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The 7 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep leaf piles at bay with these top models

Person using a WORX WG584 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor to blow leaves on a sidewalk

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

We know how much time it takes to prep your garden for spring or rake leaves in the fall, which is why we’re so passionate about leaf blowers. The most hassle-free solution is to get a cordless, battery-powered leaf blower. To recommend the best one for you, we’ve tested 17 cordless leaf blowers in The Lab and continued testing 10 models at home across the country for six months.

“Although cordless leaf blowers are less powerful than corded or gas-powered models, there is virtually no maintenance to perform other than charging the batteries,” says Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. “They're perfect for clearing leaves from small yards or yards with very few leaf-shedding trees.”

We tested each leaf blower's performance across different landscape surfaces in our Lab: We timed how quickly they cleared dry leaves from grass, gathered dry leaves from concrete, and blew damp leaves from grass into a pile. We also tested to see if each blower had the strength to move fishing line weights, as well as the precision to wrangle leaves into a box.

We methodically evaluated each unit’s ease of assembly and use, battery life, noise levels, and effectiveness. After our lab tests, we continued testing their long-term durability and performance during peak leaf-falling season.

Throughout our leaf blower testing, we found that backpack leaf blowers tend to be more powerful with a longer battery life (up to 2 hours), and are best for cleaning up leaves and debris in larger yards. A handheld battery-powered leaf blower is perfect for smaller yards or tasks, like clearing dry leaves. However, you can still find a powerful handheld option with variable speed (when you need less power for delicate garden beds, and more for clearing wet leaves) and a good runtime (30 to 60 minutes) if you don't mind carrying it.

One more thing to keep in mind: We used a decibel meter to record the noise level of each leaf blower at different speeds (when applicable). We found that our experiences of how it sounded didn't always match up with the product listing's noise rating, or even how it sounded in the outdoor lab versus in our backyards—it may sound louder or quieter depending on the person's perception.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Ryobi Lithium-Ion Cordless Jet Fan Blower

Person using a Ryobi ONE+ 18V 100 MPH 280 CFM Cordless Battery Variable-Speed Jet Fan Leaf Blower to blow away leaves on pavement

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    4/5
What We Like
  • Multiple speeds

  • Easy, one-hand operation

  • Powerful and precise

  • Easy setup

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly louder than other options

After testing in our lab and for six months in one of our yards, the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Leaf Blower continues to stand out as a lightweight and powerful tool. We think it's perfect for most fall cleanup projects and for clearing unwanted debris around decks, patios, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. We found it to be easy to assemble (just two pieces to snap together) and liked the variable speed settings, so we could have just the right of power we needed, whether it was removing debris from a somewhat fragile garden bed or blowing away a wet leaf pile.

We also liked that this model's battery can be used with other Ryobi products that are part of the 8-Volt ONE+ system. By having more than one tool in the same system, you can swap out a low battery with a full one without having to wait several hours for one to charge.

This model has an airflow capacity of up to 280 CFM and an airflow speed of up to 100 miles per hour. We found that the battery lasted about 30 minutes, using variable speeds, although the manufacturer lists it as lasting for 10 minutes on the highest power.

We also had varying reports on this leaf blower's noise level. In the lab, we thought it was too loud (we reported it at 107 dB), but at home, we didn't find the noise to be overbearing for the longer time periods that we used it. Note that the noise level of a normal conversation is around 60 dB, and the manufacturer lists this one as 65 dB.

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested this leaf blower several times a week for six months in one of our own yards (weather permitting), and found that it continued to impress us with its power, maneuverability, and battery life. It helped us keep our lawn and garden looking great, especially when removing leaves in the fall. We also used it to clear spider webs and other types of unwanted debris.

While we initially noted that the chute seemed too long, we found that it helped direct the flow and wasn't hard to store, so it wasn't a nuisance at all. Overall, this leaf blower continues to be our favorite cordless option that we tested.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 9 pounds | CFM: 280 | MPH: 100 | Noise Rating: 65 dB

Best Backpack

EGO Power+ LB6003 Cordless Leaf Blower

Woman with a EGO Power+ LB6003 600 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower strapped to her back as she uses it on the lawn

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
What We Like
  • Different speed settings

  • Comfortable backpack design

  • Large airflow capacity

What We Don't Like
  • May be excessive for small yards

While testing the EGO POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower, we found it to be light and comfortable to use, and it didn’t hinder our mobility as we were working in our yard. Since it is a backpack model, most of its weight is distributed on your back as you use it. This means two things: First, your arms and wrists are spared from bearing the entire load, and consequently may not grow fatigued as quickly. Second, you shouldn’t be super alarmed by its 12.5-pound weight, a little over 3 pounds more than our best overall. We also liked the convenience of the adjustable chute.

