Quick verdict
The Ryobi 40V cordless backpack blower is the pick for most Ryobi owners. It moves 625 CFM at 145 MPH, runs on the Ryobi 40V battery platform, and adds a variable-speed throttle with cruise control, so it clears real leaf loads quietly without gas.
Ryobi 40
This 40V cordless backpack blower moves 625 CFM at 145 MPH and works with Ryobi's 40V batteries and chargers, so it slots into a platform many homeowners already own. It uses a variable-speed throttle with cruise control, and Ryobi markets it as its quietest backpack blower, which helps when working near a house.
The best Ryobi backpack leaf blower compared, from the 625 CFM 40V model to 850 CFM Whisper Series units, ranked on power, runtime and battery platform.
Why you should trust this guide
I research Ryobi backpack blowers by reading each listing for its stated CFM, MPH, battery voltage and amp-hours, included accessories and runtime claims, then I compare those numbers against what a backpack is for: carrying the weight on your shoulders while you clear a lot of ground. I stay with Ryobi’s published figures and flag when a listing is thin on detail.
I am not claiming to have worn each of these blowers for a full leaf season. What I can do honestly is separate the battery Ryobi models by airflow and included battery, and clearly mark the gas Husqvarna as a different-brand alternative, so you know exactly what power source and platform you are buying into.
How we evaluated
The main criteria are airflow in CFM and speed in MPH for clearing power, whether the battery and charger are included, and the size of that battery, since a backpack blower rewards you with longer runtime when it carries a big pack. Ryobi’s Whisper Series branding also signals a quieter tool, which I weigh for anyone working near a home.
I consider the runtime claims in context, noting that the longest figures assume the low, variable-speed setting rather than full power. Where a result runs on gas or a different brand, I label it plainly so the comparison stays honest.
What to look for
- CFM and MPH together, since a backpack blower is chosen to move large leaf volumes quickly
- Whether the battery and charger are included or the tool is sold bare
- Included battery amp-hours, because a bigger pack means longer runtime on the same platform
- Whisper Series or a low dB claim if you want quieter operation near a house
- A variable-speed throttle with cruise control so you can hold a comfortable pace
- Runtime claims read with care, as the longest ones assume low power settings
- Battery platform fit, so the pack matches other Ryobi 40V tools you own
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi 40 | Best Overall | Check price | |
| 40V HP Brushless 850 CFM Backpack Blower Kit | Best Value | Check price | |
| RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 180 MPH 850 CFM Cordle | Best Premium | Check price | |
| RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 190 MPH 730 CFM Blower | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Husqvarna 150BT Gas Leaf Blower | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Ryobi 40
This 40V cordless backpack blower moves 625 CFM at 145 MPH and works with Ryobi's 40V batteries and chargers, so it slots into a platform many homeowners already own. It uses a variable-speed throttle with cruise control, and Ryobi markets it as its quietest backpack blower, which helps when working near a house.
Reasons to buy
- Works with Ryobi 40v. Batteries and chargers
- Industry’s quietest backpack blower
- 625 CFM 145 MPH
- Variable speed throttle and cruise control
Reasons to avoid
- It is sold as a tool only, so the battery and charger are not included
- Its 625 CFM trails the newer 850 CFM Whisper Series models for the heaviest leaf loads
40V HP Brushless 850 CFM Backpack Blower Kit
The 40V HP Brushless 850 CFM backpack kit steps output up to 850 CFM at 180 MPH with a brushless motor, and the listing cites over 2 hours of runtime plus dual operating modes. It is part of Ryobi's Whisper Series for quieter running and is described as 40 percent lighter than the previous model.
Reasons to buy
- High-Performance 40V Technology: Brushless Motor, Advanced Electronics, & High-Performance
- Air Volume & Speed: 850 CFM & 180 MPH
- Extended Runtime: Over 2 Hours
- Quiet Operation: Part of RYOBI's Whisper Series
- Lightweight Design: 40% Lighter Than Previous Model, Comfortable Backpack
Reasons to avoid
- The listing does not specify the included battery size in the details provided
- Higher airflow and a kit configuration raise the cost over the basic 625 CFM model
RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 180 MPH 850 CFM Cordle
This 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series backpack rates 850 CFM at 180 MPH and ships with an 8.0Ah battery and charger, so it is ready to run out of the box. The Whisper Series branding points to quieter operation than gas at a high airflow level.
Reasons to buy
- Backpack Leaf Blower; 850 CFM 180 MPH
Reasons to avoid
- The listing provides only a brief feature summary beyond the core specs
- As a high-output kit it sits at the pricier end of the Ryobi backpack range
RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 190 MPH 730 CFM Blower
This 40V HP Whisper Series unit pushes 730 CFM at 190 MPH and comes with two 6.0Ah batteries plus a backpack battery, and the listing cites 3 hours of runtime on low using the variable-speed trigger. Ryobi says its 40V HP technology has more power than a 27cc gas blower and runs 86 percent quieter than gas.
Reasons to buy
- 40V HP technology has more power than a 27cc gas blower, making it a true gas replacement
- With 730 CFM and 190 MPH this blower is ideal for tackling tough applications, damp/dry le
- 3 hours of runtime using included (2) 40V 6Ah batteries (on low setting using variable spe
- Experience exceptional performance with just the pull of a trigger, without the hassle of
- WHISPER SERIES
Reasons to avoid
- Its 730 CFM airflow is lower than the 850 CFM Whisper models
- The two-battery plus backpack-battery setup adds weight and cost
Husqvarna 150BT Gas Leaf Blower
The Husqvarna 150BT is a gas backpack blower with a 51cc 2-cycle X-Torque engine rated 765 CFM and 270 MPH, and it uses an ergonomic padded harness with a hip belt. If you want gas power and no batteries to charge, it is a capable high-output option.
Reasons to buy
- Husqvarna 150BT Backpack Leaf Blower Gas Powered combines a high powered gas leaf blower w
- Powerful Clearing Performance: The 2-cycle, 51-cc, 2.16-HP engine within these backpack le
- Ergonomic Harness System: This leaf blower backpack features a padded harness, hip belt an
- Easy Operation: Air purge system removes air from carburetor, fuel system for trouble-free
- Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: Gas leaf blowers simplify the process of regular yard maintenan
Reasons to avoid
- It is a Husqvarna gas unit, not a Ryobi, so it needs fuel and 2-cycle oil mixing
- Gas backpack blowers are louder and produce emissions compared with the battery Ryobi models
What to look for
Airflow and speed
Ryobi's battery backpacks here range from 625 CFM up to 850 CFM. The higher-output Whisper Series models clear heavier, wetter leaves faster, while the 625 CFM unit is plenty for routine yard cleanup. Weigh airflow against the size of your property.
Battery included or bare
Some of these are sold as a tool only, like the base 625 CFM backpack, while others ship with an 8.0Ah or two 6.0Ah batteries. If you already own Ryobi 40V packs the bare tool saves money, but a first-time buyer should choose a kit.
Quiet operation
Ryobi markets several of these under its Whisper Series, with claims like 86 percent quieter than gas. If you run a blower early in the morning or near neighbors, that lower noise is a genuine benefit over a gas backpack.
Runtime and battery capacity
Bigger batteries mean longer sessions. The 730 CFM Whisper unit cites 3 hours on low with its two 6.0Ah packs, while the 850 CFM kit cites over 2 hours. Remember those numbers assume the low, variable-speed setting.
Battery versus gas
The Ryobi models are cordless and need charging, while the Husqvarna 150BT alternative runs on a gas engine with a fuel mix. Gas gives you refuel-and-go endurance and high output but adds noise, emissions and maintenance.
Our verdict
The Ryobi 40V cordless backpack blower is the pick for most Ryobi owners. It moves 625 CFM at 145 MPH, runs on the Ryobi 40V battery platform, and adds a variable-speed throttle with cruise control, so it clears real leaf loads quietly without gas.
FAQs
No. That model is sold as a tool only, so the battery and charger are not included. It suits people who already own Ryobi 40V batteries, while first-time buyers should pick one of the Whisper Series kits that ship with a battery.
The 40V HP Whisper Series models rate 850 CFM at 180 MPH, the highest airflow among the Ryobi units here. The 730 CFM Whisper unit trades some airflow for higher air speed and a large included battery set.
Several are part of Ryobi's Whisper Series, with one listing claiming 86 percent quieter than gas. They are noticeably quieter than a gas backpack like the Husqvarna alternative, which makes them friendlier for use near a home.
It depends on the battery. The 730 CFM Whisper unit cites 3 hours on low with its two 6.0Ah packs, and the 850 CFM kit cites over 2 hours. Those figures assume the low, variable-speed setting, not full power.
No. The Husqvarna 150BT is a separate gas backpack blower included as an alternative for buyers who still want fuel power. It runs a 51cc 2-cycle engine and needs a gas and oil mix rather than a battery.