Trees are an important part of any landscape, but every year comes the time when you have to deal with the leaf-fall. Leaving the leaves is frequently going to be a bad idea.
Leaves have an interesting tendency to overtake any yard.
One of the best ways to deal with this issue is by using a leaf blower. But how do you choose one?
There are so many different models, brands, and types of leaf blowers, and everyone is marketed as being better than the competition. This is a conundrum, isn’t it?
The mere thought of it makes me feel tired. And I am sure the same thing happens to other people too.
If you are like me, this is the article for you.
I have compiled this list of the best leaf blower brands. That way, you know what you will get.
But before we begin, I have to say that the list below is entirely subjective – it’s entirely possible that other people would have compiled the list in a different order, and there is nothing wrong with that. It only reflects how I feel about their overall popularity and product quality.
1. Stihl
Stihl has a long history dating back to 1926 when Andreas Stihl invented the first electric chainsaw.
The company was founded in Germany. Fast forward a couple of years, and what you will find is that today Stihl has expanded dramatically. Now the company owns manufacturing plants in the United States, Brazil, and China.
Stihl has earned the reputation of a manufacturer of high-quality and reliable professional equipment.
It is one of the leading manufacturers of chainsaws. (I am sure you have heard of the Stihl Timbersports series.)
However, they also produce a wide variety of different power-equipment, including leaf blowers.
Their aim as a company is to create high-quality, top of the line equipment that exceeds expectations.
They have a few different lines of leaf blowers.
Cordless Leaf Blowers
One of the most popular electric leaf blowers by Stihl is the BGA 56.
It is a leaf blower that is best suited for the occasional walkway or sidewalk cleanups. An electric leaf blower is a go-to option as it does the job quick and easy.
The BGA 56 is built in the USA and combines some of the best features you can expect from an electric leaf blower. It is exceptionally lightweight (7.3 lbs), even with the battery installed.
The great thing about this blower is that it is also relatively quiet (63 dB(A)), which means happy neighbors and, well, happy ears.
It is extremely powerful, with an average airspeed reaching up to 100 MPH and delivering air volume of about 353 CFM at the nozzle.
The overall run time can vary, but for a cordless leaf blower, it will not leave you asking for more. Depending on the battery, you can expect between 9 to 30 minutes of run time.
And if that is not enough, the battery-powered leaf blowers are easy to keep clean, as there will not be any fuel or oil spills.
Corded Leaf Blowers
Stihl offers a few corded models. The best one in my opinion is the BGE 71.
Corded leaf blowers, produce no harmful emissions and fumes and are ideal for clearing the ground around or near your house.
The BGE 71 is also super quiet (between 58 to 64 dB(A)), so if noise is of concern to you, this model may be the right choice for you.
There is a two-speed switch that you can use depending on the task at hand.
The air volume at the nozzle is between 232 to 285 CFM, and the airspeed on average is between 105 up to 130 MPH.
Due to the fact it doesn’t need a battery, this leaf blower is even more lightweight, weighing at about 6.8 lbs.
The only downside? Well, it is corded – so you will need an extension cord.
Shredder Vacs
Stihl offers two shredder vacs. These models are 2-in-1. You can use them as a standard leaf blower or convert them into a powerful shredder.
One of the top-rated models is the SH 86 C-E.
One of the best features that make it an excellent choice is the anti-vibration handle. This is a gas-powered leaf blower, so any feature that reduces the vibrations is an essential factor that can easily be overlooked sometimes.
It is powerful enough to provide easy vacuuming or blowing. The engine is easy to start and runs smoothly.
Professional Leaf Blowers
Stihl has a wide variety of professional leaf blowers. If you are looking to get something that can deliver exceptional power and the utmost durability, especially if you are a landscaping professional, this is the product line you need to check.
There are two main types of professional leaf blowers that Stihl offers (1) handheld and (2) backpack leaf blowers.
The BG 86 is one of their best professional handheld leaf blowers, which can be used to clean any yard. It provides powerful airflow that will help you clean your yard in less time than you may have ever expected.
One of the best backpack leaf blowers by Stihl is the BR 600. It offers exceptional power, durability, and comfort. It is lightweight and easy to use.
Leaf Blower Accessories
Another thing that makes Stihl one of the best leaf blower brands is the fact that they also offer some accessories that you can get for your leaf blower.
Some of the things they offer are chest straps, hip belts; a vacuum kit if you want to turn your leaf blower into a vacuum; and a gutter kit; no longer will you need to climb any ladders to clean the gutters.
2. Husqvarna
Husqvarna is a power-tools and equipment manufacturer that has a long history. This may very well be one of the oldest companies in that niche because it was founded back in the distant 1689.
