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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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 fishing 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.
Testing Stats | |
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Products Tested | 17 |
Hours Spent Testing | 12 |
Tests Performed | 10 |
Unique Testers | 4 |
Best Overall
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 100 MPH 280 CFM Cordless Battery Variable-Speed Jet Fan Leaf Blower
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Multiple speeds
Easy, one-hand operation
Powerful and precise
Easy setup
Long chute
In an at-home test, the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Leaf Blower speedily cleared leaves, as well as spider webs, grass, sticks, and more, while still being light and compact enough for us to operate with one hand. After using it in several test runs, we feel there's nothing it can't blow around.
We also appreciate that we can use the battery with other Ryobi products—a manufacturer feature that keeps you in their ecosystem and indeed persuaded a member of our testing team to switch from a competitor's product line. Interestingly, we found the battery lasted longer in at-home use than what we found when we tested the product in our Des Moines lab. During lab testing, we reported a battery life of only 30 minutes, but we made no such observation after repeated use in one of our homes.
We also had varying reports on this leaf-blower's noise level. In the lab, we thought it was too loud, but at home we didn't find the noise to be overbearing for the longer time periods that we used it. This model has an airflow capacity of up to 280 CFM and airflow speed of up to 100 miles per hour. We found it to offer plenty of power and convenience for its price point, earning it the top spot in our roundup. The setup was quick and easy—we just had to snap two pieces together. Once it's up and running, we could choose between different speeds.
While testing at home, we did find the chute to be a bit long on this leaf blower, but this wasn't too big of a flaw to dampen our overall experience with the model. Not only do we consider this model a good value for what it does, but we also like that it can share batteries with other Ryobi products such as saws, drills, and screwdrivers.
How It Performed Long-Term
This little leaf blower still blows us away—pun intended—with its power and battery life. Although we haven't needed it much during the winter, after further use, we've determined the longer chute does allow for a more accurate blowing pattern and control.
Price at time of publish: $110
Maximum Air Speed: 100 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 280 CFM | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Motor Type: Electric | Noise Rating: 65 dB
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Best Powerful
Makita XBU03SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower Kit
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Variable speeds
Brushless motor
Light and easy to maneuver
Quick to clear leaves
Lack of precision
Anyone who wakes up one fall day after heavy rain or heavy wind will appreciate the Makita XBU03SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower Kit. It’s a lightweight, easy-on-the-hand solution for clearing an inundated yard, with an airflow capacity of up to 459 CFM and an airflow speed of up to 116 mph. Since it weighs just 6.5 pounds, we found it light and user-friendly enough to adeptly hold and operate with just one hand. (We could dedicate our other hand to adjusting the controls.)
The leaf blower lets you choose from different speed settings, and we liked having the ability to control the power. However, we found it difficult to precisely control the airflow’s direction and effects. For example, regardless of the setting we used, we couldn’t wrangle the leaves in the chalk-drawn box on concrete. We cleared the patch of grass from dry leaves and damp leaves in 50 seconds and 42 seconds, respectively, while we cleared the patch of concrete from dry leaves in just 18 seconds.
But although subtlety was a challenge, power was no problem: We moved all the fishing nets the 10-foot distance in less than 20 seconds. We also liked that we didn’t need to bend down or be super close to the objects. But this product may be too powerful to surgically clear leaves stuck within delicate plants.
Ultimately, this unit is best suited for anyone who wants a cordless model that offers plenty of power, for big jobs, such as attending to leaf-strewn yards in oak-filled neighborhoods. But we need to reiterate that this product is made for power, not precision.
Price at time of publish: $199
Maximum Air Speed: 116 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 459 CFM | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 60 dB
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Best Splurge
EGO Power+ LB6003 600 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower
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Different speed settings
Comfortable backpack design
Large airflow capacity
Adjustable chute
May be excessive for small yards
The EGO POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower is a backpack model, so most of its weight is distributed on your back as you use it. This means two things: First, your arms and wrists are spared from bearing the entire load, and consequently may not grow fatigued as quickly. Second, you shouldn’t be super alarmed by its 16.2-pound weight, which is considerably heavier than that of the other models on this list. We appreciated that the backpack felt light and comfortable and that it didn’t hinder our mobility as we were using the unit. We also liked the convenience of the adjustable chute. Plus, we found it not too loud while operating and all in all, fun and easy to use.
