The best snow blower for you depends on three things: how much snow you get, how big your driveway is, and how much you want to spend. A machine built for a 200-foot rural driveway is overkill for a city lot, and a small electric model will struggle with two feet of wet snow.
This guide covers seven snow blowers across the full price range, from a premium tracked Honda down to a lightweight budget battery model. It includes gas and battery-electric options, plus a robot.
How I chose these: I own one machine on this list, the EGO Power+ SNT2112, and I’m testing it on my own driveway, paver walkway, sidewalk, and side path this winter. The other six are research picks. I compared specifications, manufacturer information, and owner feedback, and I say so in each review. As I test more machines, I’ll update this page with real results.
Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Type | Clearing width | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HSS1332AATD | Best premium | Gas, two-stage, track drive | 31.9 in. | $$$$$ |
| Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO | Best overall gas | Gas, two-stage | 28 in. | $$$$ |
| EGO Power+ SNT2405 | Best battery two-stage | Battery, two-stage | 24 in. | $$$$ |
| Husqvarna ST124 | Best mid-price gas | Gas, two-stage | 24 in. | $$$ |
| PowerSmart 24-Inch | Best budget two-stage | Gas, two-stage | 24 in. | $$ |
| EGO Power+ SNT2112 | Best battery single-stage (the one I own) | Battery, single-stage | 21 in. | $$ |
| SENIX 40V 21-Inch | Best budget battery | Battery, single-stage | 21 in. | $ |
| Bonus: Yarbo Robot | Best autonomous option | Battery robot, two-stage | 24-Inch | $$$$$+ |
Which snow blower fits your driveway?
| Your property | What to look for | My pick |
|---|---|---|
| Walkway, deck, or short one-car driveway | 18 to 22 inches, light battery machine | SENIX 40V 21-Inch |
| One-car or two-car paved driveway, moderate snow | 21-inch battery single-stage | EGO Power+ SNT2112 |
| Two-car driveway, regular heavy snow | 24-inch two-stage | Husqvarna ST124, or PowerSmart 24-Inch on a budget |
| Two-car driveway, heavy snow, no gas | 24-inch battery two-stage | EGO Power+ SNT2405 |
| Three-car driveway or a long driveway | 28-inch two-stage | Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO |
| Large property, very long driveway, slopes, or gravel | 30 inches or wider, track drive | Honda HSS1332AATD |
| You can’t or don’t want to clear it yourself | Autonomous robot | Yarbo Robot Snow Blower |
A wide three-car driveway has a lot of surface to clear, and the plow pile across the end of it is wider too. That’s where a 28-inch or larger two-stage machine saves real time over a 24-inch model.
If your driveway is several hundred feet long or you’re clearing acreage, even the Honda will take a while. At that size, many owners use a tractor-mounted blower or a plow service instead of a walk-behind machine.
The first thing I noticed is how light it is. I expected more heft, and it handles better and smoother than I thought it would. Nothing about the build feels cheap; the materials feel great in my hands. The real surprise was the batteries: they charge much faster than I expected. I had been thinking about buying two extra batteries just in case, so it’s good to know I can get back to work quickly without them.1. Honda HSS1332AATD: Best Premium Snow Blower
Type: Gas, two-stage, track drive Engine: Honda GX390, 389cc Clearing width: 31.9 inches Clearing height: 21.7 inches Throw distance: up to 56 feet Start: electric key start
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The Honda HSS1332AATD is the machine for people who get serious snow and never want to think about their snow blower again. It uses Honda's commercial-grade GX390 engine, and Honda rates it to move up to 2,750 pounds of snow per minute.
What stands out
- Track drive. Instead of wheels, it rides on rubber tracks with cleats. Tracks grip better on slopes, uneven ground, and ice.
- Hydrostatic drive. You push a lever forward or back to set your speed and direction. There are no gears to shift, and ground speed doesn't change how fast the auger spins.
- Auger height control. A thumb lever raises or lowers the auger housing, which helps on gravel or uneven surfaces.
- Key start. It starts like a car, with no cord to plug in.
- Warranty and setup. Honda covers it for three years of residential use, and it arrives ready to run.
Drawbacks
- It's the most expensive machine on this list by a wide margin.
- At nearly 32 inches wide, it needs real storage space.
- It's more machine than a short, flat driveway needs.
