8 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers, Tested by Experts

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.” Our experts 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 565-CFM motor, even in turbo mode. Impressive run time on the 60V lithium-ion battery kept our testers going on large leaf-clearing jobs (though the turbo mode does gobble up power 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, which is 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. Our experts point out the impressive 500 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,” says Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. The relatively lightweight leaf blower also boasts many user-friendly features, like the variable-speed control and fast-charging battery, though some users noted that the battery run time is short.

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,” says Rothman. 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 it is on the heavier side.

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, our experts are 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. Our experts 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 tradeoff 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, 1 acre or less.

Not only is this Craftsman a capable leaf blower, but its vacuum kit allows you to suck up small piles of leaves and other yard debris from under shrubs or against foundation walls. Think of it as the perfectionist's leaf blower. Our experts say the vacuum's lightweight design reduces hand and arm fatigue. They also like the feature set, which includes a translucent fuel tank and variable speed motor, helpful when switching between yard cleaning tasks or moving across different surfaces, from thick lawns to paved driveways. As with all gas-powered blowers, the Craftsman is fairly noisy, so take that into consideration if there are neighbors close by. Its two-stroke engine means you'll need to mix your own fuel and oil.

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 engineers like 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. "The Echo is also the noisiest pick on our list, so be sure to use ear protection," notes Rothman. 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 3 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.