The Best Cordless Snow Blowers for Clearing Driveways and Sidewalks, Tested

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Cyber Monday Sale Happening Now!

Our favorite budget-friendly cordless snow blower, the Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Cordless Snow Blower Kit is on sale for $277 (Save 31%) during Amazon’s Cyber Monday Sale. Even better, this snow blower comes with a charger and two 4Ah batteries for 40 minutes of runtime. Hurry, this deal won’t last long!

Shoveling snow can be tiring, but a cordless snow blower can minimize the bending, lifting, and tossing that’s necessary to clear driveways and walkways. 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 you sift through all the options, we tested several of the most popular models, looking at power, maneuverability, and overall efficiency.

Though we’ve tested a dozen cordless snow blowers, our favorite is the Ryobi 40V 22″ Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower for its sturdy build and powerful performance. It impressed us in just about every kind of snow, but it’s not the only one worthy of a look.

These top picks are among the best in their category, with options and sizes to suit a variety of snow-blowing needs. Keep reading to find how these models fared in our tests, and learn what to look for when shopping for the best cordless snow blower.

1. BEST OVERALL: Ryobi 40V 22″ Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower
2. RUNNER-UP: Toro Power Max 60V e24 24″ Two-Stage Snow Blower
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe 48V 18″ Ionmax Cordless Snow Blower Kit
4. BEST TWO-STAGE: Ego Power+ 56V 24″ Self-Propelled Snow Blower
5. BEST COMPACT: Earthwise 40V 18″ Cordless Snow Thrower
6. BEST SINGLE-STAGE: Greenworks Pro 60V 22″ Cordless Snow Blower
7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Toro Power Clear 60V e21 21″ Cordless Snow Blower
8. ALSO CONSIDER: DeWalt 60V 21″ Max Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit

Our Top Picks

We tested and ranked these options based on quality, price, overall efficiency, and the key considerations outlined below.  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

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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 snow
• Multiple speed settings for maximum maneuverability
• 22-inch cutting path is a versatile size for most exteriors
• Includes 2, powerful 8 amp hour (Ah) batteries

What We Don’t Like

• Batteries lose charge faster at full auger and drive speed
• No heated hand grips

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

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Product Specs

• Type: 2-stage
• Weight: 172 pounds
• Clearing width: 24 inches

What We Like

• Wide 24-inch path for larger driveways
• Durable steel construction
• High headlight position for working in poor visibility
• Optional-use third battery bay to extend runtime

What We Don’t Like

• Very heavy

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 Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Snow Joe 48V 18" Ionmax Cordless Snow Blower Kit

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Product Specs

• Type: Single-stage
• Weight: 37.5 pounds
• Clearing width: 18 inches

What We Like

• Wallet-friendly price point
• Powerful snow thrower for the size
• Lightweight for easy maneuvering
• Small size for easier storage

What We Don’t Like

• Less stable on uneven surfaces

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

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Product Specs

• Type: 2-stage
• Weight: 143.3 pounds (without batteries)
• Clearing width: 24 inches

What We Like

• Throws snow 50 feet or more
• Throttle speed can be changed quickly
• Power is comparable to gas-powered snow blowers

What We Don’t Like

• Can’t “bump” the throttle

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.

What our tester says: “With two 7.5 Ah, arc lithium batteries, a heavy steel auger, a convenient control dashboard, and 50 feet of throwing distance, I was impressed at the well-rounded features and thoughtful design. Overall, I had more than enough power to work through a big storm.”— Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Ego Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled Snow Blower

Get the Ego Power+ snow blower at Ace Hardware. 

Best Compact

Earthwise 40V 18" Cordless Snow Thrower

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Product Specs

• Type: Single-stage
• Weight: 34 pounds
• Clearing width: 18 inches

What We Like

• Compact size stores easily
• Lightweight and easy to handle for extended use
• Impressively fast 30-minute charging

What We Don’t Like

• Assembly 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 auger with a snow-throwing distance of 30 feet. Its front snow-intake port has a clearing width of just 18 inches, so it may take a few passes to clear a wide driveway. It has a clearing depth of 12 inches, which can cut quickly through long stretches of moderate snow. It’s not the best choice for use during big storms and for really heavy snow, but it works very well under light and moderate snow conditions.

