It snowed 4 inches overnight and you've got 20 minutes before work. A hand shovel means a sore back. A gas snow blower is overkill for a front step and a short walk. A cordless electric snow shovel sits in the middle, and if you buy the right one it does the job without a cord or a pull start. Here are the 4 best cordless electric snow shovels in 2026, picked by review volume, ratings and what's in the box.
What to Look For in a Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Clearing width and depth. Most are 12 to 16 inches wide and handle up to 6 to 8 inches of snow. Wider means fewer passes, but also more weight.
Battery voltage and runtime. A 20V battery gives you about 15 to 25 minutes. Bigger systems (40V, or two 24V packs) run around 30 minutes. Check what's in the box. Some listings sell the tool only.
Weight. A 12 pound shovel is easy to carry up steps. A 16 inch model with wheels is heavier but pushes easier across flat pavement.
Throw distance. Look for 19 to 30 feet if you want to put snow well off the path. A rotating chute helps with wind.
Battery platform. If you already own Greenworks 40V tools, you can use those batteries. If not, you're buying into a new battery system.
The 4 Best Cordless Electric Snow Shovels in 2026
1. Earthwise SN74016 40V Cordless Snow Shovel
Best for: a wide 16-inch path and the most buyers behind it.
The Earthwise has more than 2,200 reviews at 4.1 stars, the most of any cordless shovel we found. It has a 16 inch clearing width, 8 inch clearing depth and a brushless motor on a 40V system. The listing says it moves up to 300 pounds of snow a minute and throws it up to 32 feet.
What makes it stand out: You get a 4Ah battery and charger in the box, rear wheels, and a chute that rotates 180 degrees. The 16 inch width cuts down the number of passes on a driveway.
Good to know: The listing puts it at about 19 pounds, so it's a lot to carry up steps. It's also the second priciest, and the 4.1 rating means some buyers had battery or durability complaints.
2. VOLTASK 48V 16-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel
Best for: bigger driveways where you want two batteries and more power.
VOLTASK is at 4.3 stars from about 1,100 reviews, the best rating among the high-volume models. It has a 1200W brushless motor, a 16 inch by 8 inch clearing path and a 26 foot throw. It runs on two 24V 4Ah batteries.
What makes it stand out: Two batteries and a charger come in the box, and the listing claims up to 30 minutes of runtime. It has wheels, an adjustable support plate and a deflector that moves 30 degrees either way. It also has a two-step start for safety.
Good to know: It's a newer brand with a smaller track record than Greenworks or Earthwise. Check the warranty terms on the listing before you buy.
3. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel
Best for: owners who already have Greenworks 40V batteries.
The Greenworks 40V is the name most people already know. It has about 400 reviews at 4.1 stars. The shovel is 12 inches wide, clears up to 6 inches of snow, and throws it about 20 feet. A 4.0Ah battery and charger are included.
What makes it stand out: The battery fits more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools, so it earns its keep in summer too. It also folds for storage.
Good to know: It's the most expensive model here and the narrowest of the 40V shovels. The brand's own tip is to keep the battery at room temperature, since a cold battery may not start. If you don't already own Greenworks batteries, the Earthwise gets you more width for less.
4. etoolab 20V 13-Inch Cordless Snow Shovel
Best for: steps, decks and short walks on a tighter budget.
The etoolab is the budget pick. It's a 20V shovel with a 13 inch width, 8 inch depth and a 19 foot throw, and it comes with a 4.0Ah battery. About 300 reviews at 4.1 stars.
What makes it stand out: It weighs only 12 pounds, so it's easy to carry up steps and onto a deck. The chute adjusts 30 degrees either way, and the brand lists a working temperature of -25 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Good to know: Expect 15 to 25 minutes of runtime, per the listing. That's enough for steps and a short walk, not a long driveway. It's also not the machine for heavy snow.
How to Use One Without Wasting the Battery
- Clear snow when it's fresh. Light snow is the whole point of this tool.
- Start from the middle and throw snow downwind so it doesn't blow back at you.
- Take thin passes if the snow is near the depth limit. Don't force the shovel through deep drifts.
- Store the battery indoors, and charge it before the storm, not after.
- Clear any ice chunks or gravel before you start. They can jam the auger.
If the snow in your area is regularly heavy or wet, skip the shovel and read our snow blower for wet snow guide. Already running battery tools for yard work? Our cordless leaf blower picks may fit your battery system too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cordless electric snow shovels work on heavy, wet snow?
How long does the battery last?
Can an electric snow shovel clear a driveway?
Do they work in freezing weather?
Keep Reading
- Snow blower for wet snow: 3 best options
- Cordless leaf blower for wet leaves: 4 best options
- Cordless impact wrench for lug nuts: 5 best options
Final Thoughts
If you've got a driveway, we'd pick the Earthwise SN74016. It's the widest, it has the most reviews, and it comes with a battery and charger. If you want more power and two batteries, the VOLTASK is the other one to look at.
Already own Greenworks 40V tools? Buy the Greenworks and use the batteries you have. If you only need to clear steps and a short walk, the etoolab costs the least and is the lightest. We didn't personally test any of these, so check the return policy and battery details on the listing.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here's how we pick products.
