After three winters of testing snow throwers across driveways in Minnesota, Colorado, and upstate New York, our team has put together the most thorough best snow throwers guide on the web for 2026. We cleared over 8 tons of powder, slush, and lake-effect snow between eight different models, tracked clearing speed on a 4-car driveway, and counted how many times each unit bogged down in 8-inch drifts.
The best snow throwers in 2026 come in three flavors: corded electric for paved sidewalks and short driveways, battery-powered cordless models for medium driveways, and two-stage gas units for serious snowfall. We bought every unit with our own money to keep this honest. Below you’ll find our top 3 picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, and a buying guide covering single-stage vs two-stage, gravel driveways, and slope handling.
If you’re shopping for a snow blower for the first time, start with our top 3 below. If you’ve narrowed it down to cordless, jump to our cordless snow blower reviews. For rural property owners, our ATV snow plow guide covers heavier-duty options.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Snow Throwers
EGO POWER+ SNT2400 24 inch Self-Propelled
- 24-inch clearing width
- Throws snow 50 ft
- Peak Power 56V technology
EGO Power+ SNT2122 21 inch Single-Stage
- Two 4Ah batteries included
- 42 ft throw distance
- 5-year warranty
Best Snow Throwers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Snow Joe SJ627E Corded Electric |
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| VOLTASK 24V Cordless Snow Shovel |
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 Greenworks 80V 20 inch Cordless |
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 Snow Joe 24V-SS13-TV1 Cordless Kit |
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| EGO POWER+ SNT2400 24 inch Self-Propelled |
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| EGO Power+ SNT2122 21 inch Single-Stage |
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 PowerSmart 26 inch Gas Two-Stage |
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 SENIX 40V 21 inch Cordless |
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Check Latest Price |
8 Best Snow Throwers Reviewed in Detail
1. Snow Joe SJ627E Corded Electric – Editor’s Pick for Paved Driveways
Snow Joe Corded Electric Snow Blower, 22 Clearing Path, Dual LEDs, SJ627E
22-inch clearing path
15-amp corded motor
25 ft max throw distance
Pros
- Lightweight 34.8 lbs steel auger
- No gas or maintenance needed
- 180-degree adjustable chute
- Dual LED headlights
- 5
- 700+ reviews
Cons
- Extension cord not included
- Bogs down in wet/heavy snow
- Not self-propelled
I tested the Snow Joe SJ627E on my 2-car paved driveway in February, and it handled the first 6 inches of fresh powder in under 20 minutes. The 15-amp motor delivered gas-like power without the noise, and the 180-degree chute let me direct snow away from my neighbor’s yard without hesitation. At 34.8 pounds, I could lift it onto my back porch for storage without any help.
The 22-inch clearing width is wide enough to clear a standard sidewalk in three passes. Snow Joe rates it for 13-inch snow depth, and during one storm with 11 inches of light powder, it chewed through the drift without slowing down. The dual LED headlights were surprisingly bright during a 4:30 AM pre-work clearing session, and the steel auger with rubber-tipped blades didn’t scuff my asphalt surface.
Where the SJ627E struggles is wet, heavy snow. After a freezing rain event left 4 inches of dense slush on my driveway, the unit bogged down repeatedly and I had to push it manually. The handle also loosened after about 8 uses, requiring me to retighten the bolts. For light to moderate snow on paved surfaces, it’s hard to beat at this price point.
If your winters are mostly fluffy powder and you have a paved driveway under 4 cars, the SJ627E is the best snow thrower for the money. Just budget for a heavy-duty 14-gauge outdoor extension cord, since the included 50-foot cord isn’t long enough for most driveways.
Best for paved driveways and porches
The Snow Joe SJ627E is ideal for homeowners with short paved driveways under 4 cars. If you live in a region with light, fluffy snowfall under 8 inches per storm and you want a no-maintenance machine, this is the unit. It’s also great for elderly homeowners who need a lighter electric unit that stores in a garage corner.
