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Best Carpet Sweepers

Updated August 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
BLACK + DECKER Floor Sweeper
BLACK+DECKER
Floor Sweeper
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Powerful yet Lightweight
Bottom Line

Black+Decker’s cordless floor sweeper is convenient, efficient, and lightweight, making it our top choice.

Pros

Slim for easy maneuvering and storage. Features an LED battery indicator and 50 minutes of run time on a single charge. The swivel head gets around furniture and in tight corners. Fits beneath beds and dressers.

Cons

Best for carpets; this product does not work well on hardwood or laminate floors.

Best Bang for the Buck
Bissell Natural Sweep Carpet and Floor Sweeper
Bissell
Natural Sweep Carpet and Floor Sweeper
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

In addition to being quiet and efficient, this sweeper is made from 100% recycled plastic and is PVC-free.

Pros

Picks up dry messes from all floor types. Dual rotating brush heads tease particles and fibers from carpet and trap them. The dust bin is easier to empty than some others. The lightweight design makes it easy to use for long stretches.

Cons

It has its limitations, so it's only ideal for light cleaning prior to vacuuming.

Fuller Brush Electrostatic Sweeper
Fuller Brush
Electrostatic Sweeper
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

Ideal for both home and professional use; its electrostatic technology earns it our expert's praise.

Pros

Electrostatic charge helps pick up more debris than standard carpet sweepers. Small enough for children to use alongside adults. The manufacturer has a strong reputation in the floor-cleaning industry.

Cons

The sweeping path is too small for anything other than spot cleaning and quick pick-ups.

BISSELL Perfect Sweep Turbo
Bissell
Perfect Sweep Turbo
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Large Capacity
Bottom Line

Our cleaning expert recommends this battery-operated sweeper for its power and large cup capacity.

Pros

This battery-powered brush effectively sweeps up dirt. The dirt cup holds more dirt at once before needing emptying. Easily cleans hard floors, rugs, carpets, and more. Adjustable metal handle. Rechargeable.

Cons

Recharging takes 12 hours and can be finicky for some users.

Shark 12" Rechargeable Floor & Carpet Sweeper
Shark
12" Rechargeable Floor & Carpet Sweeper
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Cordless Convenience
Bottom Line

Don't be fooled by this lightweight carpet sweeper, it's powerful enough to tackle pet hair and thick carpet.

Pros

Motorized brush can get deep into carpet, but is also suitable for hardwood and tile floors. Great swivel ability to maneuver around furniture with ease. Handle folds completely down to conveniently reach underneath couches or tables. Cordless and rechargeable with a decent battery life.

Cons

Some users found that the handle could break off easily.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
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Considered
61
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for best carpet sweepers

Few people love cleaning their floors, so finding quick and easy ways to get it done is definitely helpful. A carpet sweeper is lightweight enough to make removing dirt from rugs and fitted carpets a breeze. Most sweepers don’t require electricity, so if you get a manual one, there's no need to wrestle with a power cord. Even without the cord, a sweeper requires far less effort to operate than a broom. What’s more, it’s easy with a sweeper to reach places where you don’t have power, such as a shed or screened-in porch.

If you dread scaring your dog or waking up sleeping members of your household with a vacuum cleaner, you might prefer a manual carpet sweeper for its near-silent operation. Manual sweepers don't use electricity to run, so they're ideal if you're looking for an eco-friendly way to clean your home. And while they're great for quick clean-ups between vacuuming days, they're also capable of picking up larger pieces of debris that some vacuum cleaners struggle with.

When looking for a carpet sweeper, you'll need to decide whether you want a manual or an electric one. Do you struggle with heavy objects? If so, look for the lightest sweeper possible (none on our list are over 4 pounds). Despite the name, many carpet sweepers also work on hard flooring, so consider the flooring types around your home, and pick one that works for you.

We love the cordless electric Black and Decker Floor Sweeper with its 50-minute runtime and multi-surface capabilities. The Bissell Natural Sweep Carpet and Floor Sweeper is our top affordable choice, offering simple manual cleaning.

Expert Tip
Carpet sweepers should be used for small and quick vacuuming jobs when you don’t want to pull out the big bulky vacuum cleaner.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

Best carpet sweepers

Black and Decker Cordless Electric Floor Sweeper

Want some power behind your carpet sweeper? This one is electric but cordless, so you don't have to worry about trailing a power cord around or switching outlets. It runs for roughly 50 minutes on a full charge, which is more than enough to clean every room in most homes. And it's extremely light, weighing just 2 pounds, so pushing it around your home is a snap.

