Home › Laundry › Washing machines
The 5 Best Washing Machines of 2026, Compared and Rated
Front-loaders, top-loaders, big drums and budget picks: we compared independent lab results, reliability surveys and owner reviews to find the washing machines worth buying.
Senior Home & Appliances Writer
Research by the Consumer Expert Reports team · Updated October 8, 2026
A new washing machine is a big purchase you’ll live with for a decade or more, and the showroom floor tells you surprisingly little. Every model promises cleaner clothes, bigger drums and faster cycles, but cleaning power, fabric wear and long-term reliability don’t show up on a spec sheet. Front-loaders and top-loaders also work in very different ways, so the right choice depends as much on your laundry habits as on the machine.
To find the five worth your money, we looked at the best-selling and best-reviewed washers across every price range, from basic agitator top-loaders to feature-packed front-loaders. We kept only full-size models that are still sold in the US and listed on Amazon, and we leaned on independent lab testing, large owner reliability surveys and owner reviews rather than marketing claims.
For each finalist, we looked at five things. Cleaning covers how well independent testers found it removes real stains on its everyday cycles, not just on the longest, hottest settings. Fabric care looks at how much wear it puts on your clothes. Capacity weighs drum size and what it can realistically handle, from towels to a king-size comforter. Ease of use covers cycle times, controls, noise and upkeep, and value compares what you get with what you pay, including the brand’s reliability record.
We scored every washer from 1 to 10 in each of those five categories. The overall score is the average of the five, so a model can win a category and still rank lower overall. We point out each model’s drawbacks, including our top pick’s, so you can decide which compromises you can live with.
Below, you’ll find the scores side by side, a full review of each washer and the specs that matter most, so you can see how each one earned its place and choose the right machine for your home.
Our picks at a glance
Score
Quick checklist
What to look for, and what to avoid
What to look for
Energy Star certification for lower running costs
A drum of about 4.5 cu ft for family loads
A normal cycle that finishes in about an hour or less
A built-in heater or sanitize cycle for towels and bedding
A door prop or vent to keep a front-loader fresh
A brand with a strong reliability record
What to avoid
An oversized drum you’ll never fill
An agitator model if you wash many delicates
Using more detergent than an HE washer needs
A washer that won’t fit your doorways or stairs
Paying extra for smart features you won’t use
How they scored
Five washing machines, five categories
The LG WM4000HWA earned the highest overall score and leads on fabric care and ease of use. The Electrolux ELFW7637AT cleans best, the GE Profile top-loader has the biggest drum, and the LG WT7005CW scores highest for value.
Swipe sideways to see every category →
Model
Cleaning
Fabric care
Capacity
Ease of use
Value
Overall
LG WM4000HWA
OUR PICK9.5
9.2
8.8
9.2
8.9
Electrolux ELFW7637
9.7
9.1
8.8
8.7
8.8
LG WM3400CW
9.2
8.6
8.8
8.5
8.9
GE Profile PTW800
8.5
7.9
9.7
9.0
8.6
LG WT7005CW
8.3
7.2
8.0
8.8
9.3
Green marks the best score in each category. The overall score is the average of the five categories.
01
Cleaning
Stain removal on everyday wash cycles.
02
Fabric care
How much wear it puts on clothes.
03
Capacity
Drum size and what it can handle.
04
Ease of use
Cycle times, controls, noise and upkeep.
05
Value
What you get for the price.
In-depth reviews
The 5 models, reviewed
Our top pick comes first. Each review covers what the washing machine is like to use day to day, where it falls short and who it suits best.
Excellent
Overall score out of 10
LG WM4000HWA 4.5 cu ft Front-Load Washer
$1,199.00 list price
The LG WM4000HWA is the washer we’d point most homes to, because it does the important things well and does them quickly. Wirecutter found it washed a normal load in about 43 minutes with its TurboWash 360 setting while removing stains as well as almost anything it tested, and it was easier on fabrics than average. Consumer Reports ranks it at the top of its front-loader ratings, and its surveys name LG the most reliable front-load brand. The trade-off is small but real: the controls are hard to read in dim light, and there’s no drum light.
