The Best Snow Blowers for Every Budget in 2025
Ditch the shovel and upgrade to one of these top-rated machines.
Our Top Snow Blower Picks
- Best Cordless Electric: EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 21" Brushless Cordless Electric Snow Blower
- Best Corded Electric: Snow Joe SJ672E Electric Snow Blower
- Best Gas: Toro Power Clear 721 E 21" 212cc Stage 1 Self-Propelled Electric-Start Gas Snow Blower
- Best Value: PowerSmart 18-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower
- Best Compact: VOLTASK 24-Volt Cordless Snow Shovel
Shoveling a snowy walkway once or twice a year isn't so bad. But if you live in a snow-prone region, winter is shovel season, and it gets old fast. However, you can't ignore it. A snow-covered walkway or driveway is dangerous and could turn into an ice-covered walkway or driveway, which is even worse. So, if you've had it with the shovel, it might be time to upgrade to a snow blower. These magical machines scoop up inches and inches of snow and blast it out of the way, leaving your sidewalk, patio and driveway tidy and clear. Like a leaf blower, there are a lot of choices when it comes to snow blowers. It's important to buy the right one for your needs and snow accumulation. We've created a handy shopping guide below with the best snow blowers for every size and budget, from electric to gas to gas with an electric start. Read on to see which snowblower is right for you and your home this winter.
How to Choose the Right Snow Blower
The first thing to consider when shopping for a snow blower is snow accumulation in your area and how often you plan to use your snow blower. Machines are measured in stages of snow. Stage 1 snow means a snow blower can handle around six to eight inches of snow. Stage 2 and 3 snow means a snow blower can handle more than 10 inches of snow and can often operate on unpaved, gravel surfaces, too. Gas snow blowers are available in all stages whereas electric snow blowers are only made for Stage 1 snow and should never be used on an unpaved surface.
Snow Blower Features
- Auger: The rotating corkscrew shaft in a snow blower that picks up snow.
- Electric Start: The instant-start button on a gas-powered snow blower.
- Self-Propelled: A snow blower that mechanically moves forward, saving time and energy.
- Stage 1: A snow blower that can handle around six inches of snow. These are best suited for walkways and small driveways.
- Stage 2: A snow blower than can handle more than 10 inches of snow. These are best suited for medium to large driveways.
- Stage 3: A snow blower that can handle more than 20 inches of snow. These can also tackle heavy snowfall and ice.
Another difference in the snow stages and snow blower design is the auger. This corkscrew-shaped piece is how the machine pulls snow up from the ground. In a Stage 1 snow blower, the auger both pulls the snow and throws it out, usually up to 36 feet away. Because of this, sometimes a Stage 1 snow blower is called a snow thrower. However, in a Stage 2 or commercial Stage 3 snowblower, the auger only pulls the snow. An additional, more powerful piece called an impeller takes the picked-up snow and shoots it as far as 60 feet away.
Like other outdoor yard equipment, gas can tackle a big job and will give you more power than electric, but there are other features to look for as well. Like a lawn mower, snow blowers come in manual and self-propelled. Many snow blowers are outfitted with a headlight since the days are so short in the winter. If you need the power of gas but want the quick start of electric, there are now hybrid snow blowers with engines that run on gas but feature an electric push-to-start button. It's the best of both worlds.
Best Cordless Electric Snow Blower
EGO claims this is the only electric snow blower that's as powerful as gas. If you need a snow blower for the driveway, this machine is a great all-around buy. It's cordless, so long driveways aren't a problem. For under $700, you get an average clearing width of 21 inches and a chute that can spray 35 feet away.
Best Corded Electric Snow Blower
For smaller jobs like maintaining a walkway or patio, this Snow Joe is your buy. We almost named it the best budget snow blower and consider it the best budget electric snow blower. More than 5,000 Amazon shoppers agree and say this model is perfect for clearing decks, walkways and more.
Best Gas Snow Blower
A gas engine with an electric start, this Toro Stage 1 snow blower is the best of both worlds, and it makes the job so much easier with a self-propelled assist. If you're looking for a gas snow blower for weekly winter driveway and sidewalk maintenance, this is your best buy.
Best Value Snow Blower
Gas snow blowers can cost as much as $3,000 (yes, really!) so we were shocked to see this Stage 1 electric snow blower from PowerSmart for well under $200. It's on the smaller side for clearing width at just 17 inches, but it'll make up for time and extra passes with its powerful 15-amp motor.
Best Compact Snow Blower
Sometimes called an electric snow shovel, this tiny little snow blower is great for urban homes with small walkways. At just over seven pounds, it's great for storage, too.