Get the Earthwise cordless snow blower at Amazon.

Best Single-Stage

Greenworks Pro 60V 22" Cordless Snow Blower

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Product Specs 

• Type: Single-stage
• Weight: 57 pounds
• Clearing width: 22 inches

What We Like

• Lightweight design
• Ample power for a single-stage snow blower
• Excellent battery life
• Auger churns through snow very well

What We Don’t Like

• Cleaning tool doesn’t attach to the snow blower

The Greenworks Pro 60V snow blower offers a nice combination of power and functionality in a lightweight, easy-to-use unit. It comes with a pair of 5Ah batteries that offer more than an hour of runtime in moderate storms. The battery game from Greenworks is impressive, pairing higher amp-hour options with competitive single-stage designs. Those who want ample runtime in a snow blower will definitely want to consider this option.

We used this in light and heavy snow, and the auger speed is impressive. It breezes through powder but also works hard in heavy snow. The 22-inch cutting path is substantial for a single-stage model, and it also has 13 inches of depth. Users can easily work through a foot of snow; for anything deeper, however, several passes are required to push through in layers. The chute ejection proved clean in testing, and the Greenworks threw snow up to 40 feet, which is an ample distance.

Overall, the performance of the Greenworks snow blower is impressive, and this unit is easy to use. It can really benefit folks who have light to moderate snow loads on larger properties. The ability to clear a full driveway and walkways and still have battery life left over to help out the neighbors is a nice bonus.

Get the Greenworks snow blower at Best Buy (80-volt model), Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.

Best Heavy-Duty

Toro Power Clear 60V e21 21" Cordless Snow Blower

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Product Specs

• Type: Single-stage
• Weight: 55 pounds
• Clearing width: 21 inches

What We Like

• Really digs into the snow
• Durable metal auger is likely to last
• Large battery with long life

What We Don’t Like

• Awkward weight distribution
• Takes 180 minutes for the battery to charge

Although the Toro two-stage is a popular favorite, the company also makes a single-stage snow blower for users wanting something lighter duty. Like the two-stage, it resembles the build of Toro’s single-stage gas models. By bringing the long-standing quality and design of gas snow blower augers, buckets, chutes, and components to the electric side, Toro gives major confidence and sets real expectations for users experienced with gas-model operations.

This is one of only a few single-stage options that offer a steel auger. While that adds a few pounds, it’s worth the trade-off when it comes to breaking down wet or icy snow. It also throws that snow very well, hitting around 40 feet from the chute. The chute itself has a great turning radius at 200 degrees. With its 7.5Ah battery, it has plenty of juice to work for 40 to 60 minutes as well.

The Toro truly shined in our head-to-head comparison testing. Its best attribute was how it really dug into the snow, getting down to the surface below for better clearing. The chute design and metal auger also helped. However, we found its uneven weight distribution awkward—it even tipped over a few times, but not during use. We think this is due to the massive battery mounted behind the wheels—but that long battery life is worth the trade-off in our book.

Get the Toro Power Clear cordless snow blower at Ace Hardware or Acme Tools.

Also Consider

DeWalt 60V 21" Max Single-Stage Snow Blower Kit

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Product Specs 

• Type: Single-stage
• Weight: 59 pounds
• Width: 21 inches

What We Like

• Steel auger blade
• Eco and Max power modes for optimal battery usage
• Batteries last for about 1 hour
• Folding handle stores easily

What We Don’t Like

• Plastic wheels have minimal traction
• Requires manual pushing
• Power button doubles as the auger engagement

DeWalt is a leader in electric power tools, and its entry in the electric snow blower market is strong. The company offers two substantial 4Ah batteries and 60 volts of power for a long-lasting, reasonably powerful machine. We enjoyed the steel auger, which performs better than plastic when it comes to icy conditions and difficult snow. It ought to provide real longevity.

