We also talked to Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Equip Exposition, and Adam Woodhams, garden, lawn, and landscape professional and host of Gardner’s Clippings on YouTube, to find out what are the most important things to consider with cordless leaf blowers. “A major factor to consider when purchasing a leaf blower is its mobility,” Kiser says. “Consider how long you may need to operate it when selecting equipment. The size of your yard, volume of leaves, and distance you have to carry the blower can all become factors that impact usage.” Overall, our top recommendation for the best cordless leaf blower is the Makita Brushless Cordless Blower because it’s moderately priced, lightweight, and powerful. We also found options that are perfect for someone with a small yard or an acreage and everything in between. Here are the best cordless leaf blowers. Keep in Mind: The battery lasted for 12 minutes in our testing. One feature our product testers really liked was the multiple power options. They said it was easy to hold with one hand and to adjust power control with the other hand. You can also use the speed lock function (think of it like cruise control on your car) for continuous use. Users also have the option to use the variable speed trigger function to adjust the speed. Using this trigger function will extend the run time, but if you keep the leaf blower running continuously, it will drain the battery faster. One feature our testers appreciated was the power boost. To engage the power boost they had to have the speed lock set, and then they could engage the trigger for more power. The only downside of this model was the battery run time; our testers ran the unit for 12 minutes before the battery died. Overall, we recommend this lightweight cordless because it’s lightweight and affordable. It’s powerful enough to clear leaves quickly, but it may not be suited for an expansive landscape that would take more time to clear. Price at time of publish: $199 Product Details: Power: 18 volts | Runtime: 12 minutes | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Speed: Up to 116 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: 459 CFM | Noise Level: 60 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower, battery, charger Keep in Mind: Run time averages around 15 minutes, so you might want to have two batteries on hand if you have a big area to cover. Our testers commented that they felt in control of this leaf blower, and it was easy to maneuver and use. The leaf blower cleared all conditions we tested, it was lightweight, and it was easy to handle with one hand. Although it’s lightweight, we found it very powerful. It has a variable speed up to 100 miles per hour (MPH) with an air flow capacity of 280 cubic feet per minute (CFM), and our testers noted that this blower quickly got up to full power. The official battery runtime listed by the manufacturer is 15-20 minutes, but our tester was able to use it for 30 minutes before the battery ran out. It took two to three hours to charge the battery, so you may want to consider having two batteries on hand so you can charge one while using the other. The only other downside we noticed was that this leaf blower was pretty loud compared to other models of cordless leaf blower we tested. Because of its powerful performance, it’s the best cordless leaf blower for those looking for an affordable option. Price at time of publish: $159 Product Details: Power: 18 volts | Runtime: 15-20 minutes | Weight: 6 pounds | Speed: Up to 100 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: 280 CFM | Noise Level: 65 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower, battery, charger Keep in Mind: It weighs 12 pounds, so it’s heavier than several others on this list. This cordless leaf blower also performed well in all of our tests, clearing leaves in just seconds, with a variable speed up to 145 MPH. One feature that made this model easy to use was that the testers could set the desired speed and then turn it on. Our testers appreciated that they could set a dial and let the leaf blower blow at a predetermined speed and strength so they didn’t have to hold down a button the entire time. This kit comes with a 7.5 AH arc lithium battery with a fuel gauge and a charger, which is compatible with all Ego outdoor power equipment. The manufacturer information listed the decibel level at 64, but our testers found it to be a bit louder than that; however, they felt the sound level was tolerable and much quieter than a gas-powered backpack leaf blower. Overall, we recommend this cordless leaf blower for those with a large yard or with yards that have a lot of trees. It’s a heavy-duty blower that can quickly move leaves and debris. Price at time of publish: $581 Product Details: Power: 56 volts | Runtime: 180 minutes | Weight: 12 pounds | Speed: Up to 145 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: Up to 600 CFM | Noise Level: 64 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower with an adjustable tube, battery, charger, backpack harness with waist belt Keep in Mind: It may be too powerful for small spaces. Our testers were impressed by the power of this leaf blower and noted it was an effective leaf blower with multiple power settings. The first setting cleared most conditions, including wet leaves, and they also noted that it was lightweight and easy to handle with one hand. The manufacturer recommends using the lower power setting on hard surfaces, such as driveways and patios. The higher power setting delivers speeds up to 90 MPH, which works best for working around shrubs in the landscape and moving leaves across grass. With the extra battery life, this lightweight cordless leaf blower can handle big jobs, and we recommend this leaf blower for homeowners with a medium to large size yard. An added benefit