The 10 best washing machines of 2026: Consumer Reports

Most washers fail to match a front-loader in lab performance. Consumer Reports rated 100-plus models on cleaning and efficiency to find the best

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Laundry technology has changed more in the past three years than in the previous decade, with manufacturers adding AI-assisted cycles, cold-water cleaning modes, and built-in pet-hair removal features. The average American household runs roughly 300 loads per year, and the best and worst machines differ sharply in energy costs, cycle times, and fabric wear. Newer models now promise UV bacteria elimination and smarter dispensers that auto-dose detergent by load size.

Consumer Reports tested more than 100 washers on cleaning performance, water and energy efficiency, noise, vibration, and gentleness. These are the models that earned the highest marks in five categories.

At $848, this 4.5-cubic-foot front-loader earned the top Overall Score of 87 among all washers Consumer Reports tested. Its 85-minute normal cycle is among the shortest for front-loaders, and it includes a steam setting, auto detergent dispenser, and WiFi........

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