The 6 Best Snow Blowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Ariens Classic Snow Blower

$1,426 At Amazon $1,149 At Lowe's $1,149 At Ace Hardware

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

The best snow blower we tested is the Ariens Classic 2-Stage 24 in. Snow Blower. We found it incredibly easy to assemble and use—even for first-time snow blower users—and an excellent value for its power and maneuverability. While it is a two-stage snow blower and might be more than you would need for a small driveway, we think it's a great solution if you tend to get deep snow fairly often and require a powerful snow blower.

We were able to assemble it relatively quickly and found the instructions to be clear. We also found Ariens' instructional videos to be extremely helpful. Once we had it ready to go, we had no trouble getting it started! This gas-powered snow blower offers both a manual, recoil start and an electric, push-button start (a must-have on cold days!). And thanks to the self-propelled feature, we found that this blower tackled even deep, wet snow (over a foot deep) at the end of our driveway with ease. In fact, we didn't insert the wheel pin at first (one wheel must be locked for the self-propelled feature to work), and we used it without the self-propelled feature and noticed a difference once it was self-propelled. The self-propelled feature includes six forward speeds and two reverse, so you can pick the right speed to match your pace.

We felt fully in control of where we were sending the snow, thanks to the snow chute feature's easy-to-use controls on the handlebar. They let us shoot the snow up to 40 feet away, up and down, or side to side, allowing us to adjust as we went. While it doesn't include some features that would be nice to have (headlights or heated handles, for instance), we were also impressed by all of the safety features, including a grip-activated auger control, a tool for dislodging clogs in the chute when the engine is fully turned off and stops, and a quick engine shut-off. Although it is a push-button start, the engine key must be in for anyone to operate it. Keep in mind that since this is a gas-powered model, you will need to refuel it, and it does omit fumes. However, for the power and price, we think it's worthy of our top pick.

_{Clearing Width: 24 inches | Power Type: Gas | Stage Type: Two-stage | Maximum Throwing Distance: 40 feet | Number of Speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse}

Best Budget

EGO Power+ Cordless Single-Stage Snow Blower

$599 At Amazon $599 At Walmart $699 At Lowe's

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Performance
  4.6/5
• Ease of Use
  4.3/5
• Safety
  4.5/5
• Value
  4/5

After using the Ego Power+ Auger-Propelled Snow Blower on our own two-car driveway and sidewalk with 4 inches of snow and 7-8 inch snow drifts, we found it to be an excellent, budget-friendly, battery-operated model. Even for a first-time snow blower user, this model was easy to set up (it only took us 10 minutes), easy to start (thanks to the electric, push-button start), and easy to operate with intuitive controls. It's a single-stage electric model, so it's less powerful than the two-stage options on this list or some gas-powered models. Since it is not self-propelled, it had trouble with some turns and deeper snow. However, this is the best choice if you don't need to clear feet of snow often and don't have the space to store a big, bulky snow blower.

We appreciated that the augur's speed could be easily adjusted to handle heavier snowfalls and that the discharge chute could be turned 180 degrees to control where and how far the snow is thrown (up to 35 feet away). When the wind chill was below 25, we found that adjusting the chute lever required a bit of effort, and we had to keep our fingers firmly on the handle as we turned it to prevent the device from turning off (which took a little practice to do). Thanks to the push button, if it did turn off, it was easy to restart.

The mower comes with two 5.0Ah batteries, both of which are used at once during operations. We found that the included battery charger swiftly replenishes the battery, but it only has one slot, so you can only charge one battery at a time. However, this may not be an issue if you have other Ego tools that use the same type of battery and have an extra charger (or battery). When we tested the snow blower, each battery drained to half-capacity after about 15 minutes of constant use. This model also has two LED headlights for low-light visibility and a 5-year warranty.