Who should buy it: Homeowners with long or sloped driveways in heavy-snow areas who want a machine that will last many years.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
2. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO: Best Overall Gas Snow Blower
Type: Gas, two-stage Engine: 306cc Clearing width: 28 inches Throw distance: up to 55 feet Speeds: 6 forward Start: electric start
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The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO gives you most of what a premium machine does for about half the price of the Honda. "SHO" stands for Super High Output. Its 306cc engine is large for a 28-inch machine, and Ariens rates it to throw snow up to 55 feet.
What stands out
- Power for its size. A 306cc engine on a 28-inch housing handles deep and heavy snow, including the pile the plow leaves at the end of your driveway.
- Big wheels. The 16-inch tires help it climb through deep snow.
- Electric start. Plug it in and push a button on cold mornings.
- Brand track record. Ariens is one of the most searched and most established names in two-stage snow blowers.
Drawbacks
- It weighs 268 pounds. The self-propelled drive does the work, but it's a lot of machine to move around a garage.
- It's wheeled, so it won't grip steep slopes as well as a tracked model.
- It needs the usual gas-engine upkeep: oil, fuel stabilizer, and off-season storage prep.
Who should buy it: Homeowners with medium to large driveways who get regular heavy snowfall and want gas power without paying premium prices.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
3. EGO Power+ SNT2405: Best Battery Two-Stage Snow Blower
Type: Battery, two-stage, self-propelled Batteries: two 56V 7.5Ah (included) Clearing width: 24 inches Intake height: 20 inches Throw distance: up to 50 feet Start: push button
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The EGO SNT2405 is the battery answer to a gas two-stage. It runs on two EGO 56V batteries at once, and EGO says it clears up to an 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on one charge.
What stands out
- No gas, oil, or pull cord. Push a button and it runs. There's no engine to maintain or winterize.
- Self-propelled in both directions. Variable-speed forward and reverse are controlled from the handle.
- Real two-stage design. A steel auger breaks up the snow and a separate impeller throws it, the same way a gas two-stage works.
- Quiet. Battery machines are far quieter than gas, which matters early in the morning.
- Battery platform. The batteries work in other EGO 56V tools, such as mowers and leaf blowers.
Drawbacks
- It costs about as much as a strong gas two-stage.
- Runtime drops in deep or wet snow. In a big storm, you may need to recharge partway through.
- Replacement and spare batteries are expensive.
Who should buy it: Homeowners who want two-stage power for a medium driveway and don't want to deal with a gas engine.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
4. Husqvarna ST124: Best Mid-Price Gas Snow Blower
Type: Gas, two-stage Engine: 212cc Clearing width: 24 inches Intake height: 21 inches Tires: 13 inches
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The Husqvarna ST124 is a compact two-stage from a well-known brand at a mid-range price. A 24-inch width is a good match for a typical two-car driveway, and it's narrow enough to store easily.
What stands out
- Ribbon auger. Husqvarna's auger design mixes air into the snow, which helps it move through the chute.
- Strong warranty. Three years bumper-to-bumper, plus five years on the engine.
- Steel chute. The chute is all steel instead of plastic.
- Manageable size. At 173 pounds, it's almost 100 pounds lighter than the Ariens.
Drawbacks
- The 212cc engine is the same size as the budget pick below. It will work harder than larger machines in deep, wet snow.
- A 24-inch width means more passes on a wide driveway.
- It's a newer listing on Amazon, so there's less owner feedback than for the older models here.
Who should buy it: Homeowners with a small to medium driveway who want a two-stage gas machine with a long warranty from an established brand.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
5. PowerSmart 24-Inch Two-Stage: Best Budget Two-Stage Snow Blower
Type: Gas, two-stage, self-propelled Engine: 212cc OHV Clearing width: 24 inches Intake height: 21 inches Throw distance: up to 45 feet Speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse Start: electric start
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The PowerSmart 24-inch is the least expensive way on this list to get a self-propelled two-stage gas snow blower. On paper it matches the Husqvarna closely: same engine size, same clearing width, same intake height.
What stands out
- Full feature set for the price. Electric start, six forward and two reverse speeds, and a chute that rotates 180 degrees.
- Steel auger and housing. The parts that hit the snow are steel.
- Rated capacity. PowerSmart rates it at up to 2,500 pounds of snow per minute and up to 12 inches of snow depth.
