9 Best Portable Washing Machines for Apartments (November 2026)

The best portable washing machines for apartment living include the Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing for separate wash and spin tubs, the Giantex Portable Washing Machine for automatic small loads, and the COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine for flexible twin-tub cycles.

On this page (7 sections)

1. How we chose portable washing machines for apartments
2. The best portable washing machines for apartment laundry
3. What should you check before choosing an apartment washer?
4. Is a twin-tub or automatic washer better for an apartment?
5. How much capacity is enough for apartment laundry?
6. How do you manage water in a small apartment?
7. Which portable washer should you choose for apartment living?

The best portable washing machines for apartments are compact washers that match your available floor space, load size and way of handling water. The Giantex twin tub is a strong pick for separate wash and spin stages, while the Giantex automatic model suits buyers who want programmed cycles.

A portable washer still needs a sensible setup. Measure the parking spot, confirm a nearby faucet and drain, and consider whether you'll need to roll or lift the machine between laundry days.

For a broader look at washer styles and tradeoffs, see our guide to the best portable washing machine. If your main concern is moving the unit, compare our portable washing machines on wheels picks.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for separate wash and spin tubs

   Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for automatic small loads

   Giantex Portable Washing Machine

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for flexible twin-tub cycles

   COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   COMFEE' Portable Washing Machine 0.9 cu.ft Compact

   Best for rolling storage
   Check it
5. 5

   SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing

   Best for light, separate loads
   Check it
6. 6

   ROVSUN 11LBS Portable Washing Machine

   Best for very small laundry areas
   Check it
7. 7

   COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine

   Best for larger twin-tub loads
   Check it
8. 8

   COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine

   Best for automatic pump drainage
   Check it
9. 9

   BANGSON 1.08 Cu.Ft Portable Washing Machine

   Best for extra program choices
   Check it

How we chose portable washing machines for apartments

We compared capacity, tub style, controls, dimensions, weight and drainage features to find apartment-friendly options. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

The strongest fit depends on your routine. A twin-tub washer separates washing and spinning, while a full-automatic washer runs a selected program without moving clothes between tubs.

Before choosing, consider how a washing machine uses water and motion to clean fabric with our explainer on how a washing machine cleans clothes. For any washer, load space matters: our guide to loading a washing machine without overloading it covers the room clothes need to move.

The best portable washing machines for apartment laundry

The picks below cover separate twin-tub washing, automatic cycles and machines that are easier to move or store. They appear in score order, with the best fit depending on your space and preferred setup.

1

Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing: Best for separate wash and spin tubs

9.7/10Our score

• 12 lb wash capacity
• 8 lb spinner capacity
• 15-minute wash timer
• 28 lb weight

The twin-tub setup separates washing from spinning, with room to handle each stage in its own tub. Its 28 lb weight and compact dimensions suit buyers who need to move a washer between uses.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Separate wash and spinner tubs
• Wash and spin timers
• Lightweight at 28 lb

Cons

• Requires moving clothes between tubs
• Spinner load is smaller than wash load

The Giantex twin-tub washer fits apartments where you can leave a compact appliance in a laundry nook or move it into place when needed. Its body weighs 28 lb and measures 24.8 in wide, 15 in deep and 28.5 in tall.

The wash tub holds 12 lb, and the spinner holds up to 8 lb. That split is useful to know before you start a load, since a full wash tub may need to be spun in more than one batch.

The controls let you set wash time up to 15 minutes and spin time up to 5 minutes. You move clothes between tubs, so it requires more handling than an automatic washer, but the separate sections let the wash and spin functions work at the same time.

Plan where the drain hose will go and make sure the faucet connection works with your setup. The machine includes a filter net that can be removed for cleaning, and the spinner cover plate needs to sit over clothes during spinning.

Choose this model if you want separate wash and spin tubs in a relatively light machine. If you prefer a programmed cycle that can run without transferring clothes, consider the best Giantex portable washing machine guide.

2

Giantex Portable Washing Machine: Best for automatic small loads

9.6/10Our score

• 8 lb capacity
• 6 programs
• 3 water levels
• Built-in drain pump

This compact automatic washer offers several wash and rinse combinations, plus three water levels. Its built-in pump and drainage tube help direct used water to a suitable drain.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Full-automatic operation
• Six programs and three water levels
• Built-in drain pump

Cons

• 8 lb load limit
• Faucet and drain setup still needs planning

The Giantex automatic washer suits apartment residents who want a single tub and preset wash combinations. It measures 17 x 17 x 29.5 in and has an 8 lb capacity.

