Best Overall
Speed Queen Heavy Duty Top Load Washer
- Cleaning5/5
- Design4.3/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Efficiency5/5
- It was easy to use and quiet. Plus, it comes with a seven-year warranty.
It was easy to use and quiet. Plus, it comes with a seven-year warranty.
- At 3.2 cubic feet, it has a smaller capacity than some other popular models, and there’s no interior light or soft close lid.
At 3.2 cubic feet, it has a smaller capacity than some other popular models, and there’s no interior light or soft close lid.
Overall, we thought the Speed Queen TR7 Top-Loading Washer is the best top-loading washing machine for busy households who always have a load in the washer at any given moment. During testing, we appreciated that it was easy to use.
The machine is quiet and features technology that keeps any vibrations in check and ensures the washer doesn’t move around too much. It also has out-of-balance detection for added safety.
The washing machine features 16 convenient wash cycles, including heavy-duty, perm press, delicates, eco options, and super soiled, and they can all be set via the touchpad on the machine.
During testing, we found that the preset settings were a breeze to use. Loading and unloading was effortless, and the pre-soak managed to get stained clothes clean without the need for multiple cycles (only a little stain remover).
We liked that the display showed the time remaining, and there’s an audible alert at the end-of-cycle. In addition, the machine features a delayed start option and has a child lock for added safety.
Though this was one of the best top-loading machines we tested, there were a few details to keep in mind. For starters, it took us some research and sifting through the manual to figure out how to interrupt or cancel a cycle once the washer was locked. It also has a smaller capacity than some other options, and it doesn’t have an interior light or soft close lid.
Even though this washing machine is one of the most expensive options, we felt that it is a fair price for the high-quality and efficiency offered, and the fact that it comes with a seven-year warranty adds peace of mind.
Product Details: Type: Agitator | Dimensions: 25.62 x 42.75 x 28 inches | Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Number of Wash Cycles: 16
Best Budget
Samsung Top Load Washer with Impeller
- Cleaning4.8/5
- Design4.5/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Efficiency4/5
- It has a large drum, a soft close lid, and audio assistance that plays a different sound for each setting. Plus, it automatically adds water when needed.
It has a large drum, a soft close lid, and audio assistance that plays a different sound for each setting. Plus, it automatically adds water when needed.
- It doesn’t have as many cycles as some other models.
It doesn’t have as many cycles as some other models.
With a spacious 5.0-cubic-foot capacity, an active waterjet system that can pretreat stained clothing, and a wide opening to easily access all items, the Samsung WA50R5200AW 5 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer is one of the best choices for your laundry room.
We found this machine very easy to operate thanks to intuitive and straightforward settings. It effectively cleaned clothes without any damage to any fabric. Plus, it has anti-vibration technology.
Overall, we thought the price of the machine matched the quality. There was some noise, though it seemed like an average amount. We liked that the washer will automatically add extra water where needed, and there’s a soft close lid as well.
The machine gives you an estimated time to run the load, which is helpful if you want to plan around it. It also has audio assistance that plays a different sound for each wash setting, and there’s also braille next to the control buttons.
Those who like smart features will appreciate Samsung’s Smart Care feature, which syncs the machine to an app on your phone so you can check the washer's status. You’ll also be reminded every 20 washes via the app that it’s time to run a self-clean. We appreciated the song that goes off when a cycle is done as it got our attention without blaring.
Product Details: Type: Impeller | Dimensions: 27.5 x 44.6 x 29.4 inches | Capacity: 5 cubic feet| Number of Wash Cycles: Nine and one drum self-clean
Best Splurge
Samsung Smart Top Load Washer
- Cleaning4/5
- Design4/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Efficiency4/5
- Smart features allow you to monitor and operate the machine remotely.
Smart features allow you to monitor and operate the machine remotely.
- It’s louder than some other models we tested.
It’s louder than some other models we tested.
The Samsung WA51A5505AV 5.1 cu. ft. Smart Top-Load Washer with ActiveWave™ Agitator is an advanced machine with Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features. Although it’s more expensive than other options, we thought it was one of the best top-loading washing machines to splurge on.
This washer has many cycles and settings, so you’ll be able to choose which best suits your load of laundry each time. Plus, you can easily preset your own or manually enter the temperature and time you desire for your load each time.
