Cordless leaf blowers (also known as battery powered lead blowers), offer users a number of advantages over other types of leaf blowing machines.
If you are looking for the best leaf blower, a cordless model might be the best choice for you – especially if you have a fairly small area to clear and you want a lightweight, hassle free tool to do the job.
The following should help you buy the best cordless leaf blower for you and your property’s needs.
Size and power of cordless leaf blowers
Cordless leaf blowers use electrically powered motors to do their work.
These motors get their power from rechargeable batteries.
Typically, the smaller cordless leaf blowers are less powerful than corded electric or gas powered models, so you need to be confident that one of these is powerful enough for you before you buy one.
Cordless leaf blowers are rated for power in terms of voltage. Most of the home use machines are rated between 15 and 25 volts, which is enough power to handle most blowing jobs. Although some of the ‘Pro’ models, such as this Greenworks machine are rated up to 80 volts
The main advantage of using a cordless leaf blower is its small size and light weight. These machines can be taken anywhere, and most of them weigh less than ten pounds.
The tradeoff is that the battery only lasts for a limited time before it requires recharging. Regardless, a cordless leaf blower with a fully charged battery is a powerful and easy to operate lawn and garden tool.
A word about battery power
Battery quality is critical to the usefulness of battery operated power tools – and battery technology is changing all the time. Not long ago, most cordless tools were power by nickel cadmium batteries, but now Lithium-ion batteries are pretty much the standard.
Batteries are often rate by Amps, Ah (amps per hour) and/or Volts. Volts represent the amount of potential power the battery has. Ah is the amount of current that may be drawn from the battery in 1 hour. The amount of current that can be drawn from the battery depends upon the load (or resistance). The lower the resistance, the higher the current drawn.
Thus, for example, a battery rated a 2 Ah will theoretically last for one hour if drawing a constant current of 2amp over that period (or two hours if drawing 1 amp). If the machine has to work hard (e.g. a battery-powered lawn mower having to cut long grass) more current will be drawn. In simple terms, therefore a high Ah rating should mean a longer run time. But the way batteries are designed, including protections that are included to prevent overheating, means that a 4Ah battery will not give double the power or run time when compared with a 2Ah battery. That said, in broad terms, higher Ah ratings values should mean longer runtime and additional power.
As far as battery life is concerned, most lithium ion batteries should last two to three years or 300 to 500 charges. Battery life can be diminished if the battery gets too hot, so keep your equipment in a cool place to prolong the battery life.
How do the best cordless leaf blowers compare to corded electric, gas powered, and backpack leaf blowers?
These are the main points of comparison between cordless leaf blowers and the other kinds of models:
- Cordless leaf blowers are most similar to their corded counterparts. Both types of machines run on electricity, and both types are very lightweight and quiet. The difference is that corded machines use power that comes from an electrical outlet, whereas cordless leaf blowers are battery operated. The main drawback with cordless leaf blowers is that the batteries only last for a limited period.
- Cordless leaf blowers are generally not quite as powerful as corded units, but they are infinitely portable. Corded models must be kept within range of an electrical outlet, but cordless blowers can go anywhere.
- Gas powered leaf blowers are more powerful but they are also loud and damaging to the environment. They have even been banned in some areas.
- Cordless blowers are less powerful, but they are just as portable, if not more so. Also, they are incredibly quiet compared to blowers featuring gas engines, and these days, given advancements in battery technology, the best battery blower will rival gas blowers or home use.
- While gas powered machines need to be filled with fuel from time to time, cordless blowers must be recharged between uses. Cordless leaf blowers will require much less maintenance than gas powered machines, as well.
- Backpack leaf blowers used only to be available in petrol/gasoline models. Cordless backpack blowers are bow available but and they are designed for more time-consuming jobs that involve covering larger areas and are therefore more expensive. They are ergonomically designed so that the weight of the machine is spread out over a large area of your body. But they are probably overkill for situations in which a cordless leaf blower would be adequate.
