LG DLEX6500V -- Best Overall Electric Dryer
The LG DLEX6500V is a full-featured 7.4 cubic foot electric dryer with a TurboSteam cycle that reduces wrinkles and refreshes garments without a full wash cycle. The EasyLoad dual-opening door swings or drops down depending on your preference and laundry room layout, which is a genuinely useful convenience feature.
Check price on Amazon →The best clothes dryers of 2026 dry faster, run quieter, and use less energy than older models. Compared by drum capacity, cycle options, sensor drying, and long-term reliability.
A reliable clothes dryer is one of the hardest-working appliances in the home. The right model dries laundry efficiently without overdrying, handles bulky loads without straining, and runs quietly enough for open-concept laundry rooms. Technology improvements in sensor drying and heat pump systems have made modern dryers meaningfully better than models from five years ago. This guide covers the five best clothes dryers in 2026, evaluated on drying performance, energy efficiency, capacity, cycle options, and value.
How we evaluated these
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG DLEX6500V -- Best Overall Electric Dryer | Check price | ||
| Whirlpool WED5000DW -- Best Reliable Mid-Range Electric Dryer | Check price | ||
| Samsung DV25BB6900H Heat Pump Dryer -- Best Energy-Efficient Dryer | Check price | ||
| GE GTD65EBSJWS -- Best Value Smart Electric Dryer | Check price | ||
| Maytag MGD5630HW -- Best Gas Dryer | Check price |
Each pick, examined
LG DLEX6500V -- Best Overall Electric Dryer
The LG DLEX6500V is a full-featured 7.4 cubic foot electric dryer with a TurboSteam cycle that reduces wrinkles and refreshes garments without a full wash cycle. The EasyLoad dual-opening door swings or drops down depending on your preference and laundry room layout, which is a genuinely useful convenience feature.
Whirlpool WED5000DW -- Best Reliable Mid-Range Electric Dryer
Whirlpool has earned a reputation for building durable, dependable laundry appliances that hold up over years of regular use. The WED5000DW offers a 7.0 cubic foot drum, a straightforward control panel, and moisture sensing that stops the cycle when clothes are dry.
Samsung DV25BB6900H Heat Pump Dryer -- Best Energy-Efficient Dryer
The Samsung DV25BB6900H is a heat pump dryer that uses a refrigerant-based system to recycle heat rather than exhausting it, cutting electricity consumption by up to 60 percent compared to a conventional electric dryer. It does not require external venting, which allows installation in closets, apartments, or utility rooms without ductwork.
GE GTD65EBSJWS -- Best Value Smart Electric Dryer
The GE GTD65EBSJWS brings smart connectivity to a mid-range price point. It connects to the GE SmartHQ app, allowing cycle monitoring and remote start, and includes a sensor dry system that reads moisture levels and adjusts drying time automatically.
Maytag MGD5630HW -- Best Gas Dryer
The Maytag MGD5630HW is a 7.4 cubic foot gas dryer built around the brand's reputation for durability. The PowerDry system uses multiple heat sensors and a high-limit thermostat to dry clothes quickly and evenly without hot spots. The Wrinkle Prevent option tumbles loads after the cycle ends to prevent creasing.
Buying considerations
What to consider
Start with fuel source. Your laundry room hookups determine whether you need electric (240V), gas, or whether you have the flexibility to consider a ventless heat pump dryer. Heat pump models offer superior energy efficiency but cost more upfront.
What to consider
Drum capacity should match your typical load size. For families of three or more doing frequent large loads, 7.0 cubic feet or greater is recommended. Compact units at 4.0 to 5.0 cubic feet suit singles, couples, or apartments where space is limited.
What to consider
Sensor drying is worth prioritizing over timed-dry models. The fabric protection and energy savings from avoiding over-drying pay for themselves quickly. Steam cycles are useful for refreshing garments between washes if that matters to your household routine.
What to consider
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What to consider
For more home appliance coverage, see our guide to [best compact air filter](/articles/best-compact-air-filter) options and [best compact all-in-one color laser printers](/articles/best-compact-all-in-one-color-laser-printer) for home office setups. For details on how we review products, visit [methodology](/methodology).
Questions answered
Sensor drying uses moisture sensors inside the drum to detect when clothes are dry and automatically end the cycle. This prevents over-drying, which damages fabric fibers and causes shrinkage, and reduces energy use by stopping the cycle at the optimal point. Dryers with sensor drying consistently outperform timed-dry models in fabric care and energy efficiency over time.
Heat pump dryers use significantly less electricity than conventional electric dryers, typically 40 to 60 percent less, which translates to lower operating costs over the appliance's lifetime. They also operate at lower temperatures, which is gentler on fabrics. If you do multiple loads per week, the energy savings typically offset the higher purchase price within three to five years. They also do not require exterior venting, which adds installation flexibility.
