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EGO Power+ 650 CFM Variable-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower Kit vs Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
EGO Power+ 650 CFM Variable-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower Kit ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 6) and scores better on runtime. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit wins on blowing power, weight & balance, quietness, durability.
The biggest complaint about the EGO Power+ 650 CFM Variable-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower Kit is durability and battery failures; for the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit it's short runtime at full power. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| EGO Power+ 650 CFM Variable-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower Kit | Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cordless leaf blowers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Handheld | Handheld high-power |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 9% | — |
| Overall score | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Blowing power | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Runtime | 4.5 | 2.0 |
| Weight & balance | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Quietness | 2.5 | 5.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
EGO Power+ 650 CFM Variable-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower Kit
- 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)
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit
- Short runtime at full power
Pro Tool Reviews got 11 minutes 37 seconds on max power and 15 minutes 13 seconds in max-runtime mode with the 8.0Ah battery. It had the shortest runtime in the head-to-head, far below Ryobi's claim of over 85 minutes (on low).
- Heavy with the big battery
6.4 lb bare but 10.5 lb with the kitted 8.0Ah battery (Pro Tool Reviews).
- Earlier Ryobi Whisper blowers got mixed reviews
Wirecutter preferred EGO to the older 40V HP Whisper (RY40HPLBL0K): 19 minutes runtime and no quieter in its test. Reviewed found two older Ryobi Whisper models underpowered, with rear intakes that pulled in clothing. These tests were not of the RY40HPLB01.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Reviewed
Who should pick which
Pick the EGO Power+ 650 CFM Variable-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower Kit if
Medium to large yards with wet or matted leaves
Buying into EGO's 56V tool system
Long sessions on one battery
Skip it if: Weight bothers you (about 10 lb); Noise matters to you or your neighbors; You want a cheaper starter blower
Pick the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 800 CFM Leaf Blower Kit if
Maximum blowing force
Noise-sensitive neighborhoods
Owners of Ryobi 40V batteries
Skip it if: You need long sessions on one battery; You want lots of owner reviews before buying; You don't shop at Home Depot (the main seller)
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