We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 6 Best Washing Machines of 2025, Tested and Reviewed Front-loading, top-loading, and stackable picks for every preference By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen is an Updates Writer for The Spruce, with expertise in covering technology, appliances, home improvement, and home goods. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process Updated on 11/05/25 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews How We Tested What to Look For Best Time to Buy Why Trust The Spruce Credit: The Spruce We've tested washing machines for years, totaling over 2,000 hours of laundry. All this to say, we understand these appliances inside and out. To find the best washing machine, your first decision is choosing between a front-loading and a top-loading machine. Top-load washers are spacious, reliable, and cost-effective, but they can be hard to reach into and tougher on your fabrics. Front-load washers use less water, but they are harder to maintain, since the inner workings often collect grime and mildew. Our top picks check off must-have features and meet specific needs like capturing pet hair and removing stains. They come from top-rated brands we've loved from testing, like Whirlpool and LG, and cost between $800 and $1,400. Top Picks Best Overall, Top-Loading: SALE Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer at Home Depot $1,299 $998 Jump to Review Best Overall, Front-Loading: Speed Queen TR7 Front Load Washer at Pcrichard.com Jump to Review Best Value: LG Electronics WM4000HWA Front Load Washer at Wayfair $937 Jump to Review Best Stackable: Equator Advanced Appliances Electric Stacked Laundry Center at Amazon $1,559 Jump to Review Best for Stain Removal: Electrolux High-Efficiency Front Load Washer at Wayfair $899 Jump to Review Best for Pet Owners: Maytag Pet Pro Top-Load Washer at Home Depot Jump to Review Best Overall, Top-Loading Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer Credit: Home Depot $1,299 $998 at Home Depot $1,299 $998 at Lowes $1,170 at Best Buy What We Like Removable central agitator for extra capacity Built-in faucet for targeting stains Load-and-go detergent and softener dispenser Most spacious model we recommend What We Don't Like Lots of features and settings to figure out Cleaning Power and Capacity While front-load washers get a lot of hype for their gentle clothes care and easy-to-access drums, we fell in love with this top-load washing machine from Whirlpool after testing it at home for over six months. The huge capacity cut the number of times we needed to do laundry each week in half, freeing up a bunch of time for other tasks (like folding all that laundry). It's a much larger machine than the one we replaced (the largest on our list), but we noticed no increase in household energy bills after six months of use. Our favorite thing about this washer is that it features a removable central agitator, so you don’t need to choose between a central agitator or an impeller plate, another key shopping consideration. We love popping out the agitator to fit more laundry inside (like big comforters and multiple pairs of sheets), and then putting it back when we need additional cleaning power. Impeller Plate vs. Central Agitator A central agitator looks like a pole with fins in the center of your washer's drum and cleans exceptionally, but takes up space. An impeller plate sits at the base of the drum, offering more space for large loads. Notably, front-load washing machines have neither; the drum rotates and shifts to wash your clothes instead. Cycles and Features We also frequently used the built-in faucet for targeted rinsing. It’s perfect for rinsing heavily stained clothes before adding the rest of the load, especially if you don’t have a utility sink. This washer has a load-and-go internal storage and dispensing system for our favorite detergent and fabric softener, speeding up the process of starting a load. We initially used this feature only occasionally since we had a lot of laundry pods to use up. After a few months with the washer, we transitioned to using the internal dispenser and came to love its convenience and precision. While pods are easy to use, the load-and-go system automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent for your load size, so you're never using too little or too much detergent. The huge variety of settings took a while for us to get used to, and that learning curve is one of the only negative things we have to say about this washer. We had trouble figuring out the pre-soak cycle (you have to close the lid to let the basin fill), and stuck to the normal wash settings at first, but learned to appreciate the other options over time. The Normal, delicate, and bulky cycles have proven the most useful long-term. We've found that the delicate setting even pulls double duty as an activewear-cleaning substitute. Once we really got into the routine, the deep fill setting for medium-to-large loads became our go-to option. This top load washer has the largest capacity of the models on this list. Credit: The Spruce Who It's Best For We think this is a great option for those who have large families or frequently wash large items like blankets and comforters. Because of its large capacity, you could wash several loads at once and then some. What Else to Keep in Mind This washing machine is in high demand, so we see it backordered a lot. We think it’s worth the wait, though, and it warrants an immediate purchase if you find it in stock and ready to ship. It even has some useful smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, if you want to manage your cycles and troubleshoot any issues from your smartphone. Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator or impeller | Cycles: 36 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes Best Overall, Front-Loading Speed Queen TR7 Front Load Washer Credit: The Spruce View on Pcrichard.com What We Like Quiet, smooth operation Cleans thoroughly and spins water out effectively Solid build and easy, straightforward controls Large drum fits blankets and comforters What We Don't Like Awkward power cord connection setup Cleaning Power and Capacity After our beloved GE washer and dryer broke after 17 years of use, the Speed Queen TR7 made us quickly forget about our old set. In fact, its high-quality cleaning power and appearance made it our new favorite washer we've had in our home. This washer comfortably fits more clothes than we do in a regular load (which is about three people's worth of clothes—we think it's great for families for this reason). Despite its large capacity, it never became unbalanced. It easily allows for things like large blankets, comforters, and jackets, and it's very effective in getting the clothes clean and smelling good. We never have to run a second cycle. Cycle and Features The washer is listed as being ultra-quiet (with a 43 dB rating while it's running), and we found that to be true. Our favorite feature is that it really does sound ultra-quiet when spinning. It doesn't rattle around while it washes, and it has a great spin cycle. The clothes are ready to go in the dryer without dripping heavily—that's another one of the best features of this washer—so it does a great job of getting the water out while still staying quiet. Our other washer would bang around, and you would definitely know when a load was running, but this one is very stealthy. The machine has plenty of modes and cycles, and the machine worked just as it should on each one we tried in a reasonable amount of time. There's also a pet cycle that we have not used, but could be useful for some pet owners. The control panel is also simple, straightforward, and very easy to use right after setting it up. The display lighting, dashboard colors, and the unit itself look very nice, and we like the way it looks in our laundry room. Who It's Best For We found this washing machine to be a great option for families looking for a no-frills model that's effective, quiet, and easy to use. Its simple design and reliability make laundry day effortless and worry-free. What Else to Keep in Mind One negative we noticed is that the washer lid locks, so you can't add clothes if you forget, unless you stop the cycle. Our only other (minor) thing to note is that during the cord hookup, we lost two screws that connect the power to the machine due to inconveniently located power hookups, so we ended up using two screws from the old one. Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 16 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No We appreciated the clean, minimalist appearance of the Speed Queen TR7 Front Load Washer. Credit: The Spruce The instructions said to pour the laundry detergent in, but we found it also works just fine if you drop the cup in. Credit: The Spruce We could fit three people's worth of clothes into the drum with room to spare. Credit: The Spruce The controls were straightforward and very easy to use. Credit: The Spruce Best Value LG Electronics WM4000HWA Front Load Washer Credit: Lowe's $937 at Wayfair $1,199 at Home Depot $1,199 $848 at Lowes What We Like 12 cycle options, including a speed-wash setting Stackable design Can pair it with app for remote use What We Don't Like May be noisy during high spin cycles Cleaning Power and Capacity This washer can accommodate laundry loads up to 20 pounds (which is about a dozen large bath towels) and has a stainless steel drum that's also gentler on your clothes and more durable over time. Despite having a decent amount of space for your clothes, it maintains a trim profile that works well in smaller laundry areas. It's also stackable when paired with its matching dryer with the help of a separate stacking kit. Cycles and Features Front-load washing machines are popular for their cleaning ability and user-friendly design features. We were impressed with the LG WM4000HWA's cycle options (there are 12 total, including a 15-minute speed wash and allergen setting) and efficiency when testing it at home for more than six months. The center dial makes it easy to select a pre-configured cycle, plus the digital control panel allows you to edit aspects like water temperature, spin speed, and more before starting your load. With the LG ThinQ app, you can check cycle status, receive notifications, and even start the washer remotely. The notifications and remote controls are nice additions to an already value-packed washer, but not must-have features. Regardless, it can be handy to monitor your machine via 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. Who It's Best For Ultimately, this pick tops our list because it's great for those looking for a feature-packed, intuitive, and reliable model. LG is one of the best brands for washers, and this particular front-loading model offers efficiency and quality at a very reasonable price. What Else to Keep in Mind A big caveat to remotely starting a cycle is the fact that the washing machine must be turned on for this feature to work, so the app isn't always as convenient as it seems. Also, the digital buttons aren’t lit, which made it challenging for us to use the buttons in low-light conditions, though. Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: Yes The dispensers in this machine are clearly labeled, which we appreciate. Credit: The Spruce A side-by-side view of the LG WM400HWA washer and LG DLEX400W dryer. To stack them, you'll need to use a stacking kit. Credit: The Spruce Best Stackable Equator Advanced Appliances Electric Stacked Laundry Center Credit: Amazon $1,559 at Amazon $1,669 at Lowes $1,799 $1,619 at Best Buy What We Like Operates very quietly User-friendly interface that's easy to understand right away Compact design that's great for small spaces What We Don't Like About half the capacity of our other picks Cleaning Power and Capacity When we used this washer with laundry pods, we found that it removed stains and odors from our laundry with a single cycle and pod. It also has a compartment for detergent and fabric softener, which we used specifically for delicate items like silk sheets, which came out great. While we were initially concerned that this washing machine would be too small, our load sizes were ultimately manageable. We did complete more loads per week, but each load came out cleaner than it would with our old washer, and we preferred running and folding several small loads compared to one (very daunting) mountain of laundry. Cycles and Features After we installed this stackable washer-and-dryer set at home, we were immediately impressed with the user-friendly controls that let us select the precise cycle we needed without any confusion or time-consuming learning curve. We love the controls of this washing machine (and its matching dryer), which are placed front-and-center like a laundry tower. The color-coded LED display is easy to read and understand, and Equator also provides a QR code to access a digital version of the manual if you ever have any questions. Who It's Best For We think this washer (and set) is best for smaller households that don’t go through a ton of laundry. The small size of this washing machine is also a big benefit if you have a limited amount of space, which is the main reason why you may opt for a stackable set in the first place. We think this is a great option for apartment dwellers and anyone who doesn’t have a huge laundry room. It’s perfect for a laundry closet, or you could even install it in your kitchen. It’s so compact and quiet that it doesn’t need a dedicated room. What Else to Keep in Mind It's incredibly compact. It's just 2 feet wide and less than 2 feet deep, so its limited capacity means that one king-sized sheet is about all it can handle at once. Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 12 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No We had to reduce our load size in this Equator washer, but we loved how clean our clothes came out. Credit: The Spruce The color-coded LED cycle selection made it simple to understand the available settings on this washer. Credit: The Spruce We were shocked by how compact this stacked set is. It's ideal for laundry closets and small apartments. Credit: The Spruce Best for Stain Removal Electrolux High-Efficiency Front Load Washer Credit: The Home Depot $899 at Wayfair $1,349 $998 at Home Depot View on Lowes What We Like Effective heavy-duty and fast-wash cycles Remembers your favorite settings Easily handled newborn items Doesn't easily accumulate odors What We Don't Like Finish scratches easily Difficult to reverse door Cleaning Power and Capacity We put this machine through its paces for over a year in our home by washing soiled cloth diapers and spit-up-covered swaddles. It successfully removes stains and odors, and we haven't noticed any odor accumulating in the washing machine afterwards, which is often typical in front-load models. Plus, SmartBoost technology helps pre-mix your preferred detergent type (powder, pods, or liquid) with the water before rinsing your fabric for a powerful stain-removing process. Cycle and Features While there are now several washing machines on the market with built-in faucets for pre-treating stains (including our overall best top-loading), or other features to wash even your most-stained items, we were blown away by the Electrolux ELFW7637AT in testing. We also loved that this whole machine was straightforward to operate. It also has memory settings; you don’t have to reset your wash temperatures and preferred cycle with each use. This washing machine offers great energy savings as well, and is efficient with its water usage, which was very helpful for our never-ending pile of newborn laundry. The 15-minute fast-wash and heavy-duty settings are some of the most effective cycles on this machine, but other cycles for white clothing and steam-compatible items make it a well-rounded option. Who It's Best For This machine is great for those who frequently deal with heavy stains and odors, like parents of athletes or young children. Its built-in faucet means there's no need for a separate sink, so you can get all your laundry done all in one place. What Else to Keep in Mind Despite this machine's well-rounded appeal, it has a few minor drawbacks. For starters, we tested the titanium finish, which easily scratches. If you typically like to store your laundry basket or drying rack on top of your machine, you may want to rethink your storage if you purchase one of the darker finishes of this washer. Additionally, we had a hard time reversing the door. The screws seemed to be too short. We had to make a trip to a hardware store for longer screws. If you opt for professional installation, we recommend asking them to switch the door to save yourself the trouble and frustration. Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Not applicable | Cycles: 11 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes This washing machine has a straightforward operation despite being packed with specialized cycles. Credit: The Spruce Best for Pet Owners Maytag Pet Pro Top-Load Washer Credit: Lowe's View on Home Depot $832 $698 at Lowes View on Maytag.com What We Like Pet pro option for deep rinsing and extra cleaning power Efficient stain removal See-through lid What We Don't Like Doesn't audibly alert you when load is complete Some difficulty reaching the bottom of the deep basin Cleaning Power and Capacity We experienced an immediate upgrade by replacing an aging washing machine with this top-loading Maytag model. It includes a powerful "pet pro" setting and a pet hair collector. We tested it in a home with a shedding dog (almost everything is always covered with fur), and it's far superior to any other washers we've tried for pet hair. When you activate the "pet pro" button, it deploys extra water and a deep rinse to provide additional cleaning power to dog beds, sweaters covered in cat hair, and more. A filter lifts and captures pet hair, but it also captures lint as a bonus. Even without this pet-centered option active, this washing machine handles stain removal well. We used a stain remover spray on stains paired with a liquid detergent, and our clothes came out perfectly clean and stain-free. This washer has a large capacity (enough to fit about 19 towels at once), but you might want to check out the Whirlpool WTW8127LW (our overall best recommendation) if you need the extra space afforded by a removable agitator. The agitator isn’t removable in this washer, but it didn’t give us any problems either, and we were still impressed with the capacity. Cycles and Features The see-through lid lets you see the progress of a cycle. We were even able to pause and pop the lid open to add extra items mid-cycle, which comes in handy if you forget items or accidentally drop them on the way to the washing machine. Who It's Best For So many pet-centered features make this the clear choice for pet owners. We've since convinced two other pet owners to buy this washer (both with majorly shedding dogs), and they loved how the filter caught all of it and never had any problems. What Else to Keep in Mind The agitator works well to circulate the laundry and get everything clean. That said, we have noticed a bit more wear on our clothes. It turned raw-edge cuffs on a pair of jeans into fully frayed cuffs, and it also frayed some frilly lace on the neckline of one of our blouses. We've learned to use mesh laundry bags more frequently when washing delicate items. Our only other complaint with this washing machine is that there’s no audible alert when it’s done with a cycle. And it doesn’t provide a timer, so you must learn how long different cycles take. The basin also felt pretty deep, which we could see being an issue for shorter individuals. If that’s a concern, our best stackable pick is a compact, front-loading stackable set that makes it easy to reach your clothes. Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Agitator | Cycles: 10 | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No The Pet Pro setting and hair-catching filter on this washer made it stand out for households with pets. Credit: The Spruce The agitator isn't removable in this washer but we found it was still plenty gentle on delicate items. Credit: The Spruce Final Verdict With a huge capacity, removable agitator, and a wealth of features, including a built-in faucet for targeted rinsing, the Whirlpool WTW8127HW Top Load Washer is our recommendation for the overall best top-loading washing machine. If you prefer a front-loading option, we also love the Speed Queen TR7 Front Load Washer for its ultra-quiet cycles, effectiveness, and design. How We Tested the Washing Machines Due to the space and time required to test appliances, we get creative and selective when testing washing machines. We tested these models in our own homes—some for over a year—to get a sense of how well they handled real-world laundry. Credit: The Spruce Cleaning Power: We consider cleaning effectiveness by monitoring how well the machine lifts stains, and whether or not we had to run an additional cycle. Your chosen laundry detergent and stain remover play a big part in cleaning power, but we want to know if our clothes feel, smell, and look fresh after one cycle, and how specialty cycles play a part in our fabrics' overall care. Credit: The Spruce Design: We also look at the design of the washing machine, noting smart features and standouts like a bulk dispenser that really does work and helps you save time, energy, and resources. Noise level is another major factor in our ratings, as we want to be sure the models we recommend are suitable for large or small living spaces. Credit: The Spruce Efficiency: While efficiency is a tricky category to measure, we review our electricity bills (for those models tested in our own homes) to see if they drop in cost, noting other factors that may be contributing, too. We also look at the efficiency ratings associated with each model. Credit: The Spruce Value: Lastly, we consider the overall value of each washing machine by revisiting our notes for each attribute and considering how long we think the machine will last, whether we would change anything about its performance, and whether we'd purchase it ourselves. What to Look for in a Washing Machine The Type of Washing Machine The best type of washing machine for your household is determined by the layout of your laundry room or space, your lifestyle, and your preferences. If your home doesn't have a dedicated laundry room, consider a stackable set that will save floor space or even potentially fit in a closet. While many of the machines in our roundup are stackable, our best stackable pick is one of the most compact options available. Top-loading washing machines cannot be stacked since they open from the top! From there, you'll want to pick between a front-loading or top-loading design. A front-loading washer can require more maintenance to avoid mold and mildew. It can be easier to unload and load, though, and the rolling drum is usually more gentle on fabrics since it doesn't feature an agitator.A top-loading washer doesn't typically have a stackable design. It can provide a more thorough clean thanks to its central agitator or impeller plate, though, and the lifespan of a top-loader can be longer than that of a front-loader. In our experience, a top-loading washing machine can often cost less upfront as well. We love front load washers for how easy they are to access compared to top-load models. Credit: The Spruce In addition to these two designs, there are portable washing machines and washer-dryer combos on the market that you can choose from. You won't find these two types of washing machines in our list, as they're quite different from standard washers. Both can be great if you're limited on space, though they have a lot of quirks and limitations. Once you pick a machine type, you'll want to decide whether to prioritize a high-efficiency model. A high-efficiency (HE) washer is typically thoughtful with its water and energy usage, helping you save money on your energy bills. However, it does require a compatible HE laundry detergent. The Drum Size The interior of your washer is measured in cubic feet and can range from as little as 1.6 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 pool towels, comforters, or blankets. Those who live in a small space or who only have to do laundry once per week can typically pick a washer with between 1.6 and 4.0 cubic feet of space, like our best stackable pick. Large households should opt for a high-capacity washer with between 4.5 and 6.0 cubic feet of interior space, like our overall best top-loading recommendation. Notably, our top pick cut the number of loads we did per week in half. A Closer Look at Our Favorites Our Picks Capacity (cubic feet) Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer 5.3 Speed Queen TR7 Front Load Washer 3.2 LG Electronics WM4000HWA Front Load Washer 4.5 Equator Advanced Appliances Electric Stacked Laundry Center 1.6 Electrolux High-Efficiency Front Load Washer 4.5 Maytag Pet Pro Top-Load Washer 4.7 Plenty of Helpful 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 include towels, heavy-duty, speed-wash, activewear, allergen, and sanitize. Some front-loading washers have a self-clean option, which makes maintaining the drum much easier. How much you want to spend on a new washing machine ultimately determines how many cycle options you have. Higher-end machines typically have more settings and let you customize and save your own. Some washing machines will have specialized cycles for towels and bedding. Credit: The Spruce What Kind of Dispensers It Has It might seem like every washing machine on the market should have a full suite of dispensers for laundry detergent, fabric softener, and bleach, but that's not always the case. Some washers only have one or two of those dispensers, while others have a bulk dispenser or a dispenser specifically designed for laundry pods. We love that this washing machine has separate dispenser trays for detergent, softener, and pods. Credit: The Spruce In our experience, not having a full suite of dispensers isn't a total deal-breaker. However, if you're really enjoying your current detergent and fabric softener, you may want to prioritize a washer that will allow you to use them in this manner. If your chosen machine doesn't have a dispenser for detergent, you can opt to add your detergent directly to the bottom of the wash drum before adding in your items, or switch to laundry pods and, again, add one to the drum before loading in your clothes, sheets, or towels. Adding detergent to the drum first allows the water to really dissolve it and mix it in well, and helps avoid those troublesome detergent stains. For fabric softener, you can either pause the machine during its rinse cycle (or follow any additional guidelines in your washer's manual), or purchase a Downy Ball, designed for dispensing your fabric softener into your load at the right time when your machine doesn't have a dispenser. We also like using wool dryer balls or dryer sheets in our clothes dryers instead, and find these methods can be just as effective at eliminating wrinkles, static, and lint. When Is the Best Time to Buy a Washing Machine on Sale? For the best price, we recommend waiting until major sale weekends to buy a new washer, if possible: Black Friday weekend (including Cyber Monday), Labor Day, Memorial Day, and others. That said, some months often see lower washing machine prices. You can typically save on the "older" model in September, October, January, and February. Finally, washing machines, like many large appliances, can often be bundled with other appliances for a larger purchase and deal. If you need a new dryer, look into bundling options. The best places to buy a washer and dryer, or even local appliance shops, will often offer bundling, plus a payment plan option. While there are many washing machine models available on the market at a variety of price points, you can generally expect to spend around $1,000 for a new model. Top-load washers typically cost between $500 and $1,300, depending on size and type (standard or high-efficiency). Front-loaders start at around $800 and go up to $3,000, depending on size and features, so buying during a sale can save a lot of money. Why Trust The Spruce? Jeremy Laukkonen is an updates writer for The Spruce with over 10 years of experience writing about appliances like stackable washers and portable washing machines. He currently uses a Samsung washer that he loves for the variety of cycles and loud alerts, but can’t recommend it because it’s no longer available. For this story, Laukkonen researched the latest models from top manufacturers like LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, and Speed Queen to learn all about the current features and options, and then relied on our testing data on cleaning effectiveness, settings, standout features, and overall value to select the best options for different types of laundry needs. The 7 Best Washer-and-Dryer Sets of 2025, Tested and Reviewed Explore more: What to Buy Appliance Reviews Washer & Dryers Sources The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Janeway, Kimberly. Mold in Your Washing Machine: The Mystery and The Menace. Consumer Reports. Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies