6 Best Affordable Washing Machines, According to Appliance Experts
You shouldn't have to pay a lot to get clean laundry.
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A major appliance like a washing machine is a significant investment, but you don’t have to spend top dollar for strong performance. Many of the cheaper washing machines use the same core wash systems as pricier models—just without the extra bells and whistles.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: GE Profile Smart Top Load Washer
- Best front-loader: Whirlpool Smart Front Load Washer with FreshFlow
- Largest capacity: Samsung High Efficiency Top Load Washer
- Best for pet owners: Maytag Pet Pro Front-Load Washer
For this guide, we focused on more affordable models from reputable brands that have performed well in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. These washers offer solid capacity and useful features like automatic soil-level adjustment, specialized cycles and energy efficiency. While some include extras like Wi-Fi connectivity, most keep the focus on practical features rather than premium additions such as steam cycles and drum lights.
If you want reliable cleaning and practical features without overspending, these are the washers to consider.
Best Deal
Pros
- Sanitizing cycle
- Option to add more water for loads that need deeper cleaning
- Dedicated section for detergent packs
- Comes in two colors
Cons
- No steam cycle
Budget washers are often limited to white, but this top-loading GE Profile model comes in two colors and packs in features typically found on pricier machines. GE washers also regularly perform well in Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab tests.
The sanitizing cycle works with an Oxi additive to kill bacteria, while specialty cycles handle workout wear and bulky items like comforters and down coats. There's no steam cycle, but the washer is Wi-Fi-enabled—a useful feature at this price.
Other features include a dispenser for detergent packs to help them dissolve, a stain setting that adjusts wash time and water temperature, deep-fill and rinse options for adding more water when needed, and Microban antimicrobial protection, which helps prevent mold, mildew, and associated odors.
| Model # | PTW605BPRDG |
| Capacity | 4.9 - 5.0 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 27" x 46" x 27" |
| Warranty | 1 year full; 10-year limited on motor |
| Yearly energy cost | ~$22 |
Pros
- Has a smaller footprint than standard front-loaders
- Has a glass lid for viewing laundry while washing
- Controls are easy to use
Cons
- Lacks smart features and app connectivity
If space and budget are tight, this Midea packs a feature set typically found on larger, pricier washers into a compact design. Its combination of cleaning performance, capacity, and narrow footprint earned it a spot in the 2026 Cleaning Awards.
At 2 inches narrower than a standard full-size washer, it still fits a central agitator and offers 4.1 cubic feet of capacity. It scored well for soil removal and gentleness, and its controls are easy to navigate. The glass lid lets you check on a cycle without opening the machine, a useful feature that's uncommon on top-loaders.
It also offers automatic and manual water-level settings, plus quick-wash and tub-clean cycles. It lacks advanced smart features and app connectivity, but they aren't necessary for strong cleaning performance.
| Model # | MLTW41A1BWW |
| Capacity | 4.1 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 25.6" x 42.1" x 28.3" |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Yearly energy cost | ~$16 |
Pros
- Works with an impeller for extra-large capacity
- Has several extra cycles and options
- Comprehensive warranty
Cons
- No sanitizing or steam cycles
LG washers consistently perform well in the GH Cleaning Lab, cleaning effectively while being gentle on fabrics. The 4.3-cubic-foot washer uses an impeller to move more clothes through the water and offers eight wash cycles, including options for bedding and waterproof items. Its Speed Wash cycle has four settings, including an option to add more water to larger or heavily soiled loads.
It lacks steam and sanitizing cycles and isn't Energy Star-certified or Wi-Fi-enabled, but its annual operating cost is reasonable, and the warranty is comprehensive.
| Model # | WT6100CW |
| Capacity | 4.3 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 27" x 44.5" x 28.375" |
| Warranty | 1 year full; 3 years tub; 10 years direct drive motor |
| Yearly energy cost | ~$33 |
Pros
- Exceptional cleaning performance
- Has an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent odors
- Large enough capacity for big families
- Scored high on stain removal in tests
Cons
- Cycle times are longer than average
- Doesn't have a drum light
Whirlpool’s front-loader delivers strong cleaning performance and features typically found on pricier machines. It scored top marks for stain removal in our tests and automatically adjusts settings based on fabric type and load size. The 4.5-cubic-foot drum also accommodates large loads, making it a good choice for bigger families.
An antimicrobial-treated door gasket and a Dry Drum cycle help keep the interior clean and dry, preventing odors and mildew. The washer is also gentle on fabrics, efficiently removes excess water, and is easy to operate.
There’s no drum light, which can make small items harder to spot, and most cycles take more than an hour, so it’s slower than some competitors.
Features at a Glance
| Model # | WFW5720 |
| Capacity | 4.5 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 27" x 32.6" x 39". |
| Warranty | 1 year on parts and labor |
| Yearly energy cost | ~$17 |
Pros
- Very large tub with an impeller or agitator
- Wi-Fi enabled and Energy Star-certified
- Tub is raised for easy access
- Wide assortment of cycles and options
Cons
- No steam cycle
This Energy Star-certified top-loader packs in features and capacity typically found on much pricier machines. Its 5.2-cubic-foot tub is among the largest in this price range, and the raised tub makes it easier to reach small items at the bottom. It’s also available with an agitator, which provides more vigorous mechanical action for tackling tough stains.