Features to look out for in cordless leaf blowers
These are the main features to think about when buying a cordless leaf blower:
Battery type
Perhaps the most important feature to consider if you have decided to buy a cordless leaf blower is the battery.
The battery will determine how long you can use the machine at one time and it will have a significant impact on the machine’s total power. Lithium ion batteries tend to be the standard nowadays and you should definitely make sure you should try to find a cordless leaf blower that features a lithium ion battery instead of a nickel cadmium power source.
Lithium ion batteries are lighter, plus they offer a longer running time than other batteries. Also, lithium ion batteries will not cause the power to fade as you use the machine. You should be able to get consistent power out of this type of battery, so be sure to look for models containing the latest in battery technology.
Battery and charger included or not
You need to check whether the battery and charger is included when you are deciding on the best cordless leaf blower for your needs, or whether they are sold separately. The latter is the case, for example with this Greenworks model which means that the total price you’ll pay will be more than it might seem at first glance.
Some manufacturers make the batteries for their cordless equipment interchangeable, so this may mean that you can save money if you already have a suitable battery.
You should bear in mind that most batteries won’t run for more extensive periods when under the constant load required to power a leaf blower motor at full speed. Some may last 20 minutes or less.
You should therefore also consider whether you want to buy more than one battery. That way you can always have one on charge, ready to be swapped over when the battery in use runs out of power.
Ease of handling
You should try to find a cordless blower that is easy to hold while you use it. The main point of cordless leaf blowers is their portability, so most are fairly lightweight, but some of them are lighter and better balanced than others.
Vacuum option
Some cordless leaf blowers offer a leaf vacuum option, where the air flow is reversed and debris can be sucked into a bag. Frankly, I’ve yet to see a cordless blower model where this works efficiently.
Sufficient power
Finally, you will want to make sure you are buying a unit that has enough blowing power to get your job done properly. Some cordless blowers are light and inexpensive, but are weaklings when it comes to clearing debris. You should find a blower that offers air speeds of at least 120 miles per hour, if possible.
Backpack leaf blower option
Some leaf blowers can be strapped to your back like back pack, with the blower pipe extending around to teh side so that you can direct it where you want the force to go. These options are good if you have a lot of leaf blowing to do as they can take the strain from your arms, shoulders and hands. These backpack leaf blowers used to be mainly gas powered machines, but now cordless models are available, like the one below.
- Up to 18 minutes of continuous runtime on high speed with fully charged 80V 2.5Ah battery
- Up to 180 MPH of air speed and 610 CFM of air flow makes blowing through wet / dry leaves and debris a breeze
- Ideal for yards up to 1 acre
- Advanced brushless motor technology delivers more torque, runtime, and extends life of the tool
- Battery completely recharges in 45 minutes with included rapid charger
Last update on 2023-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best uses for cordless leaf blowers
On the whole, these battery operated blowers are not intended for large projects. They are best suited to clearing grass clippings or leaves in relatively small areas, home yard or garden situations.
However, as mentioned above, you can increase the usability of the best cordless leaf blowers by having two or more batteries. This you can always have spare batteries charged up ready to be swapped out with the spent battery when needed.
Portability is the main selling point of these units, so they are great for taking to jobs away from the home, as well.
Summing up
Cordless leaf blowers are really simple to operate while still being powerful enough to handle light to moderate blowing or sweeping work.
However, they not all models are going to be adequate for all jobs, so don’t expect them all to handle a large lawn with a thick covering of heavy wet leaves or to keep going for long enough to sweep the driveways of a large property. Look out for the more powerful ‘Pro’ models for this kind of use and/or stock up on spare batteries.
Nevertheless, cordless blowers are quite inexpensive, which means that you can purchase one without making a huge investment.
Certainly, cordless leaf blowers are not for everyone, but they are terrific tools to have around and they can help you take care of jobs that would otherwise require the much harder work of raking and sweeping.
Best cordless leaf blower recommendations
Best cordless leaf blower: US buyers
The blowers listed below are are the current Amazon best sellers and cover the range from moderate price and power to higher price and power. So these are certainly worth exploring further.
