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Leaf vacuums are powerful and versatile outdoor tools for maintaining a spotless yard. Not only do they effortlessly suck up stubborn leaves from tight spots like under bushes or around your air conditioning unit, but they turn the mess into mulch, cutting down on waste and the need for multiple bags. For homeowners who prefer bagging leaves over blowing them to the curb, the mulching function on most models makes cleanup faster and more efficient, ensuring that you can handle even large piles with ease.
Since they come in a variety of styles, sizes and vary in power and feature sets, shopping for a leaf vacuum can almost be as annoying as raking leaves manually. From handheld models perfect for small patios to walk-behind units for large yards and powerful gas-powered models that can pick up pinecones and other debris, The Good Housekeeping Institute tested and compared all the latest options to fit every homeowner's needs and budget.
As with other outdoor power equipment that passes through the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, from pressure washers to snow blowers and shop vacs, our experts considered performance, ease of use, durability, noise and more in their assessment of more than 20 leaf vacuums.
- Best Overall: WORX WG509 TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
- Best Value: Sun Joe SBJ702E 13-Amp, 250-Mph 3-In-1 Outdoor Electric Vacuum/Mulcher/Blower
- Best for Small Yards: Toro Ultra Electric 12 Amp Blower/Vacuum/ Mulcher
- Best Cordless: Ryobi 40-volt Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
- Best Gas-Powered: Husqvarna 125BVx Leaf Vacuum and Blower
- Best Backpack-Style: Craftsman CMEBL7000 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum, and Mulcher
- Best Budget Cordless: Greenworks 24322 40V Brushless Blower / Vacuum
- Best for Large Yards: Troy-Bilt CSV060B Gas-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
1
Best Overall
WORX TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
Pros
Combines vacuuming, blowing and mulching- Excellent air speed
- Large 10-gallon reusable bag minimizes emptying frequency
- Metal impeller ensures long-lasting performance
Cons
- Corded design restricts its use to areas within reach of an electrical outlet
Our experts like the versatility of the corded-electric Worx Trivac, a powerful three-in-one blower, vacuum and mulcher that handles each task with ease and efficiency. With an impressive air speed of 210 miles per hour, this leaf blower quickly and efficiently clears away even the toughest leaves and debris. In our testing, it was particularly adept at scarfing up leaf fragments and other small debris.
"I like that it's equipped with an on-board conversion switch, so that you can flip between functions quickly and without the hassle of separate tubes and attachments," said Rachel Rothman, former chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who tested the Worx over several weeks at her home.
She noted that the angled end of the vacuum tube was helpful for sucking leaves from gutters and other hard-to-reach places. The Worx's metal impeller ensures long-lasting performance and has an 18:1 reduction ratio, meaning it can mulch 18 bags of leaves down to one, and this model comes with a 10-gallon reusable collection bag.
While it's also very quiet, the big downside is the cord, which is a nuisance to drag around and also means you'll need an exterior-grade extension cord if you have a large yard.
Type: Corded electric | Air flow: 350 CFM | Air speed: 210 mph | Weight: 9.3 lbs | Bag size: 10.5 gallons | Noise rating: Not listed
Pros
- Front wheels provide smooth handling and stability, even on uneven terrain
- Quickly switches between blower and vacuum modes
Cons
- Requires continuous trigger pressure, which can lead to hand and finger fatigue
This budget-friendly, three-in-one leaf vacuum, blower and mulcher performed as well as some models costing two and three times as much.
"Like its cold-weather brand mate Snow Joe, whose snow blowers we've tested, Sun Joe has established itself as a value-driven name in outdoor power equipment that often punches above its weight," said Rothman. The device's 12-amp motor blows up to 250 miles per hour with six adjustable speeds so you can tailor it to various tasks, and testers said it's easy to switch between modes. The Sun Joe's front wheels provide smooth handling and stability, even on uneven terrain.
Though the manufacturer doesn't list its noise rating, testers found the motor on the Sun Joe to be relatively quiet. We also appreciate its durable metal shredding blade, which ensures thorough mulching performance. Because it requires continuous trigger pressure, it can lead to hand and finger fatigue during extended use.
