Petrol leaf blowers are loud enough to be banned in some Sydney councils and California cities. Cordless models have come a long way — the best now match a 25cc two-stroke for output and run for 30+ minutes on a battery. Add the lack of fuel mixing and the 70-decibel volume difference and the choice is fairly clear for most home use.
Our team’s top picks
EGO Power+ 56V 765 CFM Blower
- Industry-leading 765 CFM output
- Variable speed and turbo trigger
- Quiet for the power
- Brushless motor
Worx 40V Turbine Cordless Blower
- 470 CFM at a fair price
- Lightweight, comfortable grip
- Battery shares with Worx range
- Decent runtime
Stihl BGA 100 Backpack Blower
- Backpack format keeps weight off the arm
- AP-platform battery system
- Pro-quiet at 65 dB
- For long sessions
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Blower
- Compact, light at 2.7 kg
- Variable trigger
- DeWalt 20V platform compatibility
- Honest mid-range output
Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Blower
- 80V battery — punches through wet leaves
- 580 CFM, 145 MPH air
- Brushless motor
- Sturdy build
What to look for in a cordless leaf blower
- CFM (cubic feet per minute) is more important than MPH for moving leaves. Look for at least 500 CFM.
- A turbine-style fan is more efficient than older axial designs — quieter and longer-running.
- Variable speed dials matter — a flat-out blower is too aggressive on garden beds.
- 40V is the entry level; 56V and 80V approach petrol territory.
- A shoulder strap is worth the small extra cost on anything over 4 kg.
Frequently asked questions
CFM or MPH — which matters more?
CFM (volume of air moved). High MPH with low CFM is just a sharp jet that scatters leaves rather than moving them. For real leaf-clearing duty look for at least 500 CFM.
How long does a cordless blower battery last?
On a 5–6 Ah battery at moderate speed, around 25–35 minutes. At full turbo, 8–12 minutes. Keep a second battery on charge if you have a big property.
Are blowers safe for garden beds?
On low speed and at an angle, yes. On full turbo close to the soil, no — you'll blast away mulch and topsoil. Use the variable trigger.
Backpack or handheld?
Handheld for most home use. Backpack only earns its keep on properties over half an acre or for sessions longer than 30 minutes — the back support is the difference.
Bottom line
If you only take one thing from this guide, it is that quality matters more than spec on paper. The picks above have been chosen because our team uses them or trusts them — not because they are the most expensive or have the flashiest marketing. Buy once, garden often.