Six programs cover combinations such as wash-rinse-spin, soak-wash-rinse-spin, rinse-spin and spin. Three water levels, 16, 23 and 30 L, let you choose a level for the amount of clothing in the tub.

This machine has a built-in drain pump and drainage tube, which can help direct used water to a suitable drain. Its automatic cycle avoids moving clothes from a wash tub into a separate spinner, though the compact 8 lb capacity is better suited to smaller laundry batches.

Measure the route to its storage spot as well as the spot itself. It weighs 37.4 lb, so moving it may take more effort than moving the lightest twin-tub options.

Choose it if you want automatic programs in a compact footprint. For more electric models with a single washer tub, see our best portable electric washing machines roundup.

3

COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine: Best for flexible twin-tub cycles

9.6/10Our score

• 12 lb wash capacity
• 8 lb spinner capacity
• 15-minute wash timer
• Three control knobs

Separate tubs let you wash and spin clothes in stages, while three knobs control washing and spinning. The wide 25 in body makes measuring the storage spot especially useful.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Separate wash and spin functions
• Adjustable wash and spin timers
• Filter can be removed for cleaning

Cons

• 25 in wide
• Clothes must be transferred to the spinner

The COSTWAY twin-tub washer gives apartment users a 12 lb wash tub and an 8 lb spinner, with separate controls for each stage. Its 25 in width makes it one of the broader options here, so measure carefully before committing floor space.

Three knobs control the wash selector, wash timer and spin timer. You can set the wash for up to 15 minutes and the spin for up to 5 minutes, then move garments between the tubs.

Its filter sits on the side of the cleaning tub and can help catch lint during washing. The washer weighs 29 lb, which is manageable for some people to reposition, but it still needs a stable spot and a clear route to the sink or drain.

COSTWAY notes that a faucet adapter may be needed if the included hose does not fit. Check your faucet shape and drainage plan before you bring the machine home.

Pick it if you like a twin-tub workflow and want a 12 lb wash capacity. If the Panda brand is already on your shortlist, our best Panda portable washing machine guide compares that style of option.

4

COMFEE' Portable Washing Machine 0.9 cu.ft Compact: Best for rolling storage

9.5/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 5 programs
• 3 water levels
• Wheels and handles

Wheels and handles make this automatic washer easier to move between a laundry spot and storage. Five programs and three water levels give you options for different loads.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Wheels and handles
• Five programs
• Stainless steel inner tub

Cons

• 44.1 lb weight
• Requires room for its 31.5 in height

The COMFEE' washer is a strong choice when you want automatic programs and easier movement between use and storage. It measures 18.1 in wide, 17.7 in deep and 31.5 in tall, with wheels and handles for repositioning.

Its 0.9 cu ft capacity is paired with five programs: Heavy, Soft, Normal, Rapid and Soak. Three water levels and a transparent lid give you options for different loads and a view of the wash.

A stainless steel inner tub, lint filter, water inlet and drain pump are part of its setup. The listed dimensions matter for doorways and storage shelves, and the machine's 44.1 lb weight means the wheels may be useful if the path is clear and level.

This is a better fit for buyers who value program choices and rolling mobility than for someone who needs the lightest machine. Check faucet compatibility and make sure the drain hose can reach a suitable drain.

5

SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing: Best for light, separate loads

9.4/10Our score

• 8 lb washer capacity
• 5 lb spin capacity
• 15-minute wash timer
• 26.5 lb weight

This twin-tub washer has a lighter 26.5 lb body and separate wash and spin stages. Its smaller washer and spinner capacities make it a better fit for modest loads than household-sized laundry.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Separate wash and spin tubs
• Compact height
• Drain tube included

Cons

• 8 lb washer and 5 lb spinner capacities
• Requires manual transfer between tubs

The SUPER DEAL twin tub suits apartments where laundry loads are small and a shorter washer is helpful. It measures 23 in wide, 13.5 in deep and 26 in tall, and weighs 26.5 lb.

