Home Skills Landscaping
ByNancy Snyder
Fact-checked by Caroline Lubinsky
Tested by Dylan Fischer and Sheri Kaz
Updated: Aug. 09, 2024
Our Product Testing Team vacuumed over 500 gallons of leaves to find the the best leaf vacuums for quick and convenient cleanup.
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For anyone who’s ever cringed at the sight of a lawn full of autumn leaves and the back-breaking rake work they bring, we have a solution that makes yard work easier. A leaf vacuum sucks up those fallen leaves, condenses them into bags and—in some cases—tears up the leaves in the process. Leaf vacuums come in a wide range of price points, so a basic model doesn’t have to be an expensive indulgence.
“With fall just around the corner, falling leaves can cause some homeowners various problems around their properties,” says Clint DeBoer, home improvement and power tool expert at Pro Tool Reviews. “As we enter the colder season, leaves build up in gardens and on driveways. If you have trees that shed a lot of material, it’s well worth considering a leaf vacuum.”
Our Product Testing Team recently had the pleasure of testing close to a dozen of the best leaf vacuum machines on the market. Some even offer multi-functionality—such as blowing and mulching—to help you do more with less. Here are our top picks for making your fall lawn cleanup a snap.
Best Overall Leaf Vacuum
Craftsman 260-MPH Corded Electric Backpack Leaf Blower/Vac/Mulcher
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Best Budget Leaf Vacuum
Toro Ultra Blower Vac
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Best User-Friendly Leaf Vacuum
Sun Joe 250-MPH 3-in-1 Electric Vacuum/Mulcher/Blower
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Best Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuum
Stihl SH 56 C-E 159-MPH Gas Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
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Best Corded Leaf Vacuum
Worx Trivac Three-in-One Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
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Best Vacuum with Wood Chipper
DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum XTSP
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Best Walk-Behind Vacuum
Billy Goat KV600 Lawn and Litter Vacuum
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Best Overall Leaf Vacuum
Craftsman 260-MPH Corded Electric Backpack Leaf Blower/Vac/Mulcher
Pros:
- Stellar performance
- Great value
- Easily converts from blower/vacuum/mulcher (no tool required)
- True 2-strap backpack style provides comfort
- Nice handles for good grip
- Easy-to-empty wide-mouth opening
Cons:
- Plastic tubes/accessories feel a bit cheap
The impressive Craftsman Corded Electric Backpack exceeded our team’s expectations, claiming the spot as the overall best leaf vacuum. Not only did this machine vacuum everything in sight (and in record time, we might add), but this 3-in-1 machine also features a powerful blower and highly effective mulcher. Luckily, alternating between the three is a breeze.
Power and performance aside, the Craftsman is also ergonomically friendly. It features a true backpack-style design with two strapsrather than a cumbersome sling bag. This notable characteristic earned high marks with our Product Testing Team.
“The two-strapped backpack-style bag works amazingly well and should be the standard for all these handheld vacuums,” said testerDylan Fischer. It’s a great way to distribute weight equallyand goes a long way to mitigate fatigue.”
Type: Backpack | Power: Corded | Capabilities: Vac/Blow/Mulch | Speed: 450-CFM; 260-MPH
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Pros:
- Very affordable
- Versatile power-adjustment knob
- Sturdy metal impeller
- Cord-locking hook means you'll stay plugged in
- Vacuum bag also functions as a storage bag
- Adjustable speed for both vacuum and blower functions
- Weighs under 9 pounds
Cons:
- Weak blowing performance; cumbersome to alternate functions
- Corded, so not practical for large yards
We love multitasking tools, especially affordable ones. This electric blower, vacuum, and mulcher from established lawn care brand Toro delivers a lot ofpower and function in a small and highly affordable package. With air speeds up to 260 mph, it’s among the fastest leaf blowers on our list and has attachments to help you pinpoint small areas, like gutters and narrow spaces between plantings.
The testing team notes that the vacuum function quickly processes leaves, shredding them into a convenient shoulder bag. The placement of the grip handles allows for solid maneuverability, which Dylon noted was very useful for getting the best performance out of the blowing function.
