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Portable Washing Machines

Best Hand Portable Washing Machine (2026): Top 4 by the Specs

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs below come from each product's Amazon listing; we do not test products in person.

It handles a 3.31 lb load, while the WonderWash takes 5 lb and the Dezitrek wash bag takes 4.4 lb. For a larger load with a spin tub, the COSTWAY twin tub holds 18 lb for washing and 8 lb for spinning.

Starting out? See the main guide: Best Portable Washing Machine

Top picks at a glance

  1. Breathing Mobile Washer Portable Hand Powered High Efficiency Clothes Washing 9.8 View on Amazon
  2. The Laundry Alternative WonderWash Portable Washing Machine for Apartment 9.8 View on Amazon
  3. COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine 9.8 View on Amazon
  4. Dezitrek Large Portable Washing Machine 9.2 View on Amazon

Compare the specs

Ranked on load capacity, spin cycle / dryer, wash cycles from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.

1. Best Overall9.8/10
Breathing Mobile Washer Portable Hand Powered High Efficiency Clothes Washing

Breathing Mobile Washer Portable Hand Powered High Efficiency Clothes Washing

Its hand powered design, collapsible aluminum handle and 3.31 lb load capacity fit the hand portable need.

  • Load capacity: 3.31 lb
  • Spin cycle / dryer
Check it on Amazon

Good for

  • People who want a hand powered washer for small loads
  • Campers who want a washer that tucks away small

Skip it if

  • You need to wash more than 3.31 lb in one load
  • You want a washer that works without hand power

It has a multi piece collapsible aluminum handle with standard 3/4" threading and riveted threads, and the handle is corrosion resistant. It comes with a carry bag. It measures 8 by 8 by 35 inches, uses hand powered controls, and offers Bulky and Spin cycle options with 1 program. Pushing and pulling moves water through clothing to pull dirt and excess detergent out.

2. Runner-Up9.8/10
The Laundry Alternative WonderWash Portable Washing Machine for Apartment

The Laundry Alternative WonderWash Portable Washing Machine for Apartment

Its 5 lb load capacity, manual hand powered design and 3-year warranty fit small frequent loads in apartments.

  • Load capacity: 5 lb
  • 3-year warranty stated
Check it on Amazon

Good for

  • Apartment dwellers who want a non-electric washer for small loads
  • People who wash delicates and small loads by hand

Skip it if

  • You need a load larger than 5 lb in one wash
  • You want a washer under 12 inches tall

It is made of ABS, uses knob controls, and measures 12 by 12 by 16 inches with a weight of 5 pounds. It has a Delicates cycle, a top load design, an E-Z lid lever, a drain hose and a 3-year warranty. It runs at 60 rpm with noise at 50 dB, and it comes in Mint Green, Blue and Pink.

3. Also Great9.8/10
COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine

COSTWAY Portable Washing Machine

Its twin tub design washes 18 lb and spins 8 lb at the same time, with timer knobs for each tub.

  • Spin cycle / dryer
  • Wash cycles: 2 functions
Check it on Amazon

Good for

  • Apartment dwellers who want a twin tub with a separate spin tub
  • Buyers who want to wash and spin at the same time

Skip it if

  • You want a washer under 20 lb to carry easily
  • You need more than 26 lb of total capacity

It has a total capacity of 26 pounds, with 18 pounds in the wash tub and 8 pounds in the spin tub, and a transparent lid. Wash time sets from 0 to 15 minutes and spin time from 0 to 5 minutes with timer knobs, and the motor gives 280W washing power and 140W spin power. It weighs 33.5 pounds, measures 16 by 27.5 by 32 inches, and includes a drain hose and a built-in drain pump. Clothes come out about 90% dry and need hanging in the sun to dry.

4. Also Great9.2/10
Dezitrek Large Portable Washing Machine

Dezitrek Large Portable Washing Machine

Its wash bag and separate plunger wash clothing and towels without electricity, with a 4.4 lb load capacity.

  • Load capacity: 4.4 lb
  • 1-year warranty stated
Check it on Amazon

Good for

  • Campers who want to wash clothing and towels without electricity
  • Travelers who want a wash bag and plunger set

Skip it if

  • You need a load larger than 4.4 lb in one wash
  • You want an electric washer that runs on its own

It includes a wash bag and a plunger set, and the separate plunger creates agitation that forces water through fabric. It measures 17 by 17 by 17 inches, is made of PVC, and has a 1-year warranty. It needs no power or plumbing: add water, detergent and clothes, then plunge to wash, rinse and drain.

How to choose

Match load size to the washer

Load capacity is the first number to compare, since it sets how much you can wash at once. The COSTWAY twin tub is the larger choice, with 18 lb in the wash tub and 8 lb in the spin tub, for a total of 26 pounds. Pick a capacity that covers your normal load, and use the spin tub figure when you want washed clothes spun in the same machine.

Hand power versus a motor

The WonderWash is also manual and non-electric, with knob controls. The COSTWAY twin tub works differently, with a motor that gives 280W washing power and 140W spin power, and timer knobs that set wash time from 0 to 15 minutes and spin time from 0 to 5 minutes. If you want washing without electricity, stay with the manual picks; if you want timed washing and spinning, look at the twin tub.

Check size, weight and draining

Measure your space before you buy, and compare it with the stated dimensions: 8 by 8 by 35 inches for the hand powered washer, 12 by 12 by 16 inches for the WonderWash, 16 by 27.5 by 32 inches for the COSTWAY, and 17 by 17 by 17 inches for the Dezitrek wash bag. The hand powered washer has a collapsible aluminum handle. Weight matters too: the hand powered washer is just over one pound assembled, the WonderWash is 5 pounds, and the COSTWAY is 33.5 pounds. The WonderWash and the COSTWAY include a drain hose, so plan where drained water will go.

FAQ

What is the best hand portable washing machine for small loads?

The WonderWash is the larger small-load choice at 5 lb, and the Dezitrek wash bag holds 4.4 lb.

Do any of these portable washers work without electricity?

Yes. The COSTWAY twin tub is the exception: it uses a motor, with 280W washing power and 140W spin power, so it needs a 120 volt outlet.

Which portable washer has a separate spin tub?

The COSTWAY twin tub has a separate spin tub holding 8 lb, next to a wash tub holding 18 lb. Its timer knobs set wash time from 0 to 15 minutes and spin time from 0 to 5 minutes.

How much laundry can a hand portable washing machine hold?

It depends on the pick. The hand powered washer holds 3.31 lb, the Dezitrek wash bag holds 4.4 lb, the WonderWash holds 5 lb, and the COSTWAY twin tub holds 26 pounds in total.