The 7 Best Snow Blowers

Shoveling is for the birds. After the big blizzard of ’24, I promised myself I’d never spend another four hours breaking my back clearing the driveway. So I went deep into the world of snow blowers, and let me tell you, there’s a machine for just about every driveway and budget out there.

Whether you’ve got a little sidewalk in the city or a winding country driveway, the right tool makes all the difference. We’re talking about turning a dreaded chore into something you can knock out in 20 minutes before your coffee gets cold. These are the best snow blowers I’ve found for 2026 that actually get the job done.

 

 

Our Top Snow Blower Picks for 2026

Toro 37798 Power Max 824 OE 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

The Toro Power Max 824 OE costs about $1,349. I’ve used a very similar model for the last two seasons on my two-car driveway, and it’s an absolute workhorse. It has never failed to start on the first or second pull, even when it’s biting cold outside.

The 24-inch clearing width is the perfect size for most suburban driveways. It’s wide enough to get the job done fast but still nimble enough to get around cars. That heavy, wet stuff the city plow leaves at the end of your driveway? This thing eats it for breakfast and throws it clear across the lawn.

The Downside: It’s a heavy machine. If you have a lot of tight corners or need to muscle it up onto a deck, it can be a bit of a workout.

 

 

Ariens Compact 24-Inch Electric Start Gas Snow Blower

You’ll find this Ariens model for around $1,299. My neighbor has a steep, tricky driveway, and this is the machine he swears by. The track system gives it incredible grip where regular wheels would just spin out.

It’s a two-stage blower, so it handles deep and icy snow really well. The Auto-Turn steering makes it surprisingly easy to handle for a tracked machine. You just sort of guide it where you want it to go without having to fight it. And the electric start is a nice touch for those freezing mornings.

The Downside: That track system adds to the price. It’s more expensive than wheeled models of a similar size and power.

 

 

Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower

The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker will set you back about $2,000. Before we paved, our house had a long gravel driveway, and a regular snow blower was a nightmare. It just picked up rocks and shot them everywhere. This is the solution for that problem.

The tracks provide great traction on loose gravel, and you can adjust the skid shoes so the auger skims over the top of the snow instead of digging down. The 28-inch path clears a lot of ground fast, and the power steering is a must-have on a machine this big.

The Downside: It’s pretty expensive for what you get, especially compared to wheeled models with a similar clearing width.

 

 

EGO Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Blower

This EGO model costs around $1,200, which includes the two big batteries. I’ve switched my lawn mower and leaf blower over to EGO, so I was really curious about their snow blower. The power is seriously impressive; it feels just as strong as a gas model and throws snow a country mile.

The best part is the lack of noise and fumes. You can get out there at 6 a.m. and not wake up the entire neighborhood. No gas cans, no oil changes, no pull-starts. You just pop in the batteries and go. It’s self-propelled and easy to handle.

The Downside: If you’re dealing with really heavy, wet, sloppy snow, the battery life takes a noticeable hit. You might need to recharge before finishing a bigger job.

 

 

Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower

For about $200, the Snow Joe is a fantastic little machine. This is what I bought for my parents to use on their deck and walkway at their townhouse. It’s super lightweight and a huge step up from shoveling.

It’s a single-stage, so it’s best for snow that’s less than 8-10 inches deep. You just plug it in and go. For small areas, it’s all you really need. It clears an 18-inch path, which is plenty for a sidewalk or a small patio.

The Downside: You’re tethered to a cord. You’ll need a good cold-weather extension cord and have to manage it so you don’t run it over.

 

 

PowerSmart DB7109 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

At around $800, this PowerSmart model is a great value. It gives you the power of a two-stage gas blower without the thousand-dollar-plus price tag. It’s perfect for someone with a medium-sized driveway who gets a decent amount of snow but doesn’t need all the bells and whistles.

It’s self-propelled with six forward speeds, so you can find the right pace for the conditions. The 212cc engine is strong enough to handle packed snow and even some ice. For the money, it’s a solid, no-frills machine that gets the job done.

The Downside: Some of the parts, like the auger control handle, feel a bit less heavy-duty than on the more expensive brands.

 

 

Cub Cadet 2X 30-Inch Gas Snow Blower

This big Cub Cadet costs a hefty $2,500. This is the monster you buy when you have a ton of space to clear and get hammered with snow all winter. The 30-inch clearing width is massive and cuts down your clearing time by a lot.

It’s built for serious work. The engine is huge, it has power steering so it’s not a beast to turn, and the heated hand grips are an amazing feature you don’t think you need until you have them. If your driveway is on a hill, the big tires provide excellent grip.

The Downside: It’s extremely heavy and takes up a lot of space in the garage. And the price is obviously very high.

 

 

What to Look For When Buying a Snow Blower

The biggest decision is between gas and electric. Gas models are still more powerful, especially for wet, heavy snow. But the new battery-powered ones, like the EGO, are shockingly good and have zero maintenance. If you have a small space, a corded electric one is a cheap and easy option.

Next, think about stages. A single-stage blower (like the Snow Joe) is fine for light, fluffy snow on paved surfaces. A two-stage blower uses an auger to chew up snow and an impeller to throw it, making it much better for deep, packed, or icy snow. For most people getting real winter weather, a two-stage is the way to go.

Finally, consider the clearing width. A 24-inch model is a great all-around size for most homes. If you have a huge three-car driveway or a long lane, stepping up to a 28- or 30-inch machine will save you a lot of time. Just remember that bigger also means heavier and harder to store.