Best Washing Machine Under $200 [I Only Recommend These If You’re On A Budget]

It took an act of God to get the Speed Queen TC5.

(Nothing in the history of washing machines comes close to the Speed Queen’s rinsing ability.)

Except:

If you are looking for the best washing machine under $200 and can’t afford a Speed Queen, go for  Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine.  Here’s why:

And I’m not stopping there…

If the water bill is so important to you, I suggest buying a front loader. But any front loader will take too much time to finish the load and it won’t rinse well.

You won’t find this advice anywhere, so take it from a woman who fixes appliances for a living:

If money is not an issue, I suggest you go with Speed Queen. Now let’s look at other alternatives that I found interesting but not a deal-breaker.

Cheap Washing Machine Under $200: Our Top Picks

1. Best overall: Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine
2. Best for travel: KUPPET Compact Twin Tub Portable Mini Washing Machine
3. Best compact: SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
4. Best for tough stains: TACKLIFE 17.6 Lbs Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine
5. Best spin dryer: Panda Portable Spin Dryer for Swimsuits and Laundry
6. Best portable: HomeLabs Portable Washing Machine

Also Read: Best Washing Machines For Hard Water [Our Top Picks]

Best overall: Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine

The Giantex portable mini compact is perfect for small apartments or dorms.It comes with two loading compartments so you can wash your clothes in half the time, which makes it one of the best value machines under $200.

The machine doesn’t take up much space and works with standard plug outlets. It features a modern design and is available in two colors, so you can choose the one that matches your home décor perfectly.

This washing machine comes with an impressive set of accessories: two hoses for draining water, four wheels for easy mobility, and side hooks to hang clothes or hand towels while they dry out after being washed.

Although this washing machine doesn’t have many features as its more expensive counterparts, you can find great value in this model if your budget is under $200. It comes with different washing modes: gentle, normal, or deep cleaning mode which can be easily switched by pressing a single button on the front part of the machine. 

It also features an automatic water inlet valve with a check valve to prevent leakage from either end when you shift between washes and has a built-in water filter. You can choose from four different spin speeds so that your clothing dries out quickly, but keep in mind that it can only handle small loads at a time.

Features 

• Made from high-quality ABS plastic, durable and long-lasting.
• Includes two tubs: one for washing, and another for rinsing which doubles your clean space. Easily switch between the two by moving a simple lever back and forth.
• The machine measures 24.8 x 15 x 28.5 inches; weighs only 28 pounds.
• Includes a drainage hose for easy drainage into the sink or tub, saving you time and effort when cleaning up after use.

Pros

• The model is very easy to use and doesn’t require much maintenance or cleaning.
• It’s easy to move and can be taken anywhere in your home or apartment. You can also use this device outside – when going to the cottage, camping, or living in a boat.
• It can be connected directly to the water supply by using connectors included in the package. It is a standard washing machine with twin tubs and has a capacity of up to 17.6 lbs.
• It has an automatic water level control feature that automatically detects the number of clothes in each tub.
• It can handle different fabrics – from jeans, and towels to delicate items like silk blouses or lingerie.
• The appliance works on 120 volts and has a power consumption of 65 watts.

Cons

The only downside is the machine’s inability to handle a large number of clothes at once or very bulky items, so you might want to upgrade if your family has more than two members

My Experience with Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washer I was unsure if the Giantex Portable Mini washer can fit into my 40ft boat. One thing I would say about this mini washer is that they use too much water during the rinsing cycle but the cleaning is phenomenal.  The machine does an excellent job of  washing shirts, underwears, socks, towels, and bedding but not jeans. The washer has two baskets, one for washing and the other for spin drying. 

If you live in a small apartment, a tiny house, a boat, or an RV without a regular washer hookup, I would advise you to get this one. Everyone I’ve recommended to this washer is always shocked about its phenomenal washing.

Best for travel: KUPPET Compact Twin Tub Portable Mini Washing Machine

The KUPPET portable mini washing machine is the best option for those who need to travel a lot with their clothes. It is very convenient and can wash up to 17 pounds of clothing.

The unit uses only 60 watts of power, making it easy on electricity costs as well as small spaces where you might keep your laundry equipment. You will be able to choose between two washing modes, and it has a spin speed of 1300 rpm for your convenience.

It has an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off when water or soap runs out and a removable inner tub so that you can easily clean the unit after each use.

This washing machine is also very versatile, so you can use it for not only laundry but other small items such as baby clothes and bedding or anything else that might need a quick wash in between full washes.