What we like
Normal loads done in about 43 minutes
Top-tier stain removal in lab tests
Gentler on fabrics than average
LG leads front-loader reliability surveys
App alerts and magnetic door prop
Drawbacks
Controls hard to read in dim light
No drum light
Bottom line: The best washer for most homes: quick, thorough and gentle, backed by a reliability record few brands can match. Just know the controls are hard to read in dim light.
Read the full LG WM4000HWA review
+
Read the full LG WM4000HWA review
+Cleaning · 9.5/10
Cleaning is where the WM4000HWA earns its place. In Wirecutter’s tests with industry-standard stain strips, it was one of only a handful of full-size front-loaders that consistently lifted a large share of the stains, and it did so on short cycles. Consumer Reports ranks it first among the front-loaders it rates, too. A built-in heater can push water hotter than your tap for sanitizing, and LG’s Allergiene cycle uses steam for a deeper clean on bedding and kids’ clothes.
Fabric care · 9.2/10
Fast doesn’t mean rough here. In Wirecutter’s fraying and abrasion tests, the WM4000HWA scored better than average, so everyday clothes should hold up well over years of washing. It offers 12 cycles, including bedding, whites and allergens, plus prewash, extra rinses and a post-wash tumble that keeps clothes from sitting damp if you can’t unload right away. As with any washer, save fragile items for the delicate cycle.
Capacity · 8.8/10
At 4.5 cu ft, the drum is big enough for most families without being oversized. Wirecutter easily washed 12-pound mixed loads in it and fit a king-size comforter, which covers the bulky items most households wash at home. It measures 27 inches wide, about 39 inches high and just over 30 inches deep, and it can be stacked under a matching LG dryer with LG’s stacking kit if floor space is tight.
Ease of use · 9.2/10
Short cycles are the everyday win: a normal load took about 43 minutes in Wirecutter’s tests, roughly 10 minutes less than the Electrolux. The LG ThinQ app sends cycle alerts and maintenance reminders, can start the machine remotely and flags unbalanced loads. A magnetic door prop helps the drum dry out between washes. On the downside, the control panel is hard to see in a dark laundry room, and some owners say it’s louder than they expected.
Value · 8.9/10
LG lists the WM4000HWA at $1,199, but its own store has sold it for well under that, and that’s where it makes the most sense. On Amazon, it’s offered only by third-party sellers, so compare their delivery and installation terms before you order. LG covers parts and labor for a year, the drum for three years and the motor for 10, and the brand’s strong reliability record makes the price easier to justify.
Who it’s for
Most households that want a reliable front-loader that cleans well, treats clothes gently and finishes loads fast. If you prefer loading from the top, look at the GE Profile; if stain removal is your top priority, consider the Electrolux.
Excellent
Overall score out of 10
Electrolux ELFW7637AT 4.5 cu ft Front-Load Washer
$904.82 at Amazon
If stains are your biggest headache, the Electrolux ELFW7637AT is the one to get. Wirecutter found it removed the largest share of stains on a normal cold-water cycle, and Reviewed names it its favorite washer overall. It premixes detergent before it reaches your clothes, has a slot for pods, and its bright, clear controls are easier to read than the LG’s. The catches: its normal cycle runs about 10 minutes longer, it has no Wi-Fi, and Electrolux’s reliability and service record isn’t as strong as LG’s.
What we like
Best stain removal in this group
Bright, easy-to-read controls
Pod slot and detergent premixing
Built-in heater for sanitizing washes
Drawbacks
No Wi-Fi or app control
Cycles run about 10 minutes longer
Bottom line: The strongest stain remover here, with easy controls and a fair price. It ranks second because its cycles run longer and its reliability record trails LG’s.
Read the full Electrolux ELFW7637 review
+
Read the full Electrolux ELFW7637 review
+Cleaning · 9.7/10
No washer here cleans better. Wirecutter found the ELFW7637AT lifted the largest share of stains from its test strips on a normal, tap-cold cycle, and it credits the SmartBoost system, which dilutes detergent in a separate chamber before releasing it evenly. Reviewed’s lab saw it handle everything from protein to oil stains. An internal heater lets it run hot sanitizing and allergen washes, and its stain-soak option broke down tough stains well in testing.
