When a winter storm blankets your driveway in several inches of snow, a snow shovel or ice melt can only take you so far. A good snow blower makes quick work of heavy accumulation, helping you create safe paths to and from your home while reducing the risk of physical strain.
To find the best snow blowers, we spoke with Derek Palma, regional manager at Northern Tool + Equipment, analyzed brand performance data, and reviewed real-world owner feedback from the snow blower subreddit to identify the features that matter most for frequent use. From a powerful, easy-to-maneuver machine built for long driveways to an affordable corded electric option for lighter snowfall, these are the best picks to help you stay ahead of snowy weather and those inevitable late-winter storms.
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Our top picks for the best snow blowers
Best overall: Toro 37798 Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower - See at Ace Hardware
Best budget: Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower - See at Amazon
Best single-stage: Toro Power Clear 38753 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower - See at Ace Hardware
Best two-stage: Ariens Compact 24-Inch Electric Start Gas Snow blower - See at Amazon
Best cordless electric: Ego SNT2102 21-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Blower - See at Amazon
Best electric snow shovel: Greenworks 12-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Shovel (2600602) - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Toro 37798 Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snowblower and its powerful 252cc engine will allow you to clear large driveways with minimal effort.
- Far throw distance
- Variable speed
- Remote chute control
- Cumbersome
Best for: Buyers with large driveways who contend with frequent, heavy snowfall and want an easy-to-control snow thrower that clears wide, deep paths quickly and safely. An impressive 24-inch clearing width gives this Toro 37798 Power Max blower the ability to carve a wide swath. Combined with the 20-inch depth, it allows you to move a huge amount of snow with every pass. This productivity means that not only will you do less work, but you'll also finish much faster than you would with a smaller blower.
As Palma recommended, we made sure our top pick included an easy chute-control system. The straightforward chute controller on the Toro Power Max 824 OE allows you to easily and quickly adjust the direction of the expelled snow. You move the joystick-style controller wherever you want the chute to go, and since it's mounted on the main control panel, you can always stay safely behind the machine.
The heavy-duty rubber tires are 4 inches wide, allowing you to use this blower on relatively steep slopes, and it will maintain traction without sliding and slipping around.
If you know you'll be tackling large amounts of snow and want to be prepared to move it safely and effectively, we're confident that this model is a great choice. However, it is very expensive, and if you have a smaller area to work with or don't get much snow, you might want to consider a more compact option.
Best budget
Snow Joe's electric snowblower is lightweight and simple, though it's limited by its corded design.
- No gas, oil, or pull start required
- Built-in headlight
- Lightweight
- Corded design limits range
Best for: Homeowners with limited outdoor space who need to clear light to moderate snow and don't want the hassle of a gas or battery-powered machine. The Snow Joe SJ623E won't handle heavy snow but with the ability to clear an 18-inch-wide path, it's still a practical upgrade from manual shoveling. Because it's corded, you'll need easy access to an outdoor power outlet and an extension cord for added reach when clearing sidewalks and smaller driveways.
The machine's adjustable discharge chute uses a simple crank system to control where snow is thrown, making it easier to direct accumulation away from entry points without having to stop and make manual adjustments. An integrated LED headlight helps improve visibility during early-morning or evening snow removal.
Another standout feature is its lightweight design, which makes it easier to maneuver than heavier models. Weighing in at under 35 pounds, it's far more comfortable to push and steer (especially since it isn't self-propelled) and easy to carry up stairs to clear elevated decks and porches. If you don't need to tackle deep or heavy snow, the Snow Joe's compact size makes it a convenient, easy-to-store option for seasonal winter cleanup.
Best single-stage
The Toro Power Clear 38753 721 E 21-Inch Gas Snowblower is lightweight and self-propelled, perfect for light jobs.
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Self-propelled
- Not meant for heavy snowfalls
- No headlight
Best for: Shoppers who want a dependable, low-strain blower without having to step up to a larger machine. If you need a light-duty blower to handle sidewalks, pathways, decks, or small driveways, this single-stage blower from Toro is a great choice. It's small enough to maneuver and operate easily but still has a wide, 21-inch clearing width to make it productive. Its self-propelled mechanism is another convenient perk, allowing you to finish the job with minimal effort.