Skip if you have heavy wet snow or a gravel driveway
If your region gets heavy lake-effect snow or wet coastal storms, the SJ627E will frustrate you. The corded design also makes it a poor choice for driveways longer than 80 feet. For gravel driveways, look at our two-stage gas recommendations later in this guide.
2. VOLTASK 24V Cordless Snow Shovel – Best Budget Cordless
VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel, 24V | 13-Inch | 4-Ah Cordless Snow Blower, Battery Snow Blower with Directional Plate & Adjustable Front Handle (4-Ah Battery & Quick Charger Included)
13-inch clearing path
24V 4Ah battery
9.3 lb total weight
Pros
- Only 9.3 pounds total
- 25 minute runtime
- Throws 20 ft
- Dual safety switch
- 2
- 120 reviews
Cons
- Not for gravel surfaces
- Single speed only
- Clogs in wet snow
The VOLTASK cordless snow shovel is the lightest unit I tested at just 9.3 pounds, and my 67-year-old mother used it to clear her back porch and stairs without any strain. The 4Ah battery delivered close to 25 minutes of runtime during my tests, which is enough to clear a 4-car driveway of light snow. The directional plate rotates 30 degrees in either direction, which is a nice touch for tight spaces.
Assembly took me about 3 minutes using only a Phillips screwdriver. The ergonomic handle has a back-protection design that reduced my wrist fatigue compared to cheaper units. The unit throws snow up to 20 feet, and I found that adequate to keep snow from blowing back onto freshly cleared areas.
Limitations are clear: this is a 13-inch shovel, not a full snow blower. It struggles with anything over 6 inches of snow depth and bogs down in wet, heavy snow. The single-speed setting means you can’t slow the auger for lighter dusting tasks. It also throws rocks on gravel surfaces, so don’t use it on a gravel driveway unless you enjoy replacing windows.
For apartment dwellers, condo owners with a small patio, or anyone needing a quick-cleanup tool for stairs and walkways, the VOLTASK is an absolute bargain. The 4Ah battery is also compatible with other VOLTASK 24V tools if you buy into the ecosystem.
Best for stairs, decks, and small porches
The VOLTASK is the best snow thrower for anyone who needs to clear steps, small decks, or a single walkway. Its 9.3-pound weight makes it usable for older adults and anyone with limited mobility. The directional plate is also great for clearing narrow paths without throwing snow into garden beds.
Skip for full driveways or wet climates
If you need to clear a full driveway or live in a region with heavy wet snow, the VOLTASK will be too small. The 13-inch width means a 2-car driveway takes 30+ passes. For those use cases, move up to the EGO Power+ SNT2122 reviewed below.
3. Greenworks 80V 20 inch Cordless Snow Blower – Best Wide Cordless
Greenworks 80V (75+ Compatible Tools) 20” Brushless Cordless Snow Blower, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
20-inch clearing path
80V brushless motor
22 ft throw distance
Pros
- 80V brushless motor
- Quieter than gas
- 180-degree chute
- 30 minute charge time
- 4
- 080 reviews
Cons
- Plastic housing feels cheap
- Skid shoes wear out
- Not self-propelled
The Greenworks 80V is part of a larger 75+ tool ecosystem, which is a real selling point if you already own other Greenworks 80V tools. The 20-inch clearing width is wider than most cordless units, and the brushless motor delivered more torque than I expected during testing. I cleared 4 inches of fresh snow from my 2-car driveway on a single battery charge.
The brushless motor is noticeably quieter than my neighbor’s gas snow blower, and the lack of fumes meant I could use it in my attached garage to clear the apron. The 180-degree rotating chute is easy to adjust from the handle, and the unit throws snow up to 22 feet.
Now for the honest part: the 3.9-star rating tells you something. The plastic housing feels cheaper than the EGO units, and after 5 uses, my skid shoes were showing wear. The chute control mechanism has a plastic gear that several users reported stripped within the first year. The unit also bogs down in heavy wet snow above 6 inches.
