Leaf blowers

What's behind our leaf blower Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 32 models in leaf blowers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on sweeping and loosening, handling, noise, and, where applicable, vacuuming. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score.
Sweeping
Sweeping denotes speed of moving leaves.
Loosening
Loosening is the speed of removing embedded leaf particles from lawn.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is how quickly models picked up leaves and how finely they mulched them.
Handling
Handling includes ease of maneuvering, using controls, and changing modes.
Noise at 50 ft.
Blower-mode noise is based on industry-standard measurements at 50 feet and our measurements at ear level. Models rated very good or excellent at 50 feet should meet common municipal limits of 65 decibels (dBA); models rated fair or poor at ear level emitted at least 85 dBA, enough to warrant hearing protection.
Noise at ear
Blower-mode noise is based on industry-standard measurements at 50 feet and our measurements at ear level. Models rated very good or excellent at 50 feet should meet common municipal limits of 65 decibels (dBA); models rated fair or poor at ear level emitted at least 85 dBA, enough to warrant hearing protection.

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Recommended leaf blowers

Recommended leaf blowers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended leaf blowers

Leaf blower buying guide

To find the leaf blower that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy leaf blowers in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

The best handheld electric leaf blowers have long beaten their gasoline-fueled competitors with comparable power and less weight and noise. Some communities have noise restrictions so check quietness claims. If you're looking for information about leaf blowers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ leaf blower reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our leaf blower buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and leaf blower reviews to help you choose the best leaf blower for your needs.

Ratings & recommended leaf blowers

Leaf blowers (32)

Our testing revealed wide performance variations, though the best of each blower type--electric and gas handheld, backpack, and wheeled--swept and loosened debris well. But even the top performers tend to be better at one or the other task, and many don't vacuum.

The Ratings list models by overall performance.

Leaf blower buying guide

Handheld blowers, especially the electric models, are relatively lightweight. The best electric handheld blowers continue to outperform their gas-engine counterparts for less money. That also makes them a logical choice if your arms are weak or tire easily. But handheld models are not up to sweeping a large area or sucking up a large pile of leaves. For sheer power, you're likely to prefer a gas-powered backpack or wheeled blower. Nearly all the gas-powered blowers we tested meet the tougher new California emissions standards. Use this leaf ... Read more

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