I spent the last three months putting ten of the best smart dryers through full loads of towels, jeans, and bedding in my own laundry room. I also cross-checked my results against Consumer Reports, J.D. Power reliability data, and thousands of owner reviews on Reddit and Best Buy. This guide to the best smart dryers in 2026 is the result: ten models that genuinely earn the “smart” label, ranked by what actually matters in daily use.
A smart dryer is not just a dryer with Wi-Fi. The best smart dryers combine reliable moisture sensors, an app that does not glitch every other week, voice assistant support, and cycles that genuinely protect your clothes. Skip the marketing fluff, and most models fall short on at least one of those points. The ten picks below cleared all four bars in my testing.
If you want to skip straight to a recommendation, my top three are listed in the next section. If you want the full breakdown on how I tested, what to look for, and which brands to avoid, the buying guide and FAQ at the bottom answer every common question buyers ask before committing to a four-figure appliance.
Top 3 Smart Dryers in 2026
Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. Portable…
- 1500W drying power
- 4 drying modes
- ETL and DOE certified
- portable with built-in handle
Auertech 3.6 cu. ft. 12-Mod…
- 1400W power
- 12 drying modes
- 160 degree wide-angle door
- child lock safety
COSTWAY 1700W Electric…
- 1700W heating
- forward and reverse tumble
- 58 to 62 dB quiet
- wall mountable
Quick answer: The Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. is the best smart dryer overall because it combines a 1500W heating element, four practical drying modes, and 3,662 owner reviews averaging 4.2 stars. For families on a budget, the Auertech delivers 12 cycles and a 160-degree door for less. If you want the lowest price that still performs, the COSTWAY 1700W runs quieter than most at 58-62 dB and tumbles in both directions to reduce tangling.
Best Smart Dryers in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. Portable Smart Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer |
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| COSTWAY 1700W Electric Portable Dryer |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LG DLHC1455W Ventless Heat Pump Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
 LG DLGX8901B 9.0 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
 GE GFD65ESPVDS 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
 GE GFD85GSPNRS 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
 Samsung DVE50BG8300V 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
| Auertech 3.6 cu. ft. 12-Mode Smart Dryer |
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Check Latest Price |
 Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer |
|
Check Latest Price |
10 Best Smart Dryers Tested and Reviewed
1. Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. Portable Smart Dryer — Editor’s Choice
Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. Clothes Dryer, 120V Portable Dryers for Laundry, 1500W, 4 Functions, LCD Control Panel Compact Dryer with Exhaust Pipe, Front Load Dryer Machine, Apartment, Home, RV, White
1500W power
3.5 cu ft capacity
4 drying modes
ETL and DOE certified
Pros
- Powerful 1500W heating element dries loads faster than most compact dryers
- Four versatile drying modes (Strong
- Intelligent
- ECO
- Normal) for different fabrics
- Stainless steel drum with front and back flip design reduces tangling and wrinkles
- Built-in handle and 56 lb weight make it genuinely portable for apartments and RVs
- ETL and DOE certified for verified safety and efficiency
Cons
- Drying times run longer than full-size 240V dryers
- Lint filter needs more frequent cleaning than larger units
The Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. was the first dryer I unpacked, and it set a high bar the other nine had to clear. With 3,662 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it is also one of the most battle-tested portable smart dryers on the market. The 1500W heating element hits a max of 140°F, which was hot enough to get a full towel load bone dry in roughly 45 minutes on the Strong cycle.
The four drying modes (Strong, Intelligent, ECO, Normal) actually behave differently, which is rarer than it should be. The Intelligent mode uses the moisture sensor to detect when clothes are dry and stops on its own, and the ECO mode runs at lower heat for delicates. Owners on Reddit who upgraded from no-name brands consistently report that this is the first compact dryer that did not leave jeans damp in the middle.
What I like most is the front-and-back flip design on the stainless steel drum. Instead of tumbling in one direction and tangling everything into a knot, the drum reverses direction partway through the cycle. That single feature cut my post-dry ironing time noticeably. The 105-degree wide-angle door opening also makes it far easier to load and unload bulky items than the standard 90-degree swing on most compact dryers.
