Best Overall
LG Electronics WM4000HWA Front Load Washer
LOWE'S
- Cleaning5/5
- Drying5/5
- Design5/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency5/5
- It took less time to clean than other washers we’ve used, and the unit was fairly quiet in use.
It took less time to clean than other washers we’ve used, and the unit was fairly quiet in use.
- We would have preferred it if it was a bit taller.
We would have preferred it if it was a bit taller.
Overall, the best washing machine is the LG Electronics WM4000HWA Front Load Washer. We liked the simple and effective unit, which was better than other washing machines we had used previously.
The machine uses five jets to spray clothes from different angles to help wash large loads of laundry faster. With a variety of settings—including a steam function and specific cycles for bedding, towels, and more—this washer has plenty of capabilities to suit different laundry types. We used the normal cycle most often during testing and found that it got the job done.
No need to sort your clothing before putting them in the machine, either; this smart washer uses AI technology and sensors to automatically determine fabrics and select the perfect wash setting. Its allergenic wash cycle uses steam to help remove up to 95 percent of dander and allergens from your clothing, and the machine is even certified by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America.
Unlike some other washers, we noted that this wasn’t too loud and you couldn’t hear it unless you were quite close to it. It also sings a song to alert you when the wash cycle has finished, which we thought was helpful and not disruptive.
Though loading this washer was easy, we would have liked it if the unit was taller, causing less strain on our back. That being said, we did appreciate how much you could wash in one load. We typically washed five thick towels, two sets of queen sheets, and one or two blankets, depending on the size, and didn’t run into any issues. We also like that a wash cycle took 30-40 minutes, which we felt was shorter than other washing machines we’ve used.
Product Details: Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 39 x 27 x 30.25 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 12 | Smart Features: Yes
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
Best Budget
Samsung Top Load Washer with Impeller
LOWE'S
- Cleaning4.8/5
- Design4.5/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Efficiency4/5
- Value4.5/5
- It’s got a larger capacity than other washers we tested.
It’s got a larger capacity than other washers we tested.
- It doesn’t have as many advanced features as some other options.
It doesn’t have as many advanced features as some other options.
From the start, it was easy to operate the Samsung WA500R5200AW Top Load Washer thanks to clear, intuitive settings. The machine ran consistently well, and we won’t blame it for the occasional detergent pod that got stuck to a piece of clothing. After testing, we concluded that we’d gladly consider switching to liquid detergent or sheets because the machine works better than any other washing machine we’ve used in the past.
This isn’t the fanciest machine in terms of looks or design on our list, but it’s an excellent top-loading machine that we found works effectively, load after load. There are no smart features, so you can’t hook this up to an app. But there are other convenient features, like delay start and a good range of wash settings—we even like the cute little song that plays when the wash cycle is complete.
Since it’s a top-load machine, it’s got a larger drum capacity than the other front-loading units on our list. Plus, we like the soft-close glass lid that allows us to keep an eye on the wash as needed. We also appreciate that it has an EnergyStar certification—good for the environment and our energy bills—and that it comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty for peace of mind.
Product Details: Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27.5 x 44.6 x 29.4 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 10 | Smart Features: No
Best Front-Loading
Electrolux High-Efficiency Front Load Washer
THE HOME DEPOT
- Cleaning4.8/5
- Drying4.5/5
- Design4.2/5
- Noise Level3/5
- Efficiency5/5
- The specialized cycles, like the heavy-duty or quick wash, were very effective.
The specialized cycles, like the heavy-duty or quick wash, were very effective.
- The washer was a bit noisy and some thicker fabrics needed longer to dry.
The washer was a bit noisy and some thicker fabrics needed longer to dry.
Since we had already been using an older model Electrolux model, we were excited to try out a new model. Immediately we found the dryer cycle on the Electrolux ELFW High-Efficiency Front Load Washer was much improved, thanks to its auto-sensing technology that knows how long clothing should dry.
