5 Best Washing Machines Under $500 [Updated for 2021]
No modern home can do without a good washing machine.
If you are currently cash-strapped, there are plenty of cheap options.
Here is a list of the cheapest washing machines that you can get for as low as $200.
But if you have more frequent or demanding washing needs, such as for a family of four, you will have to up your budget to $500 to get a product matching your requirements.
Overview of the Best Washing Machines under $500 (with expanded reviews below):
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Panda Small Portable Washing Machine, 1.54 cu.ft, 8 Wash Programs, Top Load Clothes Washer, Gray | 1,477 Reviews | $258.33 | CHECK PRICE |
| 2 |
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Giantex Washing Machine, Twin Tub Washer and Spinner Combo, 20Lbs Capacity (12Lbs Washing and 8Lbs... | 1,605 Reviews | $139.99 | CHECK PRICE |
| 3 |
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Portable Washing Machine Koswin Full-Automatic Portable Washer with 8 lbs Load Capacity 6 Washing... | 707 Reviews | CHECK PRICE | |
| 4 |
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Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine Portable Compact 1.34 Cu.ft Laundry Washer Spin with Drain... | 3,862 Reviews | $239.99 | CHECK PRICE |
| 5 |
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Giantex Portable Washing Machine, Full Automatic Washer and Spinner Combo, with Built-in Pump Drain... | 3,723 Reviews | $239.99 | CHECK PRICE |
5 Best Washing Machines Under $500 – 2024
This is one of the most affordable - and fairly decent sized - washing machines out there.
It can handle 12 lbs of laundry in a single cycle, which is pretty impressive. There used to be a Panda model that was sub $300 that could handle a bit more laundry, however, that model has been unavailable for some time, so we're talking up this model.
It has 8 automatic washing programs. The washer connects to faucets and comes with a quick connect adapter kit, so fixing it to a water source is easy.
This is a superb washing machine if you live in a small apartment with a family.
It’s also very durable too with a stainless steel drum that will resist rust. Some of our colleagues have used this for more than 2 years!
The washer is rather powerful, despite the portable size of the machine overall. The powerful motors can emulate the function of much higher priced machines.
The washing tub is quite large, able to hold about 16 lbs of laundry. That’s a large load capacity enough to get all the washing done in one go.
The spinner tub doesn’t dry the clothes. It automatically wrings the clothes to remove the water so the clothes can be hung dried faster.
There are hardly any downsides except for some minor draining. Overall, this machine is a lifesaver for apartment dwellers, students, and RV nomads.
Despite its small size, this washing machine still works well for small to medium-sized loads. Its suitable capacity allows you to wash up to 8 lbs of laundry in one go with 6 available washing programs.
Something of note that goes a long way is that the parts and accessories included in the packaging are well thought out, making for installation and connection to your faucet pain-free. The inlet hose is around 50 inches with two metal connector and one adapter, while the drain hose is around 75 inches.
Additionally, a stainless steel interior tub with a pretty powerful motor was designed for durable use in this washing machine. Koswin states that the noise levels are around 30db ~ 50db, so that you can stay comfortable and enjoy reading, music and movie while washing.
This machine is suitable for smaller apartments, dorms, and lots more spaces. Setting up the machine in your home is also an absolute breeze and should take you only a short while.
You can load almost up to 10 pounds of clothes and this machine will clean it all neatly. If you are washing heavy items, like jeans or towels, don’t stuff it.
We washed about two pairs of jeans at once and they came out clean. Don’t go overboard though.
It has easy to understand electronic controls with 8 water level selections and a LED display. The machine is really compact and is made for homes or apartments that lack space.
When pushing the buttons the sound can be bit noisy.
This means that it has a built-in drain pump and automatic drainage. As such, it is incredibly easy for you to use.
The tub is able to hold up to 8lbs of clothes which makes it a good size for most households.
The other benefit of using this machine is that there are five different programs to choose from. This means that you get to wash your clothes in a wider variety of ways.
Furthermore, depending on the load that you are washing, you can also select from three water levels – 16, 23, and 30 liters.
The only real issue with this washing machine is the accompanying water hose. It is of poor quality and you will be better of replacing it immediately.
Tips for Buying a Washing Machines with a $500 Budget
When browsing for a washing machine under $500, keep the following in mind:
You should protect your purchase with a warranty or a guarantee.
It may be necessary if you purchase a budget washing machine based on an older model.
Always pay attention to how the machine is filled with water.
If the system is manual, then you would have to constantly monitor the tub. Most budget machines do require manual filling.
Don’t expect too much out of a small budget washing machine.
You may not be able to wash really large laundry items like king size comforters, carpets, or soft toys, like you can do with some expensive machines.
Not all budget washing machines have the spin dry function. Some products come with twin tubs with one tub dedicated to spin drying.
It’s worthwhile getting a machine with spin dry because you won’t have to wring the clothes by hand.