cordless leaf blowers typically don’t have as much power as gas-powered models, so they might not be ideal if you have a large yard.

Another factor to consider is whether you want a corded or cordless leaf blower. Cordless leaf blowers are obviously more portable since you don’t have to worry about dragging a cord around behind you, or the safety hazard that can come with tripping or running over the power cable. However, they also tend to be more expensive than corded models. Additionally, cordless leaf blowers usually have shorter battery life than corded models, so you might need to buy multiple batteries if you have a large yard.

Finally, think about the size of the leaf blower. If you have a small yard, then a compact leaf blower should be plenty powerful enough to get the job done. With a larger yard, a backpack leaf blower could be the most beneficial because your shoulders can carry the weight rather than your arms.

Accessories

Accessories may be useful additions that extend the capabilities of a leaf blower. A leaf vacuum or shredder/mulch attachment could be quite appealing. It can shred leaves and use them as mulch in garden beds, and thus reduce the amount of yard debris leaf blowing creates.

Some vacuum-capable models include larger-diameter chutes or tubes that aid in the collection of leaves. Reduction ratios, such as 10:1 and 16:1, indicate the quantity of bags of leaves a blower with mulching capabilities can reduce down to one bag.

Additional Features

So, you’ve determined what sort of leaf blower is appropriate and invested some time learning about the power, runtime, and speed settings – it is now time to think about extras. These extras – including trimmer kits, oscillating nozzles, and detachable shoulder straps – aren’t required for the leaf blower to operate, but they may make the process quicker.

Trimmer kits aren’t meant to be used as additions to the leaf blower, but rather these kits include a leaf blower as well as a grass trimmer, allowing users to perform more tasks with one device.

The length and intensity of the airflow coming from the leaf blower can be adjusted with oscillating nozzles. This type of attachment is perfect for removing tiny clusters of moist leaves that require a precise burst of air to move them from their spot.

The shoulder straps on certain models are detachable, making it easier to use the leaf blower; you can also customize the length of the straps so that it may be used by a variety of people of different heights or sizes.

Cost

Last but not least, you need to take your budget into account when shopping online for a leaf blower. Handheld leaf blowers can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, with backpack models even costing $550-$650.

Gas-powered leaf blowers are usually the most expensive option, followed by electric models. Cordless leaf blowers are typically in the middle of the price range, but their prices can vary depending on the brand and battery life. Corded electric leaf blowers, then, are often the least expensive, because they don’t come with as much convenience as cordless models or as much power as gas-engine models.

If you want a high-quality leaf blower but don’t want to spend a lot of money, consider buying a used model. You can find lightly used leaf blowers for sale at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Just be sure to check the condition of the leaf blower before making a purchase to ensure it will work properly.

The Top 10 Leaf Blowers in 2023

Here we have listed our top ten picks for the finest leaf blowers you can buy in 2023.

#1. WORX Turbine WG584 40V Cordless Leaf Blower

The WORX Turbine WG584 40V Cordless Leaf Blower is one of the highest rated and best reviewed leaf blowers on the market today. It is a powerful machine that has a state-of-the-art jet engine turbine motor within it that provides your leaf blower with 430 CFM and up to 90 MPH. Both of those ratings are very high for a cordless electric model, and allow you to move more leaves a farther, all in fewer passes and with less effort.

The WORX Turbine has three different speed options, so you can turn it on slow for driveways or around corners, then switch to second gear for main yard leaf work, and set the turbo boost for any extra difficult tasks. This leaf blower is also designed to be lightweight and operable with only one hand, because it weighs only 7.3 pounds and the ergonomic, comfortable handle and blower design funnels the air in a way that’s easy for the user.

The brushless motor was designed to be more dynamic, dependable, and efficient than its predecessors. You’ll feel like you’re using a leaf blower from the future with all of this technology incorporated into the engine and turbine fan. Included with the leaf blower are two 20V batteries and a charger, and this WORX model is compatible with other WORX products that have the same cordless batteries, so you can rotate through them and continue working all day long.

