LG vs Samsung vs Whirlpool Washing Machines: Which Brand Is Best?

There’s no such thing as a simple shopping experience when you’re on the hunt for a new washing machine. Today’s wealth of options forces you to examine every pro and con. Otherwise, you risk wasting your money on a washer that’s ill-suited to your unique needs.

Many shoppers simplify the process by narrowing down their selection to a single trustworthy brand. Even this can be tricky, however, as three of the most well-known washing machine brands hold a variety of key similarities.

LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool are all highly reputable, and for good reason — they offer access to the most cutting-edge features, along with impressive cleaning performance, reasonable warranty coverage, and often, exceptional efficiency.

These washers are available in many forms, including both top-load and front-load. Further categories include impellers and agitators. With all three brands, a wide array of sizes are available, including several models with capacities of over 5 cu. ft.

Unfortunately, these advantages come at a price. Cost-conscious consumers sometimes conclude that LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool washing machines are financially out of reach.

If you’re willing to make more of an upfront investment for the sake of long-term cleaning power, you will want to carefully vet your options. It would be a shame to spend over $1,000 on a premium washer only to find out that it’s a poor choice for your household.

How Do LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool Compare To Each Other?

Because LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool hold so much in common, their distinctions may seem incredibly subtle. These differences, although small, are worth noting, as they can either elevate or detract from your laundry experience.

First, it’s important to understand the general perception of each brand. While opinions will vary between customers and may not be applicable to all models from a given company, a few general assumptions apply.

For example: customers largely agree that Samsung, while boasting the most impressive technological features, tends to produce the most shoddy washing machines — forcing customers to seek repairs far sooner than would be necessary for comparable LG or Whirlpool appliances.

Meanwhile, Whirlpool washers are largely regarded as reliable, but simple. This isn’t necessarily true, however, as several newer Whirlpool models come equipped with tech-oriented features that rival comparable bells and whistles from Samsung and LG.

Finally, LG offers the best of both worlds: durability and cutting-edge performance — but often at considerable cost, as these tend to be the most expensive washers. Still, they can regularly be found on sale, giving you the opportunity to score a premium washer at a reasonable price.

Beyond these main distinctions, there are several minor differences that set these big names apart. To help you understand these qualities, we’ve provided a detailed guide to the advantages and concerns associated with each brand:

LG Washers

Boasting a vast array of products designed to help consumers “live better,” LG has a strong presence in the large appliance niche. While its washer lineup isn’t quite as vast as that of Samsung, its offerings include some of the most innovative, high-performing washers currently available.

Pros

Smartphone connectivity makes it possible to run many washing machines from afar.
Pairing solutions make both washing and drying more convenient.
Many models are known for their almost silent operation.
Energy Star-certified models are common, even among top-load washers.
While prices can be high, sales are often available.
Several high-capacity models boast up to 5.5 cu. ft.

Cons

Prices tend to be higher than comparable washers from other brands.
Some users complain that LG washers are not particularly intuitive and can be frustrating to operate early on.
With some washers, customers have found that water levels are unacceptably low without the addition of Water Plus.

Premium Features

From its base models up to its highest-level appliances, LG promises a premium washing experience for each and every consumer. A variety of extra features deliver a better wash in less time — and with far less hassle. Favorites include:

TurboWash3D: This powerful system promises everything you could want in a modern washer: a gentle, yet deep clean in record time. Depending on the model, this setting could make it possible to complete loads in a mere half hour or slightly longer.
ColdWash: While washing on cold is often necessary for delicate items, it doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice cleaning quality. With ColdWash technology, enhanced motions provide better fabric penetration, thereby ensuring that overall performance matches that of a typical warm water wash.
Water Plus: When dealing with large items or major stains, it helps to add extra water. Known as Water Plus, LG’s deep fill solution delivers extra water with the simple press of a button.
ezDispense: This auto dispenser solution can take care of both detergent and fabric softener for eighteen cycles before it requires a refill. Keep in mind, however, that similar auto dispense options from competing brands allow you to refill the detergent less often.