- 🍃【2x2.0Ah Battery】SEYVUM cordless leaf blower comes with 2 pcs 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and 2 hours fast charger. Up to 30 minutes working time with the high speed, and 40 mins with the low speed. Please make sure the battery is cool before charging.
- 🍃【2 Variable Speeds】1 speed - 70 MPH, 2 speed - 150MPH, one button to adjust the speed, the electric leaf blower can easily move leaves, dust, and small rocks to meet all your daily needs.
- 🍃【2 Sections of Tube】2 tubes can be easily installed into a long air blower, and can also be used separately. This design takes into account the different heights of users and the different usage scenarios.
- 🍃【Widely Usage】With high maneuverability and durability, household rechargeable SEYVUM leaf blowers for garden care are also used in patio, garden, cars, jobsite, camping, shop, depot and wood working.
- 🍃【Compact & Lightweight】The detachable design of the leaf cleaner makes storage easier. The blowers with battery only 2.9 lbs, you can easily lift it with one hand. SEYVUM offers 12 months warranty, feel free to contact us.
- [Cordless Design]: MZK leaf blower is designed to be wireless, giving you the freedom to move and operate without being tethered to a cable. With no wires to worry about, you can take on any cleaning task without restrictions, from your home to your yard.
- [Long-lasting Battery]: MZK leaf blower features a powerful battery that can run for up to 15 minutes at maximum power output. With a single charge, you can tackle your cleaning tasks with confidence, without worrying about the battery life running out.
- [Lightweight and Portable]: Our product weighs only 3.9lbs, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. With its one-hand operation, you can easily maneuver it for extended periods without straining your muscles. Our product is the perfect cleaning tool for anyone who wants to get the job done with minimal effort.
- [Powerful Motor]: Our product features a robust motor that can reach speeds up to 130MPH/150CFM. This ensures that you can effortlessly handle fallen leaves, debris, and dirt in your garden, garage, and driveway. With its powerful motor, our product delivers top-notch performance and reliable results every time.
- [Suitable for Multiple Scenarios]: This leaf blower is versatile and can be used in a variety of scenarios. It's great for sweeping debris from shops, garages, driveways, outdoor yards, and gardens. It's also effective in removing snow, dust, debris, spider webs, and drying car surfaces.
- 【Up to 2x Batteries】Tired of the time consuming of leaf raking and the back pain? Tired of the limitation of cord, the noise from the bulky blowers? Consider getting the LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower with two batteries for tackling your lightweight jobs. Within 30 mins, you can get your work done in any terrain, even for roofs and gutters.
- 【Faster Charging and No Hassles】 Sometimes customers got annoyed by waiting too long to charge the battery. But with the LAZYBOI leaf blower, you will get the convenience of 1-hour fast charging. The cordless leaf blower set comes with a fast charger and two 2.0ah 21v batteries which keeps 40-min work for the low speed mode and 30-min work for the high speed mode.
- 【Advanced Motor with Turbo Tech】LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower uses advanced turbo technology, which effectively boosts the maximum air speed to 150MPH. Although the turbo mode uses a lot of power (which drains the battery faster), it is quite useful for loosening up those stubborn patches of debris that get stuck and otherwise refuse to budge. Our LAZYBOI blower is absolutely a lightweight and cordless leaf blower that brings a better user experience than others'.
- 【Lightweight and Portable】 Lightweight design makes it perfect for one-handed operation for easy maneuverability. Weighs only 3.38 lbs and features an ergonomic body that naturally moulds to the direction of blowing, you will experience 30% less user fatigue during operation. The upgraded rubber grip of the leaf blower is not only non-slip when used, but also provides you with just enough support to make your work easier.
- 【Battery Maintenance】 Product Safety is Top 1 to consider, we've implemented overheat protection in our batteries to ensure consumer safety. To prolong battery life, please wait 5-10 minutes after discharge before charging, and fully charge the battery before storing it for 3+ months. The LED indicator shows red while charging and green when fully charged.