The washer offers a wide selection of cycles and settings, including a 24-hour delay start, water jet for pretreating stains, multiple temperature, spin and soil-level options, and full Wi-Fi connectivity for more control over each load. The one notable omission is a steam cycle.
| Model # | WA52DG5500AW |
| Capacity | 5.2 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 27.5" x 44.6" x 29.4" |
| Warranty | 1 year parts and labor; 3 years parts only on stainless steel tub; 20-year digital inverter motor |
| Yearly energy cost | ~$14 |
Pros
- Excels at removing pet hair
- Gentle on clothes
- Highly effective spin cycle
Cons
- Some users say the drain filter clogs over time
For pet owners, the standout feature is this washer’s Pet Pro cycle, which removed significantly more pet hair than a standard cycle in our Lab tests. It also scored well for overall cleaning, soil removal, and cycle speed, making it a practical choice for households with pets and busy families.
The washer is gentle on fabrics, so clothes get clean without unnecessary wear, while its effective spin cycle removes excess water to help clothes dry faster and more evenly. One maintenance note: The drain filter can clog with heavy use, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, including running the self-clean cycle every 30 washes.
| Model # | MFW7020RF |
| Capacity | 5 cu. ft. |
| Dimensions | 38.625" x 27" x 32.9375" |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Yearly energy cost | ~$17 |
How we test washing machines
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we test affordable washing machines the same way we test expensive ones. We base our tests on the industry standards developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
To evaluate the cleaning performance of each washer, we carefully add pre-stained fabric strips with five stains and a control strip to each. At the end of the cycle, once the strips have air-dried, we take reflectance measurements on each stain using a Digi-Eye spectrophotometer to calculate a total stain removal index for the cycle.
We also test specialty cycles, such as delicates or speed wash, to ensure they meet our expectations, and we confirm that any sanitizing cycle reaches a high enough temperature for the required duration to adequately kill germs on fabrics. We also confirm that the options offered are useful and whether preset selections are restrictive or can be overridden.
Next, we test gentleness by washing cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes. When they come out of the machine, the holes are frayed: The more fraying, the more damaging the cycle.
We also check the water and energy usage of each machine and score how easy the washing machine is to use, including whether the control panel is responsive and intuitive, the clarity and thoroughness of the owner's manual, and more.
What to look for when shopping for a budget washing machine
✔️ Price: You don't have to buy top-of-the-line for good cleaning performance. Many mid- and entry-level models use the same or similar wash programs as pricier machines, just with fewer options. Many strong performers cost $600 to $800, especially when on sale.
✔️ Design: Top-loaders are the most common budget option, because they're less expensive to produce than front-loaders. Many are available with or without a center agitator (agitators reduce capacity somewhat but don't necessarily improve cleaning). Budget washers are also typically white, though some brands offer designer colors for a slight upcharge. If your washer is in a visible area, the extra cost may be worth it.
✔️ Capacity: Budget washers can have tubs as small as 3.5 cubic feet, but many offer 4.7 to 4.8 cubic feet. Tubs larger than 5.0 cubic feet are less common at this price, though there are exceptions. We recommend choosing the largest tub you can afford so you can comfortably wash bulky items like bedding and puffy coats.
✔️ Cycles: This is one area where manufacturers may cut costs. Most budget machines have basic cycles like normal, heavy-duty, colors, and delicates, but may lack specialty cycles for steam, sanitizing, stain treatment, or activewear. If you don't need those options, they're easy to skip.
✔️ Energy efficiency: New budget washers still use less water and energy than older models, but not all are Energy Star-certified. All washers are required by law to display a yellow Energy Guide label, so check that to compare estimated operating costs.
✔️ Smart features: Some budget washers offer Wi-Fi connectivity and other smart features found on pricier models, including app-based troubleshooting, remote monitoring, and voice-assistant control. If these features are important to you, check exactly what’s supported before you buy.
What’s the difference between a cheap and an expensive washing machine?
The biggest differences are usually features, capacity, and finish—not necessarily cleaning performance. While high-end washers tend to excel at soil removal, gentleness, and water extraction, some budget models perform just as well in these areas. More expensive machines typically offer larger capacities, more specialty cycles, smart features, quieter operation, and premium finishes like metal exteriors and glass doors.
What time of year are washing machines cheapest?
The best deals on washing machines typically appear around major shopping events. Black Friday is often the top time for discounts, but other holidays—like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day—also tend to draw big sales.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté is the former executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She tested washers, dryers, and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers, in the Lab for more than 40 years.
Brigitt Earley, a contributing writer with more than 15 years of experience testing consumer products, including household appliances, recently updated this list with new picks. She collaborated with Home Care & Cleaning Reviews Analyst Noah Pinsonnault to distill insights from the Lab’s latest washing machine tests.
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