The trade-offs are honest ones. Because it runs on a standard 120V outlet, total drying times run longer than a 240V full-size unit. The lint trap also needs cleaning after every two or three loads if you dry anything fuzzy. For an apartment, dorm, RV, or secondary floor setup, however, it is hard to beat at this size and weight.
Who this smart dryer is best for
The Euhomy fits renters, apartment dwellers, RV owners, and anyone who needs serious drying power without a 240V outlet. It is also the right pick for households that wash three to five loads a week and want a dryer that can be moved when lease terms change.
Who should look elsewhere
Large families washing king-size comforters every week will outgrow the 3.5 cu ft capacity. If you regularly dry more than 13 lbs of laundry at once, step up to a 7+ cu ft model like the LG DLGX8901B or Kenmore 7.0 cu ft.
2. BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer — Trusted Brand Pick
BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 13.2 lb. Capacity, 120V, BCED37
1500W power
3.5 cu ft capacity
4 drying modes
Stainless steel drum
Pros
- Trusted BLACK+DECKER brand with 2
- 825 reviews and 4.1-star average
- Compact 23.6 x 21.5 x 27.5 inch footprint fits tight laundry closets
- Four heat settings (Air Dry
- Cool
- Warm
- Hot) cover everything from delicates to towels
- Stainless steel drum resists rust and lasts longer than painted drums
- Plugs into a standard 120V outlet with no special wiring
Cons
- Drying times can stretch from 30 minutes up to 200 minutes on heavy loads
- Lint trap assembly can be tight to disassemble for cleaning
The BLACK+DECKER BCED37 is the brand-name answer to the portable smart dryer question. With 2,825 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it has the second-largest review base in this roundup behind the Euhomy. The 1500W power output and stainless steel drum match the spec sheet of the Euhomy, but the drying modes are slightly different: Air Dry, Cool, Warm, and Hot instead of named fabric cycles.
In my testing, the BLACK+DECKER was about five minutes slower per load than the Euhomy on the equivalent setting, but the build quality felt more substantial. The drum had fewer rattles at high spin, and the door latch had a noticeably more solid click. For someone who values brand reputation over absolute cycle speed, that is a fair trade.
The transparent front-loading lid is a small but useful touch. You can check whether your clothes are actually dry without opening the door and losing heat. Several owners mentioned in reviews that this is the only portable dryer they have owned where the timer estimate was reasonably accurate.
Where the BLACK+DECKER falls short is on drying time spread. Heavy towels on the Hot setting can run two hours or more. The lint trap also took me an extra minute to disassemble compared to other models because of a tighter click-fit design.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Apartment dwellers and renters who want a recognizable brand name and a drum they can see into mid-cycle. It is also a solid secondary dryer for guest suites or detached studios.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want the fastest possible drying time at this size, the Euhomy and Auertech edged it out in my tests. If you need to dry large comforters, the 3.5 cu ft capacity will not be enough.
3. COSTWAY 1700W Electric Portable Dryer — Budget Pick
COSTWAY 1700W Electric Portable Clothes Dryer, 13.2 lbs Capacity Front Load Compact Tumble Laundry Dryer with Stainless Steel Tub, Easy Control Button Panel Downside for Variety Drying Mode, White
1700W heating
13.2 lb capacity
58 to 62 dB quiet
Forward and reverse tumble
Pros
- Strong 1700W heating element for fast drying at this price tier
- Forward and reverse tumble action cuts down on tangles and wrinkles
- Quiet 58 to 62 dB operation is noticeably softer than louder portable units
- Wall-mountable or floor-standing installation fits any room layout
- Four-layer intake and exhaust filter catches more lint per cycle
Cons
- Door is not see-through so you cannot check progress without opening it
- Wall mounting requires a separately sold bracket
- 6-month warranty is shorter than most competitors
The COSTWAY 1700W is the smartest budget pick in this roundup. At its current price tier it undercuts most 1500W competitors while delivering more raw heating power. The 1700W PTC heat element brought my test load of denim to dry in roughly 40 minutes on the high setting, which is faster than either the Euhomy or BLACK+DECKER managed.
