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Instead of reaching for a rake this fall, you might consider a leaf vacuum to keep your yard clean. Leaf vacuums are all-in-one systems that allow you to suck up, empty, and dispose of debris from your yard, with most types costing between $70 and $115.
We looked at the best-selling leaf vacuums on the market today—from wearable backpacks to push-powered designs—to pick the best ones. Our top pick is the Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum, which offers surprisingly powerful suction with a rechargeable battery. We also selected six other top picks that might be a better choice depending on your yard and budget. If you’re just looking to move the leaves to an area on your lawn, check out our guide on the best leaf blowers.
Best Leaf Vacuums: Our Top 6 Picks
- Best Overall: Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower /Vacuum
- Best for Beginners: Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher
- Best Budget: LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
- Best Quiet: CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher
- Best Walk-Behind: GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper
- Most Powerful: BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher
Compare Top Leaf Vacuums
| Product | Airflow | Air Speed | Mulcher Ratio | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower /Vacuum | 340 CFM | 185 mph | N/A | 5.6 lbs |
| Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher | 350 CFM | 210 mph | 18:1 | 9.3 lbs |
| LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum | 380 CFM | 240 mph | 16:1 | 9.76 lbs |
| CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher | 450 CFM | 260 mph | Not Listed | 11.27 lbs |
| GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper | N/A | N/A | N/A | 14 lbs |
| BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher | 400 CFM | 250 mph | N/A | 11.1 lbs |
| Product | Airflow | Air Speed | Mulcher Ratio | Weight |
Terms To Know for Leaf Vacuums
- Airflow: Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and refers to the volume of air that a leaf vacuum can move within a minute. CFM determines suction power and efficiency in picking up leaves and debris. The higher the CFM, the better.
- Air speed: MPH stands for miles per hour and indicates the speed at which air exits the leaf blower’s nozzle. A higher MPH rating means stronger air velocity, which moves leaves and debris more effectively.
- Mulcher ratio: The mulcher ratio in leaf vacuums refers to the reduction ratio at which the vacuum can shred leaves and debris. A 10:1 mulcher ratio, for example, means the vacuum can compress 10 bags of leaves into just one bag after mulching. This helps reduce the volume of collected debris, making disposal more efficient.
Best Overall
Courtesy AmazonGreenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower /Vacuum
- $
- $249.99
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone who values performance over features.
What Are People Saying About the Greenworks 40V Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum?
Overall, we found that most people love this model’s power and versatility. Short battery life is the primary concern among reviewers who hold off on giving the vacuum a perfect score.
“I live in a subdivision where when the wind blows, all the debris from neighbors’ trees and bushes is shared by all. But with my new Greenworks blower/vac I can quickly dispatch them on down the street or vacuum them up and dispose into the trash.” — Kathy Pook via Amazon
“Going cordless is so convenient, blower good, and noise level is very tolerable. But you will notice the lower level of power compared to electric. This machine will only save you sweeping the patio or mulching very light leaves. No twigs or thick leaves. The bag is a bit cumbersome, and changing from blower to vac, but not a game changer. If vacuuming, turn off machine over the trash as there is a spit-back of material that doesn’t get sucked all the way up. You will want to purchase an extra battery to make sure you can complete jobs. Another comment advised to get a bigger leaf bag- but the model mentioned does not fit this machine. — Amazon Customer via Amazon
Best for Beginners
Courtesy AmazonWorx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher
- $
- $79
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: The person tasked with lawn care for the first time.
What Are People Saying About the Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher?
Looking at customer reviews, we found his model’s quality and versatility win over many buyers. However, suction power seems to be a sticking point for users who have struggled with wet or heavy-duty leaves and debris.
“I was tired of all of the leaves all over my yard and was motivated to find something I could use to clean it up. This tool has a very powerful blower which helps gather the leaves into a pile. Then with the switch of a lever, you have a vacuum that sucks up the leaves and mulches them at the same time! It reduces how many bags you need to fill! The over-the-shoulder bag is a little cumbersome, and maybe at some point, I’ll opt for the attachment to a trash bin.” — Stephen Martell via Amazon
“I purchased this for the vacuum / shred feature, and it does pretty well. It’s a champ with dry leaves on grass and sidewalks, but I find that I can’t use it on mulch flower beds. It tries to pick up the mulch and then it gets stuck and jams the impeller. That means stopping, unplugging, removing the bag, and then sitting down with some pliers or a screwdriver to try and break it free. But, I’ve learned to just not use it on mulch areas. I particularly enjoy the shred feature that takes the leaves down to small bits so that I can get most of my yard into just one can. I’ve not used the blower feature – I can’t answer any questions about that.” — Davis J Ernst via Amazon
Best Budget Blower
Courtesy AmazonLawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum
- $
- $76.15
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone looking for a low-maintenance blower for a smaller yard.
