The Best Backpack Leaf Blowers of 2024 — Experience Real Power

The Best Backpack Leaf Blowers of 2024 — Experience Real Power

Did you know leaves hold 50 to 80 percent of the nutrients a plant needs? They're helpful. Still, they need to be managed. That's why we wanted to take a look at some of the best backpack leaf blowers of 2024.

We already asked 230 homeowners their thoughts on some of the best leaf blowers. It was no surprise that those with lots of leaves to maintain wanted more comfortable, powerful equipment to handle big jobs.

What to Look for When Buying a Backpack Leaf Blower?

Backpack leaf blowers are much more powerful than handheld models. While there is some overlap in the things you should consider between the two, backpack leaf blowers are more expensive, so we wanted to give you some things to consider if you're considering one.

Power and Airflow: Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is the volume of air a leaf blower can move per minute. The higher the CFM, the more leaves and debris you can move at once. 400 or higher CFM is great for most jobs. But you may need to go for more if you have a large property. Miles per hour (MPH) refers to the airflow speed. Increased speed will be worth the investment if you've got heavy, wet leaves and debris.   

Power Type: Are you looking for a gas or an electric backpack leaf blower? The better question would center around your runtime and noise-level needs. Many gas-powered models can run twice as long as their electric counterparts, which typically last between an hour and an hour and a half at best. But then again, you may have to adhere to noise regulations within a city or an HOA, so an electric option may be your best bet. Things to think about.

Equipment Weight: Stronger models often weigh more. Larger engine, more weight. Find the right balance between weight and power for the jobs you'll handle. Electric models are usually lighter than gas models.

RELATED: What is The Best Commercial Leaf Blower?

Echo PB-9010T

Check out this line from Echo: "The PB-9010 backpack blower is a professional-grade windstorm built to power through the toughest workdays with ease."

Windstorm. Love it. And it's true: 1110 CFM, 220 MPH will definitely handle large lawns and hard-to-move leaves and debris.

It's all possible because of the PB-9010T's 79.9 cc engine.

The torque tube throttle on the PB-9010T is the most impressive thing about this machine. This configuration allows the operator to control and maneuver the machine without compromising productivity, even in confined spaces. Echo built the blower with a padded backrest, shoulder straps, and a vented back panel for extra use.  

Stihl BR 800 X MAGNUM

The BR 800 X is another model professionals and homeowners with large lawns will love.

It can push 912 CFM of air at a top speed of 239 MPH. This combination makes it capable of clearing heavy stacks of wet leaves, sticks, and other heavy debris.

The BR 800 X MAGNUM's side-mounted starting mechanism is a hit among many users. This feature makes it easy for the user to turn the blower on again without taking it off their back and is especially useful for those jobs that frequently need to stop. 

One reviewer wrote:

"Got tired of my battery-powered blower dying after 10 minutes. It just makes good sense to get a gas-powered blower if you need to do big work with it. We have 2.5 acres and a lot of leaves. This thing makes quick work of moving them around. The starter is super handy (as well) ... ."

In addition to wide shoulder straps and an adjustable and ventilated back panel, the blower is also arranged wisely. Its ergonomic design distributes weight uniformly, making a heavy tool feel lighter than it is.

RELATED: An Illustrated Guide to Selecting the Right Leaf Blower

Greenworks 80V Pro

Greenworks' flagship battery-operated blower is a lightweight and powerful choice for the homeowner needing to tackle lawns with lots of leaves.

It's a solid tool. 610 CFM and a top speed of 180 MPH are more than enough for most homeowners with an acre or so to clear.

You'll need several 2.5 Ah batteries on hand, though. They only last for 13 minutes or so. That's its downfall. But this quiet model is a good option if you have to abide by noise restrictions. It only weighs 15.43 pounds.

That's one of the biggest advantages of an electric leaf blower. Plus, its padded shoulder straps make it easy to haul around.

Makita EB7660TH

This 24.1-pound beast is extremely easy to move around for a four-cylinder gas-powered machine. Powerful. Rugged. Comfortable. These words don't typically go together, but they all describe this backpack blower.

Its blower is powered by a 75.6 cc 4-stroke engine that generates up to 706 CFM of airflow per minute at 206 MPH.

