The best washing machines for modern homes
Is it time to buy a new washing machine? We can hear a collective groan. And we don’t just mean the sound of your old machine’s rusty drum trying hard to churn out one last spin cycle. We mean the groan that comes with having to buy any new appliance. We get it. It’s hard work, expensive, and hard to know if you’re buying the right thing. All washing machines look the same anyway.
Don’t get yourself in a spin. We’re here to point you towards the very best washing machines available. We’ve put together a list with something for every washing need and every type of household. But first, here's some helpful information to help you make an informed decision.
Freestanding vs integrated washing machines — which is best?As always, it’s about what suits you best. But it’s safe to say that freestanding washing machines are the more popular and advanced models.
Freestanding machines can be put anywhere in the house (at least, anywhere within reaching distance of a plug point and water supply/drain). The major plus points are that freestanding washing machines generally have bigger load capacities and are packed with more features — particularly WiFi-enabled smart features.
What smart features do washing machines offer?Washing machines are among the many appliances that can be synced as part of your smart home (see also fridges, tumble driers, and TVs).
In the simplest terms, a smart washing machine uses a WiFi connection to sync with a phone or device, allowing you to control certain functions via an app. Most manufacturers have their own dedicated apps for this purpose.
Smart features include the ability to schedule cycles remotely from your phone (possibly even by voice command), keep track of washing progress, download new cycle programs, or troubleshoot maintenance issues.
What is an integrated washing machine?An integrated washing machine is designed to be part of a fitted kitchen — to be built actually into the kitchen units and sit behind a cupboard door, which is often attached to the machine itself. These machines are designed specifically for this, so they can’t be used as a freestanding device.
They may be narrower, with a smaller plinth, to make it easier to fit within a cupboard unit. They can be slower than freestanding models, due to reduced vibrations (you don’t want the whole kitchen unit shaking) but also quieter. The major drawback is that you need to get it installed. Some retailers will install for a fee.
It's worth noting that integrated washing machines have fewer (if any) smart features. There are integrated models out there that do have smart features, but the top picks aren’t WiFi or app compatible.
Do top loading washing machines still exist?They do, but you don’t find them often in the UK. They can be big machines that need a lot of space. They are often used for huge amounts of washing or for large laundry rooms. Due to a lack of up-to-date features, they don’t make this list.
How much energy do washing machines use?In this time of financial uncertainty, the actual cost of running a washing machine is a legitimate concern.
According to Heatable, the average washing machine costs roughly £1.09 per hour. Overall costs will of course depend on how much laundry you do, and how regularly you put a load on. Still, some washing machines are more energy conscious than others. We’ve included each machine’s energy rating to help with your decision.
What is the best washing machine?That’s a question only you can answer. Only you know how much laundry you do on a weekly basis, how many cycles you put on, or the kinds of garments that need special attention. Not to mention your lifestyle. For instance, are you the kind of person who’s always on the go and therefore needs to set schedules via your phone when you’re out and about or away from home? Either way, there’s something for you on this list.
These are the best washing machines in 2025.
- SmartThings app control
- Ecobubble technology
- Hygiene Steam setting
- AI energy saving mode
- Digital Inverter Technology
- Too tech advanced for some
- Cheaper options available
If you want a washing machine with all the bells and whistles, the Samsung Series 5 is packed with features and comes at a not unreasonable price.
First and foremost, it has 14 preset washing programmes to choose from, catering for all kinds of fabrics, family sizes, and cleaning needs, but also connects to Samsung's excellent SmartThings app. The app allows you to control and set your washing schedule remotely.
It also monitors and adjusts your machine's energy output via SmartThings AI energy mode, while also alerting you of any issues.
We also like Ecobubble, which mixes air, water and detergent to create bubbles that penetrate fabrics and effectively wash your clothes at cooler temperatures. You can add a 30-minute bubble soak to loosen stubborn stains.
Other features include Hygiene Steam, which uses steam cleaning to kill bacteria, pollen, dust mites, and other unwelcome nasties, plus features to keep the drawer and drum sparkly clean and ready for action.
