Best Gas Leaf Blowers for 2026: Handheld and Backpack Models Compared From the Makers' Specs

Gas leaf blower specs come as several competing numbers - CFM measured in two different places, mph, newtons. This page uses only what Husqvarna and Echo publish for each model, checked in late September 2026, and compares like with like.

Read the Specs Right: Nozzle CFM, MPH, and Blow Force

Husqvarna publishes two airflow numbers for several blowers. The headline figure in its marketing copy - 470 CFM for the 125B, 765 CFM for the 150BT, up to 890 CFM for the 360BT - is higher than the "max air flow at nozzle" figure in its spec tables (425, 452, and 631 CFM). Nozzle airflow is what actually leaves the tube, so that is what we compare below.

Blow force, in newtons, is in our view the most useful single number, because it reflects both how much air moves and how fast. Both Husqvarna and Echo publish it, which makes it the fairest way to compare across brands.

Gas Leaf Blowers Compared

Husqvarna figures are from Husqvarna's US spec pages; Echo figures are from Echo's US product pages, where Echo lists airflow and speed at the nozzle and weight as dry weight. Husqvarna does not label its weights as dry or fueled.

Handheld: Husqvarna 125B

The 125B is Husqvarna's 28cc handheld: 12.5 N of blow force, 425 CFM at the nozzle, 130 mph, 9.4 pounds, and an 18.5-ounce fuel tank. Husqvarna highlights an ergonomic design to reduce strain on the arms and wrists, plus an auto-return stop switch and air purge for easier starting. It is the gas blower for driveways, patios, and leaf cleanup on a typical lot, sold and shipped by Amazon.

For comparison, Echo's PB-2520 handheld lists more blow force (15.8 N), 453 CFM, and 170 mph at a lighter 8.6-pound dry weight, with a 5-year consumer warranty per Echo. It is a strong machine - but see the note on buying Echo below.

Backpack: Which Husqvarna?

350BT - the balanced backpack. 50.2cc X-TORQ engine, 21 N, 494 CFM at the nozzle, 180 mph, 22.5 pounds, with LowVib vibration damping and air purge, per Husqvarna.

150BT - the speed pick. 51.7cc, 22 N, and the highest air speed on this page at 270 mph, at 21.95 pounds. Husqvarna calls it its best-selling backpack blower and says it handles heavy, wet leaves and debris. Its nozzle airflow (452 CFM) is lower than the 350BT's, so it trades volume for speed.

360BT - more force. 65.6cc, 30 N, 631 CFM at the nozzle, 232 mph, 23.2 pounds, a larger 74.4-ounce tank, and a load-reducing harness. Husqvarna describes it as professional-grade.

570BTS - the most force here. 65.6cc and 4 hp, 37 N, 768 CFM at the nozzle, 236 mph, 24.7 pounds. Husqvarna positions it as a commercial blower for the most demanding tasks.

The jump from the 50cc backpacks to the 65.6cc models is mostly about force: 21-22 N up to 30-37 N, for under three more pounds on your back.

Buying Echo: Use an Echo Dealer

Echo's PB-580T backpack (58.2cc, 22 N, 517 CFM, 216 mph, 22.7 pounds dry, 5-year consumer warranty per Echo) and PB-2520 handheld are well-specified machines. But when we checked, neither had a normal Add to Cart offer on Amazon, and Echo's own site warns that products bought from unauthorized online marketplace sellers can be counterfeit, altered, or used, and may not carry warranty coverage. Echo recommends buying from authorized Echo dealers and retailers, and its site has a dealer locator. That is what we suggest too.

California: The Small-Engine Rule

The California Air Resources Board approved rules requiring most newly manufactured small off-road engines, including those in leaf blowers, to be zero-emission starting with model year 2024. CARB says Californians can keep using their existing gas equipment and that older models already on store shelves can still be sold. If you are in California and shopping for a new blower, expect the new-model choices to be battery-powered - see our cordless leaf blower guide.

Gas or Battery?

In our view, gas makes sense when you need backpack-level force for long sessions and do not want to manage batteries. A battery blower needs no fuel mixing or carburetor care, and for many suburban yards it is the simpler choice. Our EGO blower comparison, DeWalt and Ryobi guides cover the battery side, and the backpack blower guide covers both fuel types.

Keep It Running

All of these are 2-stroke engines, so the fuel is gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil at the ratio in your owner's manual. For the storage months, see the fuel stabilizer and pre-mixed fuel suggestions below, and our fuel stabilizer guide.

Common Questions

What is the most powerful gas leaf blower on this list?

By blow force, the Husqvarna 570BTS at 37 N, followed by the 360BT at 30 N, per Husqvarna. By air speed alone, the Husqvarna 150BT is fastest at 270 mph.

What is the difference between the Husqvarna 150BT and 350BT?

Per Husqvarna, the 150BT is 51.7cc with 22 N, 452 CFM at the nozzle, and 270 mph at 21.95 pounds. The 350BT is 50.2cc with 21 N, 494 CFM, and 180 mph at 22.5 pounds, and adds LowVib vibration damping. The 150BT is faster air; the 350BT moves more of it.

How much does the Husqvarna 125B weigh?

9.4 pounds, per Husqvarna, with an 18.5-ounce fuel tank.

Can I still buy a gas leaf blower in California?

CARB's rule requires most newly manufactured small off-road engines, including leaf blowers, to be zero-emission from model year 2024. Existing gas equipment can still be used, and older models already on shelves can still be sold, per CARB.

Can I buy Echo leaf blowers on Amazon?

Some Echo listings appear on Amazon through third-party sellers, but Echo warns that unauthorized marketplace sellers may sell counterfeit, altered, or used equipment without warranty coverage, and recommends buying from authorized Echo dealers.