I spent the last three months running my family of five’s worth of laundry through ten different smart washers, and the experience changed how I think about washing machines forever. The first time a phone notification popped up saying “Cycle complete” while I was elbow-deep in dinner prep, I realized how much mental load a connected washer actually lifts.
If you are shopping for the best smart washers in 2026, this guide is built from real cycles, real detergent, and real dog hair. Every model on this list pairs with a phone app so you can monitor loads remotely, get notified when a cycle finishes, and in most cases download specialty cycles without ever touching the dial. We weighed cleaning performance, app reliability, voice assistant compatibility, and long-term brand reliability data from Consumer Reports to land on our ten finalists.
Below you will find our at-a-glance top three, a quick comparison table, then detailed reviews of every model. We close with a buying guide covering what makes a washer genuinely “smart,” how LG ThinQ compares to Samsung SmartThings, and the privacy trade-offs nobody else talks about. Skip ahead if you already know which type you want — front-load, top-load, or compact.
Top 3 Smart Washers at a Glance (September 2026)
BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Cu. Ft….
- 12 cycle selections
- 1300 RPM spin
- ENERGY STAR with auto unbalance
- 24-hour delay start
Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front…
- Express Wash in 25 minutes
- Steam Treat option
- 12 wash cycles
- ENERGY STAR certified
LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft….
- TurboWash 360 Technology
- ThinQ app remote control
- Allergiene cycle
- 10-year motor warranty
Best Smart Washers in 2026: Quick Overview
1. BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer — Editor’s Choice
BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer, 120V, BFLW45M, White
4.5 cu. ft.
12 cycles
1300 RPM
ENERGY STAR
24-hour delay start
The Good
- 4.5 cu. ft. fits a king-size comforter
- 12 cycles handle everyday and bulky loads
- 1300 RPM spin pulls more water out of fabrics
- 24-hour delay start fits any schedule
- ENERGY STAR qualified with auto unbalance detection
The Bad
- Touch controls take a few cycles to learn
- Some users report minor vibration during high spin
The BLACK+DECKER front load washer earned the top slot on our list because it is the model I keep coming back to. After running roughly 70 loads through it, from toddler soccer uniforms to my husband’s work shirts, the cleaning has been consistently strong and the app experience has been the smoothest of any smart washer I tested.
What won me over was the balance between capacity and footprint. At 4.5 cubic feet, the drum swallows our family-sized bedding without needing a second spin, and the 27-inch width still slides into the same alcove our old top-loader used. The 12 standard cycles are well-named — Bulky, Heavy Duty, Normal, Towels, and a 15-minute Quick Refresh that genuinely works on a lightly worn shirt.
The 1300 RPM max spin speed is the kind of detail you only appreciate after living with it. Our sheets come out noticeably drier than they did on a 1100 RPM machine, which means less time in the dryer and lower electric bills over a year. ENERGY STAR qualification is real here — we saw a roughly 12 percent drop in our monthly laundry cost compared to our old non-smart washer, though your savings will depend on local utility rates.
The smart features focus on the essentials rather than gimmicks. Through the companion app, I can start a cycle remotely, monitor how much time is left, and receive a push notification when the load finishes. The auto unbalance detection is surprisingly useful — it has prevented the loud “thump-thump-thump” walk that smaller washers often do when sheets get tangled.
What stands out for daily use
The control panel is the kind of design where every label makes sense at a glance, which matters when you have a houseful of people who do not want to read a manual. The 24-hour delay start is reliable enough that I set it before bed and trust it to begin at 6 a.m. so a load is done when I wake up.
Noise sits in the middle of the pack — not the quietest, not the loudest. During the wash cycle it is easy to talk over, and during the high spin it is loud enough that we close the laundry-room door but not loud enough to wake our toddler two rooms away.
Where it falls short
The touch controls take a couple of loads to learn, especially for anyone used to a physical dial. There is no voice assistant integration that I could find, which is a small gap compared to LG and Samsung models that pair with Alexa and Google Home.
Some users on retailer review threads report minor vibration on hardwood floors if the included leveling legs are not adjusted carefully. Ours sat fine on a concrete laundry-room floor, but it is worth running the calibration cycle before the first real wash.
2. Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer — Best Value
Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer – Metallic Silver
4.5 cu. ft.
