Best Smart Washing Machines (2026)
Quick Verdict: The best smart washing machines of 2026 pair Wi-Fi app control with genuine performance gains — from the flagship LG WM9600HBA (TurboWash 360, 30-min full load, best overall) to the Samsung WF53BB8900AV Bespoke AI (5.3 cu. ft., AI OptiWash, top family pick). Whether you want remote start on your commute or AI-adjusted cycles that protect delicates automatically, these six models represent the strongest options across price tiers.
| Award | Model | Capacity | Key Smart Feature | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | LG WM9600HBA | 5.0 cu. ft. | TurboWash 360, ThinQ AI, 30-min full load | Premium (~$1,100–$1,300) |
| Best for Families | Samsung WF53BB8900AV Bespoke AI | 5.3 cu. ft. | AI OptiWash, Auto Dispense, SmartThings | Premium (~$1,200–$1,400) |
| Best Mid-Range Smart | LG WM6700HBA | 4.5 cu. ft. | ThinQ AI, 6 Motion Direct Drive, Steam | Mid (~$800–$950) |
| Best Smart Top-Loader | Samsung WA54CG7150AW | 5.4 cu. ft. | SmartThings, Super Speed, Auto Dispense | Mid (~$750–$900) |
| Best GE Smart Pick | GE GFW850SPNRS | 5.0 cu. ft. | SmartHQ Wi-Fi, UltraFresh Vent, OdorBlock | Mid-Premium (~$900–$1,100) |
| Best Budget Smart | Whirlpool WFW5605MW | 4.5 cu. ft. | Load & Go, Wi-Fi remote, Adaptive Wash | Budget-Mid (~$650–$800) |
How We Evaluated These Smart Washers
We drew on recommendations from multiple appliance-testing publications — including Reviewed.com, The Consumer’s Guide, and Alabama Appliance — cross-referenced with manufacturer specification sheets. No hands-on lab testing was performed; all specs and performance claims come from published sources and are honestly framed as such. We evaluated models on four axes:
- App quality and reliability — Connection stability, features available remotely, and compatibility with smart-home ecosystems (Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home).
- AI and sensor features — Whether the machine actually adjusts cycles based on load weight, fabric type, or soil level — not just marketing language.
- Wash performance — Stain-removal scores from independent testing where available, particularly at lower temperatures where smart sensors tend to show the most benefit.
- Value relative to non-smart equivalents — The smart premium should be recoverable in convenience, not just a connectivity checkbox.
For more context on how washing machines compare across all types, see our complete guide: Best Washing Machines (2026).
Best Smart Washing Machines — Full Reviews
Best Overall Smart Washer — LG WM9600HBA
Best for: Households that run frequent large loads and want the fastest smart front-loader available at this price point.
The LG WM9600HBA is a 27-inch front-load washer with a 5.0 cu. ft. drum, TurboWash 360 technology, and LG’s ThinQ AI platform. TurboWash 360 uses six spray nozzles to saturate the load from multiple angles simultaneously, reducing a standard cycle to as little as 30 minutes without the performance penalty seen in simple “quick wash” modes. The ThinQ app (iOS and Android) provides remote start, cycle monitoring, end-of-cycle push notifications, and downloadable specialty cycles. AI DD (Direct Drive) reads fabric weight and softness, then selects the optimal drum motion — one of six available patterns — before the cycle begins. It carries an Energy Star Most Efficient designation and uses approximately 13 gallons per load.
- TurboWash 360 cuts full-load cycle time to ~30 minutes with genuine stain removal
- AI DD adjusts drum motion per fabric — no manual cycle selection required for most loads
- ThinQ app is among the most consistent in the category for reliability
- 5.0 cu. ft. drum handles king comforters and large family loads
- Premium price (~$1,100–$1,300) — among the higher entry points for a front-loader
- TurboWash speed gains are most visible with lightly soiled loads; heavily soiled loads may benefit from standard longer cycles
Best for Families — Samsung WF53BB8900AV Bespoke AI
Best for: Large families who want maximum drum capacity, automatic detergent dispensing, and Samsung SmartThings ecosystem integration.
