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Appliances Washers & Dryers

Best Washing Machines Under $500

Updated February 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Black+Decker Portable Laundry Washing Machine
Black+Decker
Portable Laundry Washing Machine
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Tiny but Effective

Despite its smaller capacity, our cleaning expert appreciates this machine's LED display and wide variety of features and settings.

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Amazon $239

$239 at Amazon
$249 at Walmart
Tiny but Effective
Bottom Line

Despite its smaller capacity, our cleaning expert appreciates this machine's LED display and wide variety of features and settings.

Pros

Features an LED status display and a transparent top. 5-cycle selector, with a choice of 3 water levels. Holds up to 6.6 pounds of laundry. Auto-shutoff if the lid opens, and automatic load balancing. Very quiet. Spin cycle is very effective.

Cons

Can only use cold water. Capacity is less than other options.

Best Bang for the Buck
Super Deal Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
Super Deal
Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
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Separate Spinning

A lightweight and affordable unit with a twin tub design for simultaneous washing and spinning of loads.

$89 at Amazon
Separate Spinning
Bottom Line

A lightweight and affordable unit with a twin tub design for simultaneous washing and spinning of loads.

Pros

Twin tubs let you wash and spin loads at the same time. Lightweight and easy to move. No assembly required. Washer can hold up to 8 pounds, while the spinner can hold 5 pounds. Affordable and energy efficient. Has both washer and spinner timers.

Cons

Instructions are very minimal. Both the drainage and intake hoses are pretty short.

COMFEE' 2.4 Cu. Ft LED Portable Washing Machine
COMFEE'
2.4 Cu. Ft LED Portable Washing Machine
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Full-featured Size

Our cleaning expert likes the automation of this sleek machine that comes equipped with 3 washing cycles.

$419 at Amazon
Full-featured Size
Bottom Line

Our cleaning expert likes the automation of this sleek machine that comes equipped with 3 washing cycles.

Pros

Almost regular size at 2.4 cubic feet capacity to do average-sized loads for one or two people. Fully automated and full-featured for its size. Large metal drum with impeller paddles fits more laundry. The soft-close lid won’t bang when dropped.

Cons

Washing cycles can be quirky. Multiple rinses use extra water.

Panda Portable Washing Machine, 1.34 cu. ft.
Panda
Portable Washing Machine, 1.34 cu. ft.
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Multiple Options

This under-$300 washer has 10 different wash cycles and gets the nod from our expert due to its portability.

$252 at Amazon
Multiple Options
Bottom Line

This under-$300 washer has 10 different wash cycles and gets the nod from our expert due to its portability.

Pros

1.34 cubic-foot capacity can hold a full load or 8-10 pounds of laundry. The see-through lid lets you check on your laundry. The LED display is easy to understand and use. Casters make the washer portable. The Impeller drum fits more clothes.

Cons

Although it can connect to a household faucet, some faucets don’t fit the adaptor.

Helohome Portable Washing Machine, 1.6 cu. ft.
Helohome
Portable Washing Machine, 1.6 cu. ft.
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Best for Small Spaces

A compact yet fully automated washer on wheels is ideal for dorms, campers, and any other tight living areas.

$349 at Amazon
Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

A compact yet fully automated washer on wheels is ideal for dorms, campers, and any other tight living areas.

Pros

Holds a full load (11 pounds) of laundry in 1.6 cubic feet of capacity. The bright display shows cycle time. Automated programs with control panel. Can use separate hot and cold taps. Agitator-free tub to fit more laundry. Has casters.

Cons

Normal cycle has minimal rinse. Can be a little noisy.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
November 24, 2021
40
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Black+Decker
Best of the Best
Black+Decker
Portable Laundry Washing Machine
Bottom Line
Despite its smaller capacity, our cleaning expert appreciates this machine's LED display and wide variety of features and settings.
Shop Now
Super Deal
Best Bang for the Buck
Super Deal
Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
Bottom Line
A lightweight and affordable unit with a twin tub design for simultaneous washing and spinning of loads.
Shop Now
COMFEE'
Top Pick
COMFEE'
2.4 Cu. Ft LED Portable Washing Machine
Bottom Line
Our cleaning expert likes the automation of this sleek machine that comes equipped with 3 washing cycles.
Shop Now
Panda
Top Pick
Panda
Portable Washing Machine, 1.34 cu. ft.
Bottom Line
This under-$300 washer has 10 different wash cycles and gets the nod from our expert due to its portability.
Shop Now
Helohome
Top Pick
Helohome
Portable Washing Machine, 1.6 cu. ft.
Bottom Line
A compact yet fully automated washer on wheels is ideal for dorms, campers, and any other tight living areas.
Shop Now
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