What are the Best Cordless Leaf Blowers? Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Tire of dealing with gas or extension cords? A battery powered leaf blower may be your best option.

If you are a homeowner and looking for a leaf blower, there is a good chance a cordless model will fit the bill.  They are convenient, good for the environment and just as capable as gas or electric powered models…especially now with lithium-ion batteries.

There are dozens of different blower brands and models on the market, and the process of determining which one is right for you can be overwhelming.  I have streamlined this process for you by providing comprehensive research for the market’s best cordless leaf blowers.

Our Top Cordless Leaf Blowers:

• DEWALT DCBL720P1: #1 Choice for most people
• GreenWorks 24322: Good if you are also looking for a leaf vacuum
• Makita XBU02PT1: Longest lasting out of all the models reviewed
• Kobalt KHB 400B-06: Great mid level blower for those looking to save some money
• Husqvarna 230iB: Slightly less noisy to keep the neighbors happy
• WORX WG545.1: Best for included attachments
• BLACK+DECKER LSW221: Best budget model

Cordless Leaf Blower Reviews

1) DEWALT DCBL720P1 XR Brushless Leaf Blower

Pros:

• 400 CFM & 90 MPH Axial fan is VERY powerful
• Has a speed lock and variable speed control trigger for total user control
• Includes a 5.0Ah 20V Max lithium-ion battery plus charger

Cons:

• The battery drains too quickly when full throttle speed is used

The DEWALT DCBL720P1 lithium-ion XR brushless blower has an innovative axial fan design to maximize air output and run time, producing 400 CFM of air-volume at 90 MPH. Its lightweight (7.1 pounds), compact design is ergonomically built to maximize control while reducing stress on your arms.

The 20V lithium-ion battery generates a noise rating of 61 dB(A) making it ideal for noise-restricted communities or properties. Part of the 20V MAX line of tools, a dead battery can be interchanged quickly with another power tool from the same line, saving you time waiting on the empty battery to charge.

This cordless machine has a super sensitive speed control, a large blower tube, and a stand.

I own this model and consider it to be the best battery-operated leaf blower for most homeowners.

2) GreenWorks 24322 Cordless Blower

Pros:

• Brushless motor provides excellent power (185 MPH)
• Variable speed control dial – including a turbo button – is great for multiple applications
• Comfortable ergonomic design

Cons:

• Vacuum does not work well with wet leaves
• Battery life could be longer

The GreenWorks 24322 is a lightweight (5.6 pounds) 40V battery-powered leaf blower and vacuum that uses brushless motor technology, delivering air volume at 340 CFM and 185 MPH wind speed.

One of the great features of the G-Max 24322 is its motor. This equates to a longer runtime on a single battery charge, and more mulching before you need to recharge the battery – important features in a cordless leaf blower. A single charge will allow users to collect approximately 4.5 bags filled with leaves and debris.

A push-button start makes it easy to turn on. The variable speed control dial and turbo button deliver on-demand power, allowing you to quickly adjust to varying conditions in your yard. Matted leaves are no problem with this battery-powered workhorse. 

The built-in safety switch on the blower gate kills the blower if the gate accidentally opens during use, to prevent the user from getting hurt.

3) Makita XBU02PT1 Cordless Leaf Blower

Likes

• Extremely powerful (120 MPH & 473 CFM)
• Includes extra 2 batteries for additional runtime
• Fairly quiet – 61 DBA

Dislikes

• More expensive than competitors
• Heavy

The Makita XBU02PT1 is an excellent and very powerful blower from a reputable brand. It is considered by some professionals to be the best lithium-ion cordless leaf blower available in the industry.

The BL™ Brushless motor is one of the top motors available, from a reputable leader in power tools.  

Unlike other similar models, the XBU02PT1 uses 2 batteries to power the motor versus one, adding to the overall carrying weight making it one of the heavier models. It comes with 2 extra batteries to limit downtime but has a fairly quick battery charge time of about 45 minutes.

This cordless leaf blower only comes with a 1-year warranty – for a product of this price, I think it should be longer.

