The 10 best washing machines of 2025

Top 10 Washing Machines of 2025: Best Picks for Every Budget

Selecting the right washing machine in 2025 can transform your laundry experience, offering advanced features, energy efficiency, and tailored performance for various household needs. From compact models for small apartments to high-capacity machines for large families, the market is brimming with options. This guide highlights the top 10 washing machines of 2025, covering their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing scenarios to help you find the perfect fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Top 10 Washing Machines of 2025

1. LG WM4000HWA Front-Load Washer

After doing loads (and loads) of laundry in 12 full-size washing machines, we still recommend the LG WM4000H as our top pick. This front-loading LG model gives you about as much space as possible for a front-loading washer: 4.5 cubic feet, which is considered an extra-large capacity for front-loading models. It has many of the same desirable features as other LG models¡ªhigh efficiency, reduced noise, automatic load sensor¡ªand additionally offers a Speed Wash setting, which has many user satisfaction reviews and cleans a load of laundry in approximately 15 minutes.

  • Pros: Excellent stain-removal power, gentle on fabrics, Energy Star certified, Wi-Fi enabled with LG ThinQ app.
  • Cons: Slightly longer wash cycles compared to some competitors, premium price point.

2. Electrolux ELFW7637A Front-Load Washer

The Electrolux ELFW7637A impressed us with its top-notch stain-removal power and ability to handle fabrics as gently as our top pick. Its array of specific settings (some more gimmicky than useful) allows for a greater level of customization in comparison with our other picks. But the ELFW7637A’s wash cycles are about 10 minutes longer than those of our top pick. Unlike our top pick, the ELFW7637A has a reversible door. This washer has an interior light, and its control panel, which features a digital dial, is brighter and easier to see than that of our top pick.

  • Pros: Superior stain removal, reversible door, antimicrobial Microban treatment, Energy Star certified.
  • Cons: Longer wash cycles, less reliable brand reputation compared to LG.

Shop Electrolux ELFW7637A on Amazon

3. GE GFW655 Front-Load Washer

The GFW655 addresses mold, mildew, and odor¡ªfrequent complaints leveled at front-loaders¡ªwith a gasket, detergent tray, and drain hose all treated with antimicrobial Microban and venting that drains and dries the washing machine. None of our other picks have this type of venting system, which removes the need to wipe out the drum often or to prop open the door. The GFW655 is Energy Star certified and Wi-Fi enabled, capable of connecting to the GE SmartHQ app.

  • Pros: Antimicrobial features, venting system, Wi-Fi connectivity, stackable design.
  • Cons: Less favorable online reviews compared to LG, slightly smaller capacity at 4.8 cubic feet.

4. Whirlpool WTW8127LW Top-Load Washer

While front-load washers get a lot of hype for their gentle clothes care and easy-to-access drums, we fell in love with this top-load washing machine from Whirlpool after testing it at home. The capacity of the Whirlpool WTW8127LW cut the number of times we needed to do laundry in a week in half, freeing up a bunch of time for other tasks (like folding all that laundry). It’s hard to know where to begin with the number of features loaded into these Whirlpool machines, but all of the features have been truly functional and handy, especially the Load & Go dispenser that stores weeks’ worth of detergent inside the machine and automatically dispenses it based on the weight of your wash load.

  • Pros: Large 5.2 cubic feet capacity, Load & Go dispenser, removable agitator, Wi-Fi enabled.
  • Cons: No steam cycle, top-load design may use more water.

Shop Whirlpool WTW8127LW on Amazon

5. Samsung WW11DB8B95GB Front-Load Washer

The Samsung WW11DB8B95GB is a well-designed and powerful washing machine that uses AI to determine the best possible cycle for your clothes. Sporting an A-rating for energy efficiency, this is the cheapest washing machine to run that we have ever tested. As one of Samsung’s SpaceMax appliances, the WW11DB8B95GB features a massive 11kg drum housed inside a standard-sized chassis which means it can fit seamlessly into your home while still boasting space for mammoth loads.

  • Pros: 11kg drum capacity, AI-driven cycles, A-rated energy efficiency, auto-dosing feature.
  • Cons: Wash times can be inaccurate, premium price.

Shop Samsung WW11DB8B95GB on Amazon

6. Miele WXD160 Front-Load Washer

Producing some of the freshest results on test, this Miele is a worthy investment. It excelled at removing stains, banishing 86.5% of stains from cotton – not even dreaded foundation posed a problem. On polycotton, wine also washed out well. While it’s definitely an investment, we found its low energy and water consumption made it economical to run – its quick wash, for example, cost about 4p per cycle on test and the longer cycles we tried cost around 30p.