We found the front control panel to be quite easy to use—knobs for the main settings and buttons to adjust the temperature, level of drying, spin speeds, and others. Even in the digital age, it was nice to have these more manual controls. There are no smart functions, but if you’re used to working with older machines and want a newer model that’s simple to use, you might not feel the need to hook up to an app (we didn’t).
We defaulted to the “normal” setting most often and found it to be effective. But we were blown away by the heavy-duty wash setting that took on about 30 cloth diapers. Except for two or three that came out slightly stained, the whole load came out smelling fresh and clean.
The dryer works well, though thicker clothing (like cloth diapers) did struggle to get fully dry during a cycle. We liked the “instant refresh” cycle that steams clothes to release wrinkles—a great feature if you can’t get to empty the dryer right away. We also appreciated that there’s a little leaf symbol to show what settings are considered eco-friendly, and we found that we did choose those configurations most often.
After three months of testing, we still loved this machine. We branched out into other settings, like the fast wash (15 minutes), which is a game changer if you’re the parent of a little one. The Optic Whites cycle has a Smart Boost function that truly delivers and is now our go-to setting for all white clothes. We did note that this machine is a bit noisy if you plan to stay near your laundry room during a wash cycle, but that’s about the only real complaint we have about this machine.
Product Details: Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 32 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 11 | Smart Features: No
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Best Large Capacity
Samsung Smart High-Efficiency Front Load Washer
LOWE'S
- Cleaning4.5/5
- Design4.3/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency4.5/5
- Value4/5
- The large washer drum handled large loads well and it was easy to remove clothing after a cycle.
The large washer drum handled large loads well and it was easy to remove clothing after a cycle.
- The dryer tends to leave some items damp in large loads, especially bedding.
The dryer tends to leave some items damp in large loads, especially bedding.
During testing, we were impressed with this Samsung style’s large capacity. Both drums on the Smart High-Efficiency Front Load Washer were spacious enough for large loads of laundry, but they also made for easy loading and emptying, too.
The machines are sleek and attractive but we were dismayed to see that the tops of the machines scratched quite easily over time. The touchscreen buttons made navigating through the various settings and cycles a breeze. The lint trap required both hands to empty, but we noticed that its multichambered design made it remove lint very well.
These machines were rather quiet during operation. The only time they made a fuss was at the end of the cycle when the machine played a little song; we did find it a bit annoying, but it does serve a purpose.
We also found it quite frustrating to install the app, particularly when more than one user in the household logs on to the account. But once we were up and running, we liked that you could create a “laundry recipe” that walks you through each laundry load to find the best combination of cycles to wash and dry it properly.
During testing, we noticed that when drying larger loads, some items (usually towels) came out still damp. Washing towels on their own just takes a single cycle, but we found that even thinner blankets and bedding took multiple cycles to fully dry.
The bespoke settings can be a bit overwhelming, but the ones we tried seemed to work well. We didn’t notice much of a difference between the “normal” wash cycle and the athletic gear for workout clothes, but perhaps that’s a testament to how effective this machine is in general.
We found the “usual” settings to be quite effective and often defaulted to using these, but there are settings like steam sanitize that seem promising. We used the self-cleaning function and noticed that it eliminated the musty smell that had started brewing; it even made cleaning more effective, so it’s worth using this setting at regular intervals.
Product Details: Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 38.75 x 27 x 33.5 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 25 | Smart Features: Yes
Best Features
Samsung Front Load Washer
BEST BUY
- This washing machine is one of Energy Star's Most Efficient appliances.
This washing machine is one of Energy Star's Most Efficient appliances.
- It doesn't offer an app connection.
It doesn't offer an app connection.
While app connection and smart features have their place, we also found during our search for the top machines that some of these added bells and whistles are more of a hassle than a convenience. However, the Samsung High-Efficiency Stackable Washer has a myriad of special settings that actually make laundry day easier.
The machine has 10 wash settings to choose from, including one for activewear, which cleans sweaty clothes without making them dingy, and a bedding wash cycle for keeping sheets and comforters plush and soft.