In the beginning, they were a very different type of manufacturer; they were making muskets. But times have changed, and with that Husqvarna changed too.
Gradually they moved on to producing motorcycles, engines, and lawn care tools and equipment. Today they are one of the biggest brands in the world.
If there is a lawn care tool that you need, the chances are Husqvarna has it. And so is the case with leaf blowers.
Homeowner Leaf Blowers
The homeowner product line is aimed at people who want to clean their yards and sidewalks. These blowers are best for occasional use. They usually combine a powerful engine for a steady airflow in an overall very lightweight package.
The most popular model in that category is the Husqvarna 150BT. This is a backpack leaf blower. It is a little on the heavy side weighing about 22.5 lbs. Nevertheless, it delivers outstanding power and airspeed (up to 251 MPH).
It comes with an X-Torq engine, which is consuming up to 20% less fuel and produces up to 60% less harmful exhaust fumes.
Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
Husqvarna also produces a few battery-powered leaf blowers. These are great for small cleaning jobs around the yard.
The Husqvarna 320iB is one of the most popular cordless models. It is designed to be as comfortable as possible. It is very lightweight (weighing a mere 5.29 lbs), and it is suitable for left-handed and right-handed use.
Its powerful motor produces good airflow reaching speeds of up to 82.87 MPH.
Commercial Leaf Blowers
Husqvarna has a wide array of different commercial leaf blowers, too.
These are aimed toward more demanding use, longer working hours, and at the same time, they have to be able to provide exceptional power and durability.
One of the most popular models in this product line is the Husqvarna 580BTS.
It is a very powerful backpack leaf blower that delivers air speeds of a little over 200 MPH. It is packed with a 4.3 hp X-torq engine, which is more fuel-efficient and produces less harmful fumes.
3. Echo
Echo, compared to some of the other manufacturers on this list, can be considered a newcomer.
Echo was founded over 70 years ago. Back then, the company had a relatively humble beginning manufacturing manual dusters used for spreading pesticides.
But curiously enough, Echo produced the first backpack mister and blower. It was designed to be used for spreading liquid chemicals over crops.
Eventually, Echo started producing its own engines. And ever since then Echo has been expanding.
Today they manufacture different power tools and equipment like chainsaws, trimmers, brush cutters, shredders, ice augers, spreaders, tillers, and so much more, including leaf blowers too.
Hand-Held Leaf Blowers
Echo produces a variety of different portable leaf blowers.
The PB-250LN is arguably one of their most popular models in this category.
It features a powerful 25.4 cc, two-stroke engine that can deliver air speeds of up to 165 MPH and 391 CFM.
Even though it is a gas-powered leaf blower, the noise levels are surprisingly low, just about 65 dB(A).
It weighs about 9.5 lbs (without any mixed fuel) and comes with an impressive 5-year consumer warranty.
Backpack Leaf Blowers
Echo also manufactures a very powerful line of backpack blowers.
The PB-580T is one of their best models that comes with a big 58.2 cc, 2-stroke engine that can deliver exceptional results no matter what job you have for it. It delivers air speeds of up to 216 MPH and 517 CFM.
For such a powerful blower, the noise levels are very good, about 70 dB(A).
With a dry weight of about 22.7 lbs and a consumer warranty of 5 years, this one is a steal.
Professional-Grade Leaf Blowers
Echo manufactures a few different leaf-blowers, both handheld and backpack, that are aimed to deliver the utmost performance while having increased durability.
These are known as the X-Series.
Some of these blowers are designed to deliver the best comfort possible. After all, the chances are they will be used for extended periods of time and sometimes even in hot weather.
For example, the PB-770T is an X-Series backpack leaf blower, and it is a little beast. It has a 63.3 cc, two-stroke engine, and delivers airspeed of up to 234 MPHand 756 CFM.
The PB-8010T is also an X-Series backpack leaf blower. But this one is prioritizing air volume displacement instead. It is capable of reaching up to 1071 CFM and airspeed of 211 MPH.
4. Ryobi
Ryobi may be a relatively obscure company. They are definitely not as world-widely recognized as some of the other brands in this list. However, this does not mean they cannot be one of the biggest brands out there.
Ryobi is a Japanese company, and it was founded back in 1943.
Today they manufacture a wide array of different electronics, car components, printing equipment, and, last but not least, power tools, equipment, and builder’s hardware.
They have multiple manufacturing facilities spread out across the world.
Ryobi produces a variety of different types of leaf blowers.
Handheld Leaf Blowers
They produce several different handheld leaf blowers, which can be great for occasional cleaning jobs.
One of their best models is the RYOBI ONE+. This is a battery-powered model that is powerful enough to produce air speeds of up to 100 MPH and up to 280 CFM.
