If you live in an apartment, having a loud washing machine can really wear on your nerves. Luckily, there are so many quiet ones to choose from nowadays, you’ll easily find a replacement. And you don’t even have to look for the best quiet washing machines on your own — the Internet has done the work for you!
Ultimately, continuing to use a loud washing machine may end up costing you more than a new one would. Even if you schedule a wash cycle when you’re at work or asleep, you might be setting yourself up for trouble. On the one hand, your neighbors could take issue with the noise even if you’re not there. And if you’re counting on not hearing the incessant whirring while you’re asleep, you have another thing coming.
But really, what kind of noise reduction can you expect from a quiet washing machine? Let’s talk about it!
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How Many Decibels Does a Quiet Washing Machine Produce?
Before we get any further, it’s important to establish a baseline for the amount of noise you can expect to hear from a regular washing machine. If you’ve had your machine for over a decade, it’ll probably produce about 80 or even 90 decibels during standard operation. For the sake of comparison, that’s about as loud as your average vacuum cleaner or a passing motorcycle.
More importantly, that places washing machines right in the decibel range where sound becomes dangerous. If you regularly find yourself surrounded by noise that measures over 85 decibels, you can experience many health consequences. Eventually, your sense of hearing will take the hit — as will your mental health.
So knowing that, it’s time to talk about what you can expect from one of the quieter washing machines on the market. Well, generally, manufacturers will boast of decibel measurements below 70 decibels. Ideally, you want to aim for the 60–65 dB range or lower.
That should give you a machine that’s about three or four times quieter than the older models. Remember, every ten-decibel rise represents a doubling of the noise volume. So a machine that makes 70 dB of noise would be twice as loud as one that measures in at 60 dB. Conversely, the same model would be half as loud as one that operates at 80 dB.
Other Ways to Tell if a Washing Machine Is Quiet
Once you start looking at different washing machines, you’ll see that most manufacturers forget to include some pretty important caveats. After all, that registered level of sound you’ll see in product descriptions can depend on several factors.
For one, it’s important to know whether the testing was done by the company or an independent party. Even if you know who did the testing, you’ll still have to figure out how it was done. As you can imagine, the distance between the washing machine and the microphone is crucial when taking such measurements.
Last but not least, you’ll also want to take into consideration the machine program that was measured. Generally, wash cycles aren’t as loud as spin cycles. So even if the machine you’re looking at produces under 50 decibels during a wash cycle, it can still be as loud as 70 decibels during the spin cycle. In fact, that’s usually the case.
But, if you can’t rely on decibel measurements to figure out which washing machines are quiet, what are some other indicators you can use? Well, quiet washers generally have brushless motors instead of brushed ones. That’s one feature you’ll see in quiet products of all sorts, from hair dryers to desk fans. These kinds of motors tend to produce less friction, making them quieter as well as more long-lasting than their predecessors.
On top of that, some of the quiet machines may have vibration reduction features like inverter motors or internal insulation. But really, the best way to know if a machine will live up to the manufacturer’s claims of quiet performance is to read the user reviews. They’ll let you know if the thing is worth buying.
Best Quiet Washing Machines to Get in 2023
Now that you know what makes a washing machine quiet, let’s talk about some specific examples. If you’re looking for smaller or portable washers, you’ll find them towards the end of the list. And after the reviews, we’ll give you more detailed instructions on how to find the best washing machine for your home.
1. Whirlpool Supreme Care fscr10432 Washing Machine
As a home appliance manufacturer, Whirlpool prioritizes the comfort of consumers. The company produced a number of quiet dishwashers as well as washing machines. If you’re looking for the best product in the latter category, you’re sure to find it in Whirlpool’s Supreme Care lineup.
According to the company, these machines are powered by ZEN Technology, which utilizes brushless, ultra-quiet motors. Thanks to those Zen motors, you won’t hear the noise level go above 48 decibels during the wash cycle. Even more surprisingly, it should remain under 70 decibels even during the 1,400 RPM spin cycle!
The 6th Sense AutoDose is another key feature of machines in this line. Simply put, this technology will enable you to fill the detergent tank once every 20 wash cycles or so. The machine itself will determine how much of it to dispense depending on the program you choose. The same feature also adjusts the water and energy use of the unit according to the type of laundry you’re washing.
The front-loading FSCR10432 unit we have decided to highlight was pronounced the quietest washer on the market back when it came out in 2016. The 33 by 23-inch unit can hold about 22 pounds of laundry — though there are larger and smaller machines in that line of products. Notably, though, the machine doesn’t have a delay start feature, which means you won’t be able to schedule a wash cycle.