Drawbacks
- PowerSmart is a value brand. Expect a shorter track record and a thinner dealer and service network than Honda, Ariens, or Husqvarna.
- Like the Husqvarna, the 212cc engine is on the small side for very deep or wet snow.
- Parts may be harder to find locally.
Who should buy it: Buyers who need two-stage power for a small to medium driveway and want to spend as little as possible to get it.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
6. EGO Power+ SNT2112: Best Battery Single-Stage (The One I Own)
Type: Battery, single-stage Batteries: two 56V 5.0Ah (included, with dual-port charger) Clearing width: 21 inches Throw distance: up to 40 feet Auger: steel
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This is the snow blower I bought for my own property, and it's the machine I'm testing this winter. I chose it because my setup is typical for a city or suburban lot: a single-width driveway, a paver walkway, a public sidewalk, and a narrow side path.
Why I picked it
- Two batteries at once. EGO's Peak Power system draws from both 56V batteries together for more power.
- Steel auger. Many single-stage machines use a rubber paddle. The steel auger is built to cut through packed snow and ice.
- Right size for tight spaces. A 21-inch width fits a narrow side path and stores easily in a garage.
- No gas. No fuel to store, no oil changes, and no pull cord.
- Variable-speed auger. You can slow it down for light snow and save battery.
Drawbacks
- It's a single-stage machine. It's built for moderate snowfalls, not two-foot storms.
- It isn't self-propelled like a two-stage. The auger helps pull it forward, but you push it.
- It costs more than budget single-stage models.
My testing plan: After each storm I'll record the snow depth, whether the snow was wet or dry, how long each area took, and how much battery was left. I'll post those results here and in my full review.
Who should buy it: Homeowners with a small to medium paved driveway who get moderate snow and want a quiet machine with no engine maintenance.
7. SENIX 40V 21-Inch Cordless: Best Budget Battery Snow Blower
Type: Battery, single-stage Power: 40V (two 20V batteries working together), brushless motor Clearing width: 21 inches Clearing depth: 8 to 12 inches Throw distance: up to 33 feet Weight: about 30 pounds
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The SENIX 40V 21-inch is the lowest-priced machine on this list, and it's cordless. It gives you the same 21-inch clearing width as my EGO for roughly half the price, with no extension cord to drag around.
What stands out
- Cordless at a budget price. You get battery convenience without paying premium-brand prices.
- Steel auger with variable speed. That's a feature usually found on more expensive machines.
- Very light. At about 30 pounds, it's easy to push, turn, lift, and store.
- Folding, adjustable handle. It folds down for storage and adjusts for your height.
- LED light bar. Useful for early-morning and evening clearing.
Drawbacks
- Less power than the EGO. It runs on 40V instead of two 56V batteries, and its rated throw distance is shorter (33 feet against 40).
- Smaller battery platform. SENIX has fewer tools and a shorter track record than EGO.
- Light machines struggle with heavy snow. A 30-pound blower is best for light to moderate snowfall on paved surfaces, not the plow pile after a big storm.
Who should buy it: Buyers with a short or mid-size paved driveway and moderate snow who want a cordless machine for the lowest price.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
Bonus pick: Yarbo Robot Snow Blower (Best Autonomous Option)
Type: Battery, two-stage, autonomous robot Drive: rubber tracks Navigation: RTK-GPS and vision sensors, no boundary wire Control: phone app, with weather-triggered scheduling
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The Yarbo is a different kind of machine. It's a robot that clears your driveway on its own while you stay inside. You map your property once in the app, and it can start by itself when snow begins to fall.
What stands out
- No pushing, no operating. It drives itself and returns to its charger when the battery runs low.
- Tracks. Rubber tracks give it grip on ice, gravel, and slopes. Yarbo says it climbs slopes of up to 20 degrees.
- Clears as it snows. It's designed to go out during the storm and keep up with the snow, instead of clearing one deep layer at the end.
- Year-round use. The same base unit takes a lawn mower or leaf blower attachment, sold separately.
Drawbacks
- Price. It costs more than every walk-behind machine on this list, including the Honda.
- Coverage depends on snow depth. Yarbo rates a full charge at up to 6,000 square feet in 1 inch of snow. Deeper snow means less area per charge.
- Setup. It needs mapping, a charging dock, and a good GPS signal.
- It's built for bigger properties. Yarbo says it's designed for driveways over 1,000 square feet.