4) Kobalt KHB 400B-06 Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower

Likes

• 80V Max Battery provides lots of power
• Fantastic Warranty – 5 years
• Long runtime – up to 70 minutes on the low setting

Dislikes

• When used on the max setting, the battery only lasts about 15 minutes
• A few consumers said the unit was dead on arrival

Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by this product. In the past, I have always viewed Kobalt (Lowe’s house brand) to be of lower quality. I was wrong.

The high-velocity axial jet fan produces air volumes up to 500-CFM moving up to 125-MPH to quickly clear leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris from your property. Equipped with 3 speed selections and a variable speed trigger, you can increase or decrease airflow depending on the task.

On the lowest power setting expect a runtime close to 70 minutes. 80V lithium-ion batteries recharge in 30 minutes to minimize downtime.

This is a very high-quality product and one that homeowners should strongly consider. It is lightweight, very powerful and has a great warranty. Without a doubt, I highly recommended it.

5) Husqvarna 230iB Cordless Blower

Likes

• Very efficient and powerful motor (83 MPH & 290 CFM)
• Reputable brand, known for commercial level products
• Lightweight and simple to use

Dislikes

• Battery life seems to be short compared to competitors
• The motor kicks down automatically when held at full throttle for extended time

The Husqvarna brand is very well known by lawn care pros primarily for its line of gas powered models. But the 230iB is an excellent choice for consumers looking for a less-powerful, less-expensive, battery-powered leaf blower. 

It combines a brushless motor with a 40V battery to provide the power to create air speeds up to 83MPH with a respectable 290CFM. The BLi-battery pack fits all Husqvarna outdoor machines, which allows you to quickly switch the same battery between a weed trimmer, blower, and hedge trimmer and keep working. 

The battery length does appear to be weaker vs its competitors. Also, it has a strange feature that lowers the motor speed after about a minute of full-throttle use to help conserve the battery – I’m not a fan of this feature.

A side note – the battery will not charge if it is hot or has just been used. So if you plan on using this model for an extended period of time, I would buy a spare battery to keep you working continuously.

6) WORX WG545.1 Cordless Leaf Blower Sweeper

Likes

• Comes with inflator nozzle, deflator cone, and dust brush
• Holds a good charge, recharges rapidly, and can be stored with or without battery
• Extremely lightweight

Dislikes

• Not very powerful heavy duty jobs
• Battery pack is difficult to remove from both the unit and the charger

The WORX WG545.1 is a lightweight (4.1 pounds) ultra-fast model that comes with 8 different attachments that provide leaf blowing, cleaning, dusting, sweeping, drying, and much more.

It has a 20 V MAX lithium-ion battery, generating air volumes that have an airspeed of 120 MPH and 80 CFM. A 3-year manufacturer’s warranty provides you with peace of mind should problems arise.

Good, simple to use and convenient unit for everyday cleaning jobs. The WG545.1 is perfect for clearing off patios, sidewalks, and decks.

7) BLACK+DECKER Battery Operated Blower

Likes

• Quiet and very easy to operate
• Compact, easily assembled, light, and well balanced
• Inexpensive

Dislikes

• Blower only seems to work well on light dry material or on hard smooth surfaces
• Not suitable for larger jobs

The LSW221 is a perfect leaf blower if you need something for small jobs around the house. It is very moderately priced but still provides you with decent power output and a respectable runtime on a single battery charge. Plus it weighs in under 4 pounds! That’s less than a bag of sugar.

The 20V lithium-ion battery can generate speeds up to 130 MPH and is part of Black and Decker’s 20V Max System so the batteries are interchangeable between your different tools. A low noise design means a quieter operating volume than others.

This model won’t replace your gas powered blower or even a strong cordless model, but if you just want something lightweight and inexpensive, the LSW221 is a good choice. It could be the best battery powered leaf blower from a cost to performance ratio.

How I Rated The Blowers

I researched as many models and brands that I could find to come up with a list of cordless leaf blowers that I think are the best to buy right now. The features of each model reviewed were compared and contrasted.

