Category: Comparison Guides

The place to compare lawn tools side-by-side

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Zero Turn Mowers vs Lawn Tractors: Which Is Better?

craftsman zero turn mower compared to lawn tractor

Zero turn mowers are the better choice when compared to lawn tractors because they have more control, are faster, and are nearly equally priced.

Zero turns and lawn tractors are two types of riding mowers that can majorly up your lawn care game. But a lot of people don’t know when you need which kind of mower.

You know you need a ride-on mower to take on your large, challenging property. As you begin to shop, you’ll notice that the most powerful riding lawn equipment options are zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors. Most folks also think zero turns are just for commercial landscapers and “overkill” for homeowners (they’re wrong and jealous). 

Let’s break down when it’s best to get a zero turn and when it is best to get a lawn tractor.

What Is a Zero Turn Mower?

In basic terms, a zero-turn mower is a standard rider with a very tight turning radius – some might even say a zero-degree turning radius. Now, I’ve never gotten my protractor out, but the top of the mower can freely spin over the back tires. This type of riding lawn mower makes it easy to mow closely around trees, flower beds, retaining walls and other obstacles.As you may suspect, there are pros and cons to consider before investing in a zero-turn mower:

  • Speed –  Zero-turn mowers are much faster than any standard riding mower and most lawn tractors.
  • Control – Improved visibility of the front of the mower helps you achieve precise control as you maneuver around plants and other obstacles.
  • Results – Zero-turn riding mowers help homeowners achieve professional results without spending hundreds of dollars on professional lawn mowing services.
  • Confidence – Sitting on a zero-turn mower instills you with the confidence to tackle that lawn, knowing it will be fast and easy. 
  • Cost – You’ll pay more for a zero-turn mower, but it may be worth it.

Who uses zero-turn mowers?

Zero turn mowers are the mower of choice for any landscaper – commercial or residential. Because they are extremely fast, they help get the job done way more quickly than lawn tractors or push mowers. 

It is becoming increasingly more common for homeowners to grab a zero turn as well. If you go buy any Home Depot you will likely see a nice John Deere or Toro zero turn mower sitting right out in front for all to see. For homeowners – look for a smaller width zero turn mower. One major consideration for buying a zero turn mower is making sure it fits into the back gate of your house (if you have one).

Price range of zero turn mowers

Zero turn mowers can be very expensive, but don’t have to be. You can get a great zero turn mower from Home Depot at an awesome price, for example:

You can also grab a used zero turn for a better price as long as it has low hours.

What Is a Lawn Tractor?

Generally between 15 and 22 horsepower, a lawn tractor is the ideal mower for yards spanning ½ to 1.5 acres.  They’re also a good choice for yards with slopes or other challenging topography. Here are a few things to know about lawn tractors:

  • Fast – Most lawn tractors provide cutting widths of up to 48 inches for fast results.
  • Powerful – A high horsepower engine provides the “umph” you need to get the yard work done.
  • Versatile – Not only can a lawn tractor mow, it can also pull a cart to help move supplies and even a trailer, materials, and debris.
  • Durable and Tough – Lawn tractors are made to handle hard work. From the paint job to the frame, it will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
  • It’s an Investment – Because it’s a much larger, more powerful, and versatile machine, expect to pay a premium. But, you’ll be getting a piece of lawn equipment you will use for years.

Who uses lawn tractors?

Lawn tractors are almost exclusively used by homeowners. I recommended one to my friend recently who just moved into a house with about one acre. Lawn tractors have a huge advantage to zero turn mowers – they are more narrow and can fit into back gates relatively easily. These mowers are relatively easy to operate but don’t offer the same versatility that the zero turns have. For those of us that aren’t commercial landscapers or massive yards, lawn tractors will do just fine.

Price range of lawn tractors

Lawn tractors are much more affordable than zero turns. You can grab a nice Troy Bilt lawn tractor for around $2,000. That’s a great deal. But most lawn tractors are between $2,000 and $3,500. One thing to keep an eye out for is the upper range of lawn tractors – you get dangerously close and can often overlap the price range for a zero turn.

In my opinion, getting a cheaper zero turn mower is better than an expensive lawn tractor if they are about the same price. Might as well get the nice benefits of a zero turn mower.

Should I Get a Zero-Turn or a Lawn Tractor?

That really depends upon your property and your needs. Zero-turn riding mowers are ideal for just about any yard, especially when there are landscape elements and plantings that must be mowed around. A lawn tractor, on the other hand, is the right choice for larger lawns and gardens. 

Bear in mind this is a basic guide and you should carefully consider your options before making a purchase. Consider the shape and topographical features of your yard, Decide how much time you want to spend on lawn care like mowing. Ask yourself if you need the machine for more than mowing. Finally, choose a mower that fits your budget.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

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3 Reliable Simpson Pressure Washers That Crush Dirt

Simpson pressure washers are known for one thing – reliability and power. The best Simpson pressure washer is the Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI pressure washer because it has a great amount of power without being overwhelmingly large.

If that didn’t get you hooked to keep reading – then check out this little statistic: 90% of people with Simpson Pressure Washers name their children after them.

That also isn’t true – but these pressure washers are an incredible combination of power and price. Some amazing truth bombs are that these things last forever and are less expensive than some of the dinker electric pressure washers you see on the market.

Let’s break down the three best Simpson Pressure Washers on the market.

All of them have Honda engines – if you want more Honda, check out our post about the pressure washers with Honda engines.

Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM pressure washer

The Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM (MS60773) pressure washer made the top of our list for a few reasons. For starters, it is in the sweet spot for power for the average homeowner. 2800 PSI isn’t going to blast away the most insane paint stains, but it will definitely be enough to get your driveway clean. 

What I really appreciate after reviewing a bunch of electric pressure washers with similar PSIs is just how much more efficient gas pressure washers are when it comes to gallons per minute. While this Simpson MegaShot pressure washer is in the same power ballpark as many electric pressure washers, it does so much more efficiently with more volume to help tackle jobs more quickly. 

Here are some more features we love about this Simpson pressure washer:

  • Never Flat tires which means you won’t have to worry about keeping the air pumped up, or heaven forbid, replacing the tires
  • A 25 foot hose that’s very durable
  • The lovely Honda GCV170 engine
  • 4 quick connect nozzles that make changing out tips extremely easy (just don’t lose them)
  • A steel frame that keeps it upright and is crazy durable

Oh – and the best part is that it comes in at just over $350 and is available at Home Depot online.

I’ve also recently seen it on Amazon for an even LOWER price.

There’s a reason this one is so popular. It has everything the average homeowner could want in a pressure washer that’s built to last. 

Simpson PowerShot 3300 PSI 2.5 GPM pressure washer

The PowerShot is crazy because it can truly serve in both a commercial and residential setting. It’s a great mixture of power, beauty, and versatility. My neighbor is getting their house painted right now and being the nerd that I am, I went and gave their pressure washer a look. It was this  one. And it was freakishly strong.

Let’s start with looks – the dang thing just looks cool. It comes with big, thick, rubber tires that allow you to take it over gravel or other rough terrain. My neighbor’s painters had this moving through mulch and all over their yard. Never Flat tires are amazing for around the house or on smooth surfaces, but get you into trouble for uneven surfaces.

