Leaf blower 2026: battery vs gas comparison

CFM and MPH: understanding blower specs

Before comparing models, you need to understand two key numbers:

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) = air volume. The amount of air moved. Higher CFM means more leaves cleared per pass.
• MPH (Miles Per Hour) = air speed. The force of the jet at the nozzle. Higher MPH means better lifting of wet, stuck leaves.

The rule: for dry leaves on grass, CFM matters more. For wet leaves on concrete, MPH matters more. Ideally, you want a good balance of both.

Newton force: some manufacturers (Stihl, Husqvarna) also use blowing force in Newtons (N). It's the most honest measure as it combines CFM and MPH in one value.

The 5 models compared

Battery models

Stihl BGA 200

Stihl's top-tier battery blower. With the AR 3000 backpack battery (1,520 Wh), you get about 60-90 minutes of runtime in normal mode. The power is impressive — it rivals a 50 cc gas on dry leaves. The boost mode provides a peak for wet leaves.

Strengths: quiet (84 dB), comfortable backpack battery, pro-level power Weaknesses: high price (machine + battery = €1,100-1,400), not enough force for heavy commercial jobs

Husqvarna 550iBTX

The BGA 200's direct equivalent. Near-identical performance. The BLi 550 backpack battery (1,520 Wh) offers the same runtime. The tube is slightly thinner and lighter in hand.

Strengths: ergonomic design, compatible with full BLi range, very quiet (82 dB) Weaknesses: same price as Stihl, same max power limitation

Makita XBU04Z

The consumer budget option. Two 18V LXT batteries (shared with the entire Makita range). Sufficient for a 500-1,000 m2 garden. Beyond that, runtime and power show their limits.

Strengths: unbeatable price (€200 bare), versatile 18V batteries, ultra-light Weaknesses: limited power (10 N), no backpack mode, 20-30 min runtime

Gas models

Echo PB-770

Unbeatable power/price ratio in gas. The Echo PB-770 is the best-selling blower in the US in the pro segment. At 756 CFM and 195 MPH, it moves mountains of leaves. The 63 cc 2-stroke engine starts easily thanks to the automatic decompression.

Strengths: power, reliability, contained price Weaknesses: noisy (105 dB), heavy (10.8 kg), 2-stroke mix required

Stihl BR 800 C-E

The beast. 912 CFM, 41 N of force — the most powerful consumer blower on the market. A 79 cc that literally blows everything in its path. Reserved for landscapers who clear entire parking lots.

Strengths: unmatched power, ErgoStart starting system Weaknesses: very noisy (108 dB), very heavy (11.7 kg), high price

Noise regulations

A battery blower (78-84 dB) lets you respect these hours without issue. A gas blower (105-108 dB) can be problematic, especially in dense residential areas.

The verdict

Ask your question on L'Atelier with your property size and constraints — our assistant will recommend the ideal blower.