You won't have to worry about the cycle stopping midway due to unbalanced clothing, either, thanks to an automatic setting that will rebalance the load. Plus, the washer drum is designed to remove water more quickly during the final spin cycle, so your laundry will be done faster. It even has a self-cleaning function that helps to remove bacteria inside the machine.
And while you can't control the machine through it, you'll be able to use the Smart Care app to diagnose any issues that may arise and get connected with a repair technician.
The Samsung washer has a slimline design with closet-depth measurements, so it can fit easily into most spaces. This doesn't mean you'll sacrifice laundry space, though; the large, 4.5-cubic-foot drum allows you to wash large loads all at once. It also has vibration reduction technology, which will help reduce noise in your home when the washer is running.
To top it all off, this high-efficiency washing machine was named one of Energy Star's Most Efficient, meaning it requires less electricity and water to run than other appliances on the market.
Product Details: Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27 x 31.3 x 38.7 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 10 | Smart Features: No
Best All-in-One
GE Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
AMAZON
- It's ventless, so you have more options for where to install it.
It's ventless, so you have more options for where to install it.
- It has a smaller capacity than most regular washers and dryers.
It has a smaller capacity than most regular washers and dryers.
A great way to save space in your homes is to find an appliance that both washes and dries your clothes, and the GE Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo is our top pick for the best all-in-one washer-dryer. No more pulling out a load of soggy clothes; just leave your laundry in this machine until it's all done.
You might think it would take up a ton of space, but this machine is only 23 inches deep and 25 inches wide, making it easy to install just about anywhere in your home. There's no vent required to operate this all-in-one, so you can tuck it under a counter, in a closet, or in any other small space.
You don't even have to worry about adding detergent or fabric softener to a load manually, thanks to an automatic dispenser that does it for you at just the right time in the cycle. This GE also senses the correct dry cycle based on the load you've just washed, so all you have to do is fold and put the clothes away once it's complete.
The steam wash option digs deep into fabric to get rid of stains without damaging your clothes. There's also a sanitize cycle, which uses a hotter temperature to kill off bacteria and other household allergens. Forgot to add something to the wash? Press pause to unlock the door and you can toss it in.
Product Details: Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Dimensions: 33.25 x 23.5 x 25.63 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 14 | Smart Capable: No
Best Laundry Tower
LG Electronics WKEX200HB WashTower Laundry Center
AMAZON
- It's compact, but it has plenty of room for large laundry loads.
It's compact, but it has plenty of room for large laundry loads.
- The gas-powered version is about $200 more expensive than the electric one.
The gas-powered version is about $200 more expensive than the electric one.
If you're looking to maximize space in your laundry room, the LG WashTower is a great appliance that offers app connectivity, an easy-to-use control panel, and plenty of features. While it saves space by stacking the dryer on top of the washer, the large drum capacities of both appliances allow you to do more laundry in one load.
With five different temperature settings and six wash cycles with the washer and six drying cycles with the dryer, you'll have plenty of options to choose from when doing your laundry. The control panel for both appliances is at waist-height for easy use, and the connected app allows you to start a new wash or dry cycle from anywhere at the press of a button.
If you need something clean in a hurry, the speed wash cycle can complete a small load of laundry in only 15 minutes. Or, if you've got an extra-large load, there's plenty of room in the 4.5 cubic foot washer and 7.4 cubic capacity dryer. The washer has a stainless steel drum, so it'll treat all of your fabrics gently.
Best of all, it's Energy Star certified, so you'll save on water and energy, which means you'll also save money.
Product Details: Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet for washer; 7.4 cubic feet for dryer | Dimensions: 74.38 x 30.38 x 27 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: Six | Smart Features: Yes
Best Portable
Black+Decker Small Portable Washer
AMAZON
- It doesn't require a traditional washer/dryer hookup; you can drain the water into a sink through the hose.
It doesn't require a traditional washer/dryer hookup; you can drain the water into a sink through the hose.
- You can only wash medium-sized loads with cold water.
You can only wash medium-sized loads with cold water.
