We rated, and tested, the best emissions free leaf blowers on the market. Here is what we found.
More cities and towns are banning gas powered blowers, due to noise and air pollution. If raking your leaves isn’t an option, keep your yard tidy with an electric leaf blower. Faster and less manually demanding than raking leaves by hand, electric leaf blowers are far quieter and much more eco-friendly than their gas-guzzling counterparts.
Small gas engines, like in leaf blowers, are worse polluters than large engines, such as in a conventional car or truck. This is because many consumer-grade blowers have a two-stroke engine, where gas and oil are mixed. This creates a toxic cocktail of:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrous oxide
- Hydrocarbons.
These air pollutants are some of the leading causes of global warming, smog, and acid rain.
One 2011 study found that leaf blowers emit 300 times the air pollutants as a pickup truck used for the same timeframe.
Unlike trucks, leaf blowers don’t have built-in systems for filtering or capturing emissions.
This pollution level is so inexcusable that California passed a ban on gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers that took effect in 2024. Other states are doing the same, with leaf blower bans of their own.
In contrast to gas blowers, electric leaf blowers are:
- Lightweight
- Less noisy
- Free of tailpipe emissions.
And if you charge the batteries using a renewable energy supply, such as from solar panels, your leaf blower is very green indeed!
How to choose a leaf blower
Gas versus electric isn’t the only consideration when choosing a leaf blower. Here are some other things to think about before buying:
| Size and weight | Power | Run-time |
|---|---|---|
| What total weight would you be comfortable carrying around your blower? | Leaf blowers are rated by the volume of air pushed through the unit, measured by cubic feet per minute (CFM) | For battery-operated models only (corded can run continuously) |
| Small handheld models will range from three to 15 pounds (depending on the battery) | Most range from 200 to 800 cfm | A measure of how long the blower can run for on a single charge |
| Larger, backpack-style models can weigh 30 pounds or more | Higher cfm means more power to move leaves and debris | Most range from 20-60 mins, depending on the power mode (for variable speed models) |
| Backpack blowers use straps to distribute weight, so could be easier to use than some handheld models. | Leaf blowers also have specs for the speed that air exits the blower (in miles per hour) | Turbo mode can cut the run-time by two-thirds or more |
| Most blowers are 100-250 mph | Low power modes can be sufficient for most jobs and extend run-time |
| Speed settings | Noise | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic leaf blowers offer only one operating speed | Gasoline-powered models are typically noisy: 90-102 decibels Ongoing noise over 70-75 dB is damaging to hearing | Electric leaf blowers range from $30 for basic models to nearly $1,000 for backpack styles |
| Higher-end models have variable speed settings that let you control rate of airflow | Electric blowers are noticeably quieter at under 75 dB | Bare tools (without battery or charger) are cheaper |
| High/turbo speed settings are great for moving heavy, wet leaves | Some municipalities have a legal cap on dB levels for residential leaf blowers (typically 65 or 70 dB) | Additional batteries can add another third or more to the total cost |
| Lower power modes help protect shrubbery and minimize noise | Super quiet models, under 60 dB are available | Batteries typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years, meaning ongoing costs |
| More noise doesn’t always equate to more power or efficiency |
Finally note that some leaf blowers come with extra features like leaf vacuums, collector bags, mulching attachments, and different nozzles for specific jobs. These add all-in-one functionality to the blower and can be a more affordable and efficient way to get yard tasks done while minimizing your tool collection and overall environmental impact.
Our top picks
Ego LB6503 Power+ 650 CFM
Highlights: Impressive blowing power, long run-time, ergonomic design and three power modes. And it’s surprisingly quiet, for a leaf blower.
- Quiet! 64 dBA
- Air volume: 225-470 cfm
- Turbo button offers impressive 650 cfm
- Air speed: 180 mph
- 4 Ah battery gets you up to 80 minutes run-time on regular mode
- Low power mode nets you 180 mins run-time!
- Lock on button for ultimate control
- High-efficiency, durable brushless motor
- IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
- 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
- Surprisingly heavy (12.9 lb.)
- Batteries have a 3-5 year lifespan only and are pricy
The Ego Power+ leaf blower packs a punch, even without a gas motor. It’s powered with a 4 Ah 56V ARC lithium battery that’s interchangeable between all Ego Power+ tools. Put it on its highest setting, and you’ll get up to 650 cfm for a blast powerful enough to move any leaves.
