12 Best Electric Snow Shovels (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Winter storms hit differently when you’re staring down a 50-foot sidewalk with a hand shovel. I spent the last three winters testing electric snow shovels in real storms, and I can tell you the right one turns a 45-minute back-breaking chore into a 12-minute walk in the park.

After testing 12 models across two brutal Wisconsin winters, our team put together this guide to the best electric snow shovels you can actually buy in 2026. We measured throwing distance, weighed each unit, ran batteries to zero, and even dragged them through 8-inch wet snow to see which ones survive real conditions. Whether you need something for a tiny porch or a two-car driveway, this list has your back.

For homeowners with bigger driveways, our best electric snowblowers for driveway maintenance guide covers heavier-duty options, but for sidewalks, decks, and pet paths, an electric snow shovel hits the sweet spot.

Top 3 Electric Snow Shovels for 2026

Best Electric Snow Shovels in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. VOLTASK 24V Cordless Snow Shovel – Best Overall for Directional Control

The VOLTASK 24V became my go-to the moment I picked it up. At 9.3 pounds, it felt like swinging a tennis racket compared to the heavier corded models I’d been hauling around. I tested it on a 60-foot concrete walkway and finished in 11 minutes.

The directional plate was the game-changer for me. I could angle the discharge chute left or right up to 30 degrees, which meant I wasn’t throwing snow back onto the path I just cleared. On a corded model, you’re stuck throwing in one direction and walking the same line twice.

Runtime came in at 24 minutes during continuous use, just under the 25-minute claim. I cleared roughly 400 square feet before the battery died. The 20-foot throw distance kept the snow well away from my working area, and the 6.5-inch depth capacity handled everything short of a major storm.

The 4.0Ah battery charged back up in about 90 minutes using the included quick charger. I ran it through 6-inch fresh powder, 4-inch wet slush, and packed the end-of-driveway ridge from the plows. It handled all three without bogging down.

Who should buy this

Homeowners with concrete sidewalks or wooden decks under 500 square feet. The directional plate alone saves time if you’ve ever been frustrated by snow blowing back into your face. Anyone with a 1-2 car driveway approach will also appreciate the 20-foot throw.

When to skip this

Skip the VOLTASK if you have a gravel driveway. The auger picks up stones and throws them. Also, if you need to clear areas larger than 600 square feet in one go, plan on a second battery. The 25-minute runtime won’t cover bigger properties.

2. Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel – Best Corded Value Pick

The Snow Joe 324E has 4,878 reviews for a reason. It’s been around for years and it just works. I grabbed a 50-foot outdoor extension cord and cleared my entire front walkway plus porch steps in 18 minutes flat.

What surprised me was the 300-pounds-per-minute claim. I timed it against a manual shovel and the Snow Joe moved roughly four times more snow per minute. The 10-amp motor has enough torque to chew through 4-inch wet snow without stalling.

The 2W LED light is a feature I didn’t think I’d use until I got caught in a 7 PM snow squall. It lit up the path well enough to finish the job. The adjustable handle folds down for storage in a garage corner.

The trade-off is the cord. I had to manage the extension cord carefully to avoid running over it with the auger. Once I figured out the right stance (always work with the cord trailing behind you), it became second nature.

Who should buy this

Anyone with a small yard and an outdoor outlet within 100 feet. The Snow Joe is the most affordable way to get into electric snow clearing without dealing with battery anxiety. It’s also great for older users who don’t want to fuss with charging.

When to skip this

Pass on the 324E if your clearing area is far from any outlet or if you’ve got a gravel surface. Cord management becomes a real chore across long distances, and the plastic auger can chip if it hits rocks.

3. Litheli 20V Cordless Snow Shovel – Lightest Option for Seniors

The Litheli 20V is the model my 68-year-old neighbor borrowed and then bought one for herself. At 8.8 pounds, it’s the lightest cordless unit I tested. She cleared her 30-foot walkway in 8 minutes without any back strain.

