The Best Leaf Mulchers in 2021

Have any big trees in your yard? A nice, big oak tree on your lawn can definitely give your home that lovely white-picket-fence-aesthetic and make your abode feel that much more like the idyllic living arrangement. But it’s probably a big hassle during the fall. Raking up all of those leaves to keep your lawn looking nice is sure to be annoying, especially as it starts getting cold out.

Of course, with the miracle that is modern science, you don’t need to tackle that pesky chore manually. You could use a leaf mulcher to make the whole job much easier and to get it done much more quickly. If you want to keep your lawn pristine and spotless all-year-round with as little effort as possible, then you’ll need to read our list of the best leaf mulchers. By the time you’re done, we guarantee you’ll have found the perfect leaf mulcher to help you deal with that fall foliage.

Carry on reading to see our full list of the best leaf mulchers, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.

What Should You Look For in a Leaf Mulcher?

If you’re new to the mechanical methods of clearing your lawn of leaves, you may not know what to look for in your leaf mulcher. As with anything, there’s going to be some jargon thrown around, but we’ll make it all as simple as possible. We want you to be able to easily understand our list and feel comfortable conducting your own further research if you decide to do so. That’s why, for the sake of transparency, we’re listing out the criteria we’ve used to assess the best leaf mulchers on the market. Keep reading to become an expert in assessing the quality of your new leaf mulcher.

Criteria #1: Power – Sucking up some dried leaves may not sound like intense work, but it can add up. Especially if you have a lot of leaves scattered about your lawn, you’ll need a really powerful leaf mulcher that can suck them all up in a hurry. The power of a leaf mulcher will usually be measured in terms of amps and gallons of leaves per minute, and we’ll make sure to include all of the necessary specs to give you a good idea of how strong all of our leaf mulchers are.

Criteria #2: Battery – This is a bit of a misnomer, as some of our leaf mulchers won’t be battery-operated at all, but will instead be powered either by electricity or gasoline. That being said, the point of this criterion is to judge a leaf mulcher based on its capability to be operated for an extended period of time. Obviously, anything that runs from electrical outlet power can be run indefinitely.

Criteria #3: Size – This one is a bit of a tradeoff. Obviously, the smaller the leaf mulcher, the fewer leaves it’ll be able to handle at once. If you have a smaller lawn or fewer trees that may drop leaves onto your lawn, it’s probably a worthwhile tradeoff to take a smaller but more convenient leaf mulcher. But if you have a bigger lawn with a lot of trees in it, you may want something that can handle the whole task in one go. We’ll make sure to list both the weight of our leaf mulchers and the number of leaves they can handle at one time.

Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well.

What Are the Different Types of Leaf Mulchers?

Just as with most products, there are a few different kinds of leaf mulchers. Of course, there may also be leaf mulchers out there that fall somewhere in between two different types, but we’ll cross that bridge if we get to it. For now, we’re going to quickly describe the leaf mulcher types so that you can understand what’s what.

Handheld – Our first type of leaf mulcher is pretty simple. Portable handheld leaf mulchers will obviously be the lightest and most convenient option, but they’ll also pack less of a punch. They run the risk of getting clogged by sticks or acorns, so it’s best to be more cautious when using these handheld machines. But if you just want something for a little quick extra cleanup, then this is definitely the way to go. Handheld leaf mulchers come both in the form of battery-operated machines and electricity-powered leaf mulchers, with battery-operated mulchers obviously being a bit more convenient, but they can die on you. Electricity-powered machines don’t have that risk, but you’re limited to the length of your cord and the location of your outlets.

Walk-Behind – A walk-behind leaf mulcher is basically a vacuum cleaner for your front lawn. These are slightly heavier machines that you will need to push around, and as such, they’re much more suited for heavy-duty tasks and bigger yards with more leaves to clean up. For that reason, stray sticks and branches are usually no problem for these industrial-grade machines.

