Best Washing Machines 2023

An underperforming washing machine can leave you with clothes that are damp, pilled or worse, completely ruined. But the best washing machines get your clothes clean while protecting your gear, and in a timeframe that works for you. Our top choice is the LG Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer, a powerful washing machine with a slew of options and smart features. But there are many more great options in the mix.

The best washing machines get your clothes clean while protecting your gear, and in a timeframe that ... [+] works for you.

While there are a lot of reliable washers out there, there's no one-size-fits-all machine. "When you’re in the market for a washing machine, it's ultimately important to find one that best fits your lifestyle," says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. Factors like capacity, dimensions and wash cycles can make a difference in how seamless laundry day is for you—and influence the cost of your washer. Additionally, smart home features like the ability to control your washer from your phone might make sense if you’re always on the go, but could be an unnecessary cost if you tend to be home often and can easily access your machine when the need strikes.

While doing laundry will always be a chore, investing in a high-quality washing machine can help make it slightly more enjoyable. With that in mind, here are the best washing machines on the market right now.

The Home Depot

Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27 x 39 x 30 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited

This LG model is packed with cool features yet has a price point that's doable for many budgets. The washer has a 4.5 cubic feet capacity—good for most households—and features six different wash motions to clean your clothes however you prefer. Flip between 10 different wash cycles, including speed wash, which gets your clothes clean in just 15 minutes, and steam cleaning to really lift out dirt and grime. The washer is smart-enabled, too. Use the ThinQ Care app to monitor what's happening with your washing machine, choose cycles and stop and start your laundry. Don't feel like choosing a cycle? The washer's AI technology can automatically sense which is best for your load. Once the work is done, you’ll get a notification on your phone that it's time to move on to the dryer.

The Home Depot

Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27 x 43 x 28 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited

With a 5.3 cubic feet capacity, this Maytag washer can handle a lot of laundry in one go. It features a deep fill to allow you to fill your wash basket with even more water, just in case you let the laundry build up and need clean clothes ASAP. Enjoy a slew of wash cycles, including the Sanitize with Oxi cycle that tackles 99.9% of household bacteria, and quick wash to get your items clean in just 30 minutes. There's even an Extra Power button to help target pesky stains. A slow close glass lid prevents jarring bangs after loading laundry, while advanced vibration control helps your clothes get clean without sounding like your washer is going to come through the floor. The whole thing is smart enabled, so you can monitor laundry from your phone.

The Home Depot

Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 38 x 38 x 32 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited

Electrolux's washer gives you options. It's stackable, in case you want to go vertical with your laundry set-up, and has an army of cycles to choose from, including a 15-minute fast wash, along with specialized allergen and stain treatment features. The washer also uses steam that rises from the bottom of the machine to help lift dirt and other gunk from your gear. A nice perk for those who have ever gotten laundry detergent stains on their clothes: The machine features a detergent dispenser that mixes with water before delivering sudsy water to your laundry. It's also adaptive, so it can handle pods and liquid detergent.

AJ Madison

Capacity: 2.26 cubic feet | Dimensions: 23.5 x 33.5 x 25 inches | Warranty: 1 year

Many washing machines have a delicate cycle, but a hand wash cycle is slightly different. It's designed to use cold water with a very slow spin to give your clothes the most gentle cleaning cycle. Hand wash cycles are increasingly hard to find in new machines, but this Miele has both a hand wash and delicate cycle to choose from, along with nine additional options. The cycles are pretty specific—there are even options for dress shirts and denim—but it's easy to figure out which is best for that particular load. The washer has smart connectivity, so you can select and start cycles anywhere you have a connection. Just keep in mind that, at 2.26 cubic feet, this washer may not be roomy enough for larger families.

Lowe's

Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27 x 39 x 33.5 inches | Warranty: 1 year

This Samsung washer is packed with impressive smart features to help make your laundry chores easier on you. The machine features an AI Powered Smart Dial that learns your go-to washing preferences and then recommends future wash cycles based on that. It also boasts an OptiWash feature, which detects how dirty your clothes are and automatically adds more time or detergent to help get that just-right level of clean. Another cool element? If you choose to stack and pair the washer with a compatible LG dryer, you can operate the dryer right from the washer. An auto dispenser allows you to fill your detergent drawer with up to 20 loads worth of soap in advance—the washer will dispense the proper amount as needed.

The Home Depot

Capacity: 5.4 cubic feet | Dimensions: 28 x 44 x 28 inches | Warranty: 1 year

At $798, this GE washer isn't necessarily the cheapest option you’ll find. But when you factor in its generous capacity, you’re getting an impressive value. The top load machine has plenty of features that make it great, including specialized antimicrobial technology to prevent bacteria growth in your washer. Smart sensors help measure soil levels and detergent, and help adjust the wash and rinse cycles accordingly. You can even monitor and control the action from your phone. Choose from 10 wash cycles and four rinse cycles to help you get that just-right level of clean.

