1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Black & Decker LSWV36
3. Best budget: Toro 5162
4. Best gas leaf blower: Husqvarna 125BVx
5. Best for airspeed: Poulan Pro PPBV25
6. Best lightweight: Black & Decker LB700
7. Best for medium yards: PowerSmart 20V Cordless
8. FAQs
Autumn leaves can pile up quickly, making your garden look messy and unkempt, but fortunately, the best leaf blowers can help keep your yard pristine with minimal effort. With so many brands and models on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one, however, so we've rounded up the best of the best to help you make an informed decision.
Before buying, you should decide whether you want a gas or electric leaf blower. Gas models tend to be more powerful but heavier and require more maintenance, while electric models are better for the environment and are generally lighter and quieter. You can also choose between corded and cordless leaf blowers as, while corded models are ideal if you have a nearby power outlet, cordless models are better for larger yards.
If you're on a cleaning mission, consider checking out our guide to the best pressure washers, which can eliminate the hassle of cleaning hard surfaces like patios and driveways. With our advice and recommendations, you can choose the best leaf blower and pressure washer for your needs, making garden maintenance a breeze.
The quick list
The following products are our top picks for the best leaf blowers available right now, from the best overall to those for more specific needs. If you're in a hurry, you can find a brief overview of our findings or keep scrolling for in-depth reviews and analysis.
The best leaf blower overall
The Black & Decker LSWV36 is the best overall leaf blower due to its balance of power, quiet performance, and reasonable price. Lightweight and easy to use, it has vacuum functionality and a solid three-year warranty.
The best budget leaf blower
The Toro 51621 is a budget-friendly, versatile leaf blower that doubles as a vacuum and mulcher. It's powerful, but limited by its cord and lacks comfort features.
The best gas leaf blower
The Husqvarna 125BVx is versatile with interchangeable nozzles, long hose length, and mulching capabilities, but heavy and loud compared to other leaf blowers.
The best gas leaf blower for airspeed
The Poulan Pro PPBV25 is a powerful, versatile gas leaf blower with vacuum and mulching capabilities, anti-vibration design, and affordability, but it's heavy and loud.
The best lightweight leaf blower
The Black and Decker 3456 is lightweight, easy to use, not too loud, and simple with no complicated settings, but it requires a power cord and is not suitable for heavy-duty use.
The best cordless blower for medium-sized yards
The PowerSmart 20V Cordless Leaf Blower is ideal for medium yards, with a quick charge time but a 15-minute run time on max power. Simple to use and an excellent value at $79.99.
The best leaf blowers in 2023
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The best leaf blower overall
✅ You want something lightweight: the LSWV36 is the lightest leaf blower in our comparison.
✅ You value extra features: this leaf blower has vacuum functionality, variable-speeds, and anti-vibration technology.
✅ Solid customer support is important: there is a three-year warranty and excellent customer support.
❌ You want something powerful: the LSWV36 may be less suitable for large yards or wet leaves.
❌ You're put off by mixed reviews: some have reported that the leaf blower isn't powerful enough.
❌ You hate recharging mid-job: the LSWV36 has limitations when it comes to power and battery life.
🔎 Black & Decker LSWV36 is a lightweight and battery-powered leaf blower that offers convenience, comfort, and functionality. It has a solid three-year warranty and is a good choice for those who prefer electric tools over gas-powered ones. Though not the most powerful, it still performs well and is the quietest in its lineup. ★★★★½
The Black & Decker LSWV36 is a great choice for people who prefer electric over gas-powered tools. This leaf blower has everything we look for in a yard tool, including vacuum functionality and convenience features like anti-vibration and cushioned handles.
One of the best things about the LSWV36 is its ergonomic design. The battery-powered leaf blower weighs just 5.4 pounds, making it several pounds lighter than many other leaf blowers in our lineup. This makes it a great choice for most people who want a leaf blower that is comfortable to use for extended periods. The model also has all the functionality we look for in a leaf blower, including the ability to suck up and mulch leaves.
The LSWV36 has extras that make it a great choice for people who want a leaf blower that is easy to use. It has a padded handle and anti-vibration technology, making it comfortable to hold during long jobs, and the built-in scraper loosens stubborn, matted debris so you can vacuum it up without laying down the device.
Other extras include anti-vibration functionality and variable-speed settings that you can adjust according to the type of debris you’re dealing with, and since it is a two-piece blower, you can take it apart for easy storage. Black & Decker is known for its excellent customer support, and the LSWV36 is no exception. This leaf blower comes with a solid three-year warranty, which is longer than most of the leaf blowers we looked at.
While it is admittedly not the most powerful machine in our comparison, it is still powerful enough to blow a pile of leaves and other debris a healthy 17.5 feet, and it will make quick work of debris removal in your yard.
