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Sure, you could blast leaves and dust across your entire neighborhood with a leaf blower, or you could get a leaf vacuum and tidy up your yard without making a bigger mess. Most o the devices both suck and blow, so they’re versatile. That includes our best overall pick, the WORX WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-In-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum, which offers powerful suction to pick up just about anything that may be cluttering up your property. Here are our picks so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
- Best overall: Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- Best budget: WORX WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-In-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
- Best gas-powered: Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- Best for pools: Poolmaster 28316 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
How we chose the best leaf vacuums
We’ve previously compiled a list of the best leaf blowers and best leaf mulchers. We took our knowledge and research from those subjects and applied them here. We also looked at reviews, recommendations, conducted user testing, and performed heavy research to narrow down our list of the best leaf vacuums. After all, you want something that sucks—in a good way.
This likely isn’t a device you’re going to use all year since trees don’t make a habit of dropping leaves during the summer months. As a result, we’re mostly recommending affordable options. It doesn’t make much sense to spend a ton of cash on a device that’s only going to come out during a specific time of year. We also looked for efficiency, overall power, features, and easy handling.
The best leaf vacuums: Reviews & Recommendations
When shopping for a yard vacuum, consider the size of the area you’ll be cleaning, as well as the volume of leaves that accumulate annually, to help determine the level of power and capacity required. Many electric leaf blower vacuums and cordless electric models are suited to medium-duty jobs, while a commercial model may be better for sustained professional or high-volume use in larger yards. From leaves in the driveway to debris in the pool, the best leaf vacuums can handle every scenario.
Best overall: Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Why it made the cut: Collecting leaves isn’t a struggle, thanks to this leaf vacuum’s easy-to-control design and comfortable grip.
Specs
- Dimensions: 32.5 x 8.5 x 11 inches
- Weight: 5.6 lbs.
- Air speed: 185 mph
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Easy to control
- Interchangeable battery
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Two-hour run time might not be long enough to clean larger yards
This 40V cordless leaf vacuum combines powerful blower action and high-performance mulching in an easy-to-control design. A six-speed dial with top airspeed of 185 miles per hour offers plenty of flexibility, and the cushioned over-mold grip brings users ample comfort during extended use. It’s designed with a durable brushless motor and includes a 4Ah battery with a charge time of 120 minutes.
One thing we particularly like about this model is that it uses the standard Greenworks battery system. That makes it compatible with a ton of other yard tools and devices. When you’re not using it in vacuum mode, it can produce wind at up to 185 mph at its maximum power setting. That will make quick work of larger areas that need clearing.
Best budget: WORX WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-In-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
Why it made the cut: An ergonomic design, different modes, and swappable bags allow for easy leaf disposal.
Specs
- Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 9 inches
- Weight: 8.6 lbs.
- Air speed: 75-210 mph
- Power source: Electric, corded
Pros
- Ergonomic
- Easy to switch between modes
- Expandable capacity
Cons
- Additional bags sold separately
- Not best for heavy jobs
This electric corded leaf blower vacuum is capable of collecting and distributing leaves and other debris with an airspeed of 75 to 210 miles per hour. This WORX leaf vacuum quickly changes modes at the flip of a switch, and the integrated dual-stage metal impeller allows for an 18-to-1 reduction in leaf volume, making this a fantastic all-around choice for light- to medium-duty jobs. Its ergonomic design weighs in at 8.6 pounds, and it comes standard with a small bag, as well as the option to expand capacity with vacuum tubes and additional bags (sold separately).
Best gas-powered: Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Why it made the cut: 170 mph blowing speeds and a 16:1 mulching ratio means you can decimate your backyard leaves.
Specs
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 9 x 14 inches
- Weight: 9.6 lbs.
- Air speed: 170 mph
- Power source: Gas
Pros
- Creates fine mulch
- Easy to start
- Cruise control
Cons
- On the heavy side
The combo Husqvarna 2-cycle gas leaf blower/vacuum is incredibly powerful, with blowing speeds of up to 170 miles per hour. When in vacuum mode, it also mulches leaves at a 16:1 mulching ratio, so you can suck up more without worrying about overfilling the bag too fast. Plus, it’s built with smart start technology to start the leaf vacuum with minimal effort. For easier handling, set the variable speed throttle with cruise control.
Best for pools: Poolmaster 28316 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
Poolmaster 28316 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
Why it made the cut: Say goodbye to those pesky post-storm leaves with this easy-to-use manual pool vacuum.
Specs
- Dimensions: 6.58 x 3.29 x 3.29 inches
- Weight: 1.82 lbs.
- Air speed: N/A
- Power source: Garden hose
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to maneuver
- Won’t scratch your pool
Cons
- Bag might need changed frequently if dealing with lots of leaves
This Poolmaster swimming pool leaf vacuum is crafted from durable ABS plastic and features eight high-pressure jets that use a standard garden hose water supply to trap debris within a secure mesh bag. It’s easy to maneuver thanks to its four multidirectional swiveling wheels on the underside and has replaceable brushes along its perimeter for dislodging leaves. Because it’s finished with a rubber bumper, you’ll never have to worry about accidentally scratching your pool. If you’d like to find more pool vacuums, check out our pool vacuums round-up.
What to consider when buying the best leaf vacuums
The best leaf vacuum available generally provides the standard features of a leaf blower while offering the ability to invert airflow to collect leaves in an attached bag for storage and removal. This dual functionality can be helpful when performing yard maintenance, as blowers require leaves and debris to be collected in piles before accumulation or disposal. And it comes in a familiar, ergonomic form for easy maneuvering without excessive bulk. Many blower/vacuum combos provide the added benefit of an integrated impeller to trap and chop debris into smaller, more manageable sizes. Not only does this feature save bag space and allow for more leaves to be vacuumed, it also prepares organic material to be redistributed and recycled as mulch and compost without requiring you to manually collect and break down debris. This feature is highly beneficial for anyone with a home garden or other plants requiring nutrients.