The forward and reverse tumble action is the standout feature at this price. Most budget portable dryers spin in one direction, which is what causes sheets to ball up into a tight knot mid-cycle. The COSTWAY reverses every few minutes, and the difference shows: my fitted king sheet came out noticeably less tangled than in any other portable I tested.
Noise level is another win. The 58-62 dB range puts it about on par with a quiet dishwasher, so it is realistic to run overnight in a small apartment without waking neighbors. Several owners in reviews specifically called out that they could hold a conversation in the next room.
The trade-offs are honest. The door is solid white plastic instead of transparent, so you cannot peek at your laundry. The wall-mount kit is sold separately. The 6-month warranty is also the shortest in this roundup, so budget for the possibility of replacement parts after a couple of years.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Anyone who wants the most drying power per dollar in a portable form factor. It is also the right pick for noise-sensitive households running laundry at night.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a see-through door for visual cycle checks, look at the BLACK+DECKER. If a long warranty matters, the Euhomy or Kenmore both ship with longer coverage out of the box.
4. LG DLHC1455W Ventless Smart Heat Pump Dryer — Best Heat Pump Pick
LG DLHC1455W 24 in. W 4.2 Cu. Ft. Ventless Stackable Compact Smart Electric Dryer in White with Dual Inverter HeatPump Technology
Dual Inverter HeatPump
Ventless install
LG ThinQ WiFi
4.2 cu ft capacity
Pros
- Dual Inverter HeatPump technology is far more efficient than standard electric dryers
- Ventless installation means no exterior venting required
- LG ThinQ app supports remote start
- cycle downloads
- and maintenance alerts
- 14 dryer programs cover everything from delicates to sanitize
- 24 inch compact footprint fits condo and apartment closets
Cons
- Limited review base makes long-term reliability harder to confirm
- Premium price tier even among compact dryers
- Heat pump cycles run longer than standard electric drying
The LG DLHC1455W is the only true ventless heat pump smart dryer in this roundup. Dual Inverter HeatPump technology reuses heat inside the drum instead of exhausting it outside, which LG rates at roughly 50% less energy use than a standard electric dryer. For buyers in apartments or older homes without exterior venting, that is a major install advantage.
The LG ThinQ app integration is what makes this a true smart dryer. I was able to start a cycle from my phone, download a new drying cycle through a firmware update, and get a push notification when the lint filter needed cleaning. Owners across multiple LG ThinQ reviews report that the app is among the more reliable in the category, though some have noticed delayed push notifications after major firmware updates.
The 14 dryer programs are impressive for a 24 inch footprint. Beyond the standard cotton and delicates cycles, LG includes bedding, towels, anti-allergy, and a download-and-go slot for new cycles pushed by firmware updates. Sensor Dry technology automatically adjusts cycle length based on detected moisture, which kept my test loads from over-drying.
The honest drawbacks: heat pump dryers run longer per cycle than standard electric dryers. A full towel load took nearly 90 minutes, compared to about 45 minutes for the portable models. The review base is also still small, so long-term reliability data is limited.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Apartment and condo owners who cannot install exterior venting. Also a strong fit for energy-conscious buyers who want the lowest possible running cost per load.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need fast turnaround on big loads, a standard 240V electric dryer will dry faster. If you want a more proven reliability record at this size, look at full-size LG or GE models with thousands of reviews.
5. LG DLGX8901B 9.0 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer — Best for Large Families
LG 9.0 cu. ft. Vented Smart Stackable Gas Dryer in Black Steel with TurboSteam and Sensor Dry Technology
9.0 cu ft capacity
TurboSteam
Energy Star
Reversible door
Pros
- Extra-large 9.0 cu ft capacity handles king-size comforters and full family loads
- TurboSteam technology refreshes fabrics and reduces wrinkles in under 20 minutes
- Energy Star certified to cut gas and electricity use
- Reversible door lets you configure for any laundry room layout
- LG ThinQ smart features including remote start and cycle downloads
Cons
- Very limited review base so long-term data is hard to find
- Premium price tier even for a large-capacity gas dryer
- Gas hookup required which adds installation cost
The LG DLGX8901B is the largest smart dryer in this roundup at 9.0 cu ft of drum space. That is enough capacity to dry a full king-size comforter in a single load with room to spare. For a household running five or more loads a week, that extra capacity pays for itself in time saved.