_{Clearing Width: 21 inches | Power Type: Battery | Stage Type: Single-stage | Maximum Throwing Distance: 35 feet | Number of Speeds: Variable}

Best Splurge

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

$1,849 At Amazon $1,549 At Lowe's View On Ariens.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.8/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

After we tested the Ariens Deluxe 28 (an older version of this model), we were so impressed with its performance that we decided to test this newer version in our latest testing round. While we love both models, we recommend the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO as our best splurge because it continues to offer the same features with a few upgrades for only a few hundred dollars more. Those include an extra 5 feet of snow-throwing distance (55 feet, compared to 50 on the older model) and a more powerful engine. However, you can't go wrong with the Deluxe 28 model if you don't need those updates.

While testing this gas-powered, self-propelled, two-stage model, we were impressed with its ability to easily turn around corners and power through many snow storms, including those with deep, heavy, wet snow. It cleared our three-car driveway, sidewalks, and walkways easily. The snow chute also stood out for being incredibly easy to operate, allowing us to direct where the snow was thrown, which was especially welcome on a windy day. We also appreciate the included ice scraper—although the chute hasn't gotten clogged yet, the scraper will be handy in clearing out ice and snow from the chute (once the machine is turned off). We also tested the LED headlights and found them very useful at night or with dim light.

Overall, we feel like all the features make this snow blower more than worthy of its higher price tag. However, like all two-stage models, if you don't have large spaces to clear, don't get a lot of snow each year, or don't have the space to store a clunky snow blower, you will want to go with another option on this list. Also, keep in mind that this is a gas-powered model, and you will need to add fuel when needed.

_{Clearing Width: 28 inches | Power Type: Gas | Stage Type: Two-stage | Maximum Throwing Distance: 55 feet | Number of Speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse}

Best Self-Propelled

Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower

$1,299 At Home Depot View On Cubcadet.com $1,300 At farmandfleet.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.9/5
• Safety
  5/5
• Value
  4.3/5

During testing, the Cub Cadet 2X 24" Intellipower Snow Blower stood out for being easy to maneuver, which is a welcome feature when cleaning up after a snowstorm. The seven drive speeds—six forward and one reverse—on the self-propelled snow blower allowed us to plow through any snow thickness without trouble, and the steering assists allowed the machine to turn on a dime with almost zero effort. We could propel the machine without engaging the augur, a welcome touch; letting go of the handles stops the machine. (The machine also has a "kill" key that turns the whole thing off when pulled out, which is very nice for peace of mind.) The 5-inch-wide tires had plenty of grip on ice, slush, and snow and never slipped.

The motor was loud but not unbearable, as with nearly every gas-powered snow blower. And for those concerned about emissions, we didn't note a lot of noxious exhaust. We were also impressed with the uber-adjustable snow chute, which even allowed us to throw snow slightly behind. The little things impressed us, such as secure caps on the oil and gas tanks and their internal indicators that let us know when they were filled.

We had no issues with clearing a five-car-wide driveway and 60-foot-long sidewalk, even in minus-25 wind chill. The electric start instantly fired up the snow blower, and the choke was easy to adjust and forgiving. We never worried about killing the motor accidentally, which we experienced with other snow blowers.

We do need to note that we did struggle when initially setting up this snow blower, which had a 45-minute setup time and included unfolding, levering, and securing the tube frame containing the controls; shifting control wires so that they didn't catch on anything; and having a tough time telling when the oil pan was filled adequately. As long as you don't mind the setup time, this is, in our opinion, an excellent option for its performance and ease of use (it helped us clear out even after a blizzard!).

^{Clearing Width: 26 inches | Power Type: Gas | Stage Type: Two-stage | Maximum Throwing Distance: 40 feet | Number of Speeds: 6 forward, 1 reverse}

Best Cordless Electric

EGO Power+ Cordless 2-Stage Snow Blower

$1,299 At Amazon $1,599 At Walmart $1,499 At Ace Hardware

Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Performance
  3/5
• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Safety
  4/5
• Value
  4.5/5

For a powerful yet easy-to-use battery-operated snow blower, we recommend the Ego Power+ 2-Stage Snow Blower. This self-propelled, 24-inch model stood out for its random variable-speed control and ease of assembly. Plus, we appreciated the included dual-battery charger for the two 7.5Ah batteries that give the machine a long operating span. In fact, we tested this self-propelled, 24-inch machine on a short driveway and about 60 yards of smooth and bumpy sidewalk, some of which had a 30-degree slope. After 45 minutes, we still had half the power left in both batteries.