Fabric care · 9.1/10
Strong cleaning doesn’t come at your clothes’ expense. In Wirecutter’s abrasion tests, it tied with the LG for gentleness, and an extra-rinse setting senses leftover detergent and washes it away, which helps if anyone at home has sensitive skin. Extended Refresh keeps tumbling clothes after a cycle ends so they don’t sit and turn musty. Reviewers did find the gasket can occasionally smell, so wipe it down now and then.
Capacity · 8.8/10
The 4.5 cu ft drum is the same size as the LG’s, and Reviewed found it roomy enough for most families’ laundry. The washer measures 38 inches high, 27 inches wide and 32 inches deep, it can be stacked with its matching Electrolux dryer, and the door is reversible, which helps in tight laundry rooms where a door swinging the wrong way would block your path.
Ease of use · 8.7/10
Day to day, it’s pleasant to use. The control panel is brighter and easier to read than the LG’s, there’s an interior light, and the detergent drawer has a dedicated spot for pods. Its cycles are longer, though: a normal load took about 47 minutes in Wirecutter’s tests, and Reviewed noted a few slow cycles. A 15-minute quick wash is there for small, lightly soiled loads, but there’s no Wi-Fi or app.
Value · 8.8/10
At $904.82 on Amazon from a third-party seller, it’s fairly priced for the best cleaning in this group, and Wirecutter puts its estimated energy use at about 85 kWh a year, the lowest of its picks. The catch is long-term ownership: Electrolux’s reliability record isn’t as strong as LG’s, repair help can be harder to find outside big cities, and the standard warranty covers one year.
Who it’s for
Households that battle lots of stains, from sports kits to toddler clothes, and want excellent cleaning without paying for smart features. If app control and the fastest cycles matter more, the LG WM4000HWA is the better fit.
Excellent
Overall score out of 10
LG WM3400CW 4.5 cu ft Front-Load Washer
$1,049.00 list price
The LG WM3400CW is a stripped-down front-loader that still cleans like a much pricier machine. Wirecutter found it removed stains nearly as well as the WM4000HWA, and it has the same 4.5 cu ft drum and Energy Star certification. What you give up is speed and polish: its normal cycle took 15 to 20 minutes longer, it was a bit rougher on fabrics, and LG doesn’t list steam or app control. LG’s list price is $1,049, but its own store has sold it for far less.
What we like
Cleans nearly as well as pricier models
Big 4.5 cu ft drum
Energy Star certified
Drawbacks
Cycles run 15–20 minutes longer
Less gentle than the top pick
No steam or app listed
Bottom line: Nearly top-tier cleaning in a simple, efficient package. It ranks third because it’s slower and a little rougher on clothes than the two leaders.
Read the full LG WM3400CW review
+
Read the full LG WM3400CW review
+Cleaning · 9.2/10
For a basic model, the cleaning is impressive. In Wirecutter’s stain-removal tests, the WM3400CW performed nearly as well as its pricier sibling, the WM4000HWA, which is itself one of the best cleaners available. Consumer Reports’ surveys rate LG the most reliable front-load brand, so you aren’t trading dependability for a lower price. Just don’t expect extra cleaning tricks: LG doesn’t list a steam or sanitize cycle for this model.
Fabric care · 8.6/10
Fabric care is good rather than great. Wirecutter found it somewhat less gentle than the WM4000HWA, which matters most if you wash a lot of delicates, knits or workout gear. Like any front-loader, though, it tumbles clothes instead of churning them around a center post, and Reviewed’s testing has repeatedly found front-loaders gentler than top-loaders. Use the delicate cycle for fragile items and everyday laundry should come through fine.
Capacity · 8.8/10
The 4.5 cu ft drum is the same size as the WM4000HWA’s, which LG describes as ultra-large capacity for cleaning bigger loads. That’s plenty for a family’s weekly towels, sheets and jeans, and it means fewer loads than a smaller budget top-loader would need. LG also offers bundle discounts when you buy it with an eligible dryer, which helps if you’re replacing both machines at once.
Ease of use · 8.5/10
It’s a no-frills machine, so there are fewer extras to learn and fewer features to go wrong. The cost is time. Wirecutter found its normal cycle took about 15 to 20 minutes longer than the WM4000HWA’s, so a busy laundry day stretches out. LG’s product page doesn’t mention Wi-Fi or app control either, so if you want end-of-cycle alerts on your phone, the WM4000HWA is the better choice.
