Leaf Blower Reviews & Buying Guide

A leaf blower is an indispensable tool for autumn cleanup and year‑round yard maintenance. Whether you need to clear dry leaves from a driveway, blow grass clippings off a sidewalk, or tidy gutters, the right blower will save time and effort. Models vary widely in power source, capacity and design, so understanding what features matter most will help you choose a blower that fits your property and workload.

Choosing a Power Source: Battery, Electric or Gas

Leaf blowers fall into three main categories based on how they’re powered.

• Battery‑powered blowers are the lightest and quietest. They start with the push of a button and eliminate the need for cords or fuel. Most run for 15–35 minutes per charge, making them ideal for light tasks like clearing decks and small patios. Rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries add to the upfront cost, but spare batteries can extend run time. Because battery blowers prioritize weight and portability, they produce less air volume and wind speed than corded or gas models and may struggle with wet leaves or heavy debris.

• Electric (corded) blowers plug into a standard outlet and provide unlimited runtime, making them a popular choice for homeowners. Mid‑range models are powerful enough for heavy jobs like piling leaves or cleaning gutters, yet they remain lightweight and inexpensive compared to gas units. The main downside is the extension cord—dragging a cord limits mobility and can become frustrating on long driveways or around obstacles. If you don’t mind managing a cord, electric blowers offer a great balance of power, weight and cost.

• Gas‑powered blowers deliver the highest wind speed and air volume, which is why professional landscapers rely on them. Gas blowers range from handheld units to backpack models. They can run for hours between refueling, handle wet leaves and pinecones, and don’t need power outlets. However, gas engines require regular maintenance, emit exhaust, and weigh more than electric models. Starting a gas blower also takes more effort—priming the fuel line, adjusting the choke and pulling the cord. For large properties or heavy-duty cleanup, the power and portability of gas equipment outweigh these drawbacks.

Handheld vs. Backpack Blowers

Handheld blowers are compact and easy to maneuver. They’re suitable for clearing small to medium‑sized areas, light debris and quick jobs. Backpack blowers shift the weight onto your shoulders via a harness, allowing for larger engines and higher air volume. They’re better for extended use and large yards where you need more power and less fatigue.

Reviews of Top Leaf Blowers

Below are four popular leaf blowers—two gas‑powered handheld models, a gas backpack blower, and a cordless battery blower. Each section summarizes the key features, advantages and potential downsides.

Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Gas Blower (See Our Full Review HERE)

This compact 2‑stroke blower is known for its light weight and high performance. It uses a 23.9 cc PureFire® engine that combines power with lower emissions.

• Key features

  • Power and speed: Produces a maximum air speed of 170 mph and an air volume of 441 CFM, giving it strong blowing force for a handheld unit.

  • Lightweight: Weighs just 8.6 lb, making it easy to carry and maneuver.

  • Easy starting: A purge primer removes air from the fuel system for quick starts; the large two‑finger throttle provides comfortable control.

  • Variable speed: Offers variable speed settings to adjust airflow for different tasks.

  • Durable engine: The 23.9 cc PureFire 2‑stroke engine requires a 50:1 fuel‑to‑oil mixture and is backed by a generous seven‑year consumer warranty.

• Pros: High air speed and volume for its size; very lightweight; reliable engine; long warranty.

• Considerations: No cruise control; engine requires mixing gas and oil; louder than battery or corded models.

• Best for: Homeowners who want a powerful yet lightweight gas blower for yard and driveway cleanup.

Makita BHX2500CA 4‑Stroke Handheld Blower (See Our Full Review HERE)

Makita’s BHX2500CA employs a commercial‑duty 24.5 cc 4‑stroke engine, which runs on straight unleaded fuel (no oil mixing) and meets strict EPA/CARB emissions standards. Though now discontinued, it remains a respected choice on the used market.

• Key features

  • Mechanical automatic engine decompression for quicker, easier starts.

  • Soft‑grip handle and cruise control lever to reduce vibration and operator fatigue during extended use.

  • Dual‑stage air filter that is replaceable and easy to access for maintenance.

  • Compact design: Weighs about 9.8 lb, lighter than many gas blowers with similar power.

  • Large capacity muffler keeps noise levels down to roughly 67 dB(A).

  • 24.5 cc 4‑stroke engine: Provides improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions while eliminating the need to mix oil and gasoline.

  • Performance: Delivers air volume of about 356 CFM and air speed around 145 mph. The 17.7 oz fuel tank offers long run time.

• Pros: Quieter and more fuel‑efficient than 2‑stroke engines; no oil mixing; ergonomic features like soft grip and cruise control.

• Considerations: Discontinued model may be hard to find new; slightly heavier than the Hitachi; still emits gas engine noise and exhaust.

• Best for: Users who prefer a handheld gas blower with 4‑stroke convenience and reduced emissions.

Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Blower (See Our Full Review HERE)

Designed for large properties and heavy‑duty use, the Husqvarna 350BT is a mid‑sized backpack blower powered by a 50.2 cc X‑Torq® 2‑stroke engine.

• Key features

  • High performance: Produces up to 180 mph of air speed and 494 CFM of air flow at the nozzle, making quick work of heavy, wet leaves and debris.

  • X‑Torq engine technology: Reduces harmful emissions by up to 60 percent while increasing fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent compared with older 2‑stroke designs.

  • Air purge system: Removes air from the carburetor and fuel lines to make starting easier.

  • Ergonomics: Features an offset handle that prevents the blower’s force from pulling your arm downward; adjustable handles and padded harness distribute weight comfortably.

  • LowVib® anti‑vibration system to reduce operator fatigue during long sessions.

  • Cruise control: Allows you to set and maintain a constant fan speed.

  • Specifications: Cylinder displacement 50.2 cc; power output 2.1 hp; weight about 22.5 lb; sound pressure around 71 dB.

• Pros: Exceptional blowing power; backpack design eases fatigue; reduces emissions relative to older gas models; includes ergonomic harness and vibration damping.

• Considerations: Heavier than handheld models; requires mixed fuel (2‑stroke); more expensive; overkill for small yards.

• Best for: Large properties, heavy leaf fall, or users who need the power and endurance of a backpack blower.

Greenworks 24252 G‑MAX 40V Cordless Blower (See Our Full Review HERE)

This lightweight cordless blower delivers freedom of movement without the noise or fumes of gas engines. It’s well‑suited to light residential tasks.

• Key features

  • Battery system: Uses a 40 V 2 Ah lithium‑ion battery (one battery and charger included) that provides up to about 15 minutes of run time per charge.

  • Performance: Maximum air speed of 150 mph and air volume of 135 CFM, adequate for sweeping driveways, patios and small yards.

  • Variable speed trigger: Allows you to tailor airflow to the task, from gentle sweeping to heavier blowing.

  • Ultra‑lightweight: Weighs only 5.2 lb with the battery installed (3.4 lb tool‑only), making it easy to hold with one hand.

  • Quiet operation: Noise level around 68 dB, quieter than most gas blowers.

  • Warranty: Backed by a 4‑year tool warranty.

• Pros: Inexpensive and easy to use; lightweight; no emissions; battery system is compatible with other Greenworks 40 V tools.

• Considerations: Relatively low air volume; limited run time (15 min); battery replacement adds to long‑term cost; not suitable for wet or heavy debris.

• Best for: Small yards or quick tasks where convenience and low weight matter more than power.

Buying Tips and Final Thoughts

Selecting the right leaf blower comes down to understanding your property size, the types of debris you need to clear, and your tolerance for noise and maintenance.

• Size of your yard: For large yards with heavy leaf fall, a gas backpack blower like the Husqvarna 350BT will move the most material quickly. For medium‑sized lawns and general maintenance, handheld gas blowers offer a good balance of power and portability. For small urban lots or patios, a lightweight cordless blower may be all you need.

• Power vs. weight: More powerful blowers are heavier. Ensure you can comfortably handle the weight, especially if you opt for a backpack model. Ergonomic handles, harnesses and anti‑vibration features help reduce fatigue.

• Runtime: Battery models are limited by charge time, while gas engines can run for hours. If you choose a cordless model, consider buying a spare battery to extend working time.

• Noise and emissions: Electric and battery blowers are quieter and environmentally friendly but offer less power. Gas engines deliver top performance but produce noise and exhaust; modern 4‑stroke and X‑Torq engines mitigate emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

By weighing these factors and reviewing the models above, you can find a leaf blower that makes yard cleanup faster and more enjoyable. Whether you prioritize raw power, low weight, or eco‑friendliness, there’s a blower to fit every need.