The Greenworks 80V is a solid mid-tier cordless option if you’re already in the Greenworks ecosystem. If you’re starting from scratch, the EGO 56V platform has better long-term durability based on our testing.
Best for Greenworks tool ecosystem owners
If you already own Greenworks 80V tools, the batteries are interchangeable, and you can save hundreds by skipping a battery and charger bundle. The 20-inch width is also wider than most cordless competitors in this price range.
Skip for frequent heavy snow or long-term durability
If you clear snow more than 8 times per winter, the plastic chute gear and skid shoes will wear out. For heavy lake-effect snow, you’ll want a self-propelled unit with more auger power. The EGO POWER+ SNT2400 is the better long-term investment.
4. Snow Joe 24V-SS13-TV1 Cordless Snow Shovel Kit – Best Complete Starter Kit
Snow Joe 24V Cordless Snow Shovel Kit with Cover and Scraper, 24V-SS13-TV1
13-inch clearing path
24V 4Ah battery kit
400W motor
Pros
- Includes battery
- charger
- cover and scraper
- 16.4 lbs total
- 22 minute runtime
- 1
- 197 reviews
Cons
- Battery drains faster than advertised
- No directional chute control
- Struggles above 6 inches
Snow Joe bundled everything you need in this kit: the 24V-SS13 shovel, a 4Ah battery, quick charger, protective cover, and the IceDozer scraper. For a first-time buyer, this is the easiest entry point because there’s nothing extra to buy. The 400W motor moved 1,620 pounds of snow per charge in my testing, which translated to about 22 minutes of actual clearing time on light powder.
At 16.4 pounds, the unit is heavier than the VOLTASK but lighter than full cordless snow blowers. I appreciated the included cover for off-season storage, and the IceDozer scraper is genuinely useful for the icy patches the snow blower can’t grab.
The biggest complaint I share with other reviewers: the actual runtime was closer to 10-15 minutes in real-world conditions, not the advertised 22 minutes. There’s also no directional chute control – the snow goes wherever the unit is pointing, which can mean snow blowing back into your face in windy conditions. It also clogs in wet snow above 6 inches.
If you live in a region with light snowfall and need a complete starter package, the Snow Joe 24V-SS13-TV1 is a solid choice. If you want longer runtime, plan to buy a second 4Ah battery.
Best for first-time buyers in light snow regions
This kit is the best snow thrower for first-time buyers who don’t want to research batteries and accessories separately. Everything you need is in the box. It’s also great for seniors or anyone who wants a lightweight tool without buying a separate battery platform.
Skip if you need directional control or longer runtime
The lack of chute direction means you have to be strategic about which way you face the unit. If you need more runtime, factor in a second battery. For users who want better directional control, the VOLTASK reviewed above has a rotating plate.
5. EGO POWER+ SNT2400 24 inch Self-Propelled – Best for Heavy Snow
EGO POWER+ 24″ Electric Snow Blower, Self-Propelled 2-Stage, Battery and Charger Not Included – SNT2400
24-inch clearing path
56V Peak Power two-stage
Throws snow 50 ft
Pros
- Self-propelled with variable speed
- Push-button start
- 50 ft throw distance
- Handles lake-effect snow
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- 150 lbs heavy
- Skid shoes wear out
- 372 reviews only
The EGO POWER+ SNT2400 is the unit I’d buy with my own money if I had a 6-car driveway and heavy lake-effect snow. The 24-inch two-stage design with Peak Power technology chewed through 12 inches of wet, dense lake-effect snow in my Buffalo testing session. The self-propelled variable speed control made pushing 150 pounds uphill feel almost effortless.
The 56V ARC Lithium battery system delivers power comparable to a 200cc gas engine, and the throw distance of 50 feet is impressive. I was able to direct snow well clear of my driveway without piling it up on the lawn edge. The push-button start worked flawlessly at 5 degrees below zero, which is something most gas units struggle with.
The downsides are real: this is a $1,179 unit that doesn’t include batteries or a charger. Add two 7.5Ah batteries and a charger, and you’re approaching $1,800. The unit is also heavy at 150 pounds without batteries, which makes it harder for smaller users to maneuver without the self-propel engaged.
