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Buying guide · 12 min read · Updated 2026-11-13

Best Cordless Leaf Vacuums (2026)

Six cordless leaf vacuum and mulcher combos compared by mulch ratio, airflow, bag size and battery system, from Worx, Greenworks, MZK and AIVOLT.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor6 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best Cordless Leaf Vacuums

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

A cordless leaf vacuum is a blower with a second job. Flip the tube, fit a bag and the same fan pulls leaves through an impeller that chops them small, so a lawn of leaves turns into a few bags of mulch. That is a real saving on disposal, and a real gain for a garden that can use the compost.

What separates good ones from poor ones is not the headline airflow. It is the impeller material, the way the tube joins the housing, the bag size and how well the machine resists clogging when the leaves are damp. Those details decide whether a vacuum becomes an everyday tool or a gadget in the shed.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Cordless Leaf Vacuum

  1. 01

    Mulch ratio in practice

    The WG588 lists 20:1, the AIVOLT 15:1 and the Greenworks 40V and Worx WG583 12:1. A higher ratio means fewer bags, but the figure is a best case for dry leaves. Damp leaves compress and clog, so real ratios are lower. If you compost, a high ratio also gives finer mulch, which breaks down faster. Shredded leaves have far more surface area, so they decompose in a season rather than two, and they make a good winter mulch over perennial beds. A coarse, half-chopped mulch mats down and can smother grass.

  2. 02

    Impeller material and design

    The impeller does the chopping. The WG588 has triple-layer metal impellers, which resist sticks and acorns better than plastic. A weak impeller shatters on its first walnut. Ask what the impeller is made of, and whether it can be replaced, before you buy. A machine that sells a replacement impeller for a modest sum is built to be repaired, while one with none listed may be a throwaway. Metal impellers also tolerate the odd stone better, but a stone will still dent a blade.

  3. 03

    Anti-clog design

    Clogging is the top complaint about leaf vacuums. The MZK and AIVOLT list smoother or internal suction tubes to reduce blockages at the joint. No design is clog-proof with wet leaves, so empty the bag often and do not force the tube into a dense pile. A good habit is to sweep dry leaves first, and to feed the pile in at a steady rate rather than shoving the tube into it. Let the machine run clear for a few seconds between passes so the tube empties before the next load.

  4. 04

    Battery count and platform

    The Greenworks 48V uses two 24V packs and the AIVOLT has a dual slot. Vacuuming drains a battery faster than blowing, because the impeller is working hard. A single 5.0Ah pack, like the Greenworks 40V, may last only a few bags. For a big yard, two packs are far more comfortable. Plan one pack on the machine, one on the charger, and rotate them as soon as the tool slows or pulses. Charging a hot pack right away shortens its life, so give it a few minutes to cool before it goes on the charger.

  5. 05

    Bag size and handling

    The MZK and AIVOLT have 40 litre bags, and other listings give no figure. A larger bag means fewer stops, but a full bag of leaves is heavy to carry on a shoulder strap. Check that the bag zips at the bottom for easy emptying, and that the strap is padded. A damp bag of leaves can weigh well over twenty pounds, so a shoulder strap that digs in will end your session early.

  6. 06

    Brand support

    Worx and Greenworks are established brands with parts and service networks. MZK and AIVOLT are newer, so look for a clear warranty and spare bag and impeller availability. A tool you cannot repair is a short-term purchase, whatever the headline airflow figure says.

Detailed reviews

The 6 best cordless leaf vacuums, explained

01
Worx WG588 Trivac 40V Blower Vac Mulcher 600 CFM 20:1
600 CFM100 MPH20:1 mulchMetal impellers
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Best for: Gardeners who want to shrink leaves hard for compost or fewer bags.

The WG588 puts the biggest mulch ratio in this guide behind a toolless blow-to-vac switch: 20 bags of leaves become one. That is achieved by a triple-layer metal impeller, which is the part that decides how finely the leaves are chopped and how well the machine resists twigs. It also lists 600 CFM and 100 MPH from a brushless motor.

The 100 MPH figure is modest, so it is better at collecting than at lifting stuck leaves, and the best use is a lawn of dry leaves that you want to shrink. Compared with the WG583 at 340 CFM and 210 MPH, it moves far more air but is slower, which tells you the two tools are built for different jobs.

Because a mulching impeller is a tough job for a battery, expect the pack to drain faster in vacuum mode than in blower mode. Use a large 40V pack and empty the bag often. Clear the impeller of wrapped stems with the battery out.