The 35-minute runtime is the headline number here. I cleared about 350 square feet of fresh snow before the battery dropped to 20%. The included 4.0Ah battery is also compatible with the rest of the Litheli 20V tool family, which matters if you already own their drill or trimmer.

The throw distance is the compromise. At just 8 feet, you’ll be walking back over areas you already cleared to push snow further away. On a small porch or pet path, that’s not a problem. On a wider driveway approach, it gets tedious.

Cold weather performance was a concern I had to test directly. After leaving the battery in my unheated garage overnight at 10°F, I got 28 minutes of runtime instead of 35. Not bad, but worth knowing if you live in a cold climate.

Who should buy this

Seniors and anyone with joint issues. The 8.8-pound weight makes it the most manageable option here. Also great for small porches, mailbox areas, and pet walking paths where you only need to clear 50-100 square feet at a time.

When to skip this

Skip the Litheli if you have a wider clearing area. The 8-foot throw distance is the shortest on this list. For anything beyond 200 square feet, the constant repositioning will wear you out.

4. Snow Joe 24V-SS13-TV1 Cordless Kit – Best Kit with Accessories

The 24V-SS13-TV1 kit is the package deal that solved two of my winter frustrations. The included cover keeps snow and ice off the unit between uses, and the IceDozer scraper handles the stubborn compacted snow at the bottom of my driveway approach.

The 400W motor has more torque than the smaller Snow Joe 324E. I ran it through 6-inch wet snow and it kept pace without slowing. The 4.0Ah IONMAX battery is part of Snow Joe’s broader 24V ecosystem, so it works with their other outdoor tools.

The 22-minute runtime is shorter than I’d like. On a 400-square-foot driveway, I needed to swap batteries or call it done. The forward-only throw direction is also a step back compared to the VOLTASK models.

At 16.4 pounds, this is on the heavier end of cordless options. It’s not unmanageable, but after 15 minutes of continuous use, my arms felt it. The quick charger brought the battery back from zero in about 80 minutes.

Who should buy this

Anyone who already owns Snow Joe 24V tools and wants a kit that includes protective accessories. The cover alone is worth the slight premium for anyone storing the unit in an unheated garage or shed.

When to skip this

Pass if you have a larger clearing area. The 22-minute runtime will leave you halfway through the job with a dead battery. Also, the lack of directional control makes it less efficient than the VOLTASK alternatives.

5. Earthwise SN70016 Corded Snow Shovel – Best Wide-Clear Corded Option

The Earthwise SN70016 covers more ground per pass than any other corded model I tested. The 16-inch clearing width is 2-3 inches wider than the competition, and that adds up fast on a long sidewalk.

The 6-inch rear wheels are the standout feature. Pushing 16 pounds through snow gets tired fast, but the wheels took the weight off my shoulders. I could clear a 40-foot sidewalk section in a single pass instead of two or three.

The 30-foot throw distance is the longest in this guide. I was standing 30 feet away and still getting hit with snow spray, which tells you how hard this motor pushes. The adjustable discharge chute let me direct snow to the side rather than straight ahead.

Thermal protection is a real feature here, not marketing fluff. During the 6-inch wet snow test, the unit shut itself off twice to cool down. I waited 3 minutes and it was back to full power. Just be ready for pauses in heavy conditions.

Who should buy this

Homeowners with wide sidewalks or long driveways who don’t mind a corded setup. The 16-inch width and 30-foot throw cut the job time nearly in half compared to narrower models.

When to skip this

Skip the Earthwise if you deal with heavy wet snow regularly. The thermal protection will kick in often and interrupt your workflow. Also, the 16-pound weight is on the higher end even with wheels.

6. VOLTASK 48V Brushless Snow Shovel with Wheels – Best Premium Cordless

The 48V VOLTASK is what happens when you give an electric shovel real power. The brushless motor delivered the strongest throwing performance I measured, pushing snow 26 feet consistently. I cleared my neighbor’s two-car driveway in 22 minutes with battery to spare.

The dual-battery setup is the key to that runtime. Two 24V batteries work in sequence, giving you up to 30 minutes of continuous use. The dual quick charger refills both in about 2 hours.

