As we evaluated backpack leaf blowers, we looked at factors including power source, maximum air speed and power, weight, noise level, and additional features. We also tested several at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, putting them through a variety of performance and endurance tests. Our top pick is the ECHO 58.2cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, which offers powerful airflow via its variable-speed throttle and is designed for comfort with a vented back pad for hot weather. Here are the best backpack leaf blowers to buy. While this backpack leaf blower weighs more than 20 pounds, it’s well-designed to keep you comfortable during operation. It features a deluxe padded backrest and harness, with a vented backrest to dispel heat on summer days, and it also has a four-point vibration reduction system. The throttle is mounted right on the blower tube for easy operation, and it has a cruise control setting for consistent operation. The Echo Backpack Leaf Blower has a translucent fuel tank that lets you see when you’re running low on gas, and a leaf guard prevents overheating by stopping leaves and other debris from blocking the blower intake. The tool has a manual startup, but it’s easy enough to get going once you get the hang of it. This 3-in-1 leaf blower has a flexible tube that gives you more room to maneuver while vacuuming, and there’s a boost button on the handle for those times you need an extra bit of power. The reusable debris collection back has a roll-and-clip closure with a wide opening, making it quick and easy to empty, and when it’s used as a mulcher, it cuts debris down to 1/16 of its original size. However, the tube can clog fairly easily, so you’ll want to use caution not to suck up larger debris like sticks while working. This leaf blower has a variable-speed throttle, as well as an adjustable tube length. The adjustable harness has a waist belt to keep the tool secure during operation, and it’s extremely quick and easy to start, using the pushbutton. And although you can push a button while operating, our tester especially appreciated the option to set a dial to let it blow at a specific speed or strength and “not having to push the button the entire time.” In addition to being relatively quiet and free of emissions, the battery-powered design also requires very little maintenance—all you have to do is recharge the battery as needed, and you’re good to go. The Greenworks Pro Leaf Blower has a trigger-activated variable speed throttle, and there’s also a cruise control option that provides constant airflow, as needed. Our tester appreciated the variety. “There were multiple ways to control the power—one was like a trigger,” she reported. I used that the most so I could turn it off easily to improve my accuracy." You can get an extra boost of power with the tool’s turbo button, but running it at high speed drains the battery much faster. The brand estimates that a fully charged battery lasts only around 18 minutes if run continuously on its highest speed, which may not be enough for your yard’s needs. It runs on a 2.5Ah battery and comes with a rapid charger that recharges the battery in just 45 minutes. It isn’t the most powerful leaf blower out there—its maximum air speed is 145 MPH and maximum airflow is 580—but it works well in smaller yards. Our tester was enthusiastic, saying: “The control I had over the power would make doing yard work more fun and certainly quick!” To keep you comfortable as you clean up your yard, this leaf blower has adjustable shoulder straps and padded load-reducing harness. The contoured handle has a soft-grip finish, and it pushes through wet leaves and other heavy debris on its maximum settings. But be aware that it’s quite loud during operation, with a noise level around 97 decibels, which means you need to use hearing protection. To keep you comfortable while you work, this leaf blower is equipped with a padded harness, hip belt, and weight-leveling load management system. However, it is extremely loud, and you definitely want to wear hearing protection while using it. The RYOBI leaf blower comes with two batteries and has two active battery ports for extended runtime, but the manufacturer doesn’t specify how long each battery lasts. However, the included rapid charger powers up a drained battery in under 60 minutes. There’s a turbo button for those times you need extra power, and the tool comes with a nozzle attachment to help maximize air speed.
Gas: Typically, gas-powered leaf blowers are the most powerful, and you have virtually unlimited runtime. (If you run out of gas, you can simply stop and refill the fuel tank.) However, they’re generally louder and require more maintenance than electric models, and they can also be harder to start. Battery: Leaf blowers that run on rechargeable batteries tend to be quiet and easy to operate, often starting with the push of a button. Many are also significantly lighter than gas blowers, as well. However, the major downside is they have a limited runtime, which can be quite short if you’re using the tool on a high setting. Corded: Electric leaf blowers that run via extension cords offer many of the same benefits as battery-powered models, but they have unlimited runtime. The main downfall, however, is you’re limited to the range of your extension cord.
Weight
Because backpack leaf blowers are designed to be carried on your back, it’s important to select a model that you can comfortably lift and support for an extended period of time. “Consider the strap configuration, and look for padded straps and a harness that helps distribute the load,” recommends Erin Schanen, Troy-Bilt gardening partner and creator of The Impatient Gardener.
Noise
Leaf blowers can be quite loud during operation, and most models fall somewhere between 60 and 110 decibels. Not only can this loud, continuous noise be irritating, but it can also be harmful to your hearing above a certain level. Exposure to noise above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss, so you’ll need to invest in hearing protection, such as ear plugs or earmuffs, if you select a leaf blower that’s at or above this noise level.
MPH
As you shop for leaf blowers, you’ll see each unit’s maximum airspeed listed in miles per hour, or MPH. This indicates the maximum speed of the air coming out of the nozzle, and leaf blowers with higher air speeds are able to move heavier objects and debris.
CFM
Leaf blowers also have an air volume or airflow rating, which is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. This measurement indicates how well the leaf blower can keep objects moving—a unit with a low CFM won’t be able to push debris very far. Ideally, you’ll want to look for a leaf blower with a fairly high maximum MPH and CFM, which will be able to efficiently push heavy debris across your yard.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While researching backpack leaf blowers for this article, she spoke with Erin Schanen, Troy-Bilt’s gardening partner, master gardener, and creator of The Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel. Schanen offered insights on what to look for in a leaf blower, as well as information on how these tools work. While evaluating different products, Camryn considered factors such as each blower’s weight, maximum MPH and CFM, power source, and noise level. She also looked at the runtime of any battery-powered models, prioritizing options that last long enough to clean a sizable yard.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
