After Testing 21 of The Best Brooms of 2024, We Recommend These 8 Options (2024)

The Bottom Line

Overall, we found that the O-Cedar Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan PowerCorner is the best broom to consider. The broom passed our tests with flying colors and comes with an innovative dustpan that can be used without bending down.

Our Testing Process

To find the best brooms, we tested over 20 in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. During testing, we evaluated each broom based on durability, design, performance, and value.

To start, we assembled each broom and measured the width of the bristles. If extendable, we fully extended the broom and measured the longest measurement. The broom was measured again when it was condensed as well.

We created a testing area in our lab with various floor surfaces to mimic common floor materials in homes. This included vinyl, wood, and marble. To test sweeping capabilities, we used multiple materials to mimic common materials, sizes, and makeup that people have to sweep up. Our test materials included flour, sawdust, orzo, sand, and wig hair.

We included maneuverability tests to note how well the broom head moved through different areas and how well it could sweep and capture debris in each spot. Finally, we tested how much debris was left in the broom’s bristles. If a dustpan was included with the broom, we noted how well it worked, if a debris line remained after sweeping, and how effectively it emptied.

What to Know About Brooms Before Shopping

Handle Length

The length of the broom handle is an important consideration when shopping for a broom that fits for your needs, as it affects the ergonomics and usability of the broom.

“A handle that is too short may require you to bend over excessively while sweeping, causing discomfort or strain on your back,” Sokolowski says. “On the other hand, a handle that is too long may be difficult to maneuver. Ideally, choose a broom with a handle length that allows you to comfortably hold and sweep without straining your posture. Consider your own height and preferences when selecting the appropriate handle length.”

Dills adds that most broom handles are around 3 to 5 feet long. “The ideal length for your broom handle comes down to personal preference, so figure out what’s most comfortable for you,” she says.

A broom with an adjustable handle, such as the Oxo Good Grips Large Sweep Set, is handy for homes with multiple people since it can be extended or shortened to suit the height of each user.

Weight

Brooms have different weights, depending on the type of broom and what the broomstick itself is made of. “For example, a standard indoor broom will have a different weight than a wide push broom,” Dills says. “Generally, brooms weigh anywhere from half a pound to 3 pounds, but this can vary.”

Just like its length, the weight of a broom can also impact your ability to use it effectively. “A broom that is too heavy may be difficult to lift and maneuver, especially if you have limited strength or mobility,” Sokolowski says. “Conversely, a broom that is too light may lack durability or effectiveness in sweeping up debris. Look for a broom that strikes a balance between being lightweight enough for comfortable use and sturdy enough to get the job done effectively.”

The KeFanta Push Broom, our best heavy-duty pick, is 4 pounds and the heaviest on our list. If you prefer a more lightweight pick, our best for pet hair pick, theFURemover Pet Hair Rubber Broom, is 1.25 pounds and one of the lightest we tested.

Bristle Material

Broom bristles can be made from synthetic or natural bristles, or a combination of both, and can be soft, medium, or hard. Dills notes that soft bristles are best for sweeping up smaller pieces of dirt, crumbs, hair, and other items indoors, while harder bristles are better for tackling larger debris or outdoor needs. When choosing a broom, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each type:

• Synthetic: Brooms with synthetic bristles, often made of nylon or polypropylene, are versatile and suitable for general household cleaning. They are durable, easy to clean, and work well on various floor types.
• Natural: Brooms with natural bristles, typically made from materials like corn, like the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Heavy-Duty Corn Broom, or horsehair, are softer and more delicate. They are ideal for sweeping fine particles or debris on smooth surfaces but may not be as durable or practical on rough surfaces.
• Combination: Some brooms feature a combination of synthetic and natural bristles, offering a balance of durability and sweeping effectiveness. These types of brooms can be suitable for various surfaces and tasks.

Broom bristles also come in either flagged and unflagged options. Flagged bristles have frayed ends for collecting smaller particles while unflagged bristles are stiff and straight, making them ideal for larger debris. Unflagged bristles also beat flagged options in terms of durability as they tend to last longer.

“The material of the bristles determines the broom's suitability for different surfaces and cleaning tasks,” Sokolowski says.

Sokolowski suggests considering the type of flooring in your home and your specific cleaning needs when choosing a broom’s bristle material. “Smooth surfaces like hardwood or tile may benefit from softer bristles, while rougher surfaces like concrete or outdoor areas may require sturdier bristles.”

Other Brooms We Tested

BLACK+DECKER Lithium Powered Floor Sweeper

The BLACK+DECKER Lithium Powered Floor Sweeper is an expensive electric broom but after testing it, we didn’t think it was worth the investment. The broom could not pick up small debris on a single pass. When it went over our hair debris test, the hair got tangled in the inner mechanisms, and it was time-consuming to resolve.

MR.SIGA Pet Hair Removal Rubber Broom

After testing, we were not impressed with the MR.SIGA Pet Hair Removal Rubber Broom. We found that the rubber bristles were oddly spaced apart and the handle was uncomfortable to use. Most importantly, it failed at all our debris tests, leaving tons of debris in its wake. The broom comes with a microfiber cloth to pick up liquids, but we found it failed in this aspect, too.

SWOPT Premium Straight Broom

The SWOPT Premium Straight Broom is a large and heavy option, weighing over 5.5 pounds. We found the straight broom too rigid to pick up debris effectively. This broom required multiple passes in many debris tests, yielding only semi-adequate results. Because it’s big and heavy, this pick was also hard to maneuver around furniture, and the flat bottom made it a challenge to get into corners or other tricky spots.

Your Questions, Answered

Where can you buy a broom?

“You can buy a broom from various places, including department stores (i.e., Walmart), home improvement stores like Home Depot, grocery stores, online retailers (Amazon, eBay, walmart.com, etc.), local hardware stores, and even dollar stores,” Sokolowski says.

How much do brooms cost?

“The cost of a broom may vary depending on the type, size, and quality, with prices ranging from under $10 to over $50,” Dills says. The most affordable and effective broom on our list, the O-Cedar Pet Pro Broom & Step-On Dustpan PowerCorner, is less than $20. The BLACK+DECKER Lithium Powered Floor Sweeper has a higher price tag of $50, but it’s not a broom we recommend.

How often will I use a broom?

Regularly sweeping your floors is an important household maintenance chore. “Not only will sweeping often help keep your home clean, but it will also help protect the surface of your floor,” Dills says. In addition to regular sweeping, you should also consider mopping or vacuuming your floors periodically to ensure a thorough cleaning and help reduce allergens in your home.

The frequency of sweeping your floors depends on several lifestyle factors, including the type of flooring, the amount of foot traffic, and the level of dirt and debris present. “If you have areas in your home that receive a lot of foot traffic, such as entryways, hallways, or kitchens, it's a good idea to sweep them daily or every other day,” Sokolowski says. “These areas tend to accumulate dirt, dust, and debris more quickly.”

“For rooms or spaces used regularly but not as heavily, such as bedrooms or living rooms, sweeping once or twice a week is often sufficient to keep them clean,” Sokolowski says. “If you have pets that shed a lot of hair or if you live in an area prone to dust or allergens, you may need to sweep more frequently,” she says.

Who We Are

Maya Polton is an experienced freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has written for various publications. She keeps a broom and dustpan set in a pantry cabinet in her kitchen for everyday messes and a sizable outdoor broom in her garage for more considerable yard debris.

To make this list, she used insights from our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. She also spoke with Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-ceo of AspenClean, and Katie Dills, senior vice president at The Cleaning Authority.

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.