When it’s time for the leaves to come down during the fall, they can be a huge pain to deal with, depending on where you live and what kind of trees you have. While you could manage the leaves with a standard rake and bags, it’s much easier and more convenient to work with a leaf vacuum instead.
These handy devices allow you to suck up the leaves quickly and efficiently, not to mention more comfortably than raking for several hours. Overall, it’s a much better experience, especially if you usually have to deal with tons of leaves every year.
So, with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of all of the best leaf vacuums on the market today so you can pick out the right one for your needs. Also, we’re going to discuss the various features and components to consider when making your decision so that you don’t have any doubts about your decision.
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Comparison Of The 9 Best Leaf Vacuums
IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | FIND NOW |
 | Toro 51619 Ultra Blower/Vac | ||
 | GreenWorks 24322 G-MAX 40V 185MPH Variable Speed | ||
 | BLACK+DECKER BV5600 High-Performance | ||
 | Husqvarna 125BVx 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH | ||
 | WORX WG505 TRIVAC 12 Amp Yard-in-One | ||
 | Sun Joe IONBV-XR 40V 5.0 Ah Variable-Speed Cordless | ||
 | Troy-Bilt TB2BV EC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf | ||
 | BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 40V Lithium Ion Sweeper and Vac | ||
 | Sun Joe SBJ605E 14-Amp High-Performance Variable-Speed |
IMAGE | PRODUCT DETAILS |
| | Toro 51619 Ultra Blower/Vac |
| | GreenWorks 24322 G-MAX 40V 185MPH Variable Speed |
| | BLACK+DECKER BV5600 High-Performance |
| | Husqvarna 125BVx 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH |
| | WORX WG505 TRIVAC 12 Amp Yard-in-One |
| | Sun Joe IONBV-XR 40V 5.0 Ah Variable-Speed Cordless |
| | Troy-Bilt TB2BV EC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf |
| | BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 40V Lithium Ion Sweeper and Vac |
| | Sun Joe SBJ605E 14-Amp High-Performance Variable-Speed |
The Best Leaf Vacuum Reviews
Toro 51619 Ultra Blower/Vac
As far as outdoor brands go, Toro is a name that is synonymous with high-quality products. This combination blower/vacuum makes leaf management a literal breeze, as it enables you to remove your leaves in any way that you see fit. When vacuuming, the device shreds them into mulch, which not only helps for disposal but lets you pick up more with each pass. Since up to 88% of the material gets shredded, you don’t have to empty the bag quite as often.
This model is fast and efficient as it operates at up to 250 miles per hour. This way, whether blowing or vacuuming you can be done far more quickly than if you tried raking the leaves by hand. It comes with several different attachments as well to help you make the whole process even easier, including a wide-mouth opening and a quick-release lever so that you can switch back and forth seamlessly.
What We Liked
- Extra powerful motor
- Operates at up to 250 mph
- Works as a blower and a vacuum
- Variable speed control
- Ergonomic handle for efficiency
- Vacuum bag is zipper sealed
- Includes leaf shredder to make mulch
- Durable construction
- Relatively lightweight and easy to handle
- Quick-changing from blower to vacuum
- Bag opens from the bottom for better cleanup
- Two-year limited warranty
What We Didn't Like
- Can have a hard time with wet leaves
- In rare cases, the bag may blow open from the air pressure
GreenWorks 24322 G-MAX 40V 185MPH Variable Speed Cordless Blower/Vac
If you’re looking for more convenience with your leaf vacuum, then you will love this model from GreenWorks. It runs on a powerful Lithium-ion battery, which means that you don’t have to worry about cords getting in your way while you work. Best of all, the battery can last up to one hour on a single charge, so you should be able to finish the job in one sitting.
While this model isn’t as powerful as others due to the battery operation, it’s more than capable of handling most properties with ease. It can operate at up to 185 mph, which works well as a blower or a vacuum. This unit has a relatively small bag, so you will have to change it more often. This means that we highly recommend this unit for smaller properties or people that don’t have so many leaves to deal with on a regular basis. Overall, it’s perfect for lighter work.
What We Liked
- Powerful motor operates at 185 mph
- Uses high-performance battery
- Cordless design
- Works as vacuum and blower
- Large bag for easier handling
- Extra large vacuum tube is more efficient
- Less noise overall
- Variable speed adjustment
- Handles both wet and dry leaves
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Brushless motor lasts longer
- Battery runs for up to 60 minutes
- Recharges in about two hours
- Battery works with other GreenWorks appliances
What We Didn't Like
- In rare cases, the battery may stop charging properly
- Not as powerful as other models
BLACK+DECKER BV5600 High-Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
Like Toro, Black+Decker is another high-quality brand that makes a lot of great outdoor products. This blower and vacuum system is designed for most jobs as it comes with a powerful motor and high-capacity mulching bag. What’s great about this machine is that it shreds and compacts your leaves much more efficiently, making it ideal for larger properties.
One of the cool features of this unit is that it has a much bigger bag than most other vacuums. Also, the bag has a shoulder strap on it so that you can carry it with you while you work. This also enables you to hold more weight as it doesn’t hang directly off the machine. So, you can work longer and not get as tired, either.
Another great thing about this vacuum is that it’s much quieter than you would expect. Even with a 250 mph capacity, it’s rated at just under 70 decibels, which is way better than most other units. Finally, it comes with a two-year limited warranty.
What We Liked
- Powerful 12-amp motor
- Operates at up to 250 mph
- Two speed selections
- Extra large vacuum back
- Mulches as it vacuums
- Durable steel mulching blade
- Extra-wide suction tube
- Quiet operation (68 dB)
- Vacuum bag has a strap for easier carrying
- Ergonomic design and handle
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Two-year limited warranty
What We Didn't Like
- When it gets filled, the bag may pop off the machine unexpectedly
- In rare cases, the motor may overheat at times
Husqvarna 125BVx 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Blower/Vac With Smart Start
If you want a vacuum and blower system that enables you to work uninhibited by a power cord or battery life, then you will appreciate this gas-powered model from Husqvarna. This brand is already well-known for making high-quality tools like this, and the blower can do wonders for your yard.
One thing to think about with this machine, however, is that it’s a blower first and a vacuum second. This means that it’s not quite as efficient as other models that we’ve seen, so it may take longer to get the job done overall. As such, the primary reason to get this is if you plan on blowing most of your leaves or you just want something more convenient.
This unit operates at up to 170 mph and has a variable speed system so that you can work smarter, not harder. Finally, when you do vacuum, it uses metal blades to shred and mulch the leaves automatically.
What We Liked
- Powerful gas-powered motor
- 1.1 horsepower
- Operates at 170 mph
- Extra long tube for convenience
- Ergonomic handle and design
- Variable speed adjustment
- Mulches leaves as it vacuums
- Fast starting engine
- Durable metal blades for mulching
- Compacts leaves up to 16 times
- Two-year limited warranty
- List Element
What We Didn't Like
- Vacuuming is not as powerful as blowing
- Can emit fumes while working
- Louder than other models
WORX WG505 TRIVAC 12 Amp Yard-in-One Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
Next, we have one of the most ergonomic and easiest to use vacuums on the market. Worx is a brand that we admire because it offers such innovative solutions to most outdoor lawn maintenance problems. In this case, what sets the Trivac apart from the rest is that it has a unique angled design and ergonomic shape. The nozzle is angled, which enables you to work in a much better position for both your back and for leaf management.
As a blower, this thing is remarkable, and as a vacuum, it's not bad. While it doesn’t have quite as much suction as some other units we’ve seen, the convenience of the nozzle and the extra large bag make it a viable option for most jobs. The only time it really struggles is when the leaves are compacted or soaking wet.
The machine uses a heavy-duty metal impeller to shred the leaves as you vacuum, and it compacts them well so that you can use it as mulch. Also, the impeller is easy to access so that if it gets dirty or clogged, you can clean it quickly.
