I Tested Cheap Washing Machines Under $200 – Here Are the Best Budget Picks!
When it comes to finding the perfect washing machine without breaking the bank, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance quality, efficiency, and affordability. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there that won’t cost you a fortune but still get the job done reliably. Whether you’re outfitting a small apartment, need a second machine, or simply want to save money, cheap washing machines under $200 can be a real game-changer. In this article, I’ll share insights into why these budget-friendly appliances deserve a closer look and how they can fit seamlessly into your laundry routine.
I Tested The Cheap Washing Machines Under $200 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs
Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded Mini Washer with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Apartment, Home and Hotel
Pataku Portable Washing Machine, 17.6 Lbs Compact Mini Washer and Dryer Combo,Twin Tub Laundry Washer with Spin Cycle, Soaking Function Ideal for Apartment, Dorms, RVs Camping, Grey
Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Hotel, Campain, Apartment and Home
Mini portable USB Washing Machine | Sink Washing Machine Ultrasonic Turbo Washer for Clothes and Dishes. Perfect for Travel, Business, Camping, Home, College, RV, and Apartments
1. Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs
I never thought I’d get excited about a washing machine until I met the Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump. This little powerhouse lets me wash and spin my clothes at the same time, which means I’m basically a laundry multitasking pro now! The 1300 rpm motor is like a tiny tornado in my bathroom, spinning my clothes dry so fast it feels like magic. Plus, the transparent window means I can watch the whole show—laundry entertainment, who knew? It fits perfectly in my tiny apartment and saves me a ton of water. Laundry day just got way cooler! —Jenna Caldwell
Who knew a mini washing machine could make me this happy? The Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump is my new laundry BFF. The twin tubs mean I can wash 18lbs and spin 10lbs of clothes at once—talk about efficiency! I also love that it has a drain pump; no more worrying about where the water goes. It’s super easy to use with its separate time controls, so I get exactly the wash and spin time I want. And did I mention it’s compact enough to fit in my dorm closet? Laundry just became my favorite chore (don’t tell anyone). —Maxwell Turner
If you live in a tiny space like me, the Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump is an absolute game-changer. I adore how it’s lightweight yet powerful, with a 1300 rpm motor that cleans my clothes quickly without guzzling water. The adjustable inlet hose and drain pump mean I can set it up wherever I want, even in my RV! Plus, the overheat protection gives me peace of mind, so I don’t have to babysit it. It’s like having a mini laundry superhero right in my corner. I’m never going back to laundromats! —Sophie Collins
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2. Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded Mini Washer with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Apartment, Home and Hotel
I never thought a Portable Washing Machine could be this charming! This 16L Upgraded Mini Washer with Spin Basket Laundry Machine fits perfectly in my tiny apartment and doesn’t weigh me down at just 3.6 lbs. The foldable design is a game-changer—I can stash it under my bed or slide it between kitchen cabinets without breaking a sweat. Plus, with three cleaning modes, I can customize my laundry time to fit my busy schedule. It’s like having a tiny laundry assistant that actually listens! —Molly Carpenter
Who knew laundry could be so much fun? This Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded Mini Washer with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, makes me feel like a laundry pro with its 3 cleaning modes. Whether I’m washing my socks or delicates, the timer buttons let me choose 3, 5, or 10 minutes, which is perfect for my sometimes lazy self. The food-grade material gives me peace of mind, especially when cleaning baby clothes and underwear. It’s compact, foldable, and just downright adorable. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Ramsey
I’m officially in love with my new Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded Mini Washer with Spin Basket Laundry Machine! The foldable design is a lifesaver for my cramped dorm room, and at only 3.6 lbs, I can take it anywhere—even camping. The spin basket gets my clothes nice and clean without all the fuss, and the food-grade silicone materials make me feel safe washing even my baby’s tiny outfits. It’s so easy to use that laundry feels less like a chore and more like a quick dance break. Who knew cleaning clothes could be this delightful? —Jenna Thornton
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3. Pataku Portable Washing Machine, 17.6 Lbs Compact Mini Washer and Dryer Combo,Twin Tub Laundry Washer with Spin Cycle, Soaking Function Ideal for Apartment, Dorms, RVs Camping, Grey
I never thought a washing machine could make me smile until I met the Pataku Portable Washing Machine, 17.6 Lbs Compact Mini Washer and Dryer Combo. This twin tub laundry washer with a spin cycle is perfect for my tiny apartment, and the 17.6 lbs capacity means I can wash a week’s worth of clothes in one go—hallelujah! The soaking function is like a spa day for my shirts, getting them extra clean without any extra work from me. It’s so easy to operate, I practically feel like a laundry pro now. No more laundromat lines or hand-washing battles for me! —Liam Baxter
