When it comes to clearing snow from your driveway, choosing the right snow blower can make winter much easier. The best options balance power, ease of use, and affordability. The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Cordless Snow Blower stands out for its cordless convenience and solid performance, while the Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe offers unmatched power for larger, heavier snowfalls. Meanwhile, a lightweight electric shovel like the Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Shovel suits smaller driveways and quick jobs. But each has its tradeoffs—more power often means higher cost, and lighter models may struggle with heavy snowfall. Keep reading to see which snow blower fits your driveway and winter needs best.
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Key Takeaways
- Battery-powered models provide quiet, maintenance-free operation suitable for small to medium driveways.
- Two-stage gas blowers excel in heavy, wet snow but come with higher costs and more maintenance.
- Lightweight electric shovels are ideal for quick, small snow clearing but lack power for large accumulations.
- Size and snow volume are critical—larger drives with heavy snow demand more robust equipment.
- Price often correlates with power and features; investing more can reduce effort and increase reliability.
| Cordless Snow Shovel 12″ Width, 6.7″ Depth, 20ft Throwing Distance, 21V Battery Brushless Motor, Adjustable Handle |  | Best for Lightweight, Quick Clearing of Small Driveways | Width: 12 inches | Depth: 6.7 inches | Throwing Distance: 20 feet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Shovel with 21V Battery Compatibility, 12-Inch Snow Thrower, Adjustable Direction, Lightweight Design |  | Best for Versatile, Light to Moderate Snow Removal | Motor Technology: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: 21V Lithium-Ion | Blade Size: 12 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18in Cordless Electric Snow Blower with 6.0Ah Battery and Charger |  | Best for Medium to Large Driveways, Heavy Snowfalls | Power Source: Cordless Electric, Battery Powered | Engine Type: Battery Powered | Wheel Size: 13 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start |  | Best for Large Driveways and Heavy Snowfalls | Power Source: Gas Powered | Engine Type: 4 Cycle | Displacement: 306 cc | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| VOLTASK 17-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower, 12 Amp |  | Best for Light Snow and Small Driveways | Power: 12 Amp | Blade Width: 17 inches | Snow Depth Capacity: 10 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 20V 13-Inch Cordless Brushless Snow Shovel with Two 4Ah Batteries and Quick Charger |  | Best Compact and Lightweight Option for Easy Snow Clearing | Battery: 2 x 4Ah lithium-ion | Motor Voltage: 20V | Blade Width: 13 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| snow blowers for driveway | Weight | Maximum Throw Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Cordless Snow Shovel 12" Width | 14 pounds | — |
| Brushless Cordless Electric Sn | 10 lbs | — |
| RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18in Co | — | 25 feet |
| Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-I | — | 55 feet |
| VOLTASK 17-Inch Corded Electri | — | 20 feet |
| 20V 13-Inch Cordless Brushless | 11 pounds | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Cordless Snow Shovel 12″ Width, 6.7″ Depth, 20ft Throwing Distance, 21V Battery Brushless Motor, Adjustable Handle
This cordless snow shovel stands out for its compact size and ease of use, making it ideal for quickly clearing smaller driveways or patios. Compared with larger models like the Ariens ST28DLE, this option is much lighter—only 14 pounds—allowing for effortless maneuverability. Its 21V brushless motor provides enough power for snow up to 6.7 inches deep, but it struggles with heavier, wetter snow or deeper accumulations. The adjustable chute and handle help tailor control, but the limited depth capacity means it’s best suited for light snowfall or quick touch-ups. Its main tradeoff is reduced power and depth capacity, which could leave heavier snow behind.
Pros:- Lightweight and ergonomic, reducing user fatigue
- Powerful brushless motor for efficient clearing of light snow
- Adjustable chute and handle for precise control
Cons:- Limited to snow up to 6.7 inches deep, unsuitable for heavy snow
- Battery life may be a concern during prolonged use
- Requires assembly before first use
Best for: Homeowners with small driveways or steps needing fast, lightweight snow removal
Not ideal for: Those facing heavy, wet snow or large, deep snowfalls that require more power and capacity
- Width:12 inches
- Depth:6.7 inches
- Throwing Distance:20 feet
- Battery Voltage:21V
- Battery Capacity:4 Ah
- Weight:14 pounds
- Adjustable Handle:Yes
- Chute Adjustment:±40°
Our verdict“This pick is perfect for homeowners needing quick, light snow clearance in small areas but not for heavy or deep snowfalls.”
Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Shovel with 21V Battery Compatibility, 12-Inch Snow Thrower, Adjustable Direction, Lightweight Design
This snow shovel excels in flexibility and ease of operation, especially for users who already own 21V batteries, as it is compatible with existing units. Its 12-inch blade and lightweight 10-pound frame make it highly maneuverable, ideal for clearing moderate snow depths up to 12 inches. The brushless motor offers good torque, but unlike the larger RYOBI 40V model, it’s limited to lighter snowfall and shorter sessions. The adjustable directional plate adds control, and the frost-resistant ABS construction ensures durability. The main tradeoff is its limited snow depth capacity and the need for additional batteries if you want longer operational time, which could increase costs.
Pros:- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Compatible with existing 21V batteries for convenience
- Adjustable directional control for precise snow placement
- Durable frost-resistant ABS construction
Cons:- Battery not included, requiring additional purchase
- Limited to snow up to 12 inches deep
- Multiple batteries may be needed for extended use
Best for: Homeowners with small to medium driveways who want a lightweight, versatile tool for regular snowfalls
Not ideal for: People facing large snowfalls or deep snow of over 12 inches, where more power and capacity are needed
- Motor Technology:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:21V Lithium-Ion
- Blade Size:12 inches
- Weight:10 lbs
- Length:48 inches
- Construction:Frost-resistant ABS
Our verdict“This snow shovel offers excellent flexibility for small to medium snowfalls but may fall short during heavy snow conditions.”
RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18in Cordless Electric Snow Blower with 6.0Ah Battery and Charger
The RYOBI 40V HP 18-inch snow blower offers a significant step up in power and capacity, making it suitable for larger driveways and snowfalls up to 10 inches deep. Its cordless design and LED headlights enhance ease of use and visibility, outperforming smaller electric shovels in heavier snow. The adjustable chute and 6.0Ah battery extend its usability, but compared with the Ariens ST28DLE, it’s less effective for extremely heavy or wet snow, and its 18-inch width requires more passes. Nonetheless, for homeowners seeking a balance of power, portability, and convenience, it makes a compelling choice, though it’s less suited for very large or deep snow accumulations.
Pros:- Cordless operation for portability and ease of use
- Powerful brushless motor for efficient snow clearing
- LED headlights for visibility in low light conditions
- Includes battery and charger compatible with RYOBI 40V system
Cons:- Limited to snow depths of about 10 inches
- Battery life may diminish with heavy, prolonged use
- Requires compatible batteries, adding to initial cost
Best for: Homeowners with medium to large driveways needing a portable, powerful snow removal tool
Not ideal for: Those facing heavy, wet snow or large snowfalls exceeding 10 inches deep, or with very large driveways requiring wider clearing
- Power Source:Cordless Electric, Battery Powered
- Engine Type:Battery Powered
- Wheel Size:13 inches
- Voltage:40 volts
- Ideal Snow Depth:10 inches
- Maximum Throw Distance:25 feet
- Clearing Width:18 inches
- Warranty:5-year limited tool, 3-year limited battery
Our verdict“This snow blower balances power and portability, ideal for medium-sized driveways but less suited for very heavy or deep snowfalls.”
Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start
The Ariens ST28DLE stands out for its massive 28-inch wide clearing path and 306cc engine, making it ideal for tackling large snowfalls on big properties. Its electric start and premium features like LED headlights and Auto-Turn steering increase ease of operation, especially compared to smaller electric models like the RYOBI 40V. However, its weight of over 267 pounds makes it difficult to maneuver without effort, and it’s overkill for small driveways or light snow. Its high price and limited snow depth capacity of 12 inches mean it’s best suited to homeowners with large, snow-heavy properties who want a durable, high-capacity machine.
Pros:- Powerful 306cc engine with electric start for easy operation
- Wide 28-inch clearing width for fast snow removal
- Premium features like LED headlights and Auto-Turn steering
Cons:- Heavy weight of over 267 pounds complicates handling
- High cost may deter budget-conscious buyers
- Limited to snow depths of about 12 inches for optimal performance
Best for: Homeowners with large driveways, substantial snowfalls, and a need for heavy-duty performance
Not ideal for: Small property owners or those seeking lightweight, easy-to-store options for mild snow seasons
- Power Source:Gas Powered
- Engine Type:4 Cycle
- Displacement:306 cc
- Number of Speeds:6
- Wheel Size:16 inches
- Ideal Snow Depth:12 inches
- Maximum Throw Distance:55 feet
- Clearing Width:28 inches
Our verdict“This gas-powered snow blower provides unmatched capacity for large properties but is less practical for small or light snow conditions.”
VOLTASK 17-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower, 12 Amp
The VOLTASK 17-inch corded electric snow blower delivers solid performance for light snow removal, especially on small driveways and walkways. Its 12-amp motor provides enough power to clear snow up to 10 inches deep and throws it up to 20 feet, making it comparable to the lightweight cordless models but with the reliability of a corded design. Its 17-inch width and adjustable, ergonomic handle make it easy to operate without sacrificing control. Unlike larger, battery-powered models like the RYOBI 40V, this unit is limited by its cord, which restricts mobility but ensures constant power. It’s best for homeowners facing mild snowfalls and minimal storage space, but not suitable for heavy or deep snow accumulations.
Pros:- Powerful 12-amp motor for efficient clearing
- Adjustable handles for ergonomic comfort
- Rotatable plate for directional snow throwing
- Quiet operation suitable for residential settings
Cons:- Requires constant connection to power cord, limiting range
- Not suitable for snow over 10 inches deep
- Less effective for large snowfalls or heavy, wet snow
Best for: Homeowners with small driveways or walkways needing reliable, quiet snow removal in light snow conditions
Not ideal for: Heavy snow or larger properties where mobility is limited by the cord
- Power:12 Amp
- Blade Width:17 inches
- Snow Depth Capacity:10 inches
- Maximum Throw Distance:20 feet
Our verdict“This corded blower is a dependable choice for light snow on small driveways but isn’t designed for heavy, deep snow or large areas.”
20V 13-Inch Cordless Brushless Snow Shovel with Two 4Ah Batteries and Quick Charger
This cordless snow shovel stands out for its portability and ease of use, weighing only 11 pounds, making it ideal for quick, light snow removal on driveways, patios, or sidewalks. Unlike larger electric or gas-powered models like the RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 18in Cordless Electric Snow Blower, it’s best suited for snow depths up to 6 inches, but excels in tight spaces and for users needing a tool that’s easy to handle without fatigue. The powerful 20V motor throws snow up to 20 feet, providing sufficient reach for small to medium areas, but limited runtime (about 30 minutes) may require multiple batteries for larger jobs. Its adjustable handle and quiet operation make it especially appealing for suburban neighborhoods. This pick favors homeowners prioritizing convenience and maneuverability over heavy-duty capacity, but less so for those facing large snowfalls or deep drifts.
Pros:- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver at only 11 pounds
- Powerful motor capable of throwing snow up to 20 feet
- Quiet operation minimizes disturbance in residential neighborhoods
- Adjustable handle and snow guide plates enhance comfort and control
Cons:- Runtime of approximately 30 minutes per full charge limits continuous use
- Clears snow only up to about 6 inches deep, less effective for heavy winter storms
- Battery life may require additional charges for larger areas or repeated use
Best for: Small to medium residential driveways with light to moderate snowfall, especially for users who value portability and ease of use
Not ideal for: Homeowners dealing with frequent heavy snowfalls or large areas, as the limited runtime and snow depth capacity can become impractical
- Battery:2 x 4Ah lithium-ion
- Motor Voltage:20V
- Blade Width:13 inches
- Depth Capacity:6 inches
- Weight:11 pounds
- Runtime:30 minutes
Our verdict“This snow shovel is ideal for small-scale, light snow removal tasks where portability and quiet operation are priorities.”
How We Picked
These snow blowers were evaluated based on performance, ease of use, build quality, maintenance needs, and value for the money. We prioritized models that efficiently clear typical driveway snow loads, from light dustings to heavy storms. Battery-powered options were examined for their convenience and portability, while gas models were assessed for power and capacity. The rankings reflect a balanced view of affordability versus capability, ensuring options for different driveway sizes, snow conditions, and user experience levels. Our goal was to identify equipment that offers reliable performance with manageable operation and maintenance requirements.Factors to Consider When Choosing Snow Blowers For Driveways
Choosing the right snow blower for your driveway involves considering several key factors. Understanding these can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as overpaying for unnecessary features or selecting a model too weak for your needs. The right snow blower should match your typical snow load, driveway size, and physical ability to operate the equipment. It’s also worth considering long-term costs, like maintenance and fuel, when selecting between electric, battery, or gas-powered models. Below are the main factors to keep in mind when making your decision.Power Source and Snow Volume Capacity
Battery-powered and electric models are quiet and low-maintenance, ideal for light to moderate snowfalls on smaller driveways. For heavier, wetter snow or larger driveways, gas-powered two-stage blowers offer more capacity and power, but they come with higher initial costs and require more upkeep. Choosing the right power source depends largely on your typical snowfall and how much physical effort you want to invest. Remember, a more powerful machine may be overkill for light snow, while weaker models will struggle with large, heavy accumulations.
Size and Maneuverability
Smaller, lightweight blowers are easier to handle and store, making them suitable for small to medium driveways or seniors. Larger, wider models can clear snow faster but may be more difficult to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or uneven terrain. Assess your driveway’s width and the storage space available to avoid choosing a machine that’s either too bulky or underpowered. Balance size with your physical capacity and the typical snow conditions you face.
Ease of Use and Features
Features like adjustable handles, electric start, and ergonomic controls enhance usability, especially for those with limited strength or mobility. Battery models often feature lighter weight and quieter operation, reducing fatigue. Conversely, models with complex controls or heavy build can be challenging for casual users. Think about your comfort level and whether you prefer manual or automatic features, and avoid overly complicated machines if you want straightforward operation.
Maintenance and Running Costs
Gas models typically require more maintenance, including oil changes and fuel storage, which can add to long-term costs. Electric and battery-powered blowers tend to be lower-maintenance but may have higher upfront costs for batteries and chargers. Consider the total cost of ownership, including replacement parts and fuel costs, especially if you plan to use the snow blower frequently or for multiple seasons. durability and ease of repair are also worth evaluating.
Price and Value
While spending more often yields better features and power, it’s essential to match your investment to your actual needs. Basic electric models can handle light snow and small driveways at a lower cost, while larger, gas-powered blowers are better for demanding conditions. Avoid overspending on features you won’t use, but don’t skimp on power if your driveway regularly faces heavy, wet snow. Finding a balance between cost and capability is key to getting good value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a two-stage gas snow blower worth the extra cost?
For driveways that regularly face heavy, wet snow, a two-stage gas snow blower often proves worth the investment. These models can handle larger snow volumes more efficiently, reducing the time and effort needed for clearing. They are also more durable and suitable for long-term use, especially in regions with frequent or intense snowfalls. However, they do require more maintenance and are generally more expensive upfront. If your driveway sees light snow or you prefer low-maintenance equipment, a single-stage electric or battery model might suffice.
Can I use an electric snow blower on steep or uneven driveways?
Electric snow blowers are generally best suited for flatter, even driveways because they tend to be lighter and less powerful than gas models. Steep or uneven surfaces can challenge their stability and effectiveness. If your driveway has significant slopes or irregular terrain, a gas-powered two-stage blower offers more stability and power to handle tough conditions. However, for gentle inclines and manageable snow loads, a good-quality electric blower can work well and simplify storage and maintenance.
Are battery-powered snow blowers powerful enough for large driveways?
Battery-powered snow blowers have improved significantly and can handle small to medium driveways effectively. However, their runtime and power may fall short when faced with large areas or heavy, wet snow. For bigger driveways, look for models with high-capacity batteries and dual battery options. Still, they might require more frequent recharges, and their performance can diminish in extremely cold weather. For extensive, snow-heavy driveways, a gas-powered blower remains the more reliable choice.
How important is the width of the snow blower for driveway clearing?
The width of a snow blower directly influences how quickly you can clear your driveway. Wider models can cover more ground per pass, reducing total clearing time, which is especially beneficial for large driveways. However, wider units tend to be heavier and less maneuverable, making them harder to handle in tight spots or for users with limited strength. Balance your driveway’s width with your ability to operate the machine comfortably, and consider modular or adjustable models if you want flexibility.
Should I prioritize power or ease of use when choosing a snow blower?
The ideal choice depends on your specific needs. If you have a large driveway with frequent, heavy snowfall, prioritizing power—such as a gas two-stage blower—can save time and effort. Conversely, if your driveway is small, or you want a machine that’s easy to start and maintain, a lightweight electric or battery model may be better. Consider your physical ability, budget, and how often you plan to use the equipment. Sometimes, a balance of moderate power and ease of use provides the best overall value.
