We evaluated the top laundry baskets and hampers, and here are our top picks.

Best Hamper of All

The HomeHacks Large Laundry Basket is a durable and versatile laundry hamper. During our tests, we appreciated its practical design that makes it easy to move to the washer. The long handles are perfect for dragging the hamper on the ground when carrying heavy loads. The handles are also double-reinforced, ensuring they won’t tear over time, adding to its durability.

This laundry hamper features a sturdy metal frame, yet it remains incredibly lightweight, making it easy to move during testing. The fabric includes a waterproof lining, ensuring that spills or muddy clothing won’t damage the hamper. With a 75-liter capacity, it can hold a standard laundry load. However, be aware that it lacks ventilation holes, which may lead to odors building up.

An additional advantage of this laundry hamper is its multifunctional design. In addition to being ideal for laundry, it can also be used to store items like extra bedding or children's toys. Sold in a set of two, you could designate one for laundry and the other for household items. The simple gray-striped pattern complements various home décor, allowing you to keep it out in the open instead of hidden in a closet.

Type: Laundry hamper and basket | Material: Polyester | Size: 16 by 12 by 24 inches

Top Basket Pick

This collapsible laundry basket is perfect for most laundry needs. We appreciate its construction with plastic and rubber, two lightweight yet durable materials. It also features three handles, making it very convenient to carry and handle.

During testing, we found it easy to carry and balance this basket on one hip, thanks to the extra handle on the long side. The basket is collapsible, allowing you to store it neatly in a closet when not in use. With a 41-liter capacity, it's ideal for medium to large loads, though we found that larger loads might spill out, especially since it doesn’t have a lid.

This basket comes in a two-pack, giving you the option to use the second basket for overflow clothes or to separate laundry into light and dark loads. While it’s not the most fashionable, and you may not want it on display all the time, it certainly gets the job done.

Type: Laundry basket | Material: Plastic | Size: 18 by 10.5 by 23 in.

Top Budget Pick

This tote provides a practical solution for people who live in dorms or use laundromats. We appreciate its large capacity: During testing, it easily carried two full loads of laundry while still being more convenient to carry compared to standard laundry baskets.

Crafted from sturdy cotton, this tote can handle substantial weight and frequent pulling. It comes with aluminum handles that are easy to grip, and if it gets dirty, simply toss it in the washing machine for a quick clean.

We also appreciate how this bag can collapse and fold when not in use, making it a great space-saving option for those in smaller living spaces. However, if you enjoy its vintage look, you can leave it out as a hamper, as it maintains its shape and stands upright on its own. Just keep in mind that the tote is quite simple—there are no dividers to sort your laundry or pockets for storing items like detergent pods.

That said, if you're searching for an affordable, durable, and portable tote to simplify laundry days, this would be a solid option. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Mytour's parent company Dotdash Meredith.)

Type: Laundry tote and hamper | Material: Polyester, cotton | Dimensions: 43.2x21.6x64.1 inches

The Most Fashionable

The Seville Classics Woven Laundry Hamper features classic wicker that’s stylish enough to leave out in your room. It is available in various colors, so you can pick the one that best complements your space. This hamper comfortably holds a week’s worth of laundry, and its dual compartments make sorting laundry a breeze.

Each compartment is equipped with a breathable canvas liner, which is machine washable. You can easily throw them in the wash along with the rest of your laundry to freshen them up and remove any stains or odors. We find this hamper to be lightweight yet sturdy, and while it comes with handles, they might be hard to reach for those with smaller frames.

Due to its wide design (likely because of the divider), one tester who is 5-foot-3 had difficulty gripping both sides at the same time. If you plan to use the removable canvas bags or a separate basket to transport your laundry, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. Although this hamper is priced higher than others on the list, its stylish look and practical compartments make it a worthwhile addition to your home.

Type: Laundry hamper | Material: Polyethylene wicker, canvas | Size: 23 by 13 by 24 in.

Best for Small Spaces

If you're searching for a compact basket to move clothes from your hamper to the washing machine, the Yamazaki Tosca Wire Basket is a great choice. While it may not hold a full load, it's perfect for smaller loads such as delicates or mid-week laundry. The sturdy metal construction and collapsible wooden handles give it a stylish, functional appearance.

Thanks to its materials, this basket is heavier than plastic alternatives, but it’s still light enough for small loads. It's compact enough to store under a bed or in a closet, although we preferred keeping it out because of its attractive design. The versatility of this basket allows it to be repurposed for other tasks, like holding towels, making it a practical addition to any home.

This basket features natural gaps that allow for proper airflow, making it an excellent choice for transporting workout gear that needs to be laundered. Throughout our testing, we used this basket regularly to store sweaty gym clothes and move wet laundry from the washer to the drying rack without any concerns about mildew. While the price may be on the higher side, it's a worthwhile investment if you want a stylish and practical laundry basket for your home.

Type: Laundry basket | Material: Wood, steel, plastic, metal | Dimensions: 16 by 12 by 11 inches.

Final Review

Our top pick for laundry hampers, the HomeHacks Large Laundry Basket, features a sturdy, stain-resistant design that can handle heavy loads of clothing. If you prefer a laundry basket, we recommend the Sammart Collapsible Laundry Basket, thanks to its lightweight construction, collapsible feature, and triple-handle design that makes it much easier to transport.

Our Evaluation Process

In our search for the best laundry hampers and baskets, we tested 29 different models over a two-week period. These baskets were put to work during each laundry session, accommodating various load sizes.

To assess the ease of use for each laundry basket, we observed how easily or difficult it was to transport it up and down stairs while carrying a heavy load of laundry. We also took into account the basket's overall weight and how comfortable it was to handle when fully loaded.

Next, we looked into the design of each laundry basket. We evaluated its overall aesthetic, considering whether it was attractive enough to leave out in the open at home and whether it appeared too bulky. Additionally, we examined whether the basket could accommodate a standard or oversized laundry load.

For baskets and hampers with special features like wheels, removable liners, and collapsibility, we tested how well these features worked. We also checked whether the baskets could serve other purposes beyond laundry, such as storing various household items.

Then, we evaluated the durability of each basket. After handling heavy laundry loads throughout the testing process, we inspected the handles for any signs of wear, such as potential rips, breaks, or cracks. We also looked for ventilation holes that could help prevent mildew and assessed how easy it was to clean each material.

Finally, we determined the overall value of each product by considering both the price and its performance during our testing.

How to Choose the Right Laundry Hampers and Baskets Like an Expert

Category

The first decision to make is whether you need a laundry hamper, a basket, or perhaps both. Laundry hampers are used for storing dirty clothes until it's time to wash them. They typically feature a tall, narrow design, making them ideal for fitting into your closet. Hampers often include lids for a tidier appearance and may incorporate stylish elements. Some also feature ventilation to help prevent odors.

A laundry basket is used to move clothes from the hamper to the laundry and later store them. These baskets are generally lighter than hampers and feature handles for easier handling. Instead of a lid, they remain open at the top. If you’re at a laundromat, a backpack hamper or laundry tote, such as the Better Homes & Gardens Laundry Deluxe Service Canvas Tote, offers a more practical solution for transporting your laundry.

Material

Laundry hampers and baskets come in various materials. According to Richardson, some of the most popular options are wicker, plastic, and canvas. Ultimately, the ideal material for your laundry solution will depend on your personal preferences, but make sure it’s strong enough to hold the weight of your laundry.

Plastic and polyester are commonly favored for laundry baskets because they are lightweight, durable, and resistant to odors. If you prefer a more sustainable option, consider wicker baskets, which are not only eco-friendly but also stylish and sturdy.

When choosing a laundry hamper, opt for one lined with a smooth fabric that won’t damage your clothes, like cotton, nylon, or canvas. If you live in a smaller space, such as a dorm or studio apartment, a collapsible hamper is a great choice as it can be easily stored in tight corners. While some hampers claim to resist mildew, it's still a good practice to air-dry your clothes before placing them in the hamper.

Size

There is no single 'best' size for a laundry hamper or basket—it ultimately depends on your available space and personal needs. Richardson prefers having a large, oversized hamper in the bathroom for his dirty clothes and generally recommends going with a larger option.

"It holds more, so you won't get that 'running out of time to do laundry' feeling, and even if you need to throw in a few extra items, it will still stay neat," he explains.

For laundry baskets, Richardson prefers using a canvas bag instead because it's more convenient to store. A laundry tote with straps is easier to carry, and its soft material can be compressed to fit into tight spaces and is more manageable for navigating stairs, making it perfect for smaller living spaces.

If you favor using a basket, Richardson recommends opting for a compact design. The Sammart Collapsible Laundry Basket was particularly easy to carry in our testing, and it's also simple to store due to its collapsible feature. If you're uncertain about which hamper size is right for your home, start by choosing a spot for it and then measure the space to help you narrow down your options.

Consider the width of the opening on your laundry basket. If you prefer folding clothes in the laundry room, choose a basket with a wider opening to make it easier to stack and store your clothes.

Questions You Might Ask

Should your hamper have a lid?

A laundry hamper doesn’t necessarily need a lid. However, if you find that it looks messy, a lid is a great option," says Richardson. He adds that lids are useful if you need to store your hamper in a less conventional spot, like a hallway or bedroom, as they help maintain a tidy look. Additionally, if you have pets, a lid can prevent them from rummaging through your dirty clothes and causing a mess.

What features should you look for in a laundry hamper?

The ideal features will make your laundry routine smoother and less of a chore. Consider what would improve the process for you. For instance, if you have to carry your laundry a long distance, handles might be particularly helpful.

Ventilation is another crucial element to think about. Your laundry hamper should never be completely sealed for extended periods, as this can trap moisture and odors. A hamper with ventilation—whether through perforations or an open top—will help air circulate, keeping your laundry fresh and preventing smells from developing, especially from things like sweaty workout clothes.

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Jen Woo, a seasoned design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over a decade of experience. To create this article, we tested 29 different laundry hampers and baskets, assessing them based on material, quality, durability, and usability. For expert advice on how to choose the best laundry essentials, Jen consulted Patric Richardson, the host of The Laundry Guy and the author of Laundry Love.