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Worx leaf blower or vacuum: pile or bag?

Updated: October 2026

A Worx leaf blower moves debris into a pile for you to lift, compost or mow over. A blower-vac draws it into a collection bag. That split is more reliable than the word vacuum on a feature list, because a collector needs a bag. The [Worx leaf blower comparison](/hub/lawn-and-garden-equipment/worx-leaf-blower) separates blow-only and blower-vac listings. This page chooses a pile or a bag without a voltage contest. We used UK listings, manuals and public reviews, and did not run the machines. If you buy through a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

A Worx leaf blower moves debris into a pile for you to lift, compost or mow over. A blower-vac draws it into a collection bag.

Our top picks

WORX WORX WG543E

Best overall

WORX WORX WG543E
9.2/10about £99.99
WORX WORX WG583E

Alternative

WORX WORX WG583E
8.8/10about £199.99
WORX WORX WG505E

Preis-Tipp

WORX WORX WG505E
8.9/10about £90
On this page

A pile is a finished blow-only job

Choose blow-only when you will gather leaves in one place and lift them yourself. On a patio, path or open lawn that is often quicker than carrying a vacuum tube and bag. You can send the pile onto a tarpaulin, into compost, or towards a spot a mower can take. The machine’s job ends when the heap is controlled. The WG543E lists a battery and charger. The WG547E.9 is the body only if you already own a PowerShare pack and charger. Neither lists a bag. Stones and woody pieces are a reason to stay blow-only, because they can meet an impeller. Kit versus bare tool is the Worx leaf blower buying guide.

A bag has to be in the box

Choose a blower-vac when the leaves must enter a sack in the same pass. The WG583E names a battery, charger and collection bag. Bullets claim tool-free conversion, two speeds, wheels in vacuum mode and a 12:1 mulch ratio. UK reviewers describe suction on dry and damp leaves. Some find it heavier once fitted, and full power shortens battery life. The WG583E.9 does the same job for PowerShare owners. At £178.99 it includes the tool and bag, not the batteries or charger. Skip it if you cannot fit two packs. Reviewers describe rapid drain in hard vacuum use. The corded WG505E at £90 names the Trivac and one bag. Reviews prefer blow mode: the bag is blamed for weak airflow, and twigs are refused. The cable trade-off is the cordless or corded guide. CUSBON shows Leaf Vacuum and lists no bag. Ark Mat’s title says 45 litres and a bullet says 35 litres.
WORX WORX WG543E

Testsieger

WORX WORX WG543E
9.2/10about £99.99

Mulch ratio, then the debris you leave

A mulch ratio is the manufacturer’s claimed cut in leaf volume, not a weighed result from this desk. The WG583 family manual gives 12:1 and a 35-litre bag. Another Worx page has shown 36 litres. The WG505E bullets claim 16:1, while reviews question the impeller and describe weak suction with the bag fitted. General UK blower-vac instructions say let wet debris dry, keep stones away from the fan, and run vacuum mode only with the bag fitted. WG583E reviews mention damp leaves. WG505E feedback says twigs and privet cuttings are refused. If it clogs, stop before you touch the tube. Remove both batteries on a WG583, or unplug the WG505E. Do not pull the bag off and keep running it. Persistent loss of suction after the manual’s checks is a seller or technician job.

Pile or bag, on one condition

If the leaves can stay in a heap, a WG543E kit or a WG547E.9 body keeps the tool lighter. If they must enter a sack in the same pass, use a listing that names the bag: the WG583E kit, the WG583E.9 when you already own two packs, or the WG505E near a suitable socket. Conditional picks are in the best Worx leaf blower for the job. Do not buy a bare collector without that power source.

Common questions

When is a blow-only Worx enough?
A blow-only Worx is enough when you want to move dry leaves into a controlled pile and are willing to lift, compost or mow them separately. The WG543E is the complete kit, while the WG547E.9 makes sense only if you already own a compatible PowerShare battery and charger.
Which Worx tools actually list a bag?
The bagged Worx listings in this set are the WG583E kit, the WG583E.9 bare blower-vac and the corded WG505E Trivac. The WG583E includes a battery and charger. The WG583E.9 does not. The WG505E includes one collection bag and uses mains power.
What does the WG583E 12:1 claim mean?
WORX claims that mulching can reduce leaf volume at a ratio of 12:1. It is a manufacturer figure, not a result reproduced by this desk, and it will vary with the material. Wet clumps, twigs and hard objects should not be treated as normal dry-leaf input.
Can a leaf vacuum collect wet leaves and twigs?
Some UK reviewers say the WG583E handles damp leaves, but general instructions advise allowing wet material to dry and keeping hard objects away from the fan. Reviews of the WG505E say twigs and privet cuttings are refused. Wet woody debris should stay out.
Does a Leaf Vacuum feature prove that a tool collects?
No. A working collector needs a vacuum mode and a suitable bag. The CUSBON row uses Leaf Vacuum in a feature line but lists no bag in the supplied kit, so the evidence supports treating it as blow only.
What should I do if suction drops with the bag fitted?
Switch off first, then remove the batteries or unplug the mains tool before following the manual’s checks for a blocked tube, full bag or impeller obstruction. Do not reach into a powered machine or open the motor housing. Persistent poor suction belongs with the seller or a technician.

Related pages

Sources

Sources checked for this comparison; last retrieved on 16 October 2026. Listing prices and stars are the stored amazon.co.uk figures for these twelve ASINs.

  1. WORX UK, WG543E 20 V brushless blower (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  2. WORX UK, WG505E 3000 W Trivac (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  3. WORX UK, PowerShare leaf blowers (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  4. GOV.UK, outdoor equipment noise (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  5. Noise Emission Regulations 2001, leaf blower definition (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  6. GOV.UK, how councils deal with noise complaints (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  7. Environmental Protection Act 1990, statutory nuisances (retrieved 16 October 2026)
  8. Garden Machinery Direct, choosing a leaf blower (retrieved 16 October 2026)