Franco Rossi Can battery power tame the white stuff? Eight cordless contenders face off.
Snow doesn’t wait. A cleared drive means safe exits and fewer surprises. Homeowners who dread shoveling want power, runtime, and reliability.
A short, efficient blower is one thing. Gas-like clearing without the fuss is another. These eight battery-powered models were tested for power, runtime, and real-world handling so readers get a clear, practical comparison.
Top Picks
EGO POWER+ 21" Dual-Battery Blower
Delivers near gas-like clearing power with the convenience of battery operation. It pairs strong throwing distance and robust build for homeowners who need reliable performance on medium to large driveways.
Overview
The EGO POWER+ 21" model targets buyers who want a true gas-replacement cordless snow blower. It uses Peak Power technology to combine two 56V ARC Lithium batteries for extended runtime and performance that approaches small gas machines. The steel auger and brushless motor provide reliable cutting power and consistent throwing distance.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
This blower excels on medium-to-large driveways and when the user prefers to avoid gas maintenance and noise. It performs well on wet, compacted snow and is reported to cut through crusts better than many single-battery units. However, the weight and size make it less ideal for users who need a truly lightweight tool for short walks or narrow paths. Battery runtime varies widely with snow density; expect shorter runs on heavy, wet snow.
Real-world insight
Users commonly highlight its quiet operation, reliable throwing distance, and the convenience of instant starts without fumes. Typical workflow: use both batteries for maximum power when clearing a long driveway, or alternate batteries for longer runtime when pushing through lighter storms. For those with frequent heavy storms, adding a spare battery set is a practical recommendation to avoid downtime.
Toro 60V 21" Self-Propel Snow Blower
Offers a self-propelled platform with a high-capacity 60V battery and rapid charger for extended use. It balances clearing width and throwing distance for homeowners who need dependable cordless performance across larger properties.
Overview
The Toro 60V MAX 21" Power Clear Self-Propel bundle is designed for homeowners who require a step-up in capacity without moving back to gas. The package includes a 5.0Ah 60V battery and a rapid charger, giving it extended runtime and quick turnaround for recurring clears.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
It is a very capable single-stage blower for medium to large residential properties. The self-propel feature reduces user fatigue, especially on slopes. That said, the initial cost and physical footprint will be greater than compact units; storage and lifting for transport should be considered. Battery runtime is good for multiple driveway clears in typical light-to-moderate storms, but heavy wet snow will shorten run times.
Real-world insight
Owners who switch from smaller units or from gas frequently comment on the convenience of quick starts and reduced maintenance. The included rapid charger is a practical touch — it shortens waiting time between clearing sessions and lets users keep a second battery ready for extended storms.
Greenworks Pro 60V 22" Brushless Blower
Built on Greenworks' 60V platform, it provides a wide 22" path and dual-battery switchover for longer jobs. It’s a good choice for homeowners who need a robust cordless blower without gas maintenance.
Overview
The Greenworks Pro 60V 22" is a single-stage cordless blower built for heavier use within the battery category. With a broad intake and a brushless motor, it targets users who want wide coverage and the ability to handle deeper or heavier snow up to its rated limits.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
This machine is positioned between compact consumer models and full-sized gas blowers. It’s well suited for larger driveways and frequent snow events, but the size and weight mean it requires storage space and slightly more handling effort. Users report good throwing performance on typical suburban storms, but like most single-stage cordless blowers, very wet, heavy snow will reduce runtime and can occasionally cause clogging.
Real-world insight
Owners who value a wide clearing swath and extended runtime like the auto-switchover battery setup. For properties that regularly see deep or heavy storms, having an extra battery pack or a secondary charging strategy is recommended to keep productivity high during long clears.
Worx 40V 20" Power Share Snow Blower
Delivers a good balance of clearing width and maneuverability, with brushless efficiency and two Power Share batteries. It suits homeowners who want a capable blower that’s still easy to store and handle.
Overview
The Worx 40V 20" Cordless Snow Blower uses two Power Share batteries to deliver gas-like power in a compact package. It emphasizes practicality: brushless motor efficiency, a rotating chute for aimed throws, and a foldable handle for small-storage situations.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
It’s a solid mid-sized option for typical suburban driveways and walkways. Users appreciate the balance between weight and capability — it’s easier to handle than many gas blowers but heavier than the smallest battery throwers. In very deep or dense, wet snow it can stall; steady, controlled passes and occasional auger clearing are normal workflow.
Real-world insight
People switching from manual shovels find it saves time and reduces strain. The Power Share ecosystem is a plus for those already invested in Worx tools. For frequent heavy snowfall, planning for extra battery capacity or a backup system improves usability.
