The Top 7 Portable Washing Machines You Need to Know About

Top Pick

The Comfee portable washing machine stands out as our top overall choice. It offers many of the same benefits as a full-sized washer but in a more compact and lighter design. While it may be a bit too large for those with minimal space, if you can fit its 37.4 by 22.2-inch frame, it's perfect for individuals, couples, or small families. You can even wash larger items like sheet sets, bath towels, and jeans with ease.

With an impressive 2.4-cubic-foot capacity, this portable washing machine lets you wash more clothes at once, saving you both time and energy. It offers eight wash cycles and three water levels, accommodating various fabrics and soil conditions. The LED display makes it simple to adjust settings, while the child lock ensures safety. Additional features include an auto-clean function and a delayed start option, allowing you to schedule laundry at your convenience.

This machine also features a turbo wash function, increasing water flow and speed to deliver the same cleaning power in 20% less time. We appreciate the soft-close black matte glass lid—no more noisy slamming! Weighing just over 88 pounds, this energy-efficient Comfee model is lighter than most comparable machines, making it easier to move when needed.

Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Dimensions: 21.7 x 22.2 x 37.4 inches | Weight: 88.2 pounds | Wash Cycles: 8

Best Value

This nifty machine makes washing up to 9 pounds of laundry a breeze, even in tight spaces. Its compact size is perfect for dorm rooms, studio apartments, and RVs. Weighing just 22 pounds, you can easily take it with you on trips, whether it’s to an Airbnb or even camping (just remember, it needs an electrical outlet to operate).

The ZenStyle Portable Washer is made of plastic and features two tubs—one for washing and soaking at 240 watts, and the other for spinning dry at 120 watts before you hang the clothes to dry. It has three simple control dials: a wash timer (up to 15 minutes), a cycle setting (soft, standard, or draining), and a spin timer.

Equipped with a 6.5-foot inlet hose, this washer can easily be connected to a water source (or you can manually add water if no hookup is available). It also comes with a drain hose for removing dirty water. Its energy efficiency is top-notch, using minimal water and power, and it saves on laundry detergent too, requiring only a tablespoon per load. Additionally, this machine runs quietly due to its small motors, which are not powerful enough to create much noise.

Capacity: 1.12 cubic feet | Dimensions: 14.6 x 22.1 x 22.7 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Wash Cycles: 1

Ideal for Apartments

The Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer's small footprint allows it to fit easily into tight spaces, yet it still provides a generous 1.7-cubic-foot capacity. Its top-loading design makes for easy loading and unloading, and it operates quietly, ensuring you won’t disturb your household or neighbors.

Featuring electronic controls and an LED display, this model also includes a delayed start feature so you can take advantage of lower utility rates even when you're not home. An audible alert will notify you when your laundry is done, and the transparent lid allows you to check on the load. There are six wash cycles to choose from, including delicate, bulky, and heavy duty, plus three adjustable water levels to match the size of your load.

The machine comes with a one-year parts warranty, and its high-quality stainless steel drum is a standout feature—regarded as the most durable option by Howard. Weighing in at nearly 73 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight for its size, but if you need extra help moving it, you can purchase Magic Chef's adjustable portable compact washer dolly with wheels for around $30.

Capacity: 1.7 cubic feet | Dimensions: 20.3 x 20.7 x 36.6 inches | Weight: 72.8 pounds | Cycles: 6

Best Manual

This charming retro-style washer is not only fun to look at but also stands out in a sea of portable washing machines. The Wonder Wash is a manual washing system that cleans small loads in just one to two minutes. With no need for water or electricity hookups, it’s gentle on clothes and helps maintain their quality. It can wash up to eight dresses, 10 T-shirts, or two pairs of jeans at a time.

Weighing only 6 pounds and standing just 16 inches tall, this compact washer is perfect for off-grid living, camping, RV travel, small apartments, or anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It can be easily stored and even placed on a countertop. Plus, its grippy feet keep it stable as you crank away.

When it comes to cranking, you'll only need to turn the handle for a couple of minutes, but be prepared to work up a sweat. Without a spinner, you’ll need some extra effort to wring out your clothes. The cleaning power depends on how hard and long you crank, but the machine uses just 2.6 gallons of water per load and needs very little detergent—just a tablespoon or two will get the job done.

Capacity: 0.73 cubic feet | Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 12 inches | Weight: 6 pounds

Ideal for Camping

For avid campers, especially those who enjoy hiking, packing light is essential. In such cases, bringing along a standard portable washing machine can be impractical. The Scrubba Portable Washing Machine, however, was specifically created for campers, travelers, or anyone visiting places without access to laundry facilities. Its compact size allows it to fit easily in a backpack, adding virtually no extra weight.

