Consumer Reports Ranks Leaf Blowers by Type; Ego LBPX8004-2 Tops All

Consumer Reports evaluated 19 leaf blowers spanning six product categories. The battery-powered Ego LBPX8004-2 backpack model, retailing at $769, outperformed every other unit in the test. Among handheld devices, the corded Toro 51624 ($90) quickly moved leaves and debris, while the Ryobi RY421021, at just $59, was the least expensive and delivered operator-ear noise low enough to skip protection. The $240 Greenworks BL60L512 led battery handhelds, and the $359 Ego LB7654 impressed testers with very aggressive sweeping and vacuuming. Gas handhelds such as the $299 Echo PB-2620 and the $350 Stihl BG 86 C-E had downsides like slower loose-leaf movement or louder ear-level readings. In the wheeled category, the $1,000 Billy Goat F602X offered a mix-free engine. Also assessed were battery backpack models from Ryobi, Kobalt, Bad Boy, and Stihl, plus gas backpacks from Echo and Husqvarna.