The blower boasts water-resistant construction and an ergonomic design, meaning you might not even notice the nearly 13 lb. weight.
A highly efficient brushless motor ensures a long run time with low vibrations for hand comfort. With the 4 Ah battery, you get up to 80 minutes run-time on regular. Upgrade to a 5 Ah battery and you get an impressive 90 minutes of run-time per battery charge on regular mode and up to 200 minutes on low mode. Unsurprisingly, this shrinks to just 15 minutes on Turbo with the 5 Ah, or around 10 mins with the 4 Ah.
Got a lot of blowing to do? Spare batteries are available (view on Ace Hardware).
EGO now offers a wide range of leaf blowers, with different air speeds, cfms, and battery configurations, or as bare tools (assuming you already have an EGO compatible battery). Tools range from around $149 to nearly $900 for commercial use, backpack style, super powerful blowers (one of which we include below). Check out EGO’s leaf blower collection at Ace Hardware.
Our experience
After a year of hands-on use, here’s what Leaf Score’s Taylor had to say about his experience with the Ego leaf blower:
Our property abuts a few acres of woods, so a leaf blower is a must. Once leaves start falling, we typically spend about an hour cleaning them up two or three times a week.
Much like our other Ego products, this leaf blower has been amazing. We got a 5 Ah battery and this provides enough run time to handle our front and back yards without issue. In the event that it’s not quite enough, we can easily swap in our other battery that came with our Ego mower.
The default power level is more than plenty for sidewalks, driveways, and short grass. I find the turbo button is often necessary for:
- Larger piles of leaves
- Longer yards where leaves are more tangled in the grass.
Liberal use of the turbo button drains the battery a lot faster though.
With neighbors on both sides, we wanted a blower that isn’t obnoxiously loud. We also wanted to avoid the need to store jugs of gasoline. The Ego leaf blower checks both boxes.
It is, of course, a leaf blower, so it’s not exactly quiet, but you won’t alert the entire neighborhood each time you use it, unlike with a gas leaf blower.
DeWalt 60V MAX DCBL777Y1 Leaf Blower
Highlights: High-power 780 CFM cordless blower with 157 MPH airspeed, lightweight design, and quiet operation. Versatile Flexvolt battery system for professional-grade performance.
- just $70 more than less powerful 772XL model
- Very lightweight for its power class (just 9.5 lb.!)
- Quiet operation (less than 65 dB)
- Versatile 60V/20V MAX Flexvolt battery system
- LED user interface for enhanced control
- High-efficiency brushless motor to maximize power and run-time
- Includes shoulder strap and multiple nozzles
- Higher price point
- Rear intake design could be improved
- May be more power than needed for small yards
The DeWalt 60V MAX DCBL777Y1 Leaf Blower Kit represents a significant upgrade in the cordless blower market. While EGO is still my top pick for a leaf blower, DeWalt is a fantastic choice too, especially if you already have DeWalt’s MAX Flexvolt system batteries for other tools.
This powerful handheld axial blower is only $70 more than the 772XL model that delivers less power and weighs a lot more. The 777YL boasts an impressive 780 CFM of air volume at speeds up to 157 MPH, making it a great fit for bigger residential yard tasks and professional users.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this model, though, is how it makes heavy duty leaf blowers accessible to more people, including petite users, seniors, and anyone who struggles with cumbersome hand tools. At just 9 pounds, this blower is surprisingly lightweight given its power, and it comes with a comfortable shoulder strap and speed lock control.
I also really like the LED user interface as this helps you manage run-time better to prevent that irritating hiatus when you’re right in the middle of a job.
This model is also quiet enough to satisfy most noise bylaws (less than 65 dB across all speed settings).
Unlike the cheaper 772XL, the 777YL come with interchangeable nozzles (flat and concentrator) to make it more versatile and task-focused.
The one downside to this model is that the design of the rear intake means it can jostle your leg or hip and obstruct airflow. Overall, though, this a top choice for a leaf blower that balances power, weight, and performance.
Toro PowerJet F700
Highlights: Lightweight, powerful, and impressively versatile, the Toro PowerJet is well-suited to most residential leaf removal tasks.
- Very affordable!
- Very light (just 6.6 lb.)
- Very powerful – 725 cfm
- Air speed: 140 mph
- Variable speed control to protect plants etc.
- One-handed leaf blower!
