Smart washing machines explained

Smart wi-fi-enabled washing machines are becoming increasingly popular, but what exactly are they, how do they work and how much will they cost?

Read on to find out more about the technology, the features to look out for and what brands such as Bosch, Miele and Samsung are doing in the smart appliances space.

Check out our best washing machines to see which models we recommend.

What is a smart washing machine?

Smart washing machines are appliances that can connect to your household wi-fi network in the same way as other devices, such as tablets and smartphones. You can then set your washing machine remotely using an app on your phone or tablet, or via Alexa or Google Assistant. 

You don't have to have a smartphone to operate it, though – you can still set it manually. So, if your partner has the latest iPhone but you’re still playing Snake on your old Nokia, you won’t be able to get out of doing the laundry.

Are smart washing machines worth it?

There's no denying that a smart washing machine might make your life easier, but the key thing to look for when buying any new appliance is effectiveness. 

We test washing machines on both the 40°C cottons and 30°C synthetics wash programs, then combine the results to give each appliance a star rating for cleaning. So be sure to check our washing machine reviews before buying to see just how well a machine cleans. 

However, if added convenience is high on your appliance wishlist, smart washing machines can have lots of additional useful features:

• Remote control using an app Start, pause and stop your wash using your smartphone, tablet, Alexa or Google Assistant. 
• Automatic program selection Once you've filled in a few simple details, the app will select the most suitable program for your laundry. 
• Capacity Machines can hold between 6kg and 12kg. Most smart models will determine the load size and automatically use the right amount of water and energy.
• Auto-dosing Some machines will weigh the load and adjust the amount of detergent accordingly.
• Troubleshooting Machines can detect issues and any maintenance jobs that need doing, and notify you instantly via the app. 
• Extra programs Most apps will offer extra downloadable programs, including steam washes and a cycle to clean the drum. 
• Memory feature Some will remember your most-used programs and suggest them when you're setting your wash.
• Energy use Check how much energy your washing machine is using in real time. 
• Safety The cycle won't start if the door is open or the machine isn't connected to the water supply.  
• Add items Dropped a sock on the way to the machine?This handy feature lets you chuck it in mid-cycle.

What about AI washing machines?

We're seeing an increasing number of models claimed to have 'AI' (artificial intelligence) features that can analyse your laundry loads and set all the functions accordingly, but often there's very little in the way of true AI in these machines. 

A key aspect of AI is machine learning, in which appliances learn from data over time and adjust their performance without any additional programming. Currently, this isn't something we see in more than a handful of washing machines we test.

Often, so-called 'AI capabilities' are just relabelled smart features that already exist, such as memory functions that 'favourite' your most-used program, or load detection (which uses sensors to measure the size and 'dirtiness' of the load and is available in most mid-range models).

True AI is starting to pop up in more premium models, where the machine will learn your laundry habits and suggest ways to optimise each load. These often cost close to £1,000, though, so they won't be for everyone. 

Recently tested smart washing machines compared

Not all apps have the same features, so here's a quick summary of how some of our most recently tested models compare.

Bear in mind that these are summaries of their smart functionalities, not their performance in our extensive lab testing. Be sure to read our reviews in full before making a decision.

Alternatively, jump straight to our smart washing machine reviews.

Haier BHA6S69M6DB9RJ80

• Maximum capacity: 9kg
• Key smart features: remote control, additional cycles, energy monitoring

Almost all the Haier washing machines we've tested have some level of smart functionality, including those that aren't right at the top of the range. This machine's 9kg capacity is generous for an integrated model, and the ability to access additional programs could come in handy if you're looking for something very specific.

Read our full Haier BHA6S69M6DB9RJ80 review. 

Hisense WF5I1245BBR

• Maximum capacity: 12kg
• Key smart features: remote control, energy monitoring, option to link selected appliances, laundry assistant

Most Hisense models offer some form of smart connectivity, and there are plenty of mid-range options. The ConnectLife app lets you control your device from your smartphone, and you can link it to Hisense smart tumble dryer to sync program choices. This machine will also detect incorrect usage or product faults automatically.

Read our full Hisense WF5I245BBR review.

Hoover HBP 49SBL8-80

• Maximum capacity: 9kg
• Key smart features: remote control, energy monitoring, additional cycles, maintenance notifications

You'll find some form of smart compatibility in most of Hoover's washing machines, even including models at the cheaper end of the spectrum, such as this one. If you're the forgetful type, you might find it handy to get a message on your smartphone letting you know it's time to run a maintenance wash or give the filter a good clean.

Read our full Hoover HBP 49SBL8-80 review.

Who makes smart washing machines and how much do they cost?

Hoover and Samsung were the first two manufacturers to launch wi-fi-enabled smart washing machines in the UK. But now more manufacturers are launching their own versions. In fact, one in three machines we've tested has smart functionality. 

Here, we run through what different brands are offering in this space and how they compare with their competitors.

AEG, My AEG Care

The AEG app, My AEG Care, is now available on several of its washing machines, with prices ranging from below £600 to more than £1,000. 

It can start the cycle and it will notify you when it's finished. Higher-end models also enable you to personalise settings according to the contents of the washload and remotely troubleshoot problems. 

The 'care advisor' will ask you a handful of questions about the load, including the fabric, colour and stain level, before washing accordingly. 

Read our AEG smart washing machine reviews. 

Bosch, Home Connect 

Bosch uses Home Connect, an app that can control appliances from numerous brands. Seveal of its machines are smart – we've tested three – and the wi-fi capability is a 'core' feature, meaning wi-fi models are much more common than they once would have been. 

As with other apps, you can start, pause and stop cycles, and it will notify you when the cycle has finished. Other useful features include voice control, remote troubleshooting and optimal wash program recommendations.