Type: Corded electric | Air flow: 530 CFM | Air speed: 250 mph | Weight: 8.8 lbs | Bag size: 12 gallons | Noise rating: Not listed
RELATED: The Best Snow Blowers, Tested by Experts
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver and handle
- Adjustable speed settings
- Impressive 16:1 mulching ratio for the price
Cons
- Transitioning between blower to vacuum isn’t as intuitive as other options
This Toro is another plug-in leaf vacuum that scored points with our testers for its combination of power and lightweight design. "It's a great choice for homeowners with small- to mid-size yards," said Rothman, who noted that the Toro is an easy to use and affordable option that gathered and removed leaves quickly in our tests.
The tool’s 16:1 shredding ratio produces small, easily decomposing leaf mulch for composting or mulching. Plus, our experts like the variable speed control, which seamlessly allows you to adjust the power in both vacuuming and blowing modes. The device is also easy to operate, thanks to its push-button electric start and quick-release latch that lets you switch from blowing to vacuuming without tools.
But you will need to contend with the power cord, plus the added cost of an exterior-grade extension cord if you have a lot of ground to cover.
Type: Corded electric | Air flow: 405 CFM | Air speed: 260 mph | Weight: 8.5 lbs | Bag size: Not listed | Noise rating: Not listed
Pros
- Large 10.5-gallon leaf bag
- Has a long 18-minute runtime and two rechargeable batteries included
- 20-to-1 mulching ratio is industry-leading
Cons
- More expensive than most
Ryobi's 40-volt leaf vacuum is a great pick if you have a lot of leaves to sweep up, thanks to its massive 600 CFMs of vacuum power and its ample 10.5-gallon bag. The Ryobi also has an industry-best 20-to-1 mulching ratio, so it's excellent at reducing leaves to a fine matter, getting the most capacity out of every bagful.
"The one drawback is the metal impeller was a little more prone to jamming when sucking up harder stuff like twigs," said GH Institute's Test Engineer Alec Scherma. "But this is the perfect vacuum if you're primarily clearing a lot of loose leaves from your lawn."
It converts from vacuum to blower mode with the turn of a knob on the main handle, but you'll also need to switch attachments, so it's not the most convertible combo we tested. The Ryobi is also on the expensive side, but it's important to note that the kit includes a pair of 4.0 Ah batteries, which together delivered more than 30 minutes of runtime in our tests, even when operating the variable speed motor at full tilt.
Type: Battery-powered | Air flow: 600 CFM | Air speed: 100 mph | Weight: 15.2 lbs | Bag size: 10.5 gallons | Noise rating: Not listed
RELATED: Best Cordless Leaf Blowers, Tested and Reviewed
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Pros
- Easily switches between leaf blowing, vacuuming and mulching
- Variable speed control
- Easy-start system on board
Don't want the hassle of a cord? A gas-powered leaf blower can be a good way to go, especially if you're also looking for maximum power. This Husqvarna gas-powered leaf vacuum can move a lot of air in a hurry — 425 cubic feet per minute at a speed of 170 miles per hour. Our experts say it should perform capably whether you set it to vacuum, blow or mulch leaves and other yard debris. Since it has a 16:1 mulch ratio, it can grind up leaves and other debris in tiny fragments to store in its included collection bag.
The lightweight construction and ergonomic design maximize comfort and control, while the quick-start system ensures you don't have to continuously pull a string starter to the point of exhaustion. Just be prepared for the noisier operation, which is loud enough that you'll want to wear ear protection.
Type: Gas-powered | Air flow: 425 CFM | Air speed: 170 mph | Weight: 9.6 lbs | Bag size: 14.4 gallons | Noise rating: 109 dB
Pros
- Easily switches between leaf blowing, vacuuming and mulching
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Offers outstanding performance for the price
Cons
- Impeller is made from plastic
Traditional leaf vacuums often come with satchel-style leaf bags, which can be uncomfortable and heavy to carry, especially when filled with wet leaves. So, if your yard has a lot of leafy trees, a backpack-style model can make cleanup jobs much more comfortable. The Craftsman leaf vacuum comes equipped with a reliable 12-amp motor and functions as a powerful blower and mulcher, offering outstanding performance for the price.