The unit has an airflow speed of up to 145 mph and lets you choose between an airflow capacity of 260 CFM and 600 CFM. This range allows for plenty of flexibility in how you use your leaf blower and means you should be able to reach leaves across a significant distance. For example, in our lab, we cleared the patch of grass from the dry leaves in 17 seconds and the damp leaves in just over 15 seconds. This unit really showed off on the patch of concrete, where it cleared the pile of leaves in just 7 seconds and easily moved the various fishing weights without requiring us to be super close to them.

Overall, we found it not too loud while operating and all in all, fun and easy to use. However, if you have a smaller yard, the power range may be excessive, and you may find it more conducive to opt for a less powerful model at a lower price.

How It Performed Long-Term

After using it for six months in a yard filled with 20 trees, there isn't much we dislike about this leaf blower. It helped make fall cleanup feel like less of a chore. We also found that it came in handy for clearing sticks, leaves, and even light snow from our driveway and sidewalk.

Our favorite feature was having two options for operation. While we could push a button the whole time we were operating the blower, we could opt just to set the dial and go, which was less tiring on our hands. We did find ourselves grabbing our small handheld model for smaller or more detailed tasks occasionally, but overall, we think this is the best option for tackling larger fall cleanup projects or for those with larger outdoor spaces.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 12.5 pounds | CFM: 260 to 600 | MPH: 145 | Noise Rating: 64 dB

Best Quiet

RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower

Person using RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Whisper Series Jet Fan Leaf Blower on a paver walkway

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3/5
  • Battery
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    5/5
What We Like
  • Quiet operation

  • Turbo mode

  • Easy to manuever

What We Don't Like
  • Control of airflow could be better

We love how quietly the Ryobi 40V Brushless 125 MPH 550 CFM Cordless Battery Whisper Series Jet Fan Blower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger operates. While its product description says it has a noise rating of 59 dB, our personal measurement with a decibel meter showed its noise rating to be 40.2 dB. We also confirmed the same decibel rating while testing in one of our homes. We also found the model to be easy to start up, with the single press of a button, and very easy to maneuver.

Despite its quiet operation, this is one of the most powerful options on our list, with a 550 CFM airflow capacity and a 125 mph airflow speed. In our lab tests, the Ryobi cleared a patch of grass from dry leaves in 27 seconds and from damp leaves in 28 seconds. It was significantly quicker at clearing the patch of concrete from dry leaves, finishing the job in just 11 seconds (one of the fastest on this list). The only time it struggled a bit, was being able to completely collect all the leaves into the chalk square we drew on concrete (but solidly middle of the pack compared to all the leaf blowers we tested). But thanks to the turbo option, it's excellent at clearing large piles away.

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested this leaf blower for an additional four months at home and continued to be impressed with its performance and quiet operation while we made quick work of outdoor chores. However, one of our shorter at-home testing team members did find this model to be a bit heavy to handle for long periods of time, so that is something to keep in mind.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 9.7 pounds | CFM: 550 | MPH: 125 | Noise Rating: 59 dB

Best Variable-Speed

WORX WG584 Cordless Leaf Blower

WORX 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
What We Like
  • Long battery life

  • Various power modes

  • Easy to manuever with one hand

What We Don't Like
  • Higher listed noise rating

The WORX 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor lets you choose from an airflow capacity of 300 to 470 CFM and from an airflow speed of 60, 69, 80, or 95 mph, so you can pick the right power for the job. While testing in our lab, we found that the unit was lightweight and surprisingly quiet for the amount of power it had. It cleared the patch of grass with dry leaves in 12.9 seconds, which was the fastest clocked time among all the other models on this list for that specific test. It cleared the patch of grass with damp leaves in 52 seconds and the patch of concrete with dry leaves in a considerably faster 12.7 seconds.