Similarly to our best budget pick, also by Ego, setting up and assembling the machine took 10 minutes—less time than uncrating it! All we needed to do was attach the handles, with the supplied bolts and knobs, and the disposal chute, which was neatly attached via a perfectly fitting strut. (The only tool we needed was a 19/32 wrench to adjust the skid shoes for optimum elevation of the scoop on the pavement.) Within 15 minutes, we were ready to tackle the snow.

This SNT405 model operates similarly to the manufacturer's self-propelled lawn mowers by simultaneously holding down the centrally located safety button and the augur control lever on the right side of the operation handle. The variable-speed motor, which is not governed by defined stops and is controlled by a thumb-operated lever on the left side of the handle, gave us fine-tuned control, making it easy to travel uphill and down. (The machine can propel itself with the augur off.) Turning it on a narrow sidewalk was easier than its 145-pound weight would have led us to believe.

A central lever on the operations handle let us swivel the chute to put the snow where we wanted it. An additional lever enabled us to adjust how far we threw the snow (up to a huge distance of 50 feet away). It took a little elbow grease to do this in sub-freezing temperatures, but not enough to call it an issue. Overall, we think this is a great two-stage snow blower that provides enough power for those with many surfaces to clear or experience more or heavier snow each year. If your needs are less, you may want to consider Ego's 21-inch, single-stage model, our best budget pick, which costs nearly $1,000 less for many of the same features.

_{Clearing Width: 24 inches | Power Type: Battery | Stage Type: Two-stage | Maximum Throwing Distance: 50 feet | Number of Speeds: Continuous}

Best for Long Driveways

Toro Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

$1,999 At Home Depot $2,000 At Tractor Supply Co. View On Acmetools.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  3.5/5
• Performance
  4/5
• Ease of Use
  3/5
• Safety
  3.5/5
• Value
  4/5

A long driveway requires a snow blower with a large clearing width so that you can cover more ground with each pass. It also helps if the unit is self-propelled, so you don't have to continuously push a machine that can easily weigh hundreds of pounds. The self-propelled Toro Power Max HD Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower satisfies both of these needs, with a 30-inch clearing width and variable speeds to maneuver the 300-plus-pound machine.

The snow blower came almost fully assembled except for the handles, and removing it from its wooden crate took far longer than setting it up. After we did so, we realized that a snow blower intended for long driveways has a huge footprint. It's about 3-4 feet wide and 5-6 feet long, fully occupying a quarter of a single-car garage. It can only be made smaller by disassembling it to some degree, which is only feasible when the season is over.

We powered up the machine's 302 cc (20 hp) engine with the electric start, which needed an extension cord to an outlet. Curiously, the snow blower started quickly on the fastest of the six forward speeds (there are also two reverse speeds), and it then slowed down. On the one hand, that can be considered a safety precaution, preventing the snow blower from taking off. However, we discovered that even its fastest speed was slower than the other machines we tested, and its lowest speed was impractically poky. However, under constant speed, the machine distributed the snow where we wanted via the onboard joystick.

We also found the Toro somewhat difficult to operate continuously because of its somewhat curiously designed handles. One side, controlling the gas flow, stayed down by itself, but the other, controlling the augur, needed constant pressure and may be difficult for some to keep it depressed. We did appreciate that the handle had a warming function—a nice touch missing from many of the snow blowers we tested. There's also an LED light for lower-visibility conditions. Those who prefer a gas-powered machine for its greater power than an electric also should appreciate that the manufacturer specifies the snow blower to be CARB compliant, as it relates to emissions.

_{Clearing Width: 30 inches | Power Type: Gas | Stage Type: Two-stage | Maximum Throwing Distance: 49 feet | Number of Speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse}