Ryobi's Quiet Cordless Leaf Blower Is 20% Off Right Now

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• Ryobi Whisper Series blower is $70 off at Home Depot, ideal for autumn leaf cleanup tasks.
• The Ryobi blower reaches 180 MPH and weighs 10 pounds, handling thick leaves and debris with ease and efficiency.
• Ryobi's 8.0 Ah battery has up to an 85-minute runtime and works across the Ryobi 40V ecosystem

As soon as fall arrives, my tree-covered backyard covers my deck in leaves, and the classic rake just doesn't cut it. Last year I started using the Ryobi Whisper Series 800 CFM Cordless Battery Leaf Blower, and it packs all the muscle of a gas-powered blower without the fumes, noise, or weight. In fact, it earned the coveted superlative of quietest operation in our guide to the best leaf blowers.

Right now, Home Depot has it marked down 20%, dropping the price from $349 to $279, giving you a chance to snag it before peak leaf drop hits your yard. Because one day, a blanket of leaves just sort of coats your lawn, and you want something fast and easy to clean up with. Don't forget some work gloves and debris bags for your yard cleanup.

See all Home Depot Daily Deals.

Why you'll love it

Uncompromising power from a battery. The 800 CFM model can reach up to 180 miles per hour, making quick work of your lawn cleanup. This particular Ryobi is the most powerful in the Whisper Series lineup. It dislodged thick layers of compacted leaves and even pushed out pinecones, small brush, and acorns. It would have no issue clearing heavy, wet pile leaves, too. The 8.0 Ah battery it comes with has a runtime of about 85 minutes and takes two hours to fully recharge. It's also available in a slightly less powerful 650 CFM for $249 and a 550 CFM model for $149; both come with a single 4.0 Ah battery

Comfortable controls, though two hands are best. It has a variable control to adjust wind strength and power without holding down a trigger, making it more comfortable to hold. It does not, however, have any straps, and at 10 pounds, it is most balanced when held with both hands.

Quieter than other leaf blowers. Its 59-decibel output (on low) is about the equivalent of a running refrigerator and less than that of a standard vacuum cleaner. At max speed, it topped out around 76 decibels, measured from six feet away. This is a major difference from comparable brands, and Ryobi claims it's 82% quieter than gas, which can reach up to 100 decibels, louder than a subway train. If you live close to a neighbor, you can clear your yard without disturbing their peace.

Works with other Ryobi products in the ecosystem. Ryobi maintains that any 40V battery works with any 40V product, meaning that the included 8.0 Ah battery is compatible with other Ryobi 40V outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, chain saws, and snow blowers.

I'd buy the set with the battery, since it's only a $50 difference to go the tool-only route. Backup batteries start at $159 for a 4.0 Ah battery, which has half the capacity of the 8.0 Ah.

The bottom line

This deal is ideal for people with tree-heavy yards who want to breeze through fall cleanup without disturbing the neighborhood. While it comes with a heavier, more premium design and price tag than entry-level models, I think it easily justifies the cost through its impressive blowing power, quiet operation, and trigger-free, easy handling. Plus, if you're already a fan of Ryobi and a user of its 40V power equipment, you can seamlessly swap batteries with the rest of your collection.