The quietest washing machine isn't only for people with an open-plan property, or a small apartment. Even those with their laundry in the basement or behind the kitchen will appreciate a less noisy machine.
Quietness is something we often overlook when choosing a new washer. When you buy a new machine, you can get a great range of smart features, generous capacity for washing the entire household's dirty garments, and a great energy rating. But if it's disruptive, all that functionality is quickly forgotten. Not to mention that you might get some feedback from disgruntled neighbors frustrated by noise pollution. Especially if you live in a newly built apartment with paper-thin, poorly sound-insulated walls.
Luckily, manufacturers of the best washing machines know this and have developed noise-reduction technologies to add to their washers. As well as decibel rating, we've looked for other things like anti-vibration, inverter motors, and balancing that help create the quietest washer. Expect budget buys and the best options for smaller spaces.
Quiet washing machine: Quick Menu
1. The quick list
2. Quietest top-loading washer: LG WM9000HVA
3. Quiestest Bosch washer: WAW285H2UC 800 Series
4. Quietest budget washer: Samsung WF42H5000AW
5. Quietest LG washing machine: LG WT7800CV
6. Things to consider
7. FAQs
8. Where to buy
9. How we test
The quietest washing machine models
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The quick list
Aside from being quiet, we bet you'll want a washer that's ready for anything. This one has a full load of features including TurboWash technology, 6MotionTechnology, and Steam Technology to eliminate dirt, odors, and creases all whilst taking care of your garments, shoes, and bedding.
The "sniper" of the washing machine world, this silent appliance is ready to eliminate common household allergens such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. Its capacity is on the smaller side, making it great for studio apartments and condos.
Living in a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is officially a human right. But large appliances like washing machines can be expensive. This affordable and accessible buy is our budget pick in our guide but still has premium features like Vibration Reduction Technology and an aesthetic LED display.
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It's no coincidence that LG's slogan is "Life's Good". Because having an appliance that can quietly clean your clothes will definitely make chores feel less taxing (at least on the ears). What it lacks on the slower spin front, it makes up for in capacity. It's the largest on our list and can be remotely started with smart home technology.
4 of the quietest washing machines
Quietest top loading washing machine
If you need a larger washing machine then the LG WM9000HVA will be a contender. This mega washer has a 5.2cu.ft. drum capacity, a ton of fancy extras, and still manages to be incredibly quiet. The machine features LG's TrueBalance anti-vibration and LoDecibel quiet operation systems, to ensure the spin cycle isn't disruptive, even though it'll spin your clothes at a super-fast 1300 rpm. LG says their LoDecibel washer is so quiet, "Chances are you may not even notice it."
The large capacity of this machine makes it ideal for a family (even a big one!). The machine is also incredibly energy-efficient, too. The LG WM9000HVA machine was rated one of Energy Star's most efficient of 2019, thanks in part to its load-sensing water usage and TurboWash® technology, which cuts the wash time of large loads by up to 30 minutes. Plus, this wifi-enabled washing machine is compatible with LG's THINQ® app, which allows you to control it from your phone.
No matter what kind of laundry you're doing, this machine is likely to have a setting for it. It features 14 different wash programs, including ones for delicates, towels, and bedding, plus speed wash, heavy-duty, and sanitary cycles. It even features an 'Allergiene' cycle that operates at a high temperature and is designed to kill the most common household allergens.
Quietest Bosch washing machine
This machine may be quiet, but it doesn't sacrifice power for silence. The Bosch 800 series washing machine has an EcoSilence motor that's extra quiet but still manages to deliver a powerful 1400 rpm (one of the fastest we reviewed). The Eco-Silence drive technology that powers this washing machine can generate sounds as low as 47 decibels, which is quieter than the sound of the ocean, which comes in at 55 dB.
This washing machine is ideal for small spaces not only because it's quiet, but because it's just 25" deep, and stackable, too (i.e. perfect for putting in a closet or bathroom). It's also one of the few compact models that are rated by Energy Star. It uses sensor-controlled automatic washing programs and ActiveWater technology to ensure efficient energy and water usage.
There are 14 wash programs built into the Bosch 800 series, including permanent press, quick wash, hand wash/wool, whitest whites, sanitize, and a super quick
SpeedPerfect™ 15-minute wash. It also has a drum-cleaning feature to get rid of gross build-up and gunk. If you're anxious about washing delicate items, don't be. This washer has a wave-shaped structured drum that delivers a powerful yet gentle wash. Depending on the cycle setting, the washer adjusts the direction of the drum rotation, using steeper edges for heavy-duty or shallow edges for delicate fabrics, so there won't be any snagging or stretching of fine lace, silky satins, or cozy wools.
If you're into smart home technology, you'll love this washer. It uses the brand's Home Connect smart technology, so you're able to start your laundry with your phone and get on with errands outside of the house. Its EasyStart feature also guides you through selecting the best setting for your clothes, so you don’t have to guess. You'll also receive status notifications so you can keep track of how long you've got left.
Quietest budget washing machine
Our pick of the best quiet washing machine for those on a budget is the Samsung WF42H5000AW. It doesn't come with a ton of bells and whistles but features a high spin speed, eight wash cycles, and noise-reducing VRT™ technology all for under $800 (and we've often seen it on sale for under $600).
While the machine isn't Wi-Fi enabled and won't work with smart devices, it does come with access to Samsung's Smart Care app which interacts with your washer for troubleshooting.
Eight programs include all the standard cycles you would expect, plus a few handy extras like activewear, bedding, and a quick-wash cycle. It also has spin-only cycles and a self-cleaning and delay start feature. To ensure you can save on utility bills, the Samsung WF42H5000AW comes with four temperature settings so you can choose from hot, cold, warm, and eco-warm.
LG quiet washing machine
Generally speaking, front loaders are quieter than top loaders, but the LG WT7800CV is an exception. Outfitted with the same LoDecibel technology, this washing machine is incredibly quiet for a top-loader. Another big reason for the popularity of this washing machine model is its 6Motion quick-washing technology, which uses six different washing motions to ensure that fabric is cleaned and cared for effectively and in shorter cycles (as little as 29 minutes).
While the LG WT7800CV is designed to conserve water by default, it also features a convenient Water Plus deep-fill option for the times when you need more water to properly clean a large load. Its cold-wash technology ensures that your clothes are cleaned as effectively on energy-saving cool water settings as they are on warm or hot ones. We're all for anything that makes doing the laundry easier, which is why we love LG's THINQ app, which allows you to control your LG appliances (including the WT7800CV washer) with your smartphone. You can do things like start and stop a load of laundry, select a wash cycle, and get notifications when your laundry is done. On top of all this, the LG WT7800CV is Energy-Star certified and comes with a 10-year warranty on the motor, too.
Things to consider when buying the quietest washing machine
Shopping for the quietest washer dryer around can be something of a minefield. We'd recommend bearing the following features in mind during your search:
Low-decibel washing machines
Quiet washing machines will display their noise level for both washings and spinning in decibels (dB) so the lower it is, the quieter it will be. As a guide, a decibel level in the 40s is low. Another feature to look for is anti-vibration, which helps to reduce noise when washing machines reach very high spin speeds.
Special wash cycles
While finding the best quiet washing machine might be your priority, you'll want to ensure that the model you choose fulfills all the other basic functions, too. Think carefully about the type of laundry you do regularly, as some washing machines come complete with programs designed to tackle pet hair, and tough stains on sportswear, work gear, and school uniforms. If you're wondering how to clean a washing machine, there may also be a specific wash cycle to self-clean yours.
Energy ratings
If you're looking for a low-energy option, ensure that any models you're considering come complete with a good energy rating and reasonable water consumption levels.
Smart washing machine features
Some washing machines – quiet or otherwise – have smart features as part of the package, including the ability to be controlled by you from your smartphone. They're typically a little more expensive than non-smart washing machines, but over time, we suspect this will change.
Technology
When shopping for a quiet washing machine, look for an appliance with an inverter motor, direct motion motor, or, an EcoSilence drive. All three options limit the vibrations which contribute to noise levels. And, because there are fewer moving parts, you shouldn't need to repair or replace your washer as often.
FAQs
What is the quietest decibel for a washing machine?
According to Richard Wilkinson, technical manager at QuietMark, the quietest spin cycle we have a record of is 67dB.
How do you fix a noisy washing machine?
If your quiet washing machine still makes a bit of noise, check that it is installed on a level surface. A lot of washing machine noise is from vibration and this is affected by stability. Another thing to check is clearance from other appliances or cabinets. And if you have your washing machine in the closet, check it is far enough away from the door that it won't bang into it on a fast spin cycle. This may be particularly common with even the best integrated washing machines.
How do I reduce the noise in my laundry?
"Ensure your washing machine is level and on a solid floor," says Richard Wilkinson, technical manager at QuietMark.
"Usually, the height of the front feet can be raised and lowered to adjust the level. Regularly clean your machine and run a maintenance wash (195°F wash with an empty drum and a little washing powder in the drawer) every three months or so. This cleaning and maintenance wash is particularly necessary if the user typically uses low temperatures for cleaning their laundry."
Why is my washing machine so loud when agitating?
"The washing machine may not be level," suspects Richard Wilkinson, technical manager at QuietMark.
"If not the height of the front feet can be raised and lowered to adjust the height on either side. If the user typically uses low temperatures for cleaning their laundry there may be a build-up of detergent residue so a good clean and a maintenance wash may help."
Where to buy the quietest washing machine
Don't assume you have to hit a brick-and-mortar shop to buy a quiet washing machine. With free delivery available at some retailers, and an option to have it installed by a professional, there's no need to try and fit this heavy large appliance into the boot of your car.
As well as going direct via LG, Samsung, and Bosch, consider these home improvement stores:
- Shop quiet washing machines at AJ Madison
- Shop quiet washing machines at Amazon
- Shop quiet washing machines at BestBuy
- Shop quiet washing machines at ElectroLux
- Shop quiet washing machines at Lowe's
- Shop quiet washing machines at Sam's Club
- Shop quiet washing machines at The Home Depot
How we test washing machines
Unfortunately, we've been unable to call in the aforementioned quiet washers. So we've relied on brand-supplied information to inform our decision-making on what products go in this guide. We have, however, consulted Quiet Mark, a company that scientifically tests and assesses high-performance, low-noise appliances and solutions for expert advice.