The Best Cordless Snow Blowers for Clearing Driveways and Sidewalks, Tested
Shoveling snow can be tiring, result in achy muscles, and even pose a health hazard for people with certain medical conditions. A cordless snow blower can minimize the bending, lifting, and tossing that’s necessary to clear a driveway. Another major benefit of these tools is that they don’t emit unpleasant and harmful fumes, which makes them better for the environment than gas-powered snow blowers.
To help shoppers sift through the myriad cordless snow blowers currently available, we tested several of the most popular options, looking at power, maneuverability, and overall efficiency. Just ahead are the best cordless snow blowers in a variety of categories; each earned an award tailored to its specific strengths. Keep in mind that although the cordless snow blower market is relatively new, it’s growing quickly, and there are excellent options for savvy consumers looking for a way to banish fallen snow.
- BEST OVERALL: Ryobi 40V 22″ Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower
- RUNNER-UP: Toro Power Max 60V e24 24″ Two-Stage Snow Blower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Cordless Snow Blower Kit
- BEST TWO-STAGE: Ego Power+ 56V 24″ Self-Propelled Snow Blower
- BEST COMPACT: Earthwise 40V 18″ Cordless Snow Thrower
- BEST SINGLE-STAGE: Greenworks Pro 60V 22″ Cordless Snow Blower
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Toro Power Clear 60V e21 21″ Cordless Snow Blower
- ALSO CONSIDER: DeWalt 60V 21″ Max Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit
How We Tested the Best Cordless Snow Blowers
We had to wait for a significant snowfall in Montana to test these tools, but when it finally arrived it brought subzero wind chills with it—really the perfect weather to put these models through their paces. After all, extreme cold is typically hard on battery-powered tools. So with 3 to 4 inches of snow on the ground, we cleared two 75-foot-long 4-car driveways, a 12-foot-by-8-foot deck, and several small walkways between them on the first run. We also tested them in several additional storms with light and heavy snow.
Before testing, we assembled the snow blowers and assessed the difficulty of assembly for each. Next, we compared features and components, identifying which models were more heavy duty than others and which might be more difficult to use. Then we did a dry run to inspect auger performance and become familiar with the controls. After that, we went outside and threw some snow.
We got to work clearing driveways, walkways, and sidewalks with these models. We even put them to the test by chipping away at icy road buildup left by plows after a previous storm. We checked lights, throwing distance, and ease of use. By the end of testing, we had a good idea of which of the best cordless snow blowers belonged in our lineup.
Our Top Picks
Although there are a lot of features to consider, this list of top picks can help shoppers narrow the search. We tested and ranked these options based on quality, price, overall efficiency, and the key considerations outlined above. Not only did these snow blowers remove mounds of the white stuff easily, but they also handled a temperature of -7 degrees Fahrenheit during testing with no battery or power output issues. Check out these top picks to find the best cordless snow blower for just about any job.
Best Overall
Ryobi 40V 22" Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Weight: 136 pounds
- Clearing width: 22 inches
What We Like
- Powerful steel auger churns through hard-packed ice and snow
- Drive system offers multiple speed settings and reverses for maximum maneuverability
- 22-inch cutting path is a great compromise for any size driveway or walkway
- The 2 included 8 amp hour (Ah) batteries performed well and ran for 30 minutes in cold conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Running at full auger and drive speed can deplete batteries in less than 30 minutes
- Doesn’t offer heated hand grips like some other electric models
After all our testing had been completed, one model really stood out for excellent performance across every category. The Ryobi two-stage brushless snow blower has all the benefits of a heavy-duty model yet is also very nimble and capable in tighter spaces. There are both bigger and smaller models available, but this one was just right for every job we encountered.
The steel auger is powerful, and it even went through a gravel driveway with impressive results. The overall unit remained reasonably light and very easy to maneuver with multiple speed settings and a reverse option on the drive system. The tires gripped very well, and it felt as powerful as any gas or other electric model we’ve used.
The controls make it very easy to change auger and throw angles. It also shot snow through the chute with power, sending fresh powder a good 40+ feet. The combination of functionality, maneuverability, and the flexibility to work through different types of snow and surfaces made this model a joy to use. It can also pivot on narrow walkways and cut through deep snow on big driveways.
Get the Ryobi cordless snow blower at The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Toro Power Max e24 60V 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Weight: 172 pounds
- Clearing width: 24 inches
What We Like
- Wide 24-inch path makes it easy to clear larger driveways
- Durable steel construction resembles Toro’s heavy-duty gas models
- High headlight position provides a great view of surfaces for working in poor visibility conditions
- Third battery bay allows users to extend running time (battery purchased separately)
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier model; overkill for those who live in regions with lighter snowfall or who have small properties
Property owners and managers searching for a serious two-stage electric snow blower are likely to find a lot to like about the Toro e24 cordless model. It’s built on the same platform as Toro’s two-stage gas models, all of which are known for delivering power and performance. The first thing we noticed on this model was the beefy steel auger, which is surrounded by a steel box and frame. It’s built as rugged as it looks.
The battery box is larger than that of other models because it has space for the two included batteries and an optional third. The third battery is great for when users want a longer runtime between battery recharging. With all three, this model can run for over an hour. Using the two included batteries, runtime is a little shorter, but it still pushed over the 30-minute mark. In exceptionally heavy and wet snow, the runtime might be somewhat reduced, but it’s still competitive with the runtime of other models.