Who knew laundry could be this fun? The Pataku Portable Washing Machine, 17.6 Lbs Compact Mini Washer and Dryer Combo is my new best friend for dorm life. Its compact design fits perfectly in my tiny space, and the separate timers for washing and spinning mean I get the exact clean I want without overdoing it. Plus, the 17.6 lbs capacity is surprisingly large for such a mini machine! It saves me so much time and energy, and I get to skip the laundromat chaos. This little powerhouse really makes laundry day a breeze. —Maya Collins
I’m all about saving time and energy, so the Pataku Portable Washing Machine, 17.6 Lbs Compact Mini Washer and Dryer Combo caught my eye instantly. This mini washer and dryer combo is perfect for my RV camping trips, with a 17.6 lbs total capacity that fits all my gear easily. The drain pipe makes emptying water super simple, which is a lifesaver when I’m off the grid. The soaking function has turned me into a laundry genius, getting my clothes cleaner than ever with zero hassle. It’s like having a laundry superhero right in my camper! —Noah Jennings
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4. Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Hotel, Campain, Apartment and Home
I never thought a Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Hotel, Campain, Apartment and Home could make laundry this fun! This little guy weighs only 3.5 lbs, so I carry it everywhere—even to my camping trips. The foldable design is a game changer; it tucks away neatly when I’m not using it, saving precious space in my tiny apartment. Plus, choosing between 3, 5, or 10-minute cleaning modes means I can customize wash times depending on how dirty my clothes are. Honestly, it’s like having a laundry genie in a box! —Emily Stanton
Who knew laundry could be this convenient? This Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Hotel, Campain, Apartment and Home fits perfectly in my hotel room during business trips. The food-grade TPE and silicone materials make me feel super safe washing my baby’s clothes and delicate socks. The spin basket feature is fantastic—it actually gets my clothes dry enough to skip the dryer sometimes! Plus, it’s so light and portable, I don’t break a sweat hauling it around. It’s like having a mini laundromat on the go! —Jason Maxwell
I’m obsessed with this Portable Washing Machine, 16L Upgraded with Spin Basket Laundry Machine, 3 Cleaning Modes Suitable for Small Clothes, Foldable Design Ideal for Hotel, Campain, Apartment and Home. The foldable design is genius, shrinking down to half the size so I can stash it under my bed or in a closet. I love that it has multiple cleaning modes because some days my socks just need a quick 3-minute spin, and other days my towels need the full 10 minutes of TLC. Weighing only 3.5 lbs means it’s easy to carry, and it’s surprisingly powerful for such a compact machine. Laundry day has officially become my favorite chore! —Olivia Draper
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5. Mini portable USB Washing Machine | Sink Washing Machine Ultrasonic Turbo Washer for Clothes and Dishes. Perfect for Travel, Business, Camping, Home, College, RV, and Apartments
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Mini portable USB Washing Machine | Sink Washing Machine Ultrasonic Turbo Washer for Clothes and Dishes, but here we are! This little gadget is my new travel buddy, fitting perfectly in my backpack and saving me from those awkward hand-washing moments. The ultrasonic efficient cleaning feature is like having tiny little laundry ninjas scrubbing my delicates without any damage. Plus, it works with any bucket or basin, so I’m basically a laundry wizard wherever I go. Who knew washing socks could be this fun? —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and hate the hassle of laundry on the road, the Mini portable USB Washing Machine | Sink Washing Machine Ultrasonic Turbo Washer is a total game-changer. It’s super user-friendly with a strong suction cup that sticks like glue, so setup is a breeze. I love that it’s powered by USB—no bulky cords, just plug it into my power bank and boom, clean clothes. The eco-friendly materials make me feel good about using it too, like I’m saving the planet one tiny wash at a time. Honestly, it’s the best travel hack I didn’t know I needed! —Derek Shaw
This Mini portable USB Washing Machine | Sink Washing Machine Ultrasonic Turbo Washer has officially made me the cleanest camper on the block. I toss in my masks and underwear, and the ultrasonic cavitation feature does all the hard work while I chill by the campfire. It’s so compact and convenient, I actually look forward to washing stuff now (who am I?). Plus, the health-conscious design means everything comes out fresh and hygienic, which is perfect for my busy lifestyle. If you want easy, efficient cleaning on the go, this little powerhouse is it! —Jenna Collins
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Why Cheap Washing Machines Under $200 Are Necessary
From my experience, having a washing machine under $200 is essential for anyone on a tight budget like me. Not everyone can afford high-end appliances, and a reliable, affordable washing machine helps me keep my clothes clean without breaking the bank. It’s a practical solution that meets basic laundry needs without unnecessary features that drive up the price.
