I spent last fall running two leaf blowers side by side - an EGO 765 CFM cordless and a Stihl BG56 gas blower. Both have a place in the world, but the gap between them has narrowed dramatically in the last two years. Here is what the testing actually showed.
Comparison Table
| Blower | Best For | CFM | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ 765 CFM Cordless | Premium cordless | 765 | $349 |
| Greenworks 80V Cordless | Mid-range cordless | 580 | $249 |
| Stihl BG56 C-E Gas Blower | Homeowner gas | 412 | $209 |
| Echo PB-2620 Backpack | Large yards | 456 | $349 |
| Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack | Commercial gas | 908 | $649 |
EGO Power+ 765 CFM Cordless
This is the blower that converted me to cordless. 765 CFM matches commercial backpack gas blowers, the turbo button on the handle gives you bursts of full power, and runtime on a 10Ah battery is 35 minutes at medium. It is the only cordless I have used that genuinely handles wet leaves.
Greenworks 80V Cordless
The value cordless. 580 CFM is plenty for a quarter-acre suburban lot, the 80V platform shares batteries with their mower, and at $249 it undercuts EGO by $100. The trade-off is shorter runtime under turbo and a slightly heavier handle.
Stihl BG56 C-E Gas Blower
The blower I still keep around. 6.5 pounds, starts on the second pull, and the easy2start system means I am not yanking the cord with bruised knuckles. It costs less than a battery for the EGO and runs indefinitely as long as I have fuel. Loud, but reliable.
Echo PB-2620 Backpack
For yards over half an acre, a backpack changes everything. The Echo PB-2620 distributes weight properly, the throttle locks at your preferred setting, and you can blow for hours without arm fatigue. It is the most-recommended unit at the local Echo dealer for a reason.
Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack
Commercial-grade and overkill for almost everyone. 908 CFM moves wet pine needles like dry leaves, runs for 90 minutes per tank, and the harness is genuinely comfortable. If you have an acre-plus lot with heavy tree cover, this is the right tool.
What Matters Most
CFM (volume) matters more than MPH (speed) for moving leaves. A high-CFM blower pushes a larger column of air and moves more leaves per pass. Weight matters once you cross 15 minutes of continuous use - handheld blowers over 8 pounds become miserable fast. And battery cost is the hidden number on cordless - factor in two batteries minimum.
My Setup
The EGO is my daily-use blower. Quiet enough that I can blow at 8am without neighbor complaints, powerful enough for 90 percent of fall cleanup. The Stihl BG56 lives in the garage for the one-or-two days a year I need extended runtime without battery swaps. That two-blower setup costs less than a single commercial backpack.
Common Mistakes
Buying based on MPH alone - manufacturers inflate this number with nozzle restrictions. Skipping ear protection because the blower “is not that loud” (it always is). And running cordless blowers in turbo mode constantly, which cuts battery life from 35 minutes to 8 and degrades the cells faster.
Final Recommendation
For most homeowners with a quarter-acre lot, the EGO Power+ 765 CFM is the right call. For larger properties, the Echo PB-2620 backpack is the value commercial pick. Gas still wins on extended runtime and zero recharge time, but the noise, smell, and starting hassles get old fast.
Frequently asked questions
Are cordless leaf blowers powerful enough for wet leaves?+
Top-tier 80V models with 750+ CFM handle wet leaves fine. Mid-tier 40V blowers struggle with wet matted leaves and you will end up raking those spots. If you have heavy oak or maple leaf load, plan around the lower-end models.
How long does a cordless leaf blower battery last?+
On turbo mode, 8-12 minutes is typical for a 5Ah battery. On low, 45-60 minutes. Most homeowners need two batteries to clear a half-acre yard in one session. Battery costs are the hidden expense most people miss.