Type: Backpack | Power: Corded | Capabilities: Vac/Blow/Mulch | Speed: 405-CFM; 260-MPH
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Pros:
- Lightweight
- Strap on machine wheels provides added stability and mobility
- Easy to alternate functions
- Controlled blowing
- Unlimited runtime
Cons:
- Weaker vacuum with pull trigger fatigue
- Corded, so not practical for large yards
“It’s refreshing and very obvious that Sun Joe designed this 3-in-1 machine with the user experience in mind,” says Product Tester Sheri Kaz. “As an older woman, I can vouch that this leaf vacuum felt user-friendly right out of the box.”
“The front wheels make it easier to push and keep stable, while the telescopic tube adjusts for height and storage,” Kaz adds. “There are no extraneous pieces and parts to keep track of because everything is attached to the machine, and it’s simple to go from blower to vacuum with the flip of a switch.”
The testing team was impressed with both the power—and quietness—of this machine while testing the blower feature, noting that the Sun Joe provided the most controlled performance, directing the leaves exactly where they wanted them to go. The vacuum was extremely quick to suck up wet leaves, and the manual actually recommends dampening dry leaves prior to use to prevent dust.
Type: Backpack | Power: Corded | Capabilities: Vac/Blow/Mulch | Speed: 530-CFM; 250-MPH
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Best Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuum
Stihl SH 56 C-E 159-MPH Gas Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Easy2Start system means no hard cord jerks
- Easy switching between blower and vacuum functions
- No cords or batteries
- Shoulder strap allows for greater maneuverability and reduces operator fatigue
- Free assembly at Ace Hardware
Cons:
- Requires maintenance and winterization
- 70-decibel noise level is on the higher side
Described by some reviewers as a “workhorse,” this three-in-one blower, vacuum and mulcher is a solid choice for those seeking the power, reliability and portability of a gas-powered leaf tool. The handheld device weighs just over 12 pounds and includes a shoulder strap for the bag—no need to drag a full bag of leaves behind you. USA-made Stihl gas tools feature the Easy2Start system for a less frustrating experience revving up.
Our team conveniently picked the Stihl up from a local Ace Hardware (as far as we can tell, you can’t have it shipped to you, but you can purchase it online for pick-up) and filled it up with 18.3 ounces of pre-mixed gas/oil and went on our way.
During testing, we noted that the Stihl was similar to the Toroin that you have to reorient the blower depending on whether it’s blowing or vacuuming. While we’ll admit this machine is better as a blower, providing strong and concentrated power, it still worked exceptionally well as a vacuum and mulcher, comparable to the rest. The only caveat? The machine vibratesa lot while vacuuming, especiallywhen grabbing the bottom bar.
“In terms of hand-held performance, Stihl comes out on top,” says Fischer. “However, we would only recommend this for individuals comfortable with gas-powered products.”
Type: Backpack | Power: Gas | Capabilities: Vac/Blow/Mulch | Speed: 412-CFM; 159-MPH
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Best Corded Leaf Vacuum
Worx Trivac Three-in-One Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
Pros:
- Unlimited runtime
- Shreds up to 16 leaves in one bag
- Easy to switch modes and attach bags
- Direct deposit into trash bin
- Quieter than gas models
- Weighs under 7 pounds
Cons:
- Corded, so not practical for large yards
- Only one handle for gripping
Thisthree-in-one tool from Worxis a versatile gadget that effortlessly switches from a leaf blower to a vacuum or mulcher at the turn of a knob—noattachments needed to change settings.The Worx Trivac includes two-speed operation, a wide-mouth tube (which aided in effectively vacuuming everything up) and a convenient shoulder strap so you can say goodbye to dragging around a bag full of leaves. If you’ve only got room in your garage for one leaf-cleaning tool, this is a solid choice.
Featuring a powerful metal impeller, the Worx Trivac boasts a mulching ratio of 18:1—meaning it turns 18 bags of leaves into just one. The Testing Team notes that the Trivac offers two options for leaf collection: Use the bag that slings over your shoulder, or use the included attachment and net to suck leaves directly into a trash bin (an option that no other models offered, we might add).
“As a gardener who likes to compost, the option to collect leaves directly into a garbage can is a nice feature, and the machine is very intuitive to use,” says Kaz.