You'll have to pay more for this, though. Bosch's smart models typically cost between £600 and £800. You can get a basic – but quality – non-smart machine for around half this price.

Find out which Bosch smart washing machine we think is best using our reviews. 

Candy, hOn

Candy's smart washing machines are operated via the hOn app. Its main functions are selecting and starting programs as well as getting maintenance updates and other handy tips.

You can access an additional 20+ specialised washing programs through the app. You can also see your laundry statistics to help you optimise your washing habits.

Smart models will cost up to around £400, with some setting you back less than £300.

If you like the sound of hOn, head straight to our Candy smart washing machine reviews. 

Haier, hOn

More than 90% of the Haier washing machines we've tested recently have some form of smart capability, which you can access using the hOn smartphone app.

In addition to controlling when your washes start and stop, you can also troubleshoot any potential issues. Depending on the model, you can access up to 40 additional programs through the app, too.

Feature-heavy smart Haier washers can cost as much as £1,000, but most models we test are £600 or less.

Our Haier smart washing machine reviews reveal which models fared best in our tests.

Hisense, ConnectLife

Aside from the most basic models, most of the washing machines Hisense makes are wi-fi compatible and can be operated using the ConnectLife smartphone app. 

You can use the app to start and stop the machine, track energy used and diagnose any faults. If your model has auto-dosing capability, you can see when your detergent is running low, too.

Most smart Hisense machines we've tested cost between £300 and £500, with top-end models coming in at around £700.

Head to our Hisense smart washing machine reviews to find out which is best suited to you.

Hoover, hOn

Hoover was one of the first manufacturers to adopt smart tech. Like a handful of other laundry appliance manufacturers, it uses the hOn app.

The app enables you to set and save your favourite wash cycles, start and stop them remotely, and download up to 60 additional programs depending on your machine. You can also track energy consumption and set up maintenance notifications.

Hoover's smart machines are on the cheaper side, with most models costing around £300-400.

Find out which Hoover smart washing machine we think is best using our reviews. 

LG, Smart ThinQ

LG's smart tech has similar functions to its competitors, including starting and stopping cycles, notifications when a job is complete and regular maintenance reminders.

It can also troubleshoot small problems remotely, and most can be voice-controlled via an Alexa or Google Assistant. Higher-end models can be paired with smart LG tumble dryers on the app to synchronise your loads. 

Depending on the extra features you want with your smart model, expect to pay between about £350 and £800.

Read our reviews of LG smart washing machines. 

Miele, Miele@home

Miele's app used to be available only on more advanced models, but it's now trickling down through most of its mid to high-end range. 

Alongside the standard basic remote stop and start functions, Miele@home can extend the anti-crease phase by 30 minutes up to a maximum of three times. It can also let you know when your machine needs cleaning.

Miele is typically in the higher price bracket compared with its competitors, and for a smart model you can expect to pay anywhere between £850 and £1,500. 

Find out how Miele's smart washing machines did in our tests.

Samsung, SmartThings

Once you've loaded up your washing machine, Samsung's SmartThings app can take full control. From selecting cycles to making washing suggestions, the app is fully integrated with the machine. 

Your washing machine can even automatically order detergent when you get low, if you've chosen a model with auto-dosing capabilities.

If you want a feature-packed smart Samsung, expect to pay upwards of £500. More basic models are available in the £300-400 range.

We've reviewed a handful of smart Samsung washing machines. 

Smart washing machines: safety and security

It's important to make sure your privacy and safety aren't compromised when using this new smart technology. Here are our top tips on staying safe: 

• Keep your app updated This will not only make sure you have the most up-to-date features but also mean you're covered by the most recent security fixes. 
• Stick to official channels Always download your app from channels such as the App Store and Google Play, as they will have checks in place to make sure your app is safe to use. 
• Protect your data Lots of apps want access to your data, but not all ask for it. Click on settings for your apps to allow or deny certain permissions. 
• Be careful of public wi-fi The hotspots can be less secure and leave your phone vulnerable to a hacker attack. Avoid logging in to your bank or entering credit card details when using these networks.

Which smart washing machine brands offer the best security support policies?

Smart washing machines connect to wi-fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to operate some of their functions from your smartphone or other device via an app. As with any internet-connected device, it’s important that these apps receive regular security updates to guard against potential security and privacy threats.

We estimate the 'lifetime' of a washing machine – the average time we’d expect one to last before it breaks down or deteriorates significantly – to be 11 years. This is based on robust analysis of recent product surveys and is a conservative estimate, so we’re confident that the genuine average is above this value.

We reached out to the biggest brands to find out more about support policies and, as you can see, some are falling well short of this measure.

• Miele plans to release security updates for approximately 10 years from the model being discontinued, but might release critical updates beyond this period.
• BSH, the manufacturer of Bosch, Siemens and Neff, said it will support all its Home Connect appliances with security updates for at least 10 years after they've been sold.
• AEG previously supported models for only five years from the launch date, but newer models will receive updates for up to 10 years to comply with newer EU standards.
• LG will guarantee a minimum of only five years of updates from launch.
  
• Hisense provides a standard five-year security update window for all of its ConnectLife range. 
• Samsung told us it offers support for a minimum of five years from launch, with newer models (2024 onwards) often receiving update support for 10 years.
• Candy will support its products for a minimum of five years from launch. The same goes for Haier and Hoover.
• Beko historically limited support to three years, but newer smart models now get a minimum of five years.

While you may not be at immediate risk if you're using an unsupported smart machine, if you’re buying a new one, you should look for one that will receive update support for as long as possible. For more information, read our guide to smart devices and security.

Still not found what you need? Discover the best washing machines according to our rigorous tests