The washing machine is very easy to clean after each use since the tub comes out easily for cleaning and then goes back in just as quickly when your laundry is done. 

It also comes with a built-in drain pump that drains away dirty water from your machine directly to the sink or bathtub, without having to lift heavy buckets of dirty washing liquid out each time you do laundry.

Features

• A compact and portable mini washing machine in a twin tub design.
• Features a removable inner tub so you can easily clean it.
• Unique patented design helps keep clothes intact during the wash cycle as well as the spin cycle. This makes clothes last much longer but at the same time keeps them looking fresh and clean.
• It comes with a unique drain hose attachment that fits into most common sink sizes. This means you can do laundry right in your kitchen or bathroom sinks if they are within easy reach from where you normally keep your machine.

Pros

• It’s large enough for a full load of laundry. You can also use it as a top loader through the faucet.
• It saves on electricity bills by consuming less power.
• The tubs are made of lightweight and durable plastic so that they won’t rust after repeated use.

Cons

You’ll have to keep refilling the tubs as you wash your clothes, which could take a while depending on how many items you’re washing at one time.

Best Compact: SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine

The Super Deal portable washing machine is one of the best appliances under $200. Not only does it feature a compact design that can fit into even small spaces, but it also features two tubs to wash your clothes at once. 

The smaller front tub is for smaller and lighter loads of laundry, while the larger back tub can handle up to about 13 pounds. It’s also very energy efficient, such that it won’t cost you more than a few cents per load.

This washer features an agitator that helps remove dirt and stains, a spin speed of 1300 RPM to dry clothes quickly, and two wash cycles for delicate or regular washing. It’s economical as it allows you to save on both energy and water. It’s also made from high-quality materials, so you know it will last for a long time to come.

Features

• Compact mini washing machine with drain hose and power cable.
• Easy to use, reliable and durable.
• Has a capacity of up to 13 lbs per cycle.
• Spin Speed: 1300 RPM.
• Dimensions 23 x 13.5 x 26 inches
• Has a weight of 26.4 lbs.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Compact and portable design for small spaces, traveling, or camping.
• No installation is required as it can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet.
• It has an integrated drain hose which makes draining water effortless with little hassle.

Cons

• It’s not ideal for heavy-duty washing.
• It can take a while to do laundry, but you save on electricity and water costs in the long run which makes up for this minor inconvenience.

Best for tough stains: TACKLIFE 17.6 Lbs Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine

TACKLIFE twin tub washing machine has many great features. It’s compact at 17.6 pounds and 25.6×14.2×28.8 inches in size, making it small enough to store away if you have limited space in your laundry room or garage. It comes with a detachable drainage pump. 

There are two tubs, one for washing and the other for spinning, making it very efficient at getting your clothes clean without wasting water or energy.

In addition, it has a soaking function, which helps deal with stubborn stains in a single wash cycle. You can also choose from different washing modes using the digital control panel for customized cleaning.

Features

• 17.60 lbs mini compact twin tub washing machine in color blue
• Can handle up to 17.6 pounds of clothes or other laundry items
• Tub capacity is 11 pounds washing tub and 6.6 pounds spin tub
• Features an energy-efficient design with 1700RPM powerful motor
• Comes with a plastic body and powder-coated steel frame for outstanding durability

Pros

•  It is incredibly light and easy to move around
• Easy to operate with a user-friendly control panel and digital display
• Comes in blue color which is modern, stylish, and looks great
• The maximum load capacity is 17.6 pounds, so there’s a lot of space inside to accommodate all your laundry accessories too.
• Can deal with stubborn stains.

Cons

A few translations in the instruction manual could be improved as they are not entirely straightforward.

Best spin dryer: Panda Portable Spin Dryer for Swimsuits and Laundry

Panda portable spin dryer is a mobile and easy-to-use device that will allow you to dry your clothes quickly. It’s popular due to its high-quality materials, great design, and the fact that it doesn’t need any installation or maintenance work. You need to plug in and let this amazing washing machine do the drying.

It has been designed for people who travel frequently or need an easy way of doing laundry while living in small spaces.

This lightweight, compact design is perfect for camping trips. It dries clothes evenly and quickly with no need to hang them outside in all weather conditions.

Features

• Portable and easy to use
• It spins up to 3200 RPM
• It’s made from high-quality materials.
• Folds up for easy storage in places like the closet or garage when not in use.
• Can hold up to 22 pounds of clothes at once.

Pros

• Best for small and medium-sized loads.
• A great alternative to air drying, and for people who want their clothes to dry a little faster
• Perfect solution if you’re living in a tiny home or apartment and don’t have the space, time, or budget to go out and buy an expensive new washer/dryer combo.

