The 9 Best Portable Washing Machines of 2023 | by The Spruce

Below, the best portable washing machine options on the market.

We researched the top portable washing machines based on capacity , convenience, noise level, and power source. Our favorite is the Magic Chef Compact Portable Top Load Washer because it is easy to use, quiet, and as powerful as a standard-size washing machine.

A portable washing machine is a great alternative to a full-sized appliance and is just as effective at cleaning clothes . “Using a portable washing machine doesn’t have to mean compromising,” says Jawad Ahmed, a laundry merchant at Home Depot. “With just a smaller load capacity, a compact washer can penetrate deep into fabrics to eliminate dirt and odors, saving you water and energy with the same outstanding cleaning performance as a regular-sized washer.”

Best Overall

Magic Chef 2.0 cu. ft. Compact Portable Top Load Washer

4.6

Homedepot

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What We Like

• Easy to assemble

• Quiet

• Powerful enough for heavy items

What We Don’t Like

• Must use with liquid or powdered detergent

• Not easy to move

Magic Chef’s portable washing machine is essentially a mini (and cheaper) version of a classic top-load washing machine. This is largely due to its physical features, including a see-through window, electronic controls, and rust-resistant tub. And thanks to the machine’s 3D waterfall and filter, you get the powerful washing performance of a standard washing machine.

The Magic Chef top load washer features six wash cycles including normal, heavy, delicate, bulky, and quick. It also has three water temperature options, which you can tailor to the type of fabrics in your load and how much energy you want to use.

A few things to note. First, Magic Chef’s machine only works with liquid or powdered detergent. Second, despite having “portable” in its name, the machine is not easy to move. Many customers recommended purchasing a roller dolly or a similar platform so you can move your machine with ease when it’s time to clean it.

Price at time of publish: $430

Capacity: 2.0 cubic feet︱Washing Mechanism: Impeller︱Cycles: 6︱Drum Material: Stainless Steel︱Smart Capabilities: No︱Energy Star Certified: No

Expert Buying Tip

“Choose the appropriate water temperature for addressing the particular fabric and stains you are treating. If you are not sure what type of stain you are dealing with, always start with cold water as using hot water can set some stains.”—Marilee Nelson, certified building biologist, environmental consultant, and co-founder of Branch Basics

Best Budget

SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Washing Machine 9.9 LB Mini Twin Tub Top Load Laundry Washer Spinner Combo 6.57 FT Inlet Gravity Drain Hose

Amazon

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What We Like

• Gentle cycle keeps clothes in good condition

• Easy to drain water

• Stable when operating

What We Don’t Like

• Limited laundry capacity

• Not durable

Though it may be small, Super Deal’s compact washing machine is mighty. The top-load machine spins at ​​1300 RPM (rotations per minute)—enough power to give clothes a thorough cleaning, but gentle enough to keep them in good condition. Yet despite its wash power, this tiny machine doesn’t rock and roll when cleaning your clothes thanks to its stable weight distribution.

Super Deal’s mini washer comes with an easy-to-attach drainage tube, which allows you to remove water from the wash side while your laundry spins on the other. Some customers said the tube was a little short, and used the machine in the tub for some extra protection against leaks.

Keep in mind this machine can only handle about 5 pounds of laundry at a time, which is not ideal for the person who waits until they’re out of clean underwear before washing their clothes. But because the machine works fast—up to 15 minutes for wash cycles and 5 minutes for spin cycles—you’ll be able to work through any pile quickly.

Price at time of publish: $103

Capacity: 4 cubic feet︱Washing Mechanism: Not Listed︱Cycles: 3︱Drum Material: Plastic︱Smart Capabilities: No︱Energy Star Certified: No

Best Splurge

Whirlpool WTW2000HW 1.6 cu. ft. White Compact Top Load Washer

4.4

Homedepot

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What We Like

• Easy to move

• Only requires a 120V outlet and sink

• Multiple wash cycle and temperature settings

What We Don’t Like

• No steam function

• Expensive

Whirlpool’s compact washer couldn’t be easier to set up and use. All you need to get it going is a standard 120V electrical connection and a sink. You can have it permanently installed with plumbing, but we love that it’s so portable as is. If you don’t have the space to keep it in your bathroom full time, the machine’s castor wheels make it easy to roll in and out of rooms.

In addition to being easy to use, it’s efficient. With an average yet spacious capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, Whirlpool’s portable washing machine can handle even bulkier items like sheets or denim jeans. The machine’s stainless steel basket helps protect fabrics from snagging, while its impeller drives clothes from the outer rim to the center for a more thorough clean.

Although it doesn’t have a steam function to tackle wrinkles and stains, it has most of the bells and whistles of a full-sized unit, including five wash cycles, five water temperature settings, and dispensers for detergent, bleach, and fabric softener.

Price at time of publish: $999

Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 5 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

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Best High-Capacity

Costway 1.5 cu. ft. High Efficiency Full-Automatic Portable Top Load Washer Dryer

Homedepot

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What We Like

• Child lock keeps kids safe

• Quiet

• Available in gray or white

What We Don’t Like

• Does not dry clothes

Most portable washing machines are best for one or two-person households. But Costway’s high-efficiency washer can accommodate a small family. Thanks to its large stainless steel inner tub and powerful motor, this washing machine can handle 11 pounds of clothes at once. And it’s not limited to “light” clothes. With eight washing programs to choose from, the machine can handle anything from heavy denim to light wool.

The machine is also quick to warn you of any abnormal conditions. After sounding the alarm, the machine will auto-stop and tell you what needs to be repaired. There is also a child-lock feature to keep kids from opening the machine mid-wash or playing with it.

Customers note that the “dryer” part of the machine’s name is a bit misleading. Although the spin cycles help remove excess water, you will still need to use a drying machine or line-dry your clothing.

Price at time of publish: $392

Capacity: 1.5 cubic feet︱Washing Mechanism: Impeller︱Cycles: 6︱Drum Material: Stainless Steel︱Smart Capabilities: No︱Energy Star Certified: No

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Best Non-Electric

The Laundry Alternative WonderWash 0.7 cu. ft. High Efficiency Portable Washer

4.4

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Eco-friendly

• Long-lasting

What We Don’t Like

• Limited capacity

• Doesn’t wring out clothes

The Wonder Wash Offers Portable, Convenient Washing Anywhere

If you’re traveling to a destination without electricity or just trying to be more eco-friendly, it’s worth investing in a non-electric washer. Fortunately, the Laundry Alternative Wonderwash is a powerful and affordable machine.

The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash Portable Washing Machine is designed to handle 5 pounds of laundry at a time—think 10 T-shirts, a few pairs of leggings, or a bath towel. And while that may seem like laundry will take longer, the machine can thoroughly clean most items in less than 2 minutes. (Fuller loads or heavier items, like a pair of jeans or a sweatshirt, may take a little longer.)

With all that manual work, you may think the machine won’t last more than a few loads. But because it doesn’t have any motorized parts that often require repairs, the machine is built to last. Not to mention, the lack of a motor means clothes don’t get snagged or tangled during the wash.

Now, this machine is not meant for the impatient types. You may have trouble assembling it at first, and you’ll need to get into a good rhythm when turning the hand crank. Turning it too slow can result in dirty or somewhat soapy clothes, as can turning it too fast. However, once you’re in a groove, this non-electric washer is easy to use and drain, thanks to a detachable spout.

Price at time of publish: $70

Capacity: 0.67 cubic feet︱Washing Mechanism: Hand-powered︱Cycles: Not Applicable︱Drum Material: Not listed︱Smart Capabilities: No︱Energy Star Certified: No

What Our Testers Say

“It took me around ten minutes from start to finish to wash a full load of clothes. That did not include the time to remove the clothes, wring them out, and hang them up to dry. Even so, this is still considerably faster than a standard electric washer.”—Katie Begley, Product Tester

The Spruce / Katie Begley.

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Best for Camping

Lavario 1204 Manual Portable Clothes Washer

 Amazon

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What We Like

• No electricity required

• Lightweight

• Easy to transport

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t wring out clothes well

• Requires manual labor

If you’re going to be roughing it for an extended period of time, then a non-electric washing machine is a must. The Lavario Portable Clothes Washer doesn’t require a power source, just a nearby hose or spout to provide water. That said, it’s still powerful enough to remove the dirt, stains, and grime that come with camping activities.

The machine works by submerging a basket of clothes in water and pumping them up and down. Your once-dirty clothes will be completely clean within 20 minutes of pumping the basket. To dry your garments, simply wring out excess water and hang them up to dry.

And don’t think you have to wash one item at a time. The Lavario’s 0.6-cubic-foot “drum” is comparable to other non-electric models on the market, providing plenty of room for multiple garments.

Price at time of publish: $180

Capacity: 0.6 cubic feet︱Washing Mechanism: Hand-powered︱Cycles: Not Applicable︱Drum Material: Plastic︱Smart Capabilities: No︱Energy Star Certified: No

Best for RVs

Panda PAN6320W Portable Washing Machine

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Large interior

• Fabric softener dispenser

• Quiet operation

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t fill all the way

• Not easy to move

Although tent-pitching campers need a hand-powered washer, RV lovers can opt for an electric model—while still being mindful of space, of course. The Panda Portable Washing Machine provides the power of other electric washers, but at 1.34 cubic feet, it doesn’t take up too much space.

The smaller size doesn’t mean the Panda model lacks features. You’ll have 10 cycles and five water level options at your disposal for tackling tough stains. Additionally, the stainless steel tub helps to sanitize your items, keeping everything clean as you hit the road. Cycles run quietly, and there’s even a fabric softener dispenser so you can enjoy the luxuries of a permanent home while in your movable one.

You will want to figure out a plan for storing this machine before buying, as it isn’t easy to move. Either pick a permanent spot in your motorhome that is out of the way, or invest in a dolly for moving and storing it when it’s not in use.

Price at time of publish: $275

Capacity: 1.34 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 10 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

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Best for Apartments

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

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Large interior

• Fabric softener dispenser

• Multiple cycles and temperatures

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t fill all the way

• Expensive

If you have the space for a larger-than-average portable machine, GE’s compact washer is the way to go. At 2.8 cubic feet of space, this model can easily wash two outfits and a towel with ease. Once the stainless steel drum is full, you can pick one of the eight different cycles, including delicates, towels, jeans, and four wash temperatures.

In addition to its multiple cycles and spacious drum, GE’s portable washer offers several other features you’d see on full-sized models, such as detergent, bleach, fabric softener dispensers, and automatic temperature control. In short, it’s the ideal machine for households that have a lot of laundry but don’t have the space for a full-sized machine—or, really, anyone who wants to save money and space.

Just be aware: The tub doesn’t fill completely, so washing bulky items like a blanket is a no-go. You may also need to run an extra rinse cycle.

Price at time of publish: $1063

Capacity: 2.8 cubic feet | Washing Mechanism: Impeller | Cycles: 8 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No

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Best for Quiet Operation

Black+Decker 2.0 cu. ft. Portable Top Load Washing Machine

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Can handle large items

• Spin dries well

• Multiple cycles and temperatures

What We Don’t Like

• Clothes may get tangled in the wash

• Expensive

Countless customers praise Black+Decker’s machine for its ability to stay relatively silent, even when handling larger loads of laundry. Part of that is due to a built-in detector that will stop it from running upon sensing the machine is off-balance. This eliminates rocking and rattling—and the noises that can come with it.

But that isn’t the only draw to Black+Decker’s portable washer. The machine can handle up to 15 pounds of laundry at once. It also offers six cycles to ensure your clothes are being properly spun and has three different water temperatures to help you save energy.

There is one potential drawback. Some customers noted that the lack of an agitator might cause the clothes to get tangled during the washing process.

Price at time of publish: $650

Capacity: 2 cubic feet︱Washing Mechanism: Impeller︱Cycles: 6︱Drum Material: Stainless Steel︱Smart Capabilities: No︱Energy Star Certified: No