We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.
A portable washing machine offers a convenient alternative—especially for those living in apartments or RVs without laundry hookups. These machines are designed to be lightweight and space-saving, yet powerful enough to handle everyday laundry needs. Whether you need something simple for delicates or a model with multiple wash cycles and spin settings, there are options to suit a wide range of preferences and budgets.
Our team reviewed the top-rated portable washing machines on the market and created this buying guide to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Top 5 Portable Washing Machines
- Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washing Machine
- Best for RVs: COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine
- Best Spin Feature: Giantex Portable Compact Washing Machine
- Best Medium Capacity: SUPER DEAL Portable Mini Washing Machine
- Best Large Capacity: Auertech Portable Washing Machine
Best Portable Washing Machine
BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washing Machine
- $243.63
- $284.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 17.7 by 18.1 by 31.5 inches
- 6-pound total clothes capacity
- 44.1 pounds
- Digital control panel
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers said that this washer worked and moved well. Some also mentioned that the manufacturer provided solid customer service, helping them to resolve any issues they had. However, we also noticed that unsatisfied customers said that the machine was too loud.
Best Portable Washing Machine for RVs
COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine Combo
- $159.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 25 by 14 by 28.5 inches
- 11-pound washer capacity
- 6.6-pound spinner capacity
- 17.6-pound total clothes capacity
- 29 pounds
- Three knobs
What Customers Are Saying
We noticed that several customers who loved this portable washing machine listed its maneuverability, low noise level, and efficiency as their favorite qualities. On the other hand, we noticed that those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that its parts broke easily.
Best Spin Feature
Giantex Portable Compact Washing Machine
- $139.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 24.8 by 15 by 28.5 inches
- 11-pound washer capacity
- 6.6-pound spinner capacity
- 17.6-pound total clothes capacity
- 28 pounds
- Three knobs
What Customers Are Saying
We found that most reviewers listed maneuverability, value, and quiet operation as qualities that they enjoyed about their purchase of this washing machine. However, we also saw that customers who weren’t satisfied with the product said that it leaked from the bottom.
Best Medium Capacity
SUPER DEAL Portable Mini Washing Machine
- $89.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 23 by 13.5 by 26 inches
- 8-pound washer capacity
- 5-pound spinner capacity
- 13-pound total clothes capacity
- 26.4 pounds
- Three knobs
What Customers Are Saying
When looking through reviews of this product, we noticed that many customers were pleased with the performance of this washer, though several noted it took a week or two for them to figure out the optimal way to use it. They also liked how little space it took up in their kitchen or bathroom. We also saw that a common complaint among dissatisfied customers was that the hose that came with it was too short.
Best Large Capacity
Auertech Portable Washing Machine
- $179.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 24.5 by 14.5 by 27.5 inches
- 12-pound washer capacity
- 8-pound spinner capacity
- 20-pound total clothes capacity
- 24 pounds
- Three knobs
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised the machine’s lightweight nature and effectiveness in all of its cycles. However, some customers said that the machine suddenly stopped working after a few months of ownership and that the manufacturer refused to give them a refund.
Buying Guide to Portable Washing Machines
When conducting a laundry appliance search, it’s important to know what factors to look out. Our research indicated that functionality, capacity, and maneuverability were the most important factors to help guide your purchase of a portable washer. We put together the buyer’s guide below to help you narrow down your options and choose the best product for you.
Functionality
Most portable washing machines have washing and spinning functions. The washing function cleans your clothes much like a standard washer. The spinning function removes most of the water from your clothes to speed up the air-drying process. Some washing machines have one tank for washing and spinning, while others have separate tanks to allow you to wash and dry loads at the same time.
Capacity
Portable washing machines with separate washing and spinning tanks will give you separate capacities for each tank as well as an overall capacity. The spinning capacity is usually around five to 10 pounds, while the washing capacity is slightly larger at around 10-15 pounds. Consider the amount of clothing you plan to wash each load, as this will help you determine how large of a capacity you need. Customers with large families should opt for a machine that has a washing capacity of at least 10 pounds.
Maneuverability
Some washing machines are designed to be more portable than others. Customers who plan to move their machine often should look for a product that is either lightweight or has wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Washing Machines
How noisy are portable washers?
We found that most portable washers are designed to make minimal noise. However, a common complaint among customers who have purchased portable washers is that they make rattling noises, so look through reviews carefully to find a washer that will run quietly.
Can I use fabric softener in a portable washing machine?
Our research showed that most portable washing machines don’t come with a fabric softener dispenser. However, you can still use it by pouring it directly onto your clothing. Some manufacturers recommend diluting your fabric softener before adding it to the washing machine.
Will the spin cycle dry my clothes?
Spin features on portable washing machines are designed to partially dry your clothes so that they’re damp instead of wet. Many customers buy a drying rack to place next to their washing machine to finish the drying process.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. We focus on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. To date, our team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on the market. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record with trusted retailers, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
