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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Portable Washing Machines

Laundry without hookupsβ€”portable washers let apartment dwellers skip the laundromat. We compared what actually cleans clothes and what's just a bucket with a motor.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Portable Twin Tub Washer

Giantex

Portable Twin Tub Washer

4.3 (23,456 reviews)

The apartment dweller's secret weapon. Fill from the sink, drain into the tub, wear clean clothes. No hookups, no landlord permission, no laundromat.

Wash Capacity

18 lbs

Spin Capacity

8 lbs

Power

110V

Weight

28 lbs

Pros

  • βœ“ Separate wash and spin tubs
  • βœ“ No hookups required
  • βœ“ Lightweight portable

Cons

  • βœ— Manual water fill
  • βœ— Small loads only
  • βœ— No hot water hookup

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Portable Twin Tub Washer
Portable Twin Tub Washer Best
Giantex
4.3
$159 View
Portable Automatic Washer
Portable Automatic Washer Value
COMFEE'
4.4
$319 View
Compact Top Load Washer
Compact Top Load Washer
Magic Chef
4.2
$389 View
Portable Mini Washing Machine
Portable Mini Washing Machine
Pyle
4.1
$89 View
BPWM09W Portable Washer
BPWM09W Portable Washer
BLACK+DECKER
4.3
$279 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Portable Twin Tub Washer

Giantex

Portable Twin Tub Washer

4.3 (23,456 reviews)

The apartment dweller's secret weapon. Fill from the sink, drain into the tub, wear clean clothes. No hookups, no landlord permission, no laundromat.

Wash Capacity

18 lbs

Spin Capacity

8 lbs

Power

110V

Weight

28 lbs

Pros

  • βœ“ Separate wash and spin tubs
  • βœ“ No hookups required
  • βœ“ Lightweight portable

Cons

  • βœ— Manual water fill
  • βœ— Small loads only
  • βœ— No hot water hookup
Best Value
Portable Automatic Washer

COMFEE'

Portable Automatic Washer

4.4 (18,765 reviews)

The upgrade from manual fill. Connect to your kitchen sink, select a cycle, walk away. Automatic like a real washer, portable like you need.

Capacity

1.6 cu ft

Programs

6

Connection

Sink faucet

Spin Speed

700 RPM

Pros

  • βœ“ Connects to sink faucet
  • βœ“ Automatic cycles
  • βœ“ 6 wash programs

Cons

  • βœ— Requires faucet adapter
  • βœ— Still small capacity
  • βœ— Adapter doesn't fit all faucets
Premium Pick
Compact Top Load Washer

Magic Chef

Compact Top Load Washer

4.2 (8,765 reviews)

The closest thing to a real washer without permanent hookups. Stainless steel tub means no plastic smell and better cleaning.

Capacity

1.6 cu ft

Programs

5

Tub

Stainless steel

Weight

55 lbs

Pros

  • βœ“ Largest portable capacity
  • βœ“ 5 wash cycles
  • βœ“ Stainless steel tub

Cons

  • βœ— Heavier, less portable
  • βœ— Still needs manual drainage
  • βœ— Takes up more space
Budget Pick
Portable Mini Washing Machine

Pyle

Portable Mini Washing Machine

4.1 (34,567 reviews)

For delicates, underwear, and quick refreshes. Won't replace a real washer, but it'll keep you in clean basics between laundromat trips.

Capacity

4.5 lbs

Type

Manual spin

Power

110V

Weight

12 lbs

Pros

  • βœ“ Ultra compact
  • βœ“ Very affordable
  • βœ“ Great for delicates

Cons

  • βœ— Very small capacity
  • βœ— Manual everything
  • βœ— Won't handle heavy items
BPWM09W Portable Washer

BLACK+DECKER

BPWM09W Portable Washer

4.3 (15,678 reviews)

A name you know in portable form. BLACK+DECKER brings their reliability to apartment laundry.

Capacity

0.9 cu ft

Programs

5

Display

LED

Features

Delay start

Pros

  • βœ“ Brand reliability
  • βœ“ 5 cycles
  • βœ“ LED display

Cons

  • βœ— Mid-range capacity
  • βœ— Adapter quality varies
  • βœ— Customer service issues

Buying Guide: How to Choose Portable Washing Machines

Portable Washing Machines: Laundry Without Hookups

Why Go Portable?
  • Apartment doesn't allow washer installation
    - No laundry hookups
    - RV or boat living
    - Supplement main washer for delicates
    - Temporary housing situations

    ### Types of Portable Washers

    Twin Tub:
    - Separate wash and spin compartments
    - Manual water fill and transfer
    - Most affordable
    - More hands-on

    Single Tub Automatic:
    - One drum, automatic cycles
    - Connects to sink faucet
    - More like a real washer
    - Higher price

    Mini/Compact:
    - Very small loads only
    - Good for delicates
    - True portability
    - Limited cleaning power

    ### What to Expect
    - Smaller loads than full-size (3-8 lbs typical)
    - Manual water temperature control (mix at sink)
    - Drainage into sink or tub
    - Won't handle heavy items well (jeans, towels)
    - Perfect for everyday clothes and delicates

    ### Installation Tips
    - Check faucet thread compatibility
    - Keep near sink for filling/draining
    - Level surface prevents walking
    - Store when not in use to save space
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Washing Machines

    Do portable washers actually clean clothes?

    Yes, surprisingly well for light to medium soiled items. Don't expect them to handle heavily soiled work clothes or large items like comforters, but for everyday clothes, they're effective.

    What about hot water?

    Most portable washers don't heat waterβ€”you control temperature at the faucet. Mix to desired temp before filling. Some newer models have heating elements.

    Where does the water drain?

    Into your sink, bathtub, or bucket. Most have drain hoses you position. Some connect directly to sink drain. Never leave unattended during drainage.

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