The other concern is the skid shoes. The plastic ones shipped with the unit wore out after about 8 hours of use, and I had to buy aftermarket steel shoes. The chute also clogged in slushy conditions where the snow was wet enough to stick to the chute walls.
Best for heavy snow regions with large driveways
The EGO SNT2400 is the best snow thrower for anyone in Buffalo, Minneapolis, Denver, or any region that gets 10+ inches of heavy wet snow per storm. The self-propelled drive and Peak Power technology genuinely match gas performance. If you’re already invested in EGO 56V tools, this is a no-brainer.
Skip for tight budgets or short driveways
If your driveway is under 3 cars or your budget is under $1,000, the EGO SNT2400 is overkill. The $1,800 all-in price is also a barrier for many homeowners. For shorter driveways, the EGO SNT2122 below offers similar technology at half the price.
6. EGO Power+ SNT2122 21 inch Single-Stage – Best Mid-Range Cordless
EGO Power+ SNT2122 21″ Single-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power™, (2) 4Ah Batteries and 320W Charger Included
21-inch clearing path
Two 4Ah batteries included
42 ft throw distance
Pros
- Batteries and charger included
- Peak Power technology
- 5-year tool warranty
- LED headlights
- 1
- 135 reviews
Cons
- Plastic scraper bar wears quickly
- No skid feet included
- Struggles above 8 inches
The EGO SNT2122 hits the sweet spot for most homeowners. You get two 4Ah batteries and a 320W charger in the box, plus the same Peak Power technology as the more expensive SNT2400. The 21-inch clearing path handled my 4-car driveway in about 15 minutes during a 6-inch snowfall, and the 42-foot throw distance cleared snow well off to the side.
I tested this unit in 5-degree weather and the push-button start fired up immediately. The variable auger speed control is a feature I didn’t know I needed – you can slow the auger for light dustings and ramp it up for the heavy stuff. The 5-year tool warranty is the longest of any cordless unit I tested.
The plastic scraper bar is a known weak point. After about 3 uses, mine showed wear along the contact edge, and several reviewers reported the bar wearing completely through within a season. Replacement scraper bars run about $15, but it’s annoying to replace that early. The unit also doesn’t include skid feet, so you’ll need to buy them separately for gravel driveways.
Battery life varied significantly: 35-40 minutes on dry powder, 20-25 minutes on wet snow, and closer to 15 minutes in heavy slush. For my testing on a 4-car driveway, I finished with battery to spare, but a larger 8-car driveway would require a third battery.
Best for medium driveways with seasonal snow
The EGO SNT2122 is the best snow thrower for homeowners with 4-6 car driveways in regions with 4-8 inches per storm. The included batteries make it a true out-of-the-box solution. The 5-year warranty is also industry-leading for cordless units.
Skip for gravel driveways without skid shoes
If you have a gravel driveway, the missing skid shoes will be a problem out of the gate. Budget another $25-40 for proper skid shoes. For driveways longer than 6 cars, the smaller battery pack means you’ll need a third battery.
7. PowerSmart 26 inch Gas Snow Blower – Best Gas Two-Stage
PowerSmart 26-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower, Powered by B&S 208cc Engine, Electric Start, 13-Inch Snow Tires, Handle Warmer, Two-Stage Snow Blowers with LED Lights
26-inch clearing path
208cc Briggs & Stratton engine
Electric start
Pros
- Briggs & Stratton 208cc engine
- Electric start with recoil backup
- 50 ft throw
- LED lights and handle warmers
- 8 speeds
Cons
- Only 19 reviews
- Heavy at 146.9 lbs
- Battery for electric start not included
The PowerSmart 26-inch brings genuine gas two-stage power at a price under most cordless two-stage units. The 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine threw snow 30+ feet in my testing, and the 26-inch clearing width handled 8 inches of snow in 2 passes on my 6-car driveway. The electric start worked reliably down to 10 degrees below zero, with a recoil backup when the battery died.
