No washer hookup. No laundry room. Hauling laundry to the laundromat every week and spending $20–40 each trip while waiting around for an hour. For millions of apartment renters across the US, that’s just how laundry works — until they discover portable washing machines.
A portable washing machine connects to your kitchen or bathroom faucet, drains into your sink, and handles a real load of laundry right in your apartment. No permanent installation. No landlord permission required. Most models store in a closet or next to a counter when not in use.
This guide covers the best portable washing machines for apartments in 2025 — tested and compared for small spaces, renters without hookups, and people who are done paying laundromat prices. We cover six models across every budget, the key specs that actually matter, and exactly what to look for before you buy.
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Do You Actually Need a Portable Washing Machine?
Before the picks, a quick honest assessment — portable washers aren’t right for everyone.
A portable washer makes sense if:
- You go to the laundromat once a week or more and spend $20+ per visit
- Your apartment has no in-unit washer/dryer and no plans to add one
- You have access to a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet for connection
- You have at least 20–25 inches of floor space to run it (you can roll most models away after)
- Your household is 1–2 people — portable washers handle 1–1.5 loads per cycle
A portable washer is probably not the right fit if:
- You have 3+ people generating laundry — the capacity won’t keep up
- Your lease specifically prohibits appliances connected to plumbing (rare, but check)
- You need to wash bulky items like comforters frequently — most portables max out at small loads
- You’re looking for dryer functionality without a combo unit — you’ll still need to air-dry
💡 The average American spends $700–1,000 per year at the laundromat. A quality portable washer costs $150–300 and pays for itself in 3–5 months. Even accounting for electricity and water, the math is strongly in favor of buying one if you’re a regular laundromat user.
What to Look For in a Portable Washing Machine
Not all portable washers are equal. These are the specs that actually matter for apartment use:
Capacity
Measured in cubic feet. For a single person, 0.9 cu ft handles about 8–10 lbs of laundry — roughly one week of clothes for one person. For two people, look for 1.1–1.34 cu ft. Anything larger starts getting bulky and harder to move.
Connection Type
Most portable washers connect via a faucet adapter that attaches to a standard kitchen or bathroom faucet. The adapter is usually included. Some higher-end models have a direct hose connection for apartments with a utility sink. Drain hose drops into the sink — no floor drain needed.
Top-Load vs Twin-Tub vs Combo
- Standard washing machine design in a smaller footprint. Most common and easiest to use. Wash and spin in one drum.Top-load portable:
- Two separate compartments — one for washing, one for spinning. You manually move clothes between them. More hands-on but often cheaper and faster.Twin-tub:
- Washes and dries in one unit. Drying takes longer than a standalone dryer but eliminates the need for a drying rack entirely. Higher cost, higher convenience.Washer-dryer combo:
Spin Speed (RPM)
Higher spin speed means drier clothes out of the washer, which means faster air-dry times. Look for 800 RPM minimum. Models at 1,000–1,300 RPM leave clothes significantly less wet and reduce dry time by 30–40 minutes.
Noise Level
In an apartment with shared walls, this matters. Top-load portables typically run at 60–70 dB — comparable to a normal conversation. Twin-tub models can be noisier during the spin cycle. Check reviews specifically for noise complaints if you have thin walls or close neighbors.
Footprint When Stored
Most portables are 17–21 inches wide and 17–21 inches deep. They fit beside a kitchen counter, in a bathroom corner, or in a closet. Check your available storage space before buying — measure the spot where it will live when not in use.
6 Best Portable Washing Machines for Apartments: Quick Comparison
| Model | Capacity | Type | Dimensions | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE Portable Washer | 0.9 cu ft | Top-load | 17″×17″×31″ | ~$160 | Budget + tight spaces |
| Giantex Combo Washer | 1.1 cu ft | Top-load combo | 20″×20″×34″ | ~$280 | No dryer access |
| Black+Decker BPWM09 | 0.9 cu ft | Top-load | 17″×17″×31″ | ~$170 | Ease of use |
| Panda PAN6360W | 1.34 cu ft | Top-load | 21″×20″×34″ | ~$220 | Larger loads |
| Giantex EP22752 | 0.9 cu ft | Twin-tub | 24″×14″×29″ | ~$110 | Lowest budget |
| LG WM1455HWA | 2.4 cu ft | Front-load | 24″×18″×33″ | ~$900 | Max capacity, premium |
The Reviews: Best Portable Washers for Apartments in 2025
| #1 COMFEE Portable Washing Machine (9 lbs) — Best Overall | |
| “The most reliable portable washer for most apartment renters — simple, compact, and genuinely effective” | |
| 📋 SpecsCapacity: 0.9 cu ft (9 lbs)Type: Top-loadDimensions: 17.7″ × 17.3″ × 31.5″Spin Speed: 1,300 RPMPrograms: 8 wash programsPrice: ~$160 | ✅ Pros1,300 RPM spin — one of the fastest in the portable categoryCompact footprint — fits beside a counter or in a closetClear LED display, intuitive controlsStandard faucet adapter includedQuiet for the category at ~62 dB❌ Cons0.9 cu ft capacity limits to single-person householdsNo dryer function — air dry requiredPlastic build feels light compared to full-size machines |
| 🏆 Verdict: The COMFEE hits the sweet spot of capacity, spin speed, and price for a single renter. The 1,300 RPM spin means clothes come out significantly drier than competitors at this price point, which cuts air-dry time substantially. For most studio or 1-bedroom renters, this is the pick. | |