Stationary – As the name implies, stationary leaf mulchers stand in one spot. These industrial-grade leaf mulchers will run on electricity or gas, and they’re usually strong enough to chop up some branches while they’re at it. If you don’t want to waste time assessing what you throw into your leaf mulcher, this is definitely the way to go. Of course, you shouldn’t expect it to be able to handle a whole tree trunk, and it may get annoying not being able to bring your leaf mulcher around the yard with you.

Ride-On – If you already have a riding lawn mower, then a ride-on leaf mulcher is a great option to let you comfortably clean your front yard. These convenient machines attach to rider mowers, so they’re great for bigger lawns with nothing but leaves for you to clean up. And you can just turn your brain off, listen to some music, and simply drive around cleaning up your lawn.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Leaf Mulchers

We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best leaf mulchers” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We also made sure to include at least one product of each type of leaf mulcher so that everyone can find exactly what they’re looking for.  

And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best mulcher machines on the market. 

#1: Worx WG430 13 Amp Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher (Best Value – All-Purpose)

Our list gets started with Worx’s premier stationary leaf mulcher, the Worx WG430 13 Amp Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher. Multiple lists had this electric leaf mulcher as their best leaf mulcher overall, so you know you’re getting a tried and tested product.

The Worx WG430 features an 11:1 mulching ratio which means that 11 bags-worth of leaves will be conveniently mulched into one bag for quick and easy cleanup. Its powerful motor also mulches up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute, so you won’t be standing around waiting once you’ve finished the task of gathering up your leaves. All of your mulched leaves will go straight into a bag for easy disposal, though the bag is, unfortunately, not included.

Even though it’s stationary, at 20 pounds it’s light enough that you can easily move it around if need be. Maybe you need to lend it to a neighbor, or maybe you just think you’ve found a more ideal location for it in your yard, or you’re putting it back in the garage after a long day of yard work. No matter what, it’ll be a breeze to transport this sturdy leaf mulcher.

Assembly is also no problem, as the Worx WG430 Electric Leaf Mulcher comes in a few simple parts that all latch together with no extra tools needed. Finally, some stationary leaf mulchers are gas-powered machines, so it’s nice to be able to get a more environmentally friendly option.

As I mentioned earlier, the Worx WG430 Electric Leaf Mulcher is featured on the top of most lists, and the paying customers loved it as well. With close to 2,500 reviews on Amazon, you have plenty of testimonials available to make sure you’re interested in this electric leaf mulcher, and you can quickly see for yourself how many customers loved this product.

Best of all, it has a cheap and reasonable price. That price combined with the high-quality performance of this stationary leaf mulcher means you’re getting the best value possible, and that’s why the Worx WG430 Electric Leaf Mulcher is our number one best leaf mulcher.

#2: Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum (Best Mulcher)

If walking back and forth to your stationary leaf mulcher seems too tedious and annoying to you, then you may be more interested in a premium handheld leaf mulcher. The Worx WG430 Leaf Mulcher may be the best leaf mulcher on our list in terms of value, but some customers want nothing but the best. And in this case, the best might just be the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum. If you’re willing to splurge for the absolute best product to help keep your lawn nice and clean during the fall months, here are a few reasons you may decide to break the bank on this handheld leaf shredder over the Worx WG430 Leaf Mulcher.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Cordless Design

For a lot of users, the biggest appeal of the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum, even over other handheld leaf shredders, is its battery-operated and cordless design that lets you roam freely around your lawn. This premium portable leaf shredder weighs only 5.6 pounds with measurements of 32.5 x 8.5 x 11 inches, so you’ll have no problem carrying it around. That small design makes it perfect for squeezing into any small cracks and corners that dry leaves might have a pesky habit of getting stuck in.

And just to make sure you don’t get nervous that this small frame might equal low power, Greenworks put the strength of this portable leaf shredder right in the name. This Greenworks product operates on a 40-volt battery and has an incredible speed of 185 miles per hour at its top setting. There are 6 speeds to choose from, so you’ll definitely be able to be a little more delicate, if you so desire.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Two-In-One Machine

We mentioned above the high speeds that the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum is capable of, and with those high speeds you get a product that doubles as a leaf blower on top of a leaf shredder. This gives you a lot of flexibility with how you handle wet leaves or thicker branches that you’re worried might damage your fancy new leaf shredder. Plus, if you were in the market for a new leaf blower anyway, then this machine is a great way to cut back on costs and get both new machines in one cheaper bundle.

The Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum’s biggest flaw is its short battery life which only lasts about 20 minutes on the highest setting. So it may not be ideal for a really big or leaf-cluttered yard, but it’s strong enough that you may be able to manage.

Customers loved the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum, and they were particularly blown away by how powerful it is, especially considering its lightweight build and small frame. Of course, it’s much more expensive than our #1 leaf mulcher, so it’ll come down to what features you value and how much you’re willing to spend.

If you don’t like the idea of being tied down to a cord or walking back and forth to a stationary leaf mulcher, then the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum is the product for you.

#3: Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag (Best Leaf Bag)

Our next product is a bit niche, as it’s only really applicable if you already have a lawn tractor or rider lawnmower. But if you do, it’s an incredible way to speed up your yard work while saving a ton of money.

The Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag features a large volume of 54 cubic feet and a wide 120-inch opening. This bag is assembled from durable polyester fabric with dual drawstring clips that provide you with a long-term, easy-to-use solution for collecting leaves. The drawstrings make it easy to connect and disconnect the Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag from your lawn tractor. So once you’re done driving around and cleaning up your lawn of all those fallen leaves, the final touches will be quick and simple. As a nice little cherry on top of everything, the polyester of this bag is made from completely recycled material, so you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint while you finish up the yard work.

Though it will likely drag along the ground when attached to a lawn tractor, the Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag is designed to easily withstand this and will last for a long time. Because of its massive size and slightly bulky build and the fact that you need a lawn tractor for it, this lawn tractor leaf bag is best for those who have a much bigger yard and really have a lot of fallen leaves to run around, or drive around, after.

Customers loved the durability of this bag. If you already have the lawn tractor you need to use it, then you’ll barely be spending any money at all on it, with massive returns on how much easier it’ll make cleaning up those dry leaves every fall. The most noteworthy flaw with this product is that because of its big size it could be a bit of a pain to empty. But if that doesn’t bother you and if you already have a lawn tractor, then the Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag might be the best leaf mulcher to get your lawn cleaned up in a hurry.

#4: Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum (Best Low Cost)

Worx is back on our list, and their second product in our article shows that they have quite a knack for making cheap-but-high-quality leaf mulchers. However, this time it’s not a stationary leaf mulcher, but a plug-in handheld machine that serves as a 3-in-1 leaf mulcher, blower, and vacuum.

This multi-purpose handheld leaf mulcher changes from a blower to a vacuum with a mulcher with just the turn of a dial. With a weight of 12 pounds and a max speed of 70 miles per hour, the Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum is a bit bulkier and weaker than our other handheld leaf mulcher in the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum, but it still won’t exactly weigh you down. A potential advantage, if you don’t mind being tethered to an outlet, is that it’s electricity-operated so you don’t need to worry about the battery dying. And you won’t even feel all that limited since the cord is pretty long, but you are reliant on having an available and conveniently-located outlet.

The Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum has a 16:1 mulch ratio, comes with an easily-detached bag, and has two different speeds. It also has a wide mouth to help you cover as much ground as possible. And, of course, as we designated this handheld leaf mulcher the best low-cost option, I have to mention that it’s incredibly cheap. The only item on our list that’s cheaper is the Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag, but that relies on you already owing a lawn tractor.

Customers loved this product, so you don’t need to worry that your efforts to save will end up costing you when you just need to replace a sub-par product. If you want a handheld leaf shredder and the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum is just out of your price range, then the Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum is perfect for you.

#5: Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum (Best Walk-Behind Leaf Mulcher)

To avoid wasting anyone’s time, I’ll say right away that our last product is very expensive. If you don’t have a massive yard and enough money to go around, it’s probably not worth your time to seriously consider the Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum. But if you have the space that necessitates it and the money to buy it or if you’re a professional gardener, then you definitely might be interested in this commercial-grade walk-behind leaf mulcher.

