Best Leaf Blowers to Buy This Fall: 5 Picks
For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ LB6504 is the best leaf blower to buy this fall: its cordless design avoids gas mixing and extension cords, while strong airflow and a variable-speed trigger make it versatile for routine yard cleanup. Choose it if you already use EGO 56-volt batteries or want a capable standalone kit; for large properties or a tighter budget, the right pick may be a gas or corded model instead.
What to Look For
Airflow and air speed: Manufacturers commonly list cubic feet per minute (CFM), a measure of air volume, and miles per hour (MPH), a measure of air speed. CFM helps move broad piles; speed helps loosen wet leaves and debris. Neither number tells the whole story, and comparisons are most useful when the figures were measured similarly. A variable-speed trigger or cruise control is often more useful than a high maximum rating alone.
Power source: Battery models are convenient, quieter than most gas blowers, and need little routine maintenance, but runtime and replacement-battery cost matter. Gas models suit extended work away from outlets, at the cost of fuel, upkeep, noise, and exhaust. Corded electric models are affordable and light, but the cord limits reach and needs careful management.
Weight, balance, and controls: A blower that feels manageable for a few minutes can become tiring over a full cleanup. Check the weight with the battery installed, how the handle balances in use, and whether speed controls are easy to operate. A shoulder strap or backpack harness can help with heavier machines.
Kit and intended debris: Compare bare-tool and complete-kit versions; batteries and chargers can make a noticeable difference to the total cost. Consider whether you need to clear dry leaves from a patio or move damp, matted leaves across a large lawn. Wet debris generally takes more power and time. Wear hearing and eye protection, keep people and pets clear, and avoid blowing dust toward others or into storm drains.
EGO Power+ LB6504: Best Overall Cordless
This 56-volt handheld blower is a strong all-rounder for homeowners who want cordless convenience without giving up substantial blowing force. The variable-speed trigger and turbo setting let you adjust output for lighter paths or tougher piles, and it works within EGO’s battery platform. It is a sensible choice for medium and larger yards when a charged spare battery is available for longer sessions.
Trade-offs: Turbo use drains the battery faster, and the complete kit costs more than a basic corded blower. Battery capacity, kit contents, and availability can vary by retailer, so verify what is included. Best for: buyers who value a capable cordless tool and may share batteries with other EGO equipment.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series: Best for a Quieter Cleanup
Ryobi’s 40-volt brushless Whisper Series models are worth considering when reduced operating noise is a priority. They avoid fuel and cords, offer adjustable output on applicable models, and fit the broad Ryobi 40V tool-and-battery system. That makes them convenient for neighborhood use and for people who already own compatible batteries.
Trade-offs: “Whisper” does not mean silent, and exact airflow, controls, and included battery depend on the model number. Do not assume every Ryobi 40V blower has the same performance. Best for: homeowners who want a cordless option with noise-conscious design and can compare the specifications of the exact model on sale.
Greenworks 80V Brushless Blower: Best for a Large Yard
Greenworks’ 80-volt brushless handheld blowers offer a higher-voltage cordless platform for people who need more muscle than basic battery models provide. Depending on the specific model and kit, features can include variable speed and a high-output mode. The platform can be attractive if you already own Greenworks 80V outdoor equipment.
Trade-offs: High output can use battery charge quickly, and the tool-plus-battery combination may feel heavy during extended work. Specifications and kit contents differ across versions, so check the model number rather than relying on voltage alone. Best for: larger residential properties where cordless mobility matters and the buyer is comfortable budgeting for suitable battery capacity.
Toro PowerJet F700: Best Corded Value
The Toro PowerJet F700 is a practical corded electric choice for yards near an outdoor outlet. It offers substantial airflow for its class and avoids battery replacement costs, fuel, and engine maintenance. For patios, driveways, and compact lawns, plugging in can be simpler than keeping batteries charged.
Trade-offs: The cord restricts movement, and an extension cord must be appropriate for the tool and used according to its manual. Keep it behind you and away from the nozzle, wet areas, and cutting or crushing hazards. Best for: budget-minded owners with a smaller area and a safe, convenient power outlet.
Echo PB-2520: Best Gas Handheld
The Echo PB-2520 is a gas-powered handheld option for buyers who want to work without charging batteries or managing an extension cord. It is suited to recurring cleanup on properties where portability and longer continuous sessions are important, and it comes from a brand with a broad outdoor-power equipment dealer network.
Trade-offs: Gas engines are louder and require fuel handling and regular maintenance; the PB-2520 is not a substitute for a backpack blower on very large properties. Follow the manual for the correct fuel, starting, storage, and maintenance procedures, and never run an engine indoors or in an enclosed space. Best for: owners who prefer gas and accept its upkeep and noise.
How to Choose
Start with the yard. For a small paved area, a corded blower or a modest battery model may be plenty. For a typical suburban yard, a handheld cordless blower offers a good balance of reach and convenience. A large lot, long sessions, or frequent wet-leaf cleanup may justify a high-capacity battery setup or gas. For extensive properties, consider a backpack blower rather than assuming a more powerful handheld will be comfortable.
Set a total budget. Compare complete kits, not just tool prices. A bare tool is a bargain only if you already own a compatible battery and charger. If you are starting from scratch, account for the battery, charger, and perhaps a spare. Corded models often cost less upfront; gas ownership adds fuel and maintenance expenses over time.
Choose convenience versus endurance. Battery power is easy to start and maintain, but runtime varies with battery capacity, operating speed, debris, and technique. Gas can run longer with refueling but brings more noise and upkeep. Corded power avoids battery limits, but only where the cord can reach safely. For any type, lower settings are quieter and can conserve energy while reducing the chance of scattering mulch or gravel.
Check the exact configuration. Product families include different versions, and retailers may sell the same blower with different batteries or no battery at all. Confirm the model number, included accessories, weight with battery, warranty terms, and whether the battery works with tools you own. If possible, handle the blower before buying: comfort and balance affect how useful it will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What matters more, CFM or MPH?
Both matter: CFM indicates air volume for moving piles, while MPH describes air speed for loosening debris. Compare the exact model and its controls rather than choosing by one headline figure.
Are battery leaf blowers powerful enough for wet leaves?
Some higher-output models can shift small amounts of damp debris, but wet, matted leaves are harder to move and shorten battery runtime. A rake or a more powerful blower may be more effective for heavy buildup.
How long does a cordless blower run?
There is no single runtime. It depends on battery capacity, speed setting, conditions, and the specific model. Check manufacturer estimates for the included battery and expect less time at maximum output.
Is a gas blower worth buying?
It can make sense for long sessions or places without convenient charging or outlets. For smaller yards, battery or corded models usually avoid the fuel, noise, and maintenance that come with gas.
Can I use a leaf blower on gravel or mulch?
Yes, with care. Use a low setting, hold the nozzle at an angle, and test a small area first. Strong airflow can scatter loose material.
Bottom Line
The EGO Power+ LB6504 is the strongest general recommendation for homeowners seeking a capable cordless blower, particularly if its battery platform fits their other tools. Choose the Toro PowerJet F700 for a low-cost, outlet-accessible yard; consider Ryobi or Greenworks if you prefer their battery ecosystems, and choose the Echo PB-2520 when gas-powered portability suits the workload. Match the exact model and battery kit to your property, not just the biggest number on the box.
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