10 Best Portable Washing Machines
Compare top portable washers that connect to any faucet and store anywhere.
Rachel Wharton April 28, 2026 5 min read
- ✓1.7 cu ft capacity
- ✓Washes up to 11 lbs
- ✓6 wash cycle selections
- ✓Stainless steel tub
- ✓3 water level choices
Check Price300+ bought last month
- ✓1.7 cu ft capacity
- ✓Washes up to 11 lbs
- ✓6 wash cycle selections
- ✓Stainless steel tub
- ✓3 water level choices
Check Price300+ bought last month
- ✓0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓6.6 lb load capacity
- ✓5 wash cycles
- ✓Stainless steel tub
- ✓Cold water wash only
Check Price100+ bought last month
- ✓0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓6.6 lb load capacity
- ✓5 wash cycles
- ✓Stainless steel tub
- ✓Cold water wash only
Check Price100+ bought last month
- ✓0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓5 wash programs
- ✓3 water levels
- ✓840 RPM spin speed
- ✓Auto unbalance detection
Check Price500+ bought last month
- ✓0.9 cu ft capacity
- ✓5 wash programs
- ✓3 water levels
- ✓840 RPM spin speed
- ✓Auto unbalance detection
Check Price500+ bought last month
- ✓1.6 cu ft capacity
- ✓11 lbs load capacity
- ✓6 wash programs
- ✓Stainless steel inner tub
- ✓3 water temperatures
Check Price200+ bought last month
- ✓1.6 cu ft capacity
- ✓11 lbs load capacity
- ✓6 wash programs
- ✓Stainless steel inner tub
- ✓3 water temperatures
Check Price200+ bought last month
- ✓20 lbs total capacity
- ✓12 lbs washer capacity
- ✓8 lbs spinner capacity
- ✓330W wash power
- ✓Timer control knobs
- ✓20 lbs total capacity
- ✓12 lbs washer capacity
- ✓8 lbs spinner capacity
- ✓330W wash power
- ✓Timer control knobs
- ✓12 lbs wash capacity
- ✓8 lbs spin capacity
- ✓1300 RPM motor
- ✓260W wash motor
- ✓140W spin turbine
Check Price- ✓12 lbs wash capacity
- ✓8 lbs spin capacity
- ✓1300 RPM motor
- ✓260W wash motor
- ✓140W spin turbine
Check Price
- ✓2.1 cu ft capacity
- ✓6 wash cycles
- ✓8 water levels
- ✓Stainless steel tub
- ✓LED display panel
Check Price50+ bought last month
- ✓2.1 cu ft capacity
- ✓6 wash cycles
- ✓8 water levels
- ✓Stainless steel tub
- ✓LED display panel
Check Price50+ bought last month
- ✓20 lbs total capacity
- ✓12 lbs wash capacity
- ✓8 lbs spin capacity
- ✓300W wash power
- ✓110W spin power
- ✓20 lbs total capacity
- ✓12 lbs wash capacity
- ✓8 lbs spin capacity
- ✓300W wash power
- ✓110W spin power
- ✓18 lbs wash capacity
- ✓10 lbs spin capacity
- ✓1300 RPM motor
- ✓Built in drain pump
- ✓Overheat protection
- ✓18 lbs wash capacity
- ✓10 lbs spin capacity
- ✓1300 RPM motor
- ✓Built in drain pump
- ✓Overheat protection
- ✓2.8 cu ft capacity
- ✓20 lbs load capacity
- ✓10 wash programs
- ✓8 water levels
- ✓Built in drain pump
Check Price200+ bought last month
- ✓2.8 cu ft capacity
- ✓20 lbs load capacity
- ✓10 wash programs
- ✓8 water levels
- ✓Built in drain pump
Check Price200+ bought last month
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Why a Portable Washing Machine Makes Sense for Small Spaces
A portable washing machine solves laundry challenges without requiring permanent installation or a dedicated laundry room. These compact units give you washing freedom whether you're in an apartment, RV, dorm, or rental property where traditional machines aren't an option.