This unit is made up of three pieces. While we had no issue following the assembly instructions and finished setting the leaf blower up in less than two minutes, we struggled a bit when attaching the final piece. Plus, we wish this unit allowed us to have better control over the airflow since we were unable to round up the leaves in the box we drew with chalk on a concrete sidewalk. However, we were pleased with its power, as it easily pushed each fishing line a 10-foot distance. We were also pleased with its long battery life, and we never noticed a decline in power during use.

Note that according to the manufacturer, this leaf blower has a noise rating of 102.1 dB, which is one of the highest ones on this list. However, we noted that the blower seemed fairly quiet while operating in our lab (and we didn't notice any noise-related issues while using it at home during our testing period).

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of regular use, we think this leaf blower powerful tool for keeping your yard and outdoor space looking its best. While it may not be the best for precise jobs, its variable speed and lightweight design make it an effective and comfortable option for quickly clearing your yard of leaves.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 7.3 pounds | CFM: 300 to 470 | MPH: 60, 69, 80 or 95 | Noise Rating: 102.1 dB

Best Splurge

Greenworks Pro Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower

Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Noise Level
    3/5
What We Like
  • Comfortable

  • Powerful

  • Quick to recharge

What We Don't Like
  • Longer assembly process, compared to others we tested

We initially had some hesitancies about the efficacy and overall comfort of backpack blowers, but this model from Greenworks completely dispelled any doubts. This backpack blower is comfortable to wear, easy to use, and expedites the leaf-clearing process. At 87 dB, this model was quieter than some other backpack leaf blowers we tested. It has a trigger-activated variable-speed throttle and a cruise control option that provides constant airflow as needed. We especially loved the multiple power options during lab testing, since the trigger offers more precise airflow, but the turbo mode and cruise control have a lot of power behind them.

Greenworks estimates that the fully charged 2.5Ah battery lasts only around 18 minutes if run continuously at its highest speed. We noted it ran far longer during our at-home testing because we were able to blow an entire backyard multiple times before recharging. This blower also has a charger that quickly restores power to the battery in just 45 minutes. However, assembly took us about 25 minutes, the longest amount of time on this list (most blowers took about 2 minutes to put together). But we found it to be well worth the hassle, as it proved to be a powerful tool for a range of tasks.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over our six-month at-home testing period, we also found this backpack leaf blower to be surprisingly easy to put on and comfortable to use. In fact, we found ourselves using it weekly for almost any outside cleaning task, from clearing spiderwebs, and grass clippings, to removing dry or wet leaves. So if you have a larger yard, and don't already have a handheld blower, this one isn't a hassle for any task.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 15.1 pounds (with battery) | CFM: 610 | MPH: 180 | Noise Rating: 87 dB

Best Powerful

Makita XBU03SM1 Cordless Blower Kit

Person holding Makita XBU03SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower Kit

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Battery
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Noise Level
    2/5
What We Like
  • Variable speeds

  • Brushless motor

  • Light and easy to maneuver

  • Quick to clear leaves

What We Don't Like
  • Lack of precision

Anyone who wakes up one fall day after heavy rain or heavy wind will love the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower Kit. It’s a lightweight, easy-on-the-hand solution for clearing an inundated yard, with an airflow capacity of up to 459 CFM and an airflow speed of up to 116 mph. Since it weighs just 6.5 pounds, we found it light and user-friendly enough to adeptly hold and operate with just one hand. (We could dedicate our other hand to adjusting the controls.)

The leaf blower lets you choose from different speed settings, and we liked having the ability to control the power. However, we found it difficult to precisely control the airflow’s direction and effects. For example, regardless of the setting we used, we couldn’t wrangle the leaves in the chalk-drawn box on concrete. We cleared the patch of grass from dry leaves and damp leaves in 50 seconds and 42 seconds, respectively, while we cleared the patch of concrete from dry leaves in just 18 seconds (faster than many others we tested).

But although subtlety was a challenge, power was no problem: We moved all the fishing nets the 10-foot distance in less than 20 seconds. We also liked that we didn’t need to bend down or be super close to the objects. Ultimately, this unit is best suited for anyone who wants a cordless model that offers plenty of power for big jobs, such as attending to leaf-strewn yards in oak-filled neighborhoods. But we need to reiterate that this product is made for power, not precision.

