Both front-loading and top-loading washers are equally popular, so we selected a winner for each type. Our favorite front load washer is the LG WM4000HWA 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer because our at-home tester fell in love with its special features. Our best overall top load washer is the Whirlpool WTW8127LW 5.3 cu. ft. High-efficiency Top Load Washer, which has an extra-large large drum and 36 programmable wash cycles. Here are the best washing machines. During testing, the cycle options—including a 15-minute Speed Wash and Allergiene option—were standout features. The center dial makes it easy to select a pre-configured cycle, but a digital control panel gives you options to modify aspects of the wash process, including water temperature, spin speed, and more. Take note that the digital display buttons aren’t lit, which made it challenging for our product tester to use the buttons in low light conditions. This is a smart front load washer, meaning you can pair it with the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone. It allows you to check in on cycle status, receive notifications, and even start the washer remotely. A big caveat to remotely starting a cycle is the fact that the washing machine must be turned on for this functionality. Still, it can be handy to monitor your machine using the app, especially if you have a laundry area in the basement or if you frequently forget to retrieve freshly-washed clothes from the washer.   Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes Aside from its unique washing mechanism, this Whirlpool top load washer is popular for its built-in faucet. This is helpful for pre-treating laundry stains, and you can also use the provided scrub brush to gently agitate any soiled spots. The options for treating your clothes aren’t skimpy, either. This machine has 11 pre-set cycles, but with the options available, there are 36 unique combinations to clean everything from school uniforms to delicates. The wash basket is constructed of smooth, rust-proof stainless steel for years of worry-free use. This 2-in-1 top load washer is one-of-a-kind, so finding this appliance in stock may be the most difficult part of this purchase. Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator or Impeller | Cycles: 36 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes This top load washer has a capacity of 3.5 cubic feet, which is enough for average-sized loads of clothes, towels, and sheets. However, it’s best not to overload this washing machine since it has a maximum spin speed of only 680 RPM, so it may struggle when taking on large or bulky loads that have been saturated. Other factors to consider when deciding whether this is the right budget washer for you include the dual-action agitator and porcelain wash tub. Some more full-featured washing machines use an impeller plate and a stainless steel tub, which are designed to minimize wear and tear on clothing. However, properly loading the wash basket will help to ensure a long life of service from this affordable Amana model. Capacity: 3.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 8 | Drum Material: Porcelain | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No While cleaning capability and Wi-Fi features make this machine user-friendly, its biggest claim to fame is the innovative UltraFresh Vent System. GE tackled the common complaint of smelly front load washers and solved it with a unique vent that allows the washer to air out between soap sessions. The gasket, dispenser, and other moisture-prone parts are also treated with an antibacterial coating to minimize the chance of mold and odors developing. Another unique feature of this specialized washing machine is its ability to dry small loads of laundry. If you’re washing a load that weighs 2 pounds or less (for example, a few t-shirts), you can opt to have the washer dry the load using a built-in fan. Also, when paired with the matching GE dryer, this high-tech washer will automatically transfer settings for each load to the dryer, saving you the hassle of manually selecting the appropriate cycle. Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes Large families or anyone with substantial laundry needs (including King-size sheets and bedding) will appreciate the increased capacity of this large washing machine. Plus, the washer is equipped to effectively clean by using LG’s 6Motion technology. This offers a variety of cleaning motions to ensure that stains and soil are eliminated from everything from activewear to delicates. To maximize efficiency, you can also take advantage of TurboWash technology, which uses high-pressure spray nozzles to reduce wash time by up to 30 minutes. To have such a high-capacity washer, you’ll need the space to fit the machine—along with a dryer that has enough capacity to keep up. Space requirements—along with the fact that this washer isn’t stackable—are the biggest drawback of the LG WM95000HKA. It also has a steep price tag and is one of the most expensive washing machines on the market. But if you want a capable, supersized washing machine, this model is worth the investment. Capacity: 5.8 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes Our in-home product tester put an earlier model of this Samsung washer through its paces and was very satisfied with the machine’s cleaning ability. It performed wonderfully when cleaning everything from a week’s worth of soiled baby clothes to dirty work uniforms. Features that our tester especially appreciated were the deep fill option for a heavy-duty cleaning session and the Active Water jet for hand washing delicate items or pre-treating stains. The new Samsung WA55A7300AE incorporates both of these user-friendly features, while also boosting capacity from 5.4 to 5.5 cubic feet. One thing that is different about this top load washer is the fact that the top of the washer is slanted, rather than level. According to our product tester, it’s not well-suited for folding laundry or holding items like a bottle of laundry detergent or softener. It’s not a deal-breaker if you’re most interested in the high-capacity and excellent cleaning ability of this machine, but it’s something to be aware of—especially if your laundry zone is in a busy hub of your home. Capacity: 5.