The Best Leaf Vacuums for Yard Cleanup, Tested

Though broadly related to leaf blowers, leaf vacuums operate in the opposite direction. While leaf blowers disperse leaves by pushing air, leaf vacuums suck up fallen foliage through a tube and into a waste bag, operating much like a house vacuum. (A pool leaf vacuum does the same thing for a swimming pool.) Many leaf vacuums also mulch the debris they collect, so folks can use it to benefit the garden.

Leaf vacuums are an exceptionally handy piece of lawn care equipment for tidying up yards and banishing leaf buildup beneath hedges and around flower beds. To help you find the ideal model, we tested popular gas, electric, and battery-powered leaf vacuums to judge their performance in real-life conditions. We also spoke to Brad Saunders, president of Heroes Lawn Care, which helps homeowners across the country find lawn care experts. “A leaf vacuum is all about convenience,” Saunders says. “If you’re tired of raking up leaves or constantly bending over to gather them after using a blower, a leaf vacuum could be a solution.” 

Our top pick is the Toro UltraPlus Electric Leaf Blower Vacuum; this piece of leaf removal equipment​ blows, vacuums, and mulches, plus it’s lightweight and powerful to boot. Read on for our reviews of this model and others that we consider to be the best leaf vacuums in various categories, and learn the most important considerations to bear in mind while shopping.

1. BEST OVERALL: Toro 51621 UltraPlus Electric Leaf Blower Vacuum
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Worx WG509 Trivac 2 Leaf Vacuum With Mulching System
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3. BEST UPGRADE: Stihl SH 86 C-E Gas Handheld Blower/Mulcher/Vac
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4. BEST GAS UNIT: Husqvarna 125BVx Gas Leaf Blower Vacuum
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5. BEST CORDLESS: Greenworks 24322 40V Cordless Leaf Blower Vacuum
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6. BEST ELECTRIC: Craftsman Corded Electric Backpack Leaf Blower
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7. BEST WALK-BEHIND: Billy Goat KV601SP Lawn and Leaf Vacuum
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8. BEST EASE-OF-USE: Makita LXT Blower/Vacuum Mulcher Kit
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Leaf Vacuums Comparison

Our Top Picks

We narrowed the field of the best leaf vacuum for individual needs by testing several popular models in different categories, with the performance results in the reviews below. Keeping the yard, garage, and flower beds free of fallen leaves can be easier with any of these top picks.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5

The Toro UltraPlus leaf vacuum mulcher is a powerful three-in-one leaf blower, high-speed vacuum, and leaf shredder designed for midsize yards. The 12A electric motor moves up to 410 CFM of air at speeds as high as 250 mph. In vacuum mode, the impeller leaf vacuum shredder grinds to a 16:1 ratio, with 97 percent of shredded debris measuring less than ½ inch in diameter.

In our tests, this plug-in leaf blower with vacuum had no trouble handling loads of leaves—no clogs and only slight hesitation in heavier piles. Moist leaves moved a bit more slowly but were sucked up and ground nonetheless. The lightweight body of this blower vacuum was easy to maneuver, and the vacuum mulcher output was comparable to the others we tested.

In addition to its outdoor vacuum capabilities, this variable-speed unit was just as effective at keeping grass clippings off the driveway and banishing dust and debris from between potted patio plants as it was at clearing fallen leaves. The unique dispersion nozzle blower attachment focused air in a low, wide pattern that reduced dust clouds, but the blow tube did seem a bit too narrow.

Get the Toro leaf vacuum at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5

The Worx WG509 boasts yard clearing convenience at a budget-friendly price. It changes between its three modes with the flip of a switch; there’s no need to change the tube or use tools to go from blowing to vacuuming. In mulcher mode, a metal impeller reduces leaves in an 18:1 ratio (18 bags to 1 bag). The 1-bushel collection bag includes a shoulder strap to reduce fatigue.

This leaf blower/vac proved to have one of the best designs of any model, at any price. It is the only unit we tested that can change from blower to vacuum without completely reconfiguring the tubes, which made it super easy to work with. It also delivered power comparable to models costing twice as much. It did clog on some coarse debris, but it performed well overall.

The model only has two speeds, but it reaches a top speed of 210 mph with 350 CFM. An ergonomic tube design reduces back strain by putting the tube at a parallel angle to the ground. The angle also helps it reach under and around landscaping elements.

Get the Worx leaf vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.75/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 2/5; Value 4/5

If you’re looking for the most power you can get out of a handheld leaf blower, then look no further than Stihl’s combination vacuum leaf blower. With its 27.2cc gas engine, it produces a max air volume of 444 CFM and top air velocity of 170 mph. This vacuum was a beast in testing. We set it loose on a dense carpet of wet matted leaves and it vacuumed them up faster than any other leaf vacuum we tested. With a metal impeller that’s capable of chipping material down into fine pieces, it made short work of wet leaves and even gobbled up acorns and twigs with ease. Its ability to shred leaves (and other debris) down into fine material, plus its large collection bag, allowed us to collect more leaves between each load than any other leaf blower. 

Though we often associate gas engines with difficult starts, the Stihl started up after one pull, even with a cold engine, thanks to its Easy2Start tech. Gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums can make your hands numb, but that wasn’t the case with the Stihl SH 86 thanks to a vibration-dampening system that separates the handle from the engine. 

While we loved the Stihl 86 C-E’s power, there are some tradeoffs. At more than 12 pounds, it’s one of the heaviest leaf blowers we tested. We felt the burn by the time we wrapped up testing it. It’s also very loud, so plan on wearing ear protection and expect a few side eyes from neighbors if you run it for too long. 

What our tester says: “Stihl routinely puts out top-notch yard equipment and this leaf vacuum is no exception. It was easily the most powerful model we tested, and also impressed with its professional level build quality. And yet, the price is within the ballpark for homeowners.”—Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Stihl 86 C-E Gas Handheld Blower/Mulcher/Vac at Northern Tool + Equipment or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4/5

For large gardens and heavy leaf accumulation, it’s hard to beat the Husqvarna gas leaf blower vacuum, which draws in air at speeds of up to 170 mph and features an air volume of 425 CFM. Its easy-crank engine enables quick starting, and an auto-return stop switch automatically resets the vacuum for simpler starting. It also features cruise control for easier handling and less hand fatigue.

After fueling up with a 50:1 mix of gasoline to 2-cycle oil, the Husqvarna engine started easily with just two pulls. Powerful air movement at the suction tube easily pulled in piles of leaves, and the tube remained unclogged, even when pulling in wet debris. The mulching knives aggressively shredded twigs as well as leaves without a problem. The only issue we experienced was the slightly awkward feel of the curved tube that feeds the bag with shredded leaves.

Though the unit weighs in at 9.6 pounds, a shoulder strap helps support the vacuum to reduce arm fatigue. The Husqvarna also features anti-vibration technology to reduce hand stress.

Get the Husqvarna leaf vacuum at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 3.5/5

If a property is too large for a corded leaf vacuum, but mixing fuel for a gas model is too much hassle, check out this battery-powered option from Greenworks. Its 12A lithium-ion battery (included along with the charger) powers the vacuum’s brushless motor to run up to 60 minutes on a single charge at the lowest setting.

This cordless leaf blower/vacuum offers good suction and shredding capability. The runtime was longer than many comparable battery-powered blower/vacuum models. But still, at about 20 minutes per charge on high speed, in an average-size yard with lots of leaves, users will either need to have a second battery charged and ready to vacuum after blowing, or they will have to stop and recharge at some point in the project.

The vacuum draws in air at six speed options up to 185 mph, with an airflow volume of 340 CFM, which is suitable for light to moderate leaf accumulation. A metal impeller breaks up leaves for mulching before depositing them in the collection bag. A bigger battery puts the weight at 8.6 pounds, so you’ll need some strength for longer jobs.

Get the Greenworks leaf vacuum at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Performance 3.8/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5

If you’re looking for a budget-priced combination leaf vacuum, mulcher, and blower and don’t mind the limitations that come with a cord, then this model from Craftsman is worth considering. It’s one of the most powerful corded models we’ve seen with a max air volume of 450 CFM and air speed of 260 MPH. While it won’t rival the more powerful gas models we tested, it’s got enough vacuuming muscle to gather a moderate covering of leaves on a small area. After testing its blowing capability, we converted it to leaf vacuum, a process that only takes a minute or two. 

It produces enough power to suck up small piles of leaves quickly and shreds them into fine pieces that fit into a large 55-liter bag. Unlike other handhelds that use a single strap, the Craftsman has a two strap backpack-style collection bag that’s more ergonomic and hence more comfortable to wear. Even carrying a full load of damp shredded leaves was surprisingly comfortable. 

While the Craftsman is one of the cheapest leaf vacuums out there with a price tag of around $100, there are some compromises with this model. With its corded design and middle of the road power, this backpack leaf vacuum is best suited for collecting leaves off smaller yards and in and around landscaping, decks, and porches. 

Get the Craftsman Corded Electric Backpack Leaf Blower at Lowe’s or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 4/5; Value 3/5

For larger properties with lots of trees and a mix of grassy and hard surfaces to maintain, a walk-behind leaf vacuum could be the best machine for the job. The Billy Goat KV601SP self-propelled lawn and leaf vacuum features a wide nozzle with powerful suction and an oversize bagger to clean large areas quickly with less downtime for emptying.

This walk-behind commercial leaf vacuum comes equipped with a 190cc Briggs & Stratton gas engine that delivers a whopping 1,707 CFM of airflow through the 26-inch nozzle and powers the rear drive wheels. A serrated impeller grinds dry leaves and debris at a 12:1 reduction ratio before sending it to the 4-bushel bagger. The heavy-duty zipperless bagger uses a clip closure for fast debris removal.

This machine includes an adjustable-height nozzle to capture different types of debris, including leaves and pine needles, pine cones, acorns, flower petals, and more. It works well on a variety of surfaces, such as grass, gravel, mulch, and pavement. An optional hose kit (sold separately) expands the vacuum’s functionality to include debris that lands on hedges, between shrubs, and in other hard-to-reach areas.

Our walk-behind leaf vacuum test included a heavy layer of leaves, clumpy grass clippings, twigs, pine needles, and pine cones on grass and concrete. The Billy Goat rolled along and picked up everything in its path. Matted wet foliage sometimes required a second pass, and longer sticks partly blocked the nozzle a couple of times, but the impeller never became clogged and the bagger held an impressive amount of material. 

In the absence of a blower to remove litter from hard-to-reach spots, we would have appreciated the hose attachment to access these pesky areas. Still, this was far and away the fastest and most thorough tool for the job. 

Get the Billy Goat leaf vacuum at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Mowers at Jacks.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 3.6/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4/5

Unlike other blower/vacuum combos that require you to stop and trade out tubes to switch from blower to vacuum, this Makita model uses the same tube for both functions. That means you can blow leaves, then flip and switch and begin vacuuming (and chopping) them up. In testing, we used the blower function to gather a small pile of leaves, then flipped to vacuum to gobble them up before switching back to blower to repeat the process. It’s a strategy that would never work with a model that requires you to assemble and disassemble tubes. Working up against structures was also easier. Rather than blow out those leaves huddling against the foundation or a fence, we simply switched to vacuum mode, sucked them up, then switched back to blower to continue our leaf gathering efforts. 

There is a trade-off for that convenience. The Makita’s tube is narrow for a leaf vacuum. While the 215CFM of vacuuming force was enough to suck up even matted wet leaves, the narrower tube meant we did so at a slower pace than other leaf vacuums. We didn’t experience clogs; it just took longer to get the job done. 

At about 9 pounds, this leaf blower vacuum combo​ is one of the lighter models we tested. Plus, it has wheel attachments on the blower/vacuum tip so you rest the end while vacuuming for more support. There’s also a cruise control level, so you can save your hand during longer blowing or vacuuming efforts. 

Get the Makita LXT blower/vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot.

How We Tested the Best Leaf Vacuums

To gauge the functionality of these devices, we set up a leafy test course that gave each tool a fair trial in a real-world setting. We used each tool in both of its configurations, blower and vacuum, to see how it could build leaf piles and then vacuum/mulch them. The debris included recently fallen leaves from the current year as well as old, built-up debris that had accumulated beneath shrubs over the course of a full year. 

During our testing, we considered how quickly each vacuum was able to vacuum up both dry and wet leaves along with other debris, such as twigs and acorns. After vacuuming up a full load, we examined each model’s collection bag to determine which models most effectively ground material up into small bits. Along with performance, we also considered ease of use by assessing weight and how long it took us to convert each model from vacuum to blower. 

The models reviewed in this guide passed the test by adequately blowing out the heavily accumulated debris, gathering the recently fallen leaves, and grinding up a mixed pile. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Leaf Vacuum

Leaf vacuums come in various types and with different-size collection bags. There are also three power source types—gas, electric, and battery power—with each option affecting runtime and suction. Take a look below at some important factors to help determine the motor type, power, and design that will work best for you.

Type

Leaf vacuums are made in a few types, and some kinds work better in certain situations and setups than others.

• Handheld leaf vacuums are the smallest and least powerful option, but they’re often the most affordable and lightest. These models can be vacuum only or a hybrid that works as a blower and/or sweeper too. While handhelds typically have the smallest collection bags, some models may cross into backpack territory (see below) and have somewhat larger vacuum bags. A cordless leaf vacuum is also typically handheld to provide optimal maneuverability.
• Backpack leaf vacuums are usually hybrid models that have leaf blowing as their main function. Backpack models tend to have larger collection sacks than handheld models that need emptying less often.
• Walk-behind leaf vacuums resemble lawn mowers, but instead of cutting grass, they suck leaves up into a large collection sack. These models hold the most leaves and may include a mulch function as well. However, they’re more expensive and cannot be used as a leaf blower.