One of the best things about the Black & Decker LSWV36 is that it is a quiet machine. It creates only 86.2 dB of noise while operating, quieter than many other leaf blowers in our lineup. This makes it a great choice for people who want a leaf blower that won't disturb their neighbors. Since it’s battery-powered, you won’t have to hassle with a cord or mixing fuels. You can also feel good about having a product that is safer for the environment.
While the Black & Decker LSWV36 has a 3 out of 5 customer rating on Amazon, most people are very happy with the product. The most general complaint is that it isn't powerful enough to blow leaves off the grass, especially wet ones. When it comes to blowing leaves off hard surfaces, no problems are reported. People seem to love the convenience of the lithium battery design, and most seem to use it as a vacuum to suck up leaves rather than to clear them from paths.
- Read our full Black & Decker LSWV36 review
The best budget leaf blower
✅ You're on a budget: this is a good option for people who don't want to spend a lot.
✅ You need something versatile: it is also a vacuum and leaf shredder in one.
✅ You want something powerful: the Toro 51621 has a maximum airspeed of 250 mph.
❌ You want to be able to move it around: it is restricted by the length of your extension cord.
❌ You value comfort: some customers reported that it can be a little clunky and heavy.
❌ You get tired easily: it lacks some comfort features of more expensive models.
🔎 Toro 51621 is an affordable leaf blower that doubles as a vacuum and leaf mulcher. Its powerful motor can push debris up to 16.8 feet away, and although it lacks some comfort features, it's still a good option for those on a budget. Its noise level is average, with a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Amazon. ★★★★
If you're in the market for an affordable leaf blower that won't break the bank, the Toro 51621 is worth considering. This compact electric blower extends to a generous 41 inches, making it great for people who want maximum blowing and sucking power. The Toro 51621 is a versatile gardening tool used as a leaf blower, vacuum, and shredder. It features a metal impeller that shreds leaves and other debris into small pieces, making them easier to gather and haul away.
One of the key advantages of the Toro 51621 is that it's an electric leaf blower, which means you'll never run out of gas or battery power as you're working. However, the area it can be used is restricted by the length of your extension cord. On the plus side, this blower blows air at a maximum of 250 mph, which is the most powerful out of any leaf blower we reviewed. It can push leaves up to 16.8 feet away, which is a very good distance.
While the Toro 51621 lacks some of the comfort features that more expensive models provide, such as anti-vibration technology or a cushioned grip on its handle, it's still a great choice for people who don't mind a more stripped-back and basic leaf blower. This tool is low-cost, powerful enough to get the job done, and functional.
One of the standout features of the Toro 51621 is its variable speed control dial, which lets you adjust the speed to fit the task. For example, a low air speed is preferable when moving air over sawdust, flowers, or anything else you don't want to be scattered or damaged. The blower also comes with multiple air tubes for various purposes, making it a versatile tool for all your gardening needs.
- Read our full Toro 51621 review
The best gas leaf blower
✅ You need something powerful: the blower has a 170mph airflow speed.
✅ You want something easy to use: the ergonomic design makes it easy to maneuver.
✅ You also want a yard vacuum: the bag holds up to 17 gallons of debris.
❌ You mind it being loud: at 97.9 decibels, this leaf blower is the loudest of any we reviewed.
❌ You don't want the maintenance of a gas model: this model requires more maintenance.
❌ You're on a budget: this model is among the most expensive leaf blowers reviewed.
🔎 Husqvarna 125BVx gas leaf blower is easy to use and maneuver, with interchangeable nozzles and a long hose length. It doubles as a vacuum and mulcher, compressing debris at a rate of 16:1. It's louder than most leaf blowers and heavier than average but well-balanced and powerful. ★★★★
If you're looking for a gas-powered leaf blower that is easy to use and has a moderate power level, the Husqvarna 125BVx might be the right choice. With its ergonomic design, this leaf blower is very easy to maneuver, and the inline fan housing reduces stress on your arm and wrist, making it comfortable to use. The 38.5-inch hose length puts the nozzle closer to the ground than most models we reviewed, which makes it easier to clear away debris, dirt, and leaves.
This leaf blower doubles as a yard vacuum with a bag that holds up to 17 gallons of debris and has a mulching function to reduce material and increase bag capacity. The Husqvarna leaf blower is one of the louder leaf blowers in our comparison, reaching up to 97.9 decibels, so we highly recommend wearing hearing protection while you corral yard debris.
This model gives you power and performance that is about average when compared to the other blowers in our lineup. You get a power output of 1.1 horsepower from its two-cycle engine and a maximum airflow speed of 170 mph. This leaf blower has air speeds of 170 mph, but it can push leaves 17.5 feet, which is among the best when compared with other leaf blowers in our comparison.