Although calling this compact device a washing machine might seem excessive, that’s precisely what it is. Measuring only 6.3 by 2.3 inches, this clever gadget can fold down small enough to slip into a pocket. Essentially, it’s a bag with a built-in washboard. To use it, simply load the clothes, add up to 3.4 gallons of water, a tablespoon of detergent (or more for dirtier clothes), and seal the bag shut.

Once the bag is sealed, knead it for a few minutes to let the internal washboard agitate the clothes and ensure a thorough cleaning. The window on the bag allows you to check the progress. Afterward, remove the clothes, wring them out, and hang them to dry. This budget-friendly gadget makes it possible to clean clothes anywhere, anytime. It comes in four colors and is covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Capacity: 0.45 cubic feet | Size: 6.3 by 2.36 by 2.36 inches | Weight: 0.33 pounds | Cycles: None

Best Compact

Despite its small size, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine delivers effective laundry solutions whether you’re traveling or need a space-saving option at home. Weighing just 11 pounds, this machine is easy to move around and doesn’t sacrifice performance. With a 5.5-pound capacity, it’s great for smaller loads such as T-shirts, socks, underwear, small towels, or lightweight pants.

This innovative two-in-one model merges both the washing and spinning functions into a single tub, with a convenient control knob at the top to operate both. To power the 170-watt motor, the unit must be plugged into an electrical outlet, and it features an integrated drain hose for easy water disposal after washing.

Using this tough, rust-resistant plastic washer is simple: load your laundry, add water and detergent, select the wash time using the rotating timer knob, and start the cycle. Washing takes just 10 minutes, while spinning takes only 5 minutes, quickly leaving your clothes fresh and clean. While the washer holds 5.5 pounds of laundry, the spin-dry function can only handle 1.1 pounds at a time, so you may need to split larger loads into multiple spin cycles.

Capacity: 0.3 cubic feet | Size: 14 by 1 by 20 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Cycles: 1

Best Large Capacity

For those with larger laundry demands, this Black+Decker Portable Washer is a great choice. Whether you're cleaning clothes for a bigger family or tackling oversized items, it excels in both capacity and performance. With up to 3 cubic feet of drum space, it can easily accommodate bulky items like blankets, comforters, or duvet inserts. Despite its sizable capacity, it remains portable with built-in rollers, side handles, and a lightweight frame, making it easy to move wherever needed. It also features an adjustable leveling leg.

This versatile washer offers flexibility to handle various fabrics, load sizes, and soil levels. It boasts six different wash cycles (including heavy, delicate, quick, and bulky), three water temperature options (hot, warm, and cold), and three water level settings. Each setting is controlled by a one-touch button, and the LED digital display uses indicator lights to confirm your selection.

Additional features include automatic shut-off, unbalance detection, child lock, a delayed start function of up to 24 hours, and a top-loading transparent lid that makes loading clothes and monitoring the washing cycle easy. The package comes with a drain hose, water supply hose, and a quick-connect sink adapter.

Capacity: 3.0 cubic feet | Size: 24.8 by 23.7 by 39.4 inches | Weight: 99.2 pounds | Cycles: 6

Final Verdict

The energy-efficient Comfee Washing Machine stands out as our top pick for the best portable washer. With a spacious 2.4 cubic feet capacity, eight wash cycles, three water levels, and impressive features like an LED display, child lock, auto-clean function, delayed start, and a soft-closing lid, it delivers both convenience and efficiency. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, we suggest considering the ZenStyle Portable Washer.

How to Shop for Portable Washing Machines Like a Pro

Capacity

The capacity of a portable washing machine is a key factor to consider when making your purchase. These machines typically range from 0.3 to 3 cubic feet. A larger 3-cubic-foot model, such as the Black+Decker Portable Washer, can handle a set of bedding and a few towels, while a smaller 0.3-cubic-foot unit is best for washing only a few clothing items at a time.

Howard mentions that electric portable washers typically accommodate between 6 and 14 pounds of laundry, while manual models usually have a 5-pound capacity. While most people prefer larger machines, it's essential to factor in the size of your space and budget, as high-capacity washers tend to be bulkier and cost more.

Size and Maneuverability

Portable washing machines vary greatly in size, with smaller models measuring around 15 inches tall and 12 inches wide, while large-capacity versions can reach 40 inches in height and 24 inches in width. The weight also differs, ranging from 6 to 100 pounds. Naturally, smaller and lighter units are easier to move, but some larger models come equipped with handles and wheels to improve portability.