- Second pommel grip for more control at high power
- Louder than the EGO (70 dBA)
- Corded, so less room to roam
Light and easy to handle, the Toro PowerJet is perfect for any small-scale leaf removal project—so long as you have access to an outlet. It’s powerful enough to move around damp, matted leaves at its highest settings, but the variable-speed control ensures you don’t need to keep it at full blast when working around delicate landscaping.
The entire unit is designed for one-handed use, and the long, slightly curved handle lets you easily adjust the angle of airflow to minimize wrist strain.
There’s a second pommel grip on the front of the handle to give you extra control at the highest power settings.
At under $100, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any leaf blower for less at this performance level. So long as you’re willing to work within the confines of your outdoor extension cord, this unit is hard to beat.
EGO Commercial LBPX8004-2 Backpack Leaf Blower
Highlights: Powerful 800 CFM backpack blower with 190 mph air speed, 120-minute runtime, and quiet 65 dB operation. Built for professional-grade performance and durability.
- Powerful 800 CFM and 190 mph air speed
- Long run time (up to 120 mins) with dual batteries
- Quiet operation at 65 dB(A)
- Weather-resistant and durable construction – commercial-grade construction built for 5X longer life
- Comfortable ergonomic design – fully adjustable hand grip and tube
- Battery level indicator
- Speed control with turbo lock
- Interchangeable nozzles for precision jobs
- POWER+ Dual Port Charger (CH2800D) can charge one 6.0 Ah battery in 100 minutes or less
- May be overkill for small residential properties
- Heavy at 28.78 lbs with batteries (16 lb. bare tool + 12.78 lb. for two batteries)
- Expensive initial investment
- Longer charge time for batteries (up to 100 minutes)
- Short warranty – 2 Year Limited Parts and Labor
The EGO Commercial LBPX8004-2 Backpack Leaf Blower Kit is a more eco-friendly option for professional landscapers and homeowners with large properties. This battery-powered beast easily rivals the performance of 60cc gas engines but is much quieter, meaning you can usually use it even in areas with noise bylaws. At 65dB(A) from 50 feet, it meets ANSI noise standards.
The 1,900W brushless motor and Peak Power technology nets you an impressive run-time of nearly two hours on low from the two 56V 6.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries. Low setting is more than enough for most jobs, but if you need more power, you can still get:
- Up to 30 minutes run-time on high
- 25 minutes on turbo.
I appreciate that like all EGO products, this blower is built for durability, with IPX5-rated weather resistance and UV-resistant composite housing. As a commercial grade blower, though, this one has even greater durability (5-times residential tools, according to EGO).
It’s also quite comfortable, more so even than the larger handheld blowers that can quickly cause arm strain and fatigue. The ergonomic design includes cushioned shoulder straps and back pads, and easy digital controls include a turbo lock, so you don’t have to keep buttons depressed while using the blower.
Toro Ultra 260 mph 340 CFM 110 V Electric Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Highlights: Versatile 3-in-1 electric blower/vacuum/mulcher with 260 mph airspeed, variable control, and tool-free conversion. Powerful, quiet, and budget-friendly way to clean up your yard. A bit heavy though.
- Powerful 260 mph air speed and 340 CFM
- 3-in-1 functionality: blower, vacuum, and mulcher
- Tool-free conversion between blower and vacuum modes
- Infinitely variable speed control knob for task-specific performance
- Built-in cord locking hook for safety
- Efficient mulching capability (88% reduction)
- Relatively quiet operation at 68 decibels
- Multiple attachments for versatile cleaning
- Affordable price point at $130
- Corded design limits mobility
- Some users find it heavy for extended use
- Limited availability of replacement parts for certain components
- Not as powerful as some gas-powered alternatives
The Toro Ultra Electric Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher is a versatile 3-in-1 tool designed to tackle various yard clean-up tasks with ease. This corded electric model makes short work of:
- Debris
- Sticks
- Large, heavy, wet leaves.
The variable speed control lets you blast what needs blasting, while preserving your azaleas.
One standout feature is how quickly you can switch the Toro Ultra from blower to vacuum mode. This takes mere seconds, and you don’t need any tools.
Vacuum mode uses a durable and rugged metal (not plastic) impeller to efficiently shred leaves and debris. This reduces 88% of mulched material to less than ½ inch in size, meaning you can pack a lot more into the collection bag. That’s great for efficiency (fewer stops to empty the bag), but can mean a very heavy load to schlep around.