The best leaf blower vacuum is a cost-effective, flexible yard waste removal tool
The best leaf vacuum is a versatile lawn tool, effectively an all-in-one solution for managing leaves and debris, while saving storage space and task time. For example, combination blower-mulcher leaf vacuums use an air duct where a bag or hose can be attached for expeditious processing and collection of leaves (bags are the more portable option, but a hose to a bag or bucket is better suited to high-volume collection). The best blower/vacuum requires much less effort than a traditional rake or standard blower to complete the same amount of work. This makes collecting wet leaves after heavy rainfall—typically laborious and rage-inducing—a walk in the park.
When shopping for a blower/vacuum for yard work, look for a design that offers compatibility with both bags and hoses to assure the best results. This user-customizable feature maximizes the situations in which the blower-and-vacuum combo is useful. A built-in mulcher is also a must regardless of whether you’ll be using leaves in your flower beds, etc., as it drastically cuts down on the volume of leaves and maximizes storage space.
The best cordless leaf vacuum takes the hangups out of yard cleanup
Cordless leaf vacuum designs are championed for most yard maintenance and leaf removal jobs thanks to their portable, lightweight designs. Battery power frees users from the encumberment of cables and bulky gas tanks, while still packing ample power for most medium-duty jobs. Lighter weights also translate to better maneuverability, which is key when you’ll be gathering leaves over and around landscaping, lawn ornaments, wraparound porches, gazebos, and other obstacles. Some cordless models can even be worn like a backpack.
One thing to keep in mind is that the added convenience of cordless models does come at a price premium compared to corded models, and cordless designs also require somewhat frequent recharging. Still, investing in a cordless model can prove to be worthwhile when factoring in the greater mobility and lack of entanglement hazard.
When shopping for the best cordless vacuum, battery life is a critical consideration that can make or break this tool’s usefulness. Variable speeds are also a key feature to look for, as they allow users to conserve battery and only use the amount of power required for the moment at hand.
Got a bigger yard? Go beyond standard with a gas-powered model
A gas-powered leaf vacuum will require more maintenance than an electric model, but it makes quick work of large, leafy lawns. Most gas-powered models on the market are actually leaf blowers with the ability to convert into vacuums by attaching a suctioning tube and large vac bag. They are typically powered by two-cycle gas engines, which should be filled with a pre-mixed combination of gas and oil.
It’s important to keep in mind that gas-powered leaf vacuums are much noisier than their electric counterparts and that two-stroke engines emit hazardous levels of hydrocarbons. In fact, to reduce environmental damage (and noise complaints), some cities have an outright ban on gas-powered machines.
For leaf removal from water, a dedicated pool leaf vacuum works swimmingly
Pool leaf vacuums are their own class of product, but they perform the same debris removal duties of traditional models … just in water. The collection of wet, submerged leaves and organic debris comes with its own unique set of challenges, so it’s crucial to use equipment designed for this specific task when cleaning out your pool or pond.
The best pool leaf vacuums are designed to function using a standard garden hose and pool pole, creating vortexes of water around a central net to divert and capture leaves and other debris. When considering which pool model is best for your needs, go with a manually operated unit for the greatest degree of control and cost-effectiveness. Many designs include bumpers to protect the bottom and side surfaces of pool interiors from scratching as well, which can save money and prevent unsightly damage.
On a budget? For small, isolated jobs, a cheap leaf vacuum is great
Because these machines are specialized pieces of lawn equipment, it’s generally difficult to find a cheaper model that performs at an acceptable level for most yards. Portability and power along with capacity add to the costs of these units, so most budget models suffer a high drop in these areas and are simply not suited to the demands of most yard work. However, users may still encounter situations in which a less expensive model performs acceptably, such as in the cleaning of an enclosed porch or the removal of leaves from a deck or courtyard.
Be aware that the best model for less is usually corded designs, which cuts down on the bulk and weight of the unit while limiting mobility somewhat. Mulching options are also not found in budget units, so leaves will pile up quicker in the bag and require more frequent emptying. Still, a cheap vacuum may be all you need for small jobs and infrequent use.
FAQs
Any standard leaf blower needs to be powerful enough to dislodge and move wet leaves and other heavy debris, so a model capable of winds between 80 and 250 miles per hour is usually a good place to start.
Having a dedicated leaf vacuum is worth it because it’s a great way to make an easy, quick, and fun task out of the typically time-consuming process of raking. Models that transform leaves directly into mulch are doubly worth it.
Leaf blowers only take care of half of the problem and don’t actually aid in the collection, mulching, or disposal process, while a dedicated leaf vacuum provides all those perks. Leaf blowers are great for moving leaves from one place to another but go with a vacuum if you’re looking to dispose of the problem altogether.
Final thoughts on the best leaf vacuums
- Best overall: Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- Best budget: WORX WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-In-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
- Best gas-powered: Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- Best for pools: Poolmaster 28316 Swimming Pool Leaf Vacuum
The best leaf vacuums on the market are unparalleled in transforming unsightly debris into a mass of usable mulch. A cordless model is more of an investment than a standard leaf vacuum but is maneuverable and tends to be lighter. If you’re looking for a long-term solution to large-scale yard clean-up, a commercial lawn vacuum might be more suited to your needs. And pool cleaner models are entirely different beasts but serve a very important function if your property has water features. So when trees shed their coat, shed your yard maintenance frustrations with the best leaf vacuum you can find.
