It isn't only people with an open concept house, or those in small apartments who might want the quietest washing machine. Even those with their laundry in the basement or behind the kitchen will appreciate a less noisy machine – who doesn't prefer a little peace and quiet when there is the choice?
That is why we've looked up the best low decibel washing machines, because if you can have a quiet washing machine, why wouldn't you? Yet quietness as a feature is something we so often overlook when choose a new washer. When you buy a new machine, you can get a great range of smart features, generous capacity for washing all the entire household's dirty garments, a great energy rating and more – but if you get that machine home and find it to be noisy and disruptive, all that functionality is quickly forgotten.
Luckily, manufacturers of the best washing machines know this and have come up with a bunch of noise reduction technologies to add to their washers. We have checked not only the decibels, but looked for other things like anti-vibration, inverter motors and balancing that help create the quietest washing machine. We've detailed our very best buys below, from the affordable picks to the best options for smaller spaces.
What is the quietest washing machine?
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When it comes to choosing a quiet washing machine, our top recommendation is the Bosch 800 Series 24 in. 2.2 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Front Load Washer, which is perfect if you're looking for something with lots of features to take the effort out of doing your laundry. It's also small enough to fit into an apartment or hall closet too, an important consideration since if you're looking for a quiet machine, there's a good chance it's because you live in a small space.
Keep scrolling to find out about more of our favorite quiet washing machines.
Best quietest washing machines - our 4 top picks
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).
Eco-Silence motor
The Eco-Silence drive technology that powers this washing machine can generate sounds a low as 47 decibels, which is quieter than the sound of the ocean, which comes in at 55dB.
Ideal for small spaces
This washing machine is ideal for small spaces not only because it's quiet, but because it's just 25" wide, 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.
A cycle for everything
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 15-minute wash. It also has a drum cleaning feature.
Smart technology
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. Its EasyStart feature also guides you through selecting the best setting for your clothes, so you don’t have to guess.
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, plus a ton of fancy extras, and still manages to be incredibly quiet.
Speed and noise level
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. In fact, LG says their LoDecibel washer is so quiet, "chances are you may not even notice it."
Big, but energy-efficient, too
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.
Smart technology
This wifi-enabled washing machine is compatible with LG's THINQ® app, which allows you to control it from your phone.
Wash options
No matter what kind of laundry you're doing, this machine is likely to have a setting for it. The LG WM9000HVA 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.
In general, front loaders are quieter than top loaders, but the LG WT7800CV is an exception. Outfitted with the same LoDecibel technology as our number two pick, this washing machine is incredibly quiet for a top-loader.
Time-efficient
A 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).
Deep-fill options & cold wash
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.
Smart tech
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.
Energy efficient
On top of all this, the LG WT7800CV is Energy-Star certified and comes with a 10-year warranty on the motor, too.
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-reduction technology all for under $800 (and we've often seen it on sale for under $600).
Nice & quiet
Thanks to the machine's VRT™ technology, reviewers rave that it's quiet even on the spin cycle, while the manufacturer says the tech "all but eliminates" noise.
Smart care app
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.
Plenty of wash programs
There are eight programs that 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.
What to look for when buying the best quiet washing machine
Shopping for a washing machine, and more specifically the quietest washing machine around, can be something of a minefield. We'd recommend bearing the following features in mind during the course of 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 on a regular basis, as some washing machines come complete with programs designed to tackle pet hair, 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.
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 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.