What Are People Saying About the LawnMaster 1201 Electric Blower Vacuum?
Overall, this three-in-one blower is a hit with reviewers who are impressed by its strong performance and user-friendly features. However, more than a few felt that it falls short with battery life.
“This thing is a monster; I can’t believe it’s electric. It actually has recoil that you have to fight a bit on the highest setting. It blows so hard that it can actually dig holes in the ground if you hold it in one place. It will clear your lawn of leaves, grass clippings, seeds, pine needles, pine cones, cats, dogs, children passing by, anything not nailed down goes flying. There’s 2 settings and an adapter for a lot of adjustability with your air flow. The leaf mulch function, surprisingly, works really well. I chose this brand over others because of its durable metal impeller, which actually does mulch leaves finer than my lawn mower can. The suction is not as strong as I wish, but is understandable considering its working in reverse with a much wider mouth. I can pick up damp leaves left over from last year and compacted by snow, using this right after they fall would be so easy. Switching between modes is super easy; the bag isn’t top-drawer quality but it’s more than enough for what it is. Over all I couldn’t be more pleased with this. It’s a tool you don’t realize how much you need till you have it; more than worth a buy.” — Ethan via Amazon
“The blower product is very good except for the battery it drains very quick; it just goes up to 5 minutes, and then it’s give up or else. The blower blows good, but if they change the battery and should be two batteries do the job.” — Sanjeev via Amazon
Quietest
Courtesy AmazonCRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Mulcher
- $65.9
- $94
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone tackling a large yard.
What Are People Saying About the CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher?
Overall, reviewers enjoy the backpack comfort and strong suction of this model. Some reviewers shared that the blower feature left more of a mess behind than expected.
“It blows very well, it also does it well when vacuuming and grinding the leaves; good machine, with a couple of uses you get used to one and it’s easier to use, very practical for the garden, it grinds the leaves very well, you can use it as fertilizer.” — V via Amazon
“Bought this a few months ago and it’s now leaf-dropping time so I’m just getting a chance to try it out. Somewhat disappointing, but probably normal for the industry. The good: 1) Good suction. Pulls those dry leaves up off the grass and out of flower beds. (I haven’t tried wet leaves yet. That’s next week.) Anything other than leaves that gets sucked up might get stuck in the impeller. 2) Blower power. Impressive power, again on dry leaves, but it was good. 3) Backpack comfort. Hangs on the shoulders fine and collects leaf parts 4) Price. Definitely a plus. Would prefer a battery-powered unit but they lack the endurance. The questionable: 1) Not all parts of the leaves get into the bag. While it did a good job of sucking up leaves, there is still a mess on the yard of chopped leaves. I don’t know where they’re coming from – some are small but others are 2+” in size. The lawn looks like the bag wasn’t attached. (It was attached, and rolled up tightly.) Recommend? Yes. Just understand you’ll have cleanup to do to get rid of the mess.” — pcaaaar via Lowes.com
Best Walk-Behind
Courtesy AmazonGreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper
- $85
- $169.99
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone with back issues who prefers not to bend down while mulching.
What Are People Saying About the GreenSweep Pickup Pro Garden Sweeper?
Overall, our research revealed that reviewers feel that this product is a great buy if you have your expectations in line with reality. Many reviewers were pleased with the way this sweeper handled leaves. A few struggled with the issues of sticking and slowness.
“Reviews were mixed so I wasn’t sure what to expect. If you expect it to work like a vacuum then you will be disappointed. If you want a tool that helps with leaves, you’ll be pleased with this purchase. I found it works best when you rake them into a strip narrower than the sweeper and a couple inches high. Then empty the bag into one of the large contractor trash bags (40 gal?). We then dump it from there into the paper leaf bags for pick up. What took us half a day with three people and was back-breaking last year, we easily accomplished with two people in a couple hours with the leaf sweeper. Highly recommend.” — abejabuzz via Amazon
“It seems to do well if there are a lot of leaves and piles, however if it’s not as much it doesn’t seem to pick up as much and seems to get stuck. Had extremely high hopes for this product. If ground isn’t level or leaves aren’t thick you may want to look at alternative. If you have many leaves to be picked up, you will be working for hours. Product is easy to assemble, a bit wide to fit into a trash bin , when emptying debris.” — michelle via Amazon
Most Powerful
Courtesy AmazonBLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher
- $
- $94
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Tackling heavily treed yards.