But what you can’t see is the work Simpson took to make the plunger pump deliver even higher pressure at the tip of the nozzle. The hose itself is 1/16th of an inch bigger, allowing for maximum water delivery to help demolish whatever is in its path. 

Here’s what stood out to us about the Simpson PowerShot:

  • It has a Honda GX200 engine, a step up from the older GCV190 models
  • Has PowerBoost technology (an improved plunger pump)
  • A thicker hose (thicker than a Snicker)
  • The all-terrain tires

One major drawback to this one is that it doesn’t come with a soap tank. So basically it can only be used for pure power delivery and blasting away the most absurd levels of dirt. It’s like Shaquille O’Neal – only has one speed and that is pure power.

This thing can be picked up from Home Depot online or in-store for a really good price. It also recently started being listed on Amazon, for an even better price.

Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot 3200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

The Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot pressure washer is a really nice one.

For those that don’t know, the Honda GCV200 series is a step up from the GCV190 in terms of power and efficiency. But the GCV190 motor was still a beast and was a part of some of the most popular pressure washers and lawn mowers of all time. In my Honda GCV190 lawn mower, the engine runs just fine and starts on the first or second pull each time despite being 8 years old.

The MegaShot 3200 PSI pressure washer has a GCV190 just like my mower, and while it isn’t the newest, shiniest thing on the block, it still has insane performance. Here’s are some really good things to like about the MegaShot 3200:

But the best part – this thing is currently on sale at Amazon for under $400.

It’s also for sale at Home Depot – make sure to price compare! (right now it is better on Amazon)

What features to look for in a Simpson pressure washer

Simpson pressure washers make it relatively easy to knock off one of the biggest must-haves on your list: a reliable and powerful Honda engine. But there are a few other things we recommend truly making sure are available when searching for a new pressure washer.

Nozzles Matter

When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  

The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.

Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them! Make sure you’ve got them stored well.

Soap tank availability

Additionally, you may want to consider a soap tank-equipped pressure washer. Some of these pressure washers have “foam cannons” where you can simply add some soap and it will mix it in with the water. Pretty cool.

I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows, otherwise they aren’t great for use on more forceful nozzles.

Wheels on pressure washers

Despite wheels being a seemingly minor feature, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.

Some pressure washers have a tendency to flip over and be top heavy, so make sure the base is sturdy. If you’re on the job site, keep an eye out for never-flat tires that will protect the wheels in case there are spare nails laying around.

Hose types

There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.

Length is also important for pressure washer hoses as you can end up in a tight spot, literally, if you don’t have enough reach.

GPM and PSI on electric pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute. It measures how quickly water is leaving the end of the electric pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that is being applied out of the electric pressure washer.

If this is confusing to you, you’re not alone. In reality, if you are looking for power, you want both. They work hand-in-hand to deliver water from the machine at a high rate and effective and efficient volume.

For reference, a pressure washer can have a high PSI but a low GPM, meaning it is able to have a high pressure but generally not over a large area. Having both a high PSI and high GPM means that it’s coming out fast and it’s producing a more effective stream.

Likewise, you can also have a low PSI and higher GPM. This is a good ratio for cleaning cars because you get a lot of water at a safer pressure.

Our experience with pressure washers

We started The Lawn Review out of frustration. We couldn’t find clarity around what type of products were actually good and reliable. All the fertilizers we tried didn’t work. We ended up with a dying lawn, wasted time, and wasted money.

How we spend our time now.

So we started buying and reviewing lawn tools and figuring out which ones were the best. And now we’ve moved onto actually keeping that lawn looking nice all year around. 

We’ve spent thousands of hours building this content for people just like you and me – normal people.

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Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers: Which Is Better For You?

Gas and electric pressure washers are two tools that can do the same job, but have drastically different experiences. I’ll tell you this up front – gas pressure washers are going to be much more powerful at their peak than electric but I still prefer electric pressure washers for my home.

But that doesn’t mean electric pressure washers aren’t great for the average homeowner. Itching to get your siding, windows, driveway, patio, and sidewalks clean this summer? You may be wondering which is the best option for whatever job you are trying to do.

The truth is, both can provide the cleaning power you need to accomplish all your spring and summer cleaning jobs. But, before you go shopping, you’ll want to understand the difference between gas and electric power washers so you make the right choice.

Let’s break it down for you.

My experience using gas and electric pressure washers

I own a Troy Bilt gas powered pressure washer and have reviewed and own a TON of electric pressure washers. Growing up my parents always had me doing one chore or another around the house – and they often included using a pressure washer. From cleaning windows to cars to the driveway to the deck around our pool – a gas pressure washer was my tool of choice. 

A lot has changed since then, but not for the worse. I really enjoy my electric pressure washers including my Sun Joe SPX3000, my Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer, and even my cool garage-anchored reel pressure washer.

Key Differences in Gas and Electric Pressure Washers

As you may suspect, the main difference between gas and electric pressure washers is how they’re powered. What you may not realize is that one is far more powerful and effective. The other is less capable, yet may be just what you need. Consider the following to decide which will be most appropriate for your needs.

Electric pressure washers are generally cheaper than gas

If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, an electric pressure washer is a good choice. They’re less expensive than a gas powered pressure washer initially. Whenever you plug it in to use it, you’ll also incur a slight increase in your electric bill – but I doubt you would ever notice.. A gas powered pressure washer will be more expensive, but they are higher quality. Gas washers can also be repaired whereas electric power washers may not last very long. 

Electric pressure washers have gotten a lot more durable, however. One thing I really like about my Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer is that it has a ten (10!!) year warranty on the motor. They now make brushless motors which are way more durable and last a lot longer.

Electric pressure washers aren’t as durable as gas

Even a high-quality electric pressure washer won’t be nearly as durable as a gas powered washer. If you work your electric pressure washer too hard, you may burn it up, meaning you’ll need to buy a new one. A gas washer, on the other hand, will last for many seasons with proper maintenance.

Gas powered pressure washers compared to electric are really reliable and can handle running for a really long time. Because they are small gas engines generally made by someone like Honda, they run FOREVER as long as you put gas in and do the bare minimum maintenance.

Electric pressure washers are more versatile than gas pressure washers

A gas powered pressure washer can literally be used anywhere. Contrarily, you’re restricted by the length of your power cord for an electric pressure washer. One thing I like about electric pressure washers is that some of them can be used with a battery and taken literally anywhere (literally). A good example of this is the 24V Power Cleaner from Greenworks, which is for light duty cleaning but extremely portable.

Gas pressure washers are way louder than electric

Electric power washers, like other electric yard and garden equipment offer quieter operation. This may be important if you live in a close neighborhood with sensitive neighbors. Gas powered pressure washers, on the other hand, can be very loud to operate. But, the job gets done faster, so there’s a trade-off.

As I write this, my neighbors across the street are getting the exterior of their house repainted. The dudes showed up this morning with a freakish gas pressure washer that is EXTREMELY loud and disruptive – but powerful as heck. Electric pressure washers definitely don’t make a good sound and aren’t as quiet as you would think, but are way better than gas.

Which is better: Gas or Electric Pressure Washers?

So, what’s the best option? A gas or electric pressure washer? That depends upon you and your needs. If you need something for heavy-duty cleaning and you don’t mind the noise and fumes, gas power is the way to go. For lighter, infrequent use in residential areas, you may want to consider a good-quality electric pressure washer.  