Some of the advantages of the RYOBI ONE+ are quick cleaning jobs, no toxic fumes, and it is lightweight enough to be operated by one hand.
Backpack Leaf Blowers
The backpack leaf blowers from Ryobi are arguably some of the best backpack leaf blowers you can get today.
Their top model is the RYOBI 2 Cycle Backpack Blower. It is a powerful beast delivering air speeds of up to 175 MPH and generating up to 760 CFM.
It comes with some neat little features and extras like the ability to switch between different speeds and cruise control.
Despite the fact that it is a backpack blower, it is easy to use, comfortable, and well balanced.
Vacuum Mulchers
Currently, Ryobi offers one vacuum mulcher. It is the RYOBI 40V VAC ATTACK™ Leaf Mulcher and it offers one of the best leave mulching capabilities with a mulching ratio of 16:1.
Many other comparable products will have a hard time comparing to it, especially when it is also backed by a 5 year warranty.
Wheeled Blowers
Are you in desperate need of something extremely powerful, but you don’t want to carry heavy machinery?
Well, Ryobi has a solution for you.
Currently, they are selling just one model, but it is as powerful as they get.
The Ryobi wheeled blower is designed to deal with the toughest of conditions.
The 2-CYCLE 520 CFM WHEELED BLOWER by Ryobi is extremely powerful, delivering up to 520 CFM and airspeed reaching up to 200 MPH.
With it, you do not need to carry anything by hand; think of it as a different kind of lawnmower – one that blows leaves.
Its powerful engine can deal with any yard work. And you will not have to worry about your hands fatiguing or getting numb from the vibrations.
5. Toro
Toro is another well-known manufacturer of a huge array of different power tools and equipment.
Toro was founded back in 1914, and ever since then, they have been pushing the boundaries of high-quality lawn care equipment.
They produce several different types of leaf blowers. And many of their tools are electric or battery-powered.
Corded Leaf Blowers
One of their best corded models is the Power Sweep™ (51585). It may look and feel small and light (it weighs a mere 4.6 lbs), but don’t let that fool you.
It packs quite a punch.
The electric motor delivers exceptional air speeds of up to 160 MPH, allowing you to do quick cleaning jobs that will take no time. The motor is controlled by a two-speed switch.
You can operate it with one hand, and you will not have to worry about your hands fatiguing
Overall a very lightweight and powerful tool that is also durable and long-lasting.
Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
Toro has recently launched a new line of cordless leaf blowers. There are two main product lines which can be categorized as a 40V and 60V models.
Of course, you can expect higher power and air speeds from the 60V models, but the 40V ones are definitely not to be underestimated.
These are simple to use and start, they do not produce any harmful exhaust fumes, and you will not have to worry about dealing with oil and fuel.
The PowerPlex® 40V MA Brushless Blower is one of the most popular models which delivers the impressive 480 CFM and reaches air speeds of up to 150 MPH.
There are two speed choices (low and high), and best of all, the battery charger works fast; Depending on the battery, you can expect the complete recharging time to be as low as 60 minutes.
The blower is not as lightweight as some other models, but nonetheless, with the battery installed it stands at just about 8.4 lbs.
Corded Vacuum and Leaf Blowers
The majority of the multi-functional type of leaf blowers are usually gas-powered. They are often a lot noisier and produce many harmful emissions.
However, Toro is offering us a unique alternative here, a corded 3-in-1 tool that can be used as a leaf blower, leaf shredder, and a leaf vacuum.
The powerful motor produces a strong airflow and speeds up to 260 MPH and 340 CFM. At the same time, the vacuum produces an air movement of 405 CFM.
How can one feel disappointed at such impressive numbers? And if a corded leaf blower is something that you think will fit your needs, then this model from Toro is second to none.
Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuum and Blowers
Their Gas Blower Vac (51988) comes with a 2-cycle engine that outputs a lot of power. The airspeed reaches up to 150 MPH and produces about 460 CFM.
Again this is a 3-in-1 tool that can aid you in not just cleaning the leaves but also vacuuming them and even shredding them.
It is very lightweight, and it comes with an easy to start 25.4 cc engine allowing you greater freedom; no longer will you be limited by extension cords or batteries.
6. Ego
Ego is a relative newcomer, it was established in the not too distant 1993. But ever since then, they have been focusing on one thing and one thing only.
Ever since its beginning, the company has aimed to double down on manufacturing high-quality battery-powered tools and equipment
Their tools are designed to deliver the power of gas but without using any gas whatsoever. This means a cleaner environment, less toxic fumes, and less noise.
Ego produces a great variety of different cordless equipment, including leaf blowers.
Handheld Leaf Blowers
EGO produces several different types of handheld leaf blowers.