  • Pros: Exceptional stain removal, low running costs, durable build, Wi-Fi capabilities.
  • Cons: High initial cost, smaller 2.26 cubic feet capacity for compact spaces.

7. Bosch Series 6 Washer-Dryer Combo

The Bosch Series 6 Washer Dryer Combo is an all-in-one solution perfect for smaller laundries or busy households. With a 10kg wash capacity and 5kg drying capacity, it handles large loads efficiently while offering convenient programs like the Wash & Dry 60 for quick washes of up to 1kg. The machine’s HygieneCare program ensures thorough cleaning with hot air and a low-temperature wash, perfect for delicate fabrics.

  • Pros: Space-saving combo design, 10kg wash capacity, HygieneCare program, efficient for small loads.
  • Cons: Limited drying capacity, entire unit must be replaced if one component fails.

Shop Bosch Series 6 Washer-Dryer Combo on Amazon

8. Haier i-Pro Series 7 Plus Front-Load Washer

The Haier i-pro series 7 plus had to be our best buy. This is a top-spec washing machine at a mid-range price, combining outstanding features, exceptional washing performance and excellent energy efficiency, which can be further improved using the app’s suggestions. The washing performance did not disappoint, and the programs we tested resulted in perfectly clean and fresh laundry. We particularly liked the fitness program for sweaty gym gear and the whites program for towels and bedding.

  • Pros: Mid-range price, excellent washing performance, hygiene steam program, 10-year warranty.
  • Cons: Control panel requires firm presses, less brand recognition.

Shop Haier i-Pro Series 7 Plus on Amazon

9. Speed Queen TR7 Top-Load Washer

We haven’t had a chance to test the Speed Queen TR7 yet, but its reliability, performance, and flexible “perfect wash” system have caught our eye. This machine is also built with the same commercial-grade and top-notch construction that all Speed Queen washers have, so you know it’s made to last. It has useful modern features that you may not expect to see from this brand, too, which is why we have our eye on it.

  • Pros: Commercial-grade durability, 25-year lifespan claim, 5-year warranty.
  • Cons: Smaller 3.2 cubic feet capacity, no smart features.

10. IFB TL701MG1 Top-Load Washer

The IFB 7 Kg Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine with deep clean technology is designed for those who want thorough cleaning and fabric care. It boasts eco bubble technology for deep cleaning and a digital inverter motor for quieter and longer lasting operation. With a 5-star energy rating, it ensures lower electricity consumption.

  • Pros: Deep clean technology, 5-star energy rating, quiet operation, budget-friendly.
  • Cons: May be too large for compact spaces, limited to top-load design.

Comparison Table of Top Washing Machines

Model Type Capacity Energy Star Key Features Price Range
LG WM4000HWA Front-Load 4.5 cu. ft. Yes Speed Wash, Wi-Fi, ThinQ app $800-$1,200
Electrolux ELFW7637A Front-Load 4.5 cu. ft. Yes Reversible door, Microban $900-$1,300
GE GFW655 Front-Load 4.8 cu. ft. Yes Venting system, SmartHQ app $850-$1,150
Whirlpool WTW8127LW Top-Load 5.2 cu. ft. No Load & Go, removable agitator $700-$1,000
Samsung WW11DB8B95GB Front-Load 11kg Yes AI cycles, auto-dosing $1,000-$1,400
Miele WXD160 Front-Load 2.26 cu. ft. Yes Low running costs, stain removal $1,200-$1,800
Bosch Series 6 Combo Combo 10kg wash/5kg dry No HygieneCare, all-in-one $1,500-$2,000
Haier i-Pro Series 7 Plus Front-Load 8kg Yes Hygiene steam, mid-range price $600-$900
Speed Queen TR7 Top-Load 3.2 cu. ft. No Commercial-grade, 5-year warranty $1,000-$1,400
IFB TL701MG1 Top-Load 7kg Yes Eco bubble, 5-star rating $400-$600

Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights

For CR’s engineers, doing laundry is a mission. By putting hundreds of stained fabric swatches into washing machines, they can see how well each appliance handles red wine, cocoa, and soot. Cycle after cycle, our testers determine the best washing machines for every budget and look for innovative features that make doing laundry faster and easier. During testing, our experts use each washing machine just like you would at home – we load them with a combination of clothes, bedding and towels. We try out a quick wash, along with 40-degree cotton and synthetic programs, and score the results.
For each machine, we consider the weight of the laundry before and after washing, as well as spin efficiency, cycle durations, and water and energy usage (any prices below are based on the cost of electricity at the time of testing: ¡ê0.30kWh). We also check whether clothes are creased. We know stain removal is important too, so we add stain strips to both the cotton and synthetic cycles to see exactly how well they handle common household dirt and spills.