Features:
- Front-loading machine with a 22-pound tub capacity
- 48 dB wash cycle and 68 dB spin cycle
- 18 main programmed settings
- 6th Sense AutoDose
2. Bosch Serie 8 waw325h0gb Smart Washing Machine
Like Whirlpool, Bosch has a range of quiet washing machines that use its proprietary EcoSilence Drive. According to the company, the brushless motor allows the machines to generate only about 47 decibels of noise during a wash cycle.
Notably, the Bosch Serie 8 unit we’re about to discuss still produces 73 decibels during its 1,600 RPM spin cycle. But since the machine features an innovative anti-vibration design, most users are inclined to forgive that “flaw.”
The machine we have decided to feature is just about as big as the previous one on this list. Even so, it can’t fit more than 20 pounds of laundry. Better yet, you’ll have plenty of pre-installed settings to use on your loads — there’s even one for removing allergens.
Unlike the previous product we have mentioned, this one has a 24-hour start delay option on its list of impressive features. On top of that, you’ll be able to control and monitor your washing machine from Bosch’s Home Connect app.
Features:
- Front-loading machine with a 20-pound tub capacity
- 48 dB wash cycle and 73 dB spin cycle
- All the basic programs and then some
- App connectivity
3. LG Wm3600hwa Washing Machine With Thinq Technology
LG’s washing machines may be a bit pricier than the average portable unit you’ll find on Amazon, but they’re usually worth every penny. Take this 5.2 cu.ft. front-loading model as an example. Even though it’s one of the more modest units LG makes, it has everything you could ever need.
For one, the washer has ThinkQ technology — which means it’s Wi-Fi enabled. As such, you’ll be able to start and stop the machine and even monitor its energy consumption right from your smartphone. You won’t even have to move a finger — just tell your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to start the program.
The 27 by 39-inch washer has an internal storage capacity of 5.2 cubic feet so it should be able to handle about 20 pounds of laundry. Moreover, if you look closely, you’ll see that this unit has a large drawer section at the bottom. That’s a spare washer compartment that lets you process two loads of laundry at once!
Even with those extra moving parts, this washer should remain pretty quiet thanks, in part, to the manufacturer’s anti-vibration design. Besides, with a maximum spin speed of 1,300 rotations per minute, the unit was never going to get too loud, to begin with.
Features:
- Front-loading machine with a 20+ pound tub capacity
- Fairly quiet even during its 1,300 RPM spin cycle
- Wi-Fi enabled
- LG Pedestal Washer
4. Frigidaire Top Load Washer
Having seen some of the best front-loading washing machines on the market, let’s talk about some of the quietest top-loading units. Of course, if you happen to like a specific feature from another manufacturer, you’ll probably be able to find a top-loading appliance that has it in its lineup.
With that being said, let’s talk about what makes this particular unit from Frigidaire deserving of being on our list. Namely, even though you won’t find decibel measurements for this model, you’ll find that it’s pretty silent. After all, it won’t go above 680 RPM during its spin cycle — so you can count on it being even quieter during the regular wash cycle.
On top of that, this 43 by 27-inch appliance houses a pretty large 4.1 cubic foot tub. You’ll easily fit about 18 pounds of laundry in there. Better still, you’ll be able to see it swishing around through the transparent top lid.
In all, this unit has 12 wash cycles, 5 soil levels, and 4 temperatures, so you’ll be able to fine-tune the settings according to the type of load you’re doing. Additionally, the machine has an automatic fabric softener dispenser as well as a delayed start setting. Sure, it doesn’t have the fancy connectivity features we saw from the bigger brands — but it has everything you’ll ever need.
Features:
- Top-loading machine with an 18-pound tub capacity
- A maximum spin speed of 680 RPM
- 12 washer cycles, 4 temperatures
- Automatic fabric softener dispenser
5. COMFEE 11 Lbs Capacity Washing Machine
This top-loading washer from COMFEE’ is significantly smaller and simpler than the previous unit, standing at 36.6 inches tall and 20.3 inches wide. So if you were looking for a smaller washing machine for an apartment, dorm, or even an RV — this could be just what you need. The unit comes with all the accessories you’ll need to attach it to the nearest water source. On top of that, its swivel wheels and handles will let you adjust its position easily.
But really, the biggest selling point here is that the washer will only make about 62 decibels of noise. Its maximum spinning speed is only 840 rotations per minute, so you can be fairly certain it won’t be much louder during the spin cycle either.