Value · 8.9/10
LG lists the WM3400CW at $1,049, but its own store has offered it for hundreds less, and at that kind of price it’s a strong value for a front-loader. On Amazon, it’s sold only through third-party sellers, sometimes above LG’s own price, so compare before you order. Energy Star certification helps keep water and electricity costs down for years.
Who it’s for
Budget-minded buyers who want front-loader cleaning and efficiency without paying for steam, Wi-Fi or the fastest cycles. If you can stretch your budget, the WM4000HWA adds speed, gentler washing and app control.
Excellent
Overall score out of 10
GE Profile PTW800BPWRS 5.4 cu ft Top-Load Washer
$848.99 at Amazon
If you’d rather not bend down to load laundry, the GE Profile PTW800BPWRS is the top-loader to get. Reviewed named it the best top-load washer it has tested, based on how many test stains the Normal and Delicates cycles removed on its near-identical predecessor. The 5.4 cu ft drum is the biggest here, and a built-in reservoir holds detergent for up to 32 loads. The trade-offs: it can be loud, it only comes in Sapphire Blue, and GE has stopped making it, so stock is limited.
What we like
Biggest drum here at 5.4 cu ft
Holds detergent for up to 32 loads
Drawbacks
Loud at times
Only comes in Sapphire Blue
Being phased out by GE
Less gentle than a front-loader
Bottom line: The best top-loader here, with a huge drum and handy auto-dosing. It ranks fourth because top-loaders clean less thoroughly, it can be loud, and GE is phasing it out.
Read the full GE Profile PTW800 review
+
Read the full GE Profile PTW800 review
+Cleaning · 8.5/10
Top-loaders generally can’t match front-loaders for stain removal, but this is one of the better ones. Reviewed’s testing of its predecessor found the Normal and Delicates cycles removed an impressive share of test stains. A soil sensor adjusts cycle times to how dirty the load is, there’s a steam option, and Microban coatings protect key parts against odor-causing bacteria. Reviewed adds that GE’s SmartHQ assistant offers help with stains and cycle choices.
Fabric care · 7.9/10
This is an impeller washer, so there’s no center pole twisting your clothes, which is kinder to fabrics than an agitator. Reviewed’s testers were impressed with its Delicates cycle as well as Normal. Still, Consumer Reports notes that high-efficiency top-loaders tend to tangle clothes more than front-loaders do, so if fabric care is your top priority, a front-loader remains the safer choice.
Capacity · 9.7/10
With a 5.4 cu ft stainless steel drum, this is the biggest washer in our group and a good match for large families and bulky bedding; Reviewed describes it as built to handle a lot of laundry. It measures about 44 inches high, 28 inches wide and 28 inches deep, and because it’s a top-loader, it can’t be stacked, so plan for side-by-side space with your dryer.
Ease of use · 9.0/10
Loading from the top means no bending, and you can toss in a forgotten sock after the cycle starts. The reservoir doses detergent automatically for up to 32 washes, and if you like control, there are eight cycles, five temperatures and three rinse levels. It also works with GE’s SmartHQ app. Reviewed’s main complaint is noise: it can be loud at times, which matters if your laundry area is near a bedroom.
Value · 8.6/10
Amazon lists it at $848.99 from a third-party seller, a fair price for this much capacity and automation. GE has stopped making this model and is clearing out remaining stock, though, so availability may not last, and Sapphire Blue is the only finish. If it sells out, look for a current high-efficiency top-loader with a similar-size drum and automatic detergent dosing.
Who it’s for
Families who wash big loads, want a top-loader’s easy loading and like setting the detergent once and forgetting about it. If you want the best cleaning and gentlest care, a front-loader is the better choice.
Very good
Overall score out of 10
LG WT7005CW 4.3 cu ft Top-Load Washer
$681.25 at Amazon
The LG WT7005CW is a straightforward agitator top-loader for people who want a dependable machine for the least money. Consumer Reports’ testers found it cleans well, uses relatively little water and energy for its type, and runs remarkably quietly with very little vibration, finishing its normal/heavy cycle in about 70 minutes. The compromises are typical of agitator washers: it isn’t gentle on clothes, the 4.3 cu ft drum is the smallest here, and its Amazon listing has very few owner reviews.
What we like
Quiet, with very little vibration
Solid cleaning for an agitator washer
Drawbacks
Rough on clothes
Smallest drum here at 4.3 cu ft
Very few owner reviews on Amazon
Sold by a third-party seller
Bottom line: A quiet, simple agitator washer at a low price from a reliable brand. It ranks last because it’s rough on clothes and has the smallest drum.
Read the full LG WT7005CW review
+
Read the full LG WT7005CW review
+Cleaning · 8.3/10
For an agitator washer, it does a solid job. Consumer Reports gave it high marks for washing performance in lab tests that use swatches stained with red wine, cocoa and soot, and it rates the model well for water and energy use, too. It won’t match the front-loaders above on tough stains, but it handles everyday family laundry well, and a deep-fill option lets you add water for heavily soiled loads.
Fabric care · 7.2/10
This is its weakest area. Consumer Reports found it isn’t very gentle on clothes, which fits what testers see across agitator washers: the center post scrubs hard and can speed up wear on delicate fabrics. Use the gentlest cycle for knits and delicates, avoid overloading the drum, and hand-wash anything you truly care about. For gentler care, a front-loader is the better choice.
Capacity · 8.0/10
At 4.3 cu ft, it has the smallest drum in this group. That’s enough for most everyday loads, but large families may end up running an extra load or two each week, and bulky bedding is likely to be a tighter fit than in the bigger washers above. Like any top-loader, it can’t be stacked, so you’ll need room for a dryer beside it.
Ease of use · 8.8/10
Its biggest everyday strength is how unobtrusive it is. Consumer Reports’ testers found it quiet with minimal vibration, so it shouldn’t rattle a nearby room, and its normal/heavy cycle took about 70 minutes. Automatic temperature control and a dispenser for detergent and bleach keep things simple. Loading from the top means no bending, and you can add a forgotten item after the cycle starts.
Value · 9.3/10
At $681.25 on Amazon from a third-party seller, it’s the least expensive washer here, and Consumer Reports’ surveys rate LG among the most reliable brands for agitator top-loaders. The listing has very few owner reviews, so check the seller’s delivery, installation and return terms before you buy. If fabric care matters more than price, a front-loader will pay you back in longer-lasting clothes.
Who it’s for
Budget-focused buyers who want a simple, quiet top-loader for everyday family laundry and don’t wash many delicates. If you can spend more, a front-loader such as the LG WM3400CW will clean better and treat clothes more gently.
Compare
Side-by-side specs
Swipe sideways to see all five models →
Model
LG WM4000HWA
Electrolux ELFW7637
LG WM3400CW
GE Profile PTW800
LG WT7005CW
Our score
9.1
9.0
8.8
8.7
8.3
Price
$1,199.00
$904.82
$1,049.00
$848.99
$681.25
Type
Front-load
Front-load
Front-load
Top-load, impeller
Top-load, agitator
Capacity
4.5 cu ft
4.5 cu ft
4.5 cu ft
5.4 cu ft
4.3 cu ft
Energy Star
✓
✓
✓
✓
Not listed
Steam / sanitize
Steam and sanitary cycles
Steam and allergen cycles
Not listed
Steam option
Not listed
Smart app
LG ThinQ
None
Not listed
GE SmartHQ
Not listed
Values are maker or retailer specs unless noted; “Not listed” means we couldn’t confirm the feature from the maker’s or retailer’s listing.
Buying guide
The specs that matter most
Spec sheets can be misleading. These six points matter most when you choose a washing machine.
01
Front-load or top-load
Front-loaders generally clean better, use less water and treat clothes more gently, and they can be stacked to save floor space. Top-loaders let you load without bending and add items mid-cycle. If fabric care and running costs matter most, choose a front-loader; if comfort and familiarity matter more, a top-loader works fine.
02
Pick the right capacity
Most full-size washers hold between 4.2 and 6 cu ft. Around 4.5 cu ft suits most families and handles bulky bedding, while 5 cu ft or more helps large households run fewer loads. Hardly anyone needs the very largest drums, and remember that your dryer has to keep up with whatever the washer holds.
