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10 Best Lightweight Leaf Blowers 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

leaf blower

leaf blower

If you are in the market for a new lightweight leaf blower, you may be wondering what types are available since you’ve last looked. It may be surprising that leaf blowers have dramatically improved, and several models are lightweight and powerful. Battery power has also come a long way over the last few years, and it’s now possible to be utterly portable without the need for gasoline.

We’ve chosen 10 brands of Lightweight leaf blowers to examine, with detailed reviews and pros and cons for each. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you understand more about leaf blowers and which features they should have.

Join us while we look at wind speed, weight, RPM, charge time, ergonomics, and more to help you make an educated decision.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Makita DUB182Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower Makita DUB182Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower
  • Variable speed
  • Up to 18
  • 000 RPMs
  • Compact and ergonomic design
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower
  • Produces 160 MPH wind speed
  • 6 pounds
  • 2-speed air control
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Husqvarna 965877502 350BT Backpack Blower Husqvarna 965877502 350BT Backpack Blower
  • Gas-powered
  • X-torque engine reduces emissions
  • Vibration reduction
  • BLACK+DECKER LSW221 Lithium Sweeper BLACK+DECKER LSW221 Lithium Sweeper
  • 130-mph wind speed
  • Low noise design
  • 7 pounds
  • K I M O. 6001-2.0 Cordless Leaf Blower K I M O. 6001-2.0 Cordless Leaf Blower
  • Sweeper and vacuum
  • 20
  • 000 RPMs
  • 20 minutes per charge
  • The 10 Best Lightweight Leaf Blowers – Reviews 2024

    1. Makita DUB182Z 18V LXT Cordless Blower – Best Overall

    Makita DUB182Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower

    The Makita DUB182Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower is our pick for the best overall lightweight leaf blower. It weighs only 3 pounds and is about 20 inches long. The powerful motor features variable control, and it can reach up to 18,000 revolutions per minute (RPMs). An advanced lithium-ion battery powers it, and a single charge can run continuously for up to 12 minutes. It features a compact and ergonomic design with a rubberized soft-grip handle that is comfortable to hold even after long sessions, and it’s short enough to maneuver easily.

    The Makita DUB182Z is one of our favorite lightweight leaf blowers, and the only thing we don’t like is that the battery and charger are sold separately and can cost quite a bit. Despite this, we still think this is the best lightweight leaf blower available this year.

    Pros
    • Variable speed
    • Up to 18,000 RPMs
    • Compact and ergonomic design
    • 12 minutes of continuous power from a single recharge
    • Rubberized soft grip handle
    • Three pounds
    Cons
    • Battery sold separately

    2. Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower – Best Value

    Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower

    The Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower is our pick for the best lightweight leaf blower for the money. It’s a corded unit with a Powerful 7-amp motor capable of producing wind speeds up to 160 miles per hour (MPH). It only weighs about 4.6 pounds and features 2-speed air control.

    The Toro 51585 is perfect for homeowners. The engine is powerful, and it moves debris with ease. The only problem was that the cord lock didn’t work well, and it kept pulling out while we used it.

    Pros
    • Produces 160 MPH wind speed
    • 6 pounds
    • 2-speed air control
    • 7-amp motor
    Cons
    • Cord lock doesn’t work well

    3. Husqvarna 965877502 350BT Backpack Blower – Premium Choice

    Husqvarna 965877502 350BT Backpack Blower

    The Husqvarna 965877502 350BT Backpack Blower Is our premium choice lightweight leaf blower. It features a gas-powered engine for maximum power, and its X-torque technology reduces emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency. The ergonomic harness system combined with vibration reduction technology makes it easy and comfortable to hold long-term. It also features cruise control, which allows you to set and maintain one wind speed, and an adjustable tube length.

    The gas-powered engine is one of the strongest on this list, but it has its problems. It requires continuous maintenance, and you must change the spark plugs, etc. It can also be hard to start, especially in cold weather, and it’s not great for people with bad backs. The Husqvarna is lightweight compared to other gas-powered leaf blowers, but heavy compared to electric and battery-powered models.

