Ryobi 40v whisper mower. The 8 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
The 8 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Sarah is a writer who loves researching and testing tech and Smart home products. She’s been an e-commerce writer since 2020, mainly covering gaming, home tech, streaming, and pop culture content. Her writing has been published in Entertainment Weekly, Business Insider, People, and more.
Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist, member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care, and reviews tree content on The Spruce’s Gardening Review Board. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut.
Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact checker, and researcher with more than 25 years’ experience in consumer-oriented content.
If you dread the inevitable leaf-raking that comes with fall, you may want to consider investing in a cordless leaf blower, which can help reduce the hassle of your fall-time yard work and let you roam around your yard without having to worry about cord management.
Speaking on the benefits of cordless leaf blowers (specifically battery-operated options), Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board and Certified Lead Carpenter, says: “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. They’re perfect for clearing leaves from small yards or yards with very few leaf-shedding trees.”
We tested 27 electric leaf blowers (including 17 cordless) in our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, where we methodically evaluated each unit’s ease of assembly and use, battery life, noise levels, and effectiveness. We tested for effectiveness under a range of scenarios, timing how quickly each leaf blower cleared dry leaves from a patch of grass, dry leaves from a patch of concrete, and damp leaves from a patch of grass. We also tested to see if each blower had the strength to move 0.25-, 0.5-, and 1-ounce trimmer line weights, as well as the precision to easily wrangle leaves in a box we drew with chalk on concrete. After our lab tests, we continued testing 10 models in our homes across the country for six months to evaluate their long-term durability and performance.
Best Quiet
RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Whisper Series Jet Fan Leaf Blower
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 it to be just as powerful as some gas models.
Despite its quiet operation, the unit offers a good amount of power in the form of 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.
We also found the machine easy to start up, with the single press of a button. We did have some discrepancies in maneuverability, with our lab results describing the blower as easy to heft, while in a real-world scenario, we found this blower difficult to manage. When my husband uses it, he doesn’t quickly notice any fatigue or issues with its weight, our at-home testing team member said. He is a bigger, stronger guy. When I carry it, it does seem heavy to me, and the weight of the battery makes me tire faster. This may not be a great choice for smaller people.
The battery was another issue for our at-home testing team member, saying she got only 15 minutes from a charge. Anyone using this should definitely invest in at least one more battery, she said. She also found the chute somewhat long, which she said made it sometimes not very maneuverable in tight corners. These discrepancies could be due to our team member’s height, but we still find them to be valuable Комментарии и мнения владельцев for any shorter users searching for a leaf blower. Again, those downsides don’t keep us from recommending this as an affordable, quiet solution to keep your yard tidy when the leaves fall.
How It Performed Long-Term
Although we had some usability issues since our at-home testing team member was shorter, we still appreciate this blower’s overall design and powerful motor after several months of regular use. The Turbo Mode is especially handy for cleaning off big piles of leaves as well.
Price at time of publish: 199
Maximum Air Speed: 125 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 550 CFM | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 59 dB
Best Variable-Speed
WORX WG584 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor
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. We appreciated that the unit was so 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. 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 trimmer line a 10-foot distance. We were also pleased with its long battery life, and we never noticed a decline in power during use.
How It Performed Long-Term
After six months of regular use, we think this leaf blower is a great, inexpensive tool. While it may not be the best for precise jobs, it’s variable speed and lightweight design make it an effective and comfortable option for quickly clearing your yard of leaves.
Best Leaf Blower? EGO vs Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWalt, Greenworks, Harbor Freight Atlas, Makita
Price at time of publish: 220
Ryobi Whisper Series Leaf Blower Demonstration: Which Should You Get? 18 or 40 volt? #RyobiTools
Maximum Air Speed: 95 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 470 CFM | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 102.1 dB
Best Backpack
Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
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. This model also 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 appreciated 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.
Despite its variable speed, this model still isn’t the most powerful of those we tested—its maximum air speed is 145 mph, and maximum airflow is 580—but it works well in smaller yards. However, we loved using this backpack blower and think it’s a great alternative to traditional leaf blower models.
How It Performed Long-Term
While a backpack blower may not be best for every yard, we think this backpack blower is a great compromise for homeowners with smaller yards. This was the easiest year of picking up leaves I’ve ever had! our at-home testing team member said. We enjoyed using this blower to not only clear leaves but also blow debris off a back deck and front porch.
Price at time of publish: 350
Maximum Air Speed: 180 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 610 CFM | Weight: 14.64 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 87 dB
Best Gas
Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower
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, according to users, 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), but users say it’s a quick, easy, and fairly smooth start-up process. Further contributing to its user-friendliness is 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.
Price at time of publish: 249
Maximum Air Speed: 125 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 450 CFM | Weight: 6.7 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 66 dB
Compare
After using our meticulous testing methodology to evaluate and compare 27 leaf blowers, our top 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 point. If you’re looking for a backpack model, the Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower is our favorite. The unit is comfortable to wear, and it also has a substantial 610 CFM airflow capacity and a speedy recharge time.
Other Options We Tested
Litheli 40V Cordless Leaf Blower: We didn’t have any trouble using this blower during our dry and wet leaf tests and the trimmer line tests, but we found that its trigger lock was confusing to use. You had to press down on the lock button while still holding the trigger, which made continuous operation a bit tiring, rather than providing relief. This blower was also very loud and did not neatly blow the leaves in one direction compared to other models we tested. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Blower: As much as we appreciated this blower’s compact size, it took twice as long to accomplish all of our tests because it lacked blowing power. If the fishing lines fell into cracks in the sidewalk, this blower was unable to blow them out of the cracks, and we noticed our arm was feeling fatigued from trying to angle the blower in so many different ways.
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. We provided ratings for each attribute based on our personal experiences with each unit, and we included the best performing units in this roundup. 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 across the country 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 can overheat and 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. Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board and Certified Lead Carpenter 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 roundup.
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 top 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.
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.
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.”
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 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. With the exception of one model, all of the cordless leaf blowers listed in this roundup were tested in The Lab, where product testers followed a detailed testing 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.
Toscano also consulted with Deane Biermeier, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board and Certified Lead Carpenter, to learn more about the features, uses, and benefits of a good cordless leaf blower. Emma Phelps, an Updates Writer for The Spruce, assisted in refreshing this article with our latest long-term testing results. She also reviewed our product picks and highlighted several tested products that didn’t quite make our final list.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.
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.