I use an electric pressure washer 90% of the time because it is super easy to start and stop, doesn’t require maintenance, and can handle most projects around the house. The other 10% is used for stripping old paint or pressure washing my driveway with a surface cleaner attachment.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What features to look for in a pressure washer

Honda pressure washers make it relatively easy to knock off one of the biggest must-haves on your list: a reliable and powerful engine. But there are a few other things we recommend truly making sure are available when searching for a new pressure washer.

Nozzles Matter

  • When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  
  • The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.
  • Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them!

Soap tank availability

  • Additionally, you may want to consider a soap tank-equipped pressure washer. Some of these pressure washers have “foam cannons” where you can simply add some soap and it will mix it in with the water. Pretty cool.
  • I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.

Wheels on pressure washers

  • Despite these seemingly minor features, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.
  • Some pressure washers have a tendency to flip over and be top heavy, so make sure the base is sturdy.
  • If you’re on the job site, keep an eye out for never-flat tires that will protect the wheels in case there are spare nails laying around.

Hose types

  • There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.
  • Length is also important for pressure washer hoses as you can end up in a tight spot, literally, if you don’t have enough reach.

GPM and PSI on pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute. GPM measures how quickly water is leaving the end of the electric pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that is being applied out of the electric pressure washer.

If this is confusing to you, you’re not alone. In reality, if you are looking for power, you want both. They work hand-in-hand to deliver water from the machine at a high rate and effective and efficient volume.

For reference, a pressure washer can have a high PSI but a low GPM, meaning it is able to have a high pressure but generally not over a large area. Having both a high PSI and high GPM means that it’s coming out fast and it’s producing a more effective stream.

Likewise, you can also have a low PSI and higher GPM. This is a good ratio for cleaning cars because you get a lot of water at a safer pressure.

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5 Surprisingly Strong Electric Backpack Blowers

Battery-powered backpack blowers are new on the block. They are not the most popular lawn tools, but it feels like every major brand is trying to sell them right now. But are they any good?

Can they keep up with the gas blowers?

Today, we will use our years of experience using battery-powered lawn tools to break down what makes a good blower, list out our favorite backpack leaf blowers and give our final word on whether or not we recommend battery-powered backpack blowers. 

Let’s get started. Here’s our ranking of best battery backpack blowers:

  1. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Backpack Blower
  2. Greenworks Pro 80V Backpack Blower
  3. EGO Power+ LB6000 Backpack  Blower
  4. Makita ConnectX Backpack Blower
  5. EGO Power+ Commercial LBPX8004

Want to see how battery compares to gas powered backpack blowers? Read more here.

My experience using blowers

I’ve always been a gas leaf blower fan – and I still own two. I own the jetpack AKA Stihl BR 600 backpack blower and the an old Stihl handheld gas blower. Despite being really powerful and always getting the job done, I got sick of the maintenance schedule and the smell. After I had my first baby, the noise became unbearable as well – trying to use the blower around nap schedules. 

All of that stopped when I got a battery-powered blower. My first battery-powered blower was the Ryobi 40V blower, which quickly changed my perspective. The truth is, a lot of these electric blowers are super powerful – even more so compared to handheld gas blowers. I’ll walk you through my favorites below.

Battery-powered backpack leaf blowers: Ranked

Each of these made the list – so they are good blowers. But I’m trying to take everything into account here: power, price, comfort, and usability. We should jump right into our number one blower.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Battery Powered Backpack Blower

The Ryobi backpack blower has a lot of great qualities – ones you don’t even find on gas powered backpack blowers. For starters, this blower comes with two 6.0 Ah batteries, which means these puppies last. Especially if you swap them out and use them on any of your other Ryobi 40V tools.

Next up, the power on this is pretty impressive. At 730 CFMs and 165 MPH of speed, this blower has almost the exact same specifications of their handheld Ryobi 40V Whisper blower. This is really powerful and is better on your back, arms, and shoulders than lugging around the handheld blower.

As part of the Whisper series of tools from Ryobi, this backpack blower comes in at 59 dB – which is actually pretty quiet considering how big of a machine it is. For comparison’ sake, this is about ½ the noise levels of a gas-powered blower. Lastly – this has really cool features like a turbo button that jacks up the power to big time levels, adjustable speed on the handle, and different nozzle tips for wet leaves, big piles, or really anything else.

To put the cherry on top – this thing is dang comfortable. You can grab this battery powered backpack blower for a surprisingly good price from Home Depot.

Greenworks Pro 80V Electric Backpack Blower

Greenworks puts out some pretty sweet products, so it was no surprise to me when they put out this 80V backpack blower. It isn’t quite as powerful as the Ryobi above, but boy does it have some speed. At 180 MPH, it is better suited for stubborn grass clippings and wet leaves than the Ryobi – but can still handle big piles of leaves decently well. 

What I love about Greenworks’ backpack blower is that they are super committed to quality. They make great brushless motors in almost all of their equipment and truly nerd out on the engineering side of the house. I’ve used their 80V handheld blower and it was also pretty powerful. 

One recommendation I have for this blower is to buy a higher Ah battery for it. It comes with a 2.5 Ah battery, but I would buy it tool-only, then buy a separate Greenworks 80V battery that’s at least 4 Ah. You’ll get much more run time out of it. 

Otherwise, you can grab this one on Amazon for a great deal right now (looks like it is on sale).

EGO Power+ LB6000 Battery Powered Backpack Blower

EGO’s LB6000 backpack blower is a little bit of a mystery to me. Despite being one of my favorite lawn tool brands, they missed a real opportunity here. This blower was truly designed for a normal homeowner who wants a good blower but more importantly wants a backpack blower.

Why do I say this? 

Well, it isn’t quite as powerful as some of their handheld blowers, like the 650 and 765 CFM versions we’ve tested. So, what’s the point? Basically as far as I can tell, it is a comfort thing. The tool itself is really high quality and centered around convenience. Here are a few of my favorite things:

  • Variable speed control trigger
  • Adjustable tube length
  • Not super loud
  • 5 year tool warranty

This battery backpack blower from EGO was truly designed for comfort and usability. I don’t blame anyone for buying it, but just know that there are more options out there that can provide more power if you’re looking for a true beast of a blower.

All-in-all, this is a great option for many and EGO keeps putting out hits. You can grab the LB6000 from Amazon for a really good price (and it is also on sale right now).

Makita ConnectX Battery Powered Backpack Blower

Makita came out of nowhere with their new battery powered backpack leaf blower – the ConnectX. It has a really good combination of power and speed, with 160 MPH and 670 CFMs. Makita is known for making super high quality tools – like their sweet Makita weed eaters and their awesome mowers.

They’ve been masters in the battery game for a long time and this backpack blower of theirs is nothing short of a beast. Here’s how you know: the motor produces as much power as a 64 cc gas backpack blower. BIG TIME. 

I also love the other cool features this has, like:

  • Four hours of runtime with the portable power supply (that’s insane)
  • 60 dB of sound, about half of a gas blower
  • A telescoping nozzle that can be used for big piles of leaves or wet grass
  • Power button on control handle (meaning you can turn it on while wearing it, not cranking it while it is on the ground)

This thing is flat out sweet – but it comes with a cost. You can check the price at Home Depot here.