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 12 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes Open the door to this high-efficiency, front-loading washer, and you’ll see that the 5.0-cubic-foot drum is ready for the laundry needs of big families. You can clean more in a single load, thereby shortening your laundry day routine. At the same time, the beauty of this HE washer is the fact that it uses sensors to detect the size and fabric type of each load to adjust water levels—making it efficient for loads large or small. Despite taking a conservative approach to water usage, there is no shortage of cleaning power for the LG WM4200HWA, thanks to 6Motion wash technology and TurboWash 360—which utilizes 5 jets to fully saturate clothes with water and detergent. A cold water wash option also promises a thorough clean without the energy cost generated from heating water. Allergy sufferers or anyone looking for a sanitizing cycle will appreciate the fact that this washer is also equipped with a steam function. It has been certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to remove common allergens from clothing. This HE washer is stackable when paired with its matching dryer. If your laundry room requires side-by-side configuration, take note that the door direction is not reversible. Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes While a stackable washer saves space, this Samsung model still offers 4.5 cubic feet of drum capacity for large laundry loads. It also is equipped with one of Samsung’s newest washer innovations—the Super Speed Wash. Based on an 8-pound load, this front load washer can complete a quick wash in 28 minutes. Among the 24 wash cycles, you’ll find the steam setting helpful for loosening stubborn stains. A stainless steel wash drum and Samsung’s unique diamond drum pattern are designed to be gentle on clothes while providing efficient expulsion of water during the spin cycle. Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 24 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes The options for portable washing machines are limited, but this model has consistently been a top recommendation amongst retailers. It includes clothes care features like a stainless steel wash basket that resists rust and won’t snag your garments. Dispensers for bleach, detergent, and fabric softener streamline the cycle, while the glass lid gives you a quick view into the washer at any time. You can choose from 6 cycles and 5 water temperature options, ranging from tap cold to hot. The Whirlpool WTW2000HW portable washing machine has a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, which is smaller than standard washing machines but offers enough space for small-to-average size loads. It’s a great option for a single person or small families, especially in an apartment or home without a laundry room. Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 6 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No Despite being a basic washing machine (at an affordable price), this GE washer isn’t a total step back in time. It offers straightforward operation while also providing convenient features, like a status indicator bar or auto-sensing load technology to optimize water fill levels. For heavily soiled loads, you can opt for a deep fill or auto-soak. First-time users of a high-efficiency washer are sometimes surprised by the loud sounds associated with the auto-sensing technology, but it’s a minor adjustment for most people. Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No The shiny, sleek exterior of the Studio WashTower conceals an impressively large 5.0-cubic-foot drum for the washer, which is 0.5 cubic feet larger than the base WashTower offered by LG. With the extra room, the Studio edition easily keeps up with high-capacity washers on the market. It also has the features you’d expect from a high-end washer, including Wi-Fi capabilities, steam cleaning, and technology to automatically detect fabric texture and load size. The integrated dryer has 7.4 cubic feet of drying room, while saving on floor space. One of the most significant features is the central control panel, which puts cycle selections for both the washer and dryer within easy reach. However, you might not need to adjust them as often as you think, since the WashTower can remember your go-to washer cycle selections, while also transmitting recommended settings to the dryer when the load is complete. Keep in mind that this smart washer offers a relatively small number of pre-set cycles at the control pad, but more specialty cycles can be accessed using the app. Many people prefer controlling their appliances with a smartphone, but if you’re looking to make every cycle selection from the machine itself, it’s something to be aware of before splurging on this laundry center. Capacity: 5.0 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 10 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes

Drum Size

The interior size of your washer’s drum is measured in cubic feet and can range from as little as 2.5 cubic feet to nearly 6.0 cubic feet. The more space you have, the more laundry you can tackle at once, and the more flexibility you have to wash items like towels, comforters, or backpacks. Those who live in a small space or only have to do laundry once a week can likely consider a model with between 2.5 and 4.5 cubic feet of space. Larger households should opt for a high-capacity washer with between 5.0 and 6.0 cubic feet of space. Keep in mind: A top-loading washer is typically more spacious than a front-loading one.

Cycle Options

Although most washers will have primary cycles like whites, delicates, and permanent press, it’s essential to consider what other settings your household could benefit from. Other cycle options on the market include towels and sheets, heavy-duty, speed wash, activewear, allergen, and sanitize. Front-loading washers can also have a self-clean option, which makes maintaining the freshness of the drum much easier. How much you want to spend on a new washer will determine how many cycle options you have. High-end machines typically have more settings and allow you to customize your own. “Newer models may have many cycles to choose from, but understanding the purpose and content of each washing load will help drive your decisions and help you avoid cycles that are not necessary or will shorten the life of your clothes,” says Marilee Nelson, certified building biologist, environmental consultant, and co-founder of Branch Basics. So before you opt for the machine with the most cycles, consider which ones you’ll use on a regular basis, such as activewear or bedding wash cycles.

Standout Features

Bulk Dispenser

A bulk dispenser is commonly found in high-capacity washers and allows you to fill a dispenser once with detergent and fabric softener, and it will automatically dispense it for 20 to 40 loads. This feature is most helpful for households who run at least four or five loads per week due to children or athletes. When a cycle begins, the washer will use load-sensing technology to read your load and then tap into the bulk dispenser and dispense the correct amount of detergent based on your load’s size.

Advanced Wrinkle Care

Wrinkle care technology tumbles clothes in a washer periodically after a cycle is complete. It uses a bit of steam and the tumbling motion to prevent wrinkles from developing while you’re at work, handling other chores, or waiting for a load in the dryer to finish. This feature is typically seen in smart or high-end washers and is made for a multi-tasking household or someone comfortable with their appliances running while they’re away. It essentially gives your washer the capabilities of a dryer.

Vibration Reduction

There’s technology in washers that reduces the amount of vibration they produce during a spin cycle—when the drum is typically moving very fast to extract water from clothes. Vibration reduction technology keeps a washer from shaking, shimmying, and creating a lot of noise. If your laundry machines are near a bedroom, this is a particularly convenient feature for you.

Allergen Cycle

Dust, pollen, and dander can easily latch onto clothes, no matter what fabric type they may be. Although water inactivates pollen, an allergen cycle is made to specifically target these triggers and gently release them from every fabric type using steam. This new setting is typically found in higher-end models and is ideal if you live in an area with a high pollen count or have someone in your household who has asthma.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Having tested and researched dozens of laundry machines, we looked at reliability, functionality, and value when recommending the best washing machines on the market. We considered each washer’s capacity, cycle options, and type of agitator, in addition to dispensers, drum material, efficiency, and advanced technology. For insight, we spoke with: Brittney Castro, a certified financial planner for Mint; Marilee Nelson, a certified building biologist and environmental consultant and co-founder of Branch Basics; and Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert. Though they do save on water and are more efficient, front-load washers are more pricy upfront and tend to cost more to maintain than top-load washers. Some front-load machines develop mold and mildew due to the tight door seal. Top-load washers allow users to open the machine mid-cycle, while most front-load washers do not offer this feature. Front-load washers are more gentle on clothing and remove more water during the cycle so that your laundry will take less time to dry. Larger households of more than 3 people, as well as those that do several loads of laundry a week, should consider a washer of 4.5 to 5.5 cubic feet, or more. A washer this size will allow you to get more laundry done in fewer loads. Large washers also have the capacity to handle extra large items. Keep in mind that larger-capacity machines also generally require more space.  Erica Puisis is a product researcher and writer with years of experience testing and writing about small and large appliances. She has hands-on experience with top-loading and front-loading washers. She prefers using her LG front load washer for its gentle but effective agitation. For this article, she researched the latest models available and compared the most important attributes, like capacity, washing mechanism, cycle options, and smart features. She also took into account verified customer reviews and at-home product testing insights.