Snow Blower vs Snow Plow: Which One Should You Buy?
Snow blowers throw snow clear with a powered auger, while snow plows push it aside with a blade; the right side depends on area size and whether a vehicle does the pushing.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
EGO SNT2405 Cordless Snow Blower9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
VEVOR 48 in Universal Snow Plow Kit for ATVs and UTVs9.5/10View on Amazon - 3
Best Choice Products 36 in Heavy-Duty 2-Wheel Snow Pusher9.5/10View on Amazon - 4
Husqvarna ST124 212cc 24" 2 Stage Snow Blower 970710001View on Amazon - 5
Corded Snow Blower:15A MotorView on Amazon - 6
Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow BlowerView on Amazon
Verdict: Choose a snow blower if you clear walks, steps, patios and small driveways and want a powered auger to throw snow clear. Choose a snow plow if you clear a long driveway or farm road and want a wide blade, pushed by hand or by an ATV or UTV.
After a snowfall, the driveway, walks and steps need clearing, and the snow blower vs snow plow choice decides how that work gets done. A snow blower uses a powered auger to throw snow away from the path. A snow plow uses a blade to push snow aside. This comparison covers the differences, then the four examples.
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VOLTASK 48V 16-Inch Electric Snow Shovel with Wheels
A 48V cordless snow shovel with wheels, a 1200W brushless motor and a 2000 RPM auger, clearing a 16-inch path and throwing snow up to 26 ft.
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The VOLTASK example is a cordless snow shovel with a 1200W brushless motor and a 2000 RPM auger, powered by 2 24V 4.0Ah batteries with a dual charger in the box. The listing states a 16-inch wide, 8-inch deep path, snow thrown up to 26 ft away and up to 9.8 ft high, and a deflector rotating ±30 degrees. Snow wheels and a support plate guide it across paved surfaces.
Pros
- 1200W brushless motor with a 2000 RPM auger
- Clears a 16-inch wide, 8-inch deep path
- Throws snow up to 26 ft and 9.8 ft high, deflector rotates ±30 degrees
- 2 24V 4.0Ah batteries and dual charger included; 30 minutes maximum
Cons
- Runtime capped at 30 minutes maximum
- Weight not stated
- Warranty not stated
- Wheels and support plate suit paved surfaces, not rough ground
VEVOR 48 in Universal Snow Plow Kit for ATVs and UTVs
A 48 in universal snow plow kit for most ATVs and UTVs, with a steel blade, 3 mounts, 5 angle positions and 3 height settings.
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The VEVOR example is a universal plow attachment for most ATVs and UTVs, built around a 48 in steel blade with a reinforced panel. The listing states 3 installation options, 5 angle positions up to ±24.88 degrees, 3 height settings and a push tube wall thickness of 4 mm. It detaches for storage, and reflective rods are included.
Pros
- 48 in steel blade, reinforced panel and mounting plate
- 3 mount options on a multi-hole plate for most ATVs and UTVs
- 5 angle positions up to ±24.88 degrees and 3 height settings
- Push tube wall thickness 4 mm; blade detaches for storage
Cons
- An ATV or UTV is required; no vehicle is included
- 93.7 pounds, heavier than the hand plow example
- Warranty not stated
- No throw distance is stated; a plow pushes snow
Best Choice Products 36 in Heavy-Duty 2-Wheel Snow Pusher Hand Plow
A 36 in heavy-duty 2-wheel snow pusher hand plow with a galvanized steel blade and height-adaptive handles.
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The Best Choice Products example is a hand plow with a 36-inch galvanized steel blade, 2 wheels and handles adjusting from 33.5 to 51 inches. The blade angle adjusts by sliding and securing the guide rail, reflective tape is included, and the handles lock upright for storage. The listing states a blade of 36 inches wide by 10 inches high and a weight of 25.5 pounds.