• What are the pros and cons of each blower?
• Which model has a better warranty, is easier to use, and more versatile?
• Are there any unique features that are worth mentioning?
• What are the particulars of battery-run time and charging?
• How much does each cordless leaf blower cost, and does its special features and performance warrant its price tag?

Hopefully, my analysis of each model will be helpful in steering you toward purchasing the best cordless blower for you and your yard.

Reliability (Warranty)

Cordless leaf blowers have different limited and extended warranties. You should carefully consider these warranties before buying a blower.

The brands of the products I’ve reviewed are known to have good reliability ratings. Of course, it’s nice to know that you have a solid warranty as well just in case you have issues.

As with most power tools, your leaf blower will come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in the materials used to build your blower of the workmanship on the product. Generally speaking, these limited warranties do not cover included accessories, any damage incurred due to your own error, or what they consider to be natural wear and tear through normal use.

Most of the models I recommend here have at least a 2-year warranty which appears to be the industry average. There are a few with even longer warranties and one that is only covered for a single year. Some retailers or even manufacturers may offer an extended 1-year warranty at an extra cost. Note, commercial use will generally void any of the warranties.

Power (MPH & CFM)

When it comes to the air output of a leaf blower you look at both the miles per hour (MPH) and cubic feet per minute (CFM). These two specs describe how much air comes out of the equipment and how forcefully it does so.

The MPH of a leaf blower is a measure of how fast the air is pushed through the blower tube. In most cases the higher the MPH, the more powerful the blower. A model capable of higher/faster MPH is useful when you’re moving heavy or wet items but it isn’t the only factor you should look at when making a purchasing decision.

CFM is the cubic feet measurement of how much air volume the blower can push minute. The higher the CFM, the more leaves, etc. the blower can move. As an example, a leaf blower with CFM of 450 can move 450 cubic feet of leaves in a minute. The CFM pushing power determines the real power of the blower with its capacity to push debris and leaves out of the way.

You need a combination of MPH and CFM to get yard work done efficiently and quickly. The airspeed needs to be high enough to do more than rustle leaves on the ground; the amount of air moving through the blower needs to be large enough to move large quantities.

It’s also important to note that with cordless leaf blowers, more power usually equals less run time as the power drains the battery quicker. This is something that is important to keep in mind.

Noise

How loud your blower is when in use depends on the type of power it runs on. In general, gas powered blowers are the noisiest type; battery-operated and electric motors are quieter. Regardless of the engine, the machine will still make some noise, because the fan is pushing air at a high rate through a small opening. 

There’s no denying the noise levels of leaf blowers can get high, and it tends to draw criticism from people in close proximity. On average, noise levels for a cordless leaf blower typically range from 60 to 110 decibels.  One of the drawbacks though is the noise they create is different than the sound generated by other outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers or snowblowers. 

A study published in the Journal of Environmental and Toxicological Studies looked at the characteristics of the sound components and determined a higher amount of low-frequency components allow the noise to travel longer distances and penetrate building walls. This is why the noise is more of a nuisance to neighbors.

Noise from gas powered blowers can be so noisy and intolerable to some people that they have been banned in 80+ cities nationwide. These restrictions are a major reason why many users are switching to battery-powered blowers; they are also more environmentally friendly, which increases their popularity amongst environmentally conscious homeowners.

Weight

When working with outdoor power equipment the weight of your power tool is often overlooked at the time of purchase. People instead focus on reliability and power. But when you are carrying a leaf blower around for what may add up to be hours of time, you may wish you’d have considered its weight a little more before making a buying decision.

Leaf blowers powered by a battery will be slightly heavier than corded options, although they will weight less than models powered by gasoline engines. This is one of the reasons they are popular with homeowners. They provide a good amount of power without being tied to a cord or weighing a lot.

On average, you can expect a cordless leaf blower to weigh somewhere between 5 and 10 pounds.

Charge Time

If you’re in the market for a cordless leaf blower it is critical you look at how long it takes the batteries to charge when they have been fully drained. Let’s face it, there are very few things more demotivating than being in the middle of a project and having to completely stop for an hour or more to wait on the batteries to charge.

