By Carole · Published March 2026 · Last Updated April 2026
I’ll be honest — I bought the wrong portable washer the first time. It was too loud for my thin-walled studio and left clothes so wet they took eight hours to dry. After testing three models across two apartments, here’s what actually separates the good ones from the frustrating ones.
It was a Tuesday night and I’d run out of clean clothes. The laundromat was a 12-minute walk, $7 per load, and 90 minutes of my evening. I’d been doing that every week for two years. I bought a portable washer the next day.
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 2026 — six models across every budget, the specs that actually matter, and exactly what to look for before you buy.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve tested or researched thoroughly.
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 (most models roll away after use)
- 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 worth checking)
- 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 strongly favors buying one if you’re a regular laundromat user.
If you’re weighing all your options first, see our complete guide on how to do laundry in an apartment with no hookup.
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. When comparing models, it’s worth checking whether they’re ENERGY STAR certified — certified washers use measurably less water and energy per cycle than non-certified equivalents, which adds up over months of use.
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
Top-load portable: Standard washing machine design in a smaller footprint. Washing and spinning happen in the same drum — no need to move clothes between cycles. Ideal for beginners and for anyone who wants a hands-off experience.
Twin-tub: Two separate compartments — one for washing, one for spinning. You manually transfer clothes between cycles. More hands-on, but faster and often cheaper. Good if you want shorter cycle times and don’t mind the extra step.
Washer-dryer combo: Washes and dries in one unit. Drying takes longer than a standalone dryer, but eliminates the need for a drying rack. Higher cost, more convenient — especially for apartments with no practical way to air-dry clothes.
Spin Speed (RPM)
Higher spin speed means drier clothes out of the washer, which means faster air-dry times. Look for 800 RPM minimum. In my own testing, models at 1,000–1,300 RPM left clothes significantly less wet and reduced dry time by 30–40 minutes compared to 800 RPM models.
Noise Level
In an apartment with shared walls, this matters more than most buyers expect. Top-load portables typically run at 60–70 dB — comparable to a normal conversation. Twin-tub models can be noisier during the spin cycle. The COMFEE runs at ~62 dB in my studio; neighbors have never noticed it running during the day.
If noise is a primary concern, we cover the quietest appliances for apartment living in a separate guide.
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. Measure the spot where it will live when not in use before buying — this is the step most people skip and regret.
READ: How to do laundry in an apartment with no hookup and Laundry at home vs laundromat: the real cost comparison
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″x17″x31″ | ~$160 | Budget + tight spaces |
| Panda PAN6360W | 1.34 cu ft | Top-load | 21″x20″x34″ | ~$220 | Couples / larger loads |
| Giantex Combo Washer | 1.1 cu ft | Top-load combo | 20″x20″x34″ | ~$280 | No dryer access |
| Giantex EP22752 | 0.9 cu ft | Twin-tub | 24″x14″x29″ | ~$110 | Lowest budget |
| Black+Decker BPWM09 | 0.9 cu ft | Top-load | 17″x17″x31″ | ~$170 | Ease of use |
| LG WM1455HWA | 2.4 cu ft | Front-load | 24″x18″x33″ | ~$900 | Max capacity, premium |
The Reviews: Best Portable Washers for Apartments in 2026
| #1 COMFEE Portable Washing Machine (9 lbs) — Best Overall | |
| “The most reliable portable washer for most apartment renters — simple, compact, and genuinely effective” | |
| Specs Capacity: 0.9 cu ft (9 lbs) Type: Top-load Dimensions: 17.7″ x 17.3″ x 31.5″ Spin Speed: 1,300 RPM Programs: 8 wash programs Price: ~$160 | Pros: 1,300 RPM spin — one of the fastest in the portable category Fits in a 17×17 inch floor space — slides into a closet or corner Clear LED display, intuitive controls Standard faucet adapter included ~62 dB — quiet enough to run while working from home Cons: 0.9 cu ft — best suited for single-person households No dryer function — air-drying required Plastic build feels lighter than 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 — in my testing, dry time dropped by about 35 minutes compared to an 800 RPM model. 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” | |
| Specs Capacity: 1.34 cu ft (15.4 lbs) Type: Top-load Dimensions: 21.3″ x 20.3″ x 33.9″ Spin Speed: 1,000 RPM Programs: 10 wash programs Price: ~$220 | Pros: Largest capacity in the portable category without going full-size 10 wash programs including delicates and heavy-duty Stainless steel tub — more durable than plastic long-term Handles two people’s weekly laundry in one cycle Cons: 21-inch footprint — requires more storage space than the COMFEE 1,000 RPM spin is slower — clothes come out slightly wetter Longer cycle times due to the larger drum |
| Verdict: If you’re doing laundry for two people, the Panda’s 1.34 cu ft capacity means 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” | |