One of their most popular models is the POWER+ 530 CFM BLOWER. A very lightweight leaf blower that is packed with a powerful 2.5 Ah battery that delivers, as you might have guessed, 530 CFM and airspeed of up to 110 MPH.
There are three different speed settings you can choose from, depending on how much work needs to be done.
There are no toxic fumes, and the noise levels are as low as they get (less than 65 dB(A)).
Backpack Leaf Blowers
Currently, EGO sells just one backpack leaf blower – the POWER+ 600 CFM BACKPACK BLOWER.
This is a solid piece of machinery that has a variable speed switch and can deliver anywhere between 320 up to 600 CFM and up to 145 MPH.
Overall, it’s a very powerful backpack blower that will not have you worry about premixed fuel, maintenance, and complicated cleanups.
EGO Power+ System
Ego has something going on about it that deserves to be mentioned.
Since all their product lines are cordless, this allows for some smart design choices to be made.
EGO designs its products in a way that allows you to use the same battery across all the EGO Power+ tools. This means that you can have multiple different tools like a lawnmower, a leaf blower, and a chainsaw and power them with just one battery.
This creates unparalleled versatility.
When buying the EGO products, you can choose from batteries with different amperage (4.0, 5.0, and 7.5 amps).
7. Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s story began in 1924 when it was established.
For year on end, Milwaukee has been focusing its energy on manufacturing and delivering tools and power equipment for different professionals.
Their products are mainly electric or battery powered.
Milwaukee has a mind-numbing variety of different tools (including leaf blowers).
This is why today, Milwaukee is a brand name worth knowing regardless of what is your professional trade.
Handheld Leaf Blowers
Milwaukee sells a few different handheld models.
The M18 FUEL™ Blower can be considered one of their best leaf blowers.
Even though it is a very lightweight leaf blower that weighs at just 4.9 lbs, it can deliver outstanding results. The blower can produce 450 CFM and reach up to 120 MPH.
This is a tool with plenty of power that is comfortable to carry and easy to operate. It does not produce any harmful fumes and it requires little to no maintenance and cleaning; one cannot ask for more than that.
Cordless Systems
EGO is not the only manufacturer that had this idea in mind.
In 2010 Milwaukee launched its hand tools product line, which is designed in such a way as to give you the best versatility and ease of use.
What you will find out is that you can use one interchangeable battery across all 200+ tools they have.
8. Black+Decker
Black and Decker’s story dates back to 1910 when two young guys decided to open a small machine shop. Years later, this humble venture has turned into one of the biggest brands in the world of power tool equipment.
Some of their tools have been used even in space. Black and Decker manufactured the drill that was used in Apollo 15. I am sure these guys would never have expected something like that.
They sell a few different types of leaf blowers.
Corded Leaf Blowers
Black and Decker manufactures a few different types of corded leaf blowers. They have standard corded leaf blowers and corded 3-in-1 Blowers.
One of their best products is the 3-in-1 VACPACK™ Leaf Blower, Vacuum, and Mulcher. It is a 12 amp blower that can produce airspeeds of up to 250 MPH and 400 CFM. The mulching ratio has a fantastic ratio of 16:1.
It is very lightweight (about 11.1 lbs) and gets the job done in no time.
Cordless Leaf Blowers
There are a few battery-powered options too.
The 40V MAX* Lithium Sweeper/Vacuum is a good example in this category.
It is a very quiet leaf blower (under 65 dB(A)) that is also very lightweight 5.4 lbs (when the bag is attached, it goes up to 6.9 lbs) and let’s not forget, it is very powerful delivering up to 120 MPH.
The Battery System
Just like how Milwaukee and EGO have their interchangeable battery systems, so does Black and Decker.
This is known as the MAX System, and it can be used with either 20V or 40V batteries.
This is going to be very useful to people that already have or are planning to have other Black and Decker tools.
9. DEWALT
It all started back in 1922 when Raymond Dewalt improved the production rates of the first woodworking machine.
Two years later, the DEWALT Products Company is established in Pennsylvania.
Ever since its beginning, the company has never stopped to push the limits by developing newer and more efficient tools and equipment.
Handheld Leaf Blowers
DEWALT focuses on manufacturing battery-powered handheld blowers.
One of their best models is the DEWALT DCBL720P1 20V. It delivers the outstanding 400 CFM at somewhat humble 90 MPH.
The blower is very quiet (about 61 dB(A)), and it is easy to handle and operate.
20V MAX System
At this point, I am sure you are not surprised to find out that DEWALT also offers a battery system. This has become an industry standard.
The interchangeable battery system can be used across more than 200 DEWALT products giving you one of the best versatility levels possible.