Although the chute adjustment handle isn't as convenient as others — it uses a long handle attached to the chute instead of a controller near the main handle — it's still straightforward to use and allows you to stay completely behind the machine while you work. The electric start mechanism also makes this model a good choice for those who lack sufficient upper-body strength or dexterity or who just want to avoid a pull-start model.
Even though this single-stage machine doesn't have the power of a two-stage blower, it can still power through snow up to 9 inches deep and throw it up to 35 feet. Palma recommended Toro as one of his most trusted blower brands, citing its machines' ability to perform when you need them to.
Best two-stage
This powerful model is best for people who experience frequent, heavy storms and are willing to invest in a snow blower.
- Excellent traction
- Electric start
- Handles deep snow with ease
- Bulky
- More expensive than other two-stage models
Best for: Shoppers willing to invest in a high-performance snow thrower that can handle deep snow, icy conditions, or sloped driveways without sacrificing maneuverability. This compact Ariens model is pricier than many two-stage options, but it delivers versatility and performance that justify the cost for homeowners who face varied terrain or frequent, heavy snowfall. Unlike standard wheeled models, this unit's standout RapidTrak system lets you switch from dual 5.5-inch track mode that bites into slippery surfaces and provides traction on hilly surfaces to wheel mode for a smoother roll across flat driveways and other areas where extra grip isn't required.
With a powerful 223cc Ariens AX engine and a 24-inch clearing width, the blower moves heavy snow quickly and consistently, throwing it as far as 40 feet. Redditors say the multi-speed, self-propelled drive helps reduce physical strain while clearing large spaces, and the electric start makes cold-weather operation reliable and consistent.
Another valuable feature is the intuitive Auto-Turn steering and quick-turn chute control, which make it easier to direct snow without stopping mid-pass. While this Ariens model is heavier than smaller blowers, the added traction, power, and adjustability make it a great choice for anyone who deals with deep snow, steep inclines, or mixed surfaces.
Best cordless electric
If you don't want to bother with gas and snow in your area is measured in inches instead of feet, then the EGO Cordless Electric Snow Blower is your best bet.
- Twin headlights
- Relatively quiet operation
- 45-minute run time might be too short for some
Best for: Those who prioritize cordless convenience and easy storage and don't need to clear heavy, wet snow. Even though it might lack the raw power of a gas model, Ego's battery-powered blower is still packed with a solid set of useful features. A pair of LED headlights makes it ideal for use in low-light conditions.
Your neighbors will thank you since it's significantly quieter than gas-powered counterparts, and it doesn't emit any odors. It's powerful enough to handle snow depths of up to 10 inches and will launch snow a nice medium distance away.
We're also big fans of the fact that this blower includes two 5.0Ah batteries, allowing you to keep one on the charger while you're working. These two batteries, combined with the 40-minute charging time on the rapid charger, mean you won't need to worry about running out of power while working. The convenient LED charging indicator makes it easy to know how much time is left before they're fully charged. This blower is also convenient for those short on storage space, thanks to a foldable handle that collapses down.
The main drawback is that the Ego SNT2102 is not self-propelled, so you'll have to use a bit more elbow grease. We consider it a great choice for areas with relatively light snowfalls and for homeowners who don't want to deal with messy fuel.
Best electric snow shovel
The Greenworks 12-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Shovel (2600602) is a low-cost alternative to a snowblower, and it takes up significantly less space in the garage.
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Cordless and gas-free
- Only for light-duty use
Best for: Buyers who need a simple, low-cost solution for light-duty snow cleanup. Although it's technically not a snow blower, this power shovel from Greenworks is a great choice for those who lack the space for a larger machine. Its 12-inch clearing width isn't practical for large areas, but this compact size makes it a versatile option for tasks that bulkier blowers can't handle, like clearing narrow pathways. It's also easier to carry up and down stairs to clear off an elevated deck.
A secondary, weed whacker-style handle makes it comfortable to use and should help maintain control and reduce arm fatigue as you go. Best of all, it will take up about the same amount of space as a shovel.
The Greenworks Electric Snow Shovel requires more effort than a self-propelled snow blower but should still be far more comfortable than a standard snow shovel. Plus, it launches snow further than you could on your own.
We've used various Greenworks power tools, including leaf blowers and lawn mowers, and have always been impressed with their performance. This tool should get the job done if you're looking for a reliable, light-duty option for clearing snow.
What to look for in a snow blower
Type: Snow blowers come in three different types: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage models, so it's important to choose the best one for your property.