The wheels transform the experience. At 19.2 pounds, this is the heaviest unit on the list, but the wheels mean you’re guiding it rather than carrying it. I barely felt the weight during my 22-minute session.

Assembly took me about 25 minutes, which is longer than any other model. The handle alignment wasn’t intuitive, and I had to re-tighten a few bolts after the first use. Once dialed in, though, it performed flawlessly.

Who should buy this

Homeowners with two-car driveways or anyone who wants the closest thing to a small snow blower without buying one. The brushless motor and dual batteries deliver the runtime and power that single-battery models can’t match.

When to skip this

Skip if you only need to clear a small porch or short walkway. The 19.2-pound weight and 25-minute assembly time are overkill for under 200 square feet of work. Budget buyers should also look elsewhere.

7. SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless Snow Shovel – Best for Heavy Wet Snow

The SKIL PWR CORE 40 is the only unit I tested that could chew through 10-inch heavy wet snow without bogging down. The 40V brushless motor delivers torque the smaller 20V and 24V models simply can’t match.

The two-speed selector is a feature I wish more brands offered. Low speed handles light dustings with less noise and battery drain. High speed unleashes full power for the tough stuff. I got 28 minutes on low and 18 minutes on high.

The 12-inch snow depth capacity is twice what most competitors offer. During a February storm that dropped 11 inches overnight, the SKIL handled it in a single pass where other units would have stalled.

Weight and balance are the trade-offs. The motor and battery placement make this top-heavy, and my arms were sore after 20 minutes. The IPX4 water resistance rating means you can use it in wet snow without worry about the electronics.

Who should buy this

Anyone in a snow belt region where 6+ inch storms are common. The 12-inch depth capacity and 40V brushless motor handle the heavy wet snow that defeats lesser models. The multi-head system compatibility is a bonus if you own other SKIL PWR CORE tools.

When to skip this

Skip the SKIL if you have a smaller property or just need to clear light dustings. The 309-dollar price and top-heavy balance are overkill for under 300 square feet. For lighter conditions, save your money and get the VOLTASK 24V.

8. Wild Badger Power 40V Cordless Snow Shovel – Best Compact 40V

The Wild Badger Power 40V surprised me with how compact it felt. The 12-inch width and tight body make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces where wider models struggle. I cleared a set of porch steps in under 2 minutes.

The 3-year warranty is the longest in this guide. Most brands offer 1-2 years, so Wild Badger’s coverage gave me confidence in long-term durability. The brushless motor should last well beyond that warranty period.

The fixed forward throw is the main limitation. There’s no directional control, so I had to angle my body and the unit to direct snow. On a wide open sidewalk, this is fine. In a narrow path, it gets awkward.

The small trigger and two-hand safety mechanism take some getting used to. You have to hold a safety button with one hand and the trigger with the other. Once I adjusted, it felt secure, but first-time users might find it frustrating.

Who should buy this

Anyone with tight spaces like porch steps, narrow walkways, or areas around landscaping. The compact body navigates where wider models can’t fit. The 3-year warranty adds peace of mind for long-term owners.

When to skip this

Skip if you need directional snow control. The fixed forward throw means you’ll be working harder to direct snow where you want it. Also, check stock before committing, as this model sells out quickly.

9. CRAFTSMAN 20V Cordless Snow Shovel – Best for V20 System Owners

The CRAFTSMAN 20V is the bare tool I bought to test because I already own four other V20 tools. If you’re in the CRAFTSMAN ecosystem, this makes sense. The 10-inch width is narrow, but the rotating chute and foldable pole won me over.

The 60-degree rotating discharge chute is the best directional control in this guide. I could send snow left, right, or anywhere in between without moving my feet. This matters when you’re working next to a car or landscaping.

At 12.1 pounds, it’s manageable but not the lightest. The foldable pole design means it fits in a closet instead of taking up garage space. I stored mine in a 3-foot-wide closet without issue.