The stainless steel tub inside the gray appliance has a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, so it can fit about 11 pounds of laundry. Like the previous top-loading washer we have seen, this one also has a transparent glass lid you can use to monitor the progress of your load.
The control panel is pretty easy to figure out, offering you 3 water levels and temperature settings in addition to the 6 basic wash cycles. You can also delay the start time of the program to take advantage of cheap electricity.
Features:
- Top-loading machine with an 11-pound tub capacity
- 62 dB noise level, with a maximum speed of 840 RPM
- 6 basic wash cycles, 3 temperatures, 3 water levels
- Wheels and handles enable portability
6. Farberware Professional 1 Cu.Ft. Capacity Washing Machine
If the previous product we have mentioned is still a bit too large for you, after all, then this Farberware washer might be a better fit. Standing at 31 inches tall and under 20 inches wide and deep, it is the perfect dorm solution. Its sleek metallic design will keep it from becoming an eyesore, but if you do want to keep it out of sight, its petite size should make it easy to stash.
The stainless steel tub inside the appliance can fit about 7 pounds of clothes. Like the previous product, this one offers 6 wash programs as well as 6 water level settings to choose from. And since its maximum rotational speed is only 800 RPM, it should be just powerful enough to wash your clothes without being too loud. According to some sources, it should produce no more than 64 decibels of noise.
Features:
- Front-loading machine with a 7-pound tub capacity
- 64 dB noise level with a maximum spin speed of 800 RPM
- 6 basic wash cycles, 6 water levels
- Small enough to tuck away if necessary
7. BLACK & DECKER BPWM09W Portable Washer
Last but not least, we have a portable washer from BLACK+DECKER, a home appliance brand that excels at making compact and quiet products. In this case, the company has produced a top-loading washing machine that stands at 31.5 inches tall, 18.1 inches deep, and 17.7 inches wide.
The stainless steel tub inside the appliance can only hold up to 6.6 pounds of laundry. But even then, it’ll be done with them pretty quickly, since the cycles only last for up to 52 minutes.
All of the controls are around the LED display on the front edge of the top side of the appliance. That’s also where you’ll find the button that lets you delay the start of the program by up to 24 hours.
Just keep in mind that this particular washer can only use high-efficiency detergents and cold water. So if that won’t suit your needs, just go for one of the other products on this list.
Notably, though, this washer has two pretty cool safety features. The first one prevents it from tipping over due to the unbalanced movement of the soggy items inside the washer. The second is essentially a child lock which can shut down a wash cycle if the transparent lid on top of the appliance is opened.
Don’t worry, though, the washer will continue the cycle as soon as you close the lid. So if nothing else, you’ll be able to add and remove things in a pinch.
Features:
- Top-loading machine with a 6.6-pound tub capacity
- Incredibly quiet
- 5 basic wash cycles, 3 water levels
- Comes with a drain hose as well as a sink connector
Features to Look For When Shopping for Quiet Washing Machines
As you have seen, different brands have varying opinions on what makes a washing machine quiet. Some focus on providing quality construction that prevents sounds from escaping and vibrations from transferring from the inside of the machine to the surrounding surfaces. Meanwhile, others focus on making changes to the motor inside the machine and limiting noise that way.
Either way, the method of achieving quiet performance won’t be the only thing you take into consideration when shopping for the best quiet washing machines. So what are some of the other notable features you should think about before making your final choice? Let’s find out.
Front or Top-Loading
One of the most important things you’ll need to consider before you even start looking for quiet washers is whether you need a front-loading or top-loading machine. If you plan on keeping the unit in a small bathroom, a top-loading machine might be a better bet than a front-loading one. After all, it’ll be easier to drop your laundry in through the top than try to open the front lid in tight quarters.
On the other hand, some front-loading machines are stackable. So if you have a separate dryer, you should get a front-loading machine that can hold its weight.
You should also know that your choice may determine how loud the machine is. After all, most users report that front-load washers tend to be quieter than top-load ones that have agitator motors.
On the other hand, front-load washers often rattle against the floor and surrounding furniture because they have faster maximum spinning speeds. Then again, their higher energy and water efficiency might make up for the excessive noise in your book.
Ultimately, you’ll find pros and cons on both sides. But if you keep an eye on those specs, you should be able to find top- or front-loading units that fit your parameters.
Tub Capacity
Next up, you’ll need to look into the internal capacity and capabilities of the machines you’re checking out. If you live with several other people, you’ll want to make sure the tub of your washing machine is large enough to handle your usual loads.
