Leaf blowers

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Leaf blowers

What's behind our leaf blower Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 43 models in leaf blowers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
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
Denotes speed of moving leaves.
Loosening
The speed of removing embedded leaf particles from a lawn.
Vacuuming
How quickly models picked up leaves and how finely they mulched them.
Handling & ease of use
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.

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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 (43)

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 the lesser performers tend to be better at one or the other task. Only a few handheld models can vacuum.

Our recommended models offer top performance and specific strengths. Of these, CR Best Buys blend value and performance.

Leaf blower buying guide

Gas blowers are still the fastest way to clear a yard full of leaves. But our tests of three dozen models show that lower prices and comparable performance for the best electric blowers make them a smart choice for most homeowners, especially if you care about noise.

Some corded-electric models swept away leaves and loosened stubborn debris almost as well as our top gas blowers. And while some gas models are less noisy than others, electrics are quietest overall. That's good news, particularly if your community is among those with gas-blower regulations.

Most municipalities prohibit unreasonable noise, including the whine of a blower, during certain hours--say, between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. But some areas prohibit any blower louder than 70 decibels at 50 feet, and a few limit noise to 65 decibels (about as loud as a window air conditioner on high). Some gas blowers and all the electrics met the 70-decibel limit in our industry tests at 50 feet, though only the quietest electrics came in at or below 65 decibels. Keeping your neighbors happy might be the best reason to choose a less-raucous blower, wherever you live.

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