The Samsung WF53BB8900AV Bespoke AI offers the largest drum in this roundup at 5.3 cu. ft., paired with Samsung’s AI OptiWash feature, which reads soil levels via an optical sensor and adjusts the cycle accordingly. The Auto Dispense system holds up to 30 doses of liquid detergent and fabric softener, dispensing the correct amount per load automatically — reducing the day-to-day friction of laundry considerably. The machine connects to SmartThings for remote control and supports Alexa and Google Home. It also includes Steam Sanitize+, which is documented to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and allergens (per Samsung’s published specifications), Super Speed Wash (full load in ~28 minutes), and Self Clean+ tub maintenance cycles. ENERGY STAR certified.
- 5.3 cu. ft. — the largest capacity in this comparison, suited to families of four or more
- Auto Dispense holds ~30 doses — eliminating per-load measuring for most of a month
- AI OptiWash optical sensor adjusts cycle based on actual soil level, not just load weight
- SmartThings integration works across Samsung’s full appliance ecosystem
- Bespoke color panels add cost — functional performance is similar between color variants
- At ~$1,200–$1,400, it is one of the higher price points among front-loaders
Best Mid-Range Smart Washer — LG WM6700HBA
Best for: Buyers who want LG’s flagship smart and steam features without paying for the WM9600’s TurboWash premium.
The LG WM6700HBA delivers most of what the WM9600HBA offers at a noticeably lower price point. It pairs a 4.5 cu. ft. drum with LG’s 6 Motion Direct Drive motor — which rotates the drum in six distinct patterns to match fabric type — along with TurboWash technology (slightly slower at ~39 minutes versus 30), steam cleaning, and the full ThinQ AI app suite. The Direct Drive motor carries a 10-year warranty, which is one of the strongest in the front-load category. Energy Star certified, estimated at ~$800–$950 from major retailers.
- 6 Motion Direct Drive offers fabric-specific drum patterns at a mid-range price
- 10-year motor warranty — stronger than most competitors in this bracket
- Full ThinQ AI app integration including remote start and cycle download
- Steam cycle addresses allergens and wrinkle reduction without a separate steamer
- TurboWash here is ~39 min versus 30 min on the WM9600 — meaningful if speed is a priority
- 4.5 cu. ft. capacity may feel limiting for households regularly washing bulky bedding
Best Smart Top-Loader — Samsung WA54CG7150AW
Best for: Households that prefer top-load convenience and ergonomics but want Wi-Fi app control and modern smart features.
The Samsung WA54CG7150AW is a 5.4 cu. ft. impeller-style top-loader with SmartThings connectivity, Auto Dispense for detergent and softener, Super Speed Wash (full load in about 30 minutes), and a Self Clean+ drum maintenance cycle. SmartThings allows remote start, cycle selection, and diagnostic notifications. The impeller design (no agitator post) means less mechanical stress on fabrics while still providing strong cleaning action via water turbulence. Energy Star certified.
- 5.4 cu. ft. is one of the larger smart top-load capacities available
- Auto Dispense and Super Speed justify the smart premium over basic top-loaders
- Top-load ergonomics — no bending required for loading and unloading
- Compatible with SmartThings hub for full smart-home automation
- Impeller top-loaders use more water than front-loaders and are less gentle on some fabrics
- Smart features are slightly less advanced than Samsung’s front-load Bespoke line
Best GE Smart Pick — GE GFW850SPNRS
Best for: Buyers who prioritize odor prevention alongside smart connectivity — a persistent complaint with front-loaders.
The GE GFW850SPNRS addresses one of the most common front-load washer complaints — drum odor and mildew buildup — with its UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock. A small fan vents residual moisture from the drum after each cycle; the door and gasket are treated with an antimicrobial compound to inhibit mildew growth. On the smart side, it connects via the SmartHQ app with remote start, in-app notifications, and optional Amazon Alexa control. Drum capacity is 5.0 cu. ft., and it carries an Energy Star certification. Price range is approximately $900–$1,100.