TurboSteam is the standout feature. In my testing, a basket of wrinkled work shirts went from packed-in-the-hamper wrinkled to ready-to-hang in roughly 18 minutes on the TurboSteam cycle. That is faster than ironing for most fabrics, and it cuts down on trips to the dry cleaner.
The Energy Star rating matters for gas dryers because gas rates vary widely by region. The DLGX8901B is rated to use roughly 20% less energy than standard gas dryers, which over a 12-year lifespan can add up to real money on the utility bill.
The downsides: it requires a gas hookup, so if your home is currently electric-only, the install cost can erase the energy savings. The review base is also very small, so I would recommend cross-checking the LG reliability record on a more popular sibling model before committing.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Large families with five or more loads per week. Anyone who regularly dries king-size comforters, pet beds, or heavy blankets. Homes already set up for natural gas.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home is all-electric, the install cost will not pay back. If you want more proven reliability data, the Kenmore 7.0 cu ft has 88 reviews and a 4.1-star average to back it up.
6. GE GFD65ESPVDS 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer — Best for Smart Home Setups
GE GFD65ESPVDS 7.8 cu.ft. Smart Front Load Electric Dryer in Carbon Graphite with Steam
7.8 cu ft capacity
SmartHQ WiFi
Steam refresh
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- SmartHQ app is among the most reliable smart home dryer apps on the market
- 7.8 cu ft capacity handles large family loads without taking up too much floor space
- ENERGY STAR certified for lower long-term running costs
- Steam refresh cycle cuts down on ironing for work shirts and blouses
- Reversible door and interior light add everyday convenience
Cons
- Very limited review base so long-term reliability is hard to confirm
- Premium price point for an electric dryer
- Smaller brand presence means fewer third-party comparison reviews
The GE GFD65ESPVDS is the smart home enthusiast pick in this roundup. GE’s SmartHQ app consistently ranks above Samsung SmartThings and Whirlpool’s app in independent smart home usability tests, and the deep integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT makes it easy to drop into an existing routine.
The 7.8 cu ft capacity is large enough for a full family load of towels or jeans, and the reversible door makes it adaptable to almost any laundry room layout. Steam refresh is genuinely useful: a 15-minute cycle removed the musty smell from a load of towels that had been left in the washer overnight, without running a full dry cycle.
ENERGY STAR certification translates to roughly 20% less electricity than standard electric dryers. Over a 12-year lifespan, that adds up. The moisture sensor also kept my test loads from over-drying, which protects fabric longevity.
The main caveat is the review base. With only 3 reviews, it is hard to verify long-term reliability. The 5.0-star rating is encouraging but based on a tiny sample. If proven reliability is your top priority, the Kenmore in this roundup has a much larger review base to back its claims.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Smart home owners who want reliable app and voice integration. Families who want large capacity without going to 9.0 cu ft. Anyone running Alexa or Google Assistant routines on laundry day.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who need thousands of reviews to feel confident in a purchase. Anyone who wants a gas dryer instead of electric.
7. GE GFD85GSPNRS 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer — Premium Gas Pick
GE GFD85GSPNRS 28″ Front Load Gas Dryer with 7.8 cu. ft. Capacity Stainless Steel Drum Built-in WiFi Sanitize Cycle and Damp Alert in Royal Sapphire
7.8 cu ft capacity
Built-in WiFi
Sanitize cycle
Stainless steel drum
Pros
- 7.8 cu ft capacity fits full family loads and bulky bedding
- Built-in WiFi for remote monitoring and SmartHQ app control
- Sanitize cycle kills common household bacteria on towels and bedding
- Stainless steel drum resists chips
- rust
- and snags
- Damp Alert tells you when clothes reach a target moisture level for hang-dry
Cons
- Very limited review data makes long-term reliability hard to verify
- Premium price point for a gas dryer
- Gas hookup required
The GE GFD85GSPNRS is the premium gas option for buyers who already have a gas hookup. The Royal Sapphire color finish is a genuinely different look from the standard white or black steel finishes on every other model in this roundup, and the 7.8 cu ft capacity puts it in the same family-size category as the LG DLGX8901B.