This leaf blower uses interchangeable round and flat nozzles to direct airflow at two different speed levels. The inline design keeps the airstream aligned with the handle to reduce stress on your arms and wrists. The fan on the left outside the body keeps this leaf blower balanced so it doesn't push back as you try to maneuver. It is among the most expensive leaf blowers we looked at, however.
- Read our full Husqvarna 125BVx review
The best gas leaf blower for airspeed
✅ You want raw power: this leaf blower is capable of air speeds up to 230 mph.
✅ You need something versatile: the PPBV25 has cruise control and trigger-operated variable speed control.
✅ You're on a budget: it is one of our lineup's more affordable gas-powered models
❌ You want something quiet: the PPBV25 is the loudest gas blower in our review at 106.7 decibels.
❌ You want something low maintenance: requires more maintenance than an electric model.
❌ You don't want the clean-up: while it produces impressive air speeds, it falls short when pushing leaves.
🔎 Poulan Pro PPBV25 is a powerful and versatile gas-powered leaf blower with a 25cc two-cycle gas motor and air speeds up to 230 mph. It has anti-vibration capabilities, cruise control, variable speed control, and vacuum and mulching capabilities. However, it is the loudest gas blower in our review, requires more maintenance than an electric model, and falls short in distance when pushing leaves. ★★★★
The Poulan Pro PPBV25 is a gas-powered leaf blower that delivers on raw power. With its powerful 25cc two-cycle gas motor, this leaf blower is capable of air speeds up to 230 mph, making it the best gas-powered leaf blower for airspeed that we reviewed.
The PPBV25 is a versatile yard tool with some nice features, including cruise control and trigger-operated variable speed control attached to a soft-grip handle. The anti-vibration capabilities built into its design reduce muscle fatigue and make operating it comfortable. While the Poulan Pro is heavier than other gas blowers we evaluated, weighing 10.8 lbs, the 38-inch length puts the tube at a comfortable distance from the ground, easing the burden on your arms a little.
The leaf blower also has vacuum and mulching capabilities for cleaning wet leaves. The mulch ratio is 16:1, reducing material normally taking 16 bags into a one-bag load. This is a great feature, as it drastically reduces the amount of bagged leaves you must deal with after clearing your property.
However, the #PPBV25 is the loudest gas blower in our review at 106.7 decibels. That's well above the threshold for permanent ear damage, so wear proper hearing protection. Despite its weight and its noise level, this leaf blower is designed with comfort in mind. The anti-vibration capabilities built into its design and cushioned handle make it easy to operate and reduce muscle strain while ensuring a firm, comfortable grip.
The PPBV25 is one of our lineup's more affordable gas-powered models, with a two-year warranty (standard). Despite its weight and noise level, this machine has good features, including a vacuum mode. You can attach a bag and use it as a vacuum for your yard, a handy way to clean up wet, messy leaves. You can also use it as a mulcher.
However, this gas-powered leaf blower requires more maintenance than an electric model, which is true for all gas leaf blowers. You will need to mix oil and gas since it is a two-stroke engine that requires that fuel source.
On Amazon, the Poulan Pro PPBV25 scores 4 out of 5 stars in terms of customer reviews. People appreciate the power and toughness of this blower, but a few have reported problems getting it to start, with some people resorting to starter fluid to get it going for the first time.
While it produces impressive air speeds, it falls short in distance when pushing leaves. Still, it does a decent job of clearing leaves and debris from your yard, and while it doesn't perform at the level of some of the competition, its affordability, combined with its feature package, make it a valid option for people who prefer gas-powered tools.
- Read our full Poulan Pro PPBV25 review
The best lightweight leaf blower
✅ You want something quiet: you won't disturb your neighbors while working.
✅ You want something simple: just plug it in and start blowing away.
❌ You need something heavy-duty: it may not be suitable for larger properties.
❌ Extra features are important: it's not the best choice for advanced features or settings.
🔎 Black and Decker 3456 is a reliable and straightforward leaf blower that's easy to maneuver and not too loud. It's great for older people or those with limited mobility but may not be suitable for larger properties or heavy-duty use. ★★★
While the Black and Decker 3456 may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end models, it gets the job done without any fuss and is especially popular with older people because of its light weight and ease of use.
One of the standout features of the Black and Decker 3456 is its lightweight design, making it easy to carry and maneuver, even for those with limited strength or mobility. It's also not too loud, which is a plus for anyone who wants to avoid disturbing their neighbors while doing yard work.
Another great thing about this leaf blower is its simplicity. There are no complicated settings or buttons to worry about - just plug it in, turn it on, and you're ready to start blowing away leaves and debris. This is a great choice if you're looking for a no-frills product that gets the job done reliably.