our testers noted was that this leaf blower wasn’t as loud as they expected it to be. We like this leaf blower because it has a long battery life, it’s quieter than some of the other models we tested, and it’s more affordable than some of the other options. Price at time of publish: $220 Product Details: Power: Two 20V batteries | Runtime: 180 minutes | Weight: 7 pounds | Speed: Up to 90 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: Up to 430 CFM | Noise Level: 65 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower, two batteries, charger Keep in Mind: It’s not as powerful as others on our list, so it may take longer to clear leaves from one spot. During our testing, this leaf blower cleared leaves off of concrete much faster than it cleared leaves on grass. One tester said they had to make two or three passes with the blower to move leaves in the grass. There is only one power setting, so they had to hold the blower low to the ground to get the air under the leaves to lift them up. The biggest benefit of this cordless leaf blower is that it weighs less than 4 pounds, and the testers were able to operate it with one hand. Occasionally, they used two hands to help direct the flow with more precision, but it was light enough that their forearms didn’t get tired. A drawback we found was that the cordless leaf blower had lower power than some of the other models we tested. Our testers didn’t like that they had to bend down to get the air low enough to move the leaves on grassy surfaces, and it wasn’t comfortable for our taller testers to use. Overall, we recommend this cordless leaf blower for small yards and outdoor hard surfaces. Price at time of publish: $99 Product Details: Power: 20V battery | Runtime: 25 minutes | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Speed: Up to 130 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: Not listed | Noise Level: 61 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower, tube, one battery, charger Keep in Mind: It takes extra effort and a screwdriver to assemble it for the first time. Specifically, our testers liked the variable speeds so they could clear leaves with precision, and they appreciated that there are multiple ways to control power. One is like a trigger, and the testers used that feature the most so they could turn it off easily to improve accuracy, and the other speed control keeps it on at a constant speed. The backpack design helps distribute the weight evenly and makes it easier to maneuver. One of our shorter testers commented that it was a little unwieldy for her to get it on because it was so big. Once she had the backpack on and was using it, it felt very manageable. We recommend this cordless leaf blower for homeowners with a large yard. It performed well in quickly clearing leaves across a large expanse of lawn, and the testers also liked that they could easily control the power while working around obstacles. The only drawback was the size for some of our smaller testers. Price at time of publish: $350 Product Details: Power: 80 volts | Runtime: 18 minutes | Weight: 14.68 pounds | Speed: Up to 180 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: 610 CFM | Noise Level: 98 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower with backpack, blower tube, one battery, charger Keep in Mind: The power starts to wane a little toward the end of the battery life. One tester noted that they liked being able to control the power two ways, either on all the time or by using the trigger function to control on and off for things like the flower bed. The other option is a speed lock feature, which allows users to set the speed and turn it on, and then it will maintain the set speed without the users having to hold down a button. Our testers liked this option when clearing leaves from a wide open lawn as it felt more comfortable not having to keep a tight grip on a button while operating the leaf blower. Another feature that made this cordless leaf blower comfortable to use is that it’s lightweight. It weighed less than 7 pounds, which made it manageable to operate with one hand. Overall, we recommend this cordless leaf blower for yards because of its multiple power options which make it versatile for clearing both lawns and garden beds. Price at time of publish: $267 Product Details: Power: 20 volts | Runtime: 12 minutes | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Speed: Up to 125 MPH | Air Flow Capacity: 450 CFM | Noise Level: 61 decibels | Accessories: Cordless blower, one battery, charger
Our Testing Process
This was a blind product test of 25 cordless leaf blowers, and our testers didn’t know the brand until after they completed each task and made their performance ratings. They gave each product a rating from one to five based on the ease of setup, battery life, ease of use, portability, and noise level. To determine the effectiveness of each product, the testers performed a series of tasks removing leaves from a 10 x 10-foot area. They tested how long it took the cordless leaf blowers to remove dry leaves and then wet leaves on grass, and they also tested how long it took to remove dry and wet leaves on concrete. To measure the accuracy of the cordless leaf blowers, they also noted how long it took to move leaves on grass and on concrete into a box. We used their ratings and the timed tests to determine the seven best cordless leaf blowers.
What to Know About Cordless Leaf Blowers Before Shopping
Power
Most of the cordless leaf blowers we tested had an 18-volt, 20-volt, 40-volt, or 80-volt battery. You may also notice an Ah rating on the batteries, which stands for ampere hours or amp hours. “Basically, higher voltages and higher Ah give you better run-times and more power,” says Adam Woodhams, garden, lawn, and landscape professional and host of Gardner’s Clippings on YouTube.
Runtime
Most of the best cordless leaf blowers we tested ran for 10-25 minutes at full power, which is enough time to clear a small yard or a specific landscaping area. A couple of the more powerful cordless leaf blowers could run for three hours on a single charge, and our testers felt that these models were better suited to large landscapes.
Weight
Our testers noted that cordless leaf blowers that weighed 7 pounds or less were easy to operate with one hand and didn’t cause fatigue as quickly. They noticed a big difference when handling leaf blowers that were more than 8 pounds; most testers commented that their arms tired out quickly with the heavier units. If you have a big yard and need a more powerful cordless leaf blower, we recommend going with a backpack version that better distributes the weight of the unit.
Speed Settings
There are two important speed settings you’ll want to pay attention to: MPH and CFM. Miles per hour (MPH) refers to the speed of the air coming out of the leaf blower. Cubic feet per minute (CFM) measures how much air is passing by a stationary point in one minute. Generally speaking, the bigger the numbers are the more power the leaf blower will have. We like cordless leaf blowers that have adjustable speeds so you can have more control. Regardless of the speed, Kiser recommends maintaining a safe distance when using a leaf blower. “Never point an operating leaf blower in the direction of people or pets. Make sure bystanders, including other people using leaf blowers, are at least 50 feet away before you turn on your leaf blower,” Kiser says.
Noise Level
Cordless leaf blowers are significantly quieter than gas-powered leaf blowers. Many manufacturers list the decibels at 60-70 decibels, the noise level of a conversation. Our testers felt like they were a bit louder than that, comparing them to background noise in a busy restaurant. Overall, the best cordless leaf blowers are much quieter than gas-powered leaf blowers.
Accessories
Most of the cordless leaf blowers we tested came with the blower, a battery, and some sort of tube. In some instances, this tube just lengthened the blower. In other models, the end of the tube narrows or has flexible ends, and this design improved precision when trying to move leaves in a specific direction. There are also a few cordless leaf blowers that come with a backpack harness, and this made it easier to operate heavy, more powerful cordless leaf blowers.
Other Cordless Leaf Blowers We Tested
Toro 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 110 MPH 565 CFM Leaf Blower
The Toro 60-Volt Brushless Cordless Leaf Blower performed well in our tests and was able to move leaves out of the 10 x 10 area, but it wasn’t as fast or powerful as some of the other models we tested. Weighing in at 10 pounds, this model is also 3-4 pounds heavier than many of the other handheld cordless leaf blowers, making it more difficult to maneuver.
Craftsman V20
Our testers thought the Craftsman V20 cordless leaf blower would work well for small spaces, but it was slow to clear leaves from larger spaces. Although it weighed less than 5 pounds, one tester commented that their arm felt fatigued because it took so long to clear one area.
Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Axial Leaf Blower
This Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Axial Leaf Blower was able to complete all the tasks in our test, but it was slower to clear the area than other products we tested. One tester commented that they needed to get closer to the targeted leaves to get them to move. Since this model took longer to remove leaves, testers commented that the nearly 9-pound tool felt too heavy.
Your Questions, Answered
Which cordless leaf blower has the longest run time?
The Ego POWER+ 600 CFM Backpack Blower and the Worx 40V Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower Power Share with Brushless Motor both have runtimes of 180 minutes. The Ego backpack blower is more of a splurge, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you have a lot of land to cover. If you’re looking for a handheld model with a long battery life, then the Worx blower would be a good option. With dual batteries, it offers a much longer runtime than the other handheld units.
What is the most powerful cordless leaf blower?
The Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower is the most powerful cordless leaf blower we tested. Most of the cordless leaf blowers we tested had an 18-volt, 20-volt, 40-volt, or 80-volt battery, and this one is at the top of the list with an 80-volt battery. It can blow up to 180 MPH, and it has an air flow capacity of 610 CFM.
What is a good MPH for a leaf blower?
Most of the cordless leaf blowers on our list had a top speed over 100 MPH, although there was one of the lighter-weight models that listed 90 MPH as its top speed. Cordless leaf blowers with a speed of 100-150 MPH are good for general use, but if you have a lot of leaves to move or you have a large space to cover, opt for something more powerful.
Who We Are
Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best cordless leaf blowers, she considered insights from testers, who tested each pick at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Equip Exposition and Adam Woodhams, garden, lawn, and landscape professional for additional insight.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