What We Liked
- Powerful 12-amp motor
- Extra large suction tube for efficiency
- Blows, vacuums, and mulches
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Operates at up to 210 mph
- Works well with wet and dry leaves
- Angled nozzle for easier operation
- Durable metal impeller shred leaves
- Mulching ratio of 10 to one
- Variable speed adjustment
- Large vacuum bag with shoulder strap
- Easy to inspect and clean
What We Didn't Like
- Suction power is not as robust as other models
- In rare cases, the bag may split along the seams
Sun Joe IONBV-XR 40V 5.0 Ah Variable-Speed Cordless Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
If you don’t have that many leaves to manage on your property and you want something fast and efficient, then you will love this Cordless Vacuum from Sun Joe. It’s not quite as powerful as other models we’ve seen, but it does work well for most situations and is quite easy to use.
One of the coolest features of this model is the fact that it has a front wheel attachment. Since the nozzle is so long, you can use the wheels to stabilize it while you walk, making it much easier on your arms. This is ideal for vacuuming as well since it ensures that you are always at the right distance for optimal performance.
Other features include a steel impeller that shreds and mulches the leaves while it vacuums, a blower setting that operates at 200 miles per hour, and an extra large vacuum bag that attaches to the front, so you don’t have to carry it on your shoulder.
What We Liked
- Battery-operated unit
- Blows at up to 200 mph
- Ergonomic handling and design
- High impact impeller mulches while vacuuming
- Multiple attachments for easier operation
- Large vacuum bag included
- Front wheel accessory for convenience
- Quick-release hatch converts in seconds
- 45-minute battery life
- Lightweight and easy to handle
What We Didn't Like
- Not as powerful as other models
- Doesn’t work on wet leaves
Troy-Bilt TB2BV EC 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower/Vac
For those who prefer the convenience and power of a gasoline-operated device, this unit from Troy-Bilt can deliver some incredible results as both a blower and a vacuum. Overall, this machine has a lot of the standard features that you would come to expect, making it an ideal choice for those who have a lot of ground to cover and don’t want to deal with extension cords or battery life.
As with most gas-powered models, this is designed as a blower first and a vacuum second. This means that you won’t get as much suction as with other units, but it should be more than enough to get the job done. As long as the leaves aren’t soaking wet or too compacted, you should be okay.
Other features of this combo vacuum include an extra long tube, a jump start engine, and a mulching ratio of about ten to one. Overall, this model can handle most medium and small jobs with ease.
What We Liked
- Gas-powered motor
- Jump start engine for easier activation
- Steel impeller mulches as it vacuums
- Extra long tube for efficiency
- Ergonomic handle
- Extra large vacuum bag with shoulder strap
- Blower operates at up to 150 mph
- Two-year limited warranty
What We Didn't Like
- No variable speed adjustment
- Doesn’t work well on wet leaves
BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 40V Lithium Ion Sweeper/Vac
Next, if you want something lightweight and efficient, you may prefer to have this model from Black+Decker. Overall, this unit is designed for small jobs, so it’s perfect for households that don’t have to manage that many leaves. Also, if you are worried about noise, this is one of the quietest units we’ve seen.
As far as performance goes, this is classified as a sweeper, which means that it doesn’t blow leaves as robustly as most other units. Also, the vacuum setting is kind of limited, so you should only use it for spot cleaning. The primary reason to get this model is if you just want something to clean your patio or garage on a regular basis, but not for handling large yards or properties.
What We Liked
- Battery-operated model
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ergonomic shape and handle
- Quiet operation at 65 dB
- Battery lasts up to 30 minutes on a charge
- Vacuum back hangs from the machine for convenience
What We Didn't Like
- Not designed for big jobs
- Blower is not as powerful as other models
Sun Joe SBJ605E 14-Amp High-Performance Variable-Speed
If you liked the ability of the Sun Joe Vacuum above, but you wanted something with a bit more power and performance, then you will love this model instead. With a powerful 14-amp electric motor and an incredible impeller system, you can make short work of any pile of leaves, wet or dry.
As with the other Sun Joe unit, this vacuum also comes with a front wheel attachment. This is one of our favorite features because it allows you to work smarter, not harder. Instead of having to hold the machine manually, you can set it on the wheels and let it do the heavy lifting for you.
The other cool thing about this model is that it comes with two vacuum bags. One of them attaches to the unit itself, while the other one has a shoulder strap. We prefer the strap because it distributes the weight more evenly, but it’s up to you.
Finally, this vacuum mulches at a phenomenal rate of 16 to one, which means that you can go through a lot more leaves than you can with other units. Overall, this is one of our top picks when it comes to leaf management.
What We Liked
- Powerful 14-amp motor
- Variable speed adjustment
- Two large vacuum bags (one with shoulder strap)
- Durable aluminum alloy impeller for mulching
- Mulches at a ratio of 16 to one
- Blows at up to 250 mph
- Quick release valve for fast conversion
- Front wheel attachment for convenience
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Instant-start electric motor
What We Didn't Like
- In rare cases, the engine may overheat and shut off unexpectedly
- Wheels are not built for all terrains
How to Choose the Best Leaf Vacuum
Fuel Type
First and foremost, you will want to make sure that you are getting a machine powerful enough to handle the amount of leaves that you need to manage. As such, there are two different types you can buy: either gas-powered or electric. Let’s look at the differences between them.
- Gas: if you have a big property and you don’t want to carry around a power cord, then this can be a great option for you. Usually, however, gas blowers and vacuums can be a lot louder, so you will want to wear ear protection while you work. Also, you do need to keep fuel handy on site, so that is another thing to consider.
- Electric: for the most part, these models can be a lot quieter while still maintaining a similar level of power. However, you will need to have a long extension cord on hand because most products don’t come with one.
- Battery Operated: here you get the same level of convenience as a gas-powered vacuum, but you don’t have as much power. Even the most hardcore batteries will lose suction as they get drained, so you can’t handle the same kind of work load. Overall, if you don’t have a ton of leaves and you have to cover a lot of ground, this is the way to go.
Bag Size
While vacuuming your leaves can be much better than blowing or raking, you are limited based on the size of your bag. This will determine how much area you can cover in a single pass, so you want to pick one out that will allow you to work longer without stopping. If the bag is too small, then you will have to keep emptying it every few minutes, but if it’s too big, then it can get heavy and cumbersome as you go. Unfortunately, there is no proper formula or anything for figuring out the right bag size, so you will kind of have to play it by ear and see what works best for your particular situation.
Also, the other thing to think about is how you can dispose of the leaves once they are in the bag. In some cases, they open from the bottom, which means that you don’t have to disconnect when emptying, which can be much more convenient.
Noise Level
This is one of the primary concerns when buying a new blower or vacuum, particularly because you may have to consider your local regulations when purchasing your model. Some neighborhoods are quite restrictive regarding these kinds of machines, so you will have to pay attention to the amount of noise that it produces.
As we mentioned, gas-powered units are almost always the loudest, so if you choose an electric model, then you should be better off overall. Also, battery-operated vacuums can be even quieter because they don’t use as much horsepower, so that’s something to think about as well.
Speed Settings
One way to get more mileage out of your vacuum is to pick out a model that has different speeds. This way you can manage your leaves much more easily. You can spot clean different areas as well as ensure that you aren’t overloading your mulch bag by going too fast. This can also be helpful when blowing so that you aren’t creating even more of a mess in the process. Finally, if you have to worry about delicate plants and flowers, you will definitely want to have a variable speed so that you don’t damage anything.
Conclusion
Although there are a lot of great machines on this list, we have to say that several of them did stand out as better than the rest. However, because there is quite a bit of difference between gas, electric and battery-operated models, we will provide you with a top pick in each category.
When comparing the different electric units, we really appreciate the extra features that come with the Sun Joe SBJ605E model, including the double vacuum bags and front wheel system.
As far as gasoline-powered blowers and mulchers, we have to say that the Husqvarna model has a bit more of an edge because it has a better motor and overall performance.
Finally, battery-operated vacuums can be quite fickle, but we did like what the GreenWorks unit had to offer. Not only does it last the longest on a single charge, but it has a much more robust motor as well.