Consumer Reports' Highest-Rated Handheld Gas Leaf Blower Knocks Stihl Down A Peg

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Let's be real: Doing yard work yourself can be a drag. Unfortunately, though, it's the cheapest way to keep your lawn tidy (and avoid problems with your homeowner's association). If you're tired of spending hours dragging a rake through your yard, there is a simpler solution to consider: buying a leaf blower. In fact, we consider them a must-buy power tool for first-time homebuyers. But with so many options on the market, picking the right one can be tricky, which is where Consumer Reports comes in.

In the organization's ranking of the best gasoline handheld leaf blowers, one product came out slightly ahead of the competition: the Echo PB-2620. It earned perfect scores for sweeping, loosening, and power, which helped it edge out the next-best gas-powered leaf blower, Stihl's BG 86 C-E. Tied for third place were the Echo PB-2520 and the Stihl BG 50.

So, what makes the Echo PB-2620 better than the Stihl BG 86 C-E? According to Consumer Reports, both leaf blowers quickly cleared embedded material from grass and weren't overly loud from a distance (although you'll still need to wear hearing protection while using them). They also have multiple speed options and don't require you to hold down the button constantly during operation. However, the Echo leaf blower earned higher scores in two categories: loosening and power. Plus, it's slightly more affordable than the Stihl product. It also comes with a five-year warranty — more generous than Stihl's two-year warranty.

While Consumer Reports thoroughly tested these leaf blowers, it's also helpful to get opinions from real-life users. So, what do buyers have to say about the Echo PB-2620? On Home Depot's website, the product has over 500 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 93% of shoppers recommending it. Several 5-star reviewers said they liked that it's lightweight, while others commented on how powerful it is. Some also reported that they upgraded to this model from the Echo PB-2520 and were happy with the results. One person wrote, "This is a greatly improved model. I really like the easy start feature, the durable metal tip, and especially the air intake screen—so your leg won't accidentally block it during use." However, in a handful of reviews, some unhappy customers mentioned that their leaf blower stopped working on the second or third use.

With that said, there are a few things to consider before buying from Echo, Stihl, or any other leaf blower brand. Most importantly, you should make sure they're legal in your area. Gas-powered leaf blowers are being banned across the U.S., mainly due to concerns over noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. (If that's the case, you could look into buying a battery-powered version.) You'll also want to consider which type of leaf blower is right for your property. While handheld models are good for smaller spaces, a backpack blower is worth the investment if you have a more spacious yard. Also, if you need specific features, check that your brand offers them before picking a product. For example, neither the Echo PB-2620 nor the Stihl BG 86 C-E has vacuum capability (which lets you suck up yard debris), but some other leaf blowers do.