EGO Power+ Commercial LBPX8004 Backpack Blower

The EGO LBPX8004 is illegal in nine countries. Just kidding. But its power is unmatched. Seriously.

At 800 CFMs, it is basically the most powerful electric blower I think I have ever seen. For a backpack blower, it is going  to be right on par with a gas-powered blower – or better. One other thing this blower has is really cool digital controls that let you turn on turbo, a battery life indicator, and speed control. Just about everything on this blower is adjustable as well. It is the top of the line battery powered backpack blower.

At only $700, it isn’t all that bad if you grab it at Ace Hardware (or wherever else you can find it).

But here is the last secret. You can get their 765 CFM handheld blower for less than $300.

What to look for in a battery powered blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFM 

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability 

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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Corded vs Cordless Leaf Blowers: Which is Better?

Corded and cordless leaf blowers are two often-overlooked blower types that are frankly…underrated. Gas powered blowers are the incumbent and most people still seem to prefer them. I prefer cordless blowers but my heart will always have a spot for corded leaf blowers.

But just like with cars, electric motor technology has evolved significantly – and it is catching up. I’m not saying it is all the way there, but some battery powered blowers and even some corded blowers are there. 

Let’s jump into why the benefits of electric blowers and then list out the best in each category.

Corded blowers still have benefits

Corded leaf blowers have a number of benefits. In fact, they are extremely underrated. Here are a few things to consider before being all judgmental about corded blowers:

  • They’re extremely light. No batteries and no gas means you can take a few pounds off. After a while of blowing off a large yard, it can make a huge difference on your shoulder and back.
  • No maintenance! These don’t require any of the standard maintenance required of gas powered blowers, like mixing oil, changing filters, and replacing spark plugs. 
  • Unlimited run-time. These bad boys don’t have batteries that die or gas that runs out. As long as you pay your electric bill, you’re fine!
  • They are extremely inexpensive. My favorite corded blower is less than $100. You can’t get a high quality battery powered or gas blower for anywhere near that price.

Benefits of battery powered leaf blowers

Battery powered blowers are also incredible. I own a handful, believe it or not – mostly from testing out blowers in a head-to-head matchup. I’ve tested dozens of battery-powered blowers, from small ones like this KIMO blower to the heaviest duty – like the EGO super powerful 765 CFM blower.

Battery powered leaf blowers have huge advantages. They have all the same advantages that corded electric leaf blowers have – like no maintenance and no fumes, but also the ability to be much more portable than corded electric blowers. 

I like my battery powered leaf blower because I can take it way out into my yard and get the same performance as my gas powered blower. They also tend to have more bells and whistles, like cruise control, turbo buttons, and more. Additionally, the same battery I use with my blower I can also use with a ton of other lawn tools.

Which is better: corded or cordless blowers?

It is hard to say which is better, so I’ll put it into the perspective of who should use which one. I think if you are a new homeowner or have a small yard, corded electric blowers are the way to go. They’re great for those on a budget or for those that just don’t have much space to worry about. The extension cord is all you need to get the job done without worrying about any maintenance or batteries.

If you have a medium to large yard or just love having the best of everything, battery powered blowers are way better than corded blowers. They can give you more power, more reach, and fit into your arsenal of battery powered lawn tools quite nicely.

My favorite corded blowers

So I actually have two corded electric blowers that are tied for my favorite – and they are both made by Toro. 

Toro PowerJet F700 corded electric blower

The Toro PowerJet is exactly that – a jet of freaking power. At 700 CFMs, this thing HAULS big piles of leaves. Here is why it made our list of favorites:

  • 700 CFMs mean big piles of leaves get yeet-ed
  • Adjustable speed knob lets you control how fast you’re blowing
  • Has a nice little spot to hang up the cord so you don’t pull it out when you’re blowing

Oh – and the best part is that it costs less than $100 at Home Depot (and is probably on sale).

Toro Power Sweep electric blower

My first blower, I couldn’t not put it on this list. For starters, I’ve had it for almost 10 years and it was old when I bought it. But it just won’t quit.

It isn’t the strongest blower in the world and it might not have any bells or whistles (outside of a 1-2 speed switch), but my word it may be the least expensive. When I spent ALL of my money putting down the down payment for my first house, I didn’t leave any money for other things.

Enter the PowerSweep. It was extremely inexpensive at the time and just like the Costco hot dog – it is somehow resistant to inflation. For anyone in the same situation as me, you can grab a newer version of this one at Home Depot for a really good price.

Favorite cordless blowers based on my experience

I’ve written a whole article about my favorite blowers and even recorded a Youtube video where I put them head-to-head, but I’ll give you a high-level overview of my top two and why they made the list.

Top choice: EGO LB7654 Battery Powered Blower

I write about the EGO 765 CFM blower all the time. I’m obsessed with it. Mainly because the first time I pressed the turbo button this blower actually pushed my arm back, causing me to fight against it. Never had a blower do that before. 

At 765 CFMs and well over 200 MPH, this thing is more powerful than my gas blower. It is my favorite blower I’ve ever used and is absolutely my go-to blower. It’s a freaking cannon strapped to your arm and you won’t regret buying it – I didn’t.

You can grab it from Amazon for a really good price right now.

Ryobi 40V Whisper Series Blower

The Ryobi 40V Whisper Series blower is a close second place. It’s called the Whisper series because, well, it’s quiet. Makes sense, right?

It has almost as much CFMs and MPH as the EGO blower above, but is slightly weaker. I will say if you already have a Ryobi 40V battery, this is the best blower you can buy. Because you can get the tool-only version without the batteries for a way cheaper price.

Ryobi crushed it with this blower and it is by far their most powerful handheld blower. You can grab it from Home Depot for a great deal with the tool-only version.

What to look for in an electric blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFMs and MPH on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability 

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

reviewing lawn tools

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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Gas vs Battery Powered Leaf Blowers: Which Do I Use?

Gas and battery powered leaf blowers used to not even be remotely comparable. Now…I’m not so sure. I’ve used both types for decades and have come to change my mind on which is better.

Hint, hint.

You see advancements in modern technology (Teslas, etc.) have made battery powered lawn tools really competitive. But there’s still something just flat out reliable about the power and experience you get with a gas-powered leaf blower. 

Today – I am here to not necessarily settle the debate, but tell you about my experience using and testing dozens of different leaf blowers. You can check out many of these on my Youtube channel.

My experience testing gas and battery powered leaf blowers

I’ve been a lifelong gas powered leaf blower user. I’ve been loyal to my trusty old Stihl BG 86 C handheld blower for a really long time. For more power, I’ve used my earth shattering (and ear shattering) Stihl BR 600 backpack leaf blower. 

Needless to say, they’ve been hard to give up. But one year for Christmas my mom got me this tiny handheld Kimo blower – which was battery-powered. I didn’t understand when or how I would use it, but then became addicted. It was great for quickly blowing off my walkway and porch before guests came over – without smelling like gas.

My next purchases were huge steps up – the EGO 56V 765 CFM blower and the Ryobi 40V Whisper series blower. These completely blew me away. Electric blowers with just as much (if not more) power than my gas blowers. 

