The best top-load washers, according to Consumer Reports

A top-load washer that shreds fabric or wastes water and energy ends up costing more in the long run than the sticker price suggests. Agitator models clean well but tend to be rougher on clothes than other washer styles, so balancing cleaning power against fabric care and efficiency matters more than it might seem.

Consumer Reports tested top-load agitator washing machines for cleaning performance, water and energy efficiency, noise, vibration and gentleness on fabric.

Credit: LG

The LG WT8405CW costs $828 and topped Consumer Reports' ratings among top-load agitator washers, while also costing less to run annually than every other washer in this lineup, at an estimated $33. CR rated cleaning performance and water efficiency excellent, with a very good energy-efficiency score, though like many agitator washers, this model isn't especially gentle on clothes. CR noted a long 90-minute wash cycle and some noise during operation, though an excellent vibration score keeps the machine from rumbling noticeably. The 5.3-cubic-foot stainless steel tub easily handles large loads, and features include a dispenser that adds detergent automatically, a bonus rinse setting and WiFi connectivity for tracking loads remotely.

Credit: LG

The LG WT7005CW costs $699 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation, scoring among the strong performers in this lineup for cleaning ability, how little water it uses and its power draw. CR found it isn't especially gentle on clothes, but it cleans quickly with a 70-minute normal or heavy cycle, and testers noted excellent results for vibration and noise, so the 4.3-cubic-foot drum runs with barely a sound. That capacity is somewhat smaller than other higher-rated agitators in this lineup, making large bedding a tight fit. CR noted this washer offers strong performance and efficiency in a compact size for anyone without oversized laundry needs.

Credit: LG

The LG WT7155CW costs $1,199 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation, with top-notch washing and water efficiency along with a strong energy-efficiency rating. CR found the 70-minute cycle spins clothes drier than average before they go in the dryer, and the roomy 4.8-cubic-foot capacity handles relatively large loads, backed by dispensers that add detergent and softener automatically, a temperature-sensing feature and a stainless steel tub. CR noted it isn't especially quiet, with middling noise levels, and tests showed it's fairly rough on clothes, scoring below par for gentleness. Strong cleaning and efficiency scores against below-par gentleness make it a solid pick for anyone prioritizing wash quality over delicate fabric care.

Credit: Samsung

The Samsung WA44A3205AW costs $599 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation as a budget-friendly option, with washing performance and fabric gentleness that landed in the middle of the pack. CR found it both water- and energy-efficient, along with light vibration and a fairly quiet operation. The washer offers a 4.4-cubic-foot capacity and a quick 70-minute cycle time, with a temperature-sensing feature, a dispenser that adds detergent automatically and a stainless steel drum rounding out the design. That efficient, quiet operation at a lower price point makes it a practical entry point for shoppers on a budget.

Credit: Samsung

The Samsung WA46CG3505AW costs $649 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation, standing out for how little water it takes to wash an 8-pound load and how little it shakes during a cycle, while staying notably quiet. CR found washing performance and gentleness both came back just okay, while the 4.6-cubic-foot capacity pairs with a fast 65-minute normal or heavy cycle. The washer also includes auto dispensers and WiFi remote access, and CR noted it stands 46 inches high, taller than every other agitator washer in this lineup. That quiet, water-efficient operation makes it a reasonable pick for anyone prioritizing low noise over top-tier cleaning power.

Credit: Best Buy

The Insignia NS-WMT41WA5 costs $500 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation as a Best Buy $BBY house brand that has built a strong reliability record in CR's member surveys despite its budget pricing. CR found the machine cleans well, conserves water and treats fabric gently, though its energy use and noise levels came back middle-of-the-pack. CR noted the price recently rose by $100 but remains well below pricier competitors in this lineup, even as annual operating cost and water-efficiency ratings came back only middling. CR flagged an unfavorable owner satisfaction score as a red flag, indicating members are unlikely to recommend the brand to family or friends despite the washer's solid test performance.

Credit: Lowe's

The Samsung WA54CG7105AD costs $848 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation, doing a decent job cleaning laundry while scoring impressively for energy and water efficiency. CR found it fairly rough on fabrics like other agitator models in this lineup, but quiet with barely any vibration during operation. The 5.4-cubic-foot stainless tub fits large loads, with WiFi connectivity available for tracking progress remotely, along with a feature that senses water temperature and dispensers that add bleach and detergent on their own. That strong efficiency paired with quiet operation makes it a solid pick for anyone prioritizing low noise alongside decent cleaning power.

Credit: GE Appliances

The GE Profile PTW705BSTWS costs $799 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation, with excellent marks in washing performance and vibration testing along with a very good energy-efficiency score. CR found it fares less well for water efficiency, noise and gentleness on fabric compared with other washers in this lineup. Despite the agitator spindle, the large 5.3-cubic-foot tub easily handles big loads, though CR noted a long 105-minute normal or heavy cycle time may test some users' patience. That strong washing performance paired with a lengthy cycle time makes it a solid choice for anyone willing to trade speed for cleaning power.