#2. EGO Power+ LB6500 56V Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Leaf Blower

The EGO Power+ LB6500 56V Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Leaf Blower is the next best leaf blower on our list. It has everything you want in a cordless leaf blower – power, versatility, portability, and a long runtime. First, power. This 650 CFM leaf blower has the highest CFM rating of any cordless leaf blower on this list and one of the highest you will find online, full stop. The brushless motor is powered by a strong and durable lithium-ion battery, and the highest speed it can get up to is 150 MPH, which is comparable with a category 5 hurricane and can make quick work of any debris in your yard.

Next, versatility. With the new lock-on, variable-speed control dial you can adjust the CFM of the EGO Power+ anywhere between 250-500 CFM. Then, when you are really in need of some heavy lifting, press the turbo boost for a burst of 650 CFM.

This leaf blower is also portable; it gets the job done all while being quiet, lightweight, and comfortable in your hand due to the lower vibrations. In addition, its runtime is longer than comparable battery-powered models, due to the high efficiency of its battery. It can run continuously up to 200 minutes on its lowest speed, up to 75 minutes on a regular power, and can even do turbo for 15 minutes straight if necessary. Its turbine fan performs better than gas-powered products even, because EGO has implemented advanced aeronautics technology to give you the best-performing leaf blower you can want.

#3. RYOBI 40-Volt Bare Tool Lithium-Ion Brushless Leaf Blower

Next on our leaf blower best-of list is the RYOBI 40-Volt Bare Tool Lithium-Ion Brushless Leaf Blower. This cordless model, from RYOBI’s Whisper series, is the industry’s quietest handheld leaf blower at a faint 59 dB. However, it also gives you 550 CFM and 125 MPH of clearing force, so even though it’s very quiet that doesn’t prevent it from having enough power to rival a noisy gas-powered model.

You also get more variability and precision with the RYOBI Bare Tool. It has a variable speed trigger, meaning you have more control over the amount of air you blast the leaves with, and the turbo button takes it from powerful to extra powerful at the push of a button. The jet fan is designed for optimal control and an increase in air flow, and the brushless motor means it has a longer runtime and stronger performance.

#4. Toro PowerJet F700 Corded Electric Leaf Blower

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The Toro PowerJet F700 Corded Electric Leaf Blower is one of the most powerful electric leaf blowers ever. Just try and use it, the 140 MPH and 725 CFM will blow you away – literally! The Toro’s variable-speed control can be used with only one hand, and allows you to quickly taper down the air flow while going around flower beds or cleaning out a garage.

When removing dense, damp, or matted leaves, it effortlessly and quickly gets air below them to raise and push them forward. The long, curved handle allows you to customize the blower’s angle for less wrist strain. The design also includes a front pommel grip, which is especially useful at high speeds, when the power of the blower became quite powerful.

The Toro F700 is a fantastic value leaf blower – it’s less expensive than most other corded electric versions, let alone cordless or gas models. However, it must be the right fit for your property, because it is tethered to its power source, which restricts range to about 100 feet or less. So, if you need to purchase an outdoor extension cord, that could add to the cost.

#5. Husqvarna 125B 28cc 2-Cycle Handheld Gas Leaf Blower

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The Husqvarna 125B 28cc 2-Cycle Handheld Gas Leaf Blower is an excellent gas powered leaf blower. It perfectly combines its lightweight design with significant power – you’ll be hard-pressed to find another instrument deliver this level of punch while weighing only 9.4 pounds.

It also has a high capacity of both air volume and velocity, with a max of 425 CFM and 170 MPH, all in a comfortable and easy handheld machine. In terms of simplicity, this leaf blower is at the top of the pile. It has an auto stop switch that automatically returns to the ON position when switched off, which allows for faster restarting.

The throttle is also variable speed, and can be set to cruise control for easy and more straightforward handling. The tube length on this leaf blower is also adjustable, so you can figure out what length and speed gives you the best performance for your yard, and the controls on the side are easy to access and understand.

#6. Makita XBU05Z LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower

The Makita XBU05Z LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower has a ridiculously high maximum speed at 219 MPH, which blows all other leaf blowers on this list away. Not only that, but it can maintain that high speed and power for up to 17 minutes, and weighs only 4.1 pounds. This is a small – very compact at just 20-3/8 inches long – but powerful blower that can be used for indoor use as well as collecting leaves outdoors.

