9 Best Leaf Vacuums of 2025 [Reviews]

The best leaf vacuums make yard work easy in the fall –– no more raking up the leaves or piling up leaf bags. But which leaf vacuum is right for you?  

We’ve taken the guesswork out of choosing a leaf vacuum by comparing models from America’s top lawn care retailers— Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. We ranked each vacuum based on performance, mulch ratio, comfort, and cost, then compiled our list of the best leaf vacuums available on the market right now. Also, check out our buyer’s guide for tips to decide which leaf vacuum belongs in your tool shed. 

Our Top Picks

3 Best Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuums

— Craftsman BV245

— Troy-Bilt TB27VH

— Husqvarna 125BVX

3 Best Battery-Powered Leaf Vacuums

— Ryobi RY404150

— Greenworks G-Max 24322

— Makita XBU04PTV

3 Best Corded Electric Leaf Vacuums

— Craftsman CMEBL7000

— Worx WG524

— Black+Decker BEBL7000

Top 3 Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuums – Reviews

1. Craftsman BV245

Leaf cleanup is a cinch with the Craftsman BV245, a high-performance gas leaf blower that also vacuums and mulches. Craftsman packed a lot of power into a lightweight, ergonomic design, allowing homeowners to clean lots of leaves quickly. A potent 27-cc, full-crank engine powers it with airspeeds up to 205 MPH and air volume up to 450 CFM. 

It’s feature-packed with desirable details, including:

• Translucent fuel tank
• Easy Start technology
• Variable speed throttle
• Cruise control
• 1.5-bushel capacity bag
• Vibration-reducing over-mold handle  

Conclusion: The BV245 is our favorite gas-powered leaf vacuum because it performs well, is comfortable to operate, and isn’t expensive.   

Specifications

• CFM: 450
• Engine: 27-cc, 2-cycle
• MPH: 205
• Mulch ratio: 16:1
• Noise level: 74 dB
• Weight: 10.2 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Handles heavy-duty jobs ✓ Reduced vibration ✓ Easy to use ✓ Fast airspeed	✗ Need a screwdriver to attach the vacuum tube ✗ Loud

2. Troy-Bilt TB27VH

Another excellent gas leaf blower/vacuum is the Troy-Bilt TB27VH. Its 27-cc engine has a balanced full-crank design that minimizes vibration and empowers it with awesome airflow. You can effortlessly suck up piles of leaves and fill its large 1.5-bushel bag. 

The TB27VH comes with a laundry list of features, including:

• SpringAssist Starting
• Comfort overmold handle
• Variable speed throttle
• Additional curved tube attachment for hard-to-reach places
• Vibration-reducing backpack harness

Conclusion: It’s one of the best gas-powered leaf vacuums because it’s efficient and easy to use. It’s also slightly less expensive than the Craftsman BV245.

Specifications

• CFM: 450
• Engine: 27-cc, 2-cycle
• MPH: 205
• Mulch ratio: 16:1
• Noise level: 74 dB
• Weight: 10 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Handles heavy-duty jobs ✓ Reaches around corners and into hard-to-reach spots ✓ Reduced vibration ✓ Fast airspeed	✗ Single-handle use is sometimes difficult to maneuver due to the tool’s width ✗ Loud

3. Husqvarna 125BVX

Husqvarna is one of the world’s most trusted manufacturers of outdoor power tools, so it’s no surprise that the Husqvarna 125BVX made our list. Its 28-cc X-Torq engine reduces emissions by up to 60% and fuel consumption by up to 20%. It has 12.5 N of blow force to handle heavy-duty jobs, and at just 9.6 pounds, it’s the lightest gas vacuum on our list.

The vacuum/blower is enhanced with handy features, including:

• Well-balanced, ergonomic design
• Softgrip handle 
• Smart Start 
• Fully adjustable blowing tube
• Flared nozzle for increased airspeed

Conclusion: The Husqvarna 125BVX is high-performance and fuel-efficient, making it great for homeowners who enjoy gas power but want to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s also the most ergonomic gas vacuum we tested and is sold at a surprisingly affordable price. 

Specifications

• CFM: 425
• Engine: 28-cc, 2-cycle
• MPH: 170
• Mulch ratio: 16:1
• Noise level: 70 dB
• Weight: 9.6 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Handles heavy-duty jobs ✓ Reduced emissions ✓ Fuel-efficient ✓ Well-balanced and ergonomic ✓ Fully adjustable tube	✗ Engine stops when idle ✗ Have to pull multiple times to start

Top 3 Battery-Powered Leaf Vacuums – Reviews

1. Ryobi RY404150

The Ryobi RY404150 Cordless Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum is potent enough to compete with gas vacuums but is quieter and emissions-free. It has a high-efficiency brushless motor and two 40-volt batteries for up to 18 minutes of runtime. Its metal impeller shreds debris so finely that 20 bags of leaves condense into just one bag of mulched leaves. 