Greenworks 60V 20" Brushless Snow Blower
Provides a good combination of brushless efficiency and 60V power in a manageable 20" frame. It’s a reliable choice for homeowners with moderate clearing needs who prefer the Greenworks 60V ecosystem.
Overview
The Greenworks 60V 20" model brings 60V battery performance into a compact, single-stage blower. It is aimed at homeowners who want a practical cordless solution that balances power and maneuverability for typical winter conditions.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
This blower is appropriate for regular snowfalls and medium-length driveways. It will handle most suburban snow events but may require slower, more deliberate passes when encountering compacted or wet snow. The build quality and simple maintenance make it a practical replacement for those moving away from gas-powered models.
Real-world insight
Owners often like the straightforward performance and the way it reduces manual shoveling. Small ergonomic issues such as battery access or chute locking can appear in some units; these are typically manageable but worth checking during setup and first use.
Snow Joe 48V 18" IONMAX Cordless Blower
Provides a capable 18" clearing width with dual 4Ah batteries for steady runtime in light-to-medium snow. It’s a sensible cordless choice for patios, short driveways, and sidewalks where mobility matters.
Overview
The Snow Joe 48V 18" IONMAX model balances portability and solid performance in an 18" package. It ships with two 4Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, which makes it usable out of the box for most light-to-moderate clearing tasks and eliminates the need for extension cords.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
This unit is well suited for sidewalks, patios, and shorter residential driveways, especially where mobility and quick deployment are priorities. The 18" clearing width reduces the number of passes on larger areas, and like similarly sized electric blowers, it will show reduced runtime and throwing distance in wet, dense snow.
Real-world insight
Owners like the immediate usability courtesy of included batteries and the scraper’s ability to reach pavement without damage. For those with larger areas to clear, pairing with a second battery set or considering a wider blower will improve efficiency, but for limited spaces this Snow Joe offers a strong balance of convenience and capability.
Greenworks 40V 16" Compact Snow Thrower
A compact, lightweight machine that makes short work of light powder and small driveways. It’s an economical way to avoid manual shoveling, though it struggles with packed or very heavy snow.
Overview
The Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Snow Blower is a compact, entry-level battery thrower designed for homeowners with short driveways, sidewalks, and porches. It prioritizes lightweight handling and convenience over raw power, making it a sensible step up from a manual shovel for many users.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
This unit is ideal for powdery snow up to roughly 6–8 inches when used correctly (slicing passes rather than attempting one deep pass). It struggles on compacted, crusty, or very wet snow — users report bogging and reduced throwing distance in those conditions. It's a practical pick for elderly or mobility-limited users who want to avoid heavy lifting.
Real-world insight
Users appreciate how manageable the tool is: it’s almost vacuum-cleaner light and simple to set up. For those with longer driveways or frequent heavy storms, it will likely be a seasonal supplement rather than a full replacement for a larger blower. Pairing with spare batteries can extend work sessions but won’t fully overcome the power limits inherent to the compact design.
Toro 60V 12" Power Shovel Tool
A light, narrow power shovel that excels in confined areas and for small sidewalks or decks. It’s a convenient bare-tool option for those already invested in the Toro 60V battery ecosystem.
Overview
The Toro 60V MAX 12" Power Shovel is a narrow, easy-to-handle power shovel designed for small areas that larger blowers cannot reach. As a bare tool, it is ideal for users who already own compatible Toro batteries or who want a dedicated, purpose-built shovel without the charger or battery included.
Key features and benefits
Practical use and limitations
This is a specialist tool: it does a great job where a large blower won’t fit — tight steps, porch thresholds, and between outdoor furniture. It is not intended to replace a full-size blower for driveways. Buyers should plan to purchase compatible Toro 60V batteries if not already owned.
Real-world insight
Users who live in apartments, or with small pathways, appreciate the simplicity and convenience. For homeowners with long driveways or frequent heavy storms, this is a supplemental tool rather than the primary solution.
Final Thoughts
Recommended pick — EGO POWER+ 21" Dual-Battery Blower (Expert rating: 9.5/10). It delivers the closest thing to gas-like clearing among the group. With its dual-battery setup and strong throwing distance, it is the best choice for medium to large driveways where power and range matter. Homeowners who want robust performance and fewer passes should choose this model.
Runner-up — Toro 60V 21" Self-Propel Snow Blower (Expert rating: 9/10). It pairs a high-capacity 60V battery and a self-propelled chassis for long runs on larger properties. It is ideal for long driveways and heavier sessions where operator fatigue and runtime are major concerns. The rapid charger option makes it especially useful for back-to-back clearings.
For smaller areas or tight spaces, the Snow Joe 48V 18" IONMAX or the Toro 60V 12" Power Shovel provide compact, easy-stow solutions, but they lack the raw clearing power and range of the two recommended models above.
I ended up buying the EGO SNT2112 last winter and honestly it felt like cheating vs my old gas unit.
Cleared my 2-car driveway in one pass most days, and the throwing distance is wild.
Battery life was good — swapped between the two packs and kept going.
Downside: it is heavier than the tiny electric shovels and pricier, but for the time saved it was worth it to me.
Anyone else think EGO is just overbuilt compared to the rest? 😊
I’m jealous! 😂 I live on a hill so throwing distance matters. Good to know the batteries lasted through a driveway.
Laura, one tip from readers: keep the batteries warm before use (inside) — cold reduces runtime noticeably.
Thanks for the firsthand take, Laura — that matches the expert verdict we saw (near gas-like clearing power). Did you ever have issues with wet, heavy snow or is that where it struggled?
I haven’t used the EGO, but I had similar experience with a battery mower—powerful but heavier. For wet/heavy snow I find multiple short passes work best.
Haha, the Toro 12 in. power shovel sounds like something my lazy future self would use to avoid shoveling the deck.
But seriously, if you have decks or stairs it’s way better than lugging a full blower up/down. Lightweight and quick.
Quick question about battery ecosystems: Greenworks has 60V and 40V models listed here — are the batteries interchangeable between the two? Also if I buy the Toro 12″ power shovel (tool only), can I pick up its battery anywhere or is it proprietary?
Trying to avoid buying a dozen batteries for each brand.
Thanks — I mostly have hand tools and a Toro leaf blower. Might lean Toro then. Appreciate the advice.
If you need help choosing a single platform based on the tools you already own, tell us which outdoor tools you have and we can suggest one.
I made the mistake of mixing brands — painful. Stick with one platform if you can. I went Greenworks 60V for my mower + blower + snowblower, very convenient.
Good question. Generally, battery platforms aren’t cross-compatible between voltages or brands. Greenworks 60V batteries won’t fit 40V tools. Toro’s 60V battery fits Toro 60V tools but not other brands. Buying into one ecosystem usually saves money long-term.
One workaround: some retailers sell adapter plates but they can be janky and void warranties. Not worth it imo.
Comparing Greenworks Pro 60V 22″ vs EGO 21″ — I debated hard between the two. In the end I chose Greenworks Pro because of the 22″ path and dual-battery setup.
Pros for me: wider clearing, decent throwing distance, and the price was a bit friendlier than EGO.
Cons: EGO felt slightly more ‘torquey’ on packed snow from reviews.
If you have a long driveway and want near-gas power go EGO, but for wider path + runtime Greenworks Pro is a killer value.
Anyone else have a tie-breaker opinion?
Thanks everyone — seems like the decision often comes down to whether you prioritize raw power (EGO) or width/runtime value (Greenworks Pro).
Ben, did you notice any difference in build quality? I worry about plastics cracking over years.
Daniel — both feel solid, but EGO’s housing felt a bit more beefy. Greenworks used more plastic in non-structural parts, but no issues after 2 winters so far.
I voted with my wallet and got the Greenworks — the dual-battery switchover saved me from mid-job recharges a couple times.
Great breakdown, Ben. Experts gave EGO a 9.5 for power/range but Greenworks Pro 8.8 for wider clearing and runtime — your experience fits that. If you plan heavy use, EGO edges out; for longer width and battery redundancy, Greenworks is solid.
Worx WG471 looked interesting because of storage/size. Anyone compared noise levels between the Worx and the Greenworks Pro 60V? I live in a neighborhood with early-morning noise rules and don’t want to wake the block.
Perfect — thanks. I suspected brushless would be quieter. I’ll prioritize that then.
My Worx was noticeably quieter than my friend’s gas blower. Battery brushless motors are generally quieter than gas. I think Greenworks 60V is similar — both are pretty neighbor-friendly.
Noise-wise: brushless battery snow blowers like Worx and Greenworks are much quieter than gas — approximate difference ~10-15 dB depending on model. If noise is a top concern, look for brushless models (both listed are brushless).
Thinking of the Toro 60V MAX self-propelled one — anyone used it on a long-ish driveway (~80 ft) and heavy wet snow? The review says best for large driveways, but curious about real-world runtime.
I have the Toro 60V and it handled my 70ft driveway fine for light-medium snow. For heavy wet snow I had to do more passes and recharge sooner than advertised, but the self-propel feature saves your back.