Top 10 Snow Blowers of 2025: Ultimate Guide for Winter Clean-Up

Snow blowers are essential tools in areas that experience many snowstorms each winter because they clear snow much faster and easier than shoveling. Single-stage models are a great alternative to snow shovels for small jobs and light snowfall, while two-stage snow blowers work faster and more efficiently when clearing heavy snow, leaving your driveway and sidewalk clear and dry all winter long.

Types of Snow Blowers

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

A single-stage gas snow blower is best for light to medium snow up to 9 inches. Single-stage electric snow blowers are best used for light snow up to 6 inches. A single-stage battery-powered model is best for light snow up to 6 inches. Single-stage blowers are so called because they have one curved paddle that collects the snow and ejects it through the chute. This is the limiting factor in how far the snow can be thrown, as well as the volume that can pass through the machine. Single-stage units are simple to operate, lightweight, easy to maneuver, and typically less expensive than two-stage machines.

Two-Stage Snow Blowers

A two-stage gas snow blower is best for heavy to medium snow up to 16 inches, while a compact two-stage gas snow blower is best for only medium snow up to 16 inches. Two-stage units have a horizontal auger that collects snow and pushes it to a separate, rotating impeller that ejects it. Two-stage machines can throw snow 30 to 60 feet, which makes it easier to clear large areas without piling snow that you’ll just have to move again.

Three-Stage Snow Blowers

Three-stage gas models are the latest breed of snow blower, aimed at homeowners who have to contend with 18 inches or more of wet, heavy snow. It allows you to clear snow more quickly, especially big piles at the foot of a driveway.

Power Snow Shovels

We also test power snow shovels, which are meant to clear just a few inches of snow from a small area, such as a short walkway or an elevated deck.

Top 10 Snow Blowers for 2025

1. Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-Inch Snow Blower

After five winters of testing, the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch snow blower is the first tool we reach for. Its speed blows away everything else we saw in our tests, and its simple, intuitive controls make clearing deep snow a job you can (almost) enjoy. Two unusual features¡ªa high-capacity auger and a drive system that matches your pace as you walk¡ªmake the SnowMaster faster and easier to maneuver than any other snow blower we’ve tested. We’ve used a SnowMaster through seven New Hampshire winters, and we continue to be impressed with its snow-clearing abilities. We even put it head-to-head against a 30-inch two-stage Troy-Bilt behemoth, and in each test the smaller SnowMaster got the upper hand. In fact, with this machine in the shed, we haven’t seriously considered using any of our bigger, pricier snow blowers.

• Pros: Fast snow clearing, intuitive controls, easy to maneuver
• Cons: Requires maintenance like oil changes and belt tightening

Shop Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE on Amazon

2. Cub Cadet 2X 24″ Intellipower Snow Blower

Self-propelled snow blowers take on the strenuous task of clearing snow, and during testing, the Cub Cadet 2X 24″ Intellipower Snow Blower stood out for being easy to maneuver, which is a welcome feature when cleaning up after a snowstorm. After a mild winter when we tested it initially, the next year hit us with as much as two feet of snow in 10 days, and this snow blower handled it all with ease. We had no issues clearing a five-car-wide driveway and 60-foot-long sidewalk, even in minus-25 wind chill. We cleared our extra-wide driveway, then tackled our neighbor’s driveway and sidewalks while we were at it (about 70 feet in total), and all with very little effort. The electric start instantly fired up the snow blower, and the choke was simple to adjust and forgiving.

• Pros: Easy to maneuver, powerful for heavy snow, quick setup
• Cons: Higher price point

Shop Cub Cadet 2X 24″ Intellipower on Amazon

3. Ego Power+ Auger-Propelled Snow Blower

After testing the Ego Power+ Auger-Propelled Snow Blower for over a year on our two-car driveway and sidewalk (with up to 10 inches of wet, heavy snow), we found it to be an excellent, budget-friendly, battery-operated model. Even for a first-time snow blower user, this model was easy to set up (it only took us 10 minutes), easy to start (thanks to the electric push-button start), and easy to operate with intuitive controls. During testing, we found that this snow blower drained its batteries to about half capacity after 15 minutes of solid use. That’s enough to clear a single car driveway, but it took two charges to clear our 2.5 car driveway.

• Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to use, no gas or oil needed
• Cons: Limited battery life for larger areas

Shop Ego Power+ Snow Blower on Amazon

4. Toro Power Max 828 OAE Snow Blower

Thanks to its joystick-like controls, wide coverage, and ability to handle deeper snowfall than many other two-stage models, the Toro Power Max 828 OAE snow blower is ideal for climates with heavy snowfalls every winter. Its large intake sits above the ground, enabling use on gravel and uneven surfaces, and it has a broad 28-inch swath that can clear snow up to 21 inches deep and throw it an impressive 45 feet. During testing, this model performed exceptionally well. Its Quick Stick controls and power steering made one-handed turning easy, and its knobby 16-inch tires provided ample traction in slick conditions.

• Pros: Handles deep snow, great for gravel surfaces, powerful
• Cons: Expensive, requires storage space

Shop Toro Power Max 828 OAE on Amazon

5. DeWalt 60V MAX Snow Blower

We took delivery of DeWalt’s 60V MAX Snow Blower in late winter, so we didn’t have a chance to run it through our normal battery of tests. However, we did get to use it after two snowstorms, and it did not disappoint. With two 60-volt 12Ah batteries, it had plenty of power to clear 6 inches of snow right down to the pavement. Its light weight in comparison to a similar sized gas machine made it easy to handle and maneuver, while simple controls added to its ease of operation. We were able to clear a fair amount of snow on a single charge, equivalent to about a 120-foot driveway, covered with 5- to 6 inches of snow¡ªwith enough battery left to clear walkways.

• Pros: Lightweight, powerful battery, easy controls
• Cons: Not ideal for gravel surfaces

Shop DeWalt 60V MAX Snow Blower on Amazon

6. Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower

The Snow Joe 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is a conveniently compact and quiet snow blower that is easy to operate. Installation out of the box only takes about 20 minutes. After charging the batteries, which takes a couple of hours, you can remove light snow from your property. Ease of Use: The Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 48V Max Cordless Snow Blower is incredibly easy to use, especially for those new to snow blowers. It took a few minutes to assemble, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, even without self-propulsion.

• Pros: Compact, quiet, easy assembly
• Cons: Limited to light snow, plastic construction raises durability concerns

Shop Snow Joe 48V Max on Amazon

7. Troy-Bilt Squall 123R

The single-stage Troy-Bilt Squall 123R comes equipped with a rubber paddle auger that contacts the ground to help pull the machine forward into the snow. The ejected snow is directed using a manual handle to control the chute, which we had to stop in order to adjust. Using the Squall, it took us 4 minutes and 31 seconds to clear our 6- by 8- by 5.5-foot test area, throwing the wet sawdust well clear of the space. We were able to clear nearly all the wet sawdust from the pavement, due to the paddle’s direct contact with the pavement.

• Pros: Affordable, effective for light snow, easy to maneuver
• Cons: Manual chute adjustment, limited throwing distance

Shop Troy-Bilt Squall 123R on Amazon

8. Husqvarna ST224

If you’re tired of getting snowbound at the end of a long driveway every winter, the Husqvarna ST224 is exactly what you need to dig your way out. This powerful two-stage pick offers chute control, multiple speed settings, and a four-cycle engine to get through any storm.

• Pros: Powerful engine, multiple speeds, reliable for heavy snow
• Cons: Requires regular maintenance

Shop Husqvarna ST224 on Amazon

9. Greenworks 80V Cordless Snow Blower

With its beefy 80V battery power, this snow thrower from Greenworks delivers a surprising level of performance. The battery produces enough juice to put this cordless snow blower on par with gas and corded single-stage snow blowers, while its intake can clear a 20-inch-wide path and handle snow up to 10 inches deep. Thanks to its 2.0Ah battery and rapid recharging capabilities, this Greenworks snow thrower lasts about 45 minutes on a single charge (we actually got an hour out of it in light snow) and recharges in 30 minutes.

• Pros: Long battery life, powerful for electric model, quick recharge
• Cons: Chute clogs in wet snow

Shop Greenworks 80V Snow Blower on Amazon

10. Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower

According to user reviews, the Snow Joe 15-Amp 22-in Corded Electric Snow Blower excels in light snow conditions. The motor throws snow a great deal, often exceeding expectations for an electric blower, so it easily clears driveways and sidewalks. With its lightweight design, users can clear smaller areas fast and efficiently. A corded power supply ensures consistent performance without battery concerns, making it ideal for quick cleanups after light snowfalls.

• Pros: Lightweight, no battery concerns, great for light snow
• Cons: Cord management can be tricky

Shop Snow Joe 15-Amp Snow Blower on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Snow Blowers

Model	Power Type	Clearing Width	Snow Depth Capacity	Throwing Distance	Price Range
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE	Gas	24 inches	Up to 16 inches	Up to 40 feet	$900-$1,200
Cub Cadet 2X 24″ Intellipower	Gas	24 inches	Up to 24 inches	Up to 50 feet	$1,200-$1,600
Ego Power+ Auger-Propelled	Battery	21 inches	Up to 10 inches	Up to 35 feet	$600-$800
Toro Power Max 828 OAE	Gas	28 inches	Up to 21 inches	Up to 45 feet	$1,500-$2,000
DeWalt 60V MAX	Battery	21 inches	Up to 6 inches	Up to 30 feet	$700-$900
Snow Joe 48V Max	Battery	22 inches	Up to 6 inches	Up to 20 feet	$300-$500
Troy-Bilt Squall 123R	Gas	21 inches	Up to 9 inches	Up to 25 feet	$400-$600
Husqvarna ST224	Gas	24 inches	Up to 16 inches	Up to 40 feet	$1,000-$1,300
Greenworks 80V	Battery	20 inches	Up to 10 inches	Up to 30 feet	$500-$700
Snow Joe 15-Amp Corded	Electric	22 inches	Up to 6 inches	Up to 25 feet	$200-$300

Testing Scenarios and Performance

To test how well each model removes snow, we time how fast each blower cuts through the dense mixture and note how far the sawdust is thrown and how clean the surface is. The Overall Score for each model combines results from these performance tests as well as results of our survey of tens of thousands of CR members, which inform our brand reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. We test single-, two-, and three-stage gas snow blowers from brands including Ariens, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Honda, Husqvarna, Toro, and Troy-Bilt. And we look at lighter-duty, single-stage, and two-stage electric blowers from brands like Ego and Snow Joe, as well as power snow shovels from brands like Greenworks and Toro.
Once 10 inches of heavy, wet snow was on the ground, we used these tools to clear two 75-foot-long, 4-car driveways, about 200 feet of sidewalk, several small walkways, and the plow-piled snow at the ends of both driveways. We also ran the snow blowers over a loose gravel driveway and a compact gravel road to test their abilities on challenging terrain. We tested ease of use for pull-cord and electric starters and runtime for battery-powered models.

Buying Guide for Snow Blowers

Consider Your Snowfall and Area

• If you have a short driveway and a garage attached to your house, you might get away with a decent snow shovel.
• If you live in an area that rarely gets pummeled by winter storms, you might save some time and money by hiring a plow truck once or twice a winter.
• If you get three or more big snowstorms per year or you can’t afford to get trapped in your house while you wait for a plow service, a snow blower is definitely for you.

Power Source

• Gas: Best for heavy snow and large areas but requires maintenance like oil changes and fuel stabilization.
• Battery: Quieter, no gas or oil needed, but limited by battery life. Ideal for smaller areas.
• Electric (Corded): Lightweight and low maintenance but limited by cord length.

Key Features to Look For

• Easy Steering: Two-stage models typically have handlebar triggers that let you disengage either drive wheel for easier steering.
• Drive System: Most two-stage snow blowers have multiple ground speeds. Some models have a hydrostatic transmission for smooth speed variation.
• LED Lights: Useful for clearing snow in low-light conditions.
• Remote Chute Control: Allows you to adjust the snow direction without stopping.

Maintenance Tips

• Change the spark plug once a year before winter.
• Check and change the engine oil before each snow-blowing session.
• Add a fuel stabilizer to keep gasoline fresh for up to a year.
• Clean the machine after use and inspect the power cord or battery regularly for electric models.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers?

Single-stage snow blowers use one auger to collect and eject snow, making them ideal for light snow up to 9 inches. Two-stage models use an auger to collect snow and an impeller to throw it, handling heavier snow up to 16 inches and throwing it farther.

Are battery-powered snow blowers as effective as gas models?

Battery-powered snow blowers are effective for light to medium snow and smaller areas, offering quieter operation and no fuel maintenance. However, gas models are better for heavy snow and larger areas due to their power and longer runtime.

How often should I maintain my snow blower?

Gas snow blowers require annual maintenance, including oil changes, spark plug replacement, and fuel stabilization. Electric and battery models need minimal maintenance, mainly cleaning and cord or battery inspections.

Can I use a snow blower on a gravel driveway?

Yes, but choose a model with adjustable skid shoes or a high intake, like the Toro Power Max 828 OAE, to avoid picking up gravel. Test on a small area first to ensure compatibility.

When is the best time to buy a snow blower?

For the best selection, shop as early as May when inventory is high. For the best prices, wait until January or February when retailers may offer discounts to clear inventory.

Conclusion

The best snow blower for you depends on your snowfall, property size, and preferences for power source and maintenance. Whether you choose the powerful Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE for speed or the budget-friendly Ego Power+ for ease of use, these top 10 models for 2025 will make winter clean-up efficient and manageable. For more information on snow blower maintenance, check out Consumer Reports’ Snow Blower Buying Guide.