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LeafFilter vs. Leafguard: Which Is Best For You?

We recommend LeafFilter over LeafGuard for its higher customer ratings, more favorable warranty terms, and reliable protection against small debris. Check out our full head-to-head comparison for more.

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Written by
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz
Written by
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz
Updated 12/12/2025

LeafFilter and Leafguard are popular gutter guard companies that offer similar gutter protection for your home. After doing hands-on testing, we recommend LeafFilter for most homeowners. LeafFilter delivers stronger performance at blocking small debris, offers a more comprehensive warranty, and holds higher customer ratings overall. Leafguard still stands out with its all-in-one gutter and guard system, but it works best if you also need to replace your current gutters, which the company requires.

We based our LeafFilter versus Leafguard comparison on our national gutter guard survey, hands-on testing, and detailed product analysis. Below, we break down both products side-by-side to help you choose the best gutter guards for your home.

Key Takeaways

  • LeafFilter costs $22.66 per linear foot of gutter guards compared to Leafguard’s pricing of $21.67 per linear foot.
  • Leafguard’s system removes old gutters and installs new seamless aluminum gutters with the guards, making it a better value for homes needing gutter replacement.
  • LeafFilter’s micro-mesh screen blocked 100% of pine needles in our testing, while Leafguard’s reverse-curve design results in the least debris buildup and requires less cleaning.

Our Take on LeafFilter vs. Leafguard

LeafFilter and Leafguard are competing gutter guard installation companies that both offer high-quality products and professional installation. We recommend LeafFilter as the better option for most homeowners since the system doesn’t require replacing your current gutters.

LeafFilter’s stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard displayed effective debris filtration during our team’s firsthand testing. The guards prevented over 90% of debris types we tested from passing through our testing unit, including leaves, shingle grit, and pine needles. The gutter guards also allowed our simulated rainfall to pass through without overflowing.

Best Overall

LeafFilter

4.7
Overall Score

Now 25% off. Additional 10% off for veterans & seniors

Avg. Price Range $22.66 per linear foot
Warranty Lifetime transferable
States Covered 47 states (Ex. AK, AZ, HI)

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Uses a 275-micron stainless steel micro-mesh screen, which blocked more than 90% of debris during our testing
  • Has the highest average customer review score of any national gutter guard brand we’ve reviewed
  • Offers a lifetime transferable warranty
Cons
  • Some customer reviews indicate aggressive sales tactics
  • Doesn’t offer services such as gutter repair and cleaning outside of a system installation
  • Less suitable for homes in locations where ice dams commonly occur

Additional Services

LeafFilter is among the most reputable gutter guard companies in the country. Its stainless steel, surgical-grade, micro-mesh screen provides the most effective filtration of small debris on the market, based on our team’s testing. The company offers the following services and guarantees:

  • Offers 0% financing for 24 months
  • Three-piece gutter system composed of a screen, frame, and hangers 
  • Warranty coverage (repair, replace, or refund the system cost if it clogs) 
  • Easy cleaning as needed with a ladder, garden hose, or brush
  • Discounts for seniors and the military

LeafFilter Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the effectiveness of LeafFilter’s products and the promptness of its scheduling and installations. However, a few negative reviews have highlighted LeafFilter’s high-pressure sales tactics, inconsistent installation quality, and the system’s tendency to create ice dams during the winter months. Here are a few examples of reviews for the company:

A representative came to my home and not only gave me my estimate but also had such a great presentation, including samples of other gutter protections. He used my sink to demonstrate the differences. The installation was very quick. My house is only a couple of years old, and the gutters were in good shape. LeafFilter can also repair or replace any damaged gutters. I am very happy I got them.“—Gail P. via the BBB, November 2025

We had LeafFilter put on two years ago and we have a two-story house. When we were on a ladder this summer we realized they forgot a section of the gutter. We have been calling them for two months to have someone come out and finish the job but no one has responded. They say they are lifetime warranted but it really concerns me that we are only two years into this product, and they will not fulfill their promise.“— DJ via TrustPilot, October 2025

Leafguard may work best for homeowners with aging or worn-out gutters, since the company requires you to purchase both gutters and guards. Leafguard will remove your current gutters to install its all-in-one seamless gutter and gutter guard system. We like that Leafguard’s design requires less cleaning because of its sloped gutter helmet that pushes debris off when it rains. That said, Leafguard may not suit your needs if you recently installed new gutters or only want to invest in guards.

While we were unable to get access to a Leafguard gutter guard system for our hands-on testing, we did obtain a do-it-yourself (DIY) reverse-curve gutter guard model that resembles Leafguard’s design. We performed the same LeafFilter tests on the reverse-curve model and found that it worked well against large debris, like tree leaves, twigs, and pine needles. However, smaller debris managed to slip through the gutter helmet and into our mock gutter system.

Reverse curve gutter guard testing with miscellaneous outdoor debris
Source: This Old House
Best for Large Debris

Leafguard

4.2
Overall Score
Avg. Price Range $21.67 per linear foot
Warranty Lifetime transferable
States Covered 37 states

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Reverse-curve gutter system blocks large debris
  • Includes a lifetime transferable warranty
  • Offers a scratch-proof guarantee on its guards for the lifetime of the system
Cons
  • Does not use stainless steel micro-mesh screens
  • Costs slightly more per linear foot than the industry average price for gutter guards
  • Requires replacement of existing gutter system

Additional Services

Leafguard offers an all-in-one service, providing an entirely new gutter system at the time of installation. The company offers the following services and guarantees:

  • Gutter installation 
  • Scratch-proof finish with repair guarantee
  • No-clog guarantee with no-cost repairs
  • Financing (available through Synchrony Bank)

Leafguard Customer Reviews

In online reviews, customers have praised the professionalism of Leafguard’s representatives, particularly the installation crews. Other reviewers mentioned several issues, including high prices and Leafguard’s tendency to overflow on steeply pitched roofs or in heavy rain. We included two examples of reviews below:

My husband and I are very happy with our Leafguard gutters. We appreciate the way the installation crew explained the work that goes into the business. The company’s crew worked on our home for many hours. They removed the old gutters and installed the new ones. We give thanks to the hard workers—the gutters look great.“— M. Harris via Trustpilot, October 2025

“I had Leafguard installed on my house in December 2023. The product is decent, yes. However, for how much it costs, I don’t think it’s worth it. I still had issues with birds getting into the gutters and making nests. Leafguard is better than your standard gutters, but not worth spending five or six thousand more.” — Matt M. via Trustpilot, September 2025

How Do LeafFilter and Leafguard Compare by Cost?

An average 200-linear-foot gutter guard project costs $4,334 with Leafguard, while LeafFilter projects with the same number of linear feet typically cost about $4,531, according to our November 2025 gutters survey. Typically, 200 linear feet of gutter guards can cover a 2,000-square-foot house.

Like most home improvement companies, Leafguard and LeafFilter don’t provide specific price information on their websites. For further insights into project costs, here’s a quick overview of our survey findings:

LeafFilterLeafguard
Average Project Cost$5,097$4,646
Average Cost Per Linear Foot$22.66$21.67
Cost of a 200-Linear-Foot Installation$4,531$4,334

Read More: Gutter Guard Installation Costs

How Much Does LeafFilter Cost?

LeafFilter costs $22.66 per linear foot on average, or $4,531 for 200 linear feet of gutter guards, based on our survey results.

Upon digging deeper into customer reviews, we noted a theme: LeafFilter sales representatives initially present an inflated price and then lower it after negotiating. We recommend staying firm when discussing your budget with the sales representative, and don’t hesitate to negotiate.

How Much Does Leafguard Cost?

