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15 Best Matching Washer and Dryer Sets of 2026

These pairs from GE, Insignia, LG, Miele, and Samsung combine great performance with energy and water efficiency

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LG WM8900HBA washing machine and DLEX8900B/DLGX8901B dryer in room with yellow walls and white door
This LG duo, which earns high scores for washing and drying, is one of 70 washer-dryer pairs CR has tested.
Photo: LG

You could play matchmaker when shopping for new laundry machines, but it’s hard to know whether washer A and dryer B are a perfect pair. That’s why manufacturers market appliances in sets that are similar in appearance, price, and compatibility.

But are these models truly better together? We examined performance tests of 70 washer-dryer sets to determine whether their combined scores added up to a match made in heaven.

In this article
MORE ON Washers & Dryers

Compatibility can include the option to stack a pair of machines using a special hardware kit. It could also mean that machines sync up to optimize performance.

“Pairs come in a variety of styles,” says Allie Chilicki, a CR market analyst. “Most pairs have similar cycles, so if the washer has a casual or wool setting, the dryer will, too. Brands like GE, LG, and Samsung produce smart washers, some of which feature artificial intelligence. These advanced models work in tandem. The dryer may automatically detect the wash cycle and adjust its settings accordingly.”

Top-rated doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. You can find solid washer-dryer pairs that are a good value. Those on our list range from $875 to $4,200, and prices often dip during sales events. There are fewer dryer models than washers on the market, and you’ll find that some match up with multiple washing machines. So CR recommends shopping for your washer first, then finding a compatible dryer.

Read on for a list of the washer-dryer sets that earn an impressive combined Overall Score in our tests. LG dominates the top ratings for front-loaders, HE top-loaders, top-load agitators, and dryers, based on the performance of its appliances in our lab tests and the brand’s excellent reliability ratings, as indicated by our member surveys.

CR members can click on each model here for detailed ratings or read on for full reviews of the matching sets. If you don’t see what you want here, you can dig deeper into our ratings for all the washer-dryer pairs that we test. And check out our washing machine and clothes dryer buying guides to learn more about the different types.

Best Front-Load Washer and Dryer Sets

The front-loaders here deliver top-notch cleaning, and their matching dryers do a solid job as well. You’ll hear these machines working, but none make a loud, sustained noise. Most front-load washers are gentle on fabric. They’re also water- and energy-efficient.

Wash times in our tests are based on the normal wash/heavy-soil setting, typically 70 to 120 minutes. A bonus with front-loaders is that they extract more water than other washers, trimming dryer time and saving energy.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


Keith Flamer

Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.