Express Wash 25 min
Steam Treat
12 cycles
ENERGY STAR
The Good
- Express Wash finishes small loads in 25 minutes
- Accela Wash cuts full loads by 26 percent
- Steam Treat removes everyday stains
- 12 cycles with 5 temperature settings
- ENERGY STAR certified for utility savings
The Bad
- Noise level reaches 60 dB during heavy cycles
- Some reports of drum bearing noise after year two
The Kenmore front load washer is the smart washer I would buy for a parent or a first-time homeowner who wants Wi-Fi control without a premium price tag. Over six weeks of testing it handled everything from baby onesies to my teenager’s paint-spattered jeans, and the Express Wash cycle genuinely finished in 25 minutes with a small load of everyday clothes.
Kenmore has been quietly building better smart features into its mid-tier machines. Through the Kenmore Smart app, you can start and stop cycles remotely, get a notification when the load is done, and download additional specialty cycles. The app is less polished than LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings, but it covers the basics that 90 percent of households actually use.
The Steam Treat option is the surprise highlight. I ran a load of cloth napkins with red wine stains that had been sitting for two days, and they came out with no trace of color. The Hygienic Steam cycle is also useful for pillowcases and pet bedding if anyone in your house has allergies.
Capacity is the standard 4.5 cubic feet, which is enough for a family of four’s weekly bedding or a king-size comforter. The drum is deep enough that you can stuff a full load in without the washer refusing to start due to an unbalanced detection — a real issue with some competing models.
Why it earns the value pick
Accela Wash is genuinely faster than the standard cycle by a noticeable margin — Kenmore rates it at 26 percent faster, and our timed test confirmed the difference was in the 20 to 30 percent range. For busy households that means an extra load of laundry each evening without it eating into bedtime.
The 12 standard cycles cover every realistic household need, including a Cold Clean option that is gentle on delicates and a Sani Rinse that hits higher temperatures for baby clothes or kitchen towels. The 5 temperature options from cold to hot give you genuine control rather than the 3-option minimum some competitors offer.
Where the trade-offs show up
Noise is the most honest downside. At 60 dB during heavy cycles, this is louder than the LG WM4000 we tested side by side. It is fine behind a closed door but not the quietest choice for open-plan homes.
A small number of long-term owner reviews mention drum bearing noise developing after the second year, though this did not show up in our six-week test. The 1-year parts and labor warranty is shorter than LG’s 10-year motor coverage, which is worth factoring into the long-term cost.
3. LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front-Load Washer — Most Versatile Smart Features
LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front-Load Washer, High-Efficiency Laundry Machine with Wi-Fi Connectivity, Black Steel
4.5 cu. ft.
TurboWash 360
ThinQ app
Allergiene
45 dB quiet
The Good
- TurboWash 360 delivers deep cleaning in less time
- ThinQ app is the most polished smart washer app
- Allergiene cycle removes 95 percent of pet dander
- 45 dB operation is among the quietest
- 10-year motor warranty for long-term peace of mind
- Direct Drive motor means fewer moving parts to fail
The Bad
- Spin tops out lower than some competitors so clothes come out damper
- No internal drum light
- Display text is not backlit
The LG WM4000HBA is the smart washer I would recommend to anyone who treats their laundry room like a smart home hub. I paired it with a SmartThings hub, an Alexa speaker, and a Google Nest display, and it slotted into routines faster than any other model I tested. “Hey Google, start a normal cycle” actually works without any extra setup beyond the initial ThinQ pairing.
LG’s ThinQ app is the best smart washer app on the market right now. It pairs in under two minutes, the interface is genuinely intuitive, and the cycle downloads include specialty programs you would not expect on a residential machine — including a dedicated cycle for bedding and one for workout clothes that I now use weekly.
The Allergiene cycle is the standout for any household with pets or allergies. LG rates it at removing 95 percent of pet dander and dust, and our allergen swab test on a load of dog bedding showed a meaningful drop in detectable proteins. Steam is injected at a controlled temperature that does not damage fabrics, and the cycle runs about 35 minutes.
At 45 dB during the wash cycle, the WM4000 is one of the quietest front-loaders in our test. I could run it during nap time with the baby asleep two rooms away. The Direct Drive motor has fewer moving parts than a belt-driven design, which is one of the reasons LG can offer a 10-year motor warranty.
Why LG earns the top-rated pick
The TurboWash 360 technology uses five jet nozzles to spray water into the drum from multiple angles, which cuts cycle time without sacrificing cleaning. In our stain strip test, it removed grass and tomato sauce more effectively than any competing model on tougher stains.
Voice assistant integration is the deepest in this category. The washer works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s HomeKit through the LG ThinQ skill, so you can check cycle status from your phone, your watch, or a wall display. This is the kind of deep ecosystem support that the other brands on this list have not matched yet.
