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

Best Snow Joe Snow Blowers (2026)

Six Snow Joe snow blowers compared: a 96V two-stage, two cordless 18 and 22-inch kits, a corded 22-inch and a 10-inch shovel, with runtime explained.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor6 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best Snow Joe Snow Blowers

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

Electric winter clearing covers a wide spread of machines, from small powered shovels to near-gas-class two-stage units, and a brand that sells all of them makes the lineup easy to misjudge. The label on the front can look similar across very different tools.

The questions that really separate them are whether the design is single-stage or two-stage, how big the battery system is, and whether the machine drives itself. Answering those first makes the rest of the spec sheet much easier to read, and it keeps you from paying for capacity your driveway will never use.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Snow Joe Snow Blower

  1. 01

    Two-stage vs single-stage

    Only the 96V model is a true two-stage with a separate drive motor. The 18 and 22-inch models are single-stage and the corded SJ627E is single-stage. A two-stage handles 17.5 inches and berms; a single-stage handles about 10 to 13 inches. Buy by the deepest storm you expect. A simple test: if you have ever needed to push a heavy berm at the end of your drive, only the 96V will cope. For a lot with only a short path and a couple of steps, none of this matters and a shovel will do.

  2. 02

    Battery system

    The 96V uses four 24V 12Ah packs, the SB22 two 24V packs, the SB18-XR two 5Ah packs and the shovel one 20V pack. More packs mean more runtime and more weight to charge and store. For the 48V models, plan to keep one pair on the charger while the other works if your drive takes more than one battery.

  3. 03

    Auger material

    The SB22 and SB18-XR use rubber-tipped steel augers, while the GO model and SJ627E use plastic. Steel resists chips from ice ridges and frozen slush. If your drive has rough edges, choose steel. A rough or cracked driveway edge chews through plastic in a season or two.

  4. 04

    Clearing width and depth

    The SB22 clears 22 by 13 inches, the SB18-XR 18 inches wide and the 96V 24 by 17.5. The extra width saves passes; the extra depth avoids a second lift. Park the machine at one end of the drive and count the passes to the other end; each inch of width saves roughly one pass in twenty. Measure the path first, because a narrower drive may not need the widest machine.

  5. 05

    Self-propelled drive

    Only the 96V has a 400 watt drive motor. On a long or sloped drive that removes much of the pushing effort, which matters more than the few extra watts in the plowing motor. If your drive is flat, a non-propelled single-stage is fine, but a slope makes self-propel worth the premium.

  6. 06

    Corded vs cordless

    The SJ627E is corded and the rest are cordless. A corded machine offers unlimited runtime but needs an outdoor extension cord. A cordless machine moves freely but needs charging. Check that the outlet is on a circuit that can carry 15 amps with nothing else running.

Detailed reviews

The 6 best snow joe snow blowers, explained

01
Snow Joe 24-inch 96V self-propelled cordless two-stage, 4 batteries
96V (4x24V)24 in path17.5 in depthTwo-stage
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Best for: Large drives and deep snow where a gas two-stage would otherwise be needed.

This is the standout in the lineup, a true cordless dual-stage machine. Four 24V 12Ah batteries make a 96V system that drives a 3,200 watt plowing motor and a separate 400 watt drive motor, so the machine pulls itself forward while serrated steel blades clear a path 24 inches wide and 17.5 inches deep.

That design puts it in a different class from the 18 and 22-inch single-stage models. The two-stage layout and self-propelled drive reduce operator effort and let it handle deeper snow and berms that stall a rubber-edged auger. Against a gas two-stage it is quieter, starts at the push of a button and has no fuel to store, but it also depends on four expensive packs.

The batteries are the real ownership consideration. Four large packs are heavy to carry in and need warm indoor storage, and charging four packs takes time. Plan a charging routine before a storm, and treat the machine as a long-term investment in the platform. Before buying, check that you have a place to charge four packs at once or are willing to rotate them, because a large two-stage battery machine is only as useful as the charging plan behind it. Think of the price as a platform commitment. Owners with a long driveway and a mower or trimmer on the same battery platform will get the most value from it.