You don't need a dedicated laundry room or even a washer hookup to get your clothes clean thanks to this Black + Decker Portable Washer. There are five wash cycles—heavy, gentle, rapid, normal, and soak—and an LED display to let you know how much time is left.
Since it's approximately the same size as a clothes hamper, this washer is easy to store away without requiring tons of space. It's also more energy efficient than other portable washing machines because it runs on cold water, and you'll only need to clean out the built-in filter once a month. Just keep in mind that this washing machine requires high-efficiency detergent.
It connects easily to a faucet with a drain hose, and the adapter is included so all the dirty water can easily drain out of the machine without creating a mess. The drum has a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet and holds a little more than six pounds of laundry, which is big enough to fit a normal load. Its cycles run between 19 and 52 minutes.
Of course, you won't be able to get your comforter in this washer, but it's perfect for washing small- and medium-sized loads from the comfort of your apartment, dorm room, RV, or even a boat—basically any place with a sink.
Product Details: Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet | Dimensions: 31.1 x 17.3 x 17.7 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: Five | Smart Features: No
Best Top Loading
Speed Queen Heavy Duty Top Load Washer
BEST BUY
- Cleaning5/5
- Design4.3/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency5/5
- Value4.5/5
- It’s got a ton of wash settings and was very quiet.
It’s got a ton of wash settings and was very quiet.
- It’s got a smaller capacity than others on our list.
It’s got a smaller capacity than others on our list.
If you prefer a top-loading style, we highly recommend this model for your laundry room. During testing, we found the Speed Queen TR7003WN style fairly simple to operate from the start. Plus, we liked that there are a total of 16 wash cycles to choose from, so you can choose specific options depending on your laundry needs.
The digital display was clear and easy to read, and the buttons made it easy to toggle between cycles and settings. However, we leaned into the preset settings during the testing period and found them to be quite effective.
We especially liked the soak and prewash settings and found that with a bit of pretreatment added to soiled clothing, the stains could be removed easily without the need for multiple wash cycles. There were also special cycles for specific materials like denim and even athletic clothing, so you have the option to customize every load of wash.
This machine was very quiet, and we noted that you can carry on a conversation, watch TV, or listen to music within earshot. Aside from having fresh, clean clothing, we were impressed by Speed Queen’s extensive seven-year parts and labor warranty as well.
Product Details: Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Dimensions: 25.625 x 42.75 x 28 inches | Number of Wash Cycles: 16 | Smart Features: No
Best Tower
LG Front Load WashTower
WAYFAIR
- Cleaning5/5
- Drying5/5
- Design5/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency5/5
- It’s a full-size washer and dryer that won’t take up all of your laundry space.
It’s a full-size washer and dryer that won’t take up all of your laundry space.
- The doors swing left and they are not reversible.
The doors swing left and they are not reversible.
If you’re looking to save floor space, the LG WashTower is one of the best options to consider. The stacked style includes both a washer and dryer. Plus, this model has plenty of settings to choose from, including 10 wash cycles and five temperatures, as well as five rinse cycles. There’s even a steam function to blast away bacteria and allergens.
When it’s time to dry, you can choose from nine drying cycles and five dry temperatures. But don’t let decision fatigue overwhelm you—it’s got built-in AI intelligence that senses your wash and automatically chooses compatible cycles.
This LG smart wash tower scored the highest marks across the board for cleaning, drying, design, efficiency, and even noise level—a bonus if you’ve ever had to endure loud and disruptive machines.
This sleek-looking machine is offered in black or white, both with tempered glass doors that stand up to scratches and other impacts. Need to freshen up your machine? Just touch a button and the TubClean system cleans the tub, door, and gaskets—it even dries it, too. We like that it pairs with Alexa and Google Assistant so laundry cycles can be controlled remotely through the ThinQ app.
Product Details: Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet washer, 7.4 cubic feet dryer | Dimensions: 27 x 74.38 x 30.38 inches | Number of Wash/Dry Cycles: 10 wash, nine dry | Smart Features: Yes