Top 5 Compact Washers: Best Picks & Reviews Now

Is your laundry piling up, but you’re short on space? Many of us dream of clean clothes without dedicating half our apartment to a big machine. Finding the perfect compact washing machine can feel like a giant puzzle. You need something small enough for your tiny laundry nook, but powerful enough to handle real messes.

The struggle is real! You worry about size, noise levels, and whether a mini-machine can truly get your favorite shirt clean. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by technical specs and confusing features. We get it—you need reliability without the bulk.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what features matter most in a compact washer. You will learn how to match the right machine to your specific living situation, ensuring you get maximum cleaning power in minimum space. Get ready to stop stressing about laundry day!

Top Compact Washing Machine Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer, 6.6 lb. Capacity Washing Machine for Homes & Apartments, 5 Wash Cycles, Quick Connect Sink Adapter and Drain Hose Included, Transparent Lid, BPWM09W, White

Multiple Wash Cycles: Wash your laundry at home with this Black and Decker portable washer. Our portable clothes washer has 5 cycle selections: Heavy, Gentle, Normal, Rapid, and Soak.
Cold Water Wash Only: This portable washing machine offers 3 water level choices for small, medium, and large loads up to 6.6 lbs. capacity for cold water only temperature settings.
Stainless Steel Tub: Our 0.9 cu. ft. portable laundry machine features a durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel wash tub with top loading transparent quiet-close lid to view contents.
Safety Features: Our small washing machine features auto unbalance detection to ensure laundry is cleaned at peak performance, as well as auto shutoff safety features and child lock protection.
Portable Convenience: Connect and disconnect this apartment washing machine with ease and transport from kitchen or bathroom to storage closet on two roller wheels with side handles when its needed.

Bestseller No. 2

Portable Washing Machine,16L Upgraded Large Capacity Portable Washer With 3 Modes Deep Cleaning.Suitable For Travel, Camping,Apartments, Dormitories, Hotels

【Portable Washing Machine】 The portable washer weighs only 3.5 lbs, featuring an ultra-lightweight body that's highly portable. It's the perfect choice for camping, traveling, as well as use in apartments, dormitories, and hotels
【Powerful Stain Removal】 This mini washing machine provides all-round imitation hand scrubbing, suitable washing speed, and strong decontamination
【Foldable Design】 This small portable washing machine adopts a clever foldable design. When unfolded, its dimensions are 12 x 12 x 13 inches. After folding, it shrinks to 12 x 12 x 6 inches. This foldable feature allows for easy storage under the bed, in the closet, or between cabinets without taking up too much space
【Multiple Cleaning Modes】 This foldable washing machine has a semi - automatic washing function and is equipped with three - mode timer buttons (3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes), enabling you to easily meet various washing requirements.
【Worry - Free After - Sales Service】 We are fully committed to providing high - quality products and excellent customer service. If you have any questions, please contact us. We will offer you satisfactory customer service. How to contact us: Log in to your Amazon account > Select "Your Orders" > Find the order ID > Click "Contact Seller"

SaleBestseller No. 3

Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs

[Large Capacity Twin tub Washer] Auertech portable mini washer has two separate tubs, washing tub and spin tub, allowing you to wash and dry clothes at the same time. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit in bathrooms or closets. Perfect for dorms, apartments, RVs, etc. Note: There is water in the washing machine because it is tested before packaging, we do not sell used products!
[Powerful Performance] Equipped with a 1300 rpm powerful motor, clothes can be washed quickly and efficiently. Washer capacity: 18lbs, Spin capacity: 10lbs. Recommended maximum water line: 13.5 inches. The transparent window allows you to see the process of washing or spinning. Our mini washer machine can achieve low consumption and save water, while free your hands.
[Equip with Drain Pump & Adjustable Inlet Hose] This portable washing machine equipped with a drainage pump. You can choose freely drain water to a higher position or a convenient place randomly. You never need to worry about the drainage problem.
[Separate Time Control & Lint Filter]Users can control washing time, washing mode and spinning time through the three control switches on the panel. There is two water inlets on the panel for connecting the hose to easily add water. With the simple control panel, this mini washer is easy to operate and you can get clean clothes in three steps.
[Product Usage Tips] 1. Don't overload. Overload may cause the motor to turn on overheating protection. 2. Balance the spinner to prevent it from losing balance, hitting the inner walls, stopping work. 3. If the machine doesn’t drain, check that the water hose is not clogged or bent, which may prevent the spinner from working properly. 4. Make sure the drain height is less than 45 inches.

Bestseller No. 4

Comfee Portable Washing Machine, 0.9 cu.ft Compact Washer With LED Display, 5 Wash Cycles, 2 Built-in Rollers, Space Saving Full-Automatic Washer

The full-automatic washing machine equipped with Heavy, Soft, Normal, Rapid, and Soak 5 programs and 3 water levels, you are allowed to quickly start the machine the way you like. You are also welcomed to customize your washing program by selecting load size, adding addiwash time, rinse time, and spin time.
This top load compact washing machine with the only 18.1inch in width, 17.7inch in-depth, and 31.5inch in height, this portable washer is able to be stored easily. You can store it in your cabinet, RV, dorm, or even bathtub! Even better, it comes with wheels and carries handles for easy movement. It is a perfect choice for small households with limited space and minimal laundry loads.
With the transparent lid design, this washing machine allows you to see and monitor the water and washing conditions. Featuring a durable rust-resistant steel inner tub, lint filter, water inlet and drain pump which allows you to easily drain out dirty water. Also, this portable laundry washing machine has an LED display that shows the time left to finish.
This compact design washing machine has DOE (Department of Energy) certificate that clearly shows how much energy would be consumed on national average conditions. Saving as much as 87.5% energy consumption comparing to similar models. It equips with a powerful and durable motor, up to 840 RPM spin speed but quiet when running.
Unbalance could be a very serious issue for washing machines. It could cause washing machine to "dance on the floow", or even worse, to unleash itself from the water inlet, leaking everywhere. Equipped with Auto Unbalance Detection (AUD) , however, it's able to automatically fix the unbalance issue through allowing more water to come in. It will also alert the user if the problem can't be fixed, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Underwear Washing Machine, Upgrade 1.5L Mini Portable Washing Machine Rechargeable Underwear Washer Deep Cleans Small Clothes for Apartment, Dorm, RV, Travel & Hotel Use

【Mini Underware Washer】The portable washing machine comes with a large 4000mAh battery. It comes with an LED digital touch screen that lets you see at a glance the remaining power and selected mode.
【IP67 Waterproof & Splashproof】The body is splash-proof and compact, making it ideal for traveling, business trips and camping. This portable washing machine realizes the free use experience of doing laundry anywhere and anytime.(Note：Fill with water to no more than 2/3 of the container's height. Do not fill the container to the brim)
【High Speed Washing】The mini washer has two washing modes: 5-minute mode and 15-minute mode, With a 2000r/m motor to clean clothes stains quickly. suitable for washing delicate fabrics.
【Hygienic Care】The compact washing machine features gentle imitation hand-scrubbing combined with blue-light sterilization. Perfectly sized and designed for hygienically cleaning baby clothes, underwear, socks.
【ONE YEAR EXCHANGE】Our priority is your satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with your mini clothes washer, please feel free to let us know and we will provide you with a satisfactory solution.

SaleBestseller No. 6

BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer, Washing Machine for Household Use, Portable Washer 1.7 cu.Ft with 8 Cycles, Transparent Lid & LED Display

WASH UP TO 11 LBS.—Wash up to 11 lbs. of laundry at a time with this superior BLACK+DECKER best portable washer. Our portable clothes washer (21.3” x 21.7” x 36.6”) has 6 cycle selections—Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick, Bulky, and Spin Only. Even suitable for baby clothes, diapers, and lingerie..ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Built-in lint-filter that does not need to be replaced, just clean it about once a month designed for high-efficiency detergents and cold water use only..Operation mode : Automatic.
IMPRESSIVE FUNCTIONALITY—With your new washer machine (70.5 lbs.) you have 3 water level choices for small, medium, and large loads as well as Hot, Warm, and Cold temperature settings. You can even select Delay Start up to 24 hours.
STAINLESS STEEL TUB— This 1.7 cu. ft. portable washing machine features a durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel tub with top loading transparent quiet close lid. See your clothes cleaned in real time with our outstanding impeller washer!
ADDITIONAL FEATURES—There’s a lot going on with our amazing washing machine, including auto unbalance detection to ensure your laundry is being cleaned at peak performance.as well as auto shutoff safety features and child lock protection.
DESIGNED FOR MOBILITY— This fantastic portable clothes washer machine can easily be transported from room to room thanks to two rollers, two side handles, and adjustable leveling legs. Also included with our compact washer is a connector adaptor, water supply hose, and drain hose.

Bestseller No. 7

JaxSteam Portable Washing Machine, 10L Capacity Mini Portable Washer Machine with 2 Cleaning Modes & Timer Control, Compact Washing Machine, Portable Washer for Apartments, Dorms, RVs, Home (White)

Portable & Compact Design: JaxSteam 10L mini washing machine combines portability and efficiency. Measuring 12.2"" D × 13.4"" W × 19.2"" H, this small washing machine and mini washer machine fits perfectly in apartments, dorms, RVs, and camping spaces. Compact & travel-friendly for daily laundry needs.
Dual Cleaning Modes & Timer Control: This mini portable washing machine offers 2 cleaning modes (Gentle, Normal) with adjustable timer control. Deeply cleans underwear, socks, and baby clothes like a professional underwear washing machine — hygienic, efficient, and easy to use.
High-Efficiency Cleaning Performance: Experience high-speed washing and strong water flow for deep cleaning. This washer machine is designed for small laundry items, saving both water and electricity — an eco-friendly and cost-effective mini washer machine built for long-term use.
Quiet Design & Comfortable Laundry: The JaxSteam portable washing machines for apartments feature a Quiet Design that reduces noise for a Comfortable Laundry experience. Ideal for small spaces and late-night laundry — quiet, durable, and efficient.
Safe & Easy Operation: Simple knob controls make operation intuitive. The machine automatically stops when the tub is removed for safety. Hot water compatible for deeper cleaning. A reliable mini portable washing machine and washer machine that saves time, space, and energy every day.

SaleBestseller No. 8

BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer, Washing Machine for Household Use, Portable Washer 2.0 Cu. Ft. with 6 Cycles, Transparent Lid & LED Display

15.4 LBS. OF LAUNDRY PER LOAD—Wash up to 15.4 lbs. of laundry per load with this superior BLACK+DECKER best portable washer. Our portable clothes washer (21.6” x 22.2” x 37.4”) has 6 cycle selections—Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick, Bulky, and Spin Only. Even suitable for baby clothes, diapers, and lingerie.
IMPRESSIVE FUNCTIONALITY—With your new washer machine (79.4 lbs.) you have 3 water level choices for small, medium, and large loads as well as Hot, Warm, and Cold temperature settings. You can even select Delay Start up to 24 hours.
STAINLESS STEEL TUB— This 2.0 cu. ft. portable washing machine features a durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel tub with top loading transparent quiet close lid. See your clothes cleaned in real time with our outstanding impeller washer!
ADDITIONAL FEATURES—There’s a lot going on with our amazing washing machine, including auto unbalance detection to ensure your laundry is being cleaned at peak performance as well as auto shutoff safety features and child lock protection.
DESIGNED FOR MOBILITY— This fantastic portable clothes washer machine can be transported from room to room thanks to two rollers, two side handles, and adjustable leveling legs. Also included with our compact washer is a quick connect adaptor, water supply hose, and drain hose.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Compact Washing Machines

A compact washing machine is a great helper for small spaces. Think apartments, RVs, or dorm rooms. These machines save space but still clean your clothes well. Choosing the right one takes a little homework. This guide helps you pick the best fit.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how well the machine works for you.

