The 6 Best Portable Washing Machines Of 2023 To Maximize Your Living Space, With Expert Recommendations

This portable washing machine has the electric power of larger washers but takes up way less space. The stainless steel tub helps keep rust and bacteria away, while ten cycles and five water level options help you tackle tough stains to keep your wardrobe feeling brand-new. Just keep in mind, reviewers say this one isn’t as easy to move as other options—so you'll likely want to find a permanent home for it. However, owners love that the machine runs quietly so as to not disrupt their small space.  

One satisfied shopper says, “This washer is a little workhorse. My neighbors who have the traditional RV washer/dryer are amazed how much I can wash in one load compared to their traditional RV ones, which usually cost well over $1,000 or $2,000. This machine is still going strong even after a year of washing at least 2 or 3 full loads a day. No leaks, still spins as hard as any full size washer I have ever had, and I have had a lot. It's paid for itself a hundred times over!”

Reviewers who cherish peace and quiet rave about Black and Decker’s high-quality yet affordable portable washing machines. The brand’s top load washer is great for large loads of laundry (it can hold up to 15 pounds!) and has a built-in detector that keeps it quiet and eliminates that rocking and rattling that can often happen. Six cycles and three water temperatures ensure your clothes are properly laundered. What’s more, using the cold setting on the water temperature will help you conserve energy. 

This appliance has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star average on Amazon across almost 300 reviews, and for good reason. One reviewer writes, “This is hands down one of the best purchases I’ve made for my NYC apartment. The noise level on this thing is very manageable, if you are in another room you won’t even hear it. It is the loudest in its spin cycle but nothing too bad.” Some reviewers complained that the appliance isn’t as easy as they’d desire to move around the house.

This hand-powered washer will thoroughly clean five pounds of laundry at a time (about a week’s worth of clothes) in just under two minutes. Since this is a non-electric machine, the better your hand-cranking technique, the cleaner your clothes. You operate the machine by turning the hand crank—and you’ll want to find a groove of cranking at just the right pace (not too fast, not too slow). Once you’re ready to drain, there’s a detachable spout that makes it easy. 

Almost 3,000 reviewers have given this device a perfect five-star rating on Amazon. One satisfied shopper writes, “This is great for camping. The machine is almost entirely plastic so it is super lightweight. It snaps together easily for use. It uses very little water and detergent. Best of all, it really cleans.”

If you can spare 2.8 cubic feet in your apartment, this washing machine is the move. With a stainless steel basket and electronic one-touch controls with LED, the GNW portable washing machine is the height of laundry day luxury. It’s got a larger capacity than other options, plus eight wash cycles and four temperatures to choose from—so you always have the perfect setting to keep your fabrics in good condition. 

Caster wheels allow you to easily maneuver and store the portable washer between uses, and the detergent and fabric softener dispensers feel just like the full-sized machine you may be used to. In short, we think this is the best portable washing machine for apartments that can’t house a full-sized machine. 

One reviewer writes, “If you live in an apartment that doesn’t have washer/dryer hookups I HIGHLY recommended this washer! It is small but the capacity feels the same as a standard washer. The sink attachment is really easy to put on and take off. It is a splash zone so I constantly wipe my bathroom sink down after doing laundry, but it’s a small con compared to all the pros.” It’s worth noting that the tub doesn't fill completely, so you won’t be able to wash bulky items like a blanket.

The Danby .9 Portable Washing Machine combines quality materials, automatic functioning, and customizable cycles for a fraction of the price of other options on our list. This model is equipped with five wash cycles that are highly customizable to your desired rinse duration, spin, and water level. When paired with the stainless steel drum, which provides protection to your clothing to keep them from nagging. The end result is a reliable and affordable portable washing machine that will do the work for you for loads to come. 

This budget-friendly appliance has a 4.5 out of five-star overall rating on the Home Depot website. One reviewer writes, “This machine is great! It is quiet, and it washes and spins items well. The lint and drain filters work well and are easy to clean. It is small, and fast. It would fit 2 pairs of jeans or 4-5 shirts, in our case a 2x3 foot thick blanket and 2, max 3 lighter weight blankets (baby blanket size). It also arrived quickly and took just minutes to set up.” One downside is that this machine should only be used with cold or warm water, not hot.

This high-capacity portable washer is compact and efficient. It's made with a high powered motor and large stainless steel tub to handle bulky items like jeans and blankets, and you can customize your laundry needs across eight washing programs and 10 water levels on the LED display control panel. This machine is smaller than a full-size washer, but it still weighs 58 pounds. In other words, you probably won’t want to rely on moving it into your kitchen or bathroom on a weekly basis. 

The real stand out is this machine’s nearly perfect rating on the company’s website: a 4.8 out of 5 average. One happy customer writes, “This works flawlessly. I am so glad I chose this brand and model. I love the many different wash options in addition to selecting the water input level option. I was also concerned about the hose outlet efficiently draining the water but I have not had any issues, and the water pumps out very well.” One reviewer explained her helpful set-up, in case you’re needing inspiration: “This machine is housed in my bedroom next to the bathroom, so I have an 8ft hose to hook up the machine to the sink and the water drainage hose easily reaches the toilet to remove the water. It’s a perfect setup.”