Needless to say, I’ve made the switch. And the nicest part? Never smelling like gas, never having to do maintenance, and never having to pull another cord.

Gas is notoriously more powerful

Okay – so I just mentioned that I had two battery powered leaf blowers that had equal power to most gas blowers. But here’s the simple truth: they are about the only ones with that much power.

Most battery powered leaf blowers fall in the 150 MPH range of air speed without about 300-400 CFMs. When it comes to gas blowers, especially backpack gas blowers, CFMs are the true metric to look at. CFMs are a better indicator of air volume and dictate the size of the air funnel. So while some backpack blowers have similar air speeds, they have CFMs well above 700 that push leaves like crazy.

Below is a cool chart that highlights the power differences among gas powered blowers. As you can see, backpack blowers have higher CFMs and MPH but are heavier, louder and more expensive.

https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/leaf-blower-buying-guide

Battery powered blowers actually have similar specifications. Although I’d say the median battery-powered blower is weaker than the median gas-powered blower. Battery blowers have a humongous range in CFM and MPH because they can either be really cheaply made or extremely nice. 

Battery backpack blowers are much less common and in my opinion, not very advanced. In fact, I don’t really get the point of a lot of them – they look just like regular battery powered blowers and perform about the same.

https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/leaf-blower-buying-guide

Lastly, I want to get a word in for my often forgotten homies – corded electric blowers – that often don’t get the attention that others do. While they are often weaker, they are also sometimes really powerful and ALWAYS extremely cheap.

Comfort and usability on battery and gas blowers

When it comes to comfort and usability for battery and gas powered leaf blowers, I am a huge fan of battery-powered. There are a few things I really like about them that differentiate them from gas. 

For starters, both gas and electric have variable speed triggers, cruise control, and just about every bell and whistle that is the same. But battery-powered blowers are so much easier to start and require no maintenance. For me, walking out to the shed and simply sliding in the battery to get started is way better than ensuring proper fuel mixture and cranking the cord.

On the other hand, some of these new battery leaf blowers are HEAVY. My EGO blower is about 3 lbs heavier than my Stihl blower and both have similar power profiles and are handheld. That isn’t the case with all battery powered blowers, but the new super powerful ones all have a big motor and heavy batteries. 

As far as user experience goes, the last piece I will harp on is how nice it is to have a blower that doesn’t put out any fumes. I don’t mind gasoline and I’m one of those people that likes how gas smells

Battery and gas leaf blowers cost about the same

Comparing costs across different blower types is a little tough. Battery powered blowers have a lot of variation in cost because some are cheap and weak and others are super strong.

For a comparable cost evaluation, you want to find two blowers that have somewhat equal power. In the handheld blower world, I suggest the EGO 765 CFM battery powered blower. From the gas powered world, I think the Stihl BG 86 C is a great comparison. I happen to own both.

The EGO 765 CFM blower comes in at a great price with batteries. The Stihl BG 86 C is ironically the exact same price. 

Hidden costs of gas powered blowers

Gas powered blowers require something that battery powered blowers don’t: gas (duh). While they don’t take a ton of gas, they do require occasional refills and mixing with oil. You also have to replace filters and spark plugs. 

These require a lot of maintenance.

These costs aren’t significant, but compared with battery powered blowers, can add up over time.

Leaf blower noise level comparison: Gas vs Electric

Lastly – let’s compare the noise level on both gas and electric blowers.

Gas blowers are known for being super loud and obnoxious. I always knew this but learned it the hard way when my neighbor took out her backpack blower at 6am and woke one of my toddlers up. 

Handheld gas blowers put out about 70 dB of noise and backpack blowers are closer to 100 dB of noise. At 100 dB of noise, a comparable sound is a subway train. That’s loud.

Battery powered blowers are certainly quieter, measuring in at about 50-60 dB. Now I know that isn’t as loud, but it isn’t pleasant either. Some battery powered blowers have a much higher pitch noise that is equally aggravating. 

I think neighbors definitely appreciate battery powered blowers more than gas, but I would still wear ear protection with both.

CFMs and MPHs explained

CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is a measurement of the volume of air. This answers the question: how much air is moving through the leaf blower? While that seems like a weird question, it is super important for understanding the power of a blower. More on that in a second.

MPH, or miles per hour, is a measurement of speed. This answers the question: how fast does the air move through the blower?

CFM and MPH are related – generally the higher the CFM, the higher the MPH.

What to look for in a blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFM 

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability 

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why I review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Reviewing lawn tools with our faces.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

Common questions I get

Is gas or electric better for leaf blowers?

Gas leaf blowers tend to be better for commercial work whereas electric and battery leaf blowers are better for home use.

What are the cons of a gas powered leaf blower?

Cons of gas powered leaf blowers include high noise levels, fumes, and maintenance schedules that make them much more complicated.

How long do batteries last on an electric leaf blower?

Batteries on electric leaf blowers generally last from 30 minutes to an hour depending on what speed you are running your blower. It also depends on the Amp-hours of the batteries.

Are electric leaf blowers less powerful?

Generally, electric leaf blowers are less powerful than gas. There are exceptions where a few electric blowers can go toe-to-toe with gas.

Is an electric leaf blower worth it?

Electric leaf blowers are worth their lower price if you are a homeowner and don’t want fumes or costly maintenance for your leaf blower.

What MPH is best for a leaf blower?

The ideal MPH for a leaf blower is generally above 140 MPH for home use and above 180 MPH for commercial use.

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3 Powerful Corded Leaf Blowers For a Low Price

Corded electric leaf blowers aren’t all the rage. Everyone wants to talk about the cool cordless battery powered leaf blowers.

But some of us don’t mind corded leaf blowers. In fact, they have many benefits, which I’ll get to later. Yes, corded leaf blowers still have a place in the American garage. Today, I’ll break down my favorite corded blowers and where to grab them.

Let’s get started. Here’s my list of favorite corded electric blowers:

  1. Toro PowerJet F700 Handheld corded electric blower (most powerful)
  2. Ryobi 135 MPH 440 CFM corded electric blower
  3. Toro Power Sweep corded electric blower

How I tested these corded leaf blowers

Corded leaf blowers are one of those things I used to use all the time when I was a kid. My dad would have me plug in our old Toro blower into the wall and force me to blow out the garage. Needless to say, I’ve been using corded blowers in some capacity ever since. 

It took about 20 years of pulling cords out of the wall before I realized there were better options out there. Oh – and one big benefit of corded leaf blowers as compared to cordless – they are WAY cheaper and still extremely powerful.

When I am testing out a corded blower I am evaluating ease of use, power, and price.

Powerful and Cheap Corded Electric Leaf Blowers (Ranked)

Let’s jump straight into our ranking of the best corded electric leaf blowers on the market. My go-to place for lawn tools is Home Depot, but I know a lot of folks are loyal to Lowe’s or even Amazon. 

Toro PowerJet F700 Handheld Corded Electric Blower

The Toro PowerJet corded blower was NOT creatively named. It is what it says it is – a dang PowerJet. At 725 CFMs, this blower is one of the most powerful electric blowers – period. I’ve spoken highly of the EGO 765 battery blower, but this one is honestly close despite being ⅓ of the price.

The massive CFMs on this one combined with the wide mouthed nozzle make for a blower that has lower airspeed but pushes big piles of leaves. If this had a more narrow nozzle, the MPH would be super high. 