What works

  • 20:1 mulch ratio, the highest listed
  • Triple-layer metal impellers
  • 600 CFM from a brushless 40V motor
  • Toolless switch between blow and vacuum

Watch out for

  • 100 MPH is modest for stuck leaves
  • Vacuum mode drains the pack quickly

Spec sheet

Platform
40V Power Share
Airflow
600 CFM
Air speed
100 MPH
Mulch ratio
20:1
Impeller
Triple-layer metal
02
Greenworks 48V Blower Vacuum Mulcher 520 CFM 240 MPH
520 CFM240 MPH2x 4.0AhBrushless
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Best for: Large yards with wet, matted leaves.

The 48V Greenworks lists 520 CFM and a very high 240 MPH, aimed at wet leaves and stubborn debris. It runs on two 24V packs, and the kit includes two 4.0Ah batteries and a fast dual-port charger. The brushless motor is billed as giving more power and quieter operation.

The key figure here is speed. At 240 MPH, it lifts matted, soggy leaves that a 100 MPH machine would push around. The 520 CFM is lower than the Worx WG588, which means it moves less bulk per second, but the combination suits tough autumn jobs.

Two packs and a dual charger make it easy to work through a big yard: one pack in the tool, one charging. Check that both packs are seated and watch the bag as it fills. When wet leaves pack the bag, tap it out early, since a heavy bag also pulls the tube downward and tires your arm. Keep the intake clear and store the packs indoors. On a long job, empty the bag at the same spot each time so you are not hauling a heavy load back and forth.

What works

  • 240 MPH for wet leaves
  • Two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger
  • Brushless motor
  • 520 CFM with turbo response

Watch out for

  • Less volume than the 600 CFM models
  • No mulch ratio on the listing

Spec sheet

System
48V from two 24V packs
Airflow
520 CFM
Air speed
240 MPH
Batteries
Two 4.0Ah with dual port charger
Motor
Brushless
03
Greenworks 40V Blower Vacuum 505 CFM 185 MPH 12:1 5.0Ah
505 CFM185 MPH12:1 mulch5.0Ah
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Best for: Typical suburban lots that want a simple, complete kit.

This 40V Greenworks is the single-pack kit in the group, with a 5.0Ah battery and charger. It lists 505 CFM and 185 MPH with a turbo button, plus a 12:1 mulch ratio. The brushless motor is described as giving 2x torque and 30 percent longer runtime than a brushed design.

It sits between the extremes: less mulch ratio than the Worx 20:1, less speed than the 48V unit, but a simple single-pack design that is easy to live with. The 12:1 ratio means twelve bags become one, which is plenty for ordinary use.

For a suburban lot it makes sense as an all-rounder. Remember that vacuuming drains the 5.0Ah pack quickly, so a second pack is wise for a bigger yard. Empty the bag before it packs tight and wipe down the cyclonic housing.

What works

  • 505 CFM and 185 MPH with turbo
  • 12:1 mulch ratio
  • 5.0Ah battery and charger included
  • Brushless motor with longer runtime

Watch out for

  • Single pack drains quickly in vacuum mode
  • Lower mulch ratio than the Worx

Spec sheet

Platform
40V
Airflow
505 CFM
Air speed
185 MPH with turbo
Mulch ratio
12:1
Battery
5.0Ah and charger
04
MZK 40V Leaf Vacuum Mulcher 700 CFM 180 MPH 40L Bag
700 CFM180 MPH40L bagAnti-jam
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Best for: Buyers who want the highest claimed airflow and accept an unproven brand.

The MZK lists 700 CFM and 180 MPH, the highest airflow among these vacuums, with a 40 litre bag and a brushless motor. It claims an anti-jam design in which an internal suction tube prevents clogging at the joints, and a turbo mode gives a ten-second burst. It switches between blowing, vacuuming and mulching without tools.

The airflow figure is impressive on paper, but this is a lesser-known brand. Compared with the Worx WG588 at 600 CFM, it claims 100 CFM more and 80 MPH more, which would make it the strongest tool in the guide if the numbers hold. A cautious buyer should check the warranty and read owner reports before committing.

The anti-jam design is the feature worth testing, because clogging is the main complaint on any leaf vacuum. Empty the bag, keep the joints clean and store the pack at partial charge. If a part fails, expect to order directly from the seller, so keep your order details.

What works

  • 700 CFM and 180 MPH claimed
  • Anti-jam suction tube design
  • 40 litre bag with toolless mode switch
  • Brushless motor with turbo

Watch out for

  • Unproven brand with thin support
  • Figures are manufacturer claims

Spec sheet

Platform
40V
Airflow
Up to 700 CFM
Air speed
Up to 180 MPH
Bag
40 litres
Design
Anti-jam suction tube
05
AIVOLT Cordless Leaf Vacuum 600 CFM 160 MPH 15:1 40L
600 CFM160 MPH15:1 mulchDual-slot
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Best for: Buyers who want a balanced spec sheet and two-battery runtime.

The AIVOLT lists 600 CFM, 160 MPH and a 15:1 mulch ratio from a brushless motor, with a dual-slot battery design and a vibration-damped housing. The 40 litre bag matches the MZK. It is a three-in-one with a smoother suction tube connection meant to reduce blockages.

Between the Worx WG588 at 20:1 and the Greenworks 40V at 12:1, its 15:1 ratio sits in the middle, and its 160 MPH beats the Worx by 60 MPH. That combination makes it a good all-round machine on paper.

The dual slot lets you run two batteries for longer sessions, but check that the listing includes them, since many kits do not. As with the MZK, the brand is new. Clean the tube joint, empty the bag and store the packs indoors. Because it is a newer design, register the warranty on day one and keep the receipt.

What works

  • 600 CFM, 160 MPH and 15:1 mulch
  • Dual battery slot for longer runtime
  • Vibration-damped housing
  • Anti-clog tube design

Watch out for

  • Unproven brand
  • Check how many batteries are included

Spec sheet

Airflow
600 CFM
Air speed
160 MPH
Mulch ratio
15:1
Bag
40 litres
Design
Dual battery slot, vibration-damped housing
06
Worx WG583 40V 3-in-1 Blower Vac Mulcher 340 CFM 210 MPH
340 CFM210 MPH12:1 mulch40V
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Best for: Small to mid-size yards and existing 40V Worx owners.

The WG583 is the older, smaller Worx three-in-one. It lists 340 CFM and 210 MPH, with a 12:1 mulch ratio and a dual-speed control. The brushless motor and the lower airflow mean it is lighter and easier on the battery than the WG588.

Its speed is much higher than the WG588's 100 MPH, so it handles stuck leaves better, while its volume is far lower. In practice it suits small to mid-size yards with a mix of surfaces, where a pure collector would be overkill.

Because it uses the same 40V Power Share pack as other Worx tools, it is a good value for anyone who already owns the system. Empty the bag regularly, clean the impeller and keep the battery cool. The smaller body makes it easy to hang on a garage hook, which keeps the intake off the floor.

What works

  • 210 MPH with a 12:1 mulch ratio
  • Brushless motor, lighter than the WG588
  • Shares the 40V Worx battery family
  • Dual-speed control

Watch out for

  • Only 340 CFM, slow on large lots
  • Smaller bag capacity

Spec sheet

Platform
40V Power Share
Airflow
340 CFM
Air speed
210 MPH
Mulch ratio
12:1
Motor
Brushless

Spec sheet decoder

What the numbers on the box really mean

The specs manufacturers lead with, translated into what they tell you about real-world performance.

Mulch ratio (20:1)

How much the leaf volume shrinks. At 20:1, twenty bags of leaves become one.

Watch forThe figure is a best case for dry leaves.

Dual port or dual slot

A design that takes two batteries. It doubles runtime but needs two packs.

Watch forThe Greenworks 48V and AIVOLT use it, but kits differ in how many packs they include.

Anti-jam design

A tube or housing shape that reduces blockages where the tube meets the impeller.

Watch forIt reduces clogging but does not eliminate it with wet leaves.

Triple-layer metal impeller

A multi-blade metal impeller that chops leaves finely and resists damage.

Watch forThe WG588 uses it, while plastic impellers are weaker.

Turbo burst

A short high-power setting. The MZK lists a 10 second turbo burst.

Watch forTurbo drains the battery and is for stubborn patches only.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Cordless Leaf Vacuums

Mulching and collecting

We compared mulch ratios from 12:1 to 20:1 and the impeller construction behind them. The WG588 leads on ratio and build.

Airflow and speed

We looked at CFM and MPH together. The MZK claims 700 CFM, the WG588 600 CFM and the Greenworks 48V leads on speed at 240 MPH.

Battery demands

We counted how many packs each kit includes and how well each machine uses them. A vacuum is a hungry tool, so battery depth mattered.

Clog resistance

We considered stated anti-jam designs and impeller types. No design was assumed to be clog-proof.

Brand confidence

Based on the spec sheet and owner feedback patterns, we separated established brands from newer ones. Claims from newer brands were treated as claims.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right Cordless Leaf Vacuums

By Yard Size

SituationPickWhy
Small yard, mixed surfacesWorx WG583340 CFM, 210 MPH
Typical suburban lotGreenworks 40V505 CFM kit with 12:1 mulch
Large yard with wet leavesGreenworks 48V240 MPH and two packs
Large lot, maximum mulchingWorx WG58820:1 and 600 CFM
Large lot, spec-focused buyerMZK 700 CFM700 CFM claimed

By Budget

TierPickWhy
Lower costMZK 700 CFMBig specs, unproven brand
Low to midAIVOLTBalanced specs
Mid rangeWorx WG583Older, smaller design
Upper midGreenworks 40VComplete single-pack kit
UpperGreenworks 48VTwo packs and a dual charger
TopWorx WG588Best mulching hardware

Established vs Newer Brands

Established

Worx and Greenworks offer parts, service and clearer warranties. The WG588 and Greenworks kits sit here.

Newer

MZK and AIVOLT promise bigger numbers for less money, with thinner support. Read the warranty before buying, and look for a seller that answers questions in plain language.

Choose established brands if you want a tool that lasts years; take a newer brand only for light use.

Mulch Ratio vs Speed

PreferencePickWhy
Smallest leaf volumeWorx WG58820:1
Moderate mulch with speedAIVOLT15:1 at 160 MPH
Peel wet leavesGreenworks 48V240 MPH
Balanced and simpleGreenworks 40V12:1 at 185 MPH

For Wet Leaves Specifically

Look for

High air speed and an anti-jam design. Wet leaves clump and clog the impeller, so a clear path and strong suction matter most.

In this comparison

The Greenworks 48V at 240 MPH is the best, then the Worx WG583 at 210 MPH. The WG588 is best saved for dry leaves.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You compost or collect leaves every week. The WG588 or Greenworks 48V is worth it.

Save if

You vacuum a few bags a season. The Greenworks 40V kit or WG583 is enough.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

The upkeep that decides whether this machine lasts two seasons or ten.

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Empty and shake out the bagAfter every sessionPacked leaf dust cuts suction and strains the motor. Let the bag dry fully before storing, since a damp bag grows mildew and smells.
Clear the impellerAfter each useWrapped stems unbalance the impeller. Remove the battery before reaching in.
Check the tube jointWeekly in seasonDebris builds up at the joint and causes clogs. A quick wipe keeps the anti-jam design working.
Store batteries partly chargedWinter storageLithium packs age fastest when stored full or empty. Keep them indoors.
Inspect the bag for tearsEach seasonA torn bag leaks dust and shredded leaves. Replace it so the mulch stays in the bag.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cordless leaf vacuum overall?

The Worx WG588 is the best all-rounder for mulching, with a 20:1 ratio, 600 CFM and metal impellers. For wet leaves, the Greenworks 48V at 240 MPH is stronger.

How much does mulching reduce leaf volume?

Listings quote ratios from 12:1 to 20:1, meaning twelve to twenty bags become one. These are best-case numbers for dry leaves.

Do cordless leaf vacuums clog?

Yes, especially with wet leaves. Anti-jam designs reduce it but do not stop it. Empty the bag often and avoid forcing the tube into a dense pile.

How many batteries do I need?

Vacuuming drains a battery quickly, so two packs make a big yard comfortable. The Greenworks 48V includes two 4.0Ah packs, while the 40V kit has one 5.0Ah.

Are the MZK and AIVOLT worth the risk?

Their specs are strong on paper, but the brands are newer. Check the warranty and owner reports, and treat the figures as claims.

Can I just blow leaves instead?

Yes, all of these double as blowers. A vacuum earns its place if you collect and mulch.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more cordless leaf vacuumson Amazon →
James Miller, Lead Machine Editor

About the author

James Miller

Lead Machine Editor, MachineFanatic

James Miller leads MachineFanatic's buying guides, turning spec sheets, manuals and owner feedback into clear verdicts on power tools, outdoor power equipment, shop machines and kitchen machines.

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