Electric vs. Gas

Like lawn mowers, leaf vacuums are available in electric- and gas-powered versions.

• Electric leaf vacuums are quieter, easier to maintain, and typically less expensive. Corded leaf vacuums are best suited to modestly sized outdoor spaces since they require access to an electrical outlet. A cordless leaf vacuum blower with a rechargeable battery allows room to roam and is compact enough to be easily stored. However, they don’t match the power of other leaf vacuums and can only be used for relatively brief periods of time between charges. Saunders likes electric leaf vacuums: “They’re quieter, which means you’re not going to be that neighbor everyone complains about. Plus, you don’t have to mess around with gas or oil changes—just plug it in, or charge up a battery if you’re going cordless, and you’re ready to go.”
• Gas-powered leaf vacuums offer greater power and the ability to cover lots of ground in one go. As a result, these models are often more expensive. Gas leaf vacuums also run loudly, emit fumes, and require maintaining the proper gas-to-oil ratio.

Power

To figure out the power of a leaf vacuum, check the product description for two numbers: mph and CFM. The mph stands for miles per hour—in this case, referring to how quickly air is suctioned into the unit and through the tube. Most units run between 110 and 180 mph, although some may reach extremes of 250 mph or so.

Somewhat more important than airspeed, however, is CFM. This describes how much air moves through the vacuum in the span of 60 seconds, indicating how powerful the unit is. While mph provides an idea of how quickly leaves can go through the tube, CFM indicates how much can go through all at once.

The CFM rankings for leaf vacuums range between 150 to 600. A unit with a CFM under 200 may be all that’s needed to clean up an apartment balcony or a small yard, but for larger areas, it may be desirable to invest in a unit with higher CFM.

Saunders recommends a leaf vacuum with a strong motor “that can really get the job done.” He adds, “Something like a 12-amp electric motor, which you’ll find in some top models, will give you the suction power you need to handle a good amount of leaves without getting bogged down.”

Runtime

The runtime of a battery-powered leaf vacuum can limit the amount of work that can be done. Most models offer at least 20 to 30 minutes of runtime on the highest power levels. At lower levels, the battery may run for 45 minutes or more.

Battery-powered models that include two or more interchangeable batteries can increase the available work time. While one battery is in use, the other battery charges. Charge times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours and sometimes longer depending on the battery size. The amount of work may still be limited with interchangeable batteries, but it will provide more work time than a single battery.

Some manufacturers provide batteries that are interchangeable with the brand’s other power tools. In these cases, buying power tools of the same brand can add to the number of batteries available. Ultimately, that can extend possible work time even more.

Versatility

Some leaf vacuums offer bells and whistles beyond simple suction. In fact, most vacuums these days are actually leaf blowers with a vacuum function. That provides extra use options with a single tool.

Leaf vacuums are best suited for smaller outdoor spaces, like those surrounding garden apartments and duplexes. Some models also offer a mulching option, which is great for repurposing leaves into healthy plant beds.

Ease of Use

A leaf vacuum’s mix of features and design can make it easier or harder to use. Bag size, for example, determines how often it will need to be emptied. Larger bags mean less frequent emptying, but they can be awkward and heavy to carry.

Weight also affects ease of use. Gas-powered leaf vacuums weigh the most, though some battery-powered models are almost as heavy. For those with a large yard, gas power makes sense because it can keep a consistent high power throughout the whole yard.

However, for those with smaller yards, the lightweight nature of a handheld or a battery-powered model can be more comfortable. Models with a backpack bag combine the lighter weight of a handheld leaf vacuum with the convenience of a backpack.

Ergonomics is also something to take into consideration. “You’re going to be using this tool for a while, so it needs to be comfortable,” Saunders says. “Lightweight models are easier on the arms and back, especially if you’re working in a large yard. Features like an ergonomically designed tube can also make a big difference by reducing strain.”

Finally, there are controls to consider. Trigger switches and on/off buttons directly on the handle are easier to use. This allows you to turn the machine on or off with one hand. Toolless conversion for hybrid models can also add to ease of use.

FAQs

Leaf vacuums aren’t complicated once you understand how they work and what features are needed for specific jobs. However, since they aren’t as common as leaf blowers, you might still find yourself scratching your head as you look at the specs. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about leaf vacuums to help you make the right choice.

Meet the Testers

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design.

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Stacey L. Nash.

 

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