The best cordless leaf blowers in the US to cut down time without bothering neighbors

"Electric leaf blowers are on track to soon outsell their obnoxious gas counterparts, and for good reason. They're easier to start, require almost no maintenance, and many run quietly enough for early-morning yard sessions without bothering the neighbors. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Cordless models offer the ultimate freedom to roam untethered, but they come with tradeoffs in power, weight, runtime and of course cost."

"To find the model that balanced these best, I tested seven models across the price spectrum on dry leaves, damp leaves, pine needles, and general yard debris. Throughout testing, I paid close attention to control, comfort and how long each battery maintained usable power. Of course, if you're looking for the most ecologically minded solution, consider leaving some leaves behind."

"Why you should trust me I have been testing outdoor gear and consumer products for more than 15 years, and I grew up in the midwest, where keeping a tidy lawn is a regional pastime. I still approach yard work with that same mindset. The 12,000-sq-ft yard of my Colorado home makes a useful testing ground: it's ringed by a peach tree, an apple tree, a very unruly maple, two spruce trees, and an 80-ft cottonwood."

Cordless electric leaf blowers simplify yard cleanup by offering easy starting, low maintenance, and quieter operation suitable for early-morning use. Cordless models provide untethered mobility but involve tradeoffs in peak power, device weight, battery runtime, and purchase cost. Seven blower models across a price range were evaluated on dry and damp leaves, pine needles, gravel, mulch, driveways and sidewalks, including tests of compacted and wet debris. Testing emphasized control, comfort, ergonomics and how long batteries maintained usable power. A 12,000-sq-ft Colorado yard with multiple tree species produced realistic, varied debris for practical performance assessment. Leaving some leaves is an ecological alternative.

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