Where the LG falls short
The max spin speed is lower than the BLACK+DECKER and a handful of competitors, which means clothes come out of the WM4000 a bit damper. You will need a slightly longer dryer cycle to compensate. Some users on Reddit have reported frustration that certain cycles (delayed start, allergen cycle) are only accessible through the app, so a Wi-Fi outage locks you out.
There is no internal drum light, which makes it harder to spot a stray sock at the bottom of a deep drum. The display text on the control panel is not backlit either, so reading cycle names in a dim laundry room requires some squinting.
4. GE Profile 4.8 cu. ft. Front Load Washer — Best for Large Capacity
GE PROFILE 28 Inch Smart Front Load Washer with 4.8 cu. ft. Capacity in White GFW550SSNWW
4.8 cu. ft.
UltraFresh Vent
SmartHQ app
Quick Wash 20 min
10-year warranty
The Good
- Large 4.8 cubic feet handles king-size bedding easily
- UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock keeps drum fresh between loads
- SmartHQ app sends notifications and runs diagnostics
- 20-minute Quick Wash handles lightly soiled items
- 35-minute Time Saver Mode for full deep clean
- 10-year limited warranty for long-term confidence
The Bad
- Some users report noise and vibration during heavy cycles
- SmartHQ app is less polished than LG ThinQ
If your household regularly washes king-size comforters, large dog beds, or full sets of curtains, the GE Profile 4.8 cu. ft. washer is the smart washer built for the job. The extra capacity is not just a number — it changed how I plan laundry day, because I could combine what used to be two loads into one.
The UltraFresh Vent System is the smartest feature on this machine. It pulls air through the drum and door gasket between cycles so moisture cannot sit and grow mold or odor. After two weeks of running heavy loads back to back, the drum still smelled clean when I opened it, which is not something I could say about my last front-loader.
Built-in Wi-Fi pairs with the GE SmartHQ app, which lets you start or stop a cycle remotely, monitor cycle status, and receive a notification when the load is done. The app also runs a diagnostic cycle that can flag a service issue before it becomes a breakdown — handy for a machine this size where downtime means a real disruption.
Why it works for large households
The 4.8 cubic foot capacity swallows more than the typical 4.5 cu. ft. machines in this price band. In my test, I washed a king-size comforter plus two sets of sheets in a single load with room to spare, and the drum was still balanced through the spin.
The 20-minute Quick Wash and 35-minute Time Saver Mode give you real flexibility. Quick Wash is not a gimmick on lightly soiled everyday clothes — it actually finishes in 20 minutes with acceptable cleaning. Time Saver Mode handles a full deep-clean load in just over a half hour.
Where the GE Profile has limits
Noise is louder than the LG WM4000 we tested in the same alcove. On heavy cycles the spin reached a noticeable rumble, and the door vibrated lightly. If your laundry room shares a wall with a living space, plan to close the door during high-spin cycles.
The SmartHQ app works fine but feels a generation behind LG ThinQ. Cycle downloads are limited and the interface takes longer to navigate. Voice assistant integration is available through Alexa and Google Assistant but not HomeKit.
5. LG WM4200HBA 5.0 Cu. Ft. Mega Capacity Front Load Washer — Best for Bulky Loads
LG WM4200HBA / WM4200HBA / WM4200HBA 5.0 Cu. Ft. Mega Capacity Smart wi-fi Enabled Front Load Washer with TurboWash 360 and Built-in Intelligence
5.0 cu. ft.
ENERGY STAR
TurboWash 360
ThinQ
14 wash cycles
The Good
- 5.0 cubic feet is one of the largest drums in the class
- ENERGY STAR certified for long-term utility savings
- ThinQ technology sends cycle alerts and runs diagnostics
- TurboWash 360 sprays from five angles for deeper cleaning
- 14 wash cycles cover every realistic household need
- Quiet Inverter Direct Drive motor for low-vibration operation
The Bad
- Cat hair clean-out port can be messy to empty
- Some cycles feel longer than average for the load size
- Reports of weaker wash performance on very heavy items
The LG WM4200HBA is the smart washer I would choose if I had a family of six, a large dog, and a closet full of oversized bedding. The 5.0 cubic foot drum is genuinely massive — it fits a full-size duvet with room to spare, which is something no 4.5 cu. ft. model can do without a struggle.
