Keeping your yard tidy can be a challenge, especially if you don’t want to spend your free time raking leaves. Ultimately, the best way to avoid having to do that is to invest in a leaf blower. Yet, those devices have plenty of flaws too, the most notable one being the amount of noise they produce.
With that in mind, I wanted to show you how to go about finding a quiet leaf blower that will get the job done in a matter of minutes without making too much racket.
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High- vs. Low-Noise Leaf Blower
If you’ve never had the misfortune to hear the roar of a leaf blower, count yourself lucky. Some of them can produce sounds that are louder than 100 decibels — which is almost as loud as a chainsaw.
The reason for that similarity is that leaf blowers and chainsaws have a similar internal structure. Specifically, both kinds of devices can be either gas, battery, or electric-powered.
You can hear the difference in the sound the different kinds of leaf blowers make in this video:
It should come as no surprise that gas units tend to be the noisiest of the bunch. But as you can hear, they’re hardly the only noisy kind of leaf blower. In any case, engine noise isn’t the only thing you’ll have to contend with when it comes to leaf blowers. The sound of the air whooshing out is pretty noisy in and of itself — as you can hear.
In fact, some people would say that the most annoying sound a leaf blower can produce is the high-pitched whining that is the result of the air output. Prolonged exposure to that kind of noise can have serious consequences. Aside from the potential hearing loss, users may also experience high blood pressure and cholesterol due to the additional stress noise puts on the body.
How to Find the Right Quiet Leaf Blower
Before I recommend a few of the quietest leaf blowers I’ve seen, I wanted to give you some tips you can use to find a unit that suits your needs. So let’s start by briefly discussing how manufacturers measure the amount of noise their blowers produce.
Learn What the Noise Levels Mean
As I have previously mentioned, most leaf blowers produce sounds that measure upwards of 100 decibels. That’s incredibly loud, especially for the person who happens to be standing right next to it. If you’re exposed to that kind of noise, you’ll probably keep hearing it long after you’ve turned the blower off.
However, some leaf blower manufacturers can be a bit dishonest when they describe how noisy their products are. They’ll say that their product makes about 60–70 decibels. But they neglect to mention that that measurement was taken from about 50 feet away.
That number basically tells you how loud your leaf blower will be to your neighbor. Even then, depending on the kind of neighborhood you live in, your closest neighbor may be much closer than that. Besides, some people are less concerned about the impact the noise will have on their neighbors and more worried about their pets.
So when it comes to determining the real noise level a blower will produce, do your research. Make it a point to find videos, preferably with decibel measurements, and find the quietest unit.
Decide If You Want a Battery, Electric, or Gas-Powered Unit
As I have mentioned, gasoline-powered leaf blowers are usually the loudest of the bunch. They’re incredibly powerful but the amount of noise they produce doesn’t make them particularly appealing if you’re aiming for subtlety. Furthermore, getting a gas blower basically means that you’ll have to keep up with engine maintenance and purchase fuel.
Electric models, on the other hand, are more affordable and lightweight in comparison to gas blowers. They’re reliable, easy to use, and emission-free. Some of them even have additional functionality for vacuuming and shredding leaves and debris. However, they’re not ideal for blowing around trees and obstacles, or if you don’t have an outdoor outlet.
As far as I can tell, electric and battery-powered blowers make about the same amount of noise. Neither of them is silent, though. In fact, that high-pitched sound is more noticeable once you get the engine noise out of the equation. Still, they’re certainly quieter than gas units — though that can make them slightly less powerful.
Battery-operated leaf blowers are more expensive than electric units, but they’re more convenient in many ways. Even though the battery adds weight, you should be able to hold them in one hand. And since they’re cordless, they’re much easier to walk around with.
The only problem is that you’ll have to charge the battery after every use. And there’s always the possibility that it’ll run out of juice before you’re done with it.
Figure out What Kind of Leaf Blower You Need
There are three basic kinds of leaf blowers: wheeled ones, backpack units, and handheld models. The biggest jobs require you to have either a wheeled or a backpack unit. However, as powerful as those kinds of blowers are, they are also incredibly expensive and heavy, not to mention loud. After all, their engines are always gas-powered, which makes them some of the loudest blowers you’ll come across.
Handheld units, on the other hand, can work on electricity, Lithium batteries, or fuel. The amount of noise they produce will depend on that power source. They’re usually reasonably priced and they can come with a wide variety of features on top of the blower function. Those additional factors can really make or break a leaf blower — so let’s see exactly what’s on offer.