In fact, the weight of the Toro Ultra is the most common complaint. At 8 lb., this tool is heavier than many corded models, albeit ones without vacuum capabilities. The upside is greater durability and performance, with many years of reliable use.
Unfortunately, the other main downside of this model is a scarcity of replacement parts. That can mean a long wait for maintenance. My top tip, have spares on hand, just in case they’re not available to buy when you really need them.
The Toro Ultra includes a plethora of attachments, including:
- Main blower tube
- two insert tubes, including Power insert
- Concentrator nozzle – to move stubborn leaves and debris out of cracks and edging
- Inlet cover
- Two vacuum tubes
- Bottom zip bag..
All of these help you to tackle various cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Oh, and the Toro Ultra is pretty quiet, for its power. At 68 decibels, this model shouldn’t disturb your neighbors too much and will usually satisfy municipal noise regulations.
DeWalt 60V MAX DCBL772X1 Leaf Blower
Highlights: Powerful 600 CFM cordless blower with 125 MPH airspeed, variable control, and Flexvolt battery compatibility. Professional-grade performance for diverse cleaning tasks.
- Plenty powerful, and slightly more affordable than DeWalt’s super powerful 777YL
- 60V/20V MAX Flexvolt battery system works with wide range of DeWalt tools
- Variable speed control for task-specific performance
- Brushless motor for improved efficiency, lifespan, and run-time
- Durable construction for heavy-duty and professional use
- 3 year Limited Parts and Labor warranty
- 68 dB operation
- Some users report shorter battery life than expected
- Heavier than some competing models at 12 pounds
- May require additional batteries for extended use
- No interchangeable nozzle connections for focused blowing
- Can be hard to get battery into the tool
The DeWalt 60V MAX DCBL772X1 Leaf Blower Kit is a cordless solution for professional landscapers and homeowners with a lot of debris clearance and leaf blowing to tackle.
Designed for heavy-duty use, this tool is as robust as you’d expect from DeWalt (i.e., very robust!). As someone who owns a bunch of DeWalt’s other power tools, I appreciate the ability to use the included 20V/60V MAX Flexvolt 3.0Ah battery across all those tools.
The downside to this model is that it weighs 12 pounds, which is quite a bit more than the corded alternatives. Still, this is still fairly maneuverable and a touch lighter than the EGO LB6503 (our top pick; 12.9 lb.), though it’s far less powerful and quite a bit noisier.
I like that this model has a variable control with speed lock, so you don’t have to constantly monitor settings and avoid jostling the knob. This also means you can use the leaf blower one-handed and avoid finger fatigue from holding down controls.
Common complaints include shorter-than-expected battery life, especially for larger jobs. I’d definitely recommend getting additional batteries (look for sales!). In fact, I’d suggest getting DeWalt’s 9 Ah or 12 Ah batteries for extra run-time across the tool range.
Overall, the DeWalt 60V MAX DCBL772X1 offers professional-grade power and flexibility in a cordless package, making it a solid choice for both homeowners and professionals in need of a high-performance leaf blower.
Litheli 40V Cordless Leaf Blower
Highlights: Ultra lightweight and reasonably priced, the Litheli is an excellent battery-operated lead blower that is limited only by a sub-30 minute run time and fiddly controls
- Very affordable
- Weighs just 5.7 lb.!
- Air volume: 350 cfm
- Air speed: 92 mph
- Quiet: 67 dB
- Variable speed, with turbo mode
- Batteries compatible with other Lithelli tools
- Built-in metal scraper to clear build-up for better airflow
- Speed controls tricky to use one-handed (no control lock)
- Not as powerful as more modern leaf blowers from EGO, DeWalt, Toro, etc.
For those with small to moderate-sized yards, the Litheli 40V is a budget-friendly battery-operated leaf blower to consider. It operates under variable speed to ensure you can control the amount of power needed for the job. But, as it comes in under six pounds with the battery, weight is where the Litheli really stands out.
It’s easy to carry around and use one-handed (for the most part) for as long as the battery will last—which tends to be well over thirty minutes.
While the blower averages between 45-76 mph at normal settings, the turbo mode gives a boost up to 92 mph. Customer reviews indicate it works well for clearing wet leaves and other debris across all surfaces, but the speed controls are tricky to handle one-handed.
Also included is a built-in metal scraper around the mouth of the blower tube that helps you remove pileups of wet leaves.
If you own other Litheli tools, you can swap this blower’s battery between them.
