Why you should trust this review
I have run leaf blowers across multiple fall seasons including the Ryobi 40V Whisper, the EGO LB7654 backpack, and gas handhelds from Echo and Stihl. The Greenworks Pro 80V handheld is Greenworks’ answer to the EGO 56V handheld at a lower price. We purchased the unit at retail.
This review covers six months of weekly use including a full peak fall on a half acre suburban lot. See our methodology page for the standardized testing protocol.
How we tested the Greenworks Pro 80V blower
- Fourteen full leaf clearing sessions during peak fall on a half acre lot.
- Wet leaf clearing run on grass after overnight rain.
- Battery runtime per 2.5 Ah pack on actual trigger time.
- Operator ear noise reading at 3 ft using a calibrated sound meter.
- Side by side leaf pile movement timing against the Ryobi 40V Whisper and EGO LB7654.
- Driveway and walkway sweep cleanup runs.
Who should buy the Greenworks Pro 80V?
Buy the Greenworks if:
- You have a quarter acre to half acre lot with moderate to heavy leaf load.
- You want the most handheld airflow for the money.
- You already own Greenworks 80V tools (mower, chainsaw, etc.).
Skip the Greenworks if:
- You have a small lot. The Ryobi Whisper at $249 is plenty.
- You live in an HOA with strict noise rules. The Ryobi Whisper is 8 dB quieter.
- You have a wooded lot. Step up to the EGO LB7654 backpack.
Airflow: real handheld power
In direct comparison testing the Greenworks moved a 20 ft wide dry leaf pile in about 70 seconds at full trigger. The Ryobi 40V Whisper took 90 seconds for the same task. The EGO LB7654 backpack did it in about 45 seconds.
The 180 mph speed releases stuck damp leaves on grass that lower speed handhelds leave behind. For mixed dry and damp residential conditions the Greenworks is the strongest handheld in our test rotation.
Variable trigger and turbo
The trigger is variable across the full range. The turbo button on the side delivers maximum airflow when held. Most users will run at 60 to 75 percent of trigger for typical work and hit turbo for stuck patches. The trigger feel is precise and the spring tension is comfortable for 20 minute sessions.
Battery and runtime
The 2.5 Ah pack delivered 21 minutes typical mixed use. Continuous full trigger drains the pack in about 12 minutes. Charge time on the included rapid charger ran 30 minutes from empty which is meaningfully faster than the Ryobi 40V standard charger at 90 minutes.
If you already own a 4 Ah or 5 Ah Greenworks 80V battery, swap into the blower for nearly double the runtime. The blower accepts any Greenworks Pro 80V pack.
Build and ergonomics
The housing is reinforced plastic with metal hardware at the trigger. The nozzle attaches with a positive lock and includes both a wide concentrator and a high speed concentrator. After six months of weekly use the lock has not loosened.
At 9.8 lb with battery the Greenworks is heavier than 40V handhelds by about 1 lb. After 25 minute continuous sessions I noted mild wrist fatigue with the pistol grip. For longer sessions, switch to a backpack form factor.
Noise: the trade-off
Operator ear noise measured 78 dB at 3 ft from the nozzle. That is 8 dB louder than the Ryobi Whisper Series and 2 dB louder than the EGO LB7654 backpack. For 7 AM use in a quiet neighborhood, the Greenworks will draw attention. For typical daytime work it is fine.
Value vs the alternatives
At $349 the Greenworks Pro 80V cuts the price gap between the Ryobi Whisper at $249 and the EGO LB7654 at $549 cleanly. For pure airflow per dollar in handheld form, this is the right pick. The Greenworks 80V battery family across mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers is the second reason to commit.
Greenworks Pro 80V 580 CFM Cordless Axial Blower vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Airflow | Speed | Noise | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks Pro 80V | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 580 CFM | 180 mph | 78 dB | $349 | Top Pick Power Handheld |
| EGO LB7654 Backpack | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 765 CFM | 200 mph | 76 dB | $549 | Editor's Choice |
| Ryobi 40V Whisper Series | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 625 CFM | 165 mph | 70 dB | $249 | Best Quiet |
| Toro 51621 UltraPlus Corded | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 410 CFM | 250 mph | 78 dB | $89 | Best Budget |
Full specifications
| Airflow | 580 CFM |
| Air speed | 180 mph |
| Voltage | 80V Pro brushless |
| Battery (included) | 2.5 Ah |
| Runtime | About 22 minutes mixed use |
| Weight | About 9.8 lb with battery |
| Form factor | Handheld |
| Speed control | Variable trigger plus turbo |
| Noise | 78 dB at operator ear (measured) |
| Charger | Greenworks 80V rapid |
| Warranty | 4 year tool, 2 year battery |
Should you buy the Greenworks Pro 80V 580 CFM Cordless Axial Blower?
The Greenworks Pro 80V handheld blower is the power-per-dollar pick in the cordless handheld category. The 580 CFM at 180 mph numbers translate to actual leaf movement on dry and damp leaf piles, the 80V brushless motor runs cooler than 40V handhelds at full trigger, and the included 2.5 Ah battery delivers about 22 minutes of typical mixed use. The unit is heavier than 40V handhelds and the runtime per Ah is less generous than the Ryobi Whisper Series.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Greenworks Pro 80V worth $349?+
Yes for buyers who want maximum handheld airflow at a reasonable price. It cuts the price gap between the [Ryobi 40V Whisper](/reviews/ryobi-40v-whisper-blower) and the [EGO LB7654 backpack](/reviews/ego-power-plus-lb7654-blower) cleanly.
How does it compare to the Ryobi 40V Whisper?+
The Greenworks moves more leaves per minute due to the higher mph. The [Ryobi Whisper](/reviews/ryobi-40v-whisper-blower) is meaningfully quieter at the operator ear (70 dB vs 78 dB). For HOA neighborhoods choose the Ryobi. For raw leaf clearing speed choose the Greenworks.
Will it handle wet matted leaves?+
Yes better than 40V handhelds. The 180 mph speed releases wet leaves stuck on grass that lower speed blowers leave behind. For maximum wet leaf performance, the [EGO LB7654 backpack](/reviews/ego-power-plus-lb7654-blower) at 200 mph is stronger.
How long does the 2.5 Ah battery last?+
We measured 21 minutes typical mixed use. Continuous full trigger drains the pack in about 12 minutes. Charge time on the rapid charger ran about 30 minutes which is faster than Ryobi 40V.
David Lin
David Lin writes for The Tested Hub.