If you’re choosing between the Worx and Sun Joe leaf shredders, here’s the short answer: both work, but in different ways. I’ve used them side by side during fall and spring cleanups. Each one has strong points.
The Worx is fast and great for dry leaves. The Sun Joe is light and easy to move. It also handles soft yard waste well. After years of testing gear in my Midwest yard, I know which tool fits which job. Keep reading—I’ll share the real pros and cons so you can pick the best one for your yard.
Table of Contents
Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder: Easy Comparison
I’ve owned both models. I’ve spent hours feeding leaves, weeds, and small sticks into them after storms. Here’s what I found.
Cutting Width: Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
The Worx has a 13-inch round top. It’s great for dry leaves. The Sun Joe has a wide funnel. It can hold more at once, even small twigs and weeds.
| Feature | Worx WG430 | Sun Joe SDJ616 |
| Cutting Diameter | 13 inches | ~19 inches (hopper) |
| Hopper Style | Round Top | Funnel-style |
| Material Intake | Leaves only | Leaves + light weeds |
Both work well on dry leaves. The Sun Joe loads faster with mixed yard waste.
Rating: 8/10
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Cutting Power: Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
Worx spins faster. But Sun Joe mulches more. It can turn 16 bags into 1. Worx turns 11 into 1. Also, Sun Joe works better with wet leaves.
| Feature | Worx WG430 | Sun Joe SDJ616 |
| Mulching Ratio | 11:1 | 16:1 |
| Motor Speed | 8500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Handles Wet Material | Not ideal | Moderate |
Sun Joe handles damp leaves if you feed it slow. Worx is fast but clogs easier.
Rating: 7/10
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Motor Power: Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
Both have 13-amp motors. That’s strong for home use. Worx spins faster and works great on dry fall leaves.
| Feature | Worx WG430 | Sun Joe SDJ616 |
| Amperage | 13 Amps | 13 Amps |
| RPM | 8500 | 8000 |
| Bladeless Design | Yes (Flex-a-Line) | Yes (Trimmer line) |
Worx feels stronger on dry stuff. But it slows down fast on wet stuff.
Rating: 8/10
Ease of Use: Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
Both are easy to set up. No tools needed. But Sun Joe is lighter and easier to move. Worx is heavier but more steady.
| Feature | Worx WG430 | Sun Joe SDJ616 |
| Assembly Needed | Tool-less | Tool-less |
| Portability | 20 lbs | 13.4 lbs |
| Bag Compatibility | Plastic/Paper | Best with cloth |
Sun Joe is easier to carry. But the bag setup is tricky. Worx is stable and simple to bag.
Rating: 9/10
Noise Level: Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
They’re both loud. I wore earplugs every time. If you live in a quiet spot, you’ll notice the sound.
| Feature | Worx WG430 | Sun Joe SDJ616 |
| Decibels | ~100 dB | ~110 dB |
| Vibration | Low | Moderate |
| Ear Protection | Yes | Yes |
Both are loud. Sun Joe sounds higher. Worx is lower but still noisy.
Rating: 7/10
Value for Money: Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
Sun Joe is cheaper, often under $100. Worx costs more but feels tougher and lasts longer.
| Feature | Worx WG430 | Sun Joe SDJ616 |
| Price Range | ~$150 | <$100 |
| Included Accessories | 24 lines, ring | Cutting line only |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years |
Sun Joe is great for first-time users. Worx is better for long-term use.
Rating: 8.5/10
Overall: Which One Wins?
Choose Worx if you have lots of dry fall leaves. Pick Sun Joe if you have weeds, wet leaves, or want something light.
| Summary Aspect | Winner |
| Best for Dry Leaves | Worx |
| Best for Wet Debris | Sun Joe |
| Best Budget Option | Sun Joe |
I use Worx in the fall. I grab Sun Joe in spring.
Rating: 8.5/10
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Handle Comfort vs Cutting Power: What Matters More?
