The 7 Best Portable Washing Machines of 2023

Best Overall

Magic Chef MCSTCW16W4 1.6 cu. ft. Compact White Top Load Washing Machine

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The Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washing Machine is a high-quality product at a reasonable price point from a trusted brand. It has \several features that set it apart. The settings are similar to a standard unit: A soak, wash, rinse, and spin option plus, six different cycles for various types of clothing (heavy duty, delicates, etc.).

You can pause cycles, set the timers, and adjust the temperature settings with the LED display panel. The washer has a clothing capacity of nearly 11 pounds, making it one of the larger portable washing machines available.

Price at time of publish: $636

Best Combo

Tacklife 17.6 lbs Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine

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The Tacklife washer and spinner combo is reasonably priced, yet effectively cleans and removes moisture from the clothes (but they’ll still need to hang dry for a couple hours to be thoroughly dry). The washer can handle up to 11 pounds, which is about as much as a small load of laundry in a traditional machine.

There’s also a separate spin dry that can hold up to 6.6 pounds of clothing and takes just five minutes to spin dry. There’s also a soaking function for those tough stains or extremely soiled clothing. This top-loading unit weighs around 29 pounds, making it fairly portable.

Price at time of publish: $119

Best Splurge

GE GNW128PSMWW 2.8 cu. ft. 8-Cycle Top-Loading Portable Washer

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If you’re looking to invest a little more in a portable washer, the GE 2.8 Cubic Foot Portable Washer is loaded with extra features commonly found a standard, full-sized fixed machines, plus it has a large washing capacity. With eight different wash cycle settings and four different temperatures, there are plenty of options for cleaning a wide range of garments.

Four caster wheels under the washer allow it to roll with ease, and an open-designed, stainless steel basin can hold towels, small blankets, and bedsheets. Due to its larger size and nearly 100-pound weight, the washer is not a travel-friendly option like some of the smaller units but is ideal as a substitute for a traditional, in-home washing machine.

Price at time of publish: $978

Best Budget

ZenStyle Portable Washer Compact Twin Tub

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If you’re in the market for a portable washer but are on a tight budget, consider the ZenStyle Compact Washing Machine, a top-loading machine that delivers a solid bang for your buck. Weighing just 20 pounds, the washer features a practical two-in-one design for washing clothes and spinning them dry and both sides can run simultaneously.

With a capacity of 5.5 pounds of clothing in the wash, it’s possible to wash a pair of jeans and a few pairs of underwear and socks in a single load. Each load takes about 20 minutes for both cycles, but clothing comes out nearly dry—just hang it on a drying rack after removal—no need to wring anything. The device also has a built-in lint trap and timer settings.

Price at time of publish: $110

Best for Apartments + Renters

Comfee' 1.6 Cu.ft Portable Washing Machine

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With a larger wash capacity and loaded with extra features, the Comfee Portable Washer is ideal for apartments that aren’t equipped with traditional washers and dryers. Powered by an energy-efficient motor, the sleek, gray unit has both hot and cold water input, a stainless steel tub, and a quick-close glass top (no slamming the lid shut).

For families with little ones, there’s a child lock feature that freezes the control panel. Plus, the pause setting adds time so you can add any forgotten articles of clothing. The extremely quiet washer (and built-in spinner) can hold up to 11 pounds and can accommodate towels and thin blankets. One drawback is that it weighs around 70 pounds—although it can be moved using carry handles. That means when it's time to move, this washer can be packed up and taken to your next place.

Price at time of publish: $396

Best for Tiny Homes

hOmeLabs 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washing Machine

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The Homelabs washer isn’t as lightweight as some of the other options, although its two roller wheels allow it to move from room to room with ease. The stainless-steel drum can hold up to 6 pounds of clothing, and for maximum energy savings, there are five different washing programs and three water levels. The feet are adjustable, to help it sit steadily on slightly uneven surfaces.

There’s an LED panel to adjust the wash settings (heavy, gentle, normal, rapid, and soak), with a wash time of around 20 minutes (including spin-dry cycle). The unit has an estimated annual cost of just $3 to operate.

Price at time of publish: $300