Pros
- 36-inch galvanized steel blade for driveways and walkways
- 2 wheels and a smooth-rolling design for hand pushing
- Blade angle set by sliding and securing the guide rail
- Height-adaptive handles, 33.5 to 51 inches, locking upright
Cons
- Manual power only; effort comes from the user
- Pushes snow aside rather than throwing it clear
- Warranty not stated
- Steel blade and wheels total 25.5 pounds to push
etoolab 20V Cordless Snow Shovel
A 20V cordless snow shovel with a 3000 RPM brushless motor, clearing a 13-inch path and throwing snow up to 19 ft.
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The etoolab example is a 20V cordless snow shovel with a 3000 RPM brushless motor and one 20V 4.0Ah cold-resistant battery. The listing states a 13-inch path, snow up to 8 inches deep, snow thrown up to 19 ft away and up to 13 ft high, and a discharge angle of 30 degrees left or right. It folds down for compact storage, and the listing rates about 15 to 20 minutes per charge and clearing up to six standard parking spaces, depending on conditions.
Pros
- 3000 RPM brushless motor for everyday snow
- Clears a 13-inch path, snow up to 8 inches deep
- Throws snow up to 19 ft and 13 ft high, discharge 30 degrees either way
- Folds down for compact storage in a garage corner
Cons
- Runtime of about 15 to 20 minutes limits longer sessions
- Weight not stated
- Warranty not stated
- 13-inch path is narrower than the VOLTASK example
Other machines to compare
Husqvarna ST124 212cc 24" 2 Stage Snow Blower 970710001Check price on Amazon
Corded Snow Blower:15A MotorCheck price on Amazon
Honda HSS1332 31.9-Inch Two Stage Snow BlowerCheck price on Amazon
Snow blower vs snow plow side by side
| Factor | VOLTASK 48V Shovel | VEVOR 48 in Plow Kit | BCP 36 in Hand Plow | etoolab 20V Snow Shovel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing width | 16 inches | 48 inches | 36 inches | 13 inches |
| How it moves snow | Powered auger throws snow | ATV or UTV pushes blade | Pushed by hand on wheels | Powered auger throws snow |
| Throw distance (stated) | Up to 26 ft | Not stated | Not stated | Up to 19 ft |
| Power | 1200W brushless motor | ATV or UTV power | Manual | 20V brushless motor |
| Weight (stated) | Not stated | 93.7 pounds | 25.5 pounds | Not stated |
| Storage | Not stated | Detaches for storage | Handles lock upright | Folds down |
| Acre Score | 64 | 62 | 60 | 54 |
Figures are manufacturer stated, collected 1 November 2026.
How a snow blower moves snow
A snow blower clears with a powered auger that lifts snow and throws it away from the path. The VOLTASK example lists a 1200W brushless motor with a 2000 RPM auger, a 16-inch wide and 8-inch deep path, and snow thrown up to 26 ft away and up to 9.8 ft high. The etoolab example lists a 3000 RPM brushless motor, a 13-inch wide and 8-inch deep path, and snow thrown up to 19 ft away and up to 13 ft high. Both are cordless shovels, suited to walks, steps, patios and small driveways.
Throw direction matters on a narrow walk. The VOLTASK example lists a deflector that rotates ±30 degrees. The etoolab example lists a discharge angle of 30 degrees left or right. Aim snow onto the lawn instead of onto a cleared walk or a parked vehicle.
How a snow plow moves snow
A snow plow clears with a blade that pushes snow aside as it moves forward, so it needs edge room for the snow. The Best Choice Products example is a hand plow with a 36-inch galvanized steel blade, 2 wheels and handles adjusting from 33.5 to 51 inches. The VEVOR example is a 48 in steel blade attachment for most ATVs and UTVs, with 3 installation options, 5 angle positions up to ±24.88 degrees and 3 height settings. Neither plow example states a throw distance, as a pushed blade does not throw snow.
Blade angle is the plow version of throw direction. The Best Choice Products example adjusts its blade angle by sliding and securing the guide rail. The VEVOR example lists 5 angle positions, so the blade can windrow snow to one side instead of pushing a straight ridge.
Power and runtime
The two snow blower examples run on batteries. The VOLTASK example runs on 2 24V 4.0Ah batteries with a dual charger included, and the listing states a maximum runtime of 30 minutes. The etoolab example runs on one 20V 4.0Ah battery, and the listing states about 15 to 20 minutes per charge. That fits short sessions on walks and small driveways, with a recharge between storms.