To calculate the capacity of the products you’re looking at, you’ll need to know the diameter and depth of the tub. Once you have those numbers, you can get the volume of the tub by multiplying the depth and diameter in feet by pi. The result will be the volume in cubic feet — though that number is usually available in product descriptions.
Generally, top-loading washing machines tend to have a capacity of 3.1 to 4 cubic feet. The larger front-loaders usually have a capacity of 4.5 cu.ft., though some of them can go up to 5 cu.ft.
Sometimes, the capacity of the product may be expressed in kilograms or pounds. In that case, you should know that a 10–15 pound capacity would be considered small, ideal for singles and couples. If you have a small or medium-sized family, you could go up to 20 pounds, and everything over that would be fit for large families.
Spin Cycle Speed
As we have established, the spin cycle is usually the loudest setting on a washing machine, even without additional problems. So if you’re looking for a quiet appliance, you might have to sacrifice its spin cycle speed. After all, faster spin cycles are usually louder.
So if the machine you get has a maximum speed of about 700 rotations per minute, it’s bound to be quiet even during the spin cycle. However, that also means that your clothes may not be as dry as you’d like them to be when they come out of the wash. Ultimately, you’ll have to figure out whether giving up an efficient spin cycle is worth the noise reduction.
Wash Program Options
At this point, most of the washing machines on the market have all the basic wash programs options you could need. A press of a button will change the settings from being optimal for cotton to being able to process synthetics, delicates, or just rinse and spin soiled garments.
However, if you are looking for a specific setting, you’ll have to dig deeper. For example, even though a scheduled start option would be a convenient feature to have on all washers — you shouldn’t assume the products you’re looking at have one. Take an extra second or two to make sure that’s the case if you need one. That also applies if you’re looking for a washing machine that doubles as a dryer.
How to Make Your Washing Machine Quieter
Whether or not you get one of the best quiet washing machines on the market, you may still experience noisy operation every once in a while. Usually, it’s a matter of how you handle your laundry before running a wash cycle. With that in mind, let’s see how you can make your washing machine a bit quieter.
Don’t Overload — Or Underload It
If your washing machine is only occasionally noisy, you might want to consider what you’re putting in it. Specifically, you should check if the load you placed in the tub is too hefty for the machine to handle. Alternatively, you might have put too light of a load in there. Either scenario may end up producing noise.
On the one hand, overloading the tub could make it difficult for the machine to do its job. After all, some extra room is necessary for the water to get to every item inside the machine.
On the other hand, if you don’t place enough items in the machine, the sounds may be the result of zippers, buttons, and wet cloth slapping against the metal. More importantly, turning on a half-empty washing machine would usually be a waste of electricity and water. However, some of the machines on the market today have internal sensors that adjust the amount of water that goes in based on the weight of the load.
Use Anti-Vibration Pads
If the sounds you’re trying to suppress aren’t coming from inside the machine, you may be dealing with impact noise. Essentially, the rotation of the tub inside the washer could be moving the whole body of the appliance, making it rattle against the surrounding surfaces.
To prevent that kind of vibration transfer, the first thing you should do is make sure the washer has some room all around. Just push it an inch or so away from the wall and any surrounding furniture and you should be good.
Of course, you can’t very well lift the machine an inch off the floor and expect it to levitate. Or maybe you can! Luckily, we have these handy things called anti-vibration pads. And if you don’t feel like ordering some, you could use any old piece of rubber.
Alternatively, you could put the feet of the washer on top of folded-up bits of paper. Crucially, though, the paper won’t be able to stand the test of time as well as rubber. So you should only use it as a temporary solution while you get your hands on something that will prevent your washing machine from vibrating across the laundry room floor.
Cover It With Insulation
Last but not least, one way to muffle the sounds that are coming from your washing machine and prevent it from vibrating against the surrounding surfaces would be to cover it with insulation. As long as you don’t cover up a vent or something, it should be fine.
If you don’t want to put in much effort on this tip, and you don’t mind having less than picturesque results, you can just toss a blanket over your washer and call it a day. But if you want to make it look more professional, just make the cover fit the dimensions of your machine.
We also suggest having a flap over the door side of the machine. That should prevent noise from escaping through that side.
Invest in a Quiet Washing Machine
Even if your machine doesn’t cooperate with your efforts to silence it, you could always soundproof the room it’s in. Generally, soundproofing a laundry room is a matter of plugging the gaps between the door and the door frame. Once that door is more effective, you’ll be able to just close it whenever you run the machine.
Alternatively, you should just let your old washer go and get a new one. On top of being less noisy, your new washing machine is sure to be more energy- and water-efficient. So really, getting a new, quieter appliance may actually save you some cash in the long run!
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