What Are People Saying About the BLACK+DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher?
Looking at customer reviews, we found this BLACK+DECKER model gets accolades for its powerful performance and easy configuration. While many reviewers felt that assembly was easy, a number of them actually pointed out that assembly was a big struggle that made them lower their ratings.
“Does a good job picking up leaves, small twigs, ball moss, acorns and turns it all into mulch. It even works on wet leaves which is great. I’ve used it half a dozen times this season and it’s been well worth the $100 price tag. The electric cord is awkward. It pulls out sometimes. The backpack can fill up and get heavy in a couple of minutes if you have a lot of leaves. I picked up about a dozen barrels worth and the vacuum was great. It picks up everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t, i.e., the cord–unlike a household vacuum. They put some thought into the engineering of this. It takes a couple uses before you get a rhythm to detaching the bag, emptying it and reattaching. But once you get the knack, I think this is much faster for me than using blowers and rakes, with a separate mulcher. They could have a tougher clip for the bag. But it’s hard to find fault with this design. It fits together like nothing. Totally brain-free assembly. I love it!” — mattmattmatt via Amazon
“Seemed heavy. Vac unit is difficult to assemble. Motor is powerful and does a good job.” — Ron Harris via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Leaf Vacuum
When leaves and debris start piling up, a leaf vacuum can be one of the easiest ways to tackle the mess, clearing or even mulching them efficiently. However, selecting the right leaf vacuum depends on your yard size, terrain, and maintenance preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind as you decide.
Power Sources
Electric and battery-powered leaf vacuums are the most popular choices for homeowners, largely because of their affordability, lighter weight, and ease of use. Electric models, which plug into an outlet, are ideal for small to medium-sized yards where you don’t mind using an outdoor extension cord to reach different areas. They’re reliable for continuous operation since you don’t have to worry about running out of power mid-task. However, make sure your yard setup allows for corded operation, as maneuvering around obstacles can be challenging.
Battery-powered leaf vacuums provide cordless freedom, making them a good choice if you need to move around without limitations. However, battery life is a limiting factor—you may only get about 20 minutes per charge. If your yard is large or filled with heavy debris, you might want to invest in a backup battery to extend working time.
Gas-powered leaf vacuums are typically more powerful and faster than electric or battery models, making them ideal for larger properties or yards with tougher terrain and heavy debris. While they tend to be quieter and pack a stronger punch, they require more maintenance, emit fumes, and are more costly. For this reason, gas-powered models are often favored by professional landscapers who need the extra power to handle frequent, demanding work.
Size and Collection Capacity
The size of your leaf vacuum and its collection system will impact how efficiently it can handle debris. Power in a leaf vacuum is generally measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), which represents the volume of air it can move in a minute. Higher CFM ratings—typically 400 CFM or above—indicate more powerful units that can handle larger amounts of debris. If you’re tackling a large yard or need to clear heavy leaf accumulation, look for a vacuum with a higher CFM for faster results.
Many leaf vacuums also come with mulching features that reduce debris volume, allowing you to collect more before needing to empty the bag. A larger debris bag will mean fewer trips to dispose of leaves but may add weight, so choose based on your comfort level and workload.
Speed and Power
When comparing leaf vacuums, CFM (cubic feet per minute) and MPH (miles per hour) are key measurements, but they serve different purposes, and each impacts performance differently.
CFM measures the volume of air that the leaf vacuum can move in a minute, indicating how powerful the vacuum is at gathering debris. A higher CFM means the machine can handle larger amounts of debris, as it can suck up more leaves, dirt, and dust at once. If you’re looking to clear a large area, like a sizable lawn or a driveway scattered with leaves, opting for a higher CFM will allow you to gather more debris in less time.
MPH, on the other hand, tells you how fast the air is moving out of the vacuum or blower. This measurement is especially important for determining the size and weight of the debris that the vacuum can handle. A higher MPH means the air moves out of the device with more force, making it effective for blowing or vacuuming up heavier items like wet leaves, twigs, and even small stones. If you often deal with heavy, wet, or compacted leaves, prioritizing a model with high MPH can be advantageous.