    Pros
    • Gas-powered
    • X-torque engine reduces emissions
    • Vibration reduction
    • Ergonomic harness system
    • Cruise control
    • Adjustable tube length
    Cons
    • Heavy
    • Requires continuous maintenance
    • Hard to start

    4. BLACK+DECKER LSW221 Lithium Sweeper

    BLACK+DECKER LSW221 Lithium Sweeper

    The BLACK+DECKER LSW221 Lithium Sweeper Is a battery-operated leaf blower made by a company well-known for durable tools and appliances. This model features a low-noise design and can reach wind speeds of 130 MPH. It uses an advanced lithium-ion battery and is one of the rare models with a battery and charger. It only weighs about 3.7 pounds and is comfortable to hold and carry.

    Unfortunately, the BLACK+DECKER LSW221 is not very powerful and doesn’t produce enough wind to remove debris from grass or wet surfaces. It’s primarily a hard surface sweeper meant for light duty. A battery charge only lasts about 15 minutes, and since it’s not very powerful, it doesn’t allow you to remove much debris before you recharge.

    Pros
    • 130-mph wind speed
    • Low noise design
    • 7 pounds
    • Includes battery and charger
    • Lithium-ion battery
    Cons
    • Not very powerful
    • Charge only lasts a few minutes

    5. K I M O. 6001-2.0 Cordless Leaf Blower

    K I M O. 6001-2.0 Cordless Leaf Blower

    The K I M O. 6001-2.0 Cordless Leaf Blower is the first two-in-one lightweight leaf blower on our list. This model easily converts into a vacuum cleaner, and it comes with two reusable collection bags so you can start vacuuming immediately. The powerful motor can produce up to 20,000 RPM, and at 2.2 pounds, it’s one of the lightest on our list. It includes the battery and charger and features a power indicator light to tell you how much power remains in the battery. It takes about 90 minutes to charge, and each charge will run the blower for 20 minutes. You can adjust wind speed with the variable speed trigger.

    The main downside with the K I M O is that it’s not very powerful. It’ll blow off a small deck or vacuum your car, but it won’t do any yards or big jobs, and it’s quite expensive. Because of the low power, the battery loses its charge before the job’s complete.

    Pros
    • Sweeper and vacuum
    • 20,000 RPMs
    • 20 minutes per charge
    • Power indicator light
    • Fast charge
    • Includes collection bags
    • Includes charger and battery
    • 2 pounds
    • Variable speed
    Cons
    • Not very powerful
    • Expensive
    • Loses charge quickly

    6. Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB Electric Leaf Blower

    Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB Electric Leaf Blower

    The Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB Electric Leaf Blower is a corded electric leaf blower that uses a powerful 6-amp motor to deliver wind speeds up to 155 MPH. It’s lightweight at 3.9 pounds, and the comfortable curved handle is easy to hold and use. It’s not very loud, and the cord allows you to work as long as needed.

    Unfortunately, the Sun Joe Does not move enough air to remove larger debris. It works well in small areas like a deck or porch but does little to move leaves off the grass, and it cannot work in damp conditions.

    Pros
    • 6-amp motor
    • 155 mph wind speed
    • 9 pounds
    • Comfortable handle
    Cons
    • Not too powerful
    • Only for small areas

    7. WORX WG520 Turbine Corded Electric Leaf Blower

    WORX WG520 Turbine Corded Electric Leaf Blower

    The WORX WG520 Turbine Corded Electric Leaf Blower Features turbine fan technology that can move 600 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). The power is adjustable in two speeds, and a hyperstream air nozzle allows you to point the wind where you need it. It’s easy to operate with one hand, and it only weighs 6.4 pounds. It runs on corded power, so you never need to recharge or refuel, and it includes an extension cord retainer.

    The WORX WG520 Is well suited to bigger jobs and provides plenty of wind, especially on the high setting. However, it only accepts a two-pronged plug, which can be frustrating if you only have the three-pronged style as we do. The retainer didn’t work well, and it allowed the cable to become disconnected several times while we were working. It’s also very noisy, and the intake tends to suck in debris that can clog the machine.