The washer holds 8 lb and the spinner holds 5 lb. A wash timer runs up to 15 minutes and a spin timer up to 5 minutes, so you can set each stage based on the load and fabric.

The gravity drain setup uses a drainage tube, so plan for a drain lower than the washer's outlet and a secure hose position.

Choose it for modest loads and a smaller height profile. If wheel-based movement is a priority, compare it with our portable washing machine on wheels choices.

6

ROVSUN 11LBS Portable Washing Machine: Best for very small laundry areas

9.3/10Our score

• 7 lb washer capacity
• 4 lb spinner capacity
• 1300 RPM motor
• About 22 lb weight

Its 23.6 in height and roughly 22 lb weight suit a buyer who needs a smaller washer to store or move. The separate 7 lb washer and 4 lb spinner are sized for smaller loads.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Low 23.6 in height
• About 22 lb
• Drain hose included

Cons

• 4 lb spinner capacity
• Semi-automatic operation

The ROVSUN washer is suited to very small laundry spaces where a lower height and light body are useful. It weighs about 22 lb and measures 14 in deep, 21.6 in wide and 23.6 in tall.

Its wash tub holds 7 lb and the spinner holds 4 lb. The controls include a wash timer, wash options, drain options and a spin timer, so the machine uses a semi-automatic process rather than a single programmed cycle.

The transparent blue tub window lets you see clothes during the process. ROVSUN also advises placing the pressing plate over the load while spinning to help prevent small items from moving out of the tub and blocking the drain pipe.

The modest spinner capacity means larger wash loads may need to be split before spinning. Pick this model if compact height and a light machine matter more than handling a larger batch at once.

7

COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine: Best for larger twin-tub loads

9.0/10Our score

• 18 lb wash capacity
• 8 lb spinner capacity
• Built-in drain pump
• Three wash modes

The 18 lb wash tub has the largest stated wash capacity among these twin-tub picks. Check the 26.5 in width and the space needed to transfer clothes before choosing it for an apartment.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 18 lb wash capacity
• Built-in drain pump
• Gentle, normal and drain modes

Cons

• Widest option here at 26.5 in
• Clothes move between the two tubs

This COSTWAY twin-tub model is for apartment users who need a larger wash tub and have room for a wider body. The washer holds 18 lb, while the spinner holds 8 lb.

The machine measures 26.5 in wide, 16.5 in deep and 31.5 in tall. That gives it a broader footprint than the smaller twin-tub choices, so measure the storage location and the space needed to open lids and transfer clothes.

A built-in drain pump sends used water through the drain hose. The control panel includes gentle, normal and drain modes, with timers for washing and spinning.

Choose it when larger loads matter and you have a clear place to keep it. Its size and the need to move clothes between tubs make it less suitable for a tight nook or a routine that calls for minimal handling.

8

COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine: Best for automatic pump drainage

8.4/10Our score

• 8 lb capacity
• 6 programs
• 3 water levels
• Automatic imbalance adjustment

This one-tub automatic washer has a built-in drain pump and can adjust an uneven load during spinning. Its 8 lb capacity suits smaller laundry batches.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Built-in drain pump
• Six programs and three water levels
• Stainless steel inner tub

Cons

• 8 lb load limit
• Needs a suitable drain and faucet connection

The COSTWAY automatic washer pairs an 8 lb capacity with a built-in drain pump and automatic imbalance adjustment. Its 17 x 17 x 29.5 in dimensions fit a compact footprint, though it still needs room for hoses and access.

Six programs and three water levels let you set a cycle for the load. The stainless steel inner tub has a honeycomb design, and the transparent lid lets you check the wash without opening it.

The pump and extended drain hose can help with drainage, while imbalance adjustment responds when clothes are unevenly placed during spinning. A faucet adapter or different hose may be needed if the connection does not fit your faucet.

Choose it if you want automatic operation and pump drainage in an 8 lb washer. Check the faucet and drain arrangement before deciding where it will live.