Neither plow example lists a battery or runtime limit of its own. The Best Choice Products example is manual, so effort comes from the person pushing it. The VEVOR example takes its power from the ATV or UTV it mounts to, and the listing states no motor of its own, since it is an attachment.
Handling and storage
Weight is stated for the plow examples only. The Best Choice Products example weighs 25.5 pounds. The VEVOR example weighs 93.7 pounds, fitting an attachment that mounts to a vehicle. The VOLTASK example and the etoolab example do not state a weight, so the listings leave that part unclear.
Storage differs by example. The etoolab example folds down for compact storage. The Best Choice Products example locks its handles upright for storage. The VEVOR example detaches from its mounting bracket for space-saving storage.
The four examples
Acreage and terrain fit
VOLTASK 48V Shovel
VEVOR 48 in Plow Kit
BCP 36 in Hand Plow
etoolab 20V Snow Shovel
Matching It to Your Property
- Flat driveways suit all four examples, since each lists driveways. Walks suit the two shovels and the hand plow, which list walks; the VEVOR kit lists driveways, farm roads, parking lots and rural paths instead.
- Steps and patios suit the cordless shovels, and the VOLTASK example also lists decks. The hand plow lists driveways, walkways and sidewalks; the VEVOR kit lists farm roads and rural paths for longer runs.
- Rough ground and farm roads suit the VEVOR kit, which lists rough terrain, farm roads and rural paths.
- Small storage spaces suit the etoolab example, which folds down, and the hand plow, whose handles lock upright, while the VEVOR kit detaches from its bracket.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs performance, build quality, value, safety (stated features or controls) and warranty (a stated term). An unstated factor scores zero, which is why all four score zero for warranty.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLTASK 48V Shovel | 9.5 | 28 | 20 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| VEVOR 48 in Plow Kit | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 19 | 3 | 0 |
| BCP 36 in Hand Plow | 9.5 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 0 |
| etoolab 20V Snow Shovel | 9.4 | 27 | 19 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Many owners keep both: a cordless shovel for walks and steps, and a plow for a long driveway.
Read the manual, keep children and pets out of the yard while you work, wear eye and hearing protection and sturdy footwear, and never exceed the slope rating of your machine. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See CPSC lawn mower safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: mowing large lots
Is a snow blower or a snow plow better for a small driveway?
For a small driveway, a cordless snow shovel is the easier fit: the etoolab example lists small driveways among its uses and throws snow clear of the path. A hand plow also suits a small driveway, since the Best Choice Products example lists driveways, but it pushes snow aside.
Can a cordless snow shovel clear a long driveway?
It can, but the stated runtime sets the limit: the VOLTASK example states a maximum of 30 minutes, and the etoolab example about 15 to 20 minutes per charge. On a long driveway, plan on a recharge partway through, or pick the hand plow, which has no battery.
Do snow plows need a vehicle?
Not always. The Best Choice Products example is a hand plow pushed on 2 wheels, so it needs no vehicle. The VEVOR example is an attachment for most ATVs and UTVs, so it needs a suitable vehicle.
How wide a path does each example clear?
The VOLTASK example clears a 16-inch path and the etoolab example a 13-inch path. The Best Choice Products example has a 36-inch blade and the VEVOR example a 48 in blade. Wider widths need fewer passes, but a wider plow blade needs more edge room for pushed snow, while the blowers throw snow clear instead.
What about snow deeper than the stated clearing depth?
The two snow blower examples both state snow up to 8 inches deep in one pass. Neither plow example states a clearing depth: the Best Choice Products blade is 10 inches high, a blade size, not a depth, and the VEVOR example lists deep snow but states no depth figure.
More mowing guides
- Best Snow Blower (2026): 5 Electric Picks for Drives and Walks
- Best Cordless Snow Shovel (2026)
- Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveway (2026): 5 Compared
- Lawn Tractor Snow Blade vs Snowblower: Which One Should You Buy?
For more powered options for drives and walks, see our best snow blower guide.