    Pros
    • Turbine fan technology
    • Two speeds
    • Moves 600 CFM
    • Hyperstream air nozzle
    • One-handed operation
    • Extension cord retainer
    • 4 pounds
    Cons
    • Two-prong cord connection
    • The retainer doesn’t work well
    • Intake can suck in debris
    • Noisy

    8. Greenworks 2400802 Cordless Jet Leaf Blower

    Greenworks 2400802 Cordless Jet Leaf Blower

    The Greenworks 2400802 Cordless Jet Leaf Blower is a battery-powered lightweight leaf blower that weighs about 8.5 pounds. It features a molded grip for comfortable handling and a variable speed trigger with cruise control, so you can maintain a constant speed without wearing out your finger. It comes with a battery and charger, and it features a quick recharge time that takes a little over an hour.

    Unfortunately, like many of the other battery-powered leaf blowers we’ve reviewed, it doesn’t move much air and is better suited to light-duty jobs like porches or balconies. The charge depletes quickly, especially because you’re holding it in place longer, and the battery can be difficult to remove and place in the charger. It’s also a little heavy compared to the other lightweight models on this list.

    Pros
    • 110 mph wind speed
    • Molded grip
    • Variable speed trigger
    • Cruise control
    • Fast recharge
    • Includes battery and charger
    Cons
    • The battery can be difficult to remove
    • Not very powerful
    • Charge depletes quickly
    • A little heavy

    9. Avid Power Cordless Leaf Blower

    Avid Power Cordless Leaf Blower

    The Avid Power Cordless Leaf Blower Features six speeds adjustable by a rotary dial for maximum control over wind power, and it features curves control, so you don’t need to keep your finger on the trigger. Its powerful engine can deliver wind speeds up to 130 MPH while remaining relatively noise-free. The ergonomic design is comfortable to hold and doesn’t fatigue your hands, while a built-in light makes it easier to see in low-light conditions. It weighs only 3.4 pounds, and its space-saving design allows you to remove the nozzle for easy storage. It uses lithium-ion batteries, and one battery and charger come with it.

    We didn’t think the Avid was very powerful and only used it on the highest setting. In this setting, the battery charge only lasted about 10 minutes, which didn’t allow us to get much work done. You cannot adjust the nozzle because it locks in place, and the housing is not very durable. Ours developed a crack after only a few uses.

    Pros
    • Six speeds
    • Ergonomic design
    • Low noise level
    • Space-saving design
    • 130 mph wind speed
    • Cruise control
    • Built-in light
    • 4 pounds
    • Lithium-ion battery
    • Battery and charger included
    Cons
    • Not very powerful
    • Not very durable
    • Charge depletes quickly
    • Cannot point the nozzle

    10. Remington RM125 Brave Engine Gas-Powered Leaf Blower

    Remington RM125 Brave Engine Gas Powered Leaf Blower

    The Remington RM125 Brave Engine Gas Powered Leaf Blower is only the second model on our list to feature a powerful gasoline engine. It can produce wind speeds up to 180 MPH and features quick-start technology to help ease the burden of string pulling. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to carry, and cruise control allows you to set and maintain a wind speed without holding the trigger.

    The downside to the Remington RM125 is that it is too loud when compared to battery-powered or electric leaf blowers, and it’s heavier as well. It requires frequent maintenance and releases harmful emissions into the environment. We also found it hard to start after a few uses and were surprised it didn’t put out enough wind for yard work. One last problem we had was that none of our other tools use a 40 to 1 fuel ratio, so we needed to use an extra gas tank to hold the fuel.

    Pros
    • Powerful gas engine
    • 180 mph wind speed
    • Quick start technology
    • Cruise control
    • Ergonomic design
    Cons
    • Loud
    • Requires frequent maintenance
    • Heavier than non-gas-powered leaf blowers
    • No other tools use fuel ratio
    • Hard to start
    • Not strong enough for yards

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Lightweight Leaf Blower

    Here are some of the essential factors to look for when you are choosing a lightweight leaf blower.

    Type

    The main thing you will likely need to decide is what type of leaf blower you need.

    Gas

    Gas-powered leaf blowers are the original and most powerful type. Fuel-powered engines can move massive amounts of air and are used by professional landscapers and contractors. They are highly durable and usually last for years before needing to be replaced. However, they are usually much heavier than the other types and require frequent maintenance, which can get expensive. You also typically need to mix and store fuel, and they can be difficult to start and hard on your back. They are also the most expensive blowers and are bad for the environment.

    We recommend gas-powered leaf blowers for professionals and those with large yards and plenty of grass.

    Pros
    • Powerful
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Bad for the environment
    • Frequent maintenance
    • Heavy
    • Hard to start
    leaf blower
    Image By: The Toidi, Shutterstock

    Electric

    Electric leaf blowers were the next to arrive on the scene. They use extension cords and plug into the outlet. These blowers can be every bit as powerful as gas-powered models, and they’re often much less expensive. Electric leaf blowers are also very lightweight and require very little maintenance. They are durable, though they tend to burn out after a few years of heavy use. The primary downside to electric leaf blowers is that they’re not portable, and you can only reach as far as your extension cord.  The cord also tends to come unplugged on many models, which causes the unit to stop unexpectedly.

    We recommend electric leaf blowers for most homes because they are powerful, inexpensive, and don’t require much maintenance.

    Pros
    • Powerful
    • Low maintenance
    • Inexpensive
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Tethered to an electrical outlet
    • Cord comes unplugged
    • May not reach everywhere

    Battery Power

    A few years ago, most battery-powered tools used nicad batteries, which were not very good. However, modern tools use newer lithium-ion technology, which is much more powerful. Modern battery-powered leaf blowers are as powerful as gas and electric units while they hold their charge. They offer you the portability of gas units and the maintenance-free motor and lightweight housing of electric power.

    The downside to battery power is that many models don’t include the battery and charger, so you must purchase them separately. We’ve tried to include models that come with the battery on our list of reviews. Battery power only lasts a short time before it needs recharging, and unlike most tools like a drill or a saw that you typically use in short bursts, you run the leaf blower wide open, which kills the battery quickly.

    We recommend battery power to someone who already owns battery-powered tools, those who require portability but don’t want the high maintenance of a gas engine, or someone who only needs it now and then.

    Pros
    • Portable
    • Powerful
    Cons
    • Frequent charging
    • Loses charge quickly
    • Expensive

    Determining Strength

    Unfortunately, many companies seem to deliberately make it hard to determine how powerful a machine is before you buy it, but there are a few things you can check to get an idea.

    CFM

    The best way to tell how strong a leaf blower is is by looking at the cubic feet per minute (CFM). The CFM measures how much air a device can move in one minute.  Look for a machine with a rating of at least 400 CFM to blow leaves off the wet grass.

    Wind Speed

    Unfortunately, many brands don’t list the CFM on the package, so you must look for other ways to determine strength. Another way is to look at the wind speed. A unit that produces higher wind speeds can move more debris. Wind speed is not as good at determining strength as CFM’s because the size of the blower tube plays a part in the equation, but we recommend only purchasing units that produce higher than 100 mph wind speeds.

    RPM

    If the package doesn’t supply you with CFM or wind speed data, you must look at the RPMs. RPMs are not very helpful because they don’t tell you about the air getting moved, but a motor running at a higher RPM is likely to have more power. We recommend looking for a leaf blower that can produce at least 15,000 RPMs.

    More articles on leaf blowers:

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    Conclusion

    We recommend the Makita DUB182Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower for most homes because it’s powerful and portable. It’s perfect for seasonal jobs and powerful enough to move debris on damp ground. The Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower is our best value model we recommend for anyone that uses a leaf blower regularly and wants consistent and dependable power at an affordable price. Both models are lightweight and easy on the back.

    We hope you enjoyed reading these lightweight leaf blower reviews and found a model you like. If we have helped you, please share this guide to lightweight leaf blowers on Facebook and Twitter so we can help others.

    See Also: 


    Featured Image Credit: Saklakova, Shutterstock

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