Better batteries will charge quicker, allowing you to get back to your project with less downtime, meaning your yard looks pristine in a shorter amount of time.

Battery Run Time

The overall production efficiency (OPE) of battery-powered equipment is an important consideration. OPE of a battery relates to how well it charges, its capacity, and discharge losses. All which lead to how long a battery can be used before it drains, or the runtime of your leaf blower on a single charge. 

The longer the run time the more you’ll be able to use it between charges. This is important if you don’t want to buy extra batteries or have a lot of property to clear. A longer runtime means you won’t be spending as much time sitting around waiting for the battery to charge.

Brushless models usually last longer and are more powerful than their brushed motor counterparts. You’ll want to look for a model with lithium-ion batteries and also check the volts and Ah (amperes). Here is a good article that explains the relationship between Ah and power.

Ease of Use

In general, a cordless leaf blower is very easy to use. You just plug in the battery and you’re ready to tackle your yard project.

Unlike gas models, you don’t have to worry about mixing gas and oil, checking filters, etc. Unlike corded models, you don’t have to worry about finding an extension cord or checking where outlets are located on the exterior of your home. Most of them also have very simple controls – on/off, power level, turbo and cruise control.

Note – not all models have those controls.

The key thing is making sure your battery is charged so your leaf blower is ready to go whenever you need it.

Advantages over Gas and Electric Models

There are a large number of cordless leaf blowers available in the marketplace, all touting their particular strengths and high-end features. Especially focusing on the advantages that cordless leaf blowers offer compared to gas and electric models.

Without a doubt, I’ll agree that there are many good reasons for you to purchase a cordless leaf blower:

• A cordless blower is a favorite choice of homeowners as well as professional landscapers who don’t want to be tied up by having to use a cord. Cordless leaf blowers are easily portable and can function anywhere, even if there are no electrical outlets nearby.
• They are a much more environmentally conscious option than gasoline-powered blowers. Also, with no exhaust emissions, you can even use a cordless blower inside your garage with little risk of carbon monoxide exposure from the engine.
• You don’t need to worry about purchasing fuel and oil, mixing them to the proper ratio, or maintenance of a gas-powered engine. Most cordless blowers are maintenance-free cutting down maintenance expenses and the time you need to spend caring for your equipment.
• Cordless leaf blowers are very lightweight, generally inexpensive, and are easy to use. This makes them a great addition to your arsenal of outdoor power equipment, significantly improving the efficiency of yard projects. 
• Lastly, they are also much quieter than gas-powered blowers, reducing risk of damage to your hearing and lessening the noise disturbance to neighbors. Although cordless blowers emit much less noise, it is still advisable to wear ear protection when operating

What To Look For In a Top Rated Model

A cordless battery-powered blower is a perfect choice for people that have small to medium-sized lawns and are environmentally conscious.

Here are a few tips on what to look for in a battery-powered unit:

• Although gas blowers are more powerful, they produce emissions and are extremely noisy. Look for your battery-operated blower to be significantly quieter and also to be lighter in weight.
• Look for lithium-ion batteries that, when used regularly, will last from 4-6 years, before you need to buy a new one. Many manufacturers are now making one battery that can be used across their entire product line.
• Your battery-powered leaf blower should be easy to maintain. All you should have to do is clean out the blower tube every once in a while (in addition to charging the battery, of course!).
• Technology is constantly improving and providing less expensive and more powerful battery-powered blowers, so do your research.

Environmental Impact

Many studies have demonstrated that gas-powered leaf blowers emit 26 times the carbon monoxide, 49 times the amount of particulate matter, and 498 times as many hydrocarbons than 1 hour of operation of a typical car.

I don’t know about you, but I was shocked when I learned that.

Of course, cordless blowers can stir up lots of particulates in the air, which bothers allergy sufferers, asthmatics, kids, and the elderly. This particulate matter can include pesticides, chemicals, animal feces, pollen, mold, and even lead in trace quantities. But that is true with any leaf blower.  Just be considerate where you blow the debris you are moving.