EXTREME POWER.

This blower is a really good deal for a few reasons:

  • The price is absurdly low
  • It’s great for big piles of leaves
  • It has a cool adjustable speed knob
  • The cord can be “locked-in” so it doesn’t pull out

You can grab this one for less than $100 at Home Depot.

Ryobi 135 MPH 440 CFM Corded Electric Blower

Ryobi is a super well known brand in the lawn tool space. We’ve used a bunch of their lawn tools, especially their 40V battery lineup of blowers. The difference between their average cordless blower and their corded blowers are not very stark – until it comes to price.

But this Jet Fan blower has equal specifications to a lot of their battery blowers. For example, it has 440 CFMs and about 135 MPH, which is almost exactly like their middle-of-the-line battery blower that’s super popular. 

A really sleek looking blower.

With 440 CFMs and 135 MPH, you’ll get less power than the blower above but still a pretty acceptable range of both elements of power. Most of these handheld corded electric blowers are super simple and don’t have a ton of bells and whistles. This one is no exception, but does have a two-speed switch and a nice soft-grip handle. It still has the ability to keep the cord plugged in and wrapped around to prevent it from pulling out whenever you want to take the extension cord to the max.

This one is an even lower price than the one above and is available at Home Depot.

Toro PowerSweep 7A Handheld Electric Blower

The Toro PowerSweep was my first handheld electric blower, so I have some serious nostalgia talking about this one. In fact, I still own it and will pull it out in my garage every now and then. You know why? Because when the batteries die on my dang battery-powered blower, then I can still rely on this one to get me through the job.

No bells, no whistles.

Yes, it doesn’t have many bells and whistles or really much power for that matter. But it has been with me for years. YEARS. It weighs in at under 5 lbs and doesn’t have a single bell or whistle on it.

This is a bare bones blower, but it is cheaper than dirt (literally. This blower costs under $60 and has lasted me for the past 7 years. That’s a pretty good investment if you asked me.

This Toro corded blower can also be bought at Home Depot for a great price.

Corded vs Cordless Electric Blowers

Corded and cordless electric blowers are great options. Heck, I own both types. I use my favorite battery blower as my main blower, taking it deep out into the yard. But the batteries eventually die. When I am in my garage or close the house, I’ll sometimes still whip out my corded electric blower for some light work.

They can be used together or alone. As we’ve seen throughout this article, corded blowers can still be way more powerful than a lot of cordless blowers – and are significantly cheaper. When it comes to overall performance, I still prefer cordless blowers due to their convenience and portability, but I do think there is a big space for corded blowers to still be relevant. In fact, I would recommend a corded blower for new homeowners and those that own townhomes.

What to look for in an electric d blower

Corded leaf blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFM 

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability 

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why I review electric lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

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5 Battery-Powered Blowers That Rival Gas

The best battery powered leaf blower is the EGO 765 CFM blower. Cordless and battery powered leaf blowers are all the rage right now. They are quieter, just as powerful, and easier to maintain than gas-powered blowers – there I said it!

Yeah…pretty sweet.

But there are a LOT out there. I see some awesome trusted brands but I also see some that look like they were 3-D printed in a Laotian bathroom. And that isn’t good.

So I’ve put a ton of these blowers to the test (which I will explain more later). Either way, the ones on this list are absolute winners that I have personally used and tested. You can see a lot of the reviews of each of these on my Youtube channel.

Here is my list of top battery powered leaf blowers:

  1. EGO 765 CFM Battery Powered Blower
  2. Ryobi 40V Whisper Series Blower
  3. Enhulk 58V 930 CFM Battery Powered Blower
  4. Greenworks 80V Blower
  5. EGO 650 CFM Battery Powered Blower
  6. Dewalt 20V Max Leaf Blower
  7. Kobalt 80V Battery Powered Leaf Blower

Powerful Battery Powered Leaf Blowers (Ranked in 2024)

Ranking these battery powered leaf blowers was pretty easy, although it took about 18 months  of getting access to all of them. But after I did, it was a fun process. There’s a clear runaway winner, but after that the playing field is pretty even. Let’s get started.

EGO 765 CFM LB7654 Leaf Blower

The EGO 765 CFM battery powered blower is hands down the best. It is the most powerful handheld battery powered blower on the market and much more powerful than many gas-powered blowers. That statement is what gets me hate mail.

But it is true. I got a lot of comments about that on our Youtube review of this blower, but we compared it side by side to my first blower – a Stihl BG86C. It is an absolute unit. At 765 CFMs, it has serious blowing power. It also has a decent sized nozzle that allows it to still push air at super high speeds – up to 200 MPH. 

I compared them!

That’s an extreme combination of speed and power. When I first used this, it was a powerful blower, then I pushed the turbo button and I had to literally (yes, literally) fight against it because of how powerful it is. It has a brushless motor, is a part of EGO’s extensive 56V battery series, and is durable as heck.

You can grab it from Lowe’s or get it online at Amazon for a great price.

Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper Blower

I put the Ryobi Brushless Whisper series blower as number two on the list because it is almost as good as the EGO blower, but not quite as nice. One thing it has going for it is that it is quieter, which is why it is called the Whisper series. But it isn’t super quiet, it just makes a different noise – you can see a video where we compare it to the EGO blower here.

But all things considered, this is still a great blower. The best part is that Ryobi has a TON of 40V products. If you already own the batteries, you can buy it tool-only and save a ton of money. If you have a Ryobi 40V battery already then I recommend this one over the EGO.

This one is pretty sweet, too.

The power output on this one is still great for a battery powered blower. 730 CFM and 190 MPH put it just under EGO’s blower and it has all the same bells and whistles: a turbo button, cruise control, and a brushless motor.

Ryobi did a great job with this one and they sell it almost exclusively at Home Depot. Using that link, you can use it with or without batteries to see the cost difference.

ENHULK 58V 930 CFM Electric Leaf Blower

I know this brand is one you haven’t heard of but the Enhulk 930 CFM blower should immediately catch your eye. For starters, this battery powered blower boasts 930 CFMs (its right there in the name). That is an insane amount of air volume.

When I first stared using this blower I was absolutely shocked at how powerful it was. I immediately called up Tyler (the guy in all the pictures) to have him buy it and try it out himself. We were both stunned. Not only does this blower have extreme power but also it has a really cool digital interface for things like cruise control and turbo, a bunch of different nozzles, and a big ole’ battery.

While this is definitely the most powerful blower on the list, I had to move it to number three because the battery can’t really be used with a ton of other tools. Either way, the Enhulk 58V is still worth the money – you can grab it on Amazon for a really low price compared to the others.

Greenworks 80V 730 CFM Leaf Blower

We love Greenworks products and enjoyed this blower as well. It is just as strong as the Ryobi blower, but comes with a much less popular 80V line. Don’t get me wrong, Greenworks has some great 80V products, like their 80V mower, but isn’t quite as built out or popular as Ryobi.

Not bad!

That being said, we got our hands on this one as well and were impressed. It is a great option, especially if you already have a Greenworks 80V battery. But at 730 CFMs, this one is still strong. It of course has a brushless motor as do almost all of Greenworks’ products.

