Best Snow Blowers 2026: 5 Research-Based Picks
Quick answer
Choose the EGO SNT2405 for cordless two-stage clearing or the current Ariens Classic 24 model 920036 for a simpler gas two-stage setup. Toro’s SnowMaster 824 QXE suits paved drives where its Personal Pace drive matters, Greenworks SN80L620 is another 24-inch cordless two-stage platform, and Snow Joe’s 24V-X2-SB22 is lighter for paved walkways. Snow type, surface and kit contents matter more than a claimed throw distance.
Compare by stage, path and power
| Exact model | Clearing format | Path | Power / kit | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ SNT2405 | Two-stage | 24 in | Two included 56V 7.5-Ah batteries | Best cordless two-stage kit |
| Ariens Classic 24 920036 | Two-stage | 24 in | 212cc gas engine | Best straightforward gas two-stage |
| Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 36003 | Single-stage rotor / SnowMaster design | 24 in | 252cc gas engine | Best self-propelled paved-driveway hybrid |
| Greenworks 80V 24 SN80L620 | Two-stage | 24 in | Two included 80V 5.0-Ah batteries | Best alternative cordless two-stage platform |
| Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 | Single-stage | 22 in | Two included 24V 8.0-Ah batteries | Best lighter paved-surface cordless option |
Our recommendation: For recurrent plow piles or rougher surfaces, start with a true two-stage unit: EGO SNT2405 if battery power fits your clearing schedule, or Ariens Classic 24 if you prefer gas. On paved ground, Toro’s SnowMaster offers operator-paced self-propulsion and Quick Stick chute controls; Snow Joe fits lighter work. Greenworks offers another cordless two-stage platform if its exact kit is in stock.
EGO Power+ SNT2405: Best cordless two-stage kit
Best for: A medium-to-large driveway that needs two-stage clearing without gasoline storage.
Pros
- 24-in clearing width, 20-in intake and self-propelled forward/reverse drive
- SNT2405 configuration includes two 7.5-Ah batteries and a dual-port charger
- Adjustable skid shoes and 200-degree chute direction
Cons and trade-offs
- Runtime depends on snow depth, density and battery temperature; the maker’s driveway figure is conditional
- Two batteries and charger add storage and replacement cost
- Large steel/composite two-stage chassis still needs room to turn and store
Our recommendation
The SNT2405 kit is the cordless counterpart to the gas two-stage Ariens. EGO claims up to a 50-foot throw and an 18-car driveway in 8 inches of snow with its two included 7.5-Ah batteries. Those are maker test conditions, not what every wet storm will yield. Keep batteries in the maker-approved temperature range and plan a recharge or a second battery set for unusually long clearing.
Choose another if: You cannot charge and store the two batteries indoors or need to clear an exceptionally large area without pauses.
Ariens Classic 24 920036: Best straightforward gas two-stage
Best for: A driveway with heavy plow piles or uneven ground where gas refueling and a conventional two-stage design suit the owner.
Pros
- Current US model 920036 has a 24-in clearing path and 212cc engine
- Electric start, 2.5X Quick-Turn chute and one-hand interlocking levers
- Two-stage auger/impeller design with adjustable skid shoes
Cons and trade-offs
- Gas fuel, oil, winterization and engine service add work
- Wheeled two-stage unit needs more storage room than a single-stage thrower
- No headlight is listed on the Classic series page
Our recommendation
Ariens currently identifies the US Classic 24 as 920036. Older 920025 units use a different 208cc engine; the legacy article mixed these generations. The two-stage layout and adjustable shoes make this a better candidate for uneven or gravel surfaces after setup exactly as the manual directs. The manufacturer’s tons-per-hour and throw-distance numbers should not be read as guaranteed wet-snow output.
Choose another if: You need a quiet cordless tool or cannot store and maintain a gas engine.
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 36003: Best self-propelled paved-driveway hybrid
Best for: A paved drive where walking-speed self-propulsion and quick chute changes matter.
Pros
- Personal Pace self-propel system and Quick Stick chute control
- 24-in path, 18-in intake and electric start
- Toro lists 131 lb, much less than many two-stage gas machines
Cons and trade-offs
- Toro’s technical specifications identify a single-stage rotor; it is not the conventional two-stage Ariens design
- Toro says paved surfaces only in its manual; avoid loose gravel
- Gas-engine fuel and maintenance remain
Our recommendation
Toro’s page title calls this a two-stage SnowMaster, but its specification table and parts record describe a single-stage chassis with an in-line auger design. Treat it as its own paved-driveway format, not an Ariens-style two-stage replacement for gravel. Quick Stick and Personal Pace are the buying reasons. Toro lists an up-to-40-foot throw in specifications; conditions can materially change it.
Choose another if: Your primary surface is loose gravel or you specifically need a conventional two-stage impeller.
Greenworks 80V 24 SN80L620: Best alternative cordless two-stage platform
Best for: An owner already invested in Greenworks 80V or wanting the included two-battery kit and powered steering.