Noise from gas leaf blowers can be so noisy that they have been banned in 80+ cities nationwide. This is a major reason why many environmentally conscious users are switching to battery-powered blowers. Your machine will still make some noise, caused by air being pushed at high speed by a fan through a nozzle. The amount of noise, though, is much less with cordless or corded electric models.

Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Models

When shopping for a good cordless leaf blower, keep an eye out for the differences between cheap and expensive models.

Higher priced leaf blowers will feature newer battery technology, using lithium-ion batteries. The improved batteries add to the cost but provide many benefits over other options. 

Inexpensive leaf blowers may have nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCads) which aren’t as powerful and don’t last as long. 

A few other differences are:

• More expensive units will be lighter so that you will have less shoulder, wrist, and hand fatigue when you’re using it.
• The time of time to recharge the battery should be shorter with more expensive leaf blowers.
• Expensive units will provide comfortable soft rubber handle grips.
• A prerequisite for more expensive models is that they will produce higher air volume (CFM) and airspeed (MPH).
• Cheaper models will usually have a higher decibel rating – Remember that a dB or 80 or above can be damaging to your hearing.
• More expensive units should come with better manufacturer warranties

Top Rated Brands

• DEWALT
• Greenworks
• WORX
• BLACK+DECKER
• Makita
• EGO
• Husqvarna
• Toro
• Ryobi
• Kobalt
• Sun Joe

How Much Should I Expect To Pay?

When comparing the cost of cordless leaf blowers there is less variation in price than when you look at leaf blowers as a much larger category. Cordless leaf blowers fall in the middle of the leaf blowers overall, typically costing less than gas-powered units but more than corded options.

The units reviewed here range in price from about $75 to $350, with an average price between $175 and $250.

FAQ’s

Q. Are cordless leaf blowers powerful enough?

Yes, cordless leaf blowers are powerful enough to tackle basic lawn care needs for many homeowners. They aren’t as powerful as the heavy-duty gas-powered backpack models but are well-suited for the average homeowner with a small to moderate-sized yard and an average amount of leaves that need to be moved. 

Q. What is a good runtime?

A good runtime for a cordless leaf blower is less than an hour but varies depending on the battery size. Most cordless blowers will run between 20 and 40 minutes before needing the battery charged with top-end models boasting a runtime of 60 to 70 minutes. A bigger battery equates to a longer runtime but also means a higher price tag and a heavier piece of equipment.

Q. How many years do the batteries last?

How many years the batteries last depends on the type of battery in your cordless leaf blower. Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium are the two common rechargeable battery types in power tools. Lithium-ion batteries have a life span of 2 to 3 years or an average of 300 to 500 charges, whichever comes first. Nickel-cadmium batteries can easily last up to 1500 charge/discharge cycles if maintained, providing use for 15 years or more.

Q. Is a 40v leaf blower better than a 20v?

A 40v leaf blower is more powerful than a 20v model, but this may not mean that it’s better. The better leaf blower is the one most applicable for your yard and the job it needs to do. The 40v leaf blower has more power and can move more material and debris. However, this corresponds to an increase in the weight of the machine making them more difficult to use, especially over long periods of time.

Q. What is a brushless motor?

A brushless motor is one of the two types of motors most commonly found in hand-held power tools. Compared to brushed motors, a brushless motor improves the power of a cordless tool while extending the working life. In brushed motors carbon “brushes” are installed on the fixed part of the motor to provide optimal transmission of power to the rotor; brushless motors use magnets to generate power. Brush motors are lighter, more compact, are not prone to overheating, and have fewer maintenance problems that brushed motors.

Conclusion

On Sale

DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, 125-MPH, 450-CFM (DCBL722P1)

• Includes full manufacturer warranty

See Today's Price

After a comprehensive review of hundreds of models, I have chosen the DEWALT DCBL720P1 XR as the best cordless leaf blower on the market for most homeowners.

The DEWALT is reasonably priced, has a speed lock and variable trigger control, and delivers airspeed up to 90 MPH, and 400 CFM. It boasts an innovative axial-fan design that maximizes both runtime and air output.

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API