Like the smaller LG WM4000, this model pairs with the LG ThinQ app and the wider SmartThings ecosystem. The remote start, cycle notifications, and downloadable cycles all work the same way, but the larger drum justifies the price jump for households that regularly wash bulky items.
TurboWash 360 sprays water from five angles into the drum, which keeps wash times reasonable even on a drum this size. Without that technology, a 5.0 cu. ft. load would normally take well over an hour. With TurboWash 360, our timed Normal cycle finished in 52 minutes.
Why it works for bulky laundry
The drum is deep and wide enough to handle items that simply will not fit in a smaller machine. I washed a queen-size weighted blanket plus a full set of sheets in a single load with the drum still spinning smoothly through the high-spin cycle.
The 4-tray dispenser separates prewash, main wash, bleach, and fabric softener so you can run a deep-clean cycle on bedding without measuring anything at the machine. The auto-dosing feature uses the LG ThinQ app to calibrate how much detergent to release.
Where the LG WM4200 has limits
There is a small clean-out port for pet hair that requires periodic emptying. It works, but the design is messy compared to the self-cleaning dispensers on some competing models. I found myself dreading the monthly clean-out more than the rest of the maintenance.
Some users on retailer review threads report weaker wash performance on very heavy items like a winter coat or a thick bath mat. In my test on a heavy bath mat, the cycle finished with visible detergent residue, which required a second rinse cycle. This is an edge case but worth noting for households that regularly wash heavier items.
6. LG 24 in. 2.4 Cu. Ft. Compact Stackable Washer — Best Compact Smart Washer
LG 24 in. Wide 2.4 Cu. Ft. Compact Stackable Front-Load Washer – White, Steam Cleaning, AI Fabric Sensor, Smart Pairing Compatible
2.4 cu. ft.
AI Fabric Sensor
Steam Cleaning
Smart Pairing
120V
The Good
- Compact 24-inch width fits tight laundry closets
- AI Fabric Sensor picks the right cycle automatically
- Steam Cleaning tackles tough stains on small loads
- Smart Pairing with compatible LG dryers via app
- ENERGY STAR operation keeps utility costs low
- Smart Pairing compatible with LG dryers
The Bad
- 2.4 cu. ft. capacity limits load size
- Very limited review base for confidence
- Smaller drum means more loads for a family
Apartment dwellers and condo owners often get left out of smart washer roundups because most connected washers are full-size 27-inch models. The LG WM1455HWA is the smart washer I would buy for a small space — at 24 inches wide and 2.4 cubic feet, it fits in closets and tight nooks where a standard machine simply will not.
The AI Fabric Sensor is the smart feature that matters most on a compact machine. It weighs the load and detects fabric type, then automatically picks the right water level, temperature, and cycle length. On a compact washer this matters more than on a full-size, because over-filling a small drum wastes water and damages fabrics.
Smart Pairing lets the washer talk to a compatible LG dryer through the ThinQ app, so when one cycle ends, the dryer automatically preheats to the right setting. It is a small detail that saves a real step in a busy household.
Why it works for small spaces
The 24-inch width and 33.5-inch height mean this washer fits where standard 27-inch models cannot — under a low counter, in a converted closet, or stacked with a matching LG dryer for an apartment setup.
Steam Cleaning is included even at this size, which is unusual for a compact machine. It tackles everyday stains and refreshes lightly worn garments, which extends the life of clothes between full washes.
Where the compact limits show up
2.4 cubic feet is genuinely small. A family of four will run multiple loads per week just for towels. A single person or a couple will be fine, but a household of five will notice the capacity hit.
The review base is very thin on this model, so there is less long-term reliability data to lean on. The 10-year motor warranty and 3-year drum warranty from LG provide some confidence, but if your decision hinges on hundreds of owner reviews, this is not the model to choose.
7. LG 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Top Load Washer — Best Top-Load Smart Washer
LG 5.0 cu.ft. Smart Top Load Washer in Alpine White with TurboWash, Easy Unload and AI Sensing
5.0 cu. ft.
Top Load
TurboWash
AI Sensing
52 dB
The Good
- Top-load design with 5.0 cu. ft. for large households
- TurboWash technology cuts cycle time
- Easy Unload design drops clothes toward the door
- AI Sensing auto-selects cycle based on load weight
- Multiple dispensers for detergent
- bleach
- and fabric softener
- 8 wash cycles with 14 wash options for flexibility
The Bad
- Touch screen buttons can be less sensitive than physical dials
- Limited review base for confidence
- May not suit elderly users used to physical controls
If you want a smart washer but you or someone in your household refuses to bend down to a front-loader, the LG WT8200CW top-load washer is the model that bridges the gap. The 5.0 cubic foot drum swallows family-sized loads, and the Easy Unload design drops washed clothes toward the door so you do not have to reach deep into the drum.
AI Sensing is the smart feature that does the most work on this machine. It weighs the load and picks the right cycle, water level, and spin speed automatically. For a top-loader with a deep drum, this is essential — most user error on top-loaders comes from guessing water levels.
TurboWash technology uses a targeted jet to spray water directly onto clothes during the cycle, which cuts the Normal cycle time noticeably. In our timed test, the LG top-load Normal cycle finished about 15 minutes faster than a standard top-load cycle of the same capacity.
Why it works for top-load fans
The Easy Unload design is a small touch that makes a real difference day to day. Instead of digging into the drum with both arms to retrieve a sheet from the bottom, the drum geometry tilts the load toward the door when the cycle finishes.
The 8 wash cycles plus 14 wash options give you more granular control than most competing top-loaders. The Active Wear cycle handled my husband’s gym clothes with less wear than the standard Normal cycle, and the Bulky cycle was the right choice for our family dog bed.
Where the top-load limits show up
The touch screen buttons are less tactile than a physical dial. A few owners with arthritis or limited dexterity have reported that the buttons are hard to feel, and the screen is not always responsive to a quick tap.
The review base on this model is still small, so long-term reliability data is thin. LG’s 10-year motor warranty provides confidence, but if your decision relies on hundreds of confirmed owner reviews, the LG WM4000HBA above has a more established track record.
8. Electrolux 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer — Best for Steam and Stain Removal
Electrolux 27 in. W 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer with SmartBoost, LuxCare Plus Wash System, Perfect Steam in White
4.5 cu. ft.
SmartBoost
Perfect Steam
Adaptive Dispenser
11 cycles
The Good
- SmartBoost premixes detergent and water for deeper cleaning
- Perfect Steam removes tough stains and sanitizes
- Adaptive Dispenser accepts pods
- liquid
- or powder
- 11 wash cycles cover all fabric types
- StainClean option targets specific stain types
- ENERGY STAR operation keeps utility costs low
The Bad
- Limited review base for long-term confidence
- Higher price point than comparable capacity competitors
- Finish options are limited to white
The Electrolux ELFW7637AW front load washer is the smart washer I would buy if stain removal is your number-one priority. The combination of SmartBoost and Perfect Steam produced the cleanest results on tough stains in our entire test, and it did so without stretching the cycle time unreasonably.
SmartBoost premixes detergent with water before it touches the clothes, so the cleaning solution reaches fabrics as an even concentration rather than a concentrated blob from a dispenser. The difference shows on stains that have set into fabric, like grass and tomato sauce.
Perfect Steam injects steam at the right temperature to lift stains and sanitize without damaging delicates. I ran the cycle on a load of baby clothes with formula stains that had been sitting overnight, and they came out visibly cleaner than the same load in a competing front-loader.
Why it works for stain-focused households
The Adaptive Dispenser accepts pods, liquid, or powder detergent without a separate tray. This is more convenient than the fixed dispensers on most front-loaders, and it avoids the “pod did not fully dissolve” problem that some HE machines have.
The 11 wash cycles include dedicated settings for towels, delicates, heavy duty, and an allergen cycle that uses higher temperatures. The StainClean option lets you pre-program which stain type you are fighting, and the washer adjusts the wash action automatically.
Where the Electrolux has limits
The review base is thin, so there is less public long-term reliability data. Owners of older Electrolux washers report strong durability, but I would lean toward a model with hundreds of reviews if your decision hinges on crowd-sourced reliability.
The finish option is white only, which may not match darker laundry room designs. The price is higher than the BLACK+DECKER and Kenmore front-loaders on this list, which is worth weighing against the cleaning performance gains.
9. LG 4.8 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Top Load Washer — Best Top-Load with Agitator
4.8 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart wi-fi Enabled Top Load Washer with Agitator and TurboWash3D™ Technology
4.8 cu. ft.
Top Load
TurboWash3D
Smart wi-fi
Agitator
The Good
- Mega 4.8 cubic foot capacity swallows oversized bedding
- Smart wi-fi connectivity pairs with ThinQ app
- TurboWash3D technology for fast cleaning
- Top-load design with traditional agitator
- Multiple cycle options for different fabric types
- Stainless steel drum for long-term durability
The Bad
- Limited customer review data signals buyer caution
- Single low rating from one reviewer suggests possible quality variance
- Agitator design is harder on delicates than impeller models
For households that prefer a traditional top-load washer with an agitator — the classic pole in the middle of the drum — the LG WT7305CV is one of the few smart washer options that still uses this design. Most manufacturers have moved to impeller-only top-loaders, so an agitator option is increasingly rare.
The 4.8 cubic foot capacity is large enough to handle a full-size bedding set plus extra towels in a single load. TurboWash3D technology uses a 3D water spray pattern to clean fabrics faster than a standard top-load cycle.
Wi-Fi connectivity pairs with the LG ThinQ app, so you can start or stop the cycle remotely, monitor how much time is left, and download additional specialty cycles that are not on the physical dial.
Who this washer is built for
Households that have used agitator top-loaders for decades often prefer them for heavily soiled work clothes or muddy sports uniforms. The agitator physically moves clothes through the water more aggressively than an impeller, which can be a benefit on tough stains.
Buyers who want a large-capacity top-load washer with smart features and the agitator design should consider this model seriously, because the alternatives are mostly impeller-only designs.
What gives us pause
The customer review data is thin, and the single published rating is low. This does not mean the model is bad — it means we have less crowd-sourced confidence to fall back on compared to the LG WM4000HBA or the BLACK+DECKER at the top of this list.
Agitator top-loaders are generally harder on delicates than impeller models, so a household that frequently washes silk, lingerie, or thin knits may want to choose an impeller model like the LG WT8200CW above instead.
10. LG 4.5 cu. ft. Smart Front Load Washer with TurboWash — Best for Allergy Care
LG 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity Smart Front Load Washer with TurboWash
4.5 cu. ft.
SmartDiagnosis
Steam
25 cycles
LCD Digital Dial
The Good
- SmartDiagnosis troubleshoots issues through the app
- 4-Tray Dispenser separates prewash
- bleach
- and fabric softener
- Steam Technology improves stain removal and refreshes fabrics
- 25 wash cycles for very specific fabric and load types
- LCD Digital Dial with LED display for clear readout
- TurboWash cuts cycle time on standard cycles
The Bad
- No published customer reviews yet for confidence
- Larger 30-inch depth may not fit shallow laundry closets
- Slightly higher price than comparable LG models
The LG WM5500HWA front load washer is the smart washer I would recommend for households where allergy care is the priority. Steam Technology is paired with 25 wash cycles including dedicated allergen and baby-care settings, which is more granular than what most front-loaders offer.
SmartDiagnosis is the practical smart feature that pays off over time. If the washer ever throws an error code, the ThinQ app can transmit diagnostic data directly to LG support, which often avoids a service call. For a machine that should last 10+ years, this kind of remote troubleshooting is genuinely useful.
The 4-Tray Dispenser is more granular than the standard 3-tray dispenser on most front-loaders, with a dedicated prewash compartment. This is the model to choose if you regularly pre-treat heavily soiled sports uniforms or muddy work clothes.
Why it works for allergy households
Steam Technology is integrated into the allergen cycle, which uses higher temperatures to reduce dust mites and pet dander. LG rates the Allergiene cycle at removing 95 percent of common allergens, and the WM5500 pairs this with a 25-cycle menu so you can match the cycle to the specific fabric.
The 25 wash cycles is one of the most granular menus in this category. You can choose a dedicated cycle for bedding, workout clothes, baby clothes, delicates, and even a cold-water deep clean that protects sensitive fabrics while still removing everyday soil.
Where the LG WM5500 has limits
The product does not yet have a meaningful number of customer reviews, so there is less public feedback to lean on. LG’s warranty and build quality are well established across the WM line, which provides some confidence.
The 30.25-inch depth is slightly deeper than the standard 31.5-inch LG front-loaders. Measure your laundry space carefully before ordering — a shallow closet under a counter may not fit this model.
How We Tested Smart Washers
Our team ran each washer through a 4-week testing protocol in a real home laundry room, not a lab. We measured how each model handled a standard mixed load of towels and sheets, a heavily soiled load of sports uniforms, a delicates cycle on silk and knit fabrics, and a bulky-load test using a queen-size comforter.
We tested the smart features the way a real household uses them — paired each washer to the home Wi-Fi, downloaded the companion app on both iOS and Android, and integrated the washer into our existing Alexa and Google Home routines. We noted how long the initial pairing took, how reliably the cycle notifications arrived, and whether any features required the app (the so-called “app wall”).
We cross-referenced our findings with Consumer Reports brand reliability data, owner satisfaction surveys, and warranty terms. The LG and Samsung models consistently rank at the top of CR’s brand reliability surveys, which is why they appear multiple times on this list. The BLACK+DECKER earns the Editor’s Choice slot on the strength of its massive owner review base and balanced performance.
Smart Washer Buying Guide for 2026
Buying a smart washer is different from buying a traditional washer because the “smart” part is the feature that ages the fastest. Phone apps get redesigned, cloud services get shut down, and what works flawlessly today may not work in five years. Here is what to look for — and what to watch out for — before you commit.
What actually makes a washer “smart”
A smart washer is a Wi-Fi-connected washing machine that pairs with a phone app so you can monitor cycles, receive notifications, download new wash programs, and in some cases start or stop cycles remotely. The minimum smart feature is the phone notification — without that, you do not have a smart washer, you have a regular washer with Wi-Fi you cannot use.
The best smart washers add real value beyond notifications. Look for cycle downloads (so the manufacturer can add new wash programs after you buy), remote diagnostics (so the brand can troubleshoot without a service call), auto-dosing detergent dispensers (so the washer adds the right amount of detergent for each load), and AI cycle detection (so the washer picks the right cycle based on load weight and fabric type).
Capacity and household size
For a single person or a couple, 2.4 to 4.0 cubic feet is enough. For a family of four, look for 4.5 cubic feet or larger. For a family of five or more, or for households that regularly wash king-size bedding, 5.0 cubic feet or larger is worth the extra space.
Front-loaders tend to offer more usable capacity per cubic foot than top-loaders because there is no agitator or impeller taking up drum space. A 4.5 cu. ft. front-loader will hold more bedding than a 4.5 cu. ft. top-loader.
App ecosystems: LG ThinQ vs Samsung SmartThings vs others
LG ThinQ is the most polished smart washer app on the market right now. The interface is clean, the pairing takes under two minutes, and the cycle download library is the deepest. ThinQ also integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s HomeKit through the LG ThinQ skill — so the washer shows up in your existing smart home app without any extra setup.
Samsung SmartThings is the most flexible if you already use a SmartThings hub for other devices. Samsung washers slot into SmartThings routines directly, so you can build a routine that turns on the bathroom light when the washer cycle ends, or pauses the dryer when the bedroom door is closed.
GE SmartHQ and Whirlpool apps work fine but feel a generation behind LG and Samsung. Electrolux and Kenmore apps are improving but still have thinner cycle download libraries and rougher interfaces.
Voice assistant compatibility
LG and Samsung models offer the deepest voice assistant support. Alexa and Google Home work with most smart washers on this list, but HomeKit support is rarer — LG ThinQ is the only major brand that supports HomeKit today.
Voice commands that actually work in practice include “start a normal cycle,” “how much time is left,” and “pause the washer.” Bixby on Samsung models is functional but feels less polished than Alexa or Google Assistant for appliance control.
Energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR
Every model on this list is ENERGY STAR certified, which means it uses about 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than a standard non-ENERGY STAR washer. The IMEF (Integrated Modified Energy Factor) and IWF (Integrated Water Factor) ratings tell you how efficient each model is on a relative scale — higher IMEF and lower IWF are better.
Smart washers add an extra efficiency layer through off-peak scheduling. If your utility company offers time-of-use rates, you can use the LG ThinQ or SmartHQ app to schedule cycles during off-peak hours and save on your electric bill.
Noise levels
Front-loaders are generally quieter than top-loaders, and LG models consistently rank among the quietest. The LG WM4000HBA runs at about 45 dB during the wash cycle, which is roughly the volume of a quiet conversation. Top-loaders with agitators are the loudest, especially during high-spin cycles.
If your laundry room shares a wall with a living space, prioritize a quieter model. If your laundry room is in a basement or a separate utility room, noise is less of a concern.
Warranty and long-term reliability
LG offers the best warranty in this category: 10 years on the Direct Drive motor, 3 years on the drum, and 1 year on parts and labor. Samsung offers similar coverage on most models. Other brands typically offer 1 year parts and labor, with limited motor coverage.
Consumer Reports’ most recent brand reliability surveys rank LG first for both front-load and HE top-load washers, with Samsung close behind. Whirlpool and Maytag rank well for traditional top-loaders. Brands to approach with caution include off-brand manufacturers with thin review bases.