If you're planning to use your portable washer occasionally for activities like camping or in an average-sized RV, a more compact and lightweight model such as the The Wonder Wash or the Scrubba Portable Washing Machine is the perfect choice. For RV living, small apartments, or as a secondary option, you may prefer a larger portable washing machine like the Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer. While it is heavier and taller than other models, its larger capacity and improved features make it an excellent choice for regular laundry when you're not moving it often.

Cycles

Manual washers typically only offer a basic cycle, while electric portable washers may feature anywhere from one to eight different cycles, such as normal, heavy, delicate, speed, bulky, and spin-only options.

To choose a portable washing machine with the right number of cycles for your needs, consider the types of items you’ll wash most often. For example, if you're washing heavy loads like denim or bedding, a high-capacity washer with a heavy-duty cycle is essential. If you’ll mostly be washing delicate fabrics, such as baby clothes, bras, and underwear, look for a washer with a delicate cycle option.

Installation Requirements

Only electric portable washing machines have specific installation needs. Manual washers typically require no setup at all—just add water, your favorite detergent, and dirty clothes, and start cranking or kneading. Some come with a drainage hose for dirty water disposal. Most electric washers only need an electrical outlet and a faucet connection to operate. Larger electric models may be connected directly to a drain pipe, or they too will come with a drainage hose.

Portable washers usually come with all the necessary components, including water hoses and sink connectors, along with clear instructions for installation. It’s a fairly straightforward process, and you can likely complete it on your own. Simply screw the clean water hose onto the faucet, then connect the drainage hose to a sink, bathtub, or drain. Ensure the hose is positioned properly to prevent leaks or spills. Plug the machine into an electrical outlet and hit start.

If you don’t feel confident setting up the electric washer by yourself, consider hiring a plumber or handyman. Some larger portable washing machines can also be permanently hooked up to water and electricity, which can be ideal for small apartments in need of a washer. However, this installation is best left to a professional unless you’re experienced with such tasks.

When installing an electric portable washing machine, make sure the outlet you plug it into is grounded and capable of handling its voltage and current requirements. Avoid using an extension cord, as it may not provide enough power and could present a safety hazard. Always read the manual thoroughly and ensure you're comfortable with the installation process before making your purchase.

Questions You Might Ask

Are portable washing machines worth it?

While portable washing machines may not offer the same capacity, power, or range of features as full-size washers, they come with distinct benefits. They’re typically smaller, lighter, and more budget-friendly. If you need a secondary washer, a portable model for trips, camping, have limited apartment space, or a constrained budget, a portable washing machine is definitely worth considering.

Can you wash sheets and jeans in a portable washing machine?

A portable washing machine with a capacity of 2 to 3 cubic feet can handle lighter sheets, a couple of pairs of jeans, or a few bath towels. Models with less than 1 cubic foot of capacity are more suited for washing T-shirts, underwear, and other light, everyday clothing. "Portable washers are designed for smaller loads, as the motors and transmissions can’t handle heavier bedding or multiple towels," Howard explains. He advises adhering to the manufacturer’s load size recommendations to ensure the machine lasts longer and to avoid overworking the motor.

Do portable washing machines use a lot of electricity and water?

Since portable washers are considerably smaller than traditional washing machines, they consume less water and electricity, resulting in lower utility costs. For instance, a standard washing machine typically uses about 0.3 to 0.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per load, while a portable electric washer generally uses only 0.1 to 0.3 kWh per load.

When it comes to water usage, a standard washing machine can use anywhere from 15 to 30 gallons per load, whereas a portable washer uses between 5 to 15 gallons per load. These figures are approximations and may vary based on factors like load size, the chosen wash cycle, and the energy efficiency of the machine. For further energy savings, Howard recommends selecting Energy Star-rated models.

What is the life expectancy of a portable washing machine?

"Portable washers typically last between five and seven years," says Howard. He adds that full-size washers generally last longer, about seven to ten years. Portable washers have a shorter lifespan because of their design and lighter materials. Howard recommends choosing a stainless steel drum for better durability.

Other factors that can affect the longevity of a portable washing machine include how often it's used, lack of proper care or maintenance (such as making sure to clean the inside), poor water quality, and environmental factors like humidity, moisture, or exposure to the elements (for instance, if the washer is kept on a covered balcony or in a damp basement).

Trust Us on This

This article was crafted by Kat de Naoum, a seasoned writer with more than 11 years of experience. Kat has been contributing to Mytour since 2019 and serves as the editor-at-large for Thomas-Xometry, a prominent online platform in the U.S. for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat carefully evaluated various portable washing machine models, examining factors such as capacity, size, ease of movement, cycle options, installation needs, and overall value. Expert insights were also provided by Alan Howard, the owner of Plesser’s Appliances in Babylon, New York, and the founder of the online appliance community Just Ask Al.

Sophie Dodd also played a role in contributing to this article.