A two-stage snow blower has a slow metal auger that breaks up the snow and feeds it to a fast impeller, which throws it out the chute. It rides on skid shoes above the ground, so it works on gravel, and it takes deep, wet and packed snow, including the plow pile. Most drive themselves, many have heated grips and a headlight, and widths run from 24 to 30 in. Three-stage machines, which add an accelerator ahead of the impeller, are ranked here too.
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 20
- Ariens Deluxe 28#1 of 20Full review
A long running favorite for big driveways in snowy regions: wide, tall and easy to steer. Choose the SHO version if your snow is often heavy and wet.
Russo Power Equipment $1,649$1,64928 in50 ftGas - Yard Force YF24-DS21-GSB2#2 of 20Full review
A mid priced 24 in two stage with a name brand engine for a one or two car driveway. Confirm the warranty with Yard Force before you buy.
Amazon $849.01$849.0124 in40 ftGas - EGO Power+ SNT2807 28" Two-Stage#3 of 20Full review
For very long driveways and heavy snow belts where an owner wants gas-class width and throw without an engine. It is the biggest battery machine EGO sells.
Power Plus Parts $2,419$2,41928 in60 ftBattery - Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO#4 of 20Full review
For large driveways where storms bring heavy, wet snow, the extra engine and impeller keep it throwing far. It is the pick of the Deluxe range for snowbelt homes.
Russo Power Equipment $1,799$1,79928 in55 ftGas - PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage#5 of 20Full review
The value pick for a wide driveway on a budget. It clears a 26 in path for less than most 24 in machines, with fewer refinements.
Amazon $849.99 PowerSmart $739.99$739.9926 in40 ftGas - EGO Power+ SNT2424 24" Two-Stage#6 of 20Full review
For long or gravel driveways where a battery machine has to match a gas two-stage. It is EGO’s current 24 in model with a long warranty and a strong throw.
Amazon $1,499$1,49924 in50 ftBattery - Husqvarna ST224#7 of 20Full review
A comfortable 24 in two stage for deep snow on a two car driveway, with power steering and a light. Check the warranty with Husqvarna before buying.
Amazon $1,199$1,19924 in-Gas - Husqvarna ST124#8 of 20Full review
A low cost two stage from a known brand for a one or two car driveway. It skips the headlight and extras to hit its price.
Amazon $999$99924 in-Gas - PowerSmart 26 in B&S Two-Stage#9 of 20Full review
For budget buyers who want heated handles and a widely serviced Briggs engine on a 26 in machine. If you can skip both, the 252cc PowerSmart is much cheaper.
Amazon $999$99926 in40 ftGas - PowerSmart 24 in 212cc Two-Stage#10 of 20Full review
A budget two stage for a one or two car driveway when price matters most. Expect fewer refinements and less dealer support than Toro or Ariens.
PowerSmart $689.99$689.9924 in40 ftGas - EGO Power+ SNT2416 24" XP Two-Stage#11 of 20Full review
For big driveways where the larger batteries, heated grips and steering assist justify the premium over EGO’s newer 24 in model.
Power Plus Parts $1,799.99$1,799.9924 in50 ftBattery - Toro Power Max 826 OAE#12 of 20Full review
A well rounded two stage for a two or three car driveway, with automatic steering that makes a 189 lb machine easy to turn. Worth the step up from the 824 OE for the wider path and light.
Russo Power Equipment $1,499$1,49926 in45 ftGas - Honda HSS928AAWD#13 of 20Full review
A premium, wide machine for long driveways where smooth controls and Honda reliability justify the price. Value buyers get similar width from Ariens for half as much.
Amazon $3,399$3,39928 in52 ftGas - Ariens Deluxe 24#14 of 20Full review
For a two car driveway with deep snow or a gravel surface, where the tall housing and long throw do the heavy work. The 24 in path keeps it easy to store.
Russo Power Equipment $1,499$1,49924 in50 ftGas - Ariens Classic 24#15 of 20Full review
An entry two stage from a dealer brand for a one or two car driveway, paved or gravel. Step up to the Deluxe 24 for Auto-Turn steering and a longer throw.
Russo Power Equipment $1,099$1,09924 in40 ftGas - Toro Power Max 824 OE#16 of 20Full review
For a medium driveway, paved or gravel, in regular snow. The easy chute control and Toro dealer network are the reasons to pay more than budget brands.
Russo Power Equipment $1,399$1,39924 in45 ftGas - Toro 60V Power Max e24 Two-Stage#17 of 20Full review
For gravel or long driveways where a buyer wants a steel-built two-stage on Toro’s 60V batteries. The spare battery port lets it grow with bigger storms.
Toro $1,649$1,64924 in45 ftBattery - Ariens Platinum 24 SHO#18 of 20Full review
For buyers who want the most power in a size that fits a normal garage, with grips and light included. If width matters more than power, the Deluxe 28 SHO is better value.
Russo Power Equipment $2,099$2,09924 in55 ftGas - Honda HSS724AAWD#19 of 20Full review
For buyers who want the smoothest controls and a commercial grade engine on a mid size driveway, and will pay for them. Most homeowners get similar clearing for far less.
Amazon $2,949$2,94923.8 in49 ftGas - Snow Joe 96V IONMAX 24" Two-Stage#20 of 20Full review
For buyers who want the largest battery capacity in a 24 in two-stage, and who accept a very short warranty. Most will be better served by EGO or Toro.
Amazon $1,999.99$1,999.9924 in40 ftBattery