The unit has an airflow speed of up to 145 mph, and lets you choose between an airflow capacity of 280 CFM or 600 CFM. This range allows for plenty of flexibility in how you use your leaf blower and means you should be able to reach leaves across a significant distance. We cleared the patch of grass from the dry leaves in 17 seconds and the damp leaves in just over 15 seconds. However, this unit really showed off on the patch of concrete, where it cleared the pile of leaves in just seven seconds and easily moved the various fishing weights without requiring us to be super close to them. However, if you have a smaller yard, the power range may be excessive, and you may find it more conducive to opt for a less powerful model at a lower price point.
How It Performed Long-Term
There isn't much we dislike about this leaf blower after using it for six months. The secure straps on the backpack make it comfortable to wear for longer periods of time, and the handle has a locking mechanism, so you don't have to press the power button continuously. We did find that having a great range of motion on the chute might help with detailed clearing tasks, but otherwise, this blower is well worth the money, especially if you have a yard with lots of trees.
Price at time of publish: $450
Maximum Air Speed: 145 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 600 CFM | Weight: 16.2 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 64 dB
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Best With Trigger
Dewalt DCBL722P1 20V Max Brushless Cordless Battery Powered Handheld Leaf Blower
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Amazon
Easy-to-access controls
Good airflow capacity
Garden bed-friendly
Airflow control could be better
The Dewalt Brushless Handheld Blower has a user-friendly variable-speed trigger and speed lock, which made our experience using it to be effortless and straightforward. We really enjoyed the two power control options—the trigger can be pressed and released intermittently as needed, or you can lock the trigger for continuous airflow. The unit cleared the damp leaves from the patch of grass in 43 seconds and the dry leaves from the patch of concrete in a speedy 10 seconds. We had a small technical difficulty when attempting to clear the patch of grass from dry leaves—we didn’t properly attach the tube during our initial assembly, so it fell out while we were using the leaf blower. Even so, we still managed to finish the task in 52 seconds.
The leaf blower has an airflow capacity of 450 CFM and an airflow speed of 125 mph. It consists of three pieces, and we were able to finish assembling the unit in a little over two minutes. It wasn’t super loud either, which is always a bonus. We had to keep switching between the unit’s on and off setting to get the leaves near the chalk-drawn box, but were ultimately unsuccessful at rounding up the leaves into the box, so precision was lacking, and our attempt to direct the leaves was taxing. However, the unit performed well in our garden bed test, effectively clearing leaves from the garden without damaging the plants, as well as in the fishing line weight test, quickly moving the different lines.
How It Performed Long-Term
After using this blower for a few months in one of our homes, we've discovered that the battery life is somewhat shorter than expected. However, it's so easy to use that our team's young children were readily volunteering to help blow the leaves. While corralling leaves can be a bit challenging and taxing, we still think the trigger on this leaf blower makes it a worthy pick.
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
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Quiet
RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Whisper Series Jet Fan Leaf Blower
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Lightweight
User-friendly
Great amount of power
Heavy
Short battery life
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 comments 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
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
Best Variable-Speed
WORX WG584 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor
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Very effective on dry leaves
Lightweight
Great battery life
Final setup step is a tad tricky
Less effective on damp leaves
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 fishing 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.
Price at time of publish: $220
Maximum Air Speed: 95 mph | Maximum Air Volume: 470 CFM | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Motor Type: Brushless | Noise Rating: 102.1 dB
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Best Backpack
Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
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Comfortable
Powerful
Quick to recharge
Less powerful than other products
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
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Easy to manage
Different speed settings
Translucent fuel tank
Shoulder strap not included
Typical gas-model maintenance required
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
Overall Rating | Effectiveness | Battery | Ease of Use | Portability | Noise Level | ||
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Best Overall:
Ryobi Cordless Battery Jet Fan Leaf Blower
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Amazon | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | |
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Best Powerful:
Makita XBU03SM1 Cordless Blower Kit
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Amazon | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |
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Best Splurge:
EGO Power+ LB6003 Cordless Leaf Blower
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Lowe's | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
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Best With Trigger:
Dewalt Brushless Handheld Leaf Blower
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Home Depot | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
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Best Quiet:
RYOBI 550 CFM 40-Volt Whisper Series Leaf Blower
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Home Depot | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
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Best Variable-Speed:
WORX WG584 Cordless Leaf Blower
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Amazon | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
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Best Backpack:
Greenworks Pro Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
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Amazon | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | |
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Best Gas:
Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower
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Amazon |
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.
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The Spruce / Rachel Marek
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 fishing 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.
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What are the benefits of a cordless leaf blower vs. a corded model?
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.
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How long should a cordless leaf blower last?
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.”
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How often do you have to charge a cordless leaf blower?
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.