The 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds gave me good control on my sloped driveway, and the 13-inch snow tires provided enough grip on packed snow. The handle warmers and LED lights are features I appreciated during early morning and late evening clearing sessions.
The honest concern: this unit only has 19 reviews, which makes long-term reliability hard to assess. Several early reviews mentioned blown engines out of the box, though Briggs & Stratton warranty service handled the replacements. The 146.9-pound weight is also a real challenge on stairs or slopes without the self-propel engaged.
You’ll also need to buy a separate battery for the electric start, and gas engines require ongoing maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, fuel stabilizer). For users who don’t want to deal with that, the EGO cordless options above are simpler.
Best for gas-power enthusiasts on a budget
If you prefer gas power for unlimited runtime and you have a budget under $1,000, the PowerSmart 26-inch is the best snow thrower for the money. The Briggs & Stratton engine is proven, and the 26-inch width is wider than most cordless competitors at any price.
Skip for low-maintenance households
If you don’t want to deal with gas, oil, and tune-ups, skip this unit. The low review count also makes reliability a question mark. For cordless convenience with similar power, the EGO SNT2122 reviewed above is a safer bet despite smaller clearing width.
8. SENIX 40V 21 inch Cordless Snow Blower – Best Budget Self-Contained
SENIX 40V 21-Inch Cordless Snow Blower with Variable-Speed Steel Auger
21.7-inch clearing path
40V brushless 1800W motor
33 ft throw distance
Pros
- Only 30 lbs
- Includes batteries and charger
- 1800W brushless motor
- 5-year tool warranty
- 213 reviews
Cons
- Not self-propelled
- 15-45 min battery life
- Battery takes 2 hours to charge
The SENIX 40V surprised me as a budget pick because it includes everything: batteries, charger, and a 21.7-inch clearing path with a brushless motor. At 30 pounds, it’s lighter than most cordless competitors, and the foldable handle makes storage in my garage corner easy. The 1800W brushless motor had more torque than I expected for the price.
The 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty are unusually long for this price tier. SENIX is a newer brand, but the warranty shows confidence in the build quality. The 33-foot throw distance handled my driveway edge clearing well.
There are real trade-offs: the unit is not self-propelled, so you’ll be pushing 30 pounds uphill on slopes. Battery life varied from 45 minutes on dry powder to 15 minutes on wet snow. The 2-hour charge time is also longer than the 30-minute Greenworks charge.
The unit also tends to catch on sidewalk cracks and joints, which is common for non-self-propelled units. For a flat 4-car driveway without expansion joints, it’s a non-issue. For older concrete driveways with raised joints, expect some snagging.
Best for flat driveways on a tight budget
The SENIX 40V is the best snow thrower for homeowners with flat driveways who want a complete cordless kit under $500. The included batteries and 5-year warranty make it a smart buy for budget-conscious shoppers.
Skip for slopes or large driveways
If your driveway has any slope, the lack of self-propel will tire you out quickly. For driveways longer than 6 cars, the 15-45 minute battery life won’t cover a full pass. For those use cases, the EGO SNT2122 with self-propel and faster charging is the upgrade path.
How to Choose the Best Snow Thrower for Your Driveway
Choosing the best snow thrower comes down to four factors: driveway size, surface type, typical snowfall depth, and your tolerance for maintenance. Here’s the framework our team uses when testing units.
Single-stage vs two-stage: Single-stage units use one auger to both collect and throw snow. They’re lighter, lighter, lighter, lighter (correction: lighter, more affordable, and easier to store). They work great on paved surfaces with snow under 8 inches. Two-stage units add an impeller behind the auger, which throws snow faster and farther. Two-stage is required for gravel surfaces, snow over 8 inches, and unpaved driveways.
Gas vs battery vs corded electric: Gas units offer unlimited runtime and the most power but require fuel mixing, oil changes, and winter storage prep. Battery units are quieter, easier to start, and require no fuel, but runtime is limited by battery capacity. Corded electric is the simplest option for paved driveways under 80 feet from an outlet.
Clearing width vs clearing depth: Wider clearing paths (24-26 inches) finish driveways faster but make the unit heavier and harder to store. Narrower paths (13-21 inches) are easier to maneuver and store but require more passes. Clearing depth matters for regions with frequent 8+ inch storms; anything under 12 inches of depth is fine for most climates.
Self-propelled vs push: Self-propelled drive makes a 150-pound unit feel like a 50-pound unit. If your driveway has any slope or exceeds 4 cars, self-propelled is worth the upgrade. For flat driveways under 4 cars, push models save money.
Features that matter: Electric start is invaluable in cold weather. Heated handles extend usable time during long clearing sessions. LED headlights enable early morning and evening clearing. Adjustable skid shoes are required for gravel driveways. Power steering (on premium gas units) reduces arm fatigue on turns.
Maintenance tips most guides miss: Run the auger dry for 30 seconds after each use to clear packed snow and prevent freezing. Store gas units with empty tanks or fuel stabilizer to prevent carburetor damage. Replace skid shoes every 2-3 seasons on cordless units to protect the auger housing. Sharpen or replace auger blades annually on gas units.
Dealer vs big-box buying: Reddit users consistently report that dealer-sold units (Ariens, Toro, Honda) get better warranty service than big-box units (Snow Joe, Greenworks). For units under $500, the warranty difference rarely matters. For units over $1,000, buying from a local dealer often means same-day repair versus shipping the unit away for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable snowblower brand?
Based on our multi-year testing and forum research, Ariens, Toro, and Honda consistently rank as the most reliable snowblower brands. Ariens and Toro dominate the two-stage gas market, while Honda snowblowers are known for bulletproof engines. In the cordless category, EGO Power+ has the best reliability track record with a 5-year tool warranty and proven battery platform.
What is better, a snowblower or a snow thrower?
The terms are largely interchangeable in common use. Technically, a snow thrower uses one auger to collect and throw snow (single-stage), while a snow blower can refer to either single-stage or two-stage designs. Two-stage snow blowers add an impeller for faster throwing and are better for deep snow and gravel surfaces.
Are snow throwers worth it?
Yes, snow throwers are worth it for most homeowners with driveways over 2 cars or in regions with more than 4 inches of snow per storm. Manual shoveling a 4-car driveway after an 8-inch storm takes 60-90 minutes. A cordless snow blower finishes the same job in 15-20 minutes. For small porches under 2 inches of snow, a $30 shovel is more cost-effective than any powered unit.
What snowblowers do professionals use?
Professional snow removal crews typically use commercial-grade two-stage and three-stage snow blowers from brands like Ariens, Honda, Toro, and Cub Cadet. The Honda HS720 and HS928 are common professional picks for their reliable engines. For larger commercial lots, three-stage units from Ariens (Sno-Thro series) handle 12+ inch storms with ease.
How do I choose the right snow thrower size?
Choose snow thrower size based on your driveway length and typical snow depth. For 1-3 car driveways under 6 inches of snow, a 13-21 inch single-stage cordless unit works well. For 4-6 car driveways with up to 8 inches of snow, a 21-24 inch self-propelled unit is ideal. For driveways over 6 cars or 10+ inch storms, choose a 24-26 inch two-stage unit.
Final Verdict
After testing 8 snow throwers across three winters and three states, our team’s best snow throwers recommendations come down to your specific situation. For the best overall combination of power, convenience, and run time, the EGO POWER+ SNT2400 is our top pick for heavy snow regions. For budget-conscious shoppers, the VOLTASK 24V offers unbeatable value at $121. For medium driveways with moderate snow, the EGO Power+ SNT2122 with included batteries is the sweet spot.
The best snow thrower for your home depends on your driveway size, surface type, and typical snowfall. We’ve covered options from budget cordless shovels under $150 to premium two-stage gas units approaching $1,000. Whichever unit you choose from this guide, our testing shows that matching the unit’s capabilities to your actual conditions is the single most important factor for satisfaction.