Choose the Right Battery Voltage

In the arms race of cordless power tools, leaf blower batteries range from 18 to 80 volts. Part of that difference is marketing: an advertised 20-volt maximum battery or tool essentially provides the same power as an 18-volt model. The same is true of many 36-volt and 40-volt options.

Unless you want one battery to power everything from a drill/driver to your lawn and garden tools, you will probably be happier with a leaf blower that uses at least a 36-volt battery. Some capable 18-volt blowers use two batteries at the same time to approximate the power of a 36-volt tool, or use two batteries in succession to extend runtime. These models tend to cost more and make the most sense if you already own compatible batteries.

For smaller jobs, such as cleaning a patio, garage, shed or car, a standard single-battery 18-volt or 20-volt blower may be all you need.

Pay Attention to Amp-Hours and Runtime

While voltage gets the most attention in leaf blower marketing, a battery’s amp-hour rating tells you more about how long the blower will run. Think of voltage as a car’s engine and amp-hours as the size of its gas tank.

Batteries with higher amp-hour ratings are generally more expensive and heavier than batteries with similar voltage ratings. For leaf blowers, manufacturers typically pair kits with batteries rated from 4 to 8 amp-hours. You can also purchase higher-capacity batteries separately, so it is helpful to know which battery sizes the manufacturer offers. Batteries with higher amp-hour ratings usually take longer to charge.

Consider the Battery Platform

It is a mistake to underestimate the range of tools a battery platform can power in the pursuit of “the best” leaf blower. The difference between two high-performing tools may be negligible, while runtime can often be improved with a larger battery.

If you already have outdoor power equipment (OPE) from a particular brand, it usually makes sense to stay within that platform. You can use the batteries you already own and purchase the blower as a bare tool. Switching brands just to buy a slightly better blower may not be worth the cost of a new battery and charger.

If you are new to OPE and a leaf blower is your first purchase, consider how many other tools share the battery. Some manufacturers focus on lawn and garden equipment, allowing one battery to power blowers, lawn mowers, string trimmers and hedge trimmers. Others offer a wider selection, including wood splitters, snow blowers and lifestyle products such as portable power stations.

Traditional 18-volt power-tool manufacturers—the companies that make drill/drivers and circular saws—often offer a basic platform with a leaf blower and one battery. However, these blowers generally are not powerful enough to replace a gas-powered unit. Ryobi, for example, uses 18-volt batteries in its traditional power tools and some outdoor equipment, while its highest-performance gas alternative options use 40-volt batteries.

Look for Secure Detent Connections

A leaf blower typically has two or more connection points: where the tube connects to the housing and where the nozzle connects to the tube. Look for models with detents at these joints.

A detent is a small, brightly colored, spring-loaded clip that snaps into place when the parts are connected. These connections hold better and last longer than simple friction-fit connections.

Consider a Short Nozzle for Car Detailing

Blowers designed for car detailing often have short tubes and pistol grips. In response, manufacturers have added 3- to 6-inch stubby tubes that fit over the main blower attachment.

When you remove the long tube, the short tube directs a short volume of air across the length of the tool. This makes the blower easier to use around a car or in tight spaces. However, the blower nozzle will not fit this thicker tube, so you lose some speed.

Features You Do Not Need to Overemphasize

Weight and Balance

Regardless of voltage, a good battery-powered leaf blower will weigh around 10.5 pounds with the battery installed. If you want a lighter option, look for an 18-volt blower.

Balance also matters. Some tools stay almost horizontal when you hold them without squeezing the trigger, while others tilt the nozzle downward slightly. These models are less tiring than blowers that rotate the nozzle upward. A slight horizontal twist can also widen the airflow.

Most modern leaf blowers draw air in a straight line from the rear of the tool. Gas-powered models often have intakes mounted on the left or right side of the engine. These offset intakes can cause twisting movements, increase hand fatigue and even suck in the hem of your pants.

CFM, MPH and Newtons

Leaf blower marketing often emphasizes cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH), but these specifications should be treated as guides rather than the sole reason to choose one model. Both measurements matter: CFM tells you how much air the blower moves, while MPH indicates how fast the air moves.

For battery-powered blowers, however, there is no widely accepted testing method for these specifications. The ANSI/OPEI B175.2 standard applies only to internal-combustion engines, which means brands may test battery-powered units differently.

For example, measuring MPH where the motor meets the tube instead of at the end of the blower tube can produce a higher figure than you would experience in real-world use. Some CFM ratings are measured with the unit running at its maximum, boost or turbo setting rather than at high speed.

Newton, a unit of force, is another rating that often appears in specifications for high-voltage, battery-powered leaf blowers. It can be useful for comparing blowing force, but there are no standardized test codes for battery-powered blowers. Newton reporting is optional, and consumers cannot know whether the tests are standardized.

Generally, a good midrange blower produces around 20 newtons, while models with higher Newton ratings are usually higher-performance units. When shopping, use Newtons, CFM and MPH as guides rather than definitive specifications.

Wide Nozzles

Some blowers include wide-tipped nozzles for cleaning paved surfaces such as patios and driveways or blowing water off flat surfaces. In practice, this feature is not enough of a game changer to be the deciding factor. You will usually use a narrow nozzle and can twist your hand back and forth to create a wider airflow pattern when needed.