Cons

• The sound is a bit loud.
• Some users may find its load capacity insufficient
• It’s suitable for domestic use only

Best portable: HomeLabs Portable Washing Machine

The machine comes with a spin basket to make rinsing easy, along with five different wash cycles- light, normal, soak, rapid, and heavy-duty. The drum allows you to wash up to 6 pounds of clothes at once. The adjustable legs make sure the machine is stable even with a load that becomes top-heavy due to water inside it.

Another feature worth mentioning in this washing machine review is its eco-friendly design, which makes it energy efficient and reduces electricity bills considerably over time. It’s easy to use and is endorsed by many happy customers.

Features

• Weight: 44.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 17.7 x 18.1 x 31.5 inches  
• It can be used with a standard faucet and is the size of a medium-sized suitcase, so you could easily keep this in your home or apartment without taking up too much space.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to use.
• The high-quality stainless steel drum makes this washing machine durable.
• It’s easy to maneuver because of its built-in wheels.

Cons

• Only suitable for small loads
• The hose length is not long enough.

Best Washing Machine Under $200: Buying Guide

Factors to consider when looking for a cheap washing machine.

Cost

The cost of the washing machine is one thing that you need to pay attention to when buying a cheap washer. You can get an idea of how much different brands and models would cost by checking online stores to compare prices. This should be considered because it will establish whether or not you are getting value for your money.

Capacity

When looking for a cheap washer, you should consider the overall capacity of the unit to handle different types of loads. Large units are more expensive than smaller ones, but larger appliances are better suited for a large load of laundry. Make sure you are buying the right size machine for your needs. This will help ensure that it is not too small or large and can handle multiple clothes loads and bedding without any trouble.

Warranty period

Another factor that you should consider when buying a cheap washing machine is the warranty period. Look for models with at least one year warranty period, which includes labor. It’s also worth noting that certain features such as sensors and automatic controls are more prone to break down than others. That means they will be excluded from your warranty coverage if not included in the initial purchase price.

Noise levels

You should also consider the noise a washing machine makes when it’s in operation, as this can be very distracting, especially if you live in an apartment with close neighbors. It would make sense to go for models with reasonable water consumption rates to help you save on your utility bills.

Easy to set up

If possible, consider buying a machine that is already assembled, which is very helpful, especially if you are not into assembling appliances. Some brands offer free delivery and installation services which can save you the hassle of doing it yourself, but this will also depend on where you live.

Easy maintenance

Check that the lint filter is easy to clean and remove as this can become blocked quite easily if you overload your machine or use fabric softener etc. Some appliances have a self-cleaning function but often require manual cleaning. Therefore, it’s best to ensure you can do this quickly and efficiently.

Drum material

Look for models with solid metal drums rather than plastic ones. These tend to last longer as they are more resistant to wear and tear over time.

FAQ

How Much Is a Basic Washing Machine?

A basic washing machine can cost as little as $150 to more than $300. A high-end model might cost nearly $2200 or more depending on features and quality. The more bells and whistles, the higher the cost.

The average person should expect to pay about $200 for a good quality washer that offers all of the necessary functions. You can choose to spend more on a high-end model, but it’s unnecessary in many cases.

How Long Should a Cheap Washing Machine Last?

A cheap washing machine can last as long as a more expensive model, depending on how well you take care of it. However, several factors can determine the average lifespan of your washing machine. Some of these include the washing cycles, detergent used, and load capacity.

If you’re looking for a washer that can handle an exhausting amount of cycles, consider the machine’s cycle rating. A cheap washer that can last six years can handle around 2,185 cycles. A more expensive machine can handle about 5,100 cycles. Therefore, you must check out these ratings before buying one to save both time and hassle.

On average, you can expect a cheap washing machine to last at least five years. However, it may even go on for more than a decade if you take good care of it.

Best Washing Machine under $200: Our Top Choice

Overall, we recommend Giantex portable mini compact twin tub washing machine as the top choice washing machine for under $200. It comes with several great features and will offer great value for your money. This super portable mini washing machine doesn’t take up much space and perfectly fits into small washrooms.

The machine has an energy star rating and very low water consumption rate and spin speeds up to 1350 RPM. This reduces drying times.  It has a small footprint that makes it easy to store but still packs in all the power you need for your laundry needs.

It is easy to use and comes with sufficient capacity to hold up to 17.6 pounds of wash at once. This makes the Giantex portable washing machine one of the best choices in terms of price/value ratio.