Keep the Other Basic Features in Mind
In addition to the features I’ve already mentioned, there are a few other things you should keep in mind when you’re looking at leaf blower specifications. For example, make sure to take note of the:
- Maximum air velocity and speed settings. As always, slower means quieter, but you want to have the option to speed it up if you need to.
- Weight and carrying handle. You’re the one who’s going to have to lug the thing around. So get a blower that has a solid handle and maybe even a second grip to give you better control.
- Vacuuming and mulching functions. Usually, units that have it also come with a bag that can collect the processed or unprocessed leaves. Actually, if that’s something you’d like to have, you should know that some of the quiet shop vacs I’ve recommended can double as leaf blowers or collectors.
- Nozzle attachments. Flat ones will give the air a more horizontal direction, which is great for pushing leaves around. Conversely, round nozzles are better for dislodging debris.
- Location of the air intake. If the blower takes the air from the back or the side, it may try to suck in your clothes. So look for blowers with the air intake on the bottom side.
These little things may mean the difference between a leaf blower you love to use and one you dread. So figure out what you want before you start looking for your quiet leaf blower.
Best Quiet Leaf Blowers: Top 6 Picks
If you’re sold on owning a quiet leaf blower, you’re in luck. The market is full of excellent products that offer you quality at a reasonable price. To help you pick a machine that’s most suitable for you, we’ve examined the most popular options currently dominating home improvement spaces.
1. DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Low Noise Leaf Blower
Any good DIY landscaper wants a leaf blower that will last for years to come. Luckily, the DEWALT 20v MAX CR Leaf Blower is more than up for the task. Manufacturers built this machine with the finest quality materials to make sure it can withstand some pretty rough usage.
The leaf blower packs a solid 450 CFM and an air speed of about 125 MPH. The machine achieves its max speed thanks to a special concentrator nozzle that can take the blower from normal to turbo mode in less than a second. You can adjust the speed by pulling on the trigger near the handle. This will ensure you get enough force to blast through stubborn debris like large leaf piles and rocks, while also providing you with a more mellow breeze to clear out sensitive flower beds.
The machine is cordless and battery-powered, so it’s the ideal companion for complex landscaping jobs that require a lot of mobility. What’s more, it weighs just 5.4 lbs, meaning you can easily carry it around in your hands without getting tired. The product comes with one lithium-ion battery that is the exact same size as an external 4A battery, as well as its own charger.
The battery is high quality and can provide a solid 87 minutes of use at the lowest speed. However, if you fire up the blower to the max, you cut back operation time to about 12 minutes. Still, thanks to its high-efficiency brushless motor, you’re guaranteed to get a lot of runtime from your DEWALT 20V.
Plus, since the blower produces a paltry 66 dB of sound, it ranks as the quietest leaf blower on our list. This, in combination with its ergonomic design, makes it the perfect companion for quiet backyard work.
Likewise, the DEWALT’s price is just as stellar. Granted, it is slightly pricier than many corded leaf blowers that usually range from $50-$100. However, when you factor in the capacity, runtime, and convenient design, the DEWALT 20V comes out as the best quiet leaf blower money can buy!
Features:
- Type: Cordless, battery-powered
- Air volume: 450 CFM
- Airspeed: 125 MPH
- Noise Level: 66 dB
- Weight: 5.4 lbs
- Manufacturer: DEWALT
2. EGO Power+ LB5300 3-Speed Cordless Leaf Blower
Do you value power in your leaf blower? In that case, allow us to introduce the mighty EGO Power+ LB5300 3-Speed Turbo 56-Volt 530 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower. This machine is the crème de la crème of powerful leaf blowers. The machine packs a high-efficiency brushless motor that can rival even the most impressive gasoline-powered leaf blowers!
This bad boy can produce a whopping 530 CFM per minute and has an air speed of 240 MPH! Inspired by advanced aeronautics technology, manufacturers equipped the EGO with turbine fan engineering. Likewise, they coated the machine in weather-resistant construction materials like polycarbonate plastic.
This type of plastic is made from thermoplastic polymers. During production, the polymers are cured and cross-linked into chains to form the desired plastic object. As the plastic cools, it hardens and it can’t be altered or reused to form another shape. The polymer chains are notoriously weather-resistant and capable of handling corrosion, heat, and impact.
Despite its incredible durability, the machine is handheld and weighs approximately 6.83 lbs. This is slightly heavier than the DEWALT, but still comfortable enough to carry around for longer periods of time.
Plus, the EGO Power+ is even quieter than the DEWALT. It makes just 65 dB of noise even when running at max speed. Therefore, it’s the leaf blower for you if you live in a quiet, residential neighborhood with neighbors who are sensitive to noise pollution.
