Wired Tests Battery Leaf Blowers, Finds Ego Model Outperforms Gas Rivals in Power and Noise Control
Wired’s 2026 testing reveals battery-powered leaf blowers now match gas models in clearing power while offering quieter operation and easier maintenance for homeowners.
Key points
- Wired tested cordless leaf blowers on gravel, wood chips, and concrete pavers to evaluate power and battery life.
- The Ego model delivered gas-like power, moving a 5-pound paver without turbo mode and registering 89.7 decibels.
- Battery advances are reducing the appeal of gas blowers due to noise bans and engine maintenance issues.
Wired published a comprehensive review of battery-powered leaf blowers in its 2026 guide, concluding that cordless models have evolved to match the performance of traditional gas engines. The publication tested various units on difficult surfaces including gravel, wood chips, and heavy debris, finding that modern battery technology eliminates the need for gas canisters while delivering serious clearing power.
The review highlights that the Ego brand blower stands out as the best option for most users when considering overall performance and ecosystem diversity. In direct testing, this specific model demonstrated gas-like power levels, capable of knocking over a 5-pound concrete paver on high speed without engaging turbo mode. This performance level exceeded lesser machines that required turbo activation to achieve similar results, while also clearing test patches of leaves efficiently.
Performance and Noise Metrics
Despite its high power output, the Ego blower was the second-quietest machine on turbo mode during Wired’s measurements. It registered approximately 89.7 decibels at an arm’s-length distance of 30 inches, a level that still prompts the manufacturer to suggest hearing protection. The device features a bright 1.75-inch LCD dashboard that remains readable in direct sunlight, though the publication noted that some interface details, such as battery installation confirmations, add visual clutter without providing useful information.
The electronic cruise control system on the Ego model was described as intuitive by the testers. Users can squeeze the variable-speed trigger to their desired pace, press the speed lock button, and then release the trigger. The blower maintains that specific speed until the user presses the lock button again, allowing for hands-free operation during extended clearing sessions without the need to constantly hold the trigger.
Market Shift and User Considerations
Wired notes that gas blowers have long been the industry standard, but their appeal is diminishing due to rising noise bans and finicky engines that are difficult to start. Battery advances are driving this shift, offering a cleaner alternative for homeowners who want to reduce raking time. However, the publication cautions that owning any blower will rarely eliminate raking entirely, as some manual labor is still required for flower beds and tight spaces.
For small yards or properties with only one medium-sized deciduous tree, a rake and tarp may be sufficient, according to the review. Conversely, residents in areas with many trees might find the long run time of a gas backpack blower worth the maintenance headaches. This trade-off exists unless users are willing to invest heavily in multiple batteries to ensure sufficient runtime for large-scale cleanup tasks.
What should you do?
Homeowners considering a switch from gas to battery-powered equipment should evaluate their yard size and tree density before purchasing. Those with small yards may not need a blower at all, while users with large properties should plan for the cost of multiple batteries to avoid mid-job power failures.
What to do and how to stay safe: Ego
- Assess your yard size and tree count to determine if a blower is necessary or if raking is more efficient.
- Check local noise ordinances to ensure your chosen blower’s decibel level complies with community regulations.
- Invest in multiple batteries if you have a large property to ensure uninterrupted runtime during cleanup.
- Wear hearing protection when operating high-power blowers, even if they are marketed as quieter models.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does owning a leaf blower eliminate the need for raking?
No, Wired states that while a blower reduces raking time, it rarely eliminates it entirely, especially for flower beds and tight spaces.
Which brand did Wired recommend as the best option for most users?
Wired recommended the Ego brand blower, citing its gas-like power, quiet operation, and integration with a diverse outdoor tool ecosystem.
Can battery blowers move heavy debris like concrete pavers?
Yes, the Ego model tested by Wired easily knocked over a 5-pound concrete paver on high speed without needing turbo mode.