With an air volume of 450 CFM and a 260-mile-per-hour airspeed, it's more powerful than other backpack-style blowers and quieter. Its mulching system helps reduce the volume of waste for an efficient cleanup. However, the collection bag requires unzipping to empty, which means it's prone to occasional jams.
Another potential drawback is that the impeller is made from plastic, so it may not prove to be as durable over time. Regardless, its overall performance and comfortable backpack-style design makes it worth considering.
Type: Corded electric | Air flow: 450 CFM | Air speed: 260 mph | Weight: 11.3 lbs | Bag size: Not listed | Noise rating: 55 dB
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7
Best Budget Cordless
Greenworks Cordless Blower Vacuum
Pros
- Battery-operated for free range of motion
- Doubles as a leaf blower
- Lightest on our list
Cons
- Not as easy to switch from vacuum to blower
Our experts have been testing Greenworks products for the better part of a decade and they've come to know the brand as a leader in battery-powered outdoor equipment. This cordless leaf vacuum is another example, with its combination of reliability and performance.
Though the air flow isn't as powerful as with gas or corded-electric devices, this battery-operated model allows you to clear and remove leaves unrestricted by a cord, plus it's extremely lightweight which reduces arm fatigue. Our engineers say the brushless motor should deliver a long runtime and improved torque, while also reducing strain and extending the vacuum's lifespan.
Though the device can convert from a vacuum to a blower, it uses separate tubes for each function, so it's not as easy as flipping a switch, the way you can with other top picks.
Type: Battery-powered | Air flow: 340 CFM | Air speed: 185 mph | Weight: 5.6 lbs | Bag size: 10.5 gallons | Noise rating: 70 dB
Pros
- Also functions as a wood chipper and shredder
- Good for large properties
Cons
- Requires much more storage space
Take one look and you can see right away that walk-behind leaf vacuums are a different breed of lawn care equipment. This one from Troy-Bilt adds in a chipper and a shredder, nice if you live on a large property with a lot of trees and fallen branches. It uses a different engine than gas leaf blowers, which is why the manufacturer doesn't list air speed and flow.
Our experts are impressed by the specs, starting with the 24-inch-wide vacuum head, which helps you cover a lot of ground fast during the leafiest weeks of fall. The 7-foot vacuum hose is helpful for sucking up smaller leaves and twigs from under bushes. It also has a generously sized 18-gallon collection bag, so you won’t have to empty it as frequently.
But make no mistake: Weighing in at 116 pounds, this walk-behind leaf vacuum is a lot of lawn gear, so it’s difficult to store and may be hard for some to push. If you want to lessen the load, we suggest paying a little extra for the self-propelled model.
Type: Gas-powered | Air flow: Not listed | Air speed: Not listed | Weight: 125 lbs | Bag size: 18 gallons | Noise rating: Not listed
RELATED: Best Wood Chippers, According to Experts
How we test the best leaf vacuums
Our product experts in the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab start by surveying the marketplace to identify top-selling leaf vacuums that you’re most likely to find at stores and online. We also attend trade shows and industry events like Equip Exposition to stay on top of the latest in lawn and yard care. Next, we identify brands that have performed the best and proved the most reliable through years of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. We also consider newer brands with unique features or innovations.
Based on an extensive review of technical data, our experts selected various models for hands-on testing, which started in our Lab where we assessed ease of assembly, quality of construction, convenience features and more. A few of our product experts also took leaf vacuums home to evaluate them in the real-world conditions of their yards. Performance tests focused on how quickly and cleanly models sucked up small piles of leaves around the yard, as well as from gutters when that feature was offered. We also evaluated usability — for example, how easily the bag goes on and off, intuitiveness of the controls, the runtime of battery-powered vacuums and the noise level of the motor.