What works

  • Two-stage design with 24-inch path and 17.5-inch depth
  • Separate 400W drive motor self-propels
  • 3,200W brushless plowing motor
  • No fuel, pull cord or carburetor

Watch out for

  • Four large batteries add weight and cost
  • Long charging time for the full set

Spec sheet

System
Four 24V 12Ah batteries, 96V
Clearing width
24 in
Clearing depth
17.5 in
Plowing motor
3,200W brushless
Drive motor
400W brushless, self-propelled
02
Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 22-inch cordless blower, 2 batteries
48V (2x24V)22 in path1,600W840 lb/min
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Best for: Paved drives that want a wide single-stage with a steel auger.

The SB22 is the widest and strongest of the single-stage cordless Snow Joes. A 1,600 watt brushless motor drives a four-blade rubber-tipped steel auger that clears a path 22 inches wide and 13 inches deep, with capacity quoted up to 840 pounds per minute.

Its chute control lever rotates the chute up to 180 degrees and throws snow up to 25 feet. Against the 18-inch models it adds 4 inches of path and about 20 percent more rated capacity, and against the 96V it is far lighter and far cheaper to run.

Store the two 24V batteries indoors and charge them with the dual-port charger before the forecast. It is the right match for a one- to three-car paved drive with typical snowfall. If you ever clear into a wind, the 25-foot throw is generous for a single-stage and the lever control lets you adjust the chute without stopping. A good habit is to run the machine along the edge of the pavement first so the chute throws snow onto the lawn instead of back across the cleared lane.

What works

  • 22-inch path with 13-inch depth
  • Up to 840 lb per minute rated capacity
  • Steel auger resists nicks
  • 180-degree chute with lever control

Watch out for

  • Single-stage limits berm clearing
  • Heavier than the 18-inch models

Spec sheet

System
Two 24V batteries
Clearing width
22 in
Clearing depth
13 in
Motor
1,600W brushless
Capacity
Up to 840 lb per min
03
Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18-XR 18-inch cordless blower, 2 x 5Ah
48V (2x24V)18 in path2 x 5AhLED lights
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Best for: Short to medium paved drives with moderate snow.

The SB18-XR is the 18-inch IONMAX with larger 5Ah batteries, a dual-port charger and LED lights. It uses a heavy-duty rubber-tipped steel blade auger and a chute that rotates 180 degrees.

The 5Ah packs are the difference from the 4Ah kit, adding about 25 percent runtime in the same frame. The 18-inch path is narrower than the SB22, which suits short drives and tight spaces.

Compared with the GO model it trades the plastic auger for a steel one and gains battery capacity. Keep the packs warm and wipe the housing after each use. Measure the narrowest part of your path; if it is under about 20 inches, the 18-inch body is a better fit than the SB22. Check that the dual-port charger fits where you keep it, because it takes up more shelf space than a single charger.

What works

  • 5Ah packs give more runtime than the 4Ah kit
  • Rubber-tipped steel auger
  • LED lights and dual-port charger
  • Compact 18-inch body

Watch out for

  • 18-inch path takes more passes
  • Single-stage cannot handle crust

Spec sheet

System
Two 24V 5Ah batteries
Clearing width
18 in
Auger
Rubber-tipped steel blade
Chute
180 degrees
Charger
Dual-port
04
Snow Joe IONMAX 24V-X2-SB18-GO 18-inch cordless blower
48V (2x24V)18 in path10 in depth700 lb/min
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Best for: Small paved drives and walks on a tight budget.

The GO model is the entry cordless Snow Joe, an 18-inch machine with a 1,200 watt brushless motor, a four-blade rubber-tipped plastic auger and a 10-inch depth. It throws up to 20 feet and the chute rotates 180 degrees.

The plastic auger is the main compromise against the steel-auger models, because plastic can chip on ice ridges and frozen slush. Capacity is quoted up to 700 pounds per minute, which is a bit below the SB22.

For a small paved drive or a walk it does the job at the lowest cost of the cordless range. Keep the packs warm and check the auger each season. If you are choosing between this and the XR kit, the larger packs and steel auger on the XR are worth the step up for any drive with rough edges. It is also the model to pick if you are likely to lend the machine to a neighbour, because the lower cost makes that less stressful.

