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A full-size snow blower is often too much machine for a deck, front steps or a narrow walkway. A cordless electric snow shovel fills the gap: it clears light-to-moderate snow faster than hand shovelling, stores in a small space and starts with a trigger.
These four picks cover the most useful buying categories—best overall performance, best lightweight value, best premium control and best wider clearing path.
Quick verdict
Best overall: Greenworks 80V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel. Strong battery power, a brushless motor and enough runtime for walkways, decks and quick driveway cleanups.
Best lightweight value: Snow Joe 24V-SS13. A practical 13-inch model that is easier to carry and costs less than most premium cordless machines.
Best premium pick: EGO POWER+ SNS1201 12-inch Snow Shovel. Excellent throwing power and directional control in a polished battery platform.
Best for wider areas: Earthwise SN74016 40V 16-inch Snow Shovel. A broader clearing width, rear wheels and strong capacity for patios and small driveways.
At-a-glance comparison
| Pick | Clearing width | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 80V | 12 inches | Best all-around cordless performance | Heavier than compact 24V models |
| Snow Joe 24V-SS13 | 13 inches | Steps, decks and lighter snow | Less power for wet or packed snow |
| EGO SNS1201 | 12 inches | Premium control and battery sharing | Higher purchase price |
| Earthwise SN74016 | 16 inches | Patios and broader walkways | Larger head needs more storage room |
Specifications are based on current manufacturer information and independent snow-shovel testing, not claimed hands-on testing by Time to Get Outside. Snow type, depth, temperature and battery size affect real-world performance.
1. Greenworks 80V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel — best overall
The Greenworks 80V model has the power advantage of a high-voltage battery and a brushless motor while remaining far smaller than a conventional snow blower. It cuts a 12-inch path through snow up to roughly 6 inches deep and can throw it about 20 to 25 feet, depending on the current model and snow conditions.
Independent testers have praised its balance of clearing speed, battery runtime and value. The 80V platform is especially attractive if you already own compatible Greenworks lawn equipment because one battery can serve several tools.
Best for: homeowners who want one capable machine for walkways, decks and light driveway clearing. Trade-off: at around 19 pounds with a battery, it is not the lightest choice.
2. Snow Joe 24V-SS13 — best lightweight value
Snow Joe’s 24V-SS13 is the grab-and-go option. Its 13-inch clearing head and approximately 13-pound tool weight make it easier to carry onto a deck or move between the front walk and back steps. The 400-watt motor is rated to move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute.
It is a strong fit for frequent light snowfalls where a manual shovel feels tedious but a large machine would be awkward. Kits normally include a battery and charger, although bundle contents and battery capacity vary by listing.
Best for: smaller properties, decks, steps and buyers who prioritize easy handling. Trade-off: it works best on fresh snow and is less suited to heavy, wet or compacted piles.
3. EGO POWER+ SNS1201 — best premium pick
The EGO SNS1201 combines a 12-inch clearing path with up to 25 feet of throwing distance and 60-degree directional control. That adjustable discharge is genuinely useful on narrow properties where throwing snow straight ahead could cover a neighbour’s walk or block your next pass.
EGO says the included 2.5Ah battery can clear up to a three-car driveway covered by about 6 inches of snow. Buyers already invested in EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform can share batteries with compatible lawn and outdoor tools.
Best for: premium performance, controlled snow placement and existing EGO owners. Trade-off: it costs more than basic electric shovels, and larger EGO batteries add weight.
4. Earthwise SN74016 40V — best for wider areas
Earthwise moves closer to compact snow-thrower territory with a 16-inch clearing width and an 8-inch rated clearing depth. Its 40V brushless motor, 4Ah battery, rear transport wheels and adjustable discharge make it appealing for patios, wider paths and small driveways.
The larger head covers more ground per pass and can throw snow around 30 feet in suitable conditions. It is still easier to store than a conventional blower, but it is not as nimble on narrow steps as the Snow Joe or EGO.
Best for: buyers who want a broader path without buying a full-size snow blower. Trade-off: the 16-inch housing takes more room and can feel less agile in tight spaces.
Electric snow shovel or snow blower?
Choose an electric snow shovel for decks, steps, short walkways and fresh snowfall generally under 6 to 8 inches. It is easier to lift, quicker to start and far simpler to store.
A full snow blower is the better tool for long driveways, deep storms, packed plow banks and heavy wet snow. An electric shovel is a quick-cleanup specialist, not a replacement for every winter storm.
What to check before buying
- Clearing width: 12 to 13 inches is easier to control; 16 inches covers open areas faster.
- Tool weight: remember that you guide and sometimes lift the machine. Battery size adds noticeable weight.
- Throw direction: adjustable discharge prevents snow from landing on cars, doors or already-cleared pavement.
- Battery included: tool-only listings look cheaper but may not include the battery or charger.
- Battery ecosystem: matching a platform you already own can save substantial money.
- Snow conditions: light, fresh snow clears most easily. Wet or compacted snow requires slower, shallower passes.
Safer winter clearing
Clear snow before foot traffic packs it down, keep hands and clothing away from the intake and remove the battery before clearing a blockage. Never point the discharge toward people, pets, windows or vehicles.
Good footwear matters as much as the machine. Our guide to the best ice cleats for snow and ice can help with traction while you work. When the job is finished, a boot dryer can get wet footwear ready for the next snowfall.
Frequently asked questions
Do electric snow shovels work on wet snow?
They can handle some wet snow, but performance drops as the snow becomes heavier. Take narrower passes and clear it before it freezes or becomes packed.
How deep can an electric snow shovel clear?
Most compact models are designed for about 6 inches of fresh snow, while wider models may be rated for roughly 8 inches. For deeper accumulation, clear in layers rather than forcing the full depth at once.
Can I use one on a wooden deck?
Yes, provided the deck is structurally sound and the manufacturer permits that surface. Electric shovels use an auger or paddle rather than a metal hand-shovel edge, but you should still work carefully around raised boards, fasteners and railings.
Are cordless snow shovels hard on your back?
They remove the repetitive lifting and throwing of a manual shovel, but you still guide the tool’s weight. A lighter model and adjustable auxiliary handle can make a significant difference.
Final winner
The Greenworks 80V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel is the best choice for most buyers because it combines useful power, manageable size and a proven battery platform. Choose the Snow Joe 24V-SS13 for lighter weight and value, the EGO SNS1201 for premium directional control, or the Earthwise SN74016 when a wider clearing path matters most.
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Models, batteries, bundles and availability can change. Confirm the included battery, charger and current product details before ordering.