The Home Depot

Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet | Dimensions: 29 x 41 x 33 inches | Warranty: 10-year limited

With a 5.2 cubic feet capacity, this LG washer is one of the largest you’ll find on the market. It can handle a king-sized comforter and full set of bedding in one go, along with the regular laundry needs of larger families. Size isn't the only thing this washer has going for it, though. It features an impressive 13 wash cycles, including a SpeedWash cycle, which allows you to power through a load in 15 minutes, and the Allergiene cycle, which takes out more than 95% of dust, pet dander and pollen. AI technology uses specialized sensors to automatically selection wash motions and settings for you, in case you don't feel like choosing them yourself. The machine is even designed with anti-vibration features, so you don't have to worry about it scooting across your laundry room during spin cycles.

BestBuy

Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Dimensions: 23 x 33 x 26 inches | Warranty: 1 year

At just 23 inches wide and 33 inches high, this washer is definite on the petite side, making it perfect for tight laundry areas. The machine's 2.4 cubic feet capacity is roomy enough for smaller families, though. While it's on the smaller side, the washer doesn't skimp on options. Flip through 14 different wash cycles, including specialized loads for quick washes and activewear to help get sports uniforms and gym clothes that extra level of cleansing they need. Worth noting: This washer is stackable in the event you really want to maximize your laundry space.

Lowe's

Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer), 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) | Dimensions: 27 x 74 x 30 inches | Warranty: 1 year

LG's WashTower has built up a following thanks to its smart design and features. The set features a center control panel positioned in the middle, making it easy for users of all heights to operate without needing to reach for a stepladder. This set can also handle a lot thanks to a washer capacity of 4.5 cubic feet and dryer capacity of 7.4 cubic feet. In a rush? AI technology will select optimal wash and dry cycles, and the washer can even automatically select a compatible drying cycle. Use the ThinQ app to monitor and adjust cycles when you’re on the go.

To choose the best washing machines, we spoke to two appliance experts for their input on what makes a quality washer. We then tracked down the most popular models on the market and narrowed the field based on features like capacity, cleaning options and value. We also analyzed reviews from real owners to see how these washers stack up in the real world.

The best washing machine for you ultimately depends on your personal needs, and there are several factors to consider when shopping for a washer. Keep these in mind during your search.

A washer's capacity is the amount of laundry it can hold in one load, and it's measured in cubic units. Many washers are around 4.5 cubic units, which is a great size for most families. However, larger households may want to consider a washer with a capacity that's 5 cubic units or larger. If you have a smaller family or don't mind doing several loads, a washer that's 2.5 or so cubic units can still handle your needs without hogging a lot of your designated laundry area.

Today's washers tend to have plenty of features their older counterparts never had. Those include options like steam cleaning to really lift away stubborn dirt, reversible doors and smart technology to help sense how dirty your clothes are and adjust things accordingly. Some washers even have WiFi connectivity to allow you to monitor and control your loads from your phone. Keep in mind that, in most circumstances, the more features a washer has, the higher the cost. So, if you don't think you’ll need or use all the bells and whistles, it may be better to opt for a product with less features.

Wash cycles give you options beyond just getting your clothes clean. Most washers have the standard normal, permanent press, heavy duty and delicates cycles, but some washing machines offer additional elements that appeal to a certain user. Consider sanitizing cycles to get rid of bacteria that may be lurking on your gear, along with allergen removal to specially weed out pollen and other triggers that could be embedded in your clothes. Some models also feature steam cycles to help get a deeper clean and lift away stains.

Energy efficiency can make a difference in your utility bill. Washers that are energy efficient are designed to use less water than others (and heat less water), requiring less energy in the process. In fact, Energy Star certified products use about 20% less energy and 30% less water, according to Energy Star. Over the lifespan of your washer, you can expect to save $360 in energy costs with an efficient washer, Energy Star stays. Consider that when shopping for a new machine—it may be worth it to raise your budget slightly to ensure you get savings over time.

There are a lot of washing machine brands that are reliable, and they’re generally the home appliance companies that you’re already familiar with. LG, GE, Samsung, Miele, Electrolux and more are known for delivering quality washers that last. Our top pick is the LG Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer, which is packed with features with a price tag that isn't overwhelming. However, there are a range of reliable washers on our list to consider, too.

One isn't necessarily better than the other—it just depends on your needs. Still, front load washing machines are increasingly popular, and for a few reasons. "They are gentler on your clothes and bedding, so they will last longer," says JustAnswer home and appliance expert Aaron Wilson. "Front load washers use less water as well. Also, they are great for people with disabilities since you don't have to reach down inside the unit from the top." A downside, though, is that they tend to cost more than top loaders. "Top loaders are typically cheaper than front load washers and the newer style of top load washers that don't have the conventional agitator in the middle of the tub are much gentler on the clothes and bedding than previous top loaders," Wilson says. "Top loaders also have an advantage for taller people as you don't have to bend down as you do with a front loader."

It depends on what is important to you. "I recommend considering a washing machine's capacity as well as some of the upgraded features newer models have like pre-treating options, load weight sensing and balancing," Micetich says. Wilson also suggests looking for advance cycles like sanitizing wash, steam clean and ones targeted for activewear. "Also, a great cycle to look for is a clean cycle—that way you can use washing machine cleaner tablets to keep your unit clean and running well," he says. No matter what machine you buy, Wilson shares this important advice: "Always have a surge protector for your washing machine. Today's washing machines rely heavily on electronic control boards and drive boards. You can protect them with a surge protector."