Weight and Portability
Weight and portability impact ease of use, especially if you’re working with a larger vacuum bag. Heavier models with higher debris capacity may be effective for extensive cleanup, but handling them for long stretches can be tiring. Consider a backpack-style or wheeled model if you plan to use the vacuum for longer periods or if you’re working on a larger yard. While weight doesn’t directly affect performance, it can impact how manageable the vacuum is for extended use.
Noise Levels
Leaf vacuums operate at noise levels ranging from 55 to 95 decibels, with quieter models comparable to normal conversation and louder ones sounding more like a lawnmower. Noise level is an important consideration if you live in a densely packed neighborhood where loud equipment could disrupt neighbors. Additionally, wearing ear protection is recommended for all leaf vacuums, especially during prolonged use, to safeguard your hearing from continuous noise exposure.
By considering these factors—power source, size, power rating, weight, and noise—you’ll be well-equipped to choose the leaf vacuum that best suits your yard and preferences. With the right tool, leaf cleanup can be efficient and manageable, helping you maintain a tidy outdoor space with minimal hassle.
Deciding Between a Leaf Blower and Leaf Vacuum
When it comes to managing leaves in your yard, you might be wondering whether a leaf blower or a leaf vacuum will best fit your needs. While both tools are designed for clearing yard debris, they work differently and are suited to distinct purposes. Many homeowners mistakenly assume blowers and vacuums are interchangeable, but the choice between them should consider factors like the area you need to clear, your preferred method of disposal, and the overall convenience of the tool.
A leaf blower might be your best option if you’re looking for speed, ease of use, and the ability to cover large areas quickly. On the other hand, a leaf vacuum can be more practical if you’re focused on thorough cleanup and waste reduction.
Leaf Blower Essentials
A leaf blower uses powerful forced air to move leaves, grass clippings, and other debris quickly across your yard. This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to efficiently clear large areas, like walkways, driveways, decks, patios, and outdoor furniture, without worrying about collecting debris. However, because a blower only moves debris rather than containing it, you’ll need a separate tool if you want to mulch or permanently remove leaves. The instant results of a leaf blower can be satisfying, and many models allow you to choose between handheld or backpack styles, offering flexibility in how you carry it.
One of the benefits of cordless leaf blowers is their relatively low noise levels compared to gas-powered options, making them less disruptive in residential areas. Additionally, leaf blowers can be especially convenient for light maintenance, as they allow you to quickly clear an area of leaves and move on.
Leaf Vacuum Essentials
Unlike blowers, a leaf vacuum works by using suction to draw in leaves and debris into an attached collection bag. This makes leaf vacuums perfect for homeowners who want to fully remove leaves from their yard without needing an additional tool to pick up or mulch them. While vacuums may be slower to operate than blowers, they are highly effective for thoroughly cleaning up debris, particularly in flower beds, around landscaping features, and in tight corners where blown leaves might accumulate.
Most leaf vacuums come with built-in mulching capability, which shreds leaves as they’re collected, reducing the need for a separate mulcher. The collection bag will need to be emptied periodically, which requires a little more time but provides an easy disposal method for compost or waste. Leaf vacuums are available in both handheld and backpack styles, allowing you to select the option that best meets your ergonomic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaf Vacuums
What is the difference between a leaf vacuum and a leaf blower?
The difference comes down to forced air versus suction. Traditional leaf blowers emit forced air that moves leaves and debris. Leaf vacuums have suction power that collects and stores leaves and debris. A leaf blower would be used if you wanted to clear a large area of leaves. Vacuums are used if you want to create a neater space that eliminates debris.
Is CFM or MPH more important when measuring the speed of a leaf vacuum?
It depends on your yard. A leaf vacuum with a high CFM but low MPH may pick up a large volume of light debris but struggle with heavier material. Conversely, a model with high MPH but low CFM may be effective on stubborn debris but will require more time to clear larger areas.
Homeowners with smaller yards or those who primarily deal with dry, loose leaves may benefit from prioritizing CFM, while those tackling more difficult debris should look for a model with both strong MPH and CFM ratings.
What safety measures should you take when operating a leaf vacuum?
First, avoid using a leaf vacuum in windy or rainy conditions. Always wear protective goggles, ear protection, abrasion-resistant gloves, and work boots with toe and ankle protection.
Can you clean your gutters with a leaf vacuum?
Yes, it is possible to use a leaf vacuum to clean gutters if you have an appropriate attachment for this purpose. Some leaf vacuums come with extension nozzles reaching up to 15 feet. We like the Sun Joe model for this job.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of leaf vacuums with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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