Pros
- 24-in path, 20-in listed depth and 200-degree chute
- Self-propelled power steering, LED lights and tri-port battery bay
- Specific SN80L620 kit includes two 5.0-Ah batteries and charger
Cons and trade-offs
- Manufacturer lists 176.4 lb; moving it unpowered and storing it may be difficult
- Battery endurance changes with snow load; the 16-car driveway claim is conditional
- The kit requires Greenworks 80V batteries, not its 60V packs
Our recommendation
This is the current exact 80V two-stage kit on Greenworks’ US page, replacing the ambiguous legacy “80V 20-inch” label. The maker currently marks this kit sold out on its site, so confirm retail stock and the SN80L620 package before purchasing. Its 24-in width and powered steering suit larger work, but the machine is substantially heavier than the single-stage Snow Joe.
Choose another if: You want the lighter single-stage format or cannot accommodate the 176-lb listed weight.
Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22: Best lighter paved-surface cordless option
Best for: A paved walkway or shorter driveway where low carry weight and no gas matter more than plow-pile capability.
Pros
- 22-in path, 13-in listed depth and 45.2-lb weight with batteries
- Two 8.0-Ah batteries and dual-port charger in this kit
- Rubber-tipped auger and LED headlight
Cons and trade-offs
- Single-stage design is a poorer match for dense plow banks than a two-stage machine
- No powered wheel drive is listed; the operator pushes it
- Official store currently lists the kit as unavailable; retailer stock may vary
Our recommendation
The exact SB22 kit uses two 24V batteries; the “48V max” name describes combined peak voltage, not a single 48V pack. Its 22-in path is fairly wide for a light single-stage unit, but width alone does not make it an Ariens alternative in heavy snow. The official store presently offers a notify-me option rather than direct purchase, so verify availability before choosing it.
Choose another if: You face recurrent deep, compacted snow or need a self-propelled two-stage drive.
Snow-blower buying guide
Snow equipment is a seasonal storage commitment; for the warm months, compare our lawn-mower guide and leaf-blower guide before investing in another battery platform.
Match the stage to the surface and snow
Single-stage rotors generally suit paved, relatively even surfaces; the rotor or scraper works close to the ground. Two-stage machines use an auger and impeller, with skid shoes you can set for uneven or gravel ground according to the manual. The latter format is a more practical starting point for deep snow and street-plow piles. Toro’s SnowMaster 824 QXE is a distinct in-line-auger design; its exact manual says paved surfaces and its product specifications classify it as single-stage, despite a conflicting page headline.
Size for the longest realistic clearing job
A wider path saves passes only if you can maneuver and store the machine. Intake height is the housing opening, not a promise that one pass will comfortably process that depth of wet snow. Maker throw-distance and “car driveway” figures assume particular conditions. In heavy, icy or wet snow, take smaller bites and allow for slower progress.
Choose a power system you can maintain
Gas can be refueled quickly but requires fresh fuel, oil, starting and off-season care. Battery machines remove engine maintenance but need approved charging and storage temperatures. Check whether a kit includes batteries and charger; similarly named bare-tool models can be materially different. Consider what replacement packs cost and which other tools share the platform.
Plan safe operation
Clear stones, cords and other objects before snow falls; aim the chute away from people, cars and windows. Stop the engine or remove the battery and wait for all movement to cease before clearing a clog, then use the supplied cleanout tool—never a hand. Follow the specific manual for slopes, gravel and extension cords.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE two-stage?
Toro’s product title says two-stage, but its own specification table calls model 36003 single-stage and the parts record says single-stage chassis. It is an in-line-auger SnowMaster designed for paved surfaces, not a conventional auger-plus-impeller two-stage unit.
Can a battery snow blower handle wet snow?
Some two-stage battery machines are designed for it, but depth, density, ambient temperature and battery state change runtime and pace. The maker’s throw and driveway figures are conditional.
Can I use a single-stage blower on gravel?
Do not assume so. Toro’s model 36003 manual specifically excludes gravel. A two-stage machine with skid shoes may be adjustable for uneven surfaces when its manual permits it.
Do two batteries mean twice the runtime?
Not necessarily. EGO and Snow Joe specify two installed batteries for these kits; the drive and auger load determines runtime. Compare the exact kit, not voltage alone.
Which model suits a small paved walkway?
The lighter Snow Joe SB22 can make sense if its 22-in width fits the path and stock is available. For frequent deep piles, choose a two-stage model even if it takes more storage space.
Research method and primary sources
We reviewed current manufacturer product and support pages for exact model codes, stage, clearing path, kit contents and surface limits. These are buying judgments, not results from machines we operated or measured. Stock is seasonal and retailer bundles can change; inspect the SKU before buying.
Primary sources: Toro model 36003 manual; Ariens Classic 24 current series; EGO Power+ SNT2405 maker page; Ariens Classic 24 920036 maker page; Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 36003 maker page; Greenworks 80V 24 SN80L620 maker page; Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB22 maker page. Read our methodology.
Affiliate disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, The Gear Audit earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Read our full affiliate disclosure.