When you’re deep into yard work, comfort matters. So does control. I’ve used both shredders for years—through hot fall days and wet spring mornings. Here’s how they stack up in real use.
Worx WG430 – Pros
Fast and strong on dry leaves
It shreds dry leaves fast. Great for big fall cleanups in the Midwest.
Stable and solid
It stays in place, even when the motor is going full speed.
Great for weekly leaf jobs
If you get steady leaf drops, this machine keeps up.
Worx – Cons
Not good with wet stuff
Wet leaves can clog it. Let them dry before you shred.
Heavier to move
At 20 pounds, it’s not too heavy—but it can be hard to move on hills.
Costs more
It’s about $150. The build is solid, but it’s not the cheapest.
Sun Joe SDJ616 – Pros
Light and easy to move
At just over 13 pounds, you can carry it anywhere. Great for front and back yards.
Works with soft weeds
Spring cleanup? It can shred light, green yard waste—just go slow.
Small and budget-friendly
It’s great for new users or smaller yards. It saves space and money.
Sun Joe – Cons
Feels a bit weak
It’s made of light plastic. It might not last as long.
Clogs on wet leaves
If leaves are too wet, the hopper jams. You’ll need to stop and clear it.
Noisy and needs string swaps
It’s loud and the line wears out fast if you use it often.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
I’ve done many weekend cleanups. I’ve had some trial-and-error, too. These tips helped me get the most out of both shredders. Whether you’re dealing with oak leaves in Ohio or weeds in Florida, these steps can save time and stress.
Wear earplugs and gloves
These machines are loud. Bits of debris can fly out. I keep foam earplugs and yard gloves with my shredder. Always wear them.
Let wet leaves dry first
If it rained, wait a day or two. Wet leaves clump and clog the machine—especially the Worx.
Use cloth bags
I switched to a cloth bag, and it helped a lot. Cloth bags let air flow better. This keeps the motor from working too hard and reduces clogs.
Replace the string often
Both shredders use a soft string to mulch. When it wears out, the shredder slows down. Keep extra string close by during fall.
Feed slowly
Go slow, no matter what you’re shredding. Rushing can clog the machine. This is true for both dry and wet yard waste.
Read More: Ryobi vs Milwaukee Blower
Final Thoughts on Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder
I’ve used both the Worx WG430 and the Sun Joe SDJ616 for many seasons. Both are solid tools. But each works best in different jobs.
The Worx is my go-to when fall hits here in the Midwest. Our yard fills fast with dry leaves. This shredder powers through them with ease. It’s strong, steady, and quick. If you get lots of dry leaves, this is the one to get.
The Sun Joe is great for spring. It’s light and easy to move. It works well on soft stuff like weeds and green trimmings. It also costs less and fits smaller yards better.
For most U.S. homeowners, the choice depends on your yard and weather. If you live in the North or Midwest and deal with dry fall leaves, go with the Worx. If you’re in the South or Northwest and have soft or mixed yard waste, the Sun Joe makes more sense.
In short:
- Get the Worx if you want speed and power for dry leaves.
- Pick the Sun Joe if you want something light, easy to move, and cheaper.
I still use both. Each one has a season where it shines.
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Worx vs Sun Joe Leaf Shredder: FAQs
What’s the main difference between the Worx and Sun Joe?
The Worx is best for dry leaves and fast work. The Sun Joe is lighter and works well on mixed yard waste.
Which one works better on wet leaves?
The Sun Joe does better with damp leaves. The Worx can clog if the leaves are not dry.
Is the Worx more durable than the Sun Joe?
Yes. The Worx feels stronger and lasts longer. The Sun Joe is lighter but not built for heavy use.
Which one is quieter?
Both are loud. The Worx has a lower sound. The Sun Joe is higher-pitched and a bit louder.
Is the Sun Joe a good budget pick?
Yes. The Sun Joe costs less and works well for small jobs. The Worx costs more but handles big cleanups better.
