What Are The Quietest Washing Machines?
Fri Aug 29 2025
- Laundry
Imagine finally doing laundry without all the noise and vibration rattling through your walls. A quiet washing machine can bring peace back to laundry day, especially if your living space is small or your washer sits close to gathering areas.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes the quietest washing machines and dryers worth considering, how to shop for them, and the top models that keep clothes fresh without disrupting your home.
What Is the Quietest Washing Machine?
Here are some of the quietest washing machines available today. Each model is packed with features that minimize noise while still delivering powerful cleaning performance.
Quietest Top-Load Washing Machines
If you’re looking for a top-load washing machine, here are some of the quietest models available today.
Speed Queen TR3 Ultra-Quiet Top Load Washer
The Speed Queen TR3 Ultra-Quiet Top Load Washer combines gentle yet powerful cleaning with an ultra-quiet operation. With a focus on durability and fabric care, this washer is built to deliver reliable, long-lasting performance.
Why It’s Great:
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Speed Queen Perfect Wash™: Tailors each wash cycle for optimal fabric care, delivering a gentle yet effective clean.
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Ultra Quiet (43 dB): Keeps noise levels down so it won’t disrupt your day.
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Commercial Heritage: Over a century of engineering excellence ensures durability.
Model: TR3003WN
Quiet Dryer to Pair With: Speed Queen DR3 Sanitizing Electric Dryer
Want to browse more Speed Queen washing machine options? Learn more: Speed Queen Buying Guide
Quietest Front-Load Washing Machines
LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
LG’s Ultra Large Front Load Washer is impressive in terms of quiet performance. It offers noise control, powerful washing, and an innovative design, making it one of the quietest washing machines in its class.
Why It’s Great:
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TurboWash® 360: Provides a quick, deep clean in under 30 minutes, saving time while still delivering excellent results.
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Direct Drive Motor: Reduces noise and boosts long-term reliability by eliminating unnecessary moving parts.
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Vibration Reduction Technology: Keeps cycles smooth and stable, minimizing disruptive shaking and noise.
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SmartThinQ® Tech: Lets you monitor and start loads remotely from your phone for added convenience.
Model: WM4000HBA
Quiet Dryer to Pair With: LG Ultra Large Capacity Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Gas Dryer with TurboSteam™
Whirlpool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
This Whirlpool washer with a Load & Go™ XL Dispenser allows you to add detergent to your washer once and forget it for up to 20 loads. This model focuses on quiet washing machine technology while offering convenience.
Why It’s Great:
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Intuitive Controls: The washer learns and adjusts to your washing habits, helping you get consistent results while making operation simpler and more efficient.
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Advanced Vibration Control™: Designed to minimize noise and shaking during high-speed spins, keeping laundry cycles quieter and more stable.
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Steam Clean Option: Uses steam to tackle stubborn stains without the need for pre-treatment, offering a deeper clean while still keeping cycles quiet.
Model: WFW8620HW
Quiet Dryer to Pair With: Whirlpool 7.4 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer with Steam Cycles
Is a Quiet Washing Machine Worth It?
Yes, today’s quiet washers and dryers are designed with built-in noise-reducing technology, so you can tackle laundry without interrupting naptime, movie night, or a work call.
Imagine folding clothes while chatting with a friend, or starting a load during dinner without the background rumble. Choosing a quieter option isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a calmer, more comfortable home.
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No More Disturbances: Run laundry while the baby naps, your partner is in a Zoom meeting, or you’re just relaxing.
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Energy Savings: Quiet washers often include energy-saving features, which can help lower your utility bills.
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Long-Lasting Performance: Less vibration means less wear and tear, so your machine will last longer.
Understanding dB(A) Ratings for Quiet Washers
When shopping for a quiet washing machine or a quiet washer and dryer, you’ll often see the noise level listed in dB(A), which stands for A-weighted decibels. This scale measures how loud a sound is in a way that reflects how the human ear perceives it. A lower dB(A) rating means a quieter machine, for example, 40–50 dB(A) is similar to a quiet conversation.