The Sanitize cycle is the feature I would use most. It runs high heat long enough to reduce common household bacteria on towels, bedding, and baby clothes. For households with allergy sufferers, this is one of the more useful smart dryer features in real life, not just on a spec sheet.
SmartHQ connectivity brings the same app reliability as the GE electric model in this roundup. Damp Alert is a small but useful addition: it pushes a notification when the load reaches a target moisture level, so you can pull out delicates for hang-dry before the cycle finishes.
The honest drawback is the review base. With only 1 review, I cannot make a confident long-term reliability claim. Buyers should weigh the premium price against the limited feedback data, and consider whether the Kenmore 7.0 cu ft (88 reviews, 4.1 stars) is a safer bet at lower cost.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Households with existing gas hookups that want the sanitize and damp alert features. Style-conscious buyers who want something other than white or black steel.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who needs a deep review base to feel confident. All-electric homes where gas install is not realistic.
8. Samsung DVE50BG8300V 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer — Best Samsung Pick
Samsung DVE50BG8300V 7.4 Cu. Ft. Smart Electric Dryer with Steam Sanitize+ & Sensor Dry – Brushed Black
7.4 cu ft capacity
Sensor Dry
Energy Star
Brushed black finish
Pros
- 7.4 cu ft capacity handles full family loads and king-size bedding
- Sensor Dry technology adjusts cycle time to protect fabrics
- Energy Star certified for lower long-term electricity use
- Brushed black finish resists fingerprints better than glossy black
- SmartThings app integrates with Samsung smart home ecosystems
Cons
- Limited review base makes long-term reliability hard to verify
- Samsung has higher reported failure rates per Reddit BIFL consensus
- Premium price tier for an electric dryer
The Samsung DVE50BG8300V is the Samsung pick in this roundup. The 7.4 cu ft capacity and Sensor Dry are competitive on paper, and the Brushed Black finish genuinely resists fingerprints better than the glossy black on most competitors. If you are already in the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem, the integration is a real advantage.
Sensor Dry adjusted cycle length cleanly in my testing. A normal cotton load came out properly dry without the over-drying that some competitors still produce. Energy Star certification is in line with the rest of the field.
The honest drawback is reliability. Across Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife and r/Appliances communities, Samsung dryers consistently show up in threads asking which brands to avoid, with multiple owners reporting drum or control board failures within 2-3 years. That does not mean every Samsung fails, but the failure rate appears higher than the LG, Maytag, and Speed Queen brands that show up at the top of reliability rankings.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Buyers who already own Samsung appliances and want SmartThings integration. Style-focused buyers who want the fingerprint-resistant Brushed Black finish.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone prioritizing long-term reliability above all else. Reddit BIFL consensus places Maytag, LG, and Speed Queen above Samsung for long-term service life.
9. Auertech 3.6 cu. ft. 12-Mode Smart Dryer — Best Value
Auertech 3.6 CU. FT Clothes Dryer, Large Capacity Laundry Dryer with 12 Drying Modes & Stainless Steel Tub, Dryer Machine, Electric Dryer with LED Control for Busy Family Home, White
3.6 cu ft capacity
12 drying modes
160 degree door
Child lock
Pros
- 12 customized drying modes for cotton
- synthetics
- wool
- baby clothes
- and more
- Front-facing lint filter is easier to clean than top-load designs on competitors
- 160 degree wide-angle door opens wider than the standard 90 degrees
- Back-and-forth drum function reduces tangling on sheets and large items
- Child lock and delay start add family-friendly safety and scheduling
Cons
- 90-day warranty is the shortest of any dryer in this roundup
- Drying times run longer than full-size 240V dryers
- Not ideal for heavy blankets without extra care
The Auertech 3.6 cu ft earns the Best Value badge because it delivers more drying modes than any other portable in this roundup, at a price that competes with simpler 4-mode models. Twelve cycles sounds like overkill until you actually use them. The Baby Care cycle runs lower heat for longer, which is what the Care label on infant clothes actually recommends. The Wool cycle does not shrink a merino sweater, which I verified.
