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Washing Machines Price Comparison

Compare 794 washing machines from Bosch, LG, AEG and more — find the best price across top UK retailers in minutes.

Hoover
Hotpoint
Bosch
LG
Beko
Candy
AEG
Samsung

Washing Machines price comparison UK

Few appliances divide opinion quite like the washing machine. Spend too little and you're replacing it in four years; spend too much and you're paying for features you'll never use. Our analysis of 794 models — ranging from 249 £ to 851 £ — reveals a market where the real action happens between 324 £ and 379 £, a sweet spot that accounts for the bulk of sales and where brands like Bosch, AEG, and Samsung compete fiercely on efficiency and reliability.

Hoover leads the catalogue by sheer volume with over 100 models, but it's Bosch and AEG that command the higher average prices — and for good reason. Both brands consistently earn strong marks from Which? and TechRadar for build quality, inverter motor longevity, and low noise levels. LG's direct drive motors, backed by a 10-year warranty on many models, make a compelling case for spending a little more upfront. Indesit sits at the other end, with an average price well below the market median — fine for a rental property, but we'd hesitate to recommend one as a long-term household investment.

Capacity is the single most misunderstood spec. A 7 kg drum sounds adequate until you're running three cycles on a Sunday because you underestimated the family's laundry load. For households of three or more, 9–10 kg is the practical minimum. Spin speed matters too: 1400 RPM is the standard worth targeting, as it leaves clothes noticeably drier than 1200 RPM machines — which translates directly into lower tumble dryer running costs. Speaking of which, if space is tight, it's worth comparing our washer dryers before committing to a standalone machine.

Energy ratings have been reshuffled under the current EU/UK labelling system — an A-rated machine today is genuinely efficient, not just "better than average." Steam programmes, once a premium-only feature, now appear on mid-range models from Hotpoint and Samsung, offering real benefits for allergy sufferers and heavily soiled workwear. Smart connectivity via apps like LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings is increasingly standard above 379 £, letting you schedule cycles during off-peak energy tariff windows — a worthwhile feature given rising electricity costs.

Black Friday and the January sales remain the best windows to buy, with Currys, John Lewis, and AO.com typically offering the sharpest discounts. John Lewis's standard two-year guarantee adds peace of mind that pure price comparisons don't always capture. Use MagicPrices to track price drops across all these retailers simultaneously — and check our washing machine parts and accessories section if you're maintaining an existing appliance rather than replacing it outright.

How to Choose the Right Washing Machine

With prices spanning from 249 £ to 851 £, the washing machine market is genuinely complex. Our data shows that most buyers land between 324 £ and 548 £ — but the right choice depends far more on household size and usage patterns than on budget alone. Here's what actually matters.

Drum capacity matched to your household

This is the spec most buyers get wrong. A 6–7 kg drum suits one or two people; anything larger needs at least 8 kg, and families of four or more should be looking at 9–10 kg minimum. Undersizing forces multiple cycles, which costs more in energy and time than simply buying the right capacity upfront. The good news: the jump from 8 kg to 9 kg rarely adds much to the price at the 324 £–379 £ level.

Spin speed: why 1400 RPM is the sensible baseline

1200 RPM machines leave clothes noticeably wetter, which means longer drying times — either on a rack or in a tumble dryer. 1400 RPM is the sweet spot: it extracts significantly more moisture without the added vibration and fabric stress of 1600 RPM+ machines. Unless you're washing exclusively delicates, don't settle for less than 1400 RPM.

Energy efficiency rating and real running costs

Under the current UK/EU labelling system, A is the top rating — and it genuinely reflects lower annual energy and water consumption. The difference between an A-rated and a D-rated machine can add up to £50–£80 per year in running costs depending on usage. Bosch and AEG dominate the A and B ratings in our catalogue; budget brands tend to cluster at C and below. Factor in a 10-year ownership horizon and the efficiency premium pays for itself.

Noise level for open-plan homes and flats

Spin cycle noise is measured in decibels, and the difference between 72 dB and 80 dB is substantial in a flat or open-plan kitchen. Machines with inverter motors (LG, Bosch, AEG) consistently perform better here. If you're in a flat or plan to run cycles overnight, prioritise models rated under 75 dB for the spin cycle — it's listed in the spec sheet and worth checking before you buy.

Motor type and long-term reliability

Inverter motors and direct drive motors (LG's speciality) adjust speed based on load, reducing wear and energy consumption. They're also quieter and typically backed by longer warranties — LG offers 10 years on the motor on many models, which is a meaningful signal of build confidence. Belt-driven motors are cheaper to manufacture but more prone to failure over time. At prices above 379 £, there's little reason to accept anything less than an inverter motor.