Still, the machine has to take the second spot because it doesn’t include a battery or a charger. On average, a solid 56 bolt ion battery ranges in cost from $50 to a whopping $400 per unit! When you factor in the cost of the leaf blower itself, the total price for this leaf blower rises to close to $200 and above.
Features:
- Type: Cordless, battery-powered
- Air volume: 530 CFM
- Airspeed: 240 MPH
- Noise Level: 65 dB
- Weight: 6.83 lbs
- Manufacturer: EGO
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3. SEYVUM 320CFM 150MPH 20V Cordless Leaf Blower
Safe, lightweight, and affordable, the SEYVUM 320CFM 150MPH 20V Leaf Blower is every landscaper’s best friend. The machine comes equipped with a unique copper motor that is designed to efficiently use energy.
Copper is a highly conductive material, and can transmit both thermal and electrical energy. As a result, it makes the motor much more efficient and reduces energy loss by as much as 20%. Therefore, your leaf blower will not only run at top speed but also save you money while operating!
The SEYVUM 320CFM comes with two 2.0Ah/20V batteries and a fast charger. The charger uses turbocharging technology to cut down the charge time to just 2h. Both batteries have a 30-minute run time, giving you 1h of total work.
The excellent battery capacity allows the motor to produce 325 CFM and an air speed of 150 MPH. However, since the blower has an embedded control switch, you can reduce the speed to 70 MPH to extend the battery’s life. This is ideal for extensive yard work, but also indoor maintenance as well.
The machine weighs just 2.7 lbs. It has a comfortable rubber handle on top, allowing for easy, one-hand carry. Not only that, but it also comes with a set of adjustable blowing tubes. Thus, you can use the SEYVUM 320CFM for heavy work like clearing snow, foliage and debris, as well as minor things such as drying your car or removing cobwebs.
Plus, since the blower has a cellular radiator at the bottom, there is little risk of it overheating. This, combined with its impressive price, makes this machine a steal for anyone looking for an indoor and outdoor assistant!
Features:
- Type: Cordless, battery-powered
- Air volume: 325 CFM
- Airspeed: 150 MPH
- Noise Level: 67 dB
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Manufacturer: SEYVUM
4. OMOTE Cordless Low Noise Leaf Blower
Is your backyard on the smaller side? In that case, splurging on a large, clunky leaf blower isn’t necessary. You’re better off going for something smaller like the OMOTE Cordless Leaf Blower. This machine packs just as much power as a large electric blower, but at almost half the size!
The whole machine weighs just 3.4 lbs, even with the battery. The top has a hand-grip with a comfortable no-slip cover that lets you easily carry it in one hand. It also comes with a set of detachable blowing tubes, meaning you can repurpose it for indoor and outdoor use alike.
Like the SEYVUM 320CFM, the OMOTE has a copper, power-saving engine. Therefore, it can generate an impressive 177 CFM and an air speed of around 100 MPH. That is sufficient to thoroughly clean your yard of any leaves, as well as dry your car, bicycle or floors after a good scrubbing.
While the OMOTE has many features of a good quality leaf blower, its battery life leaves much to be desired. The machine runs a 20V battery that comes included in the package, along with a charger. The charger offers 1-1.5 hours of quick charging, meaning that you can use the device multiple times a day. Nevertheless, the blower can operate for just 20 minutes — or 15 if the weather is cold.
This isn’t ideal if you’re planning to do longer, more complex projects. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, then this leaf blower is perfect for you!
Features:
- Type: Cordless, battery-powered
- Air volume: 177 CFM
- Airspeed: 100 MPH
- Noise Level: 88 dB
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Manufacturer: OMOTE
5. WORX 20V LEAFJET Cordless Leaf Blower
When it comes to innovation, no other leaf blower does it like the WORX 20V LEAFJET Cordless Leaf Blower. This bad boy combines the latest sonic turbine tech with a lightweight design to create a leaf blower that can clear your yard in minutes.
The turbine design is highly energy efficient, allowing the machine to spin more air while using less battery. The motor itself is brushless and capable of producing 410 CFM while running at 130 MPH. Thanks to the dual select switch, you can choose between several air speeds. That way, you can use the leaf blower for some light flower bed maintenance or for clearing heavy snowfall.
What’s more, the gadget comes with a single 4.0Ah lithium-powered battery and a 2 amp charger. The charging time is around 2h, which is slightly longer than the previous entries. However, for a machine of this capacity, it’s still fairly quick. Plus, it ensures your battery can handle a solid 45 minutes of runtime at the lowest setting.
Lastly, the machine is very lightweight, clocking in at 3.73 lbs. Plus, its ergonomic design allows you to hold it easily in one hand without straining your wrist. If there is one thing to remark on the WORKX 20v Leafjet is its price. Given the incredible specs it boasts, the price is justified. Nevertheless, it may be too costly if you’re on a budget.
Features:
- Type: Cordless, battery-powered
- Air volume: 410 CFM
- Airspeed: 130 mph
- Noise Level: 75 dB
- Weight: 3.73 lbs
- Manufacturer: WORX
6. Echo PB-2520 25.4 cc Gas Handheld Light Weight Leaf Blower
Electric leaf blowers are fantastic! However, the fact of the matter is that most aren’t as powerful as the classic gasoline blower. And if your yard has a lot of debris, then you’re going to have to bust out the big guns to do the job. Luckily, the Echo PB-2520 170 MPH 453 CFM 25.4 GAS engine leaf blower is here to save the day.
This impressive beast outputs a stellar 453 CFM and has an air speed of about 170 MPH. That’s enough to blow away even the most stubborn rocks and snow piles. The machine takes a max of two to three pulls to start and has adjustable speed. Because of the cruise control feature, you’re able to easily switch from normal mode to turbo, in a matter of seconds.
The curved tube reduces the gyro effect, while the double grid intake stops the machine from clogging up. The tank can hold up to 18.6 fluid ounces of gas or oil, which gives you a solid 45 minutes of work without needing to stop for a refuel.
Granted, since this is a gas blower, it’s slightly heavier than previous entries. It rests at a solid 8.6 lbs unfilled and 9.7 lbs with a full tank of gas. It’s also surprisingly quiet, producing just 70 dB of noise. The lower noise level and stellar specks are why the blower is priced a bit higher. Still, for a machine this good, it’s definitely a steal!
Features:
- Type: Cordless, Gasoline-powered
- Air volume: 453 CFM
- Airspeed: 170 MPH
- Noise Level: 70 dB
- Weight: 9.7 lbs (filled)
- Manufacturer: Generic
Can You Make These Leaf Blowers Even Quieter?
I hate to be the one to break it to you, but there’s pretty much nothing you can do to make whichever leaf blower quieter. However, there may still be some way to prevent the noise from bothering your neighbors and protect your hearing.
Cover Your Ears
So let’s start with protecting the person who’s going to be the closest to the leaf blower. If you’re going to be the one operating it, I suggest picking up some earplugs. There are plenty of different kinds you can choose: disposable or reusable, foam or silicon.
On the other hand, if you’d rather not have to stick something inside your ear, I recommend using noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs (like these). For these kinds of tasks, headphones with active noise cancelation technology would be especially helpful since they would successfully muffle the constant droning of the leaf blower.
And if you’re not interested in active noise cancelation or you’d rather try your luck with regular headphones, pay attention to the kind of headphones you use. If you want to rely on your regular devices while you tidy your yard, you should at least avoid on-ear ones, which are notoriously bad at muffling outside noise.
Reduce Noise for Others
As we have already established, electric or battery-powered units are much quieter than gas blowers. However, being quieter doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re completely silent. Your neighbors and family may still be able to hear you go at your lawn even with the windows shut.
But don’t worry — I’ve got a few ideas for circumventing that issue. As always, when it comes to soundproofing a room from outside noise, you’ll want to focus most of your attention on sealing the windows.
Now that you’re technically the noisy neighbor, you might take a different approach to my article on blocking noise from the neighbor’s yard. Still, you can use some of the tips I wrote about there. You can even forward that article to your neighbor (but try not to be snarky about it).
On the other hand, you could just practice basic neighborly courtesy and let the people around you know when you’re going to fire up the blower and how long you’ll use it for. You could also thicken up your fence or make it taller, so it’ll muffle some of the noise you’re making. You may even use MLV to bolster the fence. And if you really want to invest in your privacy, planting some tall trees around the perimeter of your yard may help to diffuse the sound as well.
Final Words
Let’s face it: nobody likes the sound leaf blowers make. That’s why hundreds of cities across the U.S. are currently trying to regulate their use — even outright ban gas-powered units. So you might as well get a quiet leaf blower before legislation catches up with you.
Even Elon Musk has seen the potential in this market. He stated that Tesla would develop a quiet, electric leaf blower. Granted, it was on Twitter, so take it with a grain of salt.
Still, if the idea pans out and none of the blowers on the market appeal to you, you might get a new contender soon. Until then, keep calm and carry on raking — or just get one of the smaller handheld blowers I mentioned.
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