There’s nothing like a beautiful lot filled with stately, mature trees. Until fall. And that one weekend where they drop their leaves to lay there and mock you … a beautiful lawn-smothering quilt designed to ruin your weekend.
Ready to treat yourself to a leaf blower this year to make short work of your fall clean-up? You deserve it, and I’ve got you covered – today I’m sharing my list of the best leaf blowers to blow leaves into your neighbor’s yard before he knows what hit him!
(kidding, don’t do that.)
Jokes aside, the right leaf blower can get rid of fall leaves (or blow them into an epic pile for the kids) in a fraction of the time that it would take with even the best leaf rake. It’s a lot more fun too.
If you love power and performance, then look no further than my pick for the best leaf blower overall: the Stihl BR-800 C-E Magnum. This top-of-the-line gas-powered backpack leaf blower is incredibly powerful, making it fit for both light- and heavy-duty applications (I’m looking at you, Maple trees).
Its maximum wind speed of 239 MPH may or may not put it on par with an EF4 tornado, so please use this thing responsibly and try not to send your neighbor, Brad, to the magical Land of Oz … even if that schmuck has kind of got it coming.
The one downside is it might not be in your budget. But don’t worry – if you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out my comprehensive list of the best leaf blowers available this year to find your perfect match. This ought to be fun!
My Favorite Leaf Blowers
| BEST OVERALL |
Thanks to Stihl’s Easy2Start system, you can get this unit up and running in no time. It uses a 79.9 cc engine, providing an air speed of 239 mph. Your leaves don’t stand a chance against this beast.
| RUNNER UP |
This leaf blower gives the Stihl BR 800 a run for its money. Though it has a smaller engine, it’s just as capable of handling heavy-duty tasks. It’s also very comfortable to use and is a bit cheaper.
| BEST VALUE |
Working with a shoestring budget? Then this corded electric blower is just what you need for your small lot. It’s not limited by batteries or gasoline engines, resulting in a consistent source of power.
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How to Purchase the Best Leaf Blower for You
Given the plethora of options available, finding the perfect leaf blower isn’t easy. These tools come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and with different features.
So how do you sift the grain from the chaff and find one that works for you? Well, the easiest way is to consider the most important features and to avoid mistakes made by most buyers.
Let’s dig into these features:
This article was last updated on by Lawn Chick Owner Sarah Jameson
Article content reviewed for accuracy by Horticulturist Arthur Davidson, A.S.
What to Look For When Buying a Leaf Blower
The main factors that you should consider when buying a new leaf blower are:
Type of leaf blower
The first decision you’ll have to make is the kind of leaf blower to get. These tools are classified into three as follows:
- Handheld – do you have a small yard and prefer to use lightweight lawn equipment? If you do, a handheld blower is your best. This compact tool is designed to rest comfortably in your hands. This then makes it easy to maneuver, even in tight spots. This leaf blower is also the best option if you suffer from back problems. Unlike the backpack blower, this one doesn’t exert any strain on your back. But because it’s small, a handheld blower typically has a smaller fuel capacity. As a result, it can only run for a short time.
- Backpack – As its name suggests, it’s designed to be strapped to your back. The backpack-style blower also has a nozzle that you hold in your hand as you work. For individuals with medium-size lawns, this leaf blower makes the most sense. It has a bigger engine, providing you with a faster and better blowing performance. This allows you to clear massive piles of leaves in a shorter time.
- Walk-behind – you know how you push a shopping cart at a grocery store? Well, a walk-behind blower uses a fairly similar concept. Essentially, you’re required to push and maneuver the blower from the rear as it clears all leaves and debris. To achieve this, the blower is mounted on a set of wheels for easy navigation. Of the three options, walk-behind leaf blowers are the most powerful. This makes them the best choice for really big yards, but most people who want this type of tool rent it instead of purchasing (they’re pricey, and I don’t recommend them).
Source of power
If there’s one thing that differentiates different leaf blowers, it’s their source of power. While some run on gasoline, others are powered by electricity – either batteries or with a heavy duty extension cord.
Here’s a detailed comparison of battery-powered vs gas-powered leaf blowers:
- Battery-powered – initially, these leaf blowers were considered less powerful than their gas-driven counterparts. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. A battery-operated leaf blower is just as capable as a gas model. Its only limitation is that it has a short runtime. Most models can only last for 8 to 30 minutes on a single charge. By comparison, a gas blower can run for an hour or more on high power. This explains why battery-operated models are only recommended for small-to-medium size yards. On the plus side, battery leaf blowers are safer for the environment. They don’t produce any emissions at the time of use, and they run way more efficiently.
- Gas- powered – the greatest benefit of this blower is a longer runtime per tank of fuel. This allows you to clean up a big yard without having to stop midway through the project ro refill the fuel tank. You can also use it on a small or medium yard that has a heavy debris cover. Such an area calls for consistent power to clean efficiently. Though effective, gas-powered blowers have their fair share of setbacks. For starters, they need both gasoline and oil to run. This can increase their operating costs significantly. Secondly, they’re not eco-friendly as they emit a ton of fumes during operation. For this reason, be sure to use such blowers in well-ventilated outdoor spaces.
Variable speed settings
It’s easy to clear dry leaves even with the least powerful leaf blower.
However, if your yard is filled with wet, matted leaves, you’ll need a more powerful blower. In such cases, a variable speed setting is a handy feature. It lets you adjust the tool’s speed and power depending on the task at hand.
Nozzle design
Although this may seem like such a trivial element, it influences the blower’s performance. Nozzles come in one of two designs: round or flat.
- A flat nozzle provides a higher air speed. This makes it suitable for clearing wet leaves or other debris that’s stuck on the ground.
- Conversely, a round nozzle offers a uniform spread of air. Thanks to this, you can maintain a more constant direction of blowing, making it easier to use.
Not sure of the nozzle design to go for? Then look for a leaf blower with interchangeable nozzles to increase its range of use.
Vacuum
The core function of a leaf blower is to lift leaves and gather them into a pile. You can then leave them to decay or collect them in a bag.
A leaf blower vacuum like the Greenworks model I recommend does more than that. Specifically, it sucks up the leaves and debris, then passes them through a blade where they’re cut into smaller pieces.
The shredding process allows the leaves to decompose faster once you deposit them back on your lawn.
One note on this point – I don’t recommend a blower/vacuum for large or heavy-duty mulching jobs. They’re really meant for light-duty work and if you want to mulch a large yard with a lot of leaves, use your mower, or a tool like this one from WORX.
Weight
Don’t forget to check the weight of the leaf blower too. This will have a big impact on user experience.
If it’s too heavy, you’ll feel fatigued fast, even if you’re tackling a small lawn. On the other hand, a leaf blower that’s too light might not have enough power to deal with soggy leaves.
Weight can be an issue when purchasing battery powered leaf blowers for large lots – generally in this case you will want a more powerful blower, and this means you’ll need larger batteries. If you must get a battery powered blower for a large lot, try to choose one that comes with some sort of strap so it’s easier to carry around and use.
For the best outcome, look for a leaf blower that strikes a balance between weight and performance.
Things to Avoid When Buying a Leaf Blower
To get the best leaf blower that works for your yard, be sure to avoid these mistakes:
- Neglecting the blower’s power source – if you’re buying a corded leaf blower, then ensure you have an electrical outlet nearby. Cordless blowers, on their part, have to be recharged every so often. Similarly, a gas model runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil, and this brings with it extra maintenance. All these points are crucial to consider before picking a particular leaf blower.
- Choosing blowers that lack variable speed settings – this is one factor that you should never ignore. More so, if you’ll be using the blower for light-duty work like cleaning patios, and garages. For such, it’s important that you choose a low-speed setting to avoid damaging the surface.
- Not learning how to use it – before you rush to buy any leaf blower, familiarize yourself with the basics of using one. For instance, you ought to point the blower’s nozzle toward the ground. This helps you direct the airstream underneath the leaves, not on top of them. Similarly, you should use the right speed based on the current task. Learning how to use it can help you identify some of the features to look for when buying one.
- Failing to check local and state regulations – though it’s an indispensable tool, a leaf blower poses several risks. Gas-powered blowers, especially, generate a lot of noise, and emit toxic fumes. For these reasons, the use of leaf blowers is prohibited in certain regions. So be sure to check with local authorities before buying a brand new blower.
My List of the Best Leaf Blowers This Year
Not sure which leaf blower to buy? Here’s a quick list of all of the blowers on this page.
- BEST OVERALL: Stihl BR 800 C-E Magnum
- RUNNER-UP: Makita EB5300TH 52.5cc
- BEST VALUE: Sun Joe SBJ597E
- BEST CORDED: TORO PowerJet F700
- BEST CORDLESS ELECTRIC: EGO LB6504 Power+ 650 CFM Blower
- QUIETIEST BACKPACK BLOWER: Makita XBU03SM1
- BEST BLOWER/VAC COMBO: Greenworks 40V Brushless Blower/Vacuum
Below you’ll find some more in-depth information about each of these leaf blowers and links to online or local retailers where you can compare prices to find the best deal.
Best Overall
Searching for a leaf blower that has some serious power? Then check out the Stihl BR 800 C-E Magnum. Whether you’re dealing with twigs or matted leaves, this bad boy leaves nothing in its wake. Here’s everything you need to know about this tool.
Power
One of the biggest highlights of this blower is the amount of power it offers. It comes equipped with a 79.9cc engine that churns out at least 4.4hp.
Thanks to this, it pushes a whopping 912 cfm of air at a maximum velocity of 239 mph. That’s the wind speed of an EF4 Tornado for all of you playing along at home. Seriously.
All these metrics are testament to the blower’s superior performance. But what I love even more is its impressive blowing force of 41 newtons. This makes it possible to move a ton of material with each pass.
Ease of use
Another factor that drew me to this leaf blower is its ease of use. It relies on Stihl’s legendary Easy2Start mechanism that provides a smooth and trouble-free start.
The fact that this start button is positioned on the side adds further to its appeal. Once you mount the leaf blower on your back, simply pull the side handle to get it up and running.
Need to make a quick stop and have a conversation with your neighbor? Just switch it off and restart when you’re ready – all without having to take the blower off your back.
Comfort
This backpack leaf blower was designed with the user’s comfort in mind. For starters, all the controls are located on the handle for easy access.
Secondly, the support harness is ingeniously designed to distribute weight across your back and shoulders. This helps to minimize fatigue, which is useful when you have to use it for long hours at a time.
Noise level
Not only is the Stihl BR 800 a gas-powered blower, but it’s also one that’s very powerful. Taking these two points into account, you might assume that it’s very noisy. Interestingly, it’s not overly loud. It’s rated to only 78dB of noise output.
Price
It’s clear that the BR 800 contains all the bells and whistles that a leaf blower can have. However, it doesn’t come cheap. It’s priced at over $600, making it the most expensive option in our review. The good news is that it certainly provides value for money.
Stihl BR 800 C-E Magnum Specifications
| Type | Gas |
| Air volume | 912 CFM |
| Air speed | 239 MPH |
| PROS |
- Easy to start thanks to the side pull handle
- Has the most powerful output; hence, fit for heavy-duty applications
- Adjustable harness to enhance user’s comfort
- Anti-vibration system helps to minimize fatigue
- Multi-function handle with all the controls provides quick and easy access
| CONS |
- Expensive
My Final Take-Away: The Stihl BR 800 CE Magnum is a ridiculously powerful backpack leaf blower. It has a high airflow of 516 cfm, enabling it to move masses of leaves with minimal effort.
Where to Buy the Stihl BR 800 C-E Magnum Backpack Leaf Blower
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Runner-Up
If the Stihl BR 800 doesn’t meet some of your expectations, consider the Makita EB5300TH. This is an equally capable backpack blower, and it’s slightly cheaper. The following is a more detailed review of this leaf blower.
Performance
One of the main selling points of the Makita EB5300TH is how powerful it is. It gets its power from a 52.5cc 4-stroke engine.
This type of engine offers two key benefits over the traditional 2-stroke models. For one, it provides a cleaner operation, resulting in fewer emissions. Secondly, it’s more fuel-efficient, saving you money in the long-run.
Also worth mentioning is that this leaf blower is easy to start. It sports an automatic engine decompressor that makes it effortless to start.
Ease of use
The EB5300TH is chock full of features designed to improve your user experience. I’ll start with the shoulder straps, which provide multiple adjustment points to help you find the right fit.
The second feature that I really admire is the blower’s back panel. Not only is it padded but it also contains ventilation points for easier breathability.
I also like the grip incorporated on the handle. This enables you to hold it securely and angle the nozzle properly so that you’re able to move more material.
One other feature that makes this blower comfortable to use entails the anti-vibration mounts. These are positioned between the tool’s frame and engine to maximize comfort.
Makita EB5300TH Specifications
| Type | Gas |
| Air volume | 516 CFM |
| Air speed | 184 MPH |
| PROS |
- Padded & ventilated back panel and anti-vibration mounts enhance user’s comfort
- Powerful; thus, suitable for commercial applications
- Relies on a 4-stroke engine which has fewer emissions and a lower fuel consumption
| CONS |
- One of the higher end of the price spectrum
My Final Take-Away: If you don’t mind splurging on a state-of-the-art leaf blower, then the Makita EB5300TH is a worthy buy. It has a powerful engine and an array of features that improve the user’s experience.
Where to Buy the Makita EB5300TH Backpack Blower
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Best Value
Hunting for a leaf blower that won’t break your bank? If you are, the Sun Joe SBJ597E fits the bill. Its price hovers around the $20, making it one of the most affordable blowers on the market. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features.
Design
Usually, manufacturers don’t pay a lot of attention to color. But Sun Joe does as it offers this leaf blower in four different colors. These include green, blue, red and grey.
The Sun Joe SBJ597E wins top marks for being lightweight and compact design. When it’s fully assembled, it measures just 12.75” by 7.25” by 9.5” and weighs 3.9 lbs.
So not only is it comfortable to hold but it also takes up very little space. If you have a limited storage area, you can even take the chute apart because it’s detachable.
Power and Performance
Although it looks small, this leaf blower packs a punch. It’s powered by a 6-amp motor, which drives air through the nozzle at top speeds of up to 155 mph. However, its 260 cfm air volume is considerably lower than in other models.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that it’s corded electric. This means that it has to be plugged in to work. I recommend investing in an extension cord to get the best reach (I own and recommend this one on Amazon).
Taking these factors into account, this blower is best used for light-duty applications. It can handle tasks like sweeping patios, porches and decks. It can also remove light, dry leaves from a small-size lawn.
Sun Joe SBJ597E Specifications
| Type | Corded electric |
| Air volume | 260 CFM |
| Air speed | 155 MPH |
| PROS |
- Small and compact design makes it easy to hold
- Achieves a top air speed of 155 mph
- Removable chute saves on storage space
- Available in different colors
| CONS |
- Only fit for light-duty applications
- Lacks variable speed controls
My Final Take-Away: At only 3.9 lbs, the Sun Joe SBJ597E is a lightweight leaf blower that you can operate one-handed. It boasts a powerful motor and detachable chute, making it the best blower for small-scale tasks. Incredible tool for small jobs and an unparalleled value.
Where to Buy the Sun Joe SBJ597E
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Best Corded
Looking for a leaf blower that can offer consistent power? Look no further than the Toro PowerJet F700.
It’s a corded electric model so all you have to do is plug it to an outlet and you’re good to go! Better yet, it comes in at under $100! Here are other features that you can expect from the F700.
Design
The leaf blower has a few standouts, starting with its handle design. For starters, it’s quite long. This makes it easy to reach leaves and debris that are too far away.
Secondly, it’s slightly curved. This allows you to adjust the angle of the leaf blower so you don’t end up straining your wrist.
Also worth mentioning is the nozzle’s design. It’s round and wider, boasting a diameter of 3.75 inches. This allows the airstream of the blower to push more material at once.
Performance
The Toro PowerJet F700 offers exceptional performance when it comes to clearing leaves. It hurls large amounts of air, easily separating leaves from your lawn or driveway.
In fact, it has a maximum air volume of 725 CFM. This enables it to push leaves 2 feet farther than other leaf blowers. This is all thanks to the 12 amp motor that delivers an impressive 0.728 of air horsepower.
Ease of use
One other reason why I ranked the F700 among the best is its ease of use.
It weighs only 6.7 lbs, meaning it’s lightweight enough to hold for an extended period. Plus, it has a one-handed design, which makes for an intuitive interface.
The blower has just one thumb dial that pulls double duty as a power switch and speed control trigger. This enables you to adjust the airflow with ease.
The pommel grip at the top is a very nifty addition. It lets you hold the leaf blower with two hands, which is useful when you’re running it at its highest power setting.
That said, this leaf blower has one major flaw. This is the fact that it relies exclusively on electricity. This means that you should have an electrical outlet nearby to get it up and running. If this isn’t possible, consider getting a 14-gauge extension (like this one on Amazon) to increase reach.
Noise level
Even though the Toro leaf blower is loud, it’s not so noisy that it gets you into trouble with neighbors. It has a 70dB noise rating, which is significantly lower than gas-powered models.
Toro PowerJet F700 Specifications
| Type | Corded electric |
| Air volume | 725 CFM |
| Air speed | 140 MPH |
| PROS |
- One of the most powerful leaf blowers
- Long and curved handle makes it user-friendly
- Offers variable speed settings
- It’s not too loud
- Includes a 2-year warranty
| CONS |
- Needs an extension cord to increase reach
My Final Take-Away: The Toro PowerJet F700 is powerful yet simple. While it doesn’t have a ton of fancy features, it delivers an incredible airflow that gets rid of both wet and soggy leaves.
Where to Buy the TORO PowerJet F700
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Best Cordless
Cordless technology has come a long way.. With battery-powered tools like the Ego LB6504, you get the performance of a gas leaf blower without having to deal with messy gas or oil cans. Here’s a detailed overview of this blower.
Design
It’s evident that Ego strives to meet the demands of every user. This is why their leaf blower comes with two dissimilar nozzle attachments.
The first design entails a flat nozzle that significantly boosts its air speed. This makes it easy to remove heavy and wet/compacted leaves.
The second constitutes a tapered nozzle, providing a more uniform spread of air. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to blow and direct the leaves in one direction.
Also worth mentioning is that the leaf blower has a weather-resistant housing. This ensures that it lasts a long time despite being constantly exposed to the harsh outdoor conditions.
On the flipside, this piece of equipment is heavier and bulkier than other cordless leaf blowers. So if you’re planning to use it for long hours at a time, ensure you take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue. Alternatively, look for a more lightweight blower.
Power
Cordless leaf blowers have a bad rep of lasting for very short periods. But the Ego LB6504 proves otherwise.
Powered by an 5 Ah ARC lithium battery, this tool provides a staggering 90 minutes of runtime. In fact, if you operate at the lowest level, it can last for up to 200 minutes. But, if you switch to Turbo speed, the longest it can last is 15 minutes per single charge.
I also love the tool’s variable setting. Depending on the task at hand, you can adjust its air volume between 225 and 500 CFM. And for heavy-duty applications, the Turbo dial offers a whopping 650 CFM.
One feature that contributes to its immense power is the brushless motor. This provides a greater torque while simultaneously extending its runtime.
EGO LB6504 Specifications
| Type | Electric, cordless |
| Air volume | 650 CFM |
| Air speed | 180 MPH |
| PROS |
- Brushless motor results in a more powerful leaf blower
- Achieves a maximum air volume of 650 CFM; thus, ideal for tackling large yards
- Two nozzle attachments for different applications
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
| CONS |
- It’s heavy and bulky
My Final Take-Away: Easy to use, the Ego LB6504 has a maximum air volume of 650 CFM. However, its most impressive feature is the 90-minute runtime that allows you to tackle large lawns without recharging it too frequently.
Where to Buy the EGO LB6504 Blower
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Quietest Blower
Powered by an 18-volt lithium ion battery, the Makita XBU03SMI is an excellent low-noise leaf blower. Here’s everything you should know about this tool.
Design
There are a couple of things I like about this blower’s design. It’s both compact and light, weighing just 6.5 lbs. Factor in the rubberized handle, and you have a tool that’s comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
Power
Unfortunately, this leaf blower is not very powerful. It’s driven by an 18V LXT battery- much smaller than the 40V or 50V batteries found in other models.
But if you’re looking for a leaf blower that can handle a small yard, this tool is sure to get the job done. Besides, it offers an impressive 459 CFM enabling you to clear large amounts of debris at once.
Another key selling point of this unit is the fact that its motor doesn’t use any carbon brushes. This brushless motor technology causes the blower to run cooler and with greater efficiency. More importantly, it provides a longer runtime than brushed motors by up to 50%.
Controls
Handheld leaf blowers tend to have minimalist designs. But this one takes things up a notch as it includes several handy features.
First off, it has a nifty cruise control element. This allows you to set and lock the speed trigger to your preferred power level.
Secondly, it relies on Makita’s proprietary Extreme Protection Technology (XPT). This protects your leaf blower from damage caused by exposure to water or dust. You also won’t have to worry about your tool overloading or overheating.
Low noise level
Leaf blowers (especially gas-powered models) can be pretty noisy. Thankfully, this is one less thing to worry about when you buy this battery blower.
According to Makita, this tool has a 60dB noise rating. This is significantly lower than the 85dB rating of other blowers. To put things into perspective, 60dB is about as loud as an ordinary conversation between two individuals seated 3 ¼ feet apart.
Makita XBU03SMI Specifications
| Type | Electric, cordless |
| Air volume | 459 CFM |
| Air speed | 116 MPH |
| PROS |
- One of the quietest leaf blowers
- Brushless motor technology provides a longer run time
- The ergonomic design means you can use the blower for a prolonged period
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
| CONS |
- Finding replacement parts for this leaf blower is a bit hard
My Final Take-Away: If you want a leaf blower that can handle light yard maintenance, the Makita XBU03SMI is a great option. This handheld blower uses a brushless motor that runs very quietly, and provides maximum efficiency.
Where to Buy the Makita XBU03SMI
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Best Blower/Vacuum Combo
Greenworks is one of the most trusted brands for cordless power equipment. So it’s not surprising that their 40V Brushless Blower/Vacuum is a top-seller. Here’s a more detailed review of it.
Multi-purpose
Undeniably, the biggest highlight of this tool is the fact that it combines a leaf blower and vacuum into one.
Put simply, it incorporates a vacuum tube and collection bag into the traditional design of a leaf blower. This, in turn, makes it easier to collect and dispose of the leaves and debris. And the best part? Switching from the leaf blower to the vacuum doesn’t require any special hardware.
The rotating impeller is another feature that impresses me. This allows for a 10-to-1 decrease in leaf volume, making this tool perfect for mulching applications.
Given all these functions, you’d think that this leaf blower is pricey. Interestingly, it’s one of the best low-priced units, offering maximum value for money.
Power
As you might have guessed, the Blower/Vacuum unit is cordless. It draws power from a 40V 4Ah battery, providing a decent amount of power. In fact, it achieves a top blowing speed of 185 miles per hour.
It’s also fitted with a brushless motor, promising a longer runtime, and better durability. On that note, it can run for about 21 minutes on a single charge.
However, it’s crucial to note that the vacuuming function drains the battery more quickly.
Ease of use
This is another area where the Greenworks leaf blower truly shines. I’ll start with its variable speed trigger that lets you choose from six different speeds.
It even has a turbo button, which is handy when you want to run it at maximum power. This gives you a maximum air flow of 340 CFM, perfect for clearing both dry and wet leaves.
Compared to other models, this leaf blower is also relatively quiet. Thanks to the brushless motor, it has a noise rating of just 70dB.
Greenworks 40V Brushless Blower/Vacuum Specifications
| Type | Electric, cordless |
| Air volume | 340 CFM |
| Air speed | 185 MPH |
| PROS |
- Serves as a leaf blower and vacuum
- Brushless motor provides a longer runtime and quiet operation
- Variable speed trigger lets you adjust the leaf blower’s performance
- Turbo setting is great for tackling wet and compacted leaves
- Includes a 3-year warranty
| CONS |
- The battery drains pretty fast in vacuum mode
My Final Take-Away: Want to get the most out of a single tool? In general I find blower/vacuum combinations to be underwhelming at both tasks, but this Greenworks 40V model does a nice job and deserves a place in your garage.
Where to Buy the Greenworks Blower/Vacuum
You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:
Still Not Sure?
Let Me Answer Some Common Buyer Questions
If you’re like many homeowners shopping for a leaf blower, you might still have some questions. After all, some blowers are expensive, and you want to make sure you are buying one that does the job without overpaying.
Below I’ll try to provide some more information about choosing and using backpack and handheld leaf blowers.
I’ll also help you out by explaining some tips, tricks, and things to consider when buying the best leaf blower for your yard.
If you’re still on the fence, please explore my site. I have hundreds of in-depth articles on a range of topics about yard maintenance and lawn care, and I expect that you might find one that addresses your specific question or concern.
For now, here’s some further reading about leaf blowers that might help as you make your final purchase decision:
Which is Better for a Leaf Blower – CFM or MPH?
The truth is that both of these metrics matter.
CFM is the short form for cubic feet per minute. It measures the amount of air that passes through the nozzle per minute. The higher the CFM rating, the more material that a leaf blower can move.
MPH is short form for miles per hour. With leaf blowers this measurement is the speed at which air passes through the nozzle. This, in turn, impacts how fast and forcefully a leaf blower can move material. So the higher the MPH, the faster it can clear leaves from your yard.
Which should you pay more attention to when shopping for a leaf blower? Well, it depends upon the quantity and type of leaves you get in your yard, and how large your yard is.
- If you have a large yard and need to cover a lot of ground, a leaf blower with a high MPH will help you move faster as you clear your leaves. If you get a relatively light coating of leaves across a large yard, then wind speed will probably be the most important buying criteria for you.
- If you have a thick layer of leaves, or get a lot of rain in the fall and your leaves are often wet and heavy, then a blower with a high CFM will do a better job of moving them. The higher the volume of material you need to move, the more important CFM will be when buying a blower.
Think about the conditions of your yard, and then choose a blower with a high CFM or MPH rating accordingly to get the right match.
Here’s a comparison chart that takes these data points for all of the blowers on this page and compares them side-by-side for you:
Leaf Blower Performance Comparison
| Leaf Blower | CFM | MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Sithl BR 800 C-E Magnum | 912 | 239 |
| Makita EB5300TH | 516 | 184 |
| Sun Joe SBJ597E | 260 | 155 |
| TORO PowerJet F700 | 725 | 140 |
| EGO LB6504 Power+ | 650 | 180 |
| Makita XBU03SM1 | 459 | 116 |
| Greenworks 40V Brushless | 340 | 185 |
When looking at the chart above it becomes clear how the Stihl BR 800 C-E Magnum separates itself from all other blowers on my list in terms of the volume of air that it moves, and the speed at which it moves it. Nothing else comes close.
This is one reason why I think it’s worth the price and a great value if you can afford it. As far as gas-powered backpack blowers, I don’t think you can get a better machine.
When it comes to battery-powered blowers, the EGO LB6504 Power+ blower really moves some volume at 650 CFM and does it with a respectable wind speed of 180. The biggest drawback of this blower is that it’s heavy, and can be tiring to carry around the yard (if you buy this instead of a lighter blower you probably are doing so because you have a larger yard with a lot of leaves, so this matters). Nevertheless, it’s an impressive battery-powered blower in terms of the air it moves.
But what about the air volume you’re able to move per dollar spent?
Calculating the Cost of Performance
Looking at these data points relative to cost can be super informative in terms of the value you’re getting for the hard-earned money you’re shelling out for a blower.
While prices fluctuate on every product, I did some quick calculations (based on the price of each product at the time of writing this article) to determine the cost per CFM and MPH on each of these blowers.