It has several features that speed up leaf collection, including:

• Variable speed settings
• Cruise control
• Adjustable harness 
• 10.5 gal. debris bag
• Flared vacuum tip

Conclusion: Homeowners who want the best cordless leaf vacuum should definitely consider the RY404150. It’s efficient and eco-friendly with many time-saving features. However, it’s the second most expensive product on our list.

Specifications

• Battery: 4 Ah, 40 volt (2 included)
• CFM: 600
• Motor: Brushless
• MPH: 100
• Mulch ratio: 20:1
• Noise level: 65 dBa 
• Weight: 15.2 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Excellent mulch ratio ✓ Quiet ✓ Adjustable harness improves balance and comfort ✓ Easy to use variable speed/cruise control dial ✓ 5-year tool warranty	✗ Expensive ✗ Heavy ✗ Slow airspeed

2. Greenworks G-Max 24322

The Greenworks G-Max 24322 Cordless Leaf Blower Vacuum is our list’s most affordable cordless electric tool. However, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for cost because it uses advanced brushless technology to increase torque, runtime, and motor life. It gets up to 21 minutes of runtime with a single battery charge and is extremely lightweight. 

Its features include:

• Variable 6-speed speed dial
• Turbo button
• Large 1.2-bushel bag
• Tool-less conversion between blower and vacuum mode

Conclusion: The G-Max 24322 is an affordable option for homeowners who want a cordless tool to handle a medium amount of fallen leaves.

Specifications

• Battery: 4 Ah, 40 volt
• CFM: 340
• Motor: Brushless
• MPH: 185
• Mulch ratio: 10:1
• Noise level: 80 dB
• Weight: 5.6 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Lightweight ✓ Easy to use ✓ Affordable	✗ Can’t suck up piles of wet leaves ✗ Not good for big jobs ✗ Loud

3. Makita XBU04PTV

The Makita XBU04PTV is a cordless leaf blower with a vacuum and mulching shredder attachment. Its BL brushless motor is durable and efficient, empowering the vacuum with up to 14 Newtons of blow force. The tool’s heavy-duty construction can withstand harsh conditions, and its digital star protection prevents overloading and overheating.

It is packed with features to improve ease of use, including:

• Cruise control lever
• Variable speed trigger
• Speed lock
• Rubberized soft grips
• Telescoping blower nozzle
• Shoulder strap
• Fast charger

Conclusion: Makita is known for its top-notch battery-powered technology, and the XBU04PTV doesn’t disappoint. But their tools are costly. The XBU04PTV is the most expensive tool on our list. And if you want more than 10 – 12 minutes of runtime, you’ll have to invest in a Makita battery backpack.

Specifications

• Battery: 5 Ah, 18-volt (2 included)
• CFM: 473
• Motor: Brushless
• MPH: 120
• Mulch ratio: 10:1
• Noise level: 61 dB
• Weight: 26.46 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Quiet ✓ Feature-packed ✓ Durable construction ✓ LED battery indicators ✓ Great suction	✗ Expensive ✗ Heavy ✗ Very short runtime per charge

Top 3 Corded Electric Leaf Vacuums – Reviews

1. Craftsman CMEBL7000

Our favorite corded electric blower/vacuum is the Craftsman CMEBL7000. Its 12-amp motor gets superior performance to quickly and comfortably manage debris. It has strong suction that effectively picks up leaves and puts them in the large backpack collection bag.

Its features include:

• Tool-less conversion from blower to vacuum 
• Shoulder straps
• 55-liter collection bag that’s easy to empty

Conclusion: The CMEBL7000 is powerful, convenient, and our list’s second most affordable vacuum mulcher. 

Specifications

• Amps: 12
• CFM: 450
• MPH: 260
• Mulch ratio: 12:1
• Noise level: 55 dB
• Weight: 11.27 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Quiet ✓ Fast airspeed ✓ Affordable	✗ Plastic impeller ✗ Only one speed ✗ Not good for large yards

2. Worx WG524

The Worx Trivac (WG524) is a handheld leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher. Homeowners don’t have to stop working to switch between its functions because it’s as simple as turning a dial. Additionally, it has a powerful 12-amp motor and a dual-stage metal impeller that condenses 18 bags of leaves down to one bag of mulch. 