Fuel Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 6.5 pounds | CFM: 459 | MPH: 116 | Noise Rating: 60 dB

Best Gas

Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower

What We Like
  • Powerful

  • Different speed settings

  • Translucent fuel tank

What We Don't Like
  • Shoulder strap not included

  • Typical gas-model maintenance required

The ECHO Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Leaf Blower manages to be a powerful gas model—with an airflow capacity of up to 453 CFM and an airflow speed of up to 170 mph—without being too loud, too unwieldy, or too high maintenance. We'd like to note that we have not had a chance to test this blower in our lab or at home, so our assessment is based on research alone. This model has a 70 dB noise rating, an 8.6-pound weight, and manageable maintenance and cleaning requirements.

Since this is a gas model, regular maintenance is required to keep it functioning properly, which is something to consider before purchasing it. Also note that a shoulder harness is not included with this leaf blower, though the unit does have shoulder harness points, so you have the option of buying a harness separately and attaching it to the leaf blower.

The unit relies on a recoil start (so you need to pull a cord to start operating it), so it's not as easy to operate as a push button, electric model. However, we like that it has a translucent tank that allows you to easily monitor your fuel levels as you operate the unit, as well as an air filter that’s made to help keep the engine clean. It has a curved tube as well, which is designed to mitigate strain placed on your arms and wrist and thus help prevent them from quickly growing weary. There’s also a cruise control mode, which can help further minimize the taxing nature of your yard work.

Fuel Type: Gas | Weight: 8.6 pounds | CFM: 453 | MPH: 170 | Noise Rating: 70 dB

Compare

Effectiveness Battery Ease of Use Portability Noise Level
Person using a Ryobi ONE+ 18V 100 MPH 280 CFM Cordless Battery Variable-Speed Jet Fan Leaf Blower to blow away leaves on pavement
Best Overall:
Ryobi Lithium-Ion Cordless Jet Fan Blower
5 4 5 5 4
Woman with a EGO Power+ LB6003 600 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower strapped to her back as she uses it on the lawn
Best Backpack:
EGO Power+ LB6003 Cordless Leaf Blower
5 5 5 4 3
Person using RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Whisper Series Jet Fan Leaf Blower on a paver walkway
Best Quiet:
RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower
3 4 5 5 5
WORX 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor
Best Variable-Speed:
WORX WG584 Cordless Leaf Blower
5 5 5 4 3
Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
Best Splurge:
Greenworks Pro Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
4 5 5 4 3
Person holding Makita XBU03SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower Kit
Best Powerful:
Makita XBU03SM1 Cordless Blower Kit
5 5 5 5 2
Best Gas:
Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower
4.5
Final Verdict

After using our meticulous testing methodology to evaluate and compare 27 leaf blowers, our best overall cordless pick is the Ryobi ONE+ 18V 100 MPH 280 CFM Cordless Battery Variable-Speed Jet Fan Leaf Blower. The model is light enough to easily operate with one hand and powerful enough to quickly clear leaves under different circumstances, ultimately offering a well-rounded design at a good price. If you’re looking for a backpack model, the EGO POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower is our favorite. The unit is comfortable to wear and has a variable speed from 320 to 600 CFM, so it's good for a range of outdoor chores.

Multiple Leaf Blowers displayed on a cobblestone walk

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

How We Tested the Cordless Leaf Blowers

The Spruce tested 27 leaf blowers in The Lab, including 10 battery-operated cordless models. We followed a detailed testing methodology in order to properly test and evaluate each product’s effectiveness, battery life, ease of use, portability, noise level, and value. After our initial

We timed how quickly each leaf blower could remove different types of leaves from different types of landscapes to test their effectiveness. We measured noise levels with a decibel meter, and we measured each unit’s weight when judging portability. We considered both noise level and portability in practical terms, too, noting whether the noise was tolerable or if the unit could be operated with one hand. When assessing battery life, we looked to see if the power output remained steady and if the battery life started to dwindle while in use. We considered how easy it was to access the controls, change between speeds and various attachments, and maneuver the device when rating ease of use. When it came down to value, we considered whether each unit offered too little, just enough, or more than expected for its price point.