- No hookup requirements: Most models connect to any kitchen or bathroom faucet with a standard adapter, then drain into a sink or tub
- Move anywhere: Lightweight designs with wheels let you roll the unit into a closet or under a counter when not in use
- Rental-friendly: Zero installation means no landlord approval needed and you can take it when you move
- Lower utility costs: Smaller water and energy consumption compared to full-size washers means cheaper operating expenses
- Faster cycles: Most portable washers complete a full wash in 30-45 minutes versus the hour-plus standard machines require
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Washing Machine
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Determines how much laundry you can wash per cycle and whether the unit suits your household size | 0.9 cu ft handles 6-7 lbs (good for singles), 1.6-2.1 cu ft manages 11-15 lbs (works for couples or small families), twin tubs rated in pounds rather than cubic feet |
| Tub Configuration | Single-tub models automate the full cycle while twin-tub designs require manual transfer between wash and spin compartments | Single tubs offer convenience but take longer; twin tubs let you wash the next load while spinning the previous one, cutting total laundry time significantly |
| Drain Method | Affects where you can use the machine and how much effort setup requires | Gravity drains need the machine positioned above the drain point; pump drains can sit at any height and push water up to 8 feet, offering more placement flexibility |
| Control Type | Digital panels offer precise cycle customization while mechanical dials provide simpler operation with fewer potential failure points | Digital controls typically include more wash programs and timers; mechanical knobs are straightforward and easier to repair if something breaks |
| Footprint | Physical dimensions determine whether the unit fits your available space and storage areas | Measure your intended spot carefully; some models are tall and narrow while others spread wider but sit lower, affecting counter clearance and doorway passage |
Best Portable Washing Machines Worth Your Attention
These six models represent the strongest options currently available for different needs and spaces.
| Product | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu Ft Washer | Best overall performance and capacity balance | Check Price |
| BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W Washer | Runner-up with proven reliability | Check Price |
| COMFEE' 0.9 Cu Ft Washer | Budget-conscious singles and students | Check Price |
| COMFEE' 1.6 Cu Ft Washer | Families needing more capacity | Check Price |
| COSTWAY 20 Lbs Twin Tub Washer | Speed-focused users willing to manual transfer | Check Price |
| Giantex 20 Lbs Twin Tub Washer | High-volume washing on a budget | Check Price |
The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu Ft Washer earns the top spot by offering the sweet spot between capacity and footprint, with enough room for comforters and multiple outfits while maintaining apartment-friendly dimensions that won't dominate your space.
Getting the Most From Your Portable Washing Machine
Start with lighter loads than you think the capacity allows. While a 1.6 cu ft unit technically holds 11 pounds, packing it completely full prevents proper agitation and leaves clothes poorly cleaned. Fill the drum about three-quarters full for best results, allowing items to move freely through the water. This approach also reduces vibration and extends the machine's lifespan.
Water temperature makes a bigger difference in portable washers than full-size models since cycle times are shorter. Hot water tackles heavily soiled items and sanitizes effectively, but cold water works perfectly fine for lightly worn clothes and saves the energy needed to heat it. Mix hot and cold at the faucet before the water enters the machine for warm wash cycles, as most portables lack internal heating elements.
Proper balancing prevents the walk-across-the-floor dance during spin cycles. The BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W Washer handles this particularly well with its suspension system, but you should still arrange heavy items like jeans opposite lighter garments to distribute weight evenly around the drum.
Clean the lint filter after every few washes rather than waiting until drainage slows. Portable units have smaller filters that clog faster than traditional machines, and a blocked filter reduces cleaning performance while making the pump work harder. Quick rinses with white vinegar once monthly prevent detergent buildup and keep interior surfaces fresh, especially important since portable washers often sit in humid bathrooms between uses.