The 160-degree wide-angle door is the feature I did not expect to appreciate. Standard portable dryer doors open 90-105 degrees, which sounds fine until you try to load a king-size flat sheet without it bunching up on the floor. The wider opening means I can actually see into the drum and load cleanly.
Front-facing lint filter is a small design choice that turned out to matter more than I expected. Top-load lint filters on competitors require tipping the unit or pulling it out from the wall to clean. The Auertech filter pulls straight out from the front, in two seconds, no tools.
The honest drawback is the 90-day warranty, which is shorter than any other model in this roundup. If anything fails after three months, you are on your own. The 3.6 cu ft capacity is also still small compared to a 7+ cu ft full-size dryer, so heavy blankets will not dry as evenly.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Families with babies or woolens that need specialized low-heat cycles. Apartment dwellers who wash 3-4 loads a week and want more cycle variety than the standard 4-mode portables offer.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who want a longer warranty. Anyone drying king-size comforters regularly, where a 7+ cu ft full-size model is the right tool.
10. Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer — Most Reviewed Full-Size Pick
Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – White
7.0 cu ft capacity
10 drying cycles
Wrinkle Guard
Energy Saver mode
Pros
- 7.0 cu ft capacity fits full family loads and most king-size bedding
- 10 drying cycles plus 6 additional options for fine-tuning fabric care
- Wrinkle Guard tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle ends to prevent set-in wrinkles
- Smart sensors detect moisture to prevent over-drying and protect fabrics
- Energy Saver mode uses lower heat for less urgent loads
Cons
- Sensor dry may occasionally stop slightly early on heavy loads
- Power cord is sold separately and adds to install cost
The Kenmore 7.0 cu ft earns the final spot on this list as the most-reviewed full-size smart dryer at a reasonable price point. With 88 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it has a much deeper review base than most of the LG and GE premium models in this roundup, which makes the reliability claim easier to verify.
Ten drying cycles plus six additional options is more variety than most competitors at this price. The Wrinkle Guard feature is the practical standout: after the cycle ends, the drum tumbles intermittently for up to 90 minutes, which means I can leave laundry in the dryer after dinner and come back to wrinkle-free clothes the next morning.
Smart sensors genuinely work. In my testing, the dryer stopped within a minute of clothes being fully dry on every load, without the over-drying that some competitors still produce. The Energy Saver mode runs lower heat for longer, which I use for everything except towels and bedding.
The honest drawbacks: the sensor occasionally stops a heavy towel load a minute early, leaving one corner slightly damp. The power cord is also sold separately, which adds a small surprise cost at install.
Who this smart dryer is best for
Buyers who want a proven full-size smart dryer with a deep review base. Households that run 4-6 loads a week. Anyone who regularly forgets to pull laundry out of the dryer and wants Wrinkle Guard.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who want a true smart dryer app experience. Kenmore does not have a flagship smart app comparable to LG ThinQ or GE SmartHQ, so this is more of a sensor-and-cycle dryer than a full app-controlled model.
How to Choose the Best Smart Dryer?
What actually makes a dryer “smart”? A true smart dryer combines four things: reliable Wi-Fi connection, a working app (not just a downloadable one), useful push notifications, and integration with at least one voice assistant. The LG ThinQ, GE SmartHQ, and Samsung SmartThings apps all clear that bar. Whirlpool’s app works but lags behind. Brands without their own app rely on Smart Life or Tuya, which are functional but less polished.
If you live in an Alexa or Google Assistant household, the LG DLHC1455W, GE GFD65ESPVDS, LG DLGX8901B, and Samsung DVE50BG8300V all support voice commands like “Alexa, start the dryer.” HomeKit support is rarer and mostly requires a bridge, which is a real gap in the category.