The Makita XBU05Z has a rubberized soft grip handle that makes using it very comfortable and the vibrations do not wear down your grip. It has a variable, high-torque motor that comes with settings for three different speeds. Additionally, the Makita lithium-ion batteries are the fastest charging in their class, and give you 50% more runtime and longer motor life as well.

#7. Echo Variable-Speed Turbo Lithium-Ion Cordless Leaf Blower

The Echo Variable-Speed Turbo Lithium-Ion Cordless Leaf Blower is another lightweight yet powerful cordless electric leaf blower. It has a max air speed of 145 MPH and can move up to 550 CFM of air, both of which are clearly strong enough to eliminate leaves from a regular suburban neighborhood lawn.

Echo is an industry leader in leaf blowers, and this model is no exception. However, with this leaf blower, the battery and charger are not included, so be aware of this and make sure to buy a durable and fast-charging lithium-ion Echo battery in addition to it.

#8. BLACK+DECKER 7-Amp Electric Leaf Blower

The BLACK+DECKER 7-Amp Electric Leaf Blower is the smallest leaf blower on this list, and is perfect for a compact backyard or small garden. It is only 17 inches long and weighs 4.4 pounds, and it is powered by an electric cord that will limit the amount of ground you can cover. However, it is still very powerful and will make quick work of any leaves and debris in your garden, and indoors as well.

The 7 amp motor has a top air speed of 180 MPH, in addition to a volume of 180 CFM, so it is strong enough to tackle any backyard job. It also has an ergonomic handle for one-handed use, as well as a cord retention hook, both of which make the work simpler, safer, and more comfortable when you’re spending all afternoon out in the garden.

#9. Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower

The Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower is the only backpack model leaf blower on this list. This is a powerful and efficient machine. It is also more environmentally friendly than comparable gas-engine models; it has an innovative X-Torq engine design, which can reduce harmful and smelly exhaust emissions by 60% as well as provides 20% better fuel efficiency.

The offset handle on the 360BT Backpack Leaf Blower keeps your arm from being pulled downward, making it simpler to manage any forces associated with the work and keeping your whole body less fatigued. The efficient fan design and strong X-Torq engine deliver high air speed and air flow, with 631 CFM. It also has a huge fuel tank, capable of holding 74 fluid ounces, meaning you will be out in your yard for a long time before you need to stop and refuel.

This is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade backpack leaf blower ideal for tough yard work. It even helps you by removing the air from the carburetor and fuel system for easier starting. You will have your lawn clear in no time.

#10. WORX WG509 Trivac 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower and Vacuum with Mulching System

With the WORX WG509 Trivac 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower and Vacuum with Mulching System, yard work, no matter how difficult, doesn’t stand a chance. Leaves and other lawn debris will not stay on your grass for long, and plus it is very fun to use.

With the flip of a switch, you can easily alternate between vacuum and leaf blower modes. It also has variable speed differences that you can switch between when using the different options, so you can go from 80 MPH around tight corners and on pavement to 210 MPH and 350 CFM for heavy-duty lawn work.

And when you do want to use the vacuum mode, you can then turn on the mulching setting. When mulching, the metal impeller cuts in two stages, chopping leaves down to an 18:1 mulch ratio – instead of 18 bags of leaves, that can be muddled into 1.

All of this work can be done with one hand as well, making the WORX Trivac a necessary addition to any homeowner’s outdoor stable. The clever tube’s shape rolls up at the lip to go underneath lawn fixtures and planting elements, which is ideal you’re in vacuum mode. WORX tools use cutting-edge technology and exceed contemporary efficiency standards, and this one is no exception.

Ending Thoughts

It’s time to buy a leaf blower! We’ve outlined the different types of leaf blowers and what you need to look for before making your purchase, as well as given you our top recommendations for leaf blowers currently on the market, so there’s no excuse not to get one now.

Our #1 choice for you would be the WORX Turbine WG584 40V Cordless Leaf Blower, but all of these are great options, so it’s up to you to find the one that is best for your situation.

Remember to always consider what factors are most important to you when making your purchase, such as power, noise, portability, or cost. And don’t forget that a good leaf blower can make yard work much easier, so if you have any leaves or debris left over from fall cleanup, go ahead and pick up one of these top-rated models today!