Type: Backpack | Power: Corded | Capabilities: Vac/Blow/Mulch | Speed: 620-CFM; 70-MPH
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Best Vacuum with Wood Chipper
DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum XTSP
Pros:
- On-board chipper
- Cleans large areas quickly
- Direct bagging
- Steel impeller
Cons:
- Pricey
- Vacuum only, no blow feature
While theDR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum XTSP does not include blowing capabilities, it does include a notable feature that no other models on this list do: An onboard wood chipper capable of disposing of branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
“Huge fan of the chipper on this one! Anyone who has to spend a lot of time raking up branches on their lawn will undoubtedly find themselves using this feature a lot,” says Fischer.
In addition to wood chipping, the XTSP comes equipped with an arsenal of other convenient features for heavy-duty leaf collecting. This self-propelled vacuum features a powerful, stellar impeller and unique EZ Bagger Leaf Collection System to engulf up to 50 pounds of mulched leaves in a single bag.
While this machine was mighty, it was also dusty, Fischer noted during testing.
“The XTSP spit out a lot of dust behind it. I was in the direct line of fire so I had to stop to put on some safety eyewear,” says Fischer. “That being said, it picked up 99% of the leaves in one pass!”
Type: Push wheeled | Power: Gas | Capabilities: Vac/Mulch/Chip| Speed: NA
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Pros:
- Maneuverable
- Good performance
- Handles huge piles
Cons:
- Can be daunting if you're unfamiliar with gas-powered products
- Vacuum only
Similar to the DR XTSP, the Billy Goat KV600 is powered by gas but functions like an old-fashioned push mower. But of the two walk-behind vacs, the Billy Goat is more intuitive and much more comfortable to push around.
“If you have a big lawn that requires heavy-duty equipment, then you’ll find a lot to like about Billy Goat’s surprisingly maneuverable walk-behind leaf vacuum,” says Fischer.
Considering its size, the team noted that the Billy Goat was surprisingly easy to push and turn around the lawn. “Most of its casing is plastic, so it’s easy to tilt the machine back and take sharp turns, which is what you would want from a larger machine like this,” says Fischer.
For both the wet and dry leaf test, the Billy Goat passed with flying colors, sucking up everything in its path. The only thing worth noting is that the addition of a new felt collection bag requires a “break-in period.”
This means that you must run the unit at half throttle for the first half-hour on a clean, hard surface (we performed this on concrete). This will allow the air coming in through the nozzle to create effective pathways through the pores of the bag.
Type: Push wheeled | Power: Gas | Capabilities: Vac/Mulch | Speed: NA
What to Look for When Buying a Leaf Vacuum
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a leaf vacuum is how the tool is powered, as well as the limitations and benefits of said power source.
- Electric leaf vacuums offer a reliable, uninterrupted power supply. But because they’re corded, they’re often not suitable for large yards.
- Gas-powered leaf vacuums are powerful, noisy and pricier. However, they provide a full range of motion and long runtime for big jobs.
- Battery-powered leaf vacuums offer cordless convenience but limited runtime, usually no more than 20 minutes per charge.
When comparing leaf vacuums, also consider the tool’s weight, the collection bag’s convenience, and how easy it is to switch between functions, such as blower or vacuum.
“The size of the machine you purchase depends on your property. You can find anything from small corded or battery-powered models to larger ride-on vacuums for commercial applications,” says DeBoer. “Somewhere in between lies walk-behind leaf blowers for those needing to save time vacuuming up larger residential properties and acreage.”
“Gas-powered leaf vacuums, which deliver the most performance for large yards, can be loud,” adds DeBoer. “If you live in an urban environment consider going with a battery-powered solution if your overall property is less than ½-acre in size.”
Keep in mind that most of the tools we included on this list have three-in-one functionality as leaf blowers, vacuums and mulchers. Many gardeners prefer to blow fallen leaves into a pile, then suck them up and shred them with the vacuum/mulcher. The leaf vacuum can also be used in rock gardens, driveways and in areas with plantings where you want to suck up fallen leaves.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our product testing team at Family Handyman, spearheaded by Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer, personally tested each leaf vacuum, noting specs and features and comparing them against each other and the manufacturer’s descriptions.
