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LG / Samsung / Reviewed
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The Samsung WF53BB8700AT looks great, washes well, has a large 5.3-cubic-foot wash drum, and comes with a ton of other features. Read More
The LG WM6700HBA is a gorgeous, high-performance washer that's perfect for large families. Read More
Samsung and LG are South Korean tech giants that have become two of the most dominant names in the appliance world. If you’re shopping for a new washer, chances are good that a Samsung or LG model caught your eye. Their bold designs are lightyears ahead of the traditional American brands, aesthetically speaking, and the high-tech features get smarter every year. Both appear frequently on our list of best washers, best front-loaders, and best top-loaders. But how do they differ from each other?
In this comparison, we’ll break down the meaningful differences between Samsung and LG washing machines, including design philosophy, reliability, product lineup, interesting features, warranty policies, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of Samsung vs. LG washing machines and which brand might be the better fit for your laundry needs.
Table of Contents
What are the overall brand differences between Samsung and LG?
Where are Samsung and LG washing machines made?
Samsung and LG: Which is more reliable?
What styles of washing machines do Samsung and LG make?
Our top-rated Samsung washing machine
Our top-rated LG washing machine
Samsung laundry feature highlights, explained
LG laundry feature highlights, explained
Which has better warranty coverage, Samsung or LG?
Conclusion: Should I buy a Samsung or an LG washing machine?
Samsung and LG are two of the largest companies in South Korea, and known throughout the world primarily as electronics brands—though in truth they’re involved in dozens of different industries. Their push into the U.S. large appliance market has been swift and steady, breaking the hold that domestic appliances held for decades. As of 2025, LG and Samsung, respectively, are the #2 and #3 washing machine brands in the U.S., behind Whirlpool Corp.
To garner attention, both brands have led with high-tech features and eye-catching design choices. Both brands are far more experimental in their approach than most appliance brands, especially in refrigerators. Of the two, Samsung’s design ideas tend to push the boundaries of what you thought appliances could look like, but both are guaranteed to stop you in your tracks on the showroom floor.
Neither brand comes cheap. Though you can find some entry-level models as low as $499, the real value unlock of all that design and technology starts around $1000. They play mainly in the middle to upper-middle price points. On most days, however, you’re likely to find discounts and rebates, just the same as any other brand.
When it comes to laundry products, Samsung has stood out with its design sensibilities and AI-centric ecosystem. The Bespoke washer is as beautiful as it is cutting-edge.
LG has also adopted a tech-first approach. But they’re also found success going big, courting large families by making some of the largest washing machines you find.
Both brands have a—pardon the pun—laundry list of features, which we touch on further down the page.
Samsung's large appliance facility in Newberry County, South Carolina, where many of its washing machines are made.
As with any modern appliance, the components of a washing machine come from all over the world. But both Samsung and LG have assembly plants here in the U.S., where they make some or all of their washing machines.
Samsung produces washing machines in Newberry, South Carolina, as well as some of its dryers in Mexico.
LG’s facility in Clarksville, Tennessee makes up to 1.2 million washing machines and about half as many dryers.
With all the turmoil of changing tariff policies, future manufacturing discussions have been in flux, but no firm plans have been announced at this time.
Reliability is a complicated issue with appliances. That may sound like a cop out, but it’s not. Sure, part of reliability is the question of how long an appliance will operate with zero problems. But the other part is anticipating how quickly and inexpensively you can get something fixed when there is a problem.
Both brands have had rocky reputations over the years. Samsung had an exploding washer several years back. LG settled a class action suit regarding faulty linear compressors in some of its refrigerators. If you visit Reddit and other forums, you’ll encounter plenty of “never buy Samsung” and “never buy LG” from supposed professional technicians.
In the year 2025, however, the reputations have shifted a bit. LG is now regularly cited as one of the most reliable appliance brands, and not just by us. Their service call rates are statistically low, and it’s been much easier to get replacement parts.
Samsung has not managed quite as successful a turnaround story. Technicians report that Samsung’s tech support is lacking. They simply haven’t invested in the infrastructure of service and support. The result is technicians who can’t or won’t service broken Samsung appliances.
On paper, the warranties from both brands are good, but LG has proven itself to be the more reliable.
Both Samsung and LG manufacture virtually every common style of washing machine: classic top-loader, front loader, combos, stacked, etc. Here’s what they have.
Washing machine types: top-load, front-load, stacked, laundry center, and washer-dryer combo (L to R)
| Washing Machine Style | Samsung | LG |
|---|---|---|
| Top-Load: Agitator | Yes – Approx. 5 models | Yes – Approx. 5 models |
| Top-Load: Impeller | Yes – Approx. 8 models | Yes – Approx. 13 models |
| Front-Load | Yes – Approx. 11 models | Yes – Approx. 21 models |
| Stacked Washer-Dryer (integrated one-piece tower) | Yes – Approx. 2 models | Yes – Approx. 11 models |
| Laundry Center (one-piece unit with top-load washer & front-load dryer) | No | No |
| Washer-Dryer Combo (all-in-one drum washes and dries) | Yes – Approx. 2 models | Yes – Approx. 2 models |
LG’s lineup is more robust and comes in some wilder color options, but you’re not hurting for choice with either brand.
Both offer some unique stylings, too. For instance, most of Samsung’s top loaders come in both agitator and impeller options. So if there’s a particular price point, size, or feature set that caught your eye, know that you can get it in either option.
Notably, both brands make outstanding stacked units. These are perfect for narrow spaces, or for short people who like stackable front-loading washer & dryer pairs, but often can’t reach the control panel on the dryer. The Samsung Bespoke Laundry Hub is one of our top-rated washing machines, and the LG Wash Tower is this author’s personal favorite.
Fast, effective wash cycles
Large wash drum
Steam, stackable, other features
On-board controls can be difficult to read
Loud chime has no volume controls, just on and off
Large wash drum
Fast cycles
Solid stain-scrubbing power
Causes more wear and tear damage than average
AI Wash cycle is underwhelming
Both brands have their own terminology for special features. Here are some of Samsung’s key washer technologies to know, explained in plain English.
Super Speed Wash: A quick-wash feature that handles a full load in about 28 minutes by combining a shorter wash time with high-pressure rinsing. Great for when you need clean clothes in a hurry.
SmartThings Connectivity: Samsung washers can connect to Wi-Fi and integrate with the SmartThings app, allowing remote control of cycles, notifications when a load is done, and even Alexa/Google voice commands.
AI Smart Dial: A knob control (on newer models) that learns your favorite cycles and settings. Over time, it prioritizes those on the dial for easy selection. It also provides an intuitive single-knob interface for all cycle options, with an LCD display for cycle info.
VRT Plus Anti-Vibration: Stands for Vibration Reduction Technology Plus. This is Samsung’s system of drum balancing and suspension that reduces vibration and noise.
Now let’s look at a few signature LG washer features and technologies.
TurboWash 360°: LG’s spray system for front-loaders intended to shorten cycle times.
AI DD (Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive): A fancy way of saying the washer senses the characteristics of your laundry (weight and fabric softness) and automatically adjusts the wash cycle.
ThinQ App & Smart Pairing: All of LG’s current smart washers can connect via Wi-Fi to the ThinQ smartphone app. You can start/stop cycles remotely, get alerts, and even download custom wash programs. One cool trick is Smart Pairing – if you also have an LG ThinQ dryer, the washer can send over info on the load, and the dryer will auto-select the best cycle for it.
Allergiene Steam Cycle: Many mid-range and high-end LG washers include a special steam sanitizing cycle (often called Allergiene) that uses steam to help remove common allergens like pet dander and dust mites from fabrics. It’s great for bedding, plush toys, or clothes for someone with allergies. The high heat of steam also gives an extra level of sanitization beyond a typical hot wash.
ColdWash Technology: A feature on several LG washers that aims to deliver better cleaning with cold water. It uses specialized wash motions that mimic how clothes move in warmer water, so you can save energy (by not using the heater) while still effectively removing dirt.
When comparing Samsung and LG, warranty is an area with an interesting difference. Samsung recently upped the ante on its washer warranty and is now offering a 20-year warranty on the digital inverter motor of its washers. This is one of the longest motor warranties in the industry (it applies to models manufactured from mid-2022 onward, and it’s on the motor part only). For the rest of the washer, Samsung’s standard warranty is 1 year parts and labor, which is pretty typical. Some specific components, like the stainless steel drum, have extended coverage as well (check Samsung’s website for details). The main takeaway is that Samsung is signaling confidence in its motor reliability by covering it for two decades.
LG’s warranty for washers has long been a strong point as well, though not quite to Samsung’s new level. Most LG washing machines come with a 10-year warranty on the direct drive motor (parts only), a 3-year warranty on the drum, and 1 year parts and labor on the entire machine. LG prominently advertises the 10-year motor coverage, reflecting the company’s confidence in the reliability of those inverter motors.
As mentioned earlier in this article, though, there’s historically a greater reluctance across retailers to provide service for Samsungs, so be sure to talk to your retailer about what they can provide before you purchase.
Both Samsung and LG make excellent washing machines. Our tests have proved that to be the case for several years now. And both are uniquely design- and tech-forward. These are not your grandmother’s washing machines. They’re meant to be eye-catching and connected to the internet. For some people, that’s a potential headache they can do without (after all, the more features, the more that can go wrong!). But for some, these are exciting machines that align with the look and feel of their homes.
On the whole, LG has a better track record for reliability. It’s not that they’re inherently better built. Rather, if and when something goes wrong, LG has a wider service network and can be repaired more quickly.
But there are reasons to love both brands, and if you find a Samsung that speaks to you, chances are that you won’t be disappointed.
The Best Top-Load Washing Machines: This is our complete roundup of all the top-performing top-load washing machines, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Speed Queen, and more.
The Best Top-Loading Agitator Washing Machines We've Tested: If you specifically want a top-load washer with an agitator pole, this list covers those exclusively.
Front-load vs. top-load washer: What's best for you?: This feature takes into consideration all sorts of laundry needs, from space considerations to cleaning performance, in pitting these two washer categories against each other.
The Best Front-Load Washers We’ve Tested: Whether you’re shopping for a standalone front-loader, a stackable pair, or a full laundry center, this roundup identifies the top-performing front-load washing machines for every setup.
Speed Queen vs Maytag Washing Machines: Two classic American brands in top-load washers, but which one is right for you?
David Kender oversees content at Reviewed as the Editor in Chief. He served as managing editor and editor in chief of Reviewed's ancestor, CamcorderInfo.com, helping to grow the company from a tiny staff to one of the most influential online review resources. In his time at Reviewed, David has helped to launch over 100 product categories and written too many articles to count.
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