For our test, we spread out 0.75 pounds of leaves on a 10-foot by 10-foot patch of grass. Using the highest mode available for each leaf blower, we timed how quickly we were able to clear the leaves from the area. With each leaf blower, we performed this test again on the grass but using 0.75 pounds of damp leaves, and one more time on a patch of 10-foot by 10-foot concrete using dry leaves. In order to test if the units were garden-friendly, we spread out leaves around plants in a garden bed. Using each unit's lowest setting, we used the units to clear the leaves from the garden and noted if their airflow caused any damage to the plants. When applicable, we tested a unit’s vacuum or mulching function as well. We also gathered leaves in a dense pile to test suction power and counted how many times we had to empty the leaf blower’s bag. At the end of our lab testing, we used the 10 cordless models in our homes for up to six months to evaluate their performance over time.

What to Look for in a Cordless Leaf Blower

Power Source

Cordless leaf blowers are powered by either gas or electricity. Electric blowers tend to weigh less and produce less noise and air pollution, but they generally aren’t as powerful. Gas-powered products, on the other hand, pack a punch when it comes to force, but they emit a number of gas pollutants and their maintenance is a little more complicated.

Yard Size

When thinking about how powerful a leaf blower you need, consider the size of your yard. If you have a large space with lots of trees, you’ll need a high-powered product with a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating—this means you’ll be able to move leaves and debris faster and more efficiently. Biermeier explains that “CFM measures the cubic feet per minute or volume of air coming out of the blower. You can think of it as the ‘size’ of the airflow. Bigger air will move more leaves at one time.’” He says a 500 CFM airflow capacity works well for typical residential yard work, but also says anywhere between a 300 CFM to 400 CFM airflow capacity is acceptable if you’re working with a smaller yard that doesn't have too many trees. With an airflow capacity of 610 CFM, the Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower can move the greatest volume of air compared to all the other models in our list.

Speed Settings

Some leaf blowers have only one speed—which might work if you have a small yard and are mostly clearing away dry leaves. However, if you want to use your leaf blower for tougher jobs, you’re better off getting a variable-speed blower that you can adjust as needed. Our best overall pick, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V 100 MPH 280 CFM Cordless Battery Variable-Speed Jet Fan Leaf Blower, is a variable-speed model that lets you choose from different speed settings. However, our pick for the best variable-speed leaf blower is the WORX 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor due to its handy and comprehensive range of settings for airflow speed and airflow capacity.

FAQ
  • What are the benefits of a cordless leaf blower vs. a corded model?

    The main benefit of a cordless leaf blower is that you won’t be tethered to an extension cord during operation. With a corded leaf blower, you have to worry about finding an electrical outlet, finding an extension cord, and navigating around obstacles with the power cord. With a cordless leaf blower, you can get started more quickly and have unlimited mobility. Many cordless leaf blowers are also fairly lightweight, making them easier to handle.

  • How long should a cordless leaf blower last?

    In general, most battery-powered leaf blowers will last 20 to 30 minutes per charge. However, there are several variables that will affect how long a cordless leaf blower lasts. Gas-powered models will naturally last longer than battery-powered units, and they can be refueled immediately. The type of battery and speed at which your blower is operating will impact the runtime, as well. (In particular, running a leaf blower on its highest setting will drain its battery extremely quickly.)

    Looking at long-term life span. Biermeier warns that "most cordless leaf blowers aren't considered heavy-duty models.” He says you can “expect about an 8 to 10-year life span before plastic parts wear down,” and for battery-operated models, depending on how frequently you use your leaf blower, “you'll likely have to replace the batteries every few years.”

  • How often do you have to charge a cordless leaf blower?

    If you have a battery-powered cordless leaf blower, you’ll typically need to charge it after every use. Most models have a fairly limited runtime, so it’s best to start out with a full charge every time—otherwise, you run the risk of running out of battery power before you finish cleaning your yard. Also keep in mind that you may be able to conserve battery power by pulling out a leaf rake for smaller, fast-clearing jobs.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Sarah Toscano is a freelance writer for The Spruce, specializing in all things related to home tech and smart home gadgets. Except for one model, all of the cordless leaf blowers listed in this list were tested in The Lab, where product testers followed a detailed methodology to assess each unit’s features. Toscano carefully researched the one model that wasn’t tested, as she read through pages of customer reviews, scoured discussion forums, and analyzed the product's specs to evaluate the leaf blower.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. What Causes Hearing Loss, Centers for Disease Control.

  2. Electric or Gas Leaf Blowers? Washington University at St. Louis Office of Sustainability.