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Leaf Blowers: Cordless, Corded and Gas Blowers Compared

Match the blower to your yard. Small lots suit light cordless models; big properties with wet leaves need more power.

  • 6 roundups · 4 reviews · 2 comparisons · 2 guides
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Top leaf blowers we recommend

Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.

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Best leaf blowers for every buyer

Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.

Know before you buy

About Leaf Blowers

Leaf blowers are rated by air volume (CFM) and air speed (MPH). Volume moves big piles; speed lifts wet, matted leaves. A balance of both is what makes a blower feel powerful.

Battery blowers have improved enough to replace gas for most suburban yards, with less noise and no fuel to store.

How to choose a leaf blower

Power source

Cordless is quiet and convenient. Corded is light and inexpensive but limited by the cord. Gas suits large properties and long sessions.

CFM and MPH

Look at both numbers. Around 400 to 600 CFM handles typical yards; larger properties benefit from more.

Runtime

Battery runtime drops sharply on turbo mode. A second battery is often more useful than a bigger blower.

Weight and balance

A well-balanced blower is easier to use for long periods. Backpack blowers reduce arm strain on large properties.

Noise

Many towns limit blower noise. Battery models are typically much quieter than gas.

Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.

No paid placements, ever.

Our methodology
Quick buying tips

What matters most in leaf blowers

  1. Cordless is quiet and convenient. Corded is light and inexpensive but limited by the cord. Gas suits large properties and long sessions.
  2. Look at both numbers. Around 400 to 600 CFM handles typical yards; larger properties benefit from more.
  3. Battery runtime drops sharply on turbo mode. A second battery is often more useful than a bigger blower.
  4. A well-balanced blower is easier to use for long periods. Backpack blowers reduce arm strain on large properties.
  5. Many towns limit blower noise. Battery models are typically much quieter than gas.
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Answers

Leaf Blowers: common questions

What is the best leaf blower to buy?

One of our strongest picks is the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 650 CFM Leaf Blower, a standout in our Best Leaf Blowers for Gutter Cleaning list. The EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower is another excellent choice.

How do I choose the right leaf blowers?

Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best Leaf Blowers for Gutter Cleaning, Best Leaf Blowers for Large Properties, Best Leaf Blowers for Small Yards.

What should I look for when buying leaf blowers?

Cordless is quiet and convenient. Corded is light and inexpensive but limited by the cord. Gas suits large properties and long sessions.

Do I need a special gutter attachment, or does a regular blower nozzle work?

A dedicated gutter kit, usually a set of curved extension tubes, makes the job significantly safer and easier by letting you clear the gutter from the ground or from a lower rung rather than reaching a nozzle directly into the gutter at the top of a ladder. Universal gutter kits are sold separately and fit most round-nozzle blowers, including all four in this list.

Is a lightweight blower more important than a powerful one for gutters?

Gutter debris, dried leaves, twigs, and grit, doesn't require the highest CFM in this lineup to clear. What matters more on a ladder is one-handed balance and weight, since you're often holding the blower at an angle above your head or extended out from a ladder rung. The Greenworks and Ryobi, both lighter than the EGO, are easier to manage one-handed.

Is it safer to use a corded or cordless blower for gutters?

Cordless is generally safer for ladder work. A cord trailing up a ladder is a tripping and entanglement hazard, and managing a cord while also managing a ladder and a blower adds real risk. The Toro PowerJet F700's 725 CFM is tempting for stubborn debris, but its cord makes it the harder choice to use safely on a ladder.

Can I clean gutters from the ground instead of climbing a ladder?

Yes, with a telescoping gutter cleaning extension kit, many homeowners clear single-story gutters entirely from the ground. This is the safest approach when it's an option. For two-story homes, a ladder is usually still necessary even with an extension kit, since most kits add 6 to 10 feet of reach, not enough for a full second story.

What CFM do I need for a large property?

For half-acre to full-acre properties with mature trees, look for 500 to 650 CFM minimum. Below 400 CFM, wet or matted leaves and pine needles take multiple passes, which adds up fast over a large area. All four blowers in this list clear 500 CFM or more at full power, with the EGO LB6504 and Ryobi Whisper Series both rated at 650 CFM.

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