Washer Technology

LG is known for its ThinQ technology system, which makes it possible to start and stop cycles from a distance. ThinQ also provides helpful cycle notifications and maintenance reminders. This versatile system is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Tech-based convenience takes another step up when you stick with LG for both your washer and dryer. This allows you to take advantage of Smart Pairing, which makes dryer cycle selections based on the most recent wash.

Cleaning Performance

LG washers are, by and large, known to deliver a deep clean. That being said, your mileage may vary depending on which type of washer you select: front-load, impeller, or agitator. Each LG design comes with its own unique set of advantages and downsides, so it’s important to do your research and determine which approach is best for your specific cleaning needs.

As is the case for most brands, LG delivers the deepest clean with its front-load models. Some top load washing machines can also remove an impressive amount of dirt and debris, although this is more likely when the washer in question is equipped with an impeller instead of an agitator. With both designs, many of the premium features highlighted above boost cleaning performance.

The number of water temperatures, spin speeds, and other settings varies from one model to the next, but it’s common for LG washers to provide several options in every category. This makes it easier to customize each wash based on clothing colors, fabric types, soil level, or load size.

Cost and Warranties

LG washers tend to be among the most expensive on the market, although a few budget-oriented models are available. Depending on where you buy your LG washer, you may be able to score a significant discount that brings it more in line with budget options from competing brands. During major sales, it’s not unheard of for LG washers to drop several hundred dollars, bringing high-quality models to under $800.

At the upper end of the price spectrum, it’s possible to pay over $1,500 for an LG washer. Typically, the most expensive models are smart washers, which may include intelligence features and advanced cleaning solutions. Again, the prices on these high-end washers have been known to drop considerably during sales, with customers sometimes paying just $1,200 for elite washers.

Thankfully, paying a little extra on an upfront basis helps you access a decent warranty that includes one year of limited coverage for parts and labor. What’s more, LG covers the stainless steel drum for three years from the original date of purchase. Likewise, the Direct Drive motor receives extended coverage: ten years following the initial retail purchase.

Whirlpool Washers

As the flagship brand of the Whirlpool Corporation, Whirlpool holds a clear advantage in terms of name recognition. That being said, the Whirlpool Corporation also presides over several other familiar appliance brands, such as Maytag and Hotpoint.

Pros

Many entry-level models are available at a reasonable cost.
ADA washers accommodate all types of users.
Intuitive controls remove the guesswork so you can expect an accurate clean with every cycle.
Many washers are Energy Star-certified and can provide a great clean while keeping energy usage to a minimum.
Space-saving laundry centers boost convenience while providing elite washing and drying performance.

Cons

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish Whirlpool, Maytag, and other brands owned by the Whirlpool Corporation.
In most cases, Whirlpool washers are less technologically advanced than LG and Samsung washers are.
Many customers complain that Whirlpool washers are too loud.

Smart Features

Whirlpool may not be primarily known for producing cutting-edge washers, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks high-tech features. In fact, Whirlpool smart washers are highly underrated as compared to counterparts from LG and Samsung. Top smart features to keep in mind include:

Adaptive Wash technology: Capable of discerning the size of each load, this feature determines the necessary water levels and type of wash action.
Wash scheduling: Control cycles from the Whirlpool app, where you can schedule loads based on your availability. You can even let the app know when you’ll return home, so cycles can start and end according to your schedule.
Favorite cycles: Another impressive feature from the Whirlpool app? Favorite cycles, which recall your preferred settings so you can streamline the laundry process. Combine with remote start to add extra convenience to everyday washing.
Voice control: Combatting Whirlpool’s perception as a technological laggard, voice control opportunities are useful when your hands are occupied. With this solution, you can streamline the laundry process by making simple voice commands with compatible devices.