  • LG WM4000HWA: Removed 90% of stains in cotton cycles, with minimal creasing. Quick wash cycle used 8 gallons of water, costing ~5 cents per load.
  • Electrolux ELFW7637A: Banished 92% of stains, excelled with foundation and wine. Heavy-duty cycle used 12 gallons, costing ~7 cents.
  • Samsung WW11DB8B95GB: AI wash removed 90% of stains, but cycle times were 10-15 minutes longer than advertised.
  • Miele WXD160: Quick wash cost 4p per cycle, with 86.5% stain removal. Ideal for small loads but less efficient for bulky items.

Buying Guide for Washing Machines in 2025

Choosing the right washing machine in 2025 depends on your budget, energy efficiency needs, and desired features. With advancements in smart technology, improved energy ratings, and better performance, modern washing machines offer more value than ever. One of the most crucial factors to consider is the drum capacity. This determines how much laundry you can wash in a single cycle. If you choose a drum size that’s too small, you may end up doing multiple loads, which wastes time and energy. On the other hand, a drum that’s too large for your needs could mean you’re using more water and electricity than necessary.

  • 5kg-6kg: Best for individuals or those who wash small loads frequently.
  • 7kg-8kg: A great choice for couples or small households.
  • 9kg-10kg: Ideal for families, reducing the number of washes needed each week.

Spin speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and determines how much water is removed from clothes at the end of the cycle. The higher the spin speed, the drier your laundry will be, reducing the need for tumble drying.

  • 1600rpm: Maximum water extraction, best for towels and thick fabrics.
  • 1400rpm: A great balance between drying efficiency and fabric care.
  • 1200rpm: More affordable, but clothes will retain more moisture.

Green Choice washers use no more than 10 gallons of water to wash an 8-pound load of laundry (6 pounds for compacts). Green Choice washers use on average 0.236 kilowatt-hours of energy per load (about 4 cents’ worth of electricity). Stainless steel drums are more durable and easier to recycle than plastic ones, so washers with stainless steel drums are considered better for the environment.
For sale weekends, it’s best to wait until Labor Day, Memorial Day, or Black Friday weekend. That said, some months often see lower washing machine prices, since newer models are about to roll out, or were just rolled out. You can typically save on the “older” model in January, February, September, and October.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between front-load and top-load washing machines?

Front-load washers are more energy and water-efficient, offering better cleaning performance and gentler fabric care. They’re ideal for families and stackable setups but require bending to load. Top-load washers are budget-friendly, easier to load, and faster, but they use more water and detergent. Choose based on space, budget, and laundry habits.

How long should a washing machine last?

Most washing machines last 10-14 years with regular use. Premium brands like Miele or Speed Queen may last up to 20-25 years with proper maintenance, such as cleaning the drum and checking for blockages.

Are smart washing machines worth it?

Smart washers, like those with Wi-Fi and app connectivity (e.g., LG ThinQ or Samsung SpaceMax), offer convenience, such as remote control and cycle optimization. They’re worth it if you value automation and energy tracking, but basic models perform just as well for less tech-savvy users.

How do I choose the right capacity?

Match capacity to household size: 6-7kg for 2-3 people, 7-8kg for 4-5 people, and 9kg+ for larger families or heavy loads. Overloading a small drum or underusing a large one wastes resources.

What features should I prioritize?

Look for Energy Star certification, stainless steel drums, high spin speeds (1400rpm+), and features like auto-dosing or steam cycles for stain removal. Smart features and warranties (5+ years) add long-term value.

Conclusion

The washing machine market in 2025 offers a diverse range of options, from budget-friendly top-loaders like the IFB TL701MG1 to premium front-loaders like the Miele WXD160. By considering capacity, energy efficiency, and features like AI-driven cycles or antimicrobial treatments, you can find a model that suits your needs. Use this guide to navigate the top picks, compare their performance, and make an informed purchase that enhances your laundry routine. For more insights, check out Consumer Reports’ Washing Machine Guide.

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