The 10 best washing machines of 2026: Consumer Reports

Laundry technology has changed more in the past three years than in the previous decade, with manufacturers adding AI-assisted cycles, cold-water cleaning modes, and built-in pet-hair removal features. The average American household runs roughly 300 loads per year, and the best and worst machines differ sharply in energy costs, cycle times, and fabric wear. Newer models now promise UV bacteria elimination and smarter dispensers that auto-dose detergent by load size.

Consumer Reports tested more than 100 washers on cleaning performance, water and energy efficiency, noise, vibration, and gentleness. These are the models that earned the highest marks in five categories.

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At $848, this 4.5-cubic-foot front-loader earned the top Overall Score of 87 among all washers Consumer Reports tested. Its 85-minute normal cycle is among the shortest for front-loaders, and it includes a steam setting, auto detergent dispenser, and WiFi connectivity. CR found no discernible flaws in its performance, awarding top marks for washing, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and quiet operation.

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Priced at $1,249, this 5.2-cubic-foot front-loader scored 86 overall and can handle the largest family loads. Consumer Reports noted its gentleness on clothing rates a notch above many competing front-loaders, earning a Very Good score in that test. CR also praised its first-rate predicted reliability and top marks across washing performance, water efficiency, and energy efficiency.

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This top-load agitator washer costs $828 and holds 5.3 cubic feet of laundry. Consumer Reports ranked it first among all agitator models, highlighting its $33 annual operating cost as the lowest in the category. CR noted excellent cleaning in its 90-minute cycle along with excellent water efficiency, though the machine is rough on fabrics and slightly noisy.

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Available for $699, this 4.3-cubic-foot agitator model has a normal cycle of just 70 minutes. Consumer Reports awarded near-top-level washing performance scores and praised its vibration and noise results, calling it barely noticeable during operation. CR rated it Very Good overall at 80 points, noting it is not gentle on clothes but cleans quickly and efficiently.

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Rated 86 overall, this $998 high-efficiency top-loader holds 5.5 cubic feet. Consumer Reports rated its washing performance, water efficiency, and vibration as excellent across the board. CR flagged its low gentleness score, warning it may cause wear on delicates and mixed loads, though the 75-minute cycle and quiet operation are among the strongest results in the HE category.

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For $828, this 5.5-cubic-foot HE top-loader scored 84 overall. Consumer Reports found its cleaning, water efficiency, and vibration test results excellent despite the machine being rough on clothing. CR described its 75-minute cycle as fairly quick and noted its stainless steel drum, sleek design, and auto dispensers as solid features below the $1,000 mark.

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Miele's $2,599 compact front-loader holds 2.26 cubic feet in a stackable frame. Consumer Reports gave it an Overall Score of 87 — tied for the highest among all washers tested — with top marks for washing, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and gentleness. CR members who own compact Miele machines reported high satisfaction and said they were extremely likely to recommend the brand.

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Nearly $500 less than pricier Miele compacts, this $1,999 model scored 85 overall with 2.26 cubic feet of capacity. Consumer Reports praised its excellent washing performance and top-notch energy and water efficiency, though it scored lower for gentleness on fabrics. CR noted a 95-minute cycle, auto dispensers, WiFi, and an extra rinse cycle, but no steam option.

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Holding 5.3 cubic feet, this $3,035 Samsung all-in-one has more capacity than any combo machine Consumer Reports tested. CR named it the top-rated all-in-one, with excellent washing performance and energy and water efficiency. CR cautioned that drying performance is less than satisfactory and the machine lacks a moisture sensor for auto-shutoff, a limitation shared by most combos tested.

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Quiet in drying mode, this $2,765 all-in-one scored 69 overall with 5 cubic feet of capacity. Consumer Reports awarded high marks for energy and water efficiency in washing mode. CR noted the machine tended to vibrate and was not especially gentle on clothing, and its drying performance — like all combos tested — fell below standard expectations.