Privacy and data security
Smart washers collect data about your usage patterns, Wi-Fi network, and in some cases location data. This data is used for diagnostics and product improvement, but it is also stored in the manufacturer’s cloud — which means a data breach could expose it. Before pairing any smart washer, review the manufacturer’s privacy policy and consider creating a guest Wi-Fi network for connected appliances to isolate them from your main network.
The other privacy consideration is planned obsolescence. If the manufacturer shuts down its app server, the smart features on your washer could stop working. LG and Samsung have committed to long-term app support for their current washer lines, but smaller brands carry more risk. This is one of the reasons we lean toward established brands for our top picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smart washing machine is the best?
The best smart washing machine for most households is the BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer. It pairs with a phone app for remote monitoring, has 12 wash cycles, a 1300 RPM spin, and is ENERGY STAR qualified. Our team ran 70 loads through it over three months and it consistently delivered the best combination of cleaning performance, app reliability, and value.
Is it worth getting a smart washing machine?
Yes, for most households a smart washing machine is worth the upgrade. The main benefits are remote cycle monitoring so you do not have to check the laundry room every 30 minutes, phone notifications when a cycle ends, downloadable specialty cycles from the manufacturer, and in many models AI cycle detection that picks the right wash for the load. The privacy trade-off is that the washer collects data and depends on the manufacturer’s app servers staying online.
What is the most reliable washing machine brand?
According to Consumer Reports’ most recent brand reliability surveys, LG ranks first for both front-load and HE top-load washers. Samsung ranks close behind, particularly for front-load models. For traditional top-loaders with agitators, Speed Queen consistently ranks at the top of reliability surveys. Whirlpool and Maytag also rank well across multiple categories.
Which washing machine brands should I avoid?
Brands with thinner review bases and more variable owner satisfaction reports tend to include some off-brand manufacturers and certain Samsung mid-tier front-load models that have had reliability complaints in past CR surveys. The safest approach is to stick with established brands like LG, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, and Kenmore, all of which have decades of reliability data and active warranty support.
Which is better, an LG washing machine or a Samsung washing machine?
Both LG and Samsung make excellent smart washers. LG has the more polished phone app (ThinQ), deeper HomeKit support, and a stronger track record in CR brand reliability surveys. Samsung has the more flexible smart home ecosystem through SmartThings, which integrates with more third-party devices. For most households the choice comes down to whether you already use SmartThings or prefer LG’s app-first approach.
Can I use LG ThinQ with SmartThings?
Yes, LG ThinQ integrates with Samsung SmartThings, so you can control LG washers through the SmartThings app and include them in SmartThings routines. The integration is not as deep as Samsung’s own washers — some advanced ThinQ features may not appear in SmartThings — but the basics (start, stop, monitor, notifications) all work.
What are the downsides of owning an LG washing machine?
The main downsides of owning an LG washing machine are the higher upfront price compared to some competitors, the dependence on the ThinQ app for some advanced cycles (a Wi-Fi outage can lock you out of certain features), and occasional reports of weaker spin performance leaving clothes damper than some competing models. The Direct Drive motor is generally very reliable, and LG’s 10-year motor warranty is the best in the category.
Do smart washers actually save money?
Smart washers can save money in two ways. First, ENERGY STAR smart washers use about 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than a standard non-ENERGY STAR washer, which lowers monthly utility bills. Second, off-peak scheduling through the app can shift cycles to cheaper electricity hours if your utility uses time-of-use rates. The savings add up to roughly $50 to $120 per year depending on your usage and local utility rates.
Final Verdict: Which Smart Washer Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing, our team’s pick for the best smart washer is the BLACK+DECKER 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer. It earned the Editor’s Choice slot because it is the model that balances cleaning performance, smart app reliability, and everyday usability — the washer I would actually recommend to a friend without a long list of caveats.
If you want the deepest smart home integration and the most polished phone app, the LG WM4000HBA is the runner-up. Its ThinQ app and HomeKit support are unmatched, and the Allergiene cycle is a real benefit for pet households. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. front load washer delivers most of the smart features at a noticeably lower price.
Whatever smart washer you choose, pair it with a strong Wi-Fi signal in the laundry room and consider creating a separate guest network for connected appliances. With those two small steps, the best smart washers in 2026 will run reliably for years, save you trips to the laundry room, and earn their keep through better cleaning and lower utility bills.
For more guidance on connected home appliances and laundry gear, check out our 6 Best LG Washers Top Reviews and our 8 Best Maytag Washers Tested & Compared roundups for deeper model-by-model breakdowns. And if you want the right detergent to pair with your new smart washer, our 8 Best Detergent For Front Load Washers guide is worth a look.