03
Measure before you buy
Measure more than the laundry nook. Check doorways, hallways and stairs on the delivery route, and leave a few inches of clearance around the machine. Top-loaders are often taller and need room above to open the lid fully, while front-loaders need space in front for the door to swing open.
04
Check Energy Star
Energy Star certified washers use less energy and water than standard models, and front-loaders are generally the most efficient of all. A machine that spins out more water also saves money, because clothes spend less time in the dryer. Washing in cold water whenever you can saves the most energy.
05
Use less detergent
High-efficiency washers need HE detergent, and less of it than many bottles suggest. Too much leaves a residue that can cause odors, gritty-feeling clothes and even mechanical problems over time. Automatic dispensers help by measuring for you, which makes them one of the most useful upgrades on pricier machines.
06
Smart features are optional
Wi-Fi lets you get end-of-cycle alerts, start a load remotely and download extra cycles, but it isn’t essential. A connected washer needs an account and software updates, so only connect yours if you’ll use the features. Cleaning, fabric care and reliability matter far more over a washer’s lifetime.
FAQ
Common questions
Which washing machine is best for most people?
+
Which washing machine is best for most people?
+The LG WM4000HWA is our top pick, with an overall score of 9.1. It removes stains as well as almost any washer independent testers have tried, finishes a normal load in about 43 minutes and is gentle on fabrics. If stains are your main concern, the Electrolux ELFW7637AT (9.0) cleans even better; if you prefer a top-loader, consider the GE Profile PTW800BPWRS (8.7).
Is a front-load or top-load washer better?
+
Is a front-load or top-load washer better?
+For most people, a front-loader. Independent testing consistently finds that front-loaders clean better, use less water and energy and are gentler on clothes, and they can be stacked to save space. Top-loaders are often cheaper upfront, let you load without bending and make it easy to add a forgotten item mid-cycle. Agitator top-loaders are the roughest on fabrics.
How long should a washing machine last?
+
How long should a washing machine last?
+Consumer Reports says washers typically last a decade or longer, which is why reliability matters as much as cleaning performance. You can help yours get there by not overloading it, using the right amount of HE detergent, running a cleaning cycle a few times a year and leaving a front-loader’s door open between loads so the drum can dry out.
How do I stop my front-loader from smelling?
+
How do I stop my front-loader from smelling?
+Leave the door open between washes, or use the door prop or venting feature if your machine has one, so the drum and gasket can dry. Wipe the gasket fold every few weeks, use HE detergent sparingly and run a drum-cleaning cycle a few times a year with a washer cleaner. If it already smells, repeat the cleaning cycle until it’s fresh.
How much should I spend on a washing machine?
+
How much should I spend on a washing machine?
+Reviewed says most washers sell for $800 to $1,200, though good models exist at every price. Prices swing a lot with sales, and many models sell well below their list price, so it pays to wait for a holiday sale if you can. Remember to budget for delivery, installation and haul-away of your old machine as well.
Our verdict
The LG WM4000HWA is the best washing machine for most people
It pairs top-tier stain removal with short, gentle cycles, and LG’s reliability record backs it up. If stains are your main concern, the Electrolux ELFW7637AT cleans even better, and if you want a top-loader, the GE Profile PTW800BPWRS is the one to get while stock lasts.
Prefer a different model? Here’s who each one suits.
If you want the strongest stain removal:
Electrolux ELFW7637AT 4.5 cu ft Front-Load Washer
9.0/10 · $904.82 at Amazon
If you want front-loader cleaning for less:
LG WM3400CW 4.5 cu ft Front-Load Washer
8.8/10 · $1,049.00 list price
If you prefer a top-loader:
GE Profile PTW800BPWRS 5.4 cu ft Top-Load Washer
8.7/10 · $848.99 at Amazon
If you’re on a tight budget:
LG WT7005CW 4.3 cu ft Top-Load Washer
8.3/10 · $681.25 at Amazon
How we rate: Consumer Expert Reports compares popular products side by side using manufacturer specifications, independent measurements where available and current list prices, and we point out each product’s real limits.