It's ideal for leafy debris, wet leaves, and other difficult yard clutter. Reviewers love the EB7660TH's anti-vibration mounts. The large capacity air filter is removable and ensures engine longevity for durable operation. The blower also has an automatic decompression system for faster startup.

RELATED: How to Use a Leaf Blower

RedMax EBZ8560-RH

Here's how the RedMax EBZ8560-RH stacks up:

• 1,000 CFM

• 220 MPH

• 77.77 fl oz fuel tank

Speaks volumes. This is one of the best backpack leaf blowers of 2024 because of its strength and fuel capacity — you can knock out a lot of work in one go.

A comfortable ergonomic harness, shoulder straps, and backrest distribute the weight and ease pressure on a user's shoulders. This model is a bit heavier and loud, but it's ideal for those who want the power and endurance of a professional blower.

DeWalt 60V MAX

A durable, green option if you require moderate power to maintain your garden on a regular basis. It runs on a 60V lithium-ion battery, producing 423 CFM of airflow at 129 MPH — good for light to moderate leaf-waste cleanup in small to medium yards without the noise of gas units.

The 60V MAX backpack blower is comfortable and easy to use with padded shoulder straps and lightweight construction, which is ideal for the homeowner looking for lightweight but reliable functionality. It also comes with a variable-speed trigger and cruise control that lets you precisely regulate airflow (which is particularly helpful when working with sensitive areas such as flower beds or patios).

This battery has a runtime of 20–30 minutes per charge (depending on usage), so this is the model for anyone who doesn't need long-term battery life. But DeWalt's fast charger gets your batteries up and running in no time, and it's easy to swap out batteries if you have other DeWalt packs. It’s not as powerful as professional-grade brands, but the DeWalt 60V MAX is great for homeowners who want a quiet, hassle-free tool.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series

Electric equipment is quieter than gas — no doubt. But 85 percent quieter? That's crazy. RYOBI’s 40V HP Brushless Backpack Blower Kit is impressive.

It's strong, though. It's weird. You fire it up, it sounds like a low-drumming buzz, and then it sends out a blast at 165 MPH and 730 CFM.

With two 40V 6Ah batteries, you can get around 50 minutes of runtime. Reviewers loved that you can lock in the speed you want with its cruise control feature. And you can't go wrong with a 5-year manufacturer's tool warranty and a 3-year manufacturer's battery warranty.

Husqvarna 580BTS Mark II Backpack Leaf Blower

We've reviewed some powerful tools on our list of the best backpack leaf blowers of 2024.

Husqvarna's 580BTS is no exception.

It's a high-powered, gas-powered backpack blower for homeowners with large yards, heavy debris, and commercial operators. It can pump out 1,000 CFM of air at 206 mph.

The 580BTS Mark II's best attribute is its X-TORQ engine, which reduces exhaust gasses by up to 60 percent and increases fuel efficiency by 20 percent. It also has a large, commercial-grade air filter on the blower to ensure your engine runs well for years.

Back Leaf Blower FAQs

Do you want more CFM or MPH in a leaf blower?

CFM is the amount of air a leaf blower can produce. MPH — that's the velocity. High CFM is what you need if you have a lot of leaves to move, and high MPH is good if you need to round up wet leaves and debris.

How long do battery-powered leaf blowers last?

Depending on the power and battery type, the majority last between 15-60 minutes on a single charge. Look for quick recharge options and kits with dual batteries included.

Are backpack leaf blowers worth it?

You should always consider your yard size and the types of leaves and debris if you have to move. They're definitely worth it if you need a ton of power and will be out in the yard working for a while.

Quick Summary

Backpack leaf blowers are a must-have piece of equipment for homeowners and professionals with big jobs to tackle. Not only can they provide longer run times and comfort, but their power is unmatched.

A leaf blower's worth is measured in CFM and MPH. These define how much and with what force a leaf blower can push out air. It's important to think through what you need — electric models are quieter but don't have the same runtime. 

So, you might need a gas model if you have a big yard with lots of leaves and wet debris. Then again, electric models are lighter and quieter. If you're facing noise restrictions, a battery-operated leaf blower will be a great fit.