What to look for when choosing the best leaf vacuum
There are several general factors to consider when deciding which leaf vacuum is best for you. Regardless of whether the vacuum can convert into a blower or mulcher, you'll want to pay attention to a vacuum's power type, the size and form of its collection bag, as well as its weight and durability.
✔️ Power type: Leaf vacuum engines can be battery-powered, gas-powered or corded electric. The power type that is best for you depends largely on the size of the project.
- Battery-powered leaf vacuums offer cordless operation and they're also the quietest. Thanks to improvements in battery technology, they're also nearly as powerful as gas machines.
- Gas-powered leaf vacuums still tend to be the most powerful but they are also louder, more difficult to start and require extra care maintenance, including mixing the oil and gas.
- Electric leaf vacuums have a cord that restricts mobility but ensures an unlimited runtime.
✔️ Collection bag form and size: Some collection bags can be worn on the user's back while others are attached directly below the engine. Backpack collection bags often have a greater volume than those that hang directly below a handheld engine. If your vacuum has mulching capabilities, you'll want to make note of its reduction ratio in order to determine how many shredded leaves can fit inside of the collection bag (for example, a mulcher with a 10:1 ratio can fit 100 gallons of dry leaves in a 10-gallon collection bag). Many collection bags are reusable while others are disposable.
✔️ Convertibility: If you’re looking to purchase an all-in-one tool that’ll help you combat fallen leaves and debris, you may want to consider one of the many engines that can convert between leaf blowing, vacuuming and mulching. It’s important to consider the ease of converting between different capabilities when purchasing a convertible tool. Some convertible vacuums/blowers/mulchers are equipped with a switch that allows them to alternate from function to function. Other machines come with different tubes or nozzles that you have to attach and detach in order to convert. That's more of a hassle, but our tests have found that these devices tend to perform better at both vacuuming and blowing.
✔️ Weight: Most leaf vacuums are handheld and relatively lightweight. If you're looking for something more heavy-duty, like a more powerful leaf blower that also has strong vacuum capabilities, you'll have to consider that more powerful engines tend to be heavier and possibly more difficult to operate. "Lightweight leaf vacuums that weigh as little as 5 pounds are fine for minor clean-ups, but you should be prepared to lug around at least a 10-pound machine if you plan on sucking up a lot of yard debris," said Rothman. Heavier vacuums also tend to be more durable.
How is leaf vacuum power measured?
There are a few factors involved. If the equipment has a mulching mode, you'll also want to pay attention to its claimed capacity.
- Cubic feet per minute (CFM): The power of a leaf vacuum is partly determined by the air flow, or how much air it is able to take in, which is measured in cubic feet per minute. The higher the CFM, the more air it can take in. The most powerful vacuums have 400 CFMs and up.
- Miles per hour (mph): Then there's air speed, i.e. how quickly a lead vacuum takes in air, which is measured in miles per hour (mph). Above 200 mph is ideal.
- Mulcher reduction ratio: This is the ratio between the number of bags of leaves that the vacuum encountered and the number of bags that the leaves were reduced to through mulching. Most mulchers have a reduction ratio of either 10:1 or 16:1.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related.
Brandon Carte, a contributing commerce editor at Good Housekeeping, co-wrote this guide with Dan DiClerico, the Institute's director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab. Carte has over a decade of experience testing and researching products, from leaf blowers to pizza ovens and snow blowers for publications like Best Products and Top Ten Reviews. He grew up on a 1.5-acre property bordered by a sea of trees, so he's all too familiar with the frustrations of foliage management.
DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products, including all kinds of outdoor power equipment for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House. He has vast hands-on experience with every brand included in this report, as well as many others that didn't make the cut.
For this report, DiClerico worked closely with Rachel Rothman, former chief technologist & director of engineering at the Institute. For more than 15 years, Rothman has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space. She also tested leaf vacuums and other kinds of outdoor power equipment at her home on Long Island, NY.
Brandon Carte
Senior Electronics Editor
Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on , Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.
Dan DiClerico
Home Improvement & Outdoor Director
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