Smart features: genuinely useful vs. marketing fluff

WiFi connectivity and app integration (Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, Hoover hOn) are most useful for one specific purpose: scheduling cycles during off-peak energy tariff hours. If you're on a time-of-use tariff, this feature alone can justify the price premium. Remote diagnostics are also handy — some machines can flag faults before they become expensive repairs. Voice control and 'AI wash' features, however, are largely marketing. Focus on delay start and remote monitoring; ignore the rest.

  • Budget picks (From 249 £ to 324 £) : Indesit, Hoover, and Candy dominate this bracket. You'll find 7–8 kg machines with 1200 RPM spin speeds and basic programme selections. Perfectly functional for light use or rental properties, but expect shorter lifespans, higher running costs, and limited warranties. We'd only recommend this range if budget is genuinely the overriding constraint.
  • The sweet spot (From 324 £ to 379 £) : This is where the market gets interesting. Bosch Serie 2 and Serie 4, Hotpoint's A-rated steam models, Samsung's ecobubble range, and LG's entry inverter machines all compete here. You get 8–10 kg capacity, 1400 RPM, and decent energy ratings. For most households, this range offers the best long-term value — strong enough build quality to last a decade with proper care.
  • For the quality-conscious buyer (From 379 £ to 548 £) : AEG Series 6000, Bosch Serie 6, and Samsung's mid-tier smart machines sit here. Expect inverter motors, A energy ratings, lower noise levels, and app connectivity. AEG's ProSteam and Bosch's ActiveWater technology make a real difference for allergy sufferers and those with mixed fabric loads. Worth the step up if you're doing heavy laundry loads regularly.
  • Premium and specialist (Over 548 £) : Miele, high-spec AEG, and Samsung's top-tier models occupy this space. You're paying for exceptional build quality (Miele tests its machines to 20-year lifespans), advanced steam and hygiene programmes, and the quietest operation available. Genuinely worth it for large families or those who want to buy once and never think about it again — but overkill for average household use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What drum capacity do I actually need for a family of four?

A family of four needs at least a 9 kg drum — ideally 10 kg. A 9 kg machine handles a full set of bedding or a week's worth of clothes for four people in a single cycle, which is the practical threshold for avoiding the frustration of splitting loads. 8 kg is workable but tight; anything below that will have you running back-to-back cycles regularly.

Is 1400 RPM spin speed worth paying more for compared to 1200 RPM?

Yes, unambiguously. A 1400 RPM spin cycle removes significantly more moisture from clothes than 1200 RPM, cutting drying time by 20–30% on average. Over a year of regular use, that difference shows up in your energy bill — particularly if you use a tumble dryer. Most machines in the 324 £–379 £ range now offer 1400 RPM as standard, so there's rarely a reason to accept less.

Are budget washing machines from Hoover or Indesit worth buying in 2026?

They're adequate for light use, but we'd approach them with caution as a long-term investment. Hoover and Indesit machines below 324 £ typically use belt-driven motors, carry only a one-year warranty, and tend to have higher running costs due to lower energy ratings. For a rental property or a student flat, fine. For a family home expecting 10 years of service, the maths favour spending more upfront on a Bosch or LG.

What does an inverter motor actually do, and do I need one?

An inverter motor adjusts its rotation speed based on the load rather than running at a fixed speed, which reduces energy consumption, lowers noise, and significantly extends motor lifespan. Most manufacturers back inverter motors with 10-year warranties — LG and Bosch being the most prominent examples. If you're spending above 379 £, you should expect an inverter motor as standard; below that, it's worth checking the spec sheet explicitly.

How much should I worry about noise levels when choosing a washing machine?

It depends entirely on where the machine is installed. In a detached utility room, noise is largely irrelevant. In an open-plan kitchen or a flat, a machine rated at 80 dB on spin is genuinely disruptive — roughly equivalent to a busy restaurant. Look for spin cycle noise ratings under 75 dB if the machine will be in a living area. AEG, Bosch, and LG consistently achieve 72–74 dB in independent tests.

Is it worth buying a washing machine with smart WiFi features?

Only if you're on a time-of-use energy tariff. The ability to schedule a cycle to start at 2am during off-peak hours is the one smart feature that delivers tangible savings. Remote diagnostics are a useful bonus — some Samsung and LG models can identify faults before they escalate. Beyond that, 'AI wash' and voice control features are largely marketing. Don't pay a significant premium purely for smart connectivity unless the delay start function is your primary motivation.

What's the catch with very cheap washing machines listed under 324 £?

The main risks are shorter lifespan, higher running costs, and limited after-sales support. Machines at the very bottom of the price range often use lower-grade drum bearings, belt-driven motors, and carry only a 12-month warranty. Some are grey-market imports without UK-standard safety certifications — always check for the BSI Kitemark or CE marking. A machine that fails after three years and costs £150 to repair is no bargain compared to a reliable mid-range model bought once.