- Energy Rating: A+++
- Load Capacity: 8 kg
- Top Speed: 1400 rpm
- Type: Freestanding
- Quiet technology
- Easy-to-use dial
- Saves water use
- Reload function
- Lots of programmes
- Average load capacity
- Not very energy conscious
Sitting (and spinning) firmly in the mid-range price, the Bosch Series 4 washing machine is what Bosch call its “all-rounder”. Which essentially means that it does the basics very well. And the Series 4 will still put you in a whirl with an impressive number of features, including 16 washing programmes.
Put this machine on and the first thing to notice is that you won’t notice it at all. It’s quiet, thanks to an EcoSilence Drive, a brushless, energy-efficient motor so quiet (according to Bosch) that you’ll forget its even on.
There's plenty more to recommend with this model, including a SpeedPerfect option that cuts washing times by up to 65%. It has numerous programmes for delicates, cottons, sportswear, and speedy quick washes, plus a reload feature that allows you to pause the wash and add missed items.
An ActiveWater Plus feature uses the exact amount of water for every load, saving up to 50% water on smaller washes.
- Energy Rating: A
- Load Capacity: 8 kg
- Top Speed: 1400 rpm
- Type: Freestanding
- 14-minute cycle
- Made from recycled bottles
- Quiet, brushless motor
- IronFast technology
- WiFi & app connectivity
- Regular washes take time
- Not much else at this price
The Beko RecycledTub WTIK94121F integrates into your kitchen, and while you'd usually sacrifice smart features with an integrated machine, this one has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and app control via HomeWhiz. Ultimately though, what's most important is a great, reliable performance when it comes to actually washing your clothes. Which this absolutely does.
In terms of features, it has 15 programmes and seven cleaning functions (from pre-wash to drum clean) plus several high-speed options. In fact, it has a quick wash time of just 14 minutes for the smallest loads. It's worth noting that regular washes can be a more sluggish two-and-a-half hours, however.
Elsewhere you get IronFast technology, which optimises the water levels and temperature to reduce creases to save on ironing time, plus a steam feature that kills bacteria. You can also pause the wash and set a delay timer so the wash finishes at the exact time you want your laundry ready.
- Load Capacity: 9 kg
- Top Speed: 1400 rpm
- Type: Integrated
- Big drum capacity
- 15 programmes
- Quiet inverter motor
- Pause and reload
- Value for money
- No smart tech or connectivity
- Can't compete with premium machines
The Hisense WFQA1214EVJM isn’t the flashiest or most advanced washing machine on the market — which is clearly reflected in its lower-end price tag — but it can handle mega laundry loads of up to 12kg, which is a bigger capacity than you’ll find on some more expensive models on this list.
Solid performance from mid-range tech is very much Hisense’s wheelhouse, as proved by a significant number of positive reviews on Amazon. It’s currently at four-and-a-half stars from 2,000-plus reviews. Not bad at all.
In addition to its sizeable 12kg capacity, this machine offers a bunch of features. These include deep cleaning steam wash, a powerful jet wash, and smart scheduling. There’s no WiFi connectivity — you’ll have to spend more for that kind of tech — but it comes equipped with more practical functions that make the difference with day-to-day use, such as the ability to pause the wash and add left-behind items and a quiet inverter motor.
- Energy rating: A
- Load Capacity: 12 kg
- Top Speed: 1400 rpm
- Type: Freestanding
- Purifying Softwater Technology
- Reduces color fading
- Connects with AEG smart system
- Cushioned drum design
- Fast, efficient PowerCare washing
- Premium price point
- No freestanding option
The big sell of the AEG 9000 AbsoluteCare is its SoftWater Technology, which filters harsh minerals out of the laundry water. It's part of a purifying process that protects clothes against colour fading and helps items retain their shape.
It's built with a specially designed Care drum, which also protects garments. There's an elevated cushion-like drum pattern, and a thin film of water that ensures this machine takes it a little easier on your clothes as they spin.
The AEG 9000 AbsoluteCare is another integrated machine with smart features. It's part of the AEG Connected family of appliances, so you can control it via the My AEG Care app. You can set and customise your laundry cycles, and the app will respond by sending you smart tips.
The machine itself is smart enough to detect the load size and adjust the water and power accordingly. It also has PowerCare, which premixes detergent and sprays it evenly, giving you an excellent wash in under one hour. Another feature, Steam Refresh, tackles odours and reduces wrinkles in just 25 minutes.
- Energy Rating: A
- Load Capacity: 8 kg
- Top Speed: 1400 rpm
- Type: Integrated
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