9

BANGSON 1.08 Cu.Ft Portable Washing Machine: Best for extra program choices

8.0/10Our score

• 1.08 cu ft capacity
• 8 programs
• 6 water levels
• 40.78 lb weight

Eight programs and six water levels provide a range of settings in a compact freestanding washer. Measure the space and account for its 40.78 lb weight if you plan to move it often.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Eight programs
• Six water levels
• Stainless steel inner tub

Cons

• 40.78 lb weight
• Dimensions and controls need room to access

The BANGSON washer offers the most stated programs in this group, with 8 programs and 6 water levels. Its 1.08 cu ft capacity comes in a 18.1 in wide, 18.1 in deep and 30.7 in tall body.

The program options include normal, spin, wash, strong, fast wash, soft wash, wind dry and water recycle. A display timer shows remaining time, and the washer has a stainless steel inner tub.

At 40.78 lb, it is not as light as some of the twin-tub choices. Its freestanding design and included fill and drain hoses make setup planning important: check the faucet fit and the path for water before starting a cycle.

Choose this model if you value a range of automatic program and water-level options. If energy use is a key part of your decision, compare washer features in our best energy efficient washing machines guide.

What should you check before choosing an apartment washer?

Measure the washer's footprint, height and route to its storage place before you buy. Include space for hoses, lid access and the movement needed to load clothes.

Check the faucet connection and drain plan next. Some models include inlet hoses, and some may need an adapter; twin-tub models may rely on gravity drainage, while automatic options here include drain pumps.

Also compare the work involved in a typical load. A twin tub can wash and spin in separate compartments, while an automatic washer runs selected programs but still has capacity limits.

Is a twin-tub or automatic washer better for an apartment?

A twin-tub washer is a fit for people who accept transferring clothes between tubs in exchange for separate wash and spin stages. An automatic model is a better fit if you want to select a program and let the washer run without that transfer.

Twin tubs can suit apartments where you have room to manage the workflow and a place to drain water. Automatic models reduce handling, but capacity, weight and faucet setup still shape how useful they are in a small home.

How much capacity is enough for apartment laundry?

Choose capacity around the loads you expect to wash, rather than buying the largest machine that fits. The options here range from 7 lb wash capacity to 18 lb, and some twin-tub spinners have lower limits than their washers.

A larger stated wash capacity does not remove the need to keep clothes loose enough to move. Leave space in the tub and follow the washer's instructions for load size.

How do you manage water in a small apartment?

Plan both filling and draining before the first wash. Check whether a faucet connection works with your sink, where the drain hose can sit, and whether the washer uses a pump or gravity drainage.

Keep the drain hose secure and direct water to a suitable drain. If you rent, confirm any building or lease rules about appliance use and water connections.

Which portable washer should you choose for apartment living?

Choose the Giantex twin tub if you want separate wash and spin tubs in a relatively light machine. Pick the Giantex automatic washer if you prefer a compact programmed cycle, or the COMFEE' if wheels and handles matter for moving the washer into storage.

If the footprint and drain path work, select capacity based on your regular loads. For another view of single-tub electric options, see our best portable electric washing machine guide.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for separate wash and spin tubs

   Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for automatic small loads

   Giantex Portable Washing Machine

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for flexible twin-tub cycles

   COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a portable washing machine in an apartment?

Yes, if your apartment allows it and you have a safe way to fill and drain the washer. Confirm the faucet connection, drain location, floor space and any building rules before setting it up.

Use the washer on a stable, level surface and follow its instructions for hoses and water.

Do portable washers need permanent hookups?

Many portable washers are designed to connect temporarily to a faucet and drain into a sink or other suitable drain. Setup differs by model, so check the hose connections and drainage method before buying.

A twin-tub washer also requires you to manage wash and spin stages separately.

How much laundry can an apartment portable washer handle?

Capacity varies by model and by tub. These picks range from 7 to 18 lb wash capacity where the wash load is stated, and twin-tub models can have a smaller spinner capacity.

Use the wash and spin limits separately when planning a load.

Are portable washing machines fully automatic?

Some are full-automatic, while twin-tub models are often semi-automatic. Automatic models here offer programs and water-level choices, while twin-tub options require transferring clothes from the wash tub to the spinner.

Choose based on how much supervision and handling you prefer.

Where should a portable washer drain?

A portable washer needs a drain path that can handle its discharge, such as a suitable sink or drain connection. Check the hose length, pump or gravity-drain setup, and the height or placement required by the manufacturer.

Keep the hose secure while the washer runs to reduce spill risk.