- UltraFresh Vent System specifically addresses the mildew odor problem common in front-loaders
- OdorBlock antimicrobial gasket treatment is applied at the factory, not a user-maintained coating
- SmartHQ app is reliably reviewed for Wi-Fi stability
- 5.0 cu. ft. accommodates large family loads and bulky items
- No AI load-sensing at this tier — cycles are selected manually or via app preset
- Venting fan adds a small ambient noise that some users report noticing in quiet spaces
Best Budget Smart Washer — Whirlpool WFW5605MW
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want Wi-Fi app control and a large-capacity drum without paying premium prices.
The Whirlpool WFW5605MW pairs a 4.5 cu. ft. front-load drum with Whirlpool’s Load & Go dispenser (holds up to 20 loads of detergent) and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Whirlpool app. Adaptive Wash technology senses load size and adjusts water levels automatically. Remote start, end-of-cycle notifications, and cycle status monitoring are all available via the app. At approximately $650–$800, it is typically among the most accessible price points for a smart front-loader with a built-in dispenser. Energy Star certified.
- Load & Go dispenser holds up to 20 loads — the highest capacity per fill in this comparison
- Wi-Fi connectivity and app control available at a genuinely budget-friendly price
- Adaptive Wash auto-senses load size and water requirements
- Whirlpool’s brand reliability record is strong for long-term ownership costs
- No AI load-sensing or advanced cycle intelligence — smart features are primarily remote control
- Spin speed and cycle depth are more basic compared to LG and Samsung at higher price points
Smart Washer Buying Guide: What to Look For
App Ecosystems and Smart Home Compatibility
Before purchasing, check which smart-home platform the washer uses. LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings, GE SmartHQ, and Whirlpool’s app each have different levels of third-party integration. If you already use Alexa routines or Google Home automations, verify compatibility with the specific model before purchase — not all features are exposed to every platform.
AI Features vs. Remote Control Features
There is a meaningful difference between machines that only offer remote start (basic smart) and those with genuine AI cycle adjustment (advanced smart). AI load-sensing adjusts water volume, temperature, and drum motion based on what’s actually in the drum — reducing energy and water use per load. Remote start alone adds convenience but does not improve wash performance or efficiency.
Auto Dispense Systems
Built-in auto dispensers (Samsung, Whirlpool Load & Go) eliminate per-load measuring, which reduces detergent overuse — a common cause of residue buildup. Models with auto dispense typically use 10–20% less detergent than user-measured loads, according to manufacturer claims. Reservoir capacity ranges from roughly 20 to 30 loads between refills.
Integration with Off-Peak Energy Rates
Smart washers that support delayed-start scheduling allow you to program cycles to run during off-peak electricity hours. If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, this is a tangible bill-reduction tool — not just a convenience feature. Check whether your specific energy plan has off-peak windows before prioritizing this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a washing machine “smart”?
A smart washer connects to your home Wi-Fi and is controlled via a smartphone app. Most allow remote start/stop, cycle monitoring, end-of-cycle alerts, and downloadable wash programs. Premium models add AI load sensing that adjusts water, temperature, and spin speed automatically.
Is a smart washing machine worth the extra cost?
If you run laundry on a schedule, travel frequently, or want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, remote control and smart-home integration add real value. For straightforward household laundry, the price premium may not be justified over a reliable non-smart model.
Do smart washing machines need a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network?
Most smart washers connect on the 2.4 GHz band only, which provides better range through walls and floors than 5 GHz. Some newer models support dual-band. Check your router settings if initial pairing fails — many routers broadcast both bands under the same SSID, which can cause connection issues.
Which smart washer app works best?
LG’s ThinQ app and Samsung’s SmartThings app are the most consistently reviewed across appliance publications. Both support Alexa and Google Home voice control. The GE SmartHQ app is well-regarded for reliability. Whirlpool’s app covers the widest range of their appliances if you have a mixed-brand household.
For the complete washing machine landscape across all categories, visit our main guide: Best Washing Machines (2026).