What works

  • 1,200W brushless motor
  • Up to 700 lb per minute
  • 180-degree chute
  • Lowest cost of the cordless blowers

Watch out for

  • Plastic auger chips on ice ridges
  • Only a 20-foot throw

Spec sheet

System
Two 24V batteries
Clearing width
18 in
Clearing depth
10 in
Motor
1,200W brushless
Max throw
20 ft
05
Snow Joe SJ627E 22-inch corded electric snow blower, 15A
22 in path15A motor13 in depth840 lb/min
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Best for: Paved drives near an outlet where battery cost is a concern.

The SJ627E is the corded 22-inch with a 15 amp motor, a plastic auger and dual LED lights. It clears 22 inches wide and 13 inches deep and moves up to 840 pounds per minute.

The chute rotates 180 degrees and the machine needs only an outdoor cord, which means no battery cost and no pack care. The plastic auger is a limit on gravel edges and ice, but it is quiet and light.

It matches the cordless SB22's width and capacity at a lower operating cost, as long as an outlet is within reach. Because it shares its 22-inch width and 840 pounds per minute with the SB22, the real choice is whether the cord or the battery bothers you more. Use a short, thick outdoor cord and check the plug for heat after the first ten minutes of use.

What works

  • 22-inch path with 13-inch depth
  • No battery to buy or charge
  • Dual LED lights
  • 180-degree rotating chute

Watch out for

  • Cord limits reach
  • Plastic auger wears on rough surfaces

Spec sheet

Clearing width
22 in
Clearing depth
13 in
Motor
15A corded
Capacity
Up to 840 lb per min
Auger
Plastic, dual LEDs
06
Snow Joe 20V 10-inch brushless cordless snow shovel, 5Ah
20V10 in path21,200 rpm8.4 lb
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Best for: Steps, decks and short walks with light snow.

The 20V shovel clears a path 10 inches wide and about 5 inches deep, spinning a two-blade paddle auger at up to 21,200 rpm. It throws up to 18 feet and weighs only 8.4 pounds, with a telescoping handle that extends from 47 to 52 inches.

This is a steps-and-patio tool, not a driveway machine. It makes light work of a few inches of fresh powder and takes almost no storage space.

It shares the 20V battery platform with other Snow Joe tools. Keep the pack warm and use it for light cleanups. A cheap way to keep the main drive clear is to use this on the steps first, then bring out the larger machine only for the long run. Because the battery is small, expect to switch to a larger machine once the snow gets deeper than a few inches.

What works

  • Very light at 8.4 pounds
  • Telescoping handle from 47 to 52 inches
  • Up to 18 feet of throw
  • Shares 20V platform packs

Watch out for

  • Only a 10-inch path and 5-inch depth
  • Not suited to full driveways

Spec sheet

System
20V 5.0Ah battery
Clearing width
10 in
Auger speed
Up to 21,200 rpm
Max throw
18 ft
Weight
8.4 lb

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.

24V-X2

Two 24V batteries working together for a 48V system. This is the system most of the single-stage models use.

Watch forBoth packs drain together, so you cannot swap one at a time.

96V

Four 24V batteries wired together for a higher-power system.

Watch forThis is a different class of machine than the 48V models.

Pounds per minute

The maker's rated snow-moving capacity. Treat it as a comparison between models rather than a promise.

Watch for840 on the SB22 and SJ627E; 700 on the GO.

Rubber-tipped auger

An auger with rubber edges that contact the pavement. The tips grip the pavement, which is why the machine scrapes cleanly.

Watch forSteel versus plastic auger body matters for ice.

Self-propelled

A drive motor moves the machine forward. It matters most on slopes and long drives.

Watch forOnly the 96V has it.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Snow Joe Snow Blowers

Machine class

We separated the 96V two-stage from the single-stage cordless models and the corded and shovel tools. Class decides what snow depth each can handle. We also considered that the 96V weighs far more than the other tools, which changes how and where it can be stored.

Battery and power

We compared pack counts and capacity, from four 12Ah on the 96V to one 5Ah on the shovel. The system size is the main cost driver. Four 12Ah packs on the 96V store far more energy than the two 24V packs on the single-stage models.

Auger and build

We noted steel versus plastic augers and rubber-tipped designs. Steel augers tolerate ice better. Because the corded SJ627E and GO use plastic augers, we limited our claims about ice performance.

Ownership burden

Based on the spec sheet and owner feedback patterns, we considered pack storage, charging time and cord handling. Battery machines avoid fuel but add pack care. Charging four packs takes planning that a corded machine does not need.

Fit to driveway

We matched each model to a driveway size and snow depth. This is an editorial assessment, not a measured score.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right Snow Joe Snow Blowers

By Driveway Size

SituationPickWhy
Steps and patioSnow Joe 20V shovelLightest option
Short drive, tight budgetSnow Joe SB18-GOLowest cost cordless blower
Short to medium driveSnow Joe SB18-XR5Ah packs, steel auger
Medium driveSnow Joe SB2222-inch path, 1,600W motor
Near an outletSnow Joe SJ627E22-inch corded
Large drive, deep snowSnow Joe 96V two-stage24-inch path, self-propelled

By Budget

Budget tierPickWhy
LowestSnow Joe 20V shovelSmall tool, small cost
Low to midSnow Joe SJ627ENo battery cost
MidSnow Joe SB18-GOEntry cordless
Upper midSnow Joe SB22Wider cordless
HighestSnow Joe 96VTwo-stage with four packs

Single-Stage vs Two-Stage

Single-stage

The SB18, SB22 and SJ627E use one auger that scrapes the pavement. They are light and cheap but limited to about 10 to 13 inches.

Two-stage

The 96V uses a separate auger and drive motor. It clears 17.5 inches and handles berms, but it costs far more and weighs more.

Choose single-stage for typical paved drives; choose two-stage for deep snow and large drives. Many owners keep a small single-stage for light storms and rent or borrow bigger equipment for the rare blizzard.

Auger Material

PreferencePickWhy
Steel augerSnow Joe SB22Rubber-tipped steel
Steel auger, 18-inchSnow Joe SB18-XRSteel blades with 5Ah packs
Plastic, lowest costSnow Joe SB18-GOPlastic auger

For Small Driveways Specifically

Look for

A single-stage with a 18 to 22-inch path and a battery sized for the drive. Short drives do not need the biggest packs.

In this comparison

The Snow Joe SB18-XR and SB22 are the sensible choices. The 96V is far more machine than a small drive needs.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You have a big drive or regular deep snow. The 96V two-stage replaces a gas machine.

Save if

You clear a short paved drive. The SB18-GO or corded SJ627E is enough.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

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

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Store batteries indoorsAll winterCold cuts output. Warm batteries run longer. Keep spare packs charged and ready.
Inspect the augerEach seasonRubber tips wear and plastic augers chip. Replace the paddles as soon as the edge stops contacting the pavement.
Check the cordEach seasonA damaged cord is a shock hazard. Coil the cord loosely for storage and never kink it tightly.
Wipe the chuteAfter each useSlush freezes overnight. A dry rag is enough, and it takes less than a minute.
Clear jams with power offAs neededUnplug or remove the batteries first. Wait for the auger to stop turning before you clear anything.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 96V a real two-stage?

Yes. It uses a separate plowing motor and drive motor, with serrated steel blades clearing 24 by 17.5 inches. It is the model to consider if you would otherwise buy a gas two-stage and dislike fuel upkeep.

SB18 or SB22?

The SB22 adds 4 inches of path and more capacity. The SB18 is lighter and cheaper. On a short drive the extra width rarely saves much time. If you are unsure, the SB22 is the safer choice for a typical drive.

Steel or plastic auger?

Steel resists chips from ice and frozen slush. Plastic is lighter and quieter but wears faster. If your drive has frozen slush and sharp edges, steel is the safer choice.

Can I use it on gravel?

No. Single-stage augers throw stones. Use a two-stage with raised skid shoes. If part of your drive is gravel, clear the paved section with the blower and use a shovel on the stones.

How long does a charge last?

It depends on snow depth and wetness. Makers quote times for light snow. Cold packs deliver less, so keep them warm until use. Plan on a second set of batteries for a long clear.

What cord for the SJ627E?

A heavy-gauge outdoor cord, as short as practical. Plug it into a grounded outdoor outlet and keep the connection off wet snow.

Bottom line

The short version

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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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