Capacity and Size

Drum Size: Compact machines usually hold 1.5 to 2.5 cubic feet. Measure your space first! A smaller drum means fewer clothes per load.
Portability: Some models are very light. They often have wheels or handles. This makes moving them easy, especially in tiny homes.

Washing Performance

Spin Speed (RPM): Higher Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) means clothes come out drier. Look for at least 1000 RPM if you want less drying time.
Wash Programs: Good machines offer options like “Delicate,” “Quick Wash,” and “Heavy Duty.” More settings let you care for different fabrics better.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Energy Star Rating: Look for this label. It shows the machine uses less electricity. This saves you money over time.
Water Usage: Smaller machines naturally use less water. Check the gallons used per load if water conservation is important to you.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your machine lasts and how noisy it is.

Drum Material

Most good compact washers use a stainless steel drum. Stainless steel resists rust and handles fast spinning speeds well. Plastic drums are lighter and cheaper, but they can crack over many years.

Motor Quality

Direct drive motors are often quieter and more reliable than belt-driven motors. They have fewer moving parts to break down.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality is not just about the price tag. It is about smart design.

Things That Improve Quality:

Vibration Dampening: Good suspension systems keep the machine steady during the spin cycle. This reduces noise.
Digital Controls: Modern digital panels are precise. They offer better control over settings than old mechanical dials.

Things That Reduce Quality:

Thin Plastic Casings: If the outer body feels flimsy, it might vibrate too much during use.
Very Low Price Points: Extremely cheap models often use lower-grade components. These parts might wear out quickly.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how you will use the machine.

Apartment Living

In small apartments, noise is a major concern. Look for models specifically marketed as “quiet operation.” Make sure you have the necessary hookups for water intake and drainage near your chosen spot.

Portable/Temporary Use (RVs and Dorms)

If you move often, a **fully portable** model might be best. These often connect directly to a sink faucet using a quick-connect adapter. They do not require permanent plumbing.

Ease of Use

Read reviews about the instruction manual. A machine that is hard to program frustrates users quickly. Simple, clear buttons make laundry less of a chore.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Compact Washing Machines

Q: How small is a truly “compact” washer?

A: Compact washers usually measure about 33 inches high, 23 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. They fit well under standard kitchen counters.

Q: Can these machines handle heavy blankets or towels?

A: Generally, no. Their small capacity means they handle small loads best. Large items like heavy comforters will likely not fit or will not clean properly.

Q: Do compact washers need special plumbing?

A: Most standard compact units need standard connections. However, portable models often connect temporarily to a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet.

Q: Are compact washers expensive to run?

A: No. Since they use less water and electricity per cycle than full-sized units, they are usually quite efficient to operate.

Q: How long does a typical wash cycle take?

A: A normal cycle usually runs between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on the chosen settings and water temperature.

Q: Can I stack a dryer on top of a compact washer?

A: Some specialized, matching compact washer/dryer pairs allow stacking with a separate kit. Check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully before attempting this.

Q: What is the difference between a top-loader and a front-loader in compact sizes?

A: Compact front-loaders usually offer better water efficiency and spin performance. Compact top-loaders are often easier to load and unload for some people.

Q: How much noise should I expect?

A: A good quality machine should operate around 50-60 decibels (dB) during washing. During the spin cycle, noise levels will increase, often reaching 70 dB. Look for noise ratings in reviews.

Q: What is the average lifespan of a compact washer?

A: With regular maintenance, a good quality compact washer should last between 8 and 12 years, similar to full-sized machines.

Q: If I rent, will a portable washer damage my sink connections?

A: No, portable units use simple rubber hoses and clamps designed for temporary attachment. They should not cause damage if installed correctly.