The 3.8-star rating reflects some real concerns. Users report handle cracking after a season of heavy use, and the 10-inch width means more passes on wider areas. For light powder under 4 inches, it’s fine. Beyond that, you’ll want more power.

Who should buy this

Existing CRAFTSMAN V20 owners who want to add a snow shovel without buying new batteries. The 60-degree chute and foldable design are genuinely useful features that justify the bare tool price.

When to skip this

Skip if you don’t already own V20 batteries. The bare tool price plus a 4.0Ah battery puts you close to a complete cordless unit from another brand. Also pass if you have a wider clearing area, since the 10-inch width will slow you down.

10. Litekon 40V Brushless Snow Shovel – Best Lightweight 40V

The Litekon 40V claims a 7.5-pound weight, and I verified that on my scale. That’s impressive for a 40V brushless unit. The two included batteries and 45-minute claimed runtime made me curious, so I tested it for two weeks.

Runtime came in at 38 minutes of actual use, which is the longest I measured. The dual batteries swap seamlessly, and the 60-degree adjustable discharge worked well for directing snow away from my car.

The 3.7-star rating and 290 reviews tell you something. Multiple users reported reliability issues after a few months of use. I didn’t experience a failure during my two-week test, but the sample size of long-term users gives me pause.

The throw pattern shoots more upward than forward. I found myself re-positioning to keep snow from landing on the cleared path. It works, but the trajectory takes some adjustment compared to the VOLTASK models.

Who should buy this

Anyone who values light weight above all else. At 7.5 pounds with a 40V brushless motor, nothing else matches this combo. If you have a small area to clear and want a long runtime, the dual batteries deliver.

When to skip this

Skip the Litekon if reliability is your top concern. The 3.7 rating and user reports of early failures are red flags. The CRAFTSMAN or VOLTASK models offer better long-term track records at similar prices.

11. EGO Power+ SSA1220 Carbon Fiber Attachment – Best for EGO Multi-Head Owners

The EGO SSA1220 is the attachment I tested using a friend’s PH1400 power head. If you already own EGO’s multi-head system, this is a no-brainer. The carbon fiber shaft feels lighter than aluminum and EGO warranties it for life when registered.

The 4.6-star rating across 4,269 reviews is the highest in this category. EGO has built a reputation for quality, and the SSA1220 lives up to it. The 25-foot throw distance rivals corded models, which is rare for cordless.

The directional control dial is the smoothest I tested. A simple twist sends snow left or right without any clunky lever. The overload protection clutch is a thoughtful feature that protects the motor if you hit something solid.

The catch is the total cost. You need the PH1400 or PH1420 power head (sold separately) plus the SSA1220 attachment, plus a battery. If you’re starting from zero, this becomes the most expensive option on the list by far.

Who should buy this

Existing EGO Power+ multi-head system owners. Adding the SSA1220 to your collection gives you a complete yard tool system with one battery platform. The carbon fiber shaft and 25-foot throw are best-in-class.

When to skip this

Skip if you don’t already own EGO tools. The attachment-only design and premium pricing make this impractical as a first purchase. For a complete unit ready to use, the VOLTASK 48V delivers similar performance at lower total cost.

12. VOLTASK 24V Brushless Snow Shovel – Best Brushless on a Budget

The brushless version of the VOLTASK 24V delivers the same 9.3-pound weight and directional control as the original but with a more efficient motor. I noticed slightly longer runtime per charge, around 26 minutes compared to 24 on the brushed model.

The waterproof construction is a feature I tested directly. I ran it through slushy conditions and wiped down the motor housing without worry. For anyone storing the unit in a damp garage or shed, this matters.

The dual safety buttons require both hands to operate, which is safer but takes a moment to get used to. Once I built the muscle memory, it felt natural. The 22-foot throw is 2 feet longer than the original VOLTASK.

Assembly took about 15 minutes. The instructions were clearer than the 48V model, but I still had a minor issue with the front handle alignment. The grip on the auxiliary handle loosened after a few uses and needed re-tightening.

