RYOBI OBL1820S One+

“More volts means more power, right?” Not quite. That’s what manufacturers want you to believe, but the truth about cordless leaf blowers isn’t that simple.

I’ve spent hours combing through garden forums and testing various models to cut through the marketing nonsense. Here’s what actually matters when choosing a battery-powered leaf blower.

The voltage myth busted

Remember when you were told that an 80V blower would always outperform a 40V model? That’s like saying a lorry is always faster than a car because it’s bigger. The real power equation is watts (volts × amps).

A mate of mine bought an expensive 80V blower only to find his neighbour’s 56V EGO model blew leaves further and faster. Why? Because total power output matters more than voltage alone.

Think of it this way: A 60V battery pushing 8 amps delivers 480 watts of power. An 80V battery at 6 amps? Also 480 watts. Same power, different voltage.

What else affects performance? The unsung heroes:

• How efficiently the motor converts electricity to air movement
• The design of the fan (poorly designed fans waste power)
• Quality of bearings and internal components
• Battery capacity (more on this later)

Decoding the specs without the nonsense

When you’re standing in the garden centre comparing models, you’ll see numbers thrown around like confetti. Let’s translate what they actually mean for your Sunday afternoon leaf-clearing session:

Choosing the right voltage for your garden

18-20V systems

Best for: Small gardens, patios, driveways, and light debris removal.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Uses the same batteries as many household power tools
• Less expensive
• Good for quick clean-ups and hard surfaces

Limitations:

• Shorter runtime (typically 15-30 minutes on a 4Ah battery)
• Struggles with wet leaves and large piles
• Less effective on grass and lawns
• May require multiple battery swaps for larger jobs

36-40V systems

Best for: Medium-sized gardens up to 0.25 acres with moderate leaf coverage.

Advantages:

• Good balance of power and weight
• Sufficient for most domestic gardening needs
• Handles both hard surfaces and lawns
• Better runtime than 18V systems

Limitations:

• Requires investment in a new battery system if you don’t already own compatible tools
• May struggle with very large leaf piles or wet, heavy debris

56-60V systems

Best for: Larger gardens (0.25-0.5 acres) with significant leaf coverage or properties with many trees.

Advantages:

• Substantial power for moving large volumes of leaves
• Effective on lawns, hard surfaces, and wet debris
• Extended runtime (30-45 minutes on a 4Ah battery)
• Performance approaching petrol models without the noise and fumes

Limitations:

• Heavier than lower voltage models
• More expensive
• Batteries may not be compatible with household tools

80V and above

Best for: Large properties (0.5+ acres) with heavy leaf coverage or professional use.

Advantages:

• Maximum power for efficient clearing of large areas
• Handles wet leaves and debris with ease
• Longest runtime

Limitations:

• Heaviest option, which may cause fatigue during extended use
• Most expensive
• Limited battery compatibility with other tools

Practical considerations beyond voltage

Battery system compatibility

If you already own cordless tools, consider whether your existing batteries will work with a new leaf blower. Staying within the same manufacturer’s battery system can save significant money over time.

Frequency of use

For occasional use (1-2 times per year), a lower voltage system might be sufficient, even if it takes longer to complete the job. For regular use, investing in a higher voltage system will save time and reduce frustration.

Garden size and obstacles

Larger gardens with many trees will benefit from higher voltage models. Also consider obstacles like fences or garden features that might make corded alternatives impractical.

Battery runtime

Check how many batteries come with the blower and their capacity. For larger gardens, you’ll either need multiple batteries or ones with higher capacity (more Ah).

Weight and ergonomics

Higher voltage blowers tend to be heavier. If you have strength or mobility issues, a lighter model may be more practical even if it means sacrificing some power.

Additional features worth considering

• Variable speed control: Allows you to use lower power for delicate areas and maximum power for tough jobs
• Blower/vacuum combination: Some models can switch between blowing and vacuuming/mulching
• Charge time: Fast chargers can reduce downtime between battery swaps
• Noise level: Lower voltage models tend to be quieter, which your neighbours will appreciate

Cost considerations

While higher voltage systems offer more power, they come at a premium. A typical price range in the UK market (as of 2025):

• 18-20V systems: £80-160
• 36-40V systems: £120-250
• 56-60V systems: £230-350
• 80V systems: £300-450

Remember that these prices often include batteries and chargers. “Bare tool” options (without batteries) are significantly cheaper if you already own compatible batteries.

Conclusion

Rather than focusing solely on voltage, consider your specific needs:

• For small gardens and occasional use, an 18-20V system is often sufficient
• For medium gardens with regular use, a 36-40V system offers a good balance
• For larger properties with heavy leaf fall, 56V+ systems provide the necessary power

The best leaf blower isn’t necessarily the one with the highest voltage, but the one that meets your specific requirements while fitting your budget and existing battery ecosystem. By understanding what the specifications really mean, you can make a more informed choice that will serve you well for years to come.

Image credit: Ryobi