| Specs Capacity: 1.1 cu ft (11 lbs) Type: Top-load combo Dimensions: 20.5″ x 19.7″ x 33.9″ Dry Function: Yes, ventless condenser drying Programs: 8 wash + 3 dry programs Price: ~$280 | Pros: Washes and dries — no drying rack or outdoor space needed Ventless design — no exhaust hose required Single machine handles the full laundry cycle Ideal for humid climates where air-drying takes 6+ hours Cons: Drying takes 2–3 hours per load — significantly slower than a standalone dryer Less effective than a vented dryer for thick items like jeans or towels Higher energy consumption due to the drying function $120 more than the COMFEE for the drying convenience |
| Verdict: The right choice if air-drying is genuinely impractical — 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” | |
| Specs Capacity: 0.9 cu ft wash / 0.5 cu ft spin Type: Twin-tub Dimensions: 24.5″ x 13.8″ x 28.5″ Spin Speed: 1,300 RPM Programs: Manual timer control Price: ~$110 | Pros: $110 — pays for itself in 2–3 months of avoided laundromat trips Wash and spin run simultaneously — faster than single-tub models 1,300 RPM spin — same speed as the COMFEE at $50 less Manual controls — full control over wash and spin timing Cons: Manual process — you physically move wet clothes between tubs No automatic cycles or preset programs Spin capacity is smaller than wash capacity 24.5-inch width — wider than top-load portables when in use |
| Verdict: At $110, it pays for itself in 2–3 months. The manual process takes getting used to — you move wet clothes from one tub to the other by hand — 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” | |
| Specs Capacity: 0.9 cu ft (9 lbs) Type: Top-load Dimensions: 17.5″ x 17.5″ x 31.1″ Spin Speed: 800 RPM Programs: 6 wash programs Price: ~$170 | Pros: Clearest setup instructions in the category — box to first cycle in under 15 minutes Straightforward controls — easiest to use for first-time buyers Recognized brand with reliable customer support Same 17-inch footprint as the COMFEE Cons: 800 RPM spin — clothes come out noticeably wetter than 1,300 RPM models Fewer wash programs than competitors at a similar price ~$10 more than the COMFEE for lower spin performance |
| Verdict: Costs slightly more than the COMFEE but delivers less spin performance. Its advantage is ease of use and brand familiarity. 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” | |
| Specs Capacity: 2.4 cu ft Type: Front-load Dimensions: 23.6″ x 17.7″ x 33.1″ Spin Speed: 1,400 RPM Programs: 14 wash programs + Steam Price: ~$900 | Pros: 2.4 cu ft — handles a full family load in one cycle 1,400 RPM spin — highest in the category Steam wash function — effective for allergens and delicates 18-inch width — nearly full-size performance in a compact footprint Cons: ~$900 — 5× the price of the COMFEE More permanent setup — less flexible than a portable unit Larger and heavier — harder to move or store |
| Verdict: Not the best washer overall, but one of the best compact washers available. If you live in a small apartment, value quiet operation, and do laundry frequently, this machine is a legitimate long-term investment. If budget is a consideration at all, the COMFEE or Panda deliver 80% of the result at 20% of the price. | |
READ: How to dry clothes fast in a small apartment and Why clothes smell after drying indoors
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:
- Attach the faucet adapter to your kitchen or bathroom faucet — 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
- Plug into a standard 120V outlet — no special wiring needed
- Add 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.
Run an empty cycle the first time to flush out any manufacturing residue. Some users notice 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. Realistic options for apartment renters:
Drying rack: A collapsible drying rack holds a full load and folds flat when not in use. Clothes typically dry in 2–6 hours depending on fabric and airflow.
Shower rod: Hang clothes on hangers directly from the shower curtain rod — works well for shirts and pants, uses vertical space efficiently.
Tower fan + drying rack: Positioning a tower fan toward the drying rack cuts drying time by 40–60%. In humid climates, this is one of the most practical setups. See our full guide on how to dry clothes faster in a small apartment — airflow positioning makes the biggest difference.
If your clothes develop a musty smell while air-drying, the cause is almost always insufficient airflow. Read more about why clothes smell after drying indoors and how to fix it.
For renters in humid climates (Florida, Gulf Coast, NYC in summer), air-drying takes significantly longer and can leave clothes smelling musty. A dehumidifier running in the same room while clothes dry makes a real difference.
READ: How to dry clothes fast in a small apartment and Laundry at home vs laundromat: the real cost comparison
FAQ — Portable Washing Machines for Apartments
Do portable washing machines really work?
Yes. For everyday laundry — clothes, towels, 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.
Can I use a portable washing machine in an apartment without hookups?
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.
How much does it cost to run a portable washing machine?
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.
What size portable washing machine do I need for one person?
A 0.9 cu ft (9 lb) capacity portable washer is sufficient for one person doing laundry weekly — 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.
Will my landlord care if I use a portable washing machine?
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.
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 17×17 inch 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, the Giantex combo handles both in one machine. On the tightest 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 building a full laundry routine around a portable washer, our guide on how to do laundry in an apartment with no hookups covers the full workflow.