- Single-stage blowers pull snow inside with a rotating auger and fling it out of their chute in a single motion. These light-duty blowers are smaller and easier to maneuver than other types, although they're not practical for large areas. Palma recommends single-stage blowers for areas like sidewalks, garage aprons, and decks.
- Two-stage blowers use a separate propeller — in addition to the auger — to launch the gathered snow out of the chute much further than a single-stage model can. Palma explains that if you want to clear a full driveway, you will need a two-stage gas-powered blower.
- Three-stage blowers are the most powerful and use another impeller to break up snow even more before launching through the chute. These commercial-style machines aren't practical for most homeowners, which is why we didn't include one on our list.
Width: The clearing width of a snow blower can vary from model to model. Wider options move more snow with each pass but are bulky and more challenging to store. Narrower blowers are easier to steer and maneuver but are less efficient for clearing large areas. Palma says the best snow blower size for the average homeowner is at least 18 inches and up to 28 inches wide. Our picks range from 18 to 24 inches, with the exception of our 12-inch electric snow shovel.
Power Source: Snow blowers are available in either gas or electric-powered versions.
- Gas: Gas-powered machines provide a ton of power, so they're great for getting large jobs done quickly. They require more maintenance than electric blowers, though, and in addition to fuel and oil, they are more expensive. In the event of a power outage, you'll still be able to clear snow.
- Electric: Electric snow blowers — corded or battery-powered — are lighter and quieter than gas and best for lighter snowfalls. Corded blowers are convenient to start and use, and although they have an unlimited runtime, are limited to the length of your extension cord. Battery-powered versions have the same mobility as gas-powered blowers, but their limited runtime isn't practical for large jobs.
Useful features: Look for specific features or accessories that would be most helpful for your needs. Palma recommends looking for models that include a chute control system that's easy to use. "Simpler is better here," he says. An electric start mechanism is another convenient feature to look for, which will really come in handy on cold mornings when you don't want to spend extra time getting your blower up and running. If you plan on working early in the morning or late afternoon, look for a blower with built-in headlights.
How we chose
Although I've used my share of snow blowers, I reached out to a certified expert in the field to ensure I had a good grasp of the current market and user needs. After reviewing and collecting a number of popular blower models on my own, I contacted Derek Palma, Midwest regional parts and service manager at Northern Tool + Equipment, to help point me in the right direction. Palma walked me through the various snow blower types and what to look for when considering a blower, including property size, blower type, and useful features, and I used this information to assemble our list of options.
Snow blower FAQs
Should I buy a snow blower?
Snow blowers are useful investments for those who experience multiple snowstorms a year, especially when it takes you more than 30 minutes to clear your property. It still takes time and space to prep and store a snow shovel, and you'll still need a snow shovel to clear tight spaces.
What are the best snow blower brands?
Palma picked Honda as his favorite snow blower brand. "Honda only makes high-quality blowers," he says. "Their two-stage blowers are usually the most expensive, but I feel they are the best." You'll notice Honda isn't on our list — the machines are very expensive, and availability is spotty, so it's only the best brand if you're in need of professional-level clearing.
What is the difference between a single- or two-stage blower?
Singe-stage snow blowers use a fast, rotating auger to grab snow and throw it out of a cute all at one. A two-stage blower has an extra propeller to throw snow through the chute, which means it clears snow faster and throws it farther away.
Which is better: gas or electric snow blowers?
As Palma puts it, "Gas is king." If you can afford it, a two-stage gas snow blower will have you covered for all conditions.
It can be a hassle to handle fuel and oil, though, so electric snow blowers are the way to go for ease of use. They're convenient because they start up quickly, but power cords limit the length of reach. They're also less powerful than gas models, so they're best for light clearing jobs.
When is the best time to buy a snow blower?
Snow blower sales typically spike in early fall (September and October) when new models are released and retailers are fully stocked. If you're willing to trade selection for savings, you're likely to score the best deal on a snow blower from February through March, when remaining inventory gets discounted.
That said, availability can become limited, especially ahead of late winter storms. If you live in an area that's prone to heavy snowfall, buying earlier in the season ensures you get the right machine for your needs.
What is the best snow blower for a gravel driveway?
You'll need a two- or three-stage snow blower to clear a gravel driveway, since you can adjust the augers to raise the snow blower off the ground.
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