The blade did a great job of breaking down wet snow, and it ejected well from the chute. It didn’t throw more than 40 feet like many models we tested, but it did throw a reasonable distance and cleared the space required for a 2-car driveway. We found that adding a layer of silicone chute lubricant helped to prevent clogging and kept it running smoothly. While users must manually adjust the chute angles, the electric chute rotation tabs were really nice for changing direction. They are quick and easy to access—among the best we have encountered.

Other bonuses are the easy-to-fold handle for transportation and storage. It only requires a few seconds to prep for storage and it reassembles just as quickly. This snow blower is a good fit for small to moderate snow loads on paved surfaces. It certainly doesn’t compete with the bigger two-stage options, but it’s still a great pick for many shoppers.

Get the DeWalt snow blower at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Cordless Snow Blowers

We had to wait for a significant snowfall 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.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Snow Blower 

The best cordless snow blower for a particular user depends on the amount of snow a region typically experiences, the size of the sidewalk and driveway that need clearing, and how much battery power and runtime the snow blower needs. Some cordless snow blowers are equipped to handle wide swaths of deep snow, but others are not. Consider these factors when perusing the many features of cordless snow blowers on today’s market.

Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage

The best cordless snow blowers fall into one of two categories: single-stage or two-stage. There are also three-stage blowers available; however, these are limited to gas-powered tools and commercial applications.

• Single-stage snow blowers, most commonly used for residential purposes, have a horizontal auger at the front of the machine that rotates rapidly to scoop up snow and throw it 15 to 25 feet through the chute. One disadvantage of a single-stage snow blower, however, is that it isn’t suitable for gravel driveways. Its auger blades are too low to the ground and will pick up the rocks and throw them.
• Two-stage snow blowers use an auger to scoop and throw snow much like single-stage snow blowers, but they also have an impeller fan that makes them more effective at managing larger amounts of heavy snow. They can throw snow more than 35 feet, and their auger blades sit high enough to clear gravel driveways.

Battery Power and Runtime

The runtime of a battery-powered snow blower is a key factor to consider when deciding on the best cordless electric snow blower for tackling a driveway, walkway, and patio. Although most battery-operated snow blowers have a runtime that ranges from about 30 to 45 minutes, this depends on whether the snow is light and fluffy or heavy and wet.

The heavier the snow, the more power required to remove it, which means a cordless snow thrower that usually runs for 45 minutes may run for only 30 minutes before the battery needs to be recharged. However, there are also snow blowers that use more than one battery at a time to increase the power and runtime of the machine. Shoppers will want to consider a dual-battery blower if there’s a lot of ground to clear.

Size and Weight 

A cordless snow blower’s size and weight are important considerations. Though users needn’t bend to scoop, lift, and throw snow as they do with a standard shovel, they still must push the snow blower. Size also matters when storing the snow blower in a garage, shed, or any other space.

Single-stage cordless snow blowers typically range in weight from 20 to 60 pounds. Though heavier snow blowers may have a self-propelling system to make them easier to move, maneuvering a larger, heavier machine, especially if the area is large or hilly, can be challenging for many users.

Clearing Width and Depth 

When calculating clearing width and depth, think about the driveway, sidewalk, and any other areas around the home that must be cleared of snow. Some cordless snow blowers have small intake ports that can clear 6 inches of snow, and other models have deep 12-inch intake ports. Clearing width correlates to the blower’s number of stages.

• Single-stage cordless snow blowers are usually sufficient for residential snow removal. Use a single-stage blower to remove snow in sections that are 11 to 22 inches wide.
• Two-stage cordless snow blowers, well suited for small commercial locations or large residential properties, have a clearing width between 20 and 30 inches.

Speed Control

Because snow blowers can be heavy and cumbersome to maneuver, many users want a self-propelled model. Unlike gas snow blowers, battery-powered models have a digital drive system and can be self-propelled, but they usually have a variable-speed auger to speed up snow removal.

By increasing the speed at which the snow is scooped and thrown through the chute, the auger makes it easier to move the machine through a light snowfall. However, a variable-speed auger isn’t as effective when clearing heavy, packed snow.

Chute Control

The chute, which is a curved, hollow tube that extends from the back of the intake on a snow blower, provides a route for the snow to be thrown from the machine. On most blowers, a manual crank or lever allows users to change the angle and direction of the snow being displaced.

Premium snow blowers, however, have auto-rotating chutes that users turn by pushing a button near the handle, which doesn’t require the machine to be stopped. The angle on some chutes also can be changed to allow the snow blower to throw snow even farther.

Wheels, Tracks, and Terrain Type

Cordless snow blowers can traverse snow on either wheels or tracks. Wheeled snow blowers feature two large rear wheels that drive the machine forward, while tracked models have tracks similar to those found on a tank. Consider the features of wheeled versus tracked blowers:

• Wheeled snow blowers are easier to turn because tracked models don’t pivot. Wheel sizes for single-stage snow blowers range from 6 to 8 inches. Larger wheels perform better in deeper snow, while smaller wheels are easier to maneuver. These blowers are generally faster than tracked models. That said, some higher-end tracked blowers offer faster speed and turn-on-a-dime technology that make them comparable in speed and maneuverability to wheeled models.
• Tracked snow blowers provide significantly better traction in the snow, making them better able to climb steep slopes without slipping backward. Most tracked snow blowers are two-stage models, as single-stage models typically don’t produce enough power to drive the tracks. They also operate closer to the surface, leaving a thinner layer of snow and ice on a driveway or sidewalk than wheeled models.

When choosing between wheeled or tracked snow blowers, shoppers will want to take terrain type into account. Wheeled snow blowers are best suited for paved surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks, while tracked snow blowers are better suited for unpaved surfaces. Grade also has a significant impact; steep driveways require a snow blower with good traction and enough power to pull it up a snow-covered slope.

Additional Features

Some of the best cordless snow blowers come with special features designed to make snow clearing an easier and more comfortable task. These extras include heated handles, a drift cutter, headlights, and an automatic safety shutoff.

• Heated handles may seem luxurious, but personal safety is an important part of working outdoors in freezing temperatures. The heat generated by the handles not only helps keep the user’s fingers warm in the cold air, but it also makes it easier to hold and control the snow blower.
• Drift cutters help clear deep drifts of snow. The cutter’s metal housing collects and pushes snow down into the auger for removal.
• Headlights make it easier and safer to clear snow at night or during low-visibility situations.
• An automatic safety shutoff shuts off the snow blower when the user releases the handle.

FAQs 

First-time cordless snow blower shoppers may have some additional questions about these devices. Just ahead are some of the most commonly asked questions about cordless snow blowers and their concise answers.

Q. What is the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower?

The terms “snow blower” and “snow thrower” are used interchangeably, but there are a couple of minor technical differences. While both clear away snow, a snow thrower is a single-stage machine, and a snow blower can be a single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage machine. Snow blowers clear a wider swath and are better suited for heavier snows, while snow throwers work well on lighter snows.

Q. Is a cordless snow blower heavy?

Battery-powered cordless snow blowers are relatively lightweight, typically ranging from about 20 pounds to 60 pounds for a single-stage. Two-stage electric models can reach nearly 200 pounds.

Q. How do you use a snow blower?

To get the driveway as clean as possible with a snow blower, power it up just after the snow has stopped falling. The snow is easier to move when it’s still light and fluffy. Push the snow blower down and back up the sidewalk or driveway, making the necessary adjustments to the discharge chute so that the snow piles up where you want it.

Q. How do you store a snow blower?

A cordless snow blower should be stored safely in a garage or storage shed when not in use. Those who don’t have sheltered storage will want to secure a waterproof tarp over and around the snow blower. Without proper storage and maintenance, folks could wind up with a snow blower that doesn’t work when it’s needed.

Q. How long do cordless snow blowers last?

If properly stored and maintained, a cordless snow blower can last about 10 years.

Meet the Tester

Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana provides the perfect testing grounds for winter products and snow equipment.

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. 

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale. 

 

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