Our favorite features included with the WG524 are:

• Cord retainer to keep the extension cord connected
• Lightweight and compact design
• Variable speeds
• 1.2-bushel collection bag

Conclusion: Worx’s Trivac is a versatile tool that’s easy to use. It’s great at sucking up piles of damp or dry leaves but can’t mulch wet leaves. Although it costs less than the average leaf blower, it’s one of the most expensive corded electric models. 

Specifications

• Amps: 12
• CFM: 620
• MPH: 70
• Mulch ratio: 18:1
• Noise level: 50 dB
• Weight: 9.28 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Cord retainer keeps it plugged in ✓ High air volume ✓ Very quiet ✓ Mulches finely	✗ Slow airspeed ✗ Not good for large yards

3. Black+Decker BEBL7000

The Black+Decker BEBL7000 is the most affordable leaf vacuum on our list. But don’t let its meager price tag fool you. It’s a versatile 3-in-1 tool that blows, mulches, and vacuums leaves. It even comes with a comfortable backpack collection bag, keeping your hands free. 

The BEBL7000 has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a higher-priced tool, including:

• Flexo-tube for hard-to-reach debris
• Powerboost button for extreme force
• Reusable, zipper-free collection bag

Conclusion: It’s an excellent tool for homeowners with small yards who are on a budget but want a powerful tool for high-speed lawn care. 

Specifications

• Amps: 12
• CFM: 400
• MPH: 250
• Mulch ratio: 16:1
• Noise level: 75 dB
• Weight: 16.05 lb.

Pros and Cons

What we liked	What we didn’t like
✓ Affordable ✓ Fast airspeed ✓ Flexible tube ✓ Good suction	✗ Loud ✗ Heavy

Buyer’s Guide

Each leaf vacuum has its own bells and whistles. But when shopping for your new leaf vacuum, you should consider the following factors:

• Power Source
• MPH and CFM
• Versatility
• Mulch Reduction Ratio
• Bag Size
• Weight
• Noise Level

Power Source

Like many other tools, leaf vacuums are either gas-powered, corded, or battery-powered. Each power source has its own advantages and disadvantages and may meet your needs in different ways. 

Gas-powered

High-performing gas-powered tools are typically reserved for commercial projects. Gas-powered tools are powerful and will often outperform corded and battery-powered models (though not always). 

The downsides: Gas-powered tools are high-maintenance and tend to create lots of noise pollution. They also emit exhaust fumes that are harmful to the environment and you, the operator. 

Corded Electric

Corded electric leaf blowers and vacuums are usually easier to maintain than gas-powered leaf vacuums and don’t emit the harmful pollutants that gas-powered tools do. 

Corded leaf vacuums have an unlimited run time, unlike battery-powered tools. Just plug the leaf vacuum into an outlet, and you are good to go. 

The downside to corded leaf vacuums is that they aren’t always as powerful as gas leaf vacuums, and the cord limits you to a particular space. If you need to work in an area with no available outlet, a corded model may not be what you need.

Battery-powered

Battery-powered leaf blowers are eco-friendly and allow for cordless yard work. No more unplugging a cord when you wander too far, and you aren’t limited to working near an outlet. 

The drawback to battery-powered leaf vacuums? They run out of juice and need to be recharged. You miss out on unlimited run time, and you won’t get the same power as some of the higher-performing gas models. 

MPH and CFM

Miles per hour (mph) and cubic feet per minute (CFM) are two numbers you’re bound to see when shopping for your new leaf vacuum. 

What do they mean? 

• MPH measures how fast the air moves through your leaf vacuum. If your leaf vacuum has a 250 mph, that means the air sucking up your leaves is moving at 250 miles per hour. 

• CFM measures how much air moves through your leaf vacuum. If your leaf vacuum has a 400 CFM, that means the leaf vacuum sucks up an air volume of 400 cubic feet of air per minute. 

Which measurement is more important?

Both numbers are significant, not just one. Don’t let an exceptionally high number coupled with a low number fool you. 

For example, if a leaf vacuum with an unusually high MPH is coupled with a relatively low CFM, this leaf vacuum may not be the tool you need. Because even if the air is moving fast, it won’t suck up that many leaves if the amount of moving air is low. 

The bottom line: A small volume of fast-moving air won’t compete well with a leaf vacuum that has both a good MPH and CFM.

What’s a typical leaf vacuum’s MPH and CFM?

	MPH	CFM
Average	175	395
Typical range	125 – 225	300 – 485
Extreme high	260	620
Extreme low	70	90

Versatility

When shopping for your leaf vacuum, keep in mind that many models can do more than suck up leaves. Every leaf vacuum in our top 10 list has a 3-in-1 design as a leaf blower, mulcher, and leaf vacuum. Some operators value the ease of switching between the two tasks, while others may prefer a tool specifically designed to target one task. 