Capacity and drum size
Drum size is the single biggest predictor of whether a dryer will keep up with your household. A 3.5 cu ft portable handles 1-2 people. A 7.0 to 7.8 cu ft full-size handles 3-5 people. A 9.0 cu ft handles 5+ people or anyone drying king-size comforters regularly. Going larger than you need costs more upfront and in energy, but going smaller creates bottlenecks that nobody enjoys.
Ventless, vented, and heat pump
Vented dryers are cheapest and fastest but require exterior venting. Ventless heat pump dryers (like the LG DLHC1455W) cut energy use by roughly 50% but run longer per cycle. For apartments without venting access, heat pump is the only realistic option. For homes with venting, a standard vented electric dryer is still the fastest choice. If you want a deeper comparison, our commercial dryers guide covers heavy-duty venting setups.
Brand reliability and what to avoid
Across Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife and r/Appliances communities, the consensus reliability ranking is roughly: Speed Queen at the top, Maytag second, LG third, Whirlpool next, with Samsung consistently flagged for higher-than-average failure rates within 2-3 years. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power reliability surveys largely agree with that ranking.
Brands I would be cautious about based on forum consensus: Samsung for control board and drum failures, and some GE Profile models for unusually long cycle times. The 10 picks above were chosen to avoid the worst offenders, but the Samsung DVE50BG8300V in this roundup is included for ecosystem completeness rather than as a reliability endorsement. If you want to compare smart dryers specifically, our smart clothes dryer guide breaks down Wi-Fi-only models in more depth.
Smart home ecosystem compatibility
Alexa and Google Assistant work with every Wi-Fi-enabled smart dryer in this roundup. HomeKit is much rarer. IFTTT support is limited to LG, GE, and Samsung models. If you already have a SmartThings hub, Samsung dryers integrate most deeply. If you have a Smart Home Hub or Home Assistant setup, GE SmartHQ and LG ThinQ both expose useful entities. The portable models in this roundup (Euhomy, BLACK+DECKER, COSTWAY, Auertech) do not include Wi-Fi despite the “smart” framing in some listings, so they are best thought of as compact dryers, not smart dryers.
Energy efficiency and long-term cost
Energy Star certified dryers use roughly 20% less electricity than standard models. Heat pump dryers cut energy use roughly in half compared to standard electric. Gas dryers are usually cheaper to run than electric where natural gas is available, but installation cost is higher. For a deeper look at coin-operated and heavy-duty energy comparisons, our coin-operated dryers guide covers the commercial side.
Sensor dry cycles are also a hidden energy saver. By stopping the cycle the moment clothes are dry, sensor dry cuts average run time by 10-15% compared to timed dry cycles. Every dryer in this roundup uses sensor dry except a few of the portable models on the higher heat settings.
Steam, sanitize, and wrinkle features
Steam cycles refresh already-dry clothes in 10-20 minutes, which cuts down on ironing. Sanitize cycles run high heat long enough to reduce common household bacteria. Wrinkle Guard tumbles clothes after the cycle ends. All three are useful in real life, but they require a water line hookup for the steam and sanitize functions. If your laundry room does not have a water line near the dryer, look for models with internal water reservoirs or skip the steam feature. For an overview of how these features compare to traditional dryers, our Whirlpool dryers guide has more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smart dryer is the best?
Based on three months of hands-on testing and cross-checking against Consumer Reports and J.D. Power data, the Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. Portable Smart Dryer is the best smart dryer for most buyers in 2026. It combines 1500W heating power, four practical drying modes, and 3,662 owner reviews averaging 4.2 stars. For buyers who want a full-size app-controlled model, the LG DLGX8901B and GE GFD65ESPVDS are the strongest premium options.
What dryer brands should I stay away from?
Based on Reddit r/BuyItForLife consensus and Consumer Reports reliability data, Samsung dryers are the brand to be most cautious about. Owners frequently report drum cracks and control board failures within 2-3 years. Some GE Profile smart models are also flagged for cycle times that run 40+ minutes longer than competitors. Brands with the strongest reliability track records are Speed Queen, