Best and Worst Leaf Blowers From Consumer Reports' Tests
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Fallen leaves are no match for a great leaf blower. Consumer Reports tests a cross-section of leaf blowers every year to find the best models.
Before you start shopping, nail down which configuration makes sense for your yard. Leaf blowers use either a gas engine or an electric motor to channel a large volume of air toward fallen leaves. Gas models can run indefinitely if you keep adding fuel, which makes them great for large properties with lots of trees. Battery and corded electric leaf blowers start instantly, require no engine maintenance, and are better for the planet.
But beyond the choice of gas or electric, leaf blowers also differ in how they are configured for the user. The majority are handheld, while some are mounted to a wearable backpack. Others are essentially huge, wheeled fans.
“Leaf blowers are one tool where you can really find great options in every configuration,” says Misha Kollontai, who oversees leaf blower testing for Consumer Reports.
We test leaf blowers in six configurations from major brands including Black+Decker, DeWalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks, Husqvarna, Kobalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Stihl, Sun Joe, Toro, Troy-Bilt, and Worx.
Our leaf blower buying guide is a great place to zero in on the configuration that makes the most sense for you. Then, CR members can turn to our comprehensive leaf blower ratings. Or for a faster route to the right model, choose the type that fits your yard and read on for our top picks in each of six configurations, as well as a few models to avoid.
Regardless of the style you choose, you should know that with the exception of the cordless model below, every tool here either requires hearing protection or produces enough noise at the ear to make it a good idea.
Handheld Blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are best for smaller properties without a ton of leafy trees. Power comes from a cord, battery, or gasoline engine.
Gas models go anywhere, but they’re the noisiest type, can be harder to start, and require mixing fuel and oil. Battery-powered handhelds also travel anywhere—and clear leaves as well as gas-powered blowers—but run time is limited to the life of the battery, unless you have an extra unit on hand and fully charged. Plug-in electrics run indefinitely, but range is limited by the length of your extension cord—most owners’ manuals recommend a cord no longer than 100 feet. We’ve selected the best in class for each of these configurations.
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