(checked 2026-10-10)
Wirecutter's top pick for its mix of power and runtime: about 27 minutes on high, and it lifts wet, matted leaves. It weighs about 10 pounds, Reviewed found it the loudest blower it tested, and Amazon owners rate durability negatively.
In the box: 1 x EGO 56V 5.0Ah battery and charger (Amazon listing title; Wirecutter notes the 5.0Ah battery)
Top complaints
- Durability and battery failures
Durability is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, and battery life and reliability are mixed. Some owners report battery failure and the motor failing after about 15 months.
- Heavy
Wirecutter weighed it at about 10 lb, roughly 4 lb more than its corded pick. Bob Vila measured 10.2 lb, the heaviest it tested, and Reviewed lists weight as a con. Weight is a mixed aspect on Amazon.
- Loud, and the speed control takes two hands
Reviewed called it the loudest blower it tested (92 dB on the lowest setting) and found the speed control has no tab, so it took two hands to adjust. Bob Vila also says cruise control needs two hands and the charger fan is loud.
Source: Reviewed, Bob Vila (2026 leaf blowers)
What owners love
- Strong power for wet leaves
Wirecutter says its focused airstream gets under dense, damp or matted leaves. Bob Vila calls it the most powerful blower it tested.
- Long runtime
About 27 minutes on high in Wirecutter's test, among the best it recorded, and up to 200 minutes on low. The battery charges in about 110 minutes.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Smart, balanced design
The battery shields the intake fan so it doesn't suck in clothing, and it sits at the rear for good balance (Wirecutter). Performance and power are top positives on Amazon.
- Weight bothers you (about 10 lb)
- Noise matters to you or your neighbors
- You want a cheaper starter blower
- Medium to large yards with wet or matted leaves
- Buying into EGO's 56V tool system
- Long sessions on one battery
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick: fantastic runtime and plenty of power with easy controls. The downsides are weight (about 10 lb) and cost (typically around $315).
- Bob Vila (2026 leaf blowers): Runner-up: the most powerful blower tested and good at matted leaves, but heavy at 10.2 lb, with two-hand cruise control.
- Reviewed: Tested but not a top pick: well balanced and decent runtime (24 minutes on its lowest setting), but heavy and the loudest blower tested.