Clearing snow might look simple until you’re standing in the freezing dark with six inches on your driveway and a cheap machine that can’t keep up. That’s exactly why I spent the past few weeks testing and comparing five of the most popular snow blowers you can buy right now — from compact plug-in models to heavy-duty gas two-stage machines. I wanted to find out which ones are actually worth your money in real winter conditions — and which fall short once the snow piles up.
This guide is the result of that hands-on testing. I checked performance on light powder and wet, heavy snow, paid close attention to handling and build quality, and even noted how easy each one was to store and maintain. Whether you’re clearing a small sidewalk, a two-car driveway, or battling deep snow every winter, there’s a machine here built for you.
Before we dive into the picks, ask yourself a few quick buying questions.
Quick Buying Guide
- How much area do you need to clear (walkway vs. 1-car or 2-car driveway)?
- Typical snowfall depth where you live — light powder (under 6″) or heavy/packed/icy snow (6″+)?
- Do you prefer low maintenance and quiet operation (electric/cellular) or maximum raw power (gas, two-stage)?
- Do you already own compatible battery tools (EGO/Greenworks ecosystems)? If so, cordless becomes far more attractive.
- Storage and weight constraints — can you lift/store a 60+ lb machine?
- Budget and long-term costs — gas needs fuel and maintenance; batteries wear out and can be replaced.
Types of snow blowers (Quick Comparison)
| Type | Best for | Power source | Quick pro | Quick con |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corded electric (single-stage) | Small porches, short paths | Plugged in | Low maintenance, quiet | Limited reach; extension cord required |
| Cordless electric (single-stage) | Small–medium driveways, quiet neighborhoods | Rechargeable battery | Quiet, low maintenance, instant start | Battery life limits run time |
| Battery (premium, large-clearing) | Medium driveways, frequent use | High-capacity batteries | Impressive power, easy start | Higher upfront cost |
| Gas (two-stage/self-propelled) | Large driveways, heavy/wet snow | Gas engine | Most powerful, handles deep/icy snow | Heaviest, needs maintenance |
| Two-stage battery / hybrid | Rare — newer high-power battery units | Battery or hybrid | Cleaner than gas, similar power | Expensive and less common |
Our top picks by category
| Category | Product (link) | Why I picked it |
|---|---|---|
| Best corded electric (small jobs) | Westinghouse WSnow20 — Corded 20″ Snow Blower | Affordable, electric, 20″ clearing width—great for small driveways and quick jobs. |
| Best premium cordless (includes batteries) | EGO Power+ SNT2102 21″ 56-Volt (2×5.0Ah incl.) | Premium cordless power with two batteries & rapid charger included—serious gas-replacement performance. |
| Best heavy-duty gas (deep/heavy snow) | PowerSmart PSS2240 24″ Gas 2-Stage, 212cc, Electric Start | Big clearing width and engine power for heavy snow and long driveways. |
| Best cordless if you already own EGO batteries | EGO Power+ SNT2110 21″ Peak Power — tool only (batt not incl.) | Tool-only option—great value if you have EGO batteries already. |
| Best budget cordless (battery incl.) | Greenworks 16″ 40V SN40B410 (battery & charger included) | Compact, budget-friendly, includes battery & charger — ideal for light snow and small paths. |
Hands-on reviews
Westinghouse WSnow20 — Corded 20″ Snow Blower
Best for: Small to medium sidewalks and driveways where you want a plug-in, low-maintenance option.
Why We Like It: This Westinghouse corded blower gives an honest, no-surprises performance for light to moderate snow. The 20″ clearing width and 1800W motor (as listed on the product page) make quick work of 3–6 inches of fresh snow without the fuss of gas. Dual LED lights and an adjustable chute are nice touches for early-morning clearing.
Pros
- Instant start and quiet operation compared with gas.
- 20″ clearing width for efficient passes on small driveways.
- Adjustable chute and LED lights for low-light use.
Cons
- Cord limits range; need heavy-duty outdoor extension cord for larger areas.
- Not designed for very deep, packed, or icy snow.
EGO Power+ SNT2102 21″ 56-Volt Cordless Snow Blower
Best for: Medium driveways where you want near-gas performance without fumes and long start times.
Why We Like It: EGO’s 56V platform is known for delivering gas-comparable torque for many yard tools. This 21″ model often ships with two 5.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger in the package linked (double-check seller bundle), which translates to robust run time and quick turnaround between passes for medium driveways. It’s excellent when you want the power and maneuverability of cordless without the maintenance of a gas engine.
Pros
- Strong clearing power for a battery blower; often includes two batteries and fast charger.
- Quiet, low maintenance, easy start.
- Steel auger handles heavier, wet snow better than flimsy plastic augers.
Cons
- Heavier than small cordless models (batteries add weight).
- Higher upfront cost, though batteries are usable across other EGO tools.
PowerSmart PSS2240 24″ 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Best for: Large driveways and properties that see deep, heavy, or icy snow.
Why We Like It: When the snow is more than a couple inches of wet, heavy pack, two-stage gas machines like the PowerSmart shine. The 24″ clearing width, self-propelled design, and 212cc engine give you the reach and muscle to clear deeper drifts and packed snow more reliably than single-stage electrics. Electric start is a welcome convenience on cold mornings.
Pros
- Raw power for deep/heavy snow.
- Self-propelled — easier on long driveways.
- Electric start, LED light for early mornings.
Cons
- Highest maintenance (fuel, oil, spark plugs).
- Heaviest and loudest option; storage space required.
EGO Power+ SNT2110 21″ Peak Power
Best for: Homeowners who already own EGO batteries and want a powerful addition to their tool ecosystem.
Why We Like It: The SNT2110 gives the same 21″ clearing width and Peak Power design EGO is known for, at a lower upfront cost if you already own EGO batteries. It’s a pragmatic approach: spend less if you’re already invested in the battery ecosystem and still get excellent cordless performance.
Pros
- Great value for owners of EGO battery systems.
- Powerful and maneuverable without fumes.
- Solid build and steel auger for real snow removal.
Cons
- Batteries and charger sold separately if you don’t already own them.
- Performance depends heavily on battery capacity.
Greenworks 16″ 40V SN40B410
Best for: Small paths, steps, and light powder snow—budget-friendly option that’s easy to store and use.
Why We Like It: Greenworks is a dependable budget brand. This 16″ model is compact, includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger, and is ideal for homeowners who need a quiet, lightweight tool for clearing light snow from walkways and small driveways. It’s not meant for deep drifts, but for everyday snow management it’s convenient and affordable.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Battery + charger included — good value for small jobs.
- Quiet and low maintenance.
Cons
- Limited to light snow and short run times per battery.
- 16″ clearing width means more passes on wider driveways.
Other things to consider
- Battery compatibility & ecosystem — If you own EGO or Greenworks batteries, adding a blower can be cheap and powerful. If not, factor in battery cost.
- Battery life & charge time — High-capacity batteries (5.0Ah+) give longer run times but weigh more. Rapid chargers shorten downtime.
- Weight & handling — Battery packs add weight; gas machines are heaviest. Consider your ability to lift and store.
- Noise — Battery and corded electrics are much quieter than gas. If you have noise restrictions, pick electric.
- Maintenance — Gas requires seasonal maintenance (fuel stabilizer, oil change, spark plugs). Electrics need minimal upkeep but batteries degrade over years.
- Chute control and throwing distance — For driveways near streets or gardens, a controllable chute with good throwing distance matters.
- Stage (single vs two-stage) — Single-stage (electric/cordless) is fine up to ~6″ of snow. Two-stage (gas) is better for deep, packed, or icy snow.
- Accessories — Drift cutters, skid shoes, and replacement augers can improve performance on tough snow; check availability before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can battery snow blowers handle heavy, wet snow like a gas 2-stage?
Generally, battery blowers have improved dramatically and can handle moderate, wet snow well — especially premium 56V systems (like EGO with large Ah batteries). However, for very deep (8″+) or heavily packed/icy snow, a quality two-stage gas blower still outperforms most battery models. If you see frequent heavy storms, a gas two-stage (like the PowerSmart 24″) is the safer choice.
Q: How long will a battery snow blower run on one charge?
Run time depends on battery Ah and load. A 5.0Ah battery on a mid-range blower often gives 20–40 minutes of heavy work; lighter jobs and smaller clearing widths extend that time. Many buyers opt for a two-battery kit or a rapid charger to keep working with little downtime. Always check the vendor’s runtime estimates and user reports for real-world numbers.
Q: What maintenance does a gas snow blower need?
Seasonal maintenance for gas machines includes checking/replacing spark plugs, changing oil, stabilizing fuel, cleaning the carburetor if stored with fuel for long periods, inspecting belts, and greasing where recommended. Electric models need far less—just keep the cord/battery connectors clean and store batteries in a cool, dry place.
Q: How wide a clearing width should I pick?
For sidewalks and narrow walkways, 16–20″ is fine. For a 1-car driveway, 21″ is a sweet spot. For wider or longer driveways, 24″ or larger saves time but often comes with heavier equipment and higher cost. Factor in storage space and maneuverability.
Conclusion
If you want simple, quiet, and low-maintenance clearing for small areas, the Westinghouse WSnow20 or the compact Greenworks SN40B410 are sensible, budget-friendly choices—Westinghouse if you have reliable access to power, Greenworks if you want cordless portability with battery included. If you want cordless performance close to gas and prefer the convenience of batteries, the premium EGO SNT2102 (21″, includes 2×5.0Ah) is a standout, while the EGO SNT2110 offers a great buy if you already own EGO batteries. Finally, for the deepest, iciest, or largest driveways, the gas-powered PowerSmart PSS2240 24″ two-stage remains the go-to for muscle and reliability.
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