The drive system is powerful for pushing into heavy snow, and the overall performance is similar to that of top-tier gas models. We cleared a driveway quickly with the wide path and wouldn’t hesitate to use this snow blower in the most challenging conditions. Especially nice is the auger control, which we felt was the best design of the bunch: It’s a joystick-style control that quickly and easily changes the throwing angle and direction.
Get the Toro Power Max cordless snow blower at Ace Hardware or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Snow Joe 48V 18" Ionmax Cordless Snow Blower Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Single-stage
- Weight: 37.5 pounds
- Clearing width: 18 inches
What We Like
- Wallet-friendly price point compared with other models; a plus for folks who don’t get much snow and would rather not make a large investment
- Powerful snow thrower for the size that performs in moderate snow depths
- Lightweight for easy maneuvering by users of different strengths; also stores more easily than bulkier models
What We Don’t Like
- Less secure on uneven surfaces; can get caught on small obstructions
The Snow Joe cordless snow blower is a lightweight and portable single-stage model. Although it’s smaller than many others, it really zips along, and the auger is capable of churning through moderate snow loads. It doesn’t have a drive system like two-stage models do, but it pushes along easily and the auger even helps propel it a bit. This snow blower comes with two rechargeable 4Ah batteries, which provide about 40 minutes of runtime.
Overall, we were impressed with this model’s performance, easy-to-use controls, and value price. For a single-stage snow blower, its ability to throw snow in the 20-foot range was an impressive surprise. We did use chute lubricant to minimize clogging, and we believe this helped it throw snow without sticking.
In one pass, the quadruple-bladed rubber-tipped steel auger can carve a path 18 inches wide by 10 inches deep. In deeper snow, we had to pass through in layers, but this snow blower still got the job done. A pair of LED headlights made night sessions easier as well.
In our testing, we found that the Snow Joe was best for flat, even walkways and driveways as it did get hung up on small obstructions. Beyond that, it truly did perform well. It was also easy to pick up and has a handy crossbar to grab for the job. With dual batteries, runtime wasn’t an issue either. And given the price, it’s an especially solid option.
Get the Snow Joe cordless snow blower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Two-Stage
Ego Power+ 56V 24" Self-Propelled Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Type: 2-stage
- Weight: 143.3 pounds (without batteries)
- Clearing width: 24 inches
What We Like
- This model throws snow 50 feet or more; great for clearing large areas
- Throttle speed can be changed quickly; excellent adaptability ideal for big jobs
- Very powerful unit—comparable to gas-powered snow blowers—and good runtime
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t “bump” the throttle; less satisfying than a gas model
Whether the snow is piled on the sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this two-stage snow blower can push through. This is attributable to the combined power of the auger to scoop and throw snow as well as the impeller fan that helps the machine manage large amounts of snow. The dual-battery power provided by the two 7.5Ah batteries keeps it running for upwards of 1 hour in normal conditions.
Thanks to its amply wide 24-inch clearing path, this model let us move through a large area efficiently. It still felt nimble, however, and we appreciated how it pivots easily under power. For moderate-size driveways and typical-size walkways, it will work very well. It also throws snow very far at up to 50 feet.
This Ego Power+ isn’t inexpensive, but it’s worth every penny. Not only did this model work as well as almost any gas-powered snow blower we’ve ever used, but in some instances, it was better. We liked that we could change the throttle speed on the fly. Also, we found that the reported 50-foot throw distance might actually be an understatement—this thing has power to spare. The main throttle for the drive wheels is a lever-activated switch, which didn’t allow us to bump the throttle the way we can with a gas-powered mechanical throttle. Instead, there’s a delay, but the ability to throw snow 50-plus feet made up for it. The heated grips are a wonderful bonus in cold conditions as well.
Read our full review: Ego Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled Snow Blower
Get the Ego Power+ snow blower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.
Best Compact
Earthwise 40V 18" Cordless Snow Thrower
Product Specs
- Type: Single-stage
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Clearing width: 18 inches
What We Like
- Compact size stores easily, even in small spaces
- Lightweight, highly portable model that’s great for handling on uneven surfaces and during extended use
- Impressively fast charging—just 30 minutes for full recharge
What We Don’t Like
- Narrow clearing width means it takes more time to cover larger areas
- The process of assembling the blower is hampered by lesser-quality hardware
Instead of multiple rounds of intensive shoveling that result in sore, aching muscles, shoppers may choose to invest in an affordable, cordless device that clears away snow at a rate of up to 500 pounds per minute. Earthwise’s battery-powered snow blower comes with one 4Ah battery and a rapid charger that brings the battery back to full power within 30 minutes. At just 34 pounds, this is a lightweight machine; its ergonomic, padded handle makes it even easier to maneuver.
Overall, this light-duty single-stage snowblower performed very well in testing. We felt that it had a sturdier overall build than the similarly designed Snow Joe model but could use better hardware for assembly. Otherwise, it proved to be a nice unit we consider perfect for clearing backyard patios and small to moderate driveways.
We really enjoyed the bright headlights for low light conditions and the ease of use. The chute rotates easily, but the throw angle does require a manual adjustment. It’s pretty easy to do, though, and it shouldn’t slow users down.
This excellent-value blower includes a dual-blade