My hope is that this saves you some time and allows you to understand where you may be getting the best bang for your buck. Here’s that data:
| LEAF BLOWER | DOLLARS / CFM | DOLLARS / MPH |
|---|---|---|
| Sithl BR 800 C-E Magnum | $0.80 | $3.05 |
| Makita EB5300TH | $0.81 | $2.28 |
| Sun Joe SBJ597E | $0.08 | $0.13 |
| TORO PowerJet F700 | $0.10 | $0.50 |
| EGO LB6504 Power+ | $0.38 | $1.38 |
| Makita XBU03SM1 | $0.43 | $1.72 |
| Greenworks 40V Brushless | $0.67 | $1.24 |
When you look at the cost per CFM and MPH the small (but mighty) Sun Joe SBJ597E suddenly doesn’t look so mild-mannered any more. It’s far-and-away the best bang for your buck on my list, and that’s why I recommend it without reservation for users who have a smaller lot and don’t mind a corded blower, and even as an add-on for those with a backpack blower who want a good, lightweight tool to clear walkways and decks without firing up their gas-powered monster.
Just keep in mind that with this blower and the TORO PowerJet F700 you may need to buy a heavy-duty extension cord as well, so make sure to account for that when making your final decision (I recommend this one on Amazon).
I’ve left out the cost to operate (gas and electricity) here, because those are variable and largely out of our control.
Is it Worth Getting a Leaf Blower?
Yes. If you’re reading this article, then it’s likely that a leaf blower will be a worthwhile investment for you. A leaf blower is both fast and easy to use, and it makes a difficult chore easier and more fun.
All you have to do is equip it with the right power source (whether it’s gasoline, an extension cord, or batteries) and it will do the rest.
This saves you from having to rake the leaves manually, which is tiring and time-consuming. It’s why leaf blowers have become one of the most popular leaf clean up tools.
Are Corded Leaf Blowers More Powerful?
Not necessarily. In fact, the opposite is often thought to be true. This is the fact that gas leaf blowers are more powerful than their electric counterparts.
That said, it’s possible to find electric leaf blowers that are just as powerful as their gas-powered allies.
Can a Leaf Blower Blow Snow?
Yes, it can. A leaf blower can be used for other tasks, including clearing snow from walkways and driveways. Depending upon where you live, a leaf blower can be a great alternative for a snow blower, or in situations where you don’t want to use a snow shovel.
Just be sure you have a scarf and some goggles!
How Can I Make the Most of a Leaf Blower?
There’s a right and wrong way to use a leaf blower. To get the most out of it, follow these tips:
- Blow in the same direction as the wind – ideally, you should rake leaves when the weather is calm. But if this is not an option, then use the wind to your advantage by raking in the same direction as it’s blowing.
- Hold the blower correctly – this means positioning it on the side while pointing the chute directly at the ground.
- Wait for wet leaves to dry – it’s a lot easier to remove dry leaves than it is soggy ones. If your blower isn’t very powerful, wait until most of the leaves are dry to use your blower.
What is a Good CFM for a Leaf Blower?
A modest leaf blower has a CFM ranging between 200 and 400.
But if you’re looking to undertake heavy-duty tasks, opt for higher CFM ratings; preferably between 400 and 700.
What is a Good Leaf Blower for Pine Needles?
If your lawn contains pine needles, look for a leaf blower with a high air speed; at least 200 mph. Pine needles are a little more difficult to remove than leaves; hence the need for a higher wind velocity.
Prioritize a blower with high MPH over one with a high CFM rating if your lot primarily has pine needles to clear.
For pine needles, the EGO LB6504 Power+ is a great option if you prefer a battery-powered blower, and the Sithl BR 800 C-E Magnum can’t be beat for a gas-powered leaf blower.
At Lawn Chick, I am committed to publishing accurate, useful, and trustworthy resources for my readers. As part of this commitment, I’ve invited subject matter experts to review our articles for accuracy. I invite you to read our editorial policy and publishing standards which outlines in detail how every article on this site is sourced, edited, fact-checked, and vetted.
-Sarah