Leafguard costs $21.67 per linear foot, or $4,334 for a 200 linear foot system. When signing up for a Leafguard installation, you’re buying a two-for-one bundle of seamless aluminum rain gutters and a reverse-curve gutter guard. This makes sense for homeowners with old gutters that need replacement, since you’re getting a high-end gutter system with the purchase of your gutter guards. Purchased alone, seamless aluminum gutters cost anywhere from $1,400–$7,500 or more.

We also noted in reviews that customers reported Leafguard offered initially inflated prices, only to drop the cost through negotiations. We suspect that customers reporting higher costs in our survey and online took the increased initial price without negotiating.


Key Differences Between LeafFilter and Leafguard

Two of the biggest differences between LeafFilter and Leafguard are their gutter guard design and materials and warranty structures. The companies also differ in the types of additional services offered, most notably in LeafFilter’s gutter cleaning and repair options.

Gutter Guard Materials

Leafguard uses a patented one-piece gutter guard system composed of seamless aluminum rain gutters, structurally reinforced hidden hangers, and a durable gutter helmet. Leafguard custom-fits its system to your home with trained service technicians. Leafguard systems include extra-wide downspouts positioned every 10 feet.

Of the gutter guard installation companies we reviewed, Leafguard is the only one that doesn’t incorporate micro-mesh stainless steel screens.

During our product testing, LeafFilter’s 275-micron surgical-grade, micro-mesh filter was the most effective system for preventing the accumulation of small debris. The frame is made of an unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) material that the company claims will “never warp or deteriorate.” The structural hangers that support the screen are made of steel and connected directly to the home’s fascia board.

LeafFilter gutter guards installed on a mock roof and gutter system
Source: This Old House

Warranty Terms

Leafguard offers customers a no-clog guarantee and a lifetime transferable warranty on its coating. Leafguard’s warranty covers the performance and longevity of its scratch guard coating.

Compared with other brands, LeafFilter’s warranty covers material and installation issues and includes a “100% clog-free” guarantee.

Survey Insights

  • Over 75% of respondents who installed a Leafguard system were very confident that the provider would honor the limited lifetime warranty if needed. LeafFilter had slightly fewer respondents (71%) who reported being very confident the company would honor their warranty.

Reading Warranty Fine Print

Leafguard’s warranty stipulates that it only covers coating damage related to normal wear and tear. In addition, poor maintenance practices may invalidate your warranty. Homeowners must notify the company of a warranty claim within 45 days of discovering damage.

LeafFilter offers to repair any damage or provide a 100% reimbursement for the installation purchase price.

Additional Services

LeafFilter and Leafguard offer additional services, such as gutter replacement and downspout installation. However, both companies only provide additional services with the installation of gutter guards.

LeafFilter offers downspout and gutter installation as well as gutter cleaning and repair. However, it only offers these services if you purchase its gutter guards. Based on our review, there’s no indication that you can hire LeafFilter to clean or repair your system post-installation outside of what’s outlined in its warranty and guarantee.

Leafguard has an all-in-one system that installs new seamless gutters and downspouts with its gutter guards. This means that Leafguard doesn’t offer gutter cleaning or repair services because it removes your old gutters during installation. The company also doesn’t provide post-installation services outside of its never-clog guarantee, which promises to clean your system if it clogs.

Feature Comparison

Review a quick comparison of LeafFilter and Leafguard’s key offerings and features in the table below.

FeatureLeafFilterLeafguard
Blocks small debris
Uses high-quality materials
Provides a lifetime warranty
Offers a performance guarantee
Offers free quotes
Quotes good for one year
Provides financing options
Offer gutter installations
Offers gutter cleaning and repair
Average customer review score of 4 out of 5 stars or higher

Quote and Installation Processes for LeafFilter vs. Leafguard

To get a quote from either LeafFilter or Leafguard, reach out by phone or through an online request form. A customer service representative will contact you to obtain additional information about your home for installation. The rep can then schedule a free, in-person inspection, and you can get a quote after the consultation.

LeafFilter’s Quote and Installation Process

The inspection and installation process for LeafFilter involves the following steps:

  • A LeafFilter representative will visit your home and inspect your gutters. The rep will measure the total length of your gutters and the pitch of your roof, and check for damage.
  • The representative will provide an on-the-spot quote, present the LeafFilter system, and then negotiate a price with you. If you agree to the quote, they’ll schedule an installation appointment.
  • On the scheduled date, an installation team will clean and repair your gutters if needed and install your new gutter guards.
  • You can register your warranty on LeafFilter’s website after installation.

Note that LeafFilter’s quote is good for a full year, giving you plenty of time to shop around and compare prices for gutter guards.

LeafFilter technician installing a new LeafFilter gutter guard system onto residential gutters
Source: This Old House

Leafguard’s Quote and Installation Process

Here’s what Leafguard’s quote and installation process looks like:

  • Leafguard will send a representative to your home for an inspection. The representative will provide a quote and, if you agree to the offer, schedule a date for your installation.
  • On the installation day, a team of technicians will create a custom-fit one-piece Leafguard gutter and gutter guard system for your home.
  • The technicians will remove and dispose of your old gutters.
  • The crew will install hidden structural hangers and the gutter guard system, adjusting the pitch to ensure proper water flow before cleaning debris.
  • The technicians will share photos of the completed project, answer any questions you have, and depart.

As is often the case with online home services, Leafguard frequently advertises discounts and specials on its website. Keep an eye out for ways to save on the upfront value of your gutter guard installation. However, act fast since Leafguard may require you to request a new quote if you wait longer than a month.


What Did Our Testing Reveal About LeafFilter and Leafguard?

After testing different types of DIY gutter guards and major brands like LeafFilter, we found that micro-mesh systems work best for homeowners looking to block small debris.

LeafFilter’s micro-mesh screen functioned as advertised, blocking particles as small as shingle grit. It was easy to clean thanks to its built-in pitch, which allowed debris to slide off to the ground.

LeafFilter gutter guard installed on a roof.
Test of LeafFilter gutter guard | Photo by James Kiefer

We tested DIY reverse-curve gutter guards, the same type of guard as the Leafguard gutter protection system. We found that reverse-curve guards resulted in the least debris buildup.

When installed correctly, the runoff from your roof and shingles will push debris to the ground. Since debris can’t accumulate in the system, it requires minimal upkeep, making Leafguard a good choice for homeowners who want to reduce their gutter cleaning costs.

DIY reverse-curve gutter guard on a roof.
Test of DIY reverse-curve gutter guard | Photo by James Kiefer

What Do Customers Say About LeafFilter and Leafguard?

We read through dozens of customer reviews on independent sites like the BBB and Trustpilot to understand how customers feel about Leafguard and LeafFilter. We also gathered real customer sentiment for each brand in our November 2025 survey. This provided us with a range of valuable insights into each company’s sales and installation processes, product performance, and pricing.

LeafFilter Reviews

LeafFilter has more than 7,000 reviews on the BBB with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, as of this writing. Its Trustpilot page boasts more than 127,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. For the best experience, we recommend reading BBB reviews for your nearest branch before choosing LeafFilter.

Our survey respondents reported similar positive experiences with LeafFilter. Over 73% of homeowners said they were very satisfied with the overall value of their gutter guard systems. Regarding performance, nearly 71% of respondents reported being very satisfied with LeafFilter’s ability to block the debris most commonly found in their living area.

Leafguard Reviews

Leafguard has 1.5 out of 5 stars through the BBB based on 172 reviews, far fewer than LeafFilter. The company also has 2.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Similar to LeafFilter, we suggest reading the reviews of your nearest Leafguard branch.

Although Leafguard has poor third-party customer reviews, our survey results suggest the opposite. Nearly 73% of Leafguard respondents reported being very satisfied with the gutter system’s overall value and its ability to block debris. 


LeafFilter or Leafguard: Which Is Right for You?

While you can’t go wrong with either LeafFilter or Leafguard, we ultimately recommend LeafFilter for its superior debris filtration, higher customer ratings, and overall warranty coverage. LeafFilter’s micro-mesh screen slightly edges out Leafguard’s small-debris filtration, which can lead to fewer clogs over time.

We Recommend LeafFilter If You:

  • Want a micro-mesh gutter guard with superior debris filtration
  • Have pine trees around your home
  • Live in a climate with heavy rainfall

Leafguard makes more sense if you wish to reduce how often you clean your gutters, since its helmet design allows debris to fall off during rainfall. The company may also work better for your budget if you need new gutters along with guards, since you can buy and install both at once.

We Recommend Leafguard If You:

  • Need a full gutter replacement in addition to gutter guards
  • Experience the accumulation of large debris around your home
  • Want a gutter guard with self-cleaning properties

Before choosing a company, we recommend gathering quotes from both gutter guard providers to compare costs, product features, and warranty terms.


FAQs About LeafFilter and Leafguard

Is LeafFilter better than Leafguard for pine needles?

Yes, LeafFilter is better than Leafguard for pine needles, based on our review. LeafFilter’s micro-mesh gutter guard blocked 100% of the pine needles we applied during testing. We tried to force needles between the frame and screen, but they wouldn’t slip through. Multiple customer reviews on the BBB mentioned that Leafguard gutter guards became clogged with pine needles. Learn more about the best gutter guards for pine needles.

What are the main downsides of LeafFilter?

The main downsides of LeafFilter are its higher price tag, tendency to freeze over in winter and form ice dams, and sales representatives’ pushy tactics.

What are the main downsides of Leafguard?

The main downsides of Leafguard are its high costs, tendency to overflow on steeply pitched roofs, and inability to block small materials, such as pine needles.

Which system performs better in heavy rainfall?

Based on our firsthand testing and customer reviews, LeafFilter performs better in heavy rainfall. Leafguard is rated to handle 32 inches of rain per hour, but customer reviews suggest that it overflows in rain over roof valleys and on steep roofs. LeafFilter handled downpour levels of rainfall during our product testing without overflowing. Learn more about the best gutter guards for heavy rain.

Is LeafFilter or Leafguard better in extreme cold?

Because LeafFilter has been shown to freeze over during the winter under extreme conditions, Leafguard’s seamless aluminum gutters with gutter helmets may be more effective at preventing ice dams. No gutter guard system can guarantee the prevention of ice dams, but Leafguard’s clog-free design can help keep your gutters clear of debris that could cause water to accumulate and freeze.


How We Evaluated Gutter Guard Brands

To provide fair and accurate comparisons of the top gutter guard installers, we developed a comprehensive review methodology to measure and score brands. Our review standards were developed based on interviews with industry experts, consumer reviews and surveys, and the factors that guide homeowners as they make buying decisions, including material and design, warranty coverage, value, services offered, and effectiveness.

Our Rating System

Our rating system was derived from thorough research and hands-on experience. We analyzed gutter guard installers’ websites, tracked third-party ratings, and gauged consumer sentiment to complete our understanding of each gutter guard company. We reinforced this research with firsthand data by purchasing, installing, and testing gutter guard systems.

Here are a few details about our research methodology:

  • First-party research: We comprehensively researched each provider’s website to learn about its products, services, warranty, payment options, and more. We also collected proprietary data by surveying homeowners who have had gutter guards installed.
  • Third-party ratings: We read and analyzed consumer reviews and ratings on reputable third-party sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Yelp. This reveals potential patterns of customer complaints and favorable outcomes.
  • Hands-on testing: For DIY products, we order and test for filtration effectiveness, durability, and more. For installation companies, we request a showroom floor and perform a series of tests to determine performance and quality.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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