- ☢【Lightweight & Portable】The battery powered leaf blower has a very light weight only has 3.3lbs. The leaf blower cordless with battery and charger is very easy to operate with one hand. its can comfortable to hold, and convenient carry to all places. Such the electric leaf blower can be applied to both men and women, kids and old.
- ☢【Powerful Motors and Turbine Tech】Our leaf blower is equipped with a copper motor, which has a longer-lasting life and lowers energy consumption than ordinary motors; also, the cordless leaf blower with battery and charger uses turbocharging technology to deliver a maximum air volume of 130 MPH/210CFM. Meanwhile, the cellular radiator design at the bottom effectively reduces the risk of overheating- safer and is more durable.
- ☢【Full Accessory】Our cordless leaf blower with battery provides you with a 1-stop solution, we provide you with 1x Leaf Blower+1x 2.0Ah lithium battery + 1x fast charger’ at one time; This electric leaf blower is equipped with the fast charge technology so that the battery can be fully charged in only 1 hours; The body of the leaf blower has added a battery indicator light to display the battery status at any time.The total working time can last for 15 mins (High Speed) & 30 mins (Low Speed).
- ☢【Advanced Battery System】20V Li-Ion battery can be charged for over 500 times. The overheating/overcharging/explosion protection functions provide a stable battery performance. A single charge can guarantees continuous output of maximum power for more than 15 minutes.The leaf blower designs gets rid of troublesome wires, so that you will not be restricted in the process of operation.
- ☢【Versatile Use】Economical small wireless leafblower with high performance and durability is a real household gardening tool for cleaning work in the garage, patio, porch, sidewalk, car, balcony, and deck.
- 🍃【5.0Ah Large Capacity Battery】SEYVUM cordless leaf blower comes with a 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery and 2.5 hour fast charger. Up to 30 minutes working time with the high speed, and the low speed longer. Please make sure the battery is cool before charging.
- 🍃【2 Variable Speeds】1 speed - 70 MPH, 2 speed - 150MPH, one button to adjust the speed, the electric leaf blower can easily move leaves, dust, and small rocks to meet all your daily needs.
- 🍃【2 Sections of Tube】2 tubes can be easily installed into a long air blower, and can also be used separately. This design takes into account the different heights of users and the different usage scenarios.
- 🍃【Widely Usage】With high maneuverability and durability, household rechargeable SEYVUM leaf blowers for garden care are also used in patio, garden, cars, jobsite, camping, shop, depot and wood working.
- 🍃【Compact & Lightweight】The detachable design of the leaf cleaner makes storage easier. The blowers with battery only 4 lbs, you can easily lift it with one hand. SEYVUM offers 12 months warranty, feel free to contact us.
- POWERFUL MOTOR & EFFICIENT CLEANING: VacLife cordless leaf blower is equipped with a copper motor which makes the appliance durable, energy-saving, and less noisy. In addition, the turbo booster helps to provide stronger airflow, which is up to 280 CFM. Plus the strong wind speeds up to 120 MPH, VacLife can work efficiently in helping you clean the target area.
- CORDLESS DESIGN & LONG BATTERY LIFE: This battery powered leaf blower is cordless and portable. It's convenient for you to carry around. The 20V 4.0Ah battery can support the blower to work for 25 mins in high-speed mode and 15 mins in turbo-speed mode. What's more, it only takes 2h to fully charge the battery. You can monitor the remaining battery and charging process by the indicators.
- VARIABLE SPEEDS: This cordless leaf blower features variable speeds. The harder you press the power switch, the stronger the wind is. By pressing the turbo-speed button at the same time, the wind reaches its strongest speed. Thus, this blower can not only blow away leaves, fragments, and dust but also snow and stubborn debris. You can choose suitable speeds freely to solve your problems.
- WIDE-APPLICATION: This electric blower is suitable for many different uses. It is not limited to the function of a lawn vacuum or a yard vacuum. It can be used to clean the garage, patio, sidewalk, porch, car, balcony, deck, and hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, this electric blower works effectively in cleaning damp leaves, snow, dust, and fragments as well as drying your car surface.
- USER-FRIENDLY & ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The handgrip of this blower for lawn care is wrapped with elastic rubber which makes it non-slip and comfortable to hold. Meanwhile, the assembly of the appliance can be finished easily in a few steps by referring to the user manual included in the package. ( Note: Please read the manual carefully before using the electric blower. )
- 130 MPH sweeper easily clears debris from hard surfaces.Sweeper is ideal for clearing driveways, sidewalks, decks, garages and other hard surfaces of leaves, grass clippings, and other lawn debris. Included Components: (1) LSW321 20V MAX POWERBOOST Cordless Sweeper, (1) LBXR2020 20V MAX Lithium Ion Extended Runtime Battery, (1) Charger, (1) Blow Tube
- Low noise design allows for quiet operation
- Up to 25 minutes of runtime allows you to complete a variety of tasks
- POWERBOOST increases power to clear stubborn debris
- Part of the 20V MAX System; 1 System - Endless Tasks. Power for your Style
- 【High Power】Up to 130 MPH/150 CFM, battery powered leaf blower can help you get the job done quickly!
- 【20V Large Capacity Batteries】Removable and rechargeable 4000mAh lithium battery with real-time capacity indicator, compatible with Makita batteries.
- 【Nozzle Design】Adjustable blowpipe, people of all heights will find a comfortable use experience. Flat nozzles are great for blowing loose leaves in a sweeping motion. Round nozzles excel at loosening dirt, debris, and wet leaves.
- 【Lightweight Body】Weighs only 2 pounds slim body, ergonomic and the rubber-wrapped handle makes it easy to use with one hand.
- 【Low Noise】With the American sound standard, no need for hearing protection, provide you with a quiet working environment.
- Easily clears debris from hard surfaces like driveways, decks, and garages
- Air speed up to 130 miles per hour
- Operates on a 20V Max 1.5 Ampere hour Lithium Ion battery that holds its charge for up to 18 months. Noise rating (dB): 61
- Lightweight with a low noise design. Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. The nominal voltage is 18
- Part of the 20 volt max system
- Up to 2x Batteries: Tired of the time-consuming of leaf raking and the back pain? Tired of the limitation of the cord, or the noise from the bulky blowers? Consider getting the LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower with two batteries for tackling your lightweight jobs.
- Faster Charging and No Hassles: Sometimes customers got annoyed by waiting too long to charge the battery. But with the LAZYBOI leaf blower, you will get the convenience of 1-hour fast charging. The leaf blower cordless set comes with a fast charger and two 2.0ah 21v batteries which keeps 40-min work for the low-speed mode and 30-min working for the high-speed mode.
- Advanced Motor with Turbo Tech: LAZYBOI electric leaf blower uses advanced turbo technology, which effectively boosts the maximum air speed to 150MPH. Although the turbo mode uses a lot of power (which drains the battery faster), it is quite useful for loosening up those stubborn patches of debris that get stuck and otherwise refuse to budge. Our LAZYBOI blower is absolutely a lightweight and cordless leaf blower that brings a better user experience than others'.
- Lightweight and Portable: Lightweight design makes it perfect for one-handed operation for easy maneuverability. Weighs only 3.38 lbs and features an ergonomic body that naturally moulds to the direction of blowing, you will experience 30% less user fatigue during operation. The upgraded rubber grip of the leaf blower is not only non-slip when used, but also provides you with just enough support to make your work easier.
- Battery Maintenance: Product Safety is Top 1 to consider, we've implemented overheat protection in our batteries to ensure consumer safety. To prolong battery life, please wait 5-10 minutes after discharge before charging, and fully charge the battery before storing it for 3+ months. The LED indicator shows red while charging and green when fully charged.
Last update on 2023-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best cordless leaf blowers: UK Buyers
UK buyers can find a similar selection here:
Martin Cole has been an avid gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
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