Best Portable Washing Machines for Apartments

No laundry hookups? A portable washer that hooks to your sink can save trips to the laundromat. Our picks, the types explained, and what to check with your landlord.

By Amanda RobertsUpdated October 29, 2026How we pick products

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If your apartment has no laundry hookups, a portable washer can save you hours at the laundromat. Most connect to your kitchen or bathroom faucet with an adapter, fill with water, wash, and drain into the sink or tub. When you’re done, they roll into a closet.

They’re not as good as a full-size washer. They hold less, clean a little less thoroughly and tie up your sink while they run. But for many renters, they’re the only in-unit option.

Check your lease first. Many landlords don’t allow portable washers because a drain hose that slips out of the sink can flood your unit and the one below.

The picks compared

Features and owner feedback are from BestReviews, Reviewed and manufacturer listings. Portable washer models and model numbers change often, so check the capacity and features on the current listing before you buy. Most cost about $90 to $450.

1. BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer: Best overall

Best for: Most renters who want to do regular loads at home.

BestReviews named it the best portable washer overall, and a cleaning expert they consulted approved it. Its 2-cubic-foot tub is on the large side for a portable, so you can wash a reasonable load of clothes or a set of sheets. It has six cycles, three water levels, an LED display and a quiet-close lid. It’s compact enough for small apartments and RVs.

What bugs us: Some owners report small leaks, so set it on a tray or towel at first. Like all portables, it ties up your sink while it fills and drains.

Skip it if: you need to wash bulky comforters.

2. COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine: Most features

Best for: Families and anyone who wants more control.

The COMFEE’ offers six programs, three water levels, a delay-start timer and a child lock. A cleaning expert consulted by BestReviews liked its capacity and ease of use.

What bugs us: Owners say it’s heavy, which matters if you’ll roll it to the sink each time.

Skip it if: you’ll carry it up and down stairs.

3. VCJ Twin Tub Portable Washer: Best budget

Best for: Budget shoppers who don’t mind being hands-on.

A twin tub has two compartments: one washes, the other spins clothes damp-dry. You move clothes between them by hand, but you can wash one load while spinning the last. It handles up to about 9 pounds, has simple knob controls, and drains by gravity.

What bugs us: It’s more work than a fully automatic washer, drainage can be fussy, and it’s not ideal for heavy items like towels or jeans in bulk.

Skip it if: you want to press start and walk away.

4. The Laundry Alternative Wonderwash: No electricity

Best for: Small loads, delicates, camping and places with no outlet.

The Wonderwash is a small drum you fill with hot water and detergent, seal and turn with a crank for a couple of minutes. It needs no electricity, is gentle on delicates and costs little.

What bugs us: It holds only about 5 pounds, takes physical effort, and you’ll need to wring or hang clothes to dry.

Skip it if: you want to wash a week’s worth of clothes.

How we researched these picks

We compared portable washers using BestReviews’ guide, Reviewed’s look at the pros and cons of portable washers, owner feedback and manufacturer specs. We focused on:

• Capacity
• Fully automatic vs semi-automatic
• Hookup and drainage
• Leaks and reliability
• Price

We haven’t tested these ourselves. Read more about how we pick products.

Fully automatic vs twin tub

Fully automatic portables fill, wash, rinse, spin and drain on their own, like a small regular washer. They’re easier but cost more.

Twin tub (semi-automatic) models have separate wash and spin tubs. You fill them, move clothes between tubs and drain by hand or by gravity. They’re cheaper and often spin clothes drier, but they’re more work.

How the hookup works

1. Attach the faucet adapter to your kitchen or bathroom faucet. Most washers include one, but some faucets, especially pull-down sprayers, need a different adapter.
2. Connect the inlet hose from the faucet to the washer.
3. Put the drain hose in the sink or tub and secure it. A clip or weight helps keep it from jumping out.
4. Run the washer. Expect to use the sink for 30 to 60 minutes.

What about drying?

Portable washers don’t dry. Hang clothes on a rack, or look at a portable dryer if your building allows it. If you have space for a bigger machine, an all-in-one ventless washer dryer combo needs no vent and plugs into a regular outlet on some models.

Common questions

Do portable washers clean as well as regular washers? Not quite. They’re fine for everyday laundry, but tough stains may need pretreating.

Can I use a portable washer in the bathroom? Yes, with a compatible faucet adapter, or by draining into the tub.

How much water does a portable washer use? Usually less than a full-size top-loader, because the tub is smaller.