A nice little advantage of this product – for any creatures of habit – is that it’ll feel comfortable to anyone already used to typical lawnmowers. Though, of course, that’s not exactly worth the price of admission, so to speak.

The real value in the Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum comes in the form of its 2-inch wood chipper that will be more than capable of handling any stray branches or sticks, and the amazing suction power that reviewers joked could “suck up your cat if you aren’t careful.”

You’re also getting a 12:1 mulching ratio and a large 40-gallon bag so you’ll be able to quickly clear massive lawns without the need to stop and empty the back. Besides, for a price that some might call insane, another possible discouraging feature of the Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum is that it’s not exactly easy to handle, so best to stay away if you’re not a pro.

It weighs 140 pounds (no, that wasn’t a typo), and its motors push it forward automatically when it’s turned on, which could drag you with it and which you may find more unnerving than helpful. But when it comes to raw horsepower, there’s really no beating this luxurious walk-behind leaf mulcher.

If you have a large enough yard to necessitate it, have the money to pay for it, and you want a leaf mulcher with the strength of a small motorcycle, then the Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum is the best leaf mulcher for you – and probably the only leaf mulcher for you.

Verdict: Your Best Leaf Mulchers 

We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the leaf mulcher that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our products and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each leaf mulcher has to offer for you.  

If you want the best value for money, pick the Worx WG430 Electric Leaf Mulcher.

With its 11:1 mulching ratio and its mulching speed of 53 gallons of leaves per minute, our best leaf mulcher and the only stationary leaf mulcher on our list is sure to make quick work of all of the dry leaves lying around your yard. The Worx WG430 Leaf Mulcher only weighs 20 pounds, so you’ll have no problem dragging it in and out of the garage or setting it up, and it’s a great alternative to gas-powered leaf mulchers. And, of course, this fantastic leaf mulcher comes in at an affordable price that gives you that solid mulch ratio, fast speed, and convenient build, and that’s why the Worx WG430 Leaf Mulcher is our number one pick.

If you need a cordless leaf mulcher, pick the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum.

If you just hate being tied down to one spot, then the completely wireless Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum is the perfect choice for you. You’ll also be surprised at how little you’re sacrificing for the portable design, as this leaf mulcher comes with great specs across the board. It weighs almost nothing, is nice and compact, and has multiple different speeds to choose from so you can be as delicate or intense as the situation dictates.

The only real flaw of this mulcher is that its battery life is definitely on the weaker side, but if you have a small yard or just work quickly, then this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Of course, it’s also pretty expensive, but you have to pay for the best to get the best, and the best is probably the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum.

If you want to keep the spending cheap, pick the Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum.

The Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum is a fantastic budget option for anyone who’s looking to keep things cheap, but it’s specifically great for those who were drawn to the Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum but found it too expensive. This Worx handheld leaf shredder weighs 12 pounds and has a max speed of 70 miles per hour, so you’re seeing a difference in its specs and those of the Greenworks mulcher, which makes it pretty clear where your money is going.

The Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum is also not wireless, so you will be limited to your outlets and the length of the cord. This also means that you won’t have to worry bout the battery dying on you, so it may be better for longer jobs in that sense. The Worx WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum one of the cheapest options out there, and definitely the best choice for anyone staying on a tight budget.

That brings us to the end of our list. We’ve shown you five pretty different products, so we hope that makes the decision a little easier. If none of the highlighted products above are quite what you’re looking for, you may be more interested in the industrial-grade Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum that can handle any sticks or branches in your path. Or, if you already own a lawn tractor, you may be interested in saving some money and sticking to one machine by purchasing the Terra King Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag.

Remember, the first step in making your decision should be deciding what type of leaf mulcher you need and which features are important to you. This will help you focus on the products more suitable for you and help you avoid wasting time on products that just don’t have what you need.

That’s all for now. We hope this list was helpful, and we hope you enjoy your fresh and clean yard!