The dustbin holds 12.5 ounces, which is a reasonable size, and it’s easy to empty, so you won't end up making a mess. Maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles is effortless thanks to the 360-degree swivel head. It works on carpets and hard floors, making it a versatile choice for most homes.

Bissell Natural Sweep Carpet and Floor Sweeper

With its fully manual design, this sweeper works only by virtue of your push power. It has dual brush rolls that allow it to sweep up debris both when you push it forward and when you pull it backward for effective cleaning.

The Bissell easily picks up larger pieces of debris, such as spilled cereal, as well as dust and other fine particles. With twin dustbins, it can hold more than many similar sweepers, and the bins empty with ease (and without making a mess). Weighing a little over 4 pounds, this sweeper works on carpets, area rugs and hard floors.

Alpine Manual Carpet Sweeper

Thanks to its triple brush design, this manual sweeper picks up dirt and debris that some might miss. The bristles are long enough to work into the carpet to remove dust and dirt, and with the included cleaning comb, you can keep them free of the hair and other debris that often gets stuck in bristles.

This 3-pound sweeper doesn't only clean carpet; it also does a good job sweeping hard floors, such as tile and vinyl. Since it's basically silent, it's a great choice for anyone worried about disturbing kids, pets or neighbors with loud vacuuming. The handle separates into three parts for convenient storage.

Fuller Brush Carpet and Floor Sweeper

The electrostatic design of this Fuller Brush sweeper pulls dust to the bristles as though they were magnetic — a reassuring notion if you're worried that a carpet sweeper wouldn’t be effective enough. Despite this, it isn't electric, so there are no cords to plug in or batteries to charge, and you can use it anywhere. It works well on low-pile carpets and hard floors, so it can tackle all the flooring in most homes.

With its metal housing, this is a durable sweeper that will last. At under 4 pounds, it's a lightweight addition to your cleaning arsenal that’s a snap to push around the home.

Bissell Perfect Sweep Turbo

This nifty electric sweeper has added power that you won't get from a manual sweeper, yet it is cordless and convenient. It runs for up to 60 minutes on a full battery charge, which means you can sweep most homes twice or more before needing to recharge it.

The sweeper weighs 4 pounds, and maneuvering it around and under furniture is straightforward thanks to its flexible head. It doesn't just sweep carpets, either; you can also clean your area rugs and hard flooring with it. The dust cup has a good capacity and easily lifts out of the head for mess-free emptying. When it’s time to put it away, this Bissell can be laid flat or hung from a loop in its handle.

Yocada Carpet Sweeper

If you're looking for something to clean carpets only, this is a great choice. It works on rugs and carpets, but it isn't suitable for hard floors. Since it's fully manual, you can use the Yocada carpet sweeper anywhere, and there's no need to charge it.

Not only is it great at picking up large pieces of debris that some vacuums can't handle, but it also does a good job of picking up fine particles like dust and pet hair. Weighing a bit over 3 pounds, it has long bristles that work into the pile of the carpet to pull out dust, hair and other dirt. It's easy to empty the dust container.

Bissell Easy Sweep Compact Carpet and Floor Sweeper

Weighing in at just 2.85 pounds with a compact head, this lightweight manual sweeper from a trusted brand is a popular choice. While the head doesn't swivel, it's designed to reach under furniture, allowing you to keep dust bunnies under control.

The dual dustbins are easy to empty, and the device is compact and simple to store with its lie-flat design and hanging loop in the handle. You can remove the brush roll, which makes cleaning the hair off it less of a chore. This sweeper works equally well on carpets, area rugs and hard floors.

Eyliden Carpet Sweeper

Great for short-pile and medium-pile carpets and rugs, this mini sweeper (it weighs just under 2 pounds) has dual brush rolls that pick up dirt on forward and backward passes. The dust container holds enough to sweep most large rooms without emptying, but when it is time to empty, it's a straightforward process.

Thanks to the low-profile design, the Eyliden sweeper fits under most furniture. It’s completely manual, so noise is never an issue, and it doesn't need to be plugged in or charged up. The handle is adjustable to comfortably suit users of most heights, and you can buy it in black, red or mint green.

