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Leaf Blowers · How-to guide

How to Choose a Leaf Blower: A Decision Framework

Everything you need to know about how to choose a leaf blower: a decision framework, explained plainly.

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What matters

Key decision factors

Step 1: Cordless, Corded, or Gas

Cordless battery-powered is the right default for most homeowners. Modern 40V and 56V platforms like those behind the EGO Power+ LB6504 and Ryobi 40V Whisper Series deliver 650 CFM or more, enough for most yards, without fuel, exhaust, or a trailing cord.

Step 2: Match CFM to Your Yard

Small yards (quarter-acre or less): 300 to 400 CFM is generally enough. The Greenworks' 340 CFM fits comfortably here.

Step 3: Pick a Battery Platform, Not Just a Blower

If you're buying cordless and already own tools on a battery platform, EGO 56V, Ryobi 40V, or another brand, staying on that platform for your blower purchase saves money on future battery purchases and lets you share a charger. If you're starting from scratch, weigh the EGO's complete-kit simplicity and long warranty against the Ryobi's typically lower bare-tool price and quieter operation.

Step 4: Weigh the Secondary Factors

Weight: Matters most for long sessions or elevated one-handed work like gutter cleaning. A 6-plus lb blower feels very different after 30 minutes overhead than after 5.

Quick Decision Guide

Check price on Amazon, EGO Power+ LB6504

See Also

Leaf Blowers Buying Guide, deeper spec-by-spec breakdown Best Leaf Blowers for Small Yards, full category roundup EGO LB6504 vs Ryobi 40V Whisper Series, head-to-head comparison

Step 1: Cordless, Corded, or Gas

Cordless battery-powered is the right default for most homeowners.

Modern 40V and 56V platforms like those behind the EGO Power+ LB6504 and Ryobi 40V Whisper Series deliver 650 CFM or more, enough for most yards, without fuel, exhaust, or a trailing cord.

Corded electric remains a strong budget option.

The Toro PowerJet F700 delivers the highest CFM in this category at a lower price than any cordless model, the tradeoff is being tethered to an outlet and extension cord.

Gas-powered blowers still lead on raw sustained power and are worth considering only for properties over an acre or frequent professional-scale use.

Step 2: Match CFM to Your Yard

Small yards (quarter-acre or less): 300 to 400 CFM is generally enough.

The Greenworks' 340 CFM fits comfortably here.

Medium to large yards (half-acre to one acre): Look for 500 to 650 CFM.

Both the EGO LB6504 and Ryobi Whisper Series hit 650 CFM.

Wet leaves or heavy debris, any yard size: Prioritize the highest available CFM regardless of yard size.

Step 3: Pick a Battery Platform, Not Just a Blower

If you're buying cordless and already own tools on a battery platform, EGO 56V, Ryobi 40V, or another brand, staying on that platform for your blower purchase saves money on future battery purchases and lets you share a charger.

If you're starting from scratch, weigh the EGO's complete-kit simplicity and long warranty against the Ryobi's typically lower bare-tool price and quieter operation.

Either platform extends across a wide range of other outdoor tools if you plan to expand later.

Step 4: Weigh the Secondary Factors

Weight: Matters most for long sessions or elevated one-handed work like gutter cleaning.

A 6-plus lb blower feels very different after 30 minutes overhead than after 5.

Noise: If you have close neighbors or need to work early or late, a lower-noise model like the Ryobi Whisper Series is worth prioritizing over raw CFM.

Warranty: Ranges from 1 year to 5 years across this category.

For a seasonal tool that sits idle much of the year, a longer warranty has real value.

Quick Decision Guide

Check price on Amazon, EGO Power+ LB6504

See Also

Leaf Blowers Buying Guide, deeper spec-by-spec breakdown Best Leaf Blowers for Small Yards, full category roundup EGO LB6504 vs Ryobi 40V Whisper Series, head-to-head comparison

Put it into practice

Top leaf blowers we recommend

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Answers

Frequently asked questions

What's more important, CFM or MPH?

CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures air volume, the spec that determines how much debris you can move at once, and matters most for wet or heavy leaves. MPH measures air speed, useful for pushing light, dry debris a longer distance. For most buyers, CFM is the more important number to compare across models.

Should I go cordless or corded?

Cordless is the better fit for most homeowners today, no cord to manage, no fuel to mix, and battery platforms that share across other yard tools. Corded electric remains a strong budget option if your yard stays within reach of an outdoor outlet and extension cord. Gas is mainly worth considering for large properties or frequent professional-scale use.

How much should I expect to spend?

Battery-only or bare-tool cordless listings can look cheaper but require an existing compatible battery to actually save money.

Does brand matter as much as specs?

Less than battery platform does, if you're buying cordless. If you already own a mower or trimmer on the EGO 56V or Ryobi 40V platform, buying a blower on that same platform saves real money over time by sharing batteries and chargers. Otherwise, compare CFM, runtime, weight, and warranty directly rather than defaulting to brand recognition.

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