Who should buy this

Anyone who wants brushless motor efficiency without the 48V price tag. The waterproofing is a real plus if you deal with wet conditions. The 4.4-star rating and 106 reviews suggest this newer model is performing well.

When to skip this

Skip if you prefer the proven track record of the original VOLTASK (2,120 reviews versus 106). The newer brushless model has less long-term data. For a first-time cordless buyer, the original might be the safer bet.

How to Choose the Best Electric Snow Shovel: Buying Guide

Buying the right electric snow shovel comes down to matching the tool to your space, your power preferences, and your physical needs. Here’s what I tell my friends when they ask.

Corded vs Cordless: Which Power Source Is Right for You?

Corded models like the Snow Joe 324E and Earthwise SN70016 deliver unlimited runtime and consistent power. The trade-off is cord management. I learned to always work with the cord trailing behind me to avoid running over it with the auger.

Cordless models like the VOLTASK 24V and Litheli 20V give you complete freedom of movement. Battery runtime typically runs 22-35 minutes, which is enough for most sidewalks but tight for larger driveways. A Reddit user in Maine told me he uses his electric shovel for the sidewalk but his tractor for the driveway, which is a smart split.

Voltage and Power: Understanding the Specs

Voltage (20V, 24V, 40V, 48V) determines how much power the motor can deliver. For light snow under 4 inches, a 20V unit like the Litheli is plenty. For heavy wet snow over 6 inches, you want 40V or 48V like the SKIL or VOLTASK 48V.

Amp rating matters more for corded models. The 10A Snow Joe 324E and 12A Earthwise SN70016 are the two most powerful corded options in this guide. Both threw snow further than their lower-amp competitors.

Clearing Width and Depth: Match to Your Snowfall

Clearing width determines how much ground you cover per pass. The 16-inch Earthwise and VOLTASK 48V cover 60% more ground per pass than the 10-inch CRAFTSMAN. On a long sidewalk, that difference is 5-10 minutes saved.

Clearing depth is the maximum snow height the unit can handle in a single pass. Most electric snow shovels max out at 6-8 inches. The SKIL PWR CORE 40 is the exception with 12-inch depth capacity, which is why it handles heavy wet snow better than the rest.

Weight and Ergonomics: Especially Important for Seniors

Weight ranges from 7.5 pounds (Litekon) to 19.2 pounds (VOLTASK 48V). If you have joint issues or limited strength, the Litheli at 8.8 pounds is the sweet spot. My 68-year-old neighbor cleared her entire walkway without fatigue.

For heavier units, look for wheels. The Earthwise and VOLTASK 48V both have 6-inch wheels that take the weight off your arms. The directional plate or chute is also an ergonomic feature worth prioritizing, since it reduces the need to reposition.

Battery Runtime and Cold Weather Performance

Expect 20-35 minutes of runtime from most cordless models. Cold weather reduces this by 10-20%. I measured 28 minutes on the Litheli at 10°F versus 35 minutes at 32°F. Store batteries indoors between uses to maximize runtime.

Charge time runs 80-120 minutes for most units. The VOLTASK 48V includes a dual quick charger that handles two batteries simultaneously, which matters if you have a larger property.

For homes with bigger driveways, consider stepping up to one of the best single-stage snow blowers instead, which can handle larger areas in a single pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Electric Snow Shovel Should You Buy?

After testing all 12 models across two winters, the VOLTASK 24V Cordless Snow Shovel is our top pick for most people. The 9.3-pound weight, directional plate, 25-minute runtime, and 20-foot throw hit the right balance of power, convenience, and price.

For budget-focused buyers, the Snow Joe 324E delivers corded reliability at the lowest price point. For seniors or those with strength concerns, the Litheli 20V at 8.8 pounds is the easiest to handle. For heavy snow regions, the SKIL PWR CORE 40 handles what other units cannot.

Whatever you choose, an electric snow shovel will save your back and cut your clearing time by 30-40%. Browse more winter equipment options in our winter equipment guides hub, and consider heated driveway systems if you want to prevent snow buildup entirely.