| #2 Panda PAN6360W Portable Washer (15.4 lbs) — Best for Couples / Larger Loads | |
| “The best capacity-to-size ratio for two-person households” | |
| 📋 SpecsCapacity: 1.34 cu ft (15.4 lbs)Type: Top-loadDimensions: 21.3″ × 20.3″ × 33.9″Spin Speed: 1,000 RPMPrograms: 10 wash programsPrice: ~$220 | ✅ ProsLargest capacity in the portable category without going full-size10 wash programs including delicates and heavy dutyStainless steel tub — more durable than plasticFits two people’s weekly laundry in one cycle❌ ConsBulkier footprint — needs more storage space1,000 RPM spin is slower than COMFEETakes longer per cycle due to larger drum |
| 🏆 Verdict: If you’re doing laundry for two people, the Panda’s 1.34 cu ft capacity means you can do a full week of clothes for two in two cycles instead of four. The stainless drum is more durable long-term. Worth the extra $60 over the COMFEE for two-person households. | |
| #3 Giantex Portable Washer and Dryer Combo (11 lbs) — Best Washer-Dryer Combo (No Hookup) | |
| “Wash and dry in one unit — the best option if air-drying isn’t practical” | |
| 📋 SpecsCapacity: 1.1 cu ft (11 lbs)Type: Top-load comboDimensions: 20.5″ × 19.7″ × 33.9″Dry Function: Yes — ventless condenser dryingPrograms: 8 wash + 3 dry programsPrice: ~$280 | ✅ ProsWashes AND dries — no drying rack or outdoor space neededVentless design — no exhaust hose requiredGood for renters in humid climates where air-drying is slowSingle machine handles full laundry cycle❌ ConsDrying takes 2–3 hours per load — slower than a standalone dryerDrying is less effective than a vented dryer for thick itemsHigher price point than wash-only portablesMore energy consumption with drying function |
| 🏆 Verdict: The Giantex combo is the right choice if air-drying is genuinely impractical for your situation — humid climate, no balcony, small apartment with nowhere to hang clothes. The drying cycle is slow but it works. If you can air-dry, the COMFEE at $120 less is a better value. | |
| #4 Giantex EP22752 Twin-Tub Portable Washer (17.6 lbs) — Best Budget Pick | |
| “The most affordable real washer — best for renters on a tight budget” | |
| 📋 SpecsCapacity: 0.9 cu ft wash / 0.5 cu ft spinType: Twin-tubDimensions: 24.5″ × 13.8″ × 28.5″Spin Speed: 1,300 RPMPrograms: Manual timer controlPrice: ~$110 | ✅ ProsLowest price of any real washer in this category1,300 RPM spin despite the budget priceNarrower footprint than top-load modelsSimple mechanical controls — nothing to break❌ ConsManual process — you move clothes from wash tub to spin tub by handMore hands-on than a top-load modelNo digital controls or preset programsWash and spin capacity don’t match — underwashes larger loads |
| 🏆 Verdict: The twin-tub is the pick if budget is the primary constraint. At $110, it pays for itself in 2–3 months of avoided laundromat trips. The manual process takes getting used to — you physically move wet clothes from one tub to the other — but it works well once you have a routine. Not recommended for people who dislike hands-on appliances. | |
| #5 BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W Portable Washer (9 lbs) — Best for Ease of Use | |
| “The simplest portable washer to set up and use — best for first-time buyers” | |
| 📋 SpecsCapacity: 0.9 cu ft (9 lbs)Type: Top-loadDimensions: 17.5″ × 17.5″ × 31.1″Spin Speed: 800 RPMPrograms: 6 wash programsPrice: ~$170 | ✅ ProsClearest setup instructions in the categoryStraightforward controls — easiest to use for first-timersRecognized brand with reliable customer supportSame footprint as the COMFEE — compact and storable❌ Cons800 RPM spin is slower than COMFEE — clothes come out wetterFewer wash programs than competitors at similar priceCosts $10 more than the COMFEE for less spin performance |
| 🏆 Verdict: The BLACK+DECKER costs slightly more than the COMFEE but offers less spin performance. Its advantage is ease of use and brand recognition — if you’ve never used a portable washer and want the most straightforward setup experience, this is the pick. For everyone else, the COMFEE is the better value. | |
| #6 LG WM1455HWA Compact Front-Load Washer (2.4 cu ft) — Best Premium Option | |
| “Full performance in a compact footprint — for renters who want a real machine” | |
| 📋 SpecsCapacity: 2.4 cu ftType: Front-loadDimensions: 23.6″ × 17.7″ × 33.1″Spin Speed: 1,400 RPMPrograms: 14 wash programs + SteamPrice: ~$900 | ✅ Pros2.4 cu ft — handles a full family load in one cycle❌ Cons1,400 RPM spin — highest in the category by farSteam wash function — handles allergens and delicates properlyFront-load design is gentler on clothesNearly full-size washing machine performance in 18 inches of width |
| 🏆 Verdict: | |
How to Set Up a Portable Washing Machine in an Apartment
Setup takes about 15 minutes the first time and under 2 minutes for each subsequent use. Here’s the process:
- Attach the faucet adapter to your kitchen or bathroom faucet — it screws on and off without tools
- Connect the inlet hose from the washer to the faucet adapter
- Place the drain hose over the edge of your sink — most come with a hook or clip to hold it in place
- Plug the machine into a standard 120V outlet — no special wiring needed
- Add detergent (use HE detergent, or half the normal amount — portable washers use less water)
- Load clothes, select your program, and start
- When done, disconnect the inlet hose, coil the drain hose, and roll or carry the machine back to storage
⚠️ Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent or significantly reduce your normal detergent amount. Portable washers use much less water than full-size machines, so standard detergent amounts create excessive suds that can overflow the machine and damage components.
💡 The first time you run a portable washer, run an empty cycle to flush out any manufacturing residue. Some users report a slight plastic smell for the first 1–2 washes — this is normal and disappears quickly.
Drying Options After Using a Portable Washer
Most portable washers (except combo units) don’t dry clothes. Here are the realistic options for apartment renters:
- A collapsible drying rack holds a full load and folds flat when not in use. Most apartments have enough wall or floor space for one. Clothes dry in 2–6 hours depending on fabric and airflow.Drying rack:
- Hang clothes on hangers directly from the shower curtain rod. Works well for shirts and pants that need to be hung anyway.Shower rod:
- Positioning a tower fan blowing toward the drying rack cuts dry time by 40–60%. In humid climates, this is the most practical approach.Tower fan + drying rack:
- If air-drying is impractical for your situation, the Giantex combo unit handles drying in the same machine — slower than a dryer but requires no additional setup.Washer-dryer combo unit:
💡 For renters in humid climates (Florida, Gulf Coast, NYC in summer), air-drying takes significantly longer and can leave clothes smelling musty if not dried quickly. A dehumidifier running in the same room while clothes dry makes a real difference.
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FAQ — Portable Washing Machines for Apartments
Q: Do portable washing machines really work?
A: Yes — for everyday laundry like clothes, towels, and bedding, portable washers clean as effectively as full-size machines. The main limitation is capacity (typically 9–15 lbs per load) and the need to air-dry afterward unless you have a combo unit. For a 1–2 person household, a portable washer handles the full laundry workload.
Q: Can I use a portable washing machine in an apartment without hookups?
A: Yes. Most portable washers connect to a standard kitchen or bathroom faucet via an adapter that screws on and off without tools, and drain directly into the sink. No permanent plumbing connections or landlord permission required. This is specifically what portable washers are designed for.
Q: How much does it cost to run a portable washing machine?
A: A portable washer uses roughly 1–2 kWh per cycle, costing about $0.15–0.30 per load at average US electricity rates. Water usage is approximately 10–15 gallons per cycle, adding roughly $0.05 per load. Total cost per load: around $0.20–0.35, versus $3–6 per load at the laundromat. Over a year of weekly laundry for one person (52 loads), you save $150–300 compared to laundromat costs.
Q: What size portable washing machine do I need for one person?
A: A 0.9 cu ft (9 lb) capacity portable washer is sufficient for one person doing laundry weekly. That handles roughly 5–6 outfits, underwear, socks, and a couple of towels per load. If you prefer to wash less frequently (every 10–14 days), step up to 1.1–1.34 cu ft to handle the larger load.
Q: Will my landlord care if I use a portable washing machine?
A: In most cases, no. Portable washers that connect to a faucet adapter are considered temporary appliances — the same category as a countertop dishwasher or portable ice maker. They don’t require any modification to plumbing or the apartment. If you’re uncertain, a quick message to your landlord framing it as a ‘countertop appliance connected to the kitchen faucet’ is usually sufficient.
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Bottom Line: Which Portable Washer Should You Buy?
For most apartment renters, the COMFEE Portable Washer is the best pick — it has the highest spin speed in its price range, a compact footprint, and does exactly what it needs to do without overcomplicating things. It pays for itself in under four months for anyone currently using the laundromat weekly.
If you’re doing laundry for two people, step up to the Panda PAN6360W for the larger capacity. If air-drying isn’t an option for your space, the Giantex combo handles both in one machine. And if you’re on the tightest possible budget, the twin-tub Giantex at $110 gets the job done with more manual effort.
Whatever you choose, the math almost always works out: a portable washer pays for itself in 3–5 months and saves the average renter $400–700 per year compared to laundromat costs. If you need help setting up a laundry routine around a portable washer in a small apartment, our guide on how to do laundry in an apartment with no hookups covers the full workflow.