Generally, look for washers in the 40–55 dB(A) range for wash cycles and under 70 dB(A) for spin cycles if you want the quietest experience.
What to Look for in a Quiet Washing Machine
Ready to invest in a new washing machine? While dB(A) is a helpful measurement, it isn’t the only factor to consider. Other important features include:
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Direct Drive Motor: Quiet machines usually have direct-drive motors, which means fewer moving parts, less vibration, and less noise.
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Anti-vibration technology: Reduces shaking during spin cycles and keeps the machine stable.
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Sound insulation: Extra padding and insulation materials help block and absorb noise.
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Motor design: Direct-drive motors are typically quieter than belt-driven options.
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Drum balance and suspension: A well-balanced drum and quality suspension system cut down on vibration.
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Quiet or “Night” Wash Cycles: Some machines have quieter settings designed to run with minimal noise—perfect for overnight loads.
How To Make a Washing Machine Quieter
Even the quietest washing machines can be made quieter with a few adjustments. Try these tricks:
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Place It on a Stable Surface: Setting the washer on a laundry pedestal reduces vibration.
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Use Anti-Vibration Pads: These pads absorb the shock and movement, keeping noise to a minimum.
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Balance Your Loads: Avoid overloading or underloading; uneven weight causes more vibration.
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Choose the Right Cycle: For extra quiet, use gentle or night cycles when available.
What About Dryers? Quiet Options and Considerations
When shopping for a quiet washer and dryer, don’t forget that the dryer itself plays a big role in overall noise levels. Dryers produce noise from tumbling, airflow, and the motor, and while they aren’t usually as loud as washers during spin cycles, quieter models can make a big difference, especially in open floor plans or smaller homes.
When shopping for a quiet dryer, keep a few tips in mind. Some brands provide noise levels in dB(A), a dryer under 65 dB(A) is generally considered quiet. However, numbers alone don’t tell the full story. You’ll also want to look at the design and features that contribute to quieter operation:
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Buy a matching pair: Matching washer and dryer sets often share the same vibration control and insulation technology, so both machines operate more quietly together and provide a streamlined laundry experience.
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Extra insulation: Helps reduce motor and airflow noise, keeping cycles quieter.
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Advanced drum design: Minimizes vibration and creates smoother tumbling.
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Moisture sensors: Prevent over-drying and shorten cycle times, lowering both noise and energy use.
When shopping, look for a quiet washer and dryer combo from the same brand with these features for the best balance of noise reduction and performance.
Make the Switch to a Quieter Washer
At DeWaard & Bode, you’ll find a great selection of quiet, high-performing laundry appliances from more brands you trust, like Electrolux, LG, Whirlpool, Speed Queen, and Maytag.
Contact us now or swing by one of our appliance stores in Bellingham and Burlington, Washington. We also offer flexible appliance financing to make upgrading your laundry room easier than ever!
Check out our other laundry appliances, including dryers, stacked washers and dryers, steam centers, and more.
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FAQ: Quiet Washing Machines
What type of washing machine is the quietest?
Front-load washers tend to be the quietest. Models with direct drive motors and anti-vibration technology, like LG, are excellent choices.
How many decibels is a quiet washing machine?
Quiet washing machines typically run at about 50–55 decibels during normal operation, similar to a quiet conversation. The quietest top-loading washing machines can be as low as 43 dB.
Can I make my current washer quieter?
Yes! Adding anti-vibration pads, leveling the machine, and distributing clothes evenly can help reduce noise.
Are quiet washing machines more expensive?
They might cost more up front, but many quiet models are energy-efficient, which can save money on utility bills over time.
Do quiet washers save energy?
Absolutely! Many quiet washers come with energy-saving cycles and use less water, making them eco-friendly and economical.
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