The 6 Best Portable Washing Machines, So You Can Say ‘See Ya Later’ to the Laundromat

Whether you're short on space, don't have the proper hookups, or are renting your place and the landlord won't pay to have a washing machine installed, you should consider purchasing a portable washer. They may not be as powerful as full-sized models, but they're compact, easy to use, and perfect for washing small loads.

Investing in a mini washer and dryer will help you avoid the laundromat or your apartment complex's shared laundry facility, where you probably have to deal with loose change, equipment malfunctions, and machine-hogging neighbors. Or, if you live in an RV or tiny home, it may be a compact solution for washing your clothes on the go.

We evaluated and compared over 30 portable washing machines based on their capacities, ease of installation, mobility, reliability, and noise level.

The Best Portable Washing Machines of 2023

What to Consider

Capacity

Portable washers only have tub capacities ranging from 1 to 2.8 cubic feet, but large models can cost just as much as standard machines. Most portable washers can wash up to 10 large-sized men's T-shirts and cost less than $3 a month to run. Because of their small drum sizes, they are ideal for two-person homes.

Mobility

Although most portable washers can be permanently installed, they’re designed to be moved in and out of your kitchen, bathroom, or other location where you have a water source. That way, you can use them when you need to, and store them and keep them out of sight and out of mind when you don’t. Most machines are on wheels, but we made sure to list each recommended model’s dimensions and weight so you can ensure whatever portable washer you choose fits in your setup.

Electric vs. Manual

Although there are a number of manual portable washing machines that are powered by human labor rather than electricity, ultimately, we decided not to feature any models, including the fan favorite Wonderwash, for this guide because they are tiresome to use and lack a spin cycle so the clothes will be soaked afterward and will take several hours to dry.

“You have to crank the lever for the entire cycle (around a minute or two, depending on the size of the load),” wrote Justin Redman an associate staff writer at Wirecutter. “And because the drum can hold only a few (items)… I was constantly behind on laundry, always playing catch-up.”

My colleague Bimini Wright wrote a love letter to her teeny portable washing machine for the San Francisco Chronicle. I think she’d agree with me in saying that electric is the way to go. The reason? Their spin cycles! “I couldn’t believe just how much water had been extracted," Wright wrote. "I couldn’t remove any more drops of water even if I wrung them."

Water Management

Since portable washers hook up to your sink, be sure you have the proper spout that can attach the appliance to your sink with the included hose — or be prepared to fill up the washer manually with a bucket.

We also recommend installing the portable washer near a toilet, bathtub, or drain for easily emptying the dirty water after the wash cycles are completed.

Most models come with all the necessary attachments, be sure to reference the portable washer’s manual to ensure it’ll work in your setup prior to purchasing.

Now that you know what to look for, find the best portable washer for your needs and budget among these vetted products.