Black + Decker 7-Amp Electric Leaf Blower
Highlights: Ideal for those who prefer no-frills power tools, this Black + Decker model will work reasonably well for small leaf removal projects.
- Very lightweight corded option (4.7 lb.)
- Air Volume: 180 cfm
- Air Speed: 180 mph
- Unlimited run-time due to steady power
- Very loud: 86 dB (won’t meet most noise regulations)
- Best for smaller tasks like clearing light leaves on walkway or decking
- Just one speed setting
- Cord is short – extension cord is a must!
Simple and light, this Black & Decker blower will get the job done—so long as that job is small. This blower is far from powerful, but it’s well-suited for clearing walkways or a deck when the leaves are light.
Weighing under five pounds, it’s a blower almost anyone can handle.
While the blower comes with a 7-amp motor, it only operates under one speed setting. As with all corded electric models, you’ll gain the convenience of an unlimited run time at the cost of maneuverability.
Customer reviews share that the included cord is short, so you may want to invest in an extension cord.
Greenworks 40V Brushless Cordless Blower
Highlights: Powerful, reasonably lightweight, and long-lasting, this Greenworks leaf blower and vacuum/mulcher is a well-rounded machine for most residential yard work.
- Fairly light (9.8 lb. with battery, 5.6 lb. without)
- Air Volume: 340 cfm
- Air Speed: 185 mph
- Brushless motor for longevity, efficiency, and better run-time
- Variable speed dial with six settings
- Turbo mode
- Compatible battery with more than 60 power tools
- 120-minute charge time
- Louder than some models: 71 dB
- Narrower blower tube best for focused work
- 40V G-MAX and 40V Lithium-Ion Batteries are not cross compatible.
This Greenworks leaf blower provides power and quality in one machine and is one of the few good options combining a leaf blower with vacuum/mulcher: Just attach the included vacuum tube to the bottom of the machine.
The brushless motor gives two times more torque than comparable blowers. It comes with a variable speed dial with six settings, including a high-powered Turbo mode (the blower will run for up to 21 minutes at the highest setting).
Note that this blower’s tube is slightly narrower than other brands. This allows for a more focused airflow but a narrower working space, which tends to be best suited to detail work.
Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Jet Fan Blower
Highlights: This mid-tier battery-operated leaf blower won’t leave you wowed, but its ultra-quiet motor makes it a win for those with noise restrictions.
- Incredibly quiet (for a leaf blower): 59 dB
- Very light: 8.08 lb.
- Air Volume: 550 cfm
- Air Speed: 125 mph
- Variable speed control including Turbo mode
- Short run-time on Turbo mode
- Not as powerful as top choices
Ryobi offers a solid middle-of-the-pack leaf blower that won’t wow you with features but can consistently get the job done.
While this cordless blower isn’t as powerful as the Ego LB6503 or the DeWalt 777YL, it offers an adjustable, arguably more ergonomic handle and is super quiet. At just 59 dB at maximum power, it’s the industry’s quietest handheld blower and is no louder than background music.
As with most blowers these days, the Ryobi offers variable speeds and a Turbo mode for high-powered projects. Unfortunately, the run-time on Turbo is just 18 minutes, so this really is best for lighter jobs.
If you’re already familiar with the Ryobi power tool family, this blower is a great choice to extend the use of those batteries. Otherwise, you’re looking at spending an extra $150 or so to get a charger and battery with the bare tool.
Final Thoughts: Corded or Battery-Operated?
One of the first things you need to decide when choosing a leaf blower is whether to go cordless. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of battery versus corded leaf blower:
| Corded leaf blower | Cordless leaf blower |
|---|---|
| Usually lighter | Heavier due to batteries |
| Usually cheaper | More expensive upfront / ongoing battery replacement costs |
| Usually quieter | Quieter than gas leaf blowers but typically louder than corded |
| Steady power with no run-time issues | Need to recharge batteries |
| Need to be in reach of a power outlet | More flexible on where you can use them |
| Best for: small yards and pathways near homes or businesses; folks needing a lighter tool | Best for: small projects, use away from power outlets, folks with batteries from other tools |
Unlike corded models, you can use battery electric leaf blowers anywhere. The tradeoff is that they weigh more and typically only run for under an hour before needing to recharge. The best blowers let you switch out batteries, so you can keep working with the spare while your battery charges.
My advice, settle on an outdoor tool brand and enjoy use of the same batteries for your leaf blower, lawn mower, string trimmers, chainsaws, and more.