Kaz is a veteran gardener with more than 30 years of experience. Growing up on a Midwest farm, she planted her first garden as a child and has helped many clients with exterior designs, including hardscapes and gardens.
Fischer has tested hundreds of products—and counting—for various brands, including Family Handyman, Taste of Home andReader’s Digest,and has built sets to simulate true-to-life scenarios for product testing.
For this piece, we also consulted with home improvement and power tool expert Clint DeBoer ofPro Tool Reviews.
How We Found the Best Leaf Vacuums
We analyzed dozens of leaf vacuums and combination leaf blower/vacuum/mulcher options before settling on our picks. We looked at brand reputation and reliability, and we considered user reviews and industry rankings—plus each vacuum’s price, weight and ease of use. We chose a range of items with different power sources and products suitable for different yard sizes to help you eliminate leaves like a pro.
From there, our Product Testing Team personally tested the best leaf vacuums side by side, spending roughly 45 hours collecting over 450 data points. Due to the time of year, we used dried, months-old leaves gathered by our team and the community. After vacuuming and mulching over 500 gallons of leaves, we narrowed down our top picks, categorized by budget, power source and overall performance.
FAQ
What is more important in a leaf vacuum, CFM or MPH?
While most gas models focus on the size of the engine, DeBoer explains that battery-powered models use either CFM or MPH to describe theleaf blower’s power capabilities, not the vacuum. “CFM (cubic feet per meter) gives you an indication of the volume of air the blower moves per minute. MPH (miles per hour) determines the maximum speed of the air coming out of the tool (usually at the tip of the tube),” says DeBoer.
That being said, DeBoer says the most important metric to consider when shopping for leaf vacuums is the design and weight of the tool itself, as well as the amount of hauling capacity it provides. “If you want to clear a large area of debris, for example, you definitely want a self-propelled gas model that offers 5 cubic feet or more as opposed to a handheld unit that only holds 20 gallons,” explains DeBoer. “Alternatively, some models purposefully reduce the capacity of their bags to make them more manageable to the user.”
“In the end, you want the features, power and value that make sense to you as a user and your application,” says DeBoer.
Is it better to get a leaf blower or vacuum?
Leaf blowers and leaf vacuums have two separate functions, and many gardeners like them both.
“A leaf blower is designed to move leaves and other debris—often into a pile which can then be swept up and disposed of. On the other hand, a leaf vacuum sucks up the leaves, using an impeller to chop the material into finer pieces and deposit them into an attached collection bag,” explains DeBoer. “For smaller yards, a leaf blower often makes more sense.”
Some gardeners like to use the mulched leaves as compost for their plants. If you have a lot of leaves to deal with and don’t want to bag them up with a rake, a combination leaf blower and vacuum is a convenient, work-saving option for your yard.
Can you use a leaf vacuum on wet leaves?
Some leaf vacuums claim to work on wet leaves, but none will work as well on wet leaves as they will with dry ones. Wet leaves quickly weigh down a collection bag and can clog the vacuum’s suction tube.
Family Handyman’s freelance writer, Elizabeth Heath, also contributed to this article.
Originally Published: September 14, 2023
Author
Nancy Snyder
Nancy Snyder, MS, RDN, serves as a senior shopping editor Family Handyman, Reader's Digest and Taste of Home. Drawing from her experience as a writer for a leading landscape supplier, Nancy transforms complex concepts into easily digestible parts for both Family Handyman experts and DIY enthusiasts alike.
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Tester
Dylan Fischer
Dylan is a creative person who always looks for the most productive and efficient way to tackle challenges. This is reflected through his career, during which he’s previously been as a studio assistant and film development specialist. As a product tester, he strives to provide readers with honest feedback that helps inform quality, cost-effective...
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Tester
Sheri Kaz
As a product tester, Sheri Kaz has reviewed and tested hundreds of products forFamily Handyman,Reader’s DigestandTaste of Home. Sheri has been a homeowner and gardener for more than 30 years; as a result, she is a DIYer and loves recommending her favorite products to friends and family. She looks for products, from furniture and appliance...
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Fact Checker
Caroline Lubinsky
As a senior shopping editor for Family Handyman, Caroline manages all product-based content on the site. In her career, she has written for a variety of well-respected publications within the home, health, fitness and wellness spaces.
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