When people are picking out a new washing machine, the noise output is often overlooked.
However, if you have an open-plan living space or simply spend a lot of time in proximity to your washing machine, a loud machine can be extremely frustrating.
The average washing machine produces about 72 decibels (dB) of noise during the spin cycle. The quietest models can produce as little as 66 decibels, while the loudest can get up to 80 decibels. While this might not sound like a big difference, reducing a noise by 10 decibels is equivalent to halving how loud it sounds, so the quietest washing machines can sound much quieter than the loudest.
We’ve researched the market to find the quietest integrated and freestanding washing machines currently available in the UK.
Quietest Washing Machines in the UK
1. Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB
Noise level (Spin): 66 dB
Installation type: Integrated
Capacity: 8 kg
Energy rating: C
Producing just 66 decibels of noise on a spin cycle, the Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB is the joint quietest washing machine we could (along with the Neff model below).
To give you some context, 66 decibels is roughly the same volume as a loud conversation or laughter.
This is the maximum volume of the machine that you will hear on the spin cycle; the wash cycle will be much quieter.
In addition to being very quiet, it’s also more energy efficient than the average washing machine, and can save water thanks to the ActiveWater Plus function.
This machine gives you a choice of 14 programmes in total, including special programmes for woollens, sportwear and delicates.
There’s a 24-hour delay timer so you can program the machine to start washing at a specific time, for example if you want to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs.
The quick wash cycle can refresh 2 kg of laundry in just 15 minutes, which is very handy when you’re in a hurry!
There’s also a SpeedPerfect feature which can be used in combination with regular programmes to reduce cycle length by as much as 65%.
The Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB is expensive, but if noise reduction is your priority, it could well be worth it.
2. NEFF N70 W544BX1GB
Noise level (Spin): 66 dB
Installation type: Integrated
Capacity: 8 kg
Energy rating: C
At just 66 dB during the spin cycle, this NEFF integrated washing machine is perfect for open plan living spaces.
In addition to being incredibly quiet, this washing machine is packed with all the features and programmes that the typical household could need.
It features a good choice of useful programmes, including a 15-minute quick wash cycle, an AntiStain programme and delicate cycles for silks, wool, synthetics and more.
One feature that a lot of users like is how it projects the time remaining onto the floor, so you don’t need to open the cupboard door to check how much time is left.
This Neff integrated washing machine is packed with features that will make your life easier.
Reviewers love how easy this washing machine is to use, and the machine is so quiet it won’t disrupt movie night on the sofa.
The price might be higher than the average integrated washing machine, but if you have the budget and want something ultra-quiet, it’s worth considering.
3. Haier HW90-B14367GTUUK
Noise level (Spin): 68 dB
Installation type: Freestanding
Capacity: 9 kg
Energy Rating: A
At just 68 dB during the spin cycle, the Haier HW90-B14367GTUUK is one of the quietest freestanding models we could find. It’s made with a Direct Motion motor, which contains fewer moving parts than other washing machine motors, which helps it to be particularly quiet.
Despite being ultra quiet, this washing machine isn’t very expensive. It offers everything you’d expect to find in a modern washing machine, with a choice of 14 programmes including a 15-minute Rapid Wash cycle.
How Much Noise Does the Average Washing Machine Make?
According to our research, the average (median) washing machine in the UK produces 72 decibels of noise on the spin cycle. The spin cycle is much louder than the wash cycle, which is why product descriptions focus on this number, since it’s the maximum level of noise you can expect the machine to make.
The spin cycle happens towards the end of the programme, when the washing machine spins laundry very quickly to remove water. This produces vibration, which is what makes washing machines so loud.
FAQs on Washing Machine Noise
Are cheaper washing machines louder?
Our analysis of 341 washing machines shows that the cheapest models (under £300) tend to be louder. On average, washing machines get a bit quieter as they get more expensive, but there are diminishing returns once you get over £500, and the quietest models aren’t always the most expensive.
| Price | Average spin noise |
|---|---|
| Under £300 | 74.1 dB |
| £300–499 | 72.7 dB |
| £500–749 | 71.5 dB |
| £750+ | 71.2 dB |
Are integrated washing machines quieter than freestanding models?
In practice, integrated machines do tend to be a couple of decibels quieter than freestanding models. This is mainly because they are insulated behind a cupboard door rather than because the machine itself is quieter.
Can you get a silent washing machine?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to manufacture a silent washing machine. Even the quietest washing machines we could find are still quite loud on the spin cycle since the washing machine needs to vibrate at a high speed to spin laundry.
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