Who should buy it: Homeowners who can't or don't want to clear snow themselves and have the budget for it. That includes people with mobility limits, frequent travelers, and owners of large properties.
This is a research pick. I have not tested this machine.
How to choose a snow blower
Single-stage vs two-stage
A single-stage snow blower uses one auger to scoop the snow and throw it out the chute. These machines are lighter, cheaper, and easier to store. They work best on paved surfaces with moderate snowfall. Because the auger touches the ground, they're not a good fit for gravel.
A two-stage snow blower uses an auger to collect the snow and a separate impeller to throw it. These machines handle deeper snow, throw it farther, and are self-propelled. The auger sits above the ground, so they work on gravel too.
A simple rule: if you regularly get more than about 8 to 12 inches in a storm, or you have a long driveway, look at two-stage machines.
Gas vs battery vs corded electric
- Gas gives you the most power and unlimited runtime with a fuel can. It's also the loudest, heaviest, and needs the most upkeep.
- Battery is quiet, starts with a button, and needs almost no maintenance. Runtime is limited by the batteries, and the machines cost more up front.
- Corded electric is the cheapest and never runs out of power. You're limited by the cord, and these machines are the least powerful.
Snow blowers for seniors and anyone who wants less strain
If you're older, have a bad back, or just don't want a workout every storm, these features matter more than raw power:
- Push-button or key start. Pull cords are hard on shoulders and backs. Battery machines start with a button, and many gas models have electric start.
- Self-propelled drive. The machine moves itself and you steer. All the two-stage picks here are self-propelled.
- No fuel to handle. Battery and corded machines mean no gas cans, no oil changes, and no engine upkeep.
- Light weight for small areas. A lighter single-stage machine is easier to turn and store, as long as your snowfall is moderate.
- Simple controls. Look for chute controls you can reach from the handle.
My picks for less strain:
- EGO Power+ SNT2405 for most driveways. It's self-propelled in forward and reverse, starts with a button, and has no gas engine.
- EGO Power+ SNT2112 for small paved areas. It's lighter and simpler, but you do push it.
- SENIX 40V 21-Inch if weight matters most. At about 30 pounds, it's the lightest machine here.
- Yarbo if you don't want to go outside at all.
Clearing snow is hard physical work even with a machine. If you have a heart condition or other health concerns, talk to your doctor before you take it on.
Clearing width
A wider machine clears your driveway in fewer passes, but it costs more and takes more storage space.
- 18 to 22 inches: walkways, short driveways, and tight spaces
- 24 to 26 inches: typical one-car and two-car driveways
- 28 inches and up: large or long driveways
Your surface
- Pavement or concrete: any type works.
- Pavers: a single-stage with rubber-tipped or adjustable augers is gentle on the surface.
- Gravel: choose a two-stage and raise the skid shoes so the auger doesn't pick up stones.
- Slopes: tracked machines grip best.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best snow blower for most people? For a typical two-car driveway with moderate to heavy snow, a 24 to 28-inch two-stage machine such as the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is the safest choice. For smaller paved driveways with moderate snow, a battery single-stage such as the EGO SNT2112 is easier to live with.
Are battery snow blowers as good as gas? For small and medium driveways, modern battery machines handle most storms. Gas still has the edge for very deep snow, very long driveways, and all-day runtime.
Is a single-stage snow blower enough? Yes, if you have a paved surface and most of your storms are under about 8 inches. For deeper snow or gravel, choose a two-stage.
How much should I spend on a snow blower? Corded electric models are the cheapest. Battery single-stage and budget gas two-stage machines sit in the middle. Premium two-stage machines from Ariens and Honda cost the most. Match your budget to your snowfall and driveway size instead of buying the biggest machine you can afford.
When is the best time to buy a snow blower? Early fall, before the first storm. Selection is best then, and popular models often sell out once snow is in the forecast.
The bottom line
- Heavy snow and a big budget: Honda HSS1332AATD
- Best all-around gas machine: Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
- Two-stage power without gas: EGO Power+ SNT2405
- Mid-price gas from a known brand: Husqvarna ST124
- Cheapest two-stage: PowerSmart 24-Inch
- Small to medium paved driveway, no gas: EGO Power+ SNT2112
- Tightest budget: SENIX 40V 21-Inch
- Hands-off clearing: Yarbo Robot Snow Blower
I'll update this page through the winter as I log real storm results with my EGO and add more machines to the test course.