After a few uses we noticed that it started making a higher-pitched noise. It still works totally fine, but is kind of annoying. Otherwise, this blower has been darn near perfect and has some awesome bells and whistles. As a plus, I think it is one of the coolest looking battery powered blowers on the market – all black and really sleek looking.

This one is available on Amazon for a great price.

EGO 650 CFM LB6504 Battery Powered Blower

I’m sad that the EGO 650 CFM blower is so far down this list because it is still a wonderful option for most people. While it doesn’t have the absurd power that the 765 CFM version has, most people don’t need that much power. 

Honestly, this one is almost identical to our number one rated blower but just comes short in the power department. It has the same brushless motor, battery series, cruise control, turbo button, and looks almost identical. 

The main power difference in my experience is that this will be much closer to a standard electric blower. A very high quality blower, but nothing differentiating the power. When I used it, it was just fine, but didn’t lift the stuck wet leaves and grass that the 765 version can lift.

But really – it is a carbon copy of the number one blower but without the insanity. If you are looking for a really high quality blower that doesn’t knock you backwards, then this is a great option.

This one is also available on Amazon for a good bit cheaper than its more powerful counterpart.

(BONUS) Dewalt 20V Max Leaf Blower

Dewalt! What can I say? They are one of the OGs in the battery-powered tool game but somehow got boxed out of the battery-powered lawn tool game.

Don’t underestimate them. They don’t have the market share that Ryobi and EGO do, but they put out some products that absolutely slap – like their nice Dewalt mower and some great weed eaters.. All that to say, they’ve translated their ability to make insane power tools into insane blowers.

The tip is a nice add-on

The Dewalt 20V Max leaf blower is a part of their MAX series of 20V lawn tools, which lets you use this battery across dozens of other tools and even into the garage with some power tools. While Dewalt’s battery powered leaf blower only puts out 450 CFMs and 125 MPH, it comes with a really cool nozzle tip that allows you to supercharge your speed. 

One other thing I really loved about this blower is the handle. Dewalt is consistent with having handles for all of their lawn tools that are super ergonomic and similar to their hand tools. They have a molded rubber grip, are very light, and extremely comfortable to use. 

You can grab one at Home Depot for a really good price.

BONUS: Kobalt 80V Battery Powered Leaf Blower

Last, but not least, is the Kobalt 80V battery powered leaf blower. This one was an enigma to us. For starters, the battery would absolutely not die. We put this one to the test and it had the LONGEST battery run time – it was hilarious. We zip-tied the trigger down and the battery lasted for 3 hours. Yes – 3 hours. 

This one was pretty great, too!

Anyways, this battery powered blower from Kobalt has 630 CFMs and 140 MPH of speed coming through the end of the nozzle. That is some serious power. One thing I don’t love about Kobalt is that they are dang hard to find. They used to be exclusively at Lowe’s and seem to be disappearing from their shelves.

All-in-all, we were impressed with this blower’s run time but it had slightly above average power and average usability. It is a great option, particularly if you already own some other Kobalt 80V products. I don’t think this is the one I would start with if I had other options.

This one can be picked up at Lowe’s or on Amazon here.

What to look for in a battery powered blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFM 

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability 

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We love this stuff.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

How I tested these blowers

I’ve tested these blowers using personal experience with all of them. I’ve written extensive reviews of each of them and put them through the ringer. 

Testing gas vs battery powered blowers.

For starters, I tested out their run times compared to the advertised run time. I did this by zip-tying down the trigger and seeing how long it goes for before dying. I also did some side-by-side comparisons to a handheld gas blower and even a corded electric blower. I also compare the noise levels then the other bells and whistles, like turbo buttons.

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3 Leaf Blower and Vacuum Combos to Dominate Leaves

Leaf blower vacuum combos are low-key lawn tools that absolutely rule. In fact, I didn’t even know what they were until I saw my elderly neighbor walking around with what sounded like a blender.

I test a lot of these out.

It was a leaf blower with a big bag attached to the back of it. Before I jumped to conclusions, I asked him what the heck it was. 

A leaf blower that doubled as a leaf vacuum. How did I not think of this sooner and become the world’s first trillionaire?

Anyways, I decided to get my hands on a couple and find out the best one. Here’s the list I came up with for the best leaf blower vacuum combos:

  1. Makita XBU04PTV Brushless Leaf Blower Vacuum Combo
  2. Worx WG512 Tri-Vac Corded Leaf Blower Vacuum Combo
  3. Craftsman CMEBL7000 3-in-1 Leaf Blower Vacuum Combo

How I tested these tools

Ever since I saw, then subsequently borrowed, my neighbor’s blower vacuum combo I’ve been hooked. I grabbed one and then convinced my father-in-law and brother to buy one. They went different routes and got ones that I hadn’t yet used. 

One of my favorite blowers.

I’ve used dozens of blowers and reviewed and compared a bunch on my Youtube channel. There you can see me strap two to a spinny chair and see which one wins…

Ranking leaf vacuum and blower combos

I’ve given you my definitive ranking at the beginning of this article, but let me break down exactly why I chose each one. I pick certain characteristics that I like and ones that you need to absolutely keep an eye out for. Let’s get started with number one.

Makita XBU04PTV Brushless Leaf Blower Vacuum Combo

Makita makes some amazing leaf blowers – we reviewed a ton of Makita’s blowers. I like Makita’s brushless leaf blower vacuum combo for a few reasons. For starters, it is the only cordless leaf blower vacuum combo on this list. 

Having a cordless leaf blower vacuum combo is a huge reason why I put this one at the top of our list. Makita knocks it out of the park with every single one of their lawn tools, which is why we have spent so much time with their lawn mowers and weed eaters.

Here are my favorite things about the Makita leaf blower vacuum combo:

  • Brushless motor – these are longer lasting, more durable, and provide more torque
  • Makita’s 18V batteries that can be used with probably 1000’s of other tools, lawn or power tools
  • 473 CFMs, which means this thing moves serious air and has a wide nozzle to push big piles of leaves
  • A mulching function that not only sucks up the leaves, but finely mulches them into shreds. This has a 10-1 ratio which means it can fit mulch clippings in one bag that would normally take 10 bags unmulched. Wow.

This is the priciest combo on the list, but it provides a ton of value that the others don’t. In my opinion, it is well worth the cost because of how much time it will save you. Plus, you can buy the tool-only version if you already own Makita 18V batteries.

This thing goes on sale on Amazon for a great deal.

Worx WG512 Tri-Vac Corded Leaf Blower Vacuum Combo

If you’ve never used a Worx product, you’d be surprised at how nifty they are. They have a ton of cool lawn products, like this stand-up leaf mulcher and this 8-in-1 wheelbarrow. Worx is notorious for innovative products that are inexpensive.

Needless to say, they absolutely crushed innovation + inexpensive in their Tri-Vac leaf blower vacuum combo. This one is corded unlike the Makita one above, which means you have to keep it plugged into the wall with a long extension cord. This has pros and cons – it never runs out of power but limits where you can go and can tangle you with the leaf collection bag.

I love how easy it is to flip this one from blower to vacuum.

This Worx leaf blower vacuum combo is actually pretty dang sick now that I look at the specifications. My brother loves it, but I had never seen exactly why. It has a few things that set it apart from the Makita.

  • 600 CFMs of power – which means this blower absolutely PUSHES leaves. This is great for moving big piles of dry leaves across a large area.
  • A super handy dial that changes it from blower to vacuum. No removing the tube and putting it on a different part, just twist the knob.
  • A 16:1 leaf mulching ratio which means it turns your leaves into dang dust.
  • The bag on this pops on and off really easily.

Whoever at Worx designed this has seriously tried out a ton of these before and was like “I’m going to go make the best”. It is almost perfect. If it was cordless, I’d be in love. Either way, this is a great option and an absolutely ridiculous price.

Right now it is on sale from Amazon for less than $90. Holy crap.

Craftsman CMEBL7000 3-in-1 Leaf Blower Vacuum Combo

Craftsman also has a pretty sweet contender in the leaf blower vacuum combo space. If you’ve never bought a Craftsman product before, I would be surprised. Craftsman makes EVERYTHING. You can walk around your garage and I guarantee you will find something from Craftsman. They aren’t a premium brand or anything, but they’ve got every type of tool and gadget under the sun PLUS accessories.

The Craftsman 3-in-1 leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher is another corded option that actually puts out some decent power. It is a bit lower than the Worx product above, but it does still get you to 450 CFMs, which is decent.

At 260 MPH on the blower, you’re looking at extreme speeds. Surprisingly high speeds. Actually unbelievable speeds. I don’t know for sure, but that number doesn’t look right. That is a higher MPH than most, if not all, gas blowers and backpack blowers.

I am sure it is still powerful, but not quite THAT powerful.

One thing I love about this blower, vacuum, and mulcher combo is the backpack leaf collector. For many of the others, the bag hangs below the blower and sags, causes it to be heavy, or gets in the way. The Craftsman has a nice backpack strap that lets you simply carry it around without tripping.

The backpack collection feature is clutch.

This one is just under $100 on Amazon – for the price and usability it is a DARN good option.

What to look for in an electric blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFM vs MPH on a blower

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We love this stuff!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

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Corded vs Cordless Weed Eaters: My Surprising Choice

Both corded and cordless weed eaters offer serious benefits over gas-powered equipment. But when you look at the two side-by-side, there’s a stark difference. I prefer cordless weed eaters, but corded weed eaters still have a solid place in my lawn.

They’re both electric but why do they operate so differently? Which one is better? Which string trimmer is cheaper?

We’ve tested DOZENS of corded and cordless weed eaters and have noticed a few things that make corded great for one crowd and cordless weed eaters for another crowd.

Let’s explain. 

How I test out corded and cordless weed eaters

When I’m testing out corded and cordless weed eaters, there are a few things I keep in mind. The first part of my testing method is all about comfort and usability. There are some weed eaters that just fit better in the hands of some people than others. Another thing I look at is the weed eater string and cutting swath size. Those both indicate how much brush the weed eater can handle and how much power can be delivered.

Simply put: I use them a LOT.

I’ve tested dozens of corded and cordless weed eaters and have reviewed a ton of them on this site and my Youtube channel. 

When I recommend a corded weed eater

Corded weed eaters honestly sound a little old school. I imagine using my corded weed eater with my Walkman and wired headphones trying to trim up my lawn while holding my Walkman flat to ensure the CD doesn’t skip. 

Gotta love how light it is. Or how strong I am.

In reality, corded weed eaters still have a place in the 21st century. I love some of these lightweight corded weed eaters because they are incredibly easy to use and simple. In fact, for many first time homeowners or elderly folks, I recommend corded weed eaters. Here’s why:

Pros of corded weed eaters

Corded weed eaters are great for new homeowners and/or elderly folks because they:

  • Are generally extremely cheap
  • Fit small yards really well
  • Never run out of power
  • Require no maintenance
  • Are very light

But I don’t recommend corded weed eaters for everybody.

Cons of corded weed eaters

Corded weed eaters are simple and lightweight, but aren’t right for a lot of folks. Here are some cons:

  • Not very powerful
  • Tend to be smaller and weaker
  • Limited reach due to extension cord
  • Not attachment capable

When I recommend a cordless weed eater

Cordless weed eaters AKA battery-powered weed eaters are great for just about anyone. While they haven’t quite built themselves up to the power and run-time of gas-powered weed eaters, they still pack quite a punch. Compared to corded electric weed eaters, they tend to be much larger and more powerful on average. 

Some cordless weed eaters that operate on a low battery voltage, like the WORX GT Revolution, are still reminiscent of our corded electric friends. The main difference is the ability to use batteries across other tools and to walk further away from your garage without worrying about an extension cord. 

Here are my favorite things about battery-powered weed eaters.

Pros of cordless weed eaters

Cordless battery-powered weed eaters have some great features:

  • Cordless (duh)
  • Can use batteries across many other tools, saving you money
  • Larger cutting swaths
  • Attachment capabilities
  • Longer and easier to navigate with if you’re taller

Cons of battery-powered weed eaters

While they are darn near perfect, they aren’t all the way there. Battery-powered weed eaters still have some weaknesses, such as:

  • Limited run time with batteries requiring re-charge
  • More expensive
  • Heavier
  • Still not as powerful as gas

How to improve the performance of an electric weed eater

When I first started using my electric weed eater, I was kinda bummed at the lack of power. One thing I realized quickly was that the lack of power wasn’t necessarily coming from the weed eater motor or battery itself, but the dinky string that came with it.

It’s freaking sweet.

From that point on, I was on a mission to find a weed eater string that unleashed the full power of my weed eater. That’s why I created the GrassKicker weed eater string. I tested about 10 other strings that were for sale at Home Depot and found the best characteristics of each and combined them into a single string.

When I first put it in my Ryobi weed eater, I was floored. It is a silly product, but man did it make a difference.

Corded Weed Eaters: My Recommendation

After using this weed eater for the first few years of my lawn care journey, I can’t recommend it enough to new homeowners. My Black and Decker 6.5A, 14 inch string trimmer was a reliable source of performance for many years. I called it “Old Faithful”.

Yes, this is not the flashiest weed eater, but it fit my modest budget in my first home. I also liked that it was corded because I could hardly remember to take care of anything and didn’t trust myself with charging the batteries.

This one is also super lightweight and despite being small, has a cool feature: you can turn it on its side and use it as an edger as well. 

I got mine on Amazon back in the day for a really good price.

My favorite Cordless Battery-Powered Weed Eater

A contentious topic but one I don’t shy away from, the battery powered weed eater competition is muy caliente. So spicy that I wrote an entire long form post breaking down some of my favorite (based on experience) battery powered weed eaters. I broke it down into a bunch of different categories, but I am going to just share my absolute favorite.

The EGO Power+ Multi-Tool attachment system with the 15” string trimmer is my favorite. Here are the reasons why:

Basically, I use it for just about everything I do around the yard except for mowing. It is way more than just a cordless weed eater – it is a cordless EVERYTHING.

You can also grab this one on Amazon for a great price.

Corded vs cordless electric weed eaters: Which is better?

If I haven’t made myself clear at this point, you haven’t been reading. Both are great options, but I prefer cordless weed eaters. Corded weed eaters are still a great choice if you are elderly, have a small yard, or a tight budget. But cordless weed eaters have made such drastic improvements in power and usability that they are now freaks of nature. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we test out tools.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

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