Of course, there are a few downsides to consider before purchasing. For one thing, you will need to provide your power cord. This is a minor inconvenience, but it's worth keeping in mind. Additionally, the Black and Decker 3456 is not designed for heavy-duty use. If you have a large property with lots of leaves to clear, you may want to consider a more powerful model.
- Read our full Black & Decker LB700 review
The best cordless blower for medium-sized yards
✅ You hate waiting: batteries have a fast charging time.
✅ You want something lightweight: can be operated one-handed.
❌ You need power: may not be powerful enough for heavy debris.
❌ You don't want to swap batteries mid-job: only an estimated 15-minute run time.
🔎 PowerSmart 20V Cordless Leaf Blower has an extra battery and quick one-hour charging time. Although not the most powerful, it's easy to use and handle with only one hand. At just $79.99, it's an excellent value with a 2-year warranty and free tech support.
The PowerSmart 20V Cordless Leaf Blower comes with an extra battery, making it perfect for larger yards. And, with the ability to charge the batteries in just one hour, you never have to worry about running out of power. The estimated 15-minute run time on max power is perfect for most yards, ensuring that you can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
While the top air speed of 117 mph may not be the most powerful out of all leaf blowers on the market, it performs just fine in medium-sized yards and smaller jobs without heavy debris. Additionally, the setup and use could not be simpler. It is easy to assemble and remove the battery for charging.
Operating it using only one hand is a breeze, and it weighs just 3.6 lbs, making it easy to handle. One of the most appealing factors of this leaf blower is its low price of just $79.99. This is an excellent value considering that it comes with two batteries. Additionally, PowerSmart provides a 2-year warranty and free lifetime tech support, giving me peace of mind knowing that I am covered if anything goes wrong.
Leaf blower FAQs
How much does a leaf blower cost?
Whatever your budget, there is a leaf blower out there for you. Both gas and electric models come in a range of prices. The best electric leaf blowers offer good value for money and are typically cheaper than gas, with prices ranging between $60 and $110.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about maintaining the device. For these reasons, they're a great choice if you use the blower for light work in small yards. Bear in mind that they are not as powerful as gas alternatives. They’re difficult to repair if they break, so you’ll likely have to buy a replacement.
A gas leaf blower may be worth the additional investment if you regularly maintain a larger yard. They offer more power than electric models to blast through huge piles of leaves. Our top picks range in price from $130 to $180. The options we reviewed require a mixture of gas and two-stroke oil. Remember that you will need to refill the fuel periodically, so keep some on hand.
Which is the best leaf blower - gas or electric?
When selecting your leaf blower, the most important decision you need to make is whether you want an electric or a gas-powered model. This will depend on your preferences and the one best suited to your plot.
Electric leaf blowers are ideal for tidying a smaller plot where you don’t necessarily need the power of a gas model. They’re also much lighter, so make a good choice if you struggle with carrying a gas blower for long periods. From a sustainability perspective, they’re also kinder to the planet as they don’t use up fossil fuels.
Looking for maximum power? A gas blower is a good choice to keep a larger yard looking pristine. While gas blowers may make short work of huge piles of leaves, you must be strong and mobile enough to rev up the engine with force. Most gas models run on a two-stroke engine, so you’ll need a mixture of gasoline and oil for refills.
You’ll need an outlet by a door or window for corded models to access your yard. Remember that you’ll need to be careful with a corded device to avoid it getting tangled in sprinkler heads and shrubs. Alternatively, you could opt for a cordless model, though don’t forget to charge the battery first.
When comparing other features, consider what’s important to you. For greater control over speed, look out for devices with good maneuverability. If you’re covering a large area, it may be better to opt for a model with more power.
How much do leaf blowers weigh?
Don’t overlook weight when choosing the best leaf blower for you. Clearing leaves is physical work, and you’ll want to opt for a model you can easily handle. It boils down to a trade-off between power and weight — the more powerful models tend to be heavier.
If you’re worried about your leaf blower being unwieldy, go for an electric model, which tends to be more lightweight. Remember that the latest generations of gas leaf blowers are lighter than they used to be, so check the product descriptions.
Our round-up of the best leaf blowers includes models with various weights. The lightest option is the Black & Decker LB700, weighing only 4.4 lbs. The heaviest option is the Poulan Pro PPBV25, a weighty 17 lbs — a big difference. You’ll want to factor in how you’ll use your leaf blower and for how long. Opt for a size that you’re capable of maneuvering around your plot. Remember, too, that the heavier models tend to be more powerful so that they may clear leaves more quickly than a less powerful option, so you won’t have to carry them for as long.