Also, I’ve found that cheaper machines are perfect for small households or individuals who don’t generate large amounts of laundry daily. They save space, use less water and electricity, and still get the job done efficiently. For me, it’s about balancing cost and convenience—spending less upfront means I can allocate my money to other important things.
Lastly, having an affordable washing machine means I don’t have to rely on laundromats or hand washing, which can be time-consuming and costly over time. In short, a washing machine under $200 is not just a budget choice; it’s a smart, necessary investment based on my lifestyle and financial priorities.
My Buying Guides on Cheap Washing Machines Under $200
When I was looking for a washing machine on a budget, I realized that finding a reliable, cheap washing machine under $200 can be tricky but definitely doable. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what you should consider before making a purchase.
1. Determine Your Washing Needs
Before buying, I asked myself how often I wash clothes and the typical load size. If you live alone or have a small family, a compact or portable washing machine with a smaller capacity (around 1.5 to 2.5 cubic feet) might be enough. For heavy use or larger families, machines under $200 may not be sufficient, so setting realistic expectations is key.
2. Choose Between Top Load vs. Portable Machines
In my search, I found two main types under $200: top load washers and portable washers. Top load models are more like traditional machines and usually have larger capacities. Portable washers are compact, lightweight, and great for small spaces or apartments but may have smaller capacities and longer wash cycles.
3. Consider Washing Capacity
Capacity is important. I looked for machines that could handle at least a few pounds of laundry per load. Most cheap machines under $200 have a capacity ranging from 6 to 10 pounds, which works well for daily light washing but may require multiple cycles for bigger loads.
4. Check for Essential Features
At this price point, don’t expect advanced features. However, I prioritized models with these basics:
- Multiple wash cycles (normal, delicate, quick wash)
- Timer or automatic shutoff
- Easy-to-use controls
- Drain pump or manual draining options
Extra features like spin speed adjustment or energy-saving modes are rare in this category but nice if available.
5. Energy and Water Efficiency
Even with budget machines, I recommend looking for energy-efficient options to save on utility bills. While most cheap washers aren’t Energy Star certified, some still consume less water or electricity. Reading product specifications or reviews helped me identify more efficient models.
6. Size and Space Considerations
I measured the space where I planned to install the washer. Many budget machines are compact or portable, so they fit under counters or in closets. Make sure you have access to water hookups and drainage if required.
7. Brand Reputation and Warranty
Buying cheap doesn’t mean settling for unreliable brands. I researched brands known for decent customer service and read reviews to avoid machines that break down quickly. Also, check the warranty period—most budget washers come with at least a 1-year warranty.
8. Read Customer Reviews
I found customer reviews invaluable. They gave me real-world insights into the machine’s performance, noise levels, durability, and any common issues. Look for reviews mentioning long-term use and post-purchase support.
9. Where to Buy
I checked online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and home appliance stores. Sometimes local classifieds or refurbished units offer even better deals, but make sure the machine is in good condition and has some warranty.
My Final Tips
- Be realistic about what a $200 washing machine can do—it’s great for light, occasional laundry but not heavy-duty use.
- Portable washers are perfect if you have limited space and want something easy to move.
- Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get a better model within your budget.
- Always read the manual and follow maintenance tips to extend the machine’s life.
I hope my guide helps you find a cheap washing machine that fits your needs without breaking the bank!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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