We researched the top loading washing machines actually worth your money

Best for: singles or couples in apartments

This Solt top loader washing machine is perfect for a one or two person household. It features eight types of washing programs, so you can select the setting based on what you are washing for best results.

The Solt Top Load Washer also has a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 reviews on The Good Guys website.

One reviewer shared: “Have limited space so a Top loading machine was my only option. This machine is great value for money and having delivery team set up new machine and take away old machine and all packaging [was] an advantage.”

Other reviews also note the compact size, so it definitely is suited to smaller loads. It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s not the most energy or water efficient, with an energy rating of 2 stars and a water rating of 3 stars

Key features:

• 5.5kg capacity
• Delay-start abilities
• 8 wash programs
• Easy-to-read LED screen display

Best for: value-for-money washing for families of 5+

With a sleek black finish, this top load washing machine from Haier is perfect for large families. With a 10kg capacity and powered with Direct Motion technology for a quiet and efficient wash, this washing machine will do wonders for Sunday chores.

It also offers an energy rating of 4.5 stars (out of 6), 4 star WELS water rating and has an average star rating of 4.6 from over 150 reviews.

Reviewers often mention how quiet the machine is, how many different programs there are to choose from and that there is no agitator in the middle of the washing machine drum.

“I am now able to wash my large quilt. Also love the large filters they pick up all the cat fur,” wrote one reviewer.

Key features:

• 10kg capacity
• Direct motion motor technology
• 4.5 star energy rating and 4 star water rating
• 12 specialised wash cycles
• Auto-balancing technology

Also available at:

• $799 at The Good Guys
• $1099 $815 at Appliances Online

Best for: long-lasting reliability

With a price tag like this, it’s fair to say this top loader washing machine won’t suit every household’s budget. But if you have the cash to splash, then the Speed Queen top load washing machine is worth considering as an efficient and long-lasting option. It’s made to last up to 10,400 cycles thanks to its heavy-duty components, meticulous engineering, and rigorous testing.

It offers customisable settings, a quick-wash that averages 37 minutes and a sturdy steel base. However, it does only have a 1-star energy rating and a 3-star water efficiency rating.

But customers praise it’s durability and design, with a 4.7 star rating on Appliances Online. As one reviewer said: “Had my last one for nearly 20 years. Hopefully this one will last as long. I have the knob model easy to use… Cleans well easy peasy”

Key features:

• 8.5kg capacity
• Customisable laundry settings
• Solid mount suspension system achieving a quiet and balanced wash
• Maximises water usage with smart wash system
• Long-lasting and durable structure

Also available at:

• $3995 at Winnings

Best for: smart tech & fabric care

LG has won CHOICE’s Best Top Load Washer Brand award four consecutive years (2022–2025), and the WTX3-09G shows exactly why. For those who love a bit of high-end tech that is designed to properly look after your clothes, look no further. Six distinct wash motions (including tumble, swing, step, scrub, filtration, and delicate) are designed simulate hand-washing in order to protect fabrics and provide ultimate care. It also comes with ThinQ Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you start, monitor and troubleshoot cycles remotely from your phone.

Key features:

• 6 Motion Wash Technology
• AI DD tailors technology to your fabrics for ultimate care
• Smart ThinQ Wi-Fi
• Ergonomic reach
• 5-star energy
• 3.5-star water rating

Also available at:

• $1199 $1141 at Appliances Online

Bes for: UV sanitise & satisfaction

With an 8kg capacity, this top loader washing machine by Fisher & Paykel is made for people who want to spend less time doing laundry (and it’s safe to say that that’s the majority of us). It features SmartTouch controls, automatic load sensing to manage water usage and a very low profile agitator. As well as the usual cycles, including Bulky, Wool and Extra Care, it has a UV Sanitise wash to help kill bacteria and support fabric care.

This top loader also has a 4.5-star energy rating and a 4-star water rating. It’s also got an average customer rating of 4.6 stars on Appliances Online, with one reviewer writing: “Excellent functions and looks sleek, washes the clothes well with a huge drum.”

Key features:

• 8kg capacity
• UV Sanitise option
• SmartTouch controls
• Soft close lid
• Low profile agitator

Also available at:

• $799 at The Good Guys
• $799 at JB Hi-Fi

Best for: budget everyday washing

Perfect for a family of four, this Haier top loader washing machine features 12 washing programs, including Delicates, Wool and Hygienic, so you can optimise the cycle depending on your load. It has a soft-close lid, auto-balancing technology and a Direct Motion motor that is engineered with fewer parts for reliability and quiet operation.

It has a 4.5-star energy rating and a 4-star water rating, as well as an average customer rating of 4.5 stars. A lot of reviewers note how quiet it is when a wash is in progress and it’s design, with one reviewer stating: “What a brilliant little machine this is. So much smaller in build than my 8.5 Kg washing machine but it is so much faster and easier to use.”

However, some reviewers did note that it won’t offer as much capacity as a larger machine, so keep that in mind if you’re considering changing the capacity of your existing washer.

Key features:

• 8kg capacity
• 12 wash programmes
• Soft-close lid
• Adjustable rinse options
• Direct Motion motor means less moving parts

Also available at:

• $649 at JB Hi-Fi
• $649 at The Good Guys
• $949 $975 at Winnings

Best for: large capacity & hygiene

If you’re looking for a fast and efficient wash, then this Samsung top loader washing machine is worth considering. It has a huge 12kg capacity that is perfect for larger households, as well as 12 wash cycles, including a quick wash and Hygienic Steam Cycle.

It also has 4-star ratings for both energy and water. While its customer rating on Betta is slightly lower than some others on the list, at 3.8 stars, this is only from 8 reviews. The key issues appear to be related to trouble washing and support from Samsung.

But around 62% of reviews gave it 5 stars, with one customer summing it up as: “Easy to use and quiet! Has great washing options as well. Not used to a modern hi-tech machine but it’s made doing the laundry [less] of a chore. And I love the soft close lid.”

Key features:

• 12kg capacity
• Hygiene steam cycle for intensive cleaning
• BubbleStorm technology for fast and efficient washing
• Magic filter to gather lint and fluff during wash