The washing machine features a deep 5.1-cubic-foot drum that makes it easy to load laundry. We did note, however, that some people may need a step stool to be able to reach in. Overall, we appreciate that the machine cleaned very well and kept our clothes in pristine condition.
We like that this washer has Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can operate and monitor your machine remotely. That way, you can see how much time is left, set presets, and get notifications when the cycle is complete or if there is an error.
During testing, we found this model to be a little louder than the others we tried. However, the sound was sufficiently dampened when we closed the laundry room door or went to another room.
When a cycle is finished, there’s a song that plays which is loud enough to hear in another room. We weren’t sure how to adjust the audio levels, and would have preferred a different sound.
Product Details: Type: Agitator | Dimensions: 27.56 x 44.69 x 29.44 inches | Capacity: 5.1 cubic feet | Number of Wash Cycles: 12
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
Best Large Capacity
LG SMART Top Load Washer
- Cleaning4.3/5
- Design4.5/5
- Noise Level3/5
- Efficiency5/5
- It has a plethoric 5.5-cubic-foot capacity and smart capabilities with a helpful app.
It has a plethoric 5.5-cubic-foot capacity and smart capabilities with a helpful app.
- The machine is very loud when in use.
The machine is very loud when in use.
It can’t really get easier to use, load and unload, than the LG WT7900HWA Smart Top-Load Washer. During testing, we found the machine to be high quality, reasonably priced, and efficient.
The washing machine has a 5.5-foot capacity and is quite deep, so it’s great if you have to do laundry for multiple people. We found that you can fit a king-sized comforter and all the related bedding all at the same time. It’s worth noting, however, that some people may need a step stool to easier access their laundry.
The washer has smart functions and if you opt for the compatible dryer, the machines can be paired enabling the washer to let the dryer know the most compatible drying cycle for the load just washed.
The LG ThinkQ app was easy to use and we liked that it sends alerts on operation, maintenance needs, and even early diagnosis of any problems. There’s also a one-button deep fill option that will add more water when you feel necessary.
We appreciated that there are cycles that are useful for every need. For example, there’s options for bedding, towels, sanitization, deep washing, delicates, heavy duty, and even allergies. There’s a speed wash setting, and even a press option thanks to the machine’s steam technology.
In addition, there are five spin speeds, and five water levels that will automatically adjust depending on the size of the load, too. It’s a little louder than some other models we tested but we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker.
Product Details: Type: Impeller | Dimensions: 27 x 44.5 x 28.38 inches | Capacity: 5.5 cubic feet | Number of Wash Cycles: 14
Easiest to Use
Whirlpool Smart White Top Load Washing Machine
- Cleaning5/5
- Design4.5/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Efficiency4.5/5
- It has a roomy and easy-to-access drum, and there’s a pre-treat station for stained items.
It has a roomy and easy-to-access drum, and there’s a pre-treat station for stained items.
- We didn’t find the app as helpful as some other brands, and the app is not free either.
We didn’t find the app as helpful as some other brands, and the app is not free either.
Whirlpool’s WTW6120HW Smart Top Load Washer is a nice looking washer that’s easy to operate and comes in either white or a charcoal gray. It doesn’t have too many bells and whistles, but it was efficient and felt high-quality.
The preset settings were easy to choose from and set, and you can have the fill level set to automatic so that you don’t need to change this with each load, making for one less thing to worry about.
It was easy to load and unload and we could grab items from the bottom easier than with some other models with deeper drums. The noise level was not too loud either. Plus, the drum is large enough for a king sized comforter, and there are extra handy features like delay start up to 12 hours, a pre-treat water station with faucet, and a sanitizing cycle.
Overall, we thought the smart app wasn’t as good as some other brands. Plus, you also have to pay for it after an initial six-month free trial, unlike some other washing machines.
However, there were some helpful functions on the app. For example, you can start the washer when not home so that the clothes are not sitting in the washer all day damp before they go in the dryer. You are also able to see how long is left on each cycle which is particularly helpful if your washer/dryer set is in the basement as it saves you having to make several trips to check on the status.
Product Details: Type: Impeller | Dimensions: 27.25 x 41.19 x 27.88 inches | Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet | Number of Wash Cycles: Up to 36 cycle combinations