Mulch Reduction Ratio

If you’re dealing with a large yard covered in trees, you may like a leaf vacuum with a high mulch ratio. The mulch ratio measures how many bags of leaves the leaf vacuum can shred down to one bag. In other words, the mulch reduction ratio measures how well a leaf vacuum lowers the volume of debris. 

Average leaf vacuum’s mulch ratio	13 bags:1 bag
Typical range	10 bags:1 bag – 16 bags:1 bag
Extreme high	20 bags:1 bag
Extreme low	6 bags:1 bag

Bag Size

Each leaf vacuum comes with its own reusable leaf-collecting bag. The bigger the bag, the less often you need to empty it. The collecting bag’s capacity is measured in bushels or gallons and typically ranges between 1 and 1.5 bushels. 

Weight

A leaf vacuum’s weight may not seem important to consider at first, but once you’re sweating in the hot sun and your arms are growing tired, you may wish you had bought a leaf vacuum a couple of pounds lighter. 

Average leaf vacuum’s weight	11 lb.
Typical range	8 – 14 lb.
Extreme high	26 lb.
Extreme low	4 lb.

Noise Level

Leaf vacuums are noisy, and some are noisier than others. Many counties and cities have local ordinances to limit noise pollution. Before buying your leaf vacuum, make sure its decibel rating (dBA) is appropriate for your area’s laws.

Average leaf vacuum’s noise level	68 dB
Typical range	60 – 75 dB
Extreme high	95
Extreme low	50

FAQ About Leaf Vacuums 

1. Why get a handheld leaf vacuum? Why not use a mower leaf vacuum?

Leaf vacuums come in many designs. A mower leaf vacuum can undoubtedly get the job done. But here’s what a handheld leaf vacuum can do that a mower leaf vacuum can’t:

• It can suck up leaves on surfaces where a mower leaf vacuum can’t, such as decks, porches, driveways, and sidewalks.
• It can suck up leaves on the sides of buildings and fences, in tight corners, and in difficult-to-reach places. Sometimes, a mower leaf vacuum is just too big to snag up the leaves behind the tool shed, or it struggles to get the leaves right up against the fence. 
• It can suck up debris indoors, such as in the garage, barn, or shed. It’s best to leave a mower leaf vacuum for outdoor work.

2. How do I get leaves off my gravel?

It may seem risky to suck up the leaves in your gravel driveway. But the task is simple. Remember, rocks weigh more than leaves. Your leaf vacuum only needs to be powerful enough to suck up the light leaves.

If your leaf vacuum has an adjustable speed system, make sure you suck up the leaves on the lowest setting. You don’t want the leaf vacuum to be so powerful it sucks up the heavy rocks, but you want it to be powerful enough to catch the leaves.

Rocks can cause significant damage to some leaf vacuums, so it’s best to start slow. Adjust the leaf vacuum to the lowest setting and test out a small section of the gravel surface to ensure the vacuum won’t suck up rocks.  

3. What are the best leaf blowers?

The best leaf blowers include electric and gas models:

• Electric: The overall best electric leaf blower is the WORX WG509 TRIVAC, but the Sun Joe 6-amp blower is the most affordable.
• Gas: The overall best gas leaf blowers are the Poulan Pro PRB26 and Echo PB-2520.
• Cordless electric: The overall best cordless leaf blowers are the KB Kobalt 80-volt leaf blower and the EGO Power+ LB5804.

4. How much does leaf removal cost?

Typically, professional leaf removal costs $165 – $485 depending on the yard size, the amount of leaves, and other cost factors. However, homeowners with small yards and few trees may pay as little as $60, and homeowners with large yards and many trees may pay $740 or more. If your yard is 1/4 to 1/2 acre, expect to pay $100 – $400.

5. What is the best mulching lawn mower?

The best mulching lawn mower is the Craftsman M105. Mulching mowers are an alternative to leaf blowers/vacuums that allow you to mow the lawn and clean up leaves at the same time. 

When to Call a Pro

Before purchasing a leaf vacuum, consider the cost of DIY leaf removal. Leaf vacuums require a substantial upfront cost along with fuel and maintenance. Additionally, clearing the leaves costs you lots of time and energy. If you can think of better ways to spend your time and effort, contact a pro to remove leaves for you. 

Affordable local landscape pros are just a mouse click away. LawnStarter connects you to outdoor service pros who are qualified and vetted. In addition to cleaning debris, our pros can help you with over 30 outdoor services, including lawn mowing, bush trimming, and landscape design. Quotes are always free, so contact us today to learn how much you can save with our service.

LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Main Image Credit: welcomia / Canva Pro / License wih Text Overlay using Canva Pro