Karcher KB 5 Cordless Electric Floor Sweeper

If you're looking for an effective sweeper that can tackle carpets and hard floors, this one is worth closer inspection. Despite being electric, it's whisper-quiet, so it's less likely to disturb than a vacuum cleaner. It runs for around 30 minutes and takes just three hours to fully charge.

At 2.8 pounds, it's light for any floor sweeper — but especially an electric one. With its fold-flat handle, you can easily reach under furniture so you won't be left with a nasty surprise the next time you move your couch. It cleans edge-to-edge, tackling debris right up to your baseboards.

Types of carpet sweepers

Manual carpet sweepers

Manual carpet sweepers don't run on electricity. Rather, they rely on your physical push power. You can dampen the roller brush on a manual carpet sweeper to increase dust pickup. Note, however, that you should never do this to an electric carpet sweeper.

Since they require no electricity to run, manual carpet sweepers are extremely eco-friendly. Plus, you can use them anywhere; no need to access electricity. Unlike cordless electric carpet sweepers, manual models don't have limited run times, so there’s no chance of running out of juice.

On the downside, manual carpet sweepers aren't quite as effective as electric carpet sweepers. You may need to make multiple passes and put plenty of weight behind your manual sweeper to get good results.

Electric carpet sweepers

Though they don’t have suction, electric carpet sweepers have motors that power rotating heads and brushes. Electric carpet sweepers have some extra oomph to their cleaning power, so it takes less effort to clean with them than with manual models. This makes them a bit more effective than their manual counterparts. You may find that they're better at cleaning up pet hair from deep within the pile.

If you opt for an electric carpet sweeper, you'll need to decide whether to buy a corded or a cordless model.

  • Corded: Corded carpet sweepers have an unlimited run time, but you need access to a power outlet. You also have the hassle of plugging it in, unplugging it, trailing the cord around the house and coiling the cord up when you're done. These models are uncommon for a reason. Many people would instead prefer to use an upright vacuum cleaner.
  • Cordless: Cordless sweepers don't require a power outlet. You're free to roam wherever you please. The downside is that their rechargeable batteries have a limited run time, so you could end up losing power before you finish sweeping. If you plan to clean larger areas, this could be especially problematic.

Electrostatic carpet sweepers

Both electric and manual carpet sweepers may be electrostatic. This means they generate an electrostatic charge to attract small particles the brush roll would otherwise miss. This can reduce the need to mop after you vacuum.

If you plan to replace your vacuum with a carpet sweeper, electrostatic bristles are crucial.

Expert Tip
Always empty your sweeper after each use.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

What to know before buying a carpet sweeper

Weight

From the lightweight to the hefty, you can find carpet sweepers of varying weights. The lightest models weigh less than 2 pounds, whereas heavier options weigh up to 6 pounds.

As a rule, manual carpet sweepers are lighter than electric models because they don't have motors weighing them down. However, other factors also affect the weight of a carpet sweeper, including material, brush width and overall size. If you have trouble lifting heavy objects or want a sweeper that's easy to carry from place to place, opt for the most lightweight sweeper you can find.

Brush width

Some carpet sweepers have wider brushes, or "sweeping paths," than others. The most compact options have brush widths of less than 8 inches. Large models have brush widths exceeding 12 inches.

While carpet sweepers with smaller sweeping paths are easier to maneuver and get into nooks and crannies, they're not as quick at sweeping large areas of the floor. If you'll mostly be sweeping big, open rooms with few obstacles, a larger brush width is ideal.

Blades vs. bristles

Carpet sweepers clean through the use of rotating brushes, rubber bristles or blades.

Bristles are the most common option. Bristles are excellent at going into the pile of a carpet to pull out worked-in hair. They’re also highly suitable for sweeping up larger debris, such as dropped food or clumps of mud. They are usually made of electrostatic vinyl or animal hair.

Rubber bristles work well for picking up pet hair and human hair, as they do not get clogged or tangled easily.

Rubber blades are better at picking up extremely fine debris, especially from tile and hardwood floors.

Some carpet sweepers use a combination of bristle and blade materials to reap the benefits of each. For example, a bristle blade may sit at the front of a sweeper to clean up larger debris and hair while a rubber blade goes behind to pick up fine particles of dust and dirt.

Take note of whether a brand sells replacement brush rolls. If any part of a carpet sweeper needs replacing, it’s usually this one.

Dustbin capacity

Though you will most likely use your carpet sweeper for light jobs, a larger dustbin capacity allows you to avoid emptying it after every use. Since most companies don’t disclose the size of the dustbin, look for carpet sweepers with around 10 to 16 ounces of capacity. Bear in mind that a higher dustbin capacity often comes at the expense of a compact design.

Cleaning path width

The cleaning path is the width of the area a carpet sweeper covers on each pass. Most carpet sweepers have a cleaning path between 6 and 12 inches. A wider path is typically more efficient, but narrower cleaning heads provide more maneuverability and the ability to reach tight spaces. Similarly, a low-profile design and a wide-range joint or swivel allow you to clean underneath furniture.

Handle flexibility

Handle flexibility is a major factor in determining how well a carpet sweeper can handle tight spaces and reach under furniture.

A carpet sweeper with a simple hinged handle has flexibility up to 90 degrees but no side-to-side flexibility. If your carpet sweeper isn’t your primary cleaning tool, this may be okay. Otherwise, you may find the limited flexibility frustrating.

Swivel joints are far more flexible and allow you to clean around corners without totally repositioning. Like hinged handles, take note of the limit of a swivel joint. Up to 90 degrees is ideal.

Bear in mind that the height of the cleaner head and handle joint can limit what furniture you are able to reach under.

Tips

  • Most carpet cleaners can only handle low-pile carpets, area rugs and hard surfaces. If you have a shag carpet or fur rug, you may need a traditional vacuum cleaner.
  • Consider the bristle material of the brushes on your chosen carpet sweeper. Many bristles are made from synthetic materials, but "natural bristles" are usually made from animal hair. Vegans, vegetarians and anyone who avoids using certain animal products for religious reasons may want to steer clear of natural bristles.
  • Make note of what types of floors a sweeper can handle. Some are only designed for carpets. Others are multi-surface cleaners due to their softer bristles.
  • Think about the shape of your chosen carpet sweeper. Most models have rectangular sweeping heads, but some are triangular or have angled edges to more easily get into corners.
  • Consider how durable your chosen carpet sweeper is. Commercial models are usually extra-tough and long-lasting, and there are no rules against using them at home.
Expert Tip
Always check your brushrolls before and after each use.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert

FAQ

Q. How much do carpet sweepers cost?

A. Carpet sweepers are generally less expensive than vacuum cleaners and more expensive than brooms, but their cleaning capability and maneuverability put them in a unique spot.

Budget carpet sweepers start at $20 to $40 and are almost always manual and non-electrostatic. While they may lack additional features like corner brushes and swivel heads, they can supplement a traditional vacuum.

For $40 to $60, you will find electrostatic and electric carpet sweepers that often have larger capacities and roller brushes that can handle multiple floor types.

High-end carpet sweepers for $60 to $100 are usually electric models with long run times and quiet operation. They can typically clean a variety of surfaces with ease.

Q. I have pets. Do I need a specific kind of carpet sweeper?

A. Homes that belong to dogs and cats usually require a bit of extra cleaning power thanks to muddy paws and shedded fur. While you don't need to have a particular kind of carpet sweeper if you have pets, note that electric models are more powerful than their manual counterparts, and electrostatic units are effective at picking up hair. Rubber bristles are also far easier to clean than vinyl bristles.

Q. How do carpet sweepers collect dirt?

A. Unlike brooms, carpet sweepers don't simply push the dirt around the floor, leaving you with a pile to clear up at the end. Instead, they sweep dirt and debris into a dustpan or collection canister as they go along. Once you’re finished (or the container is full), you simply empty the debris into the trash.

Q. Are carpet sweepers suitable for all kinds of flooring?

A. Carpet sweepers are suitable for use on a wide range of flooring. Despite the name, many can be used on non-carpeted floors such as hardwood, linoleum and tile. Although they work well on short-pile carpets, most models don't handle thick piles very well.

Q. Do carpet sweepers clean as they move backward as well as forward?

A. Almost all carpet sweepers have gears that revolve regardless of the direction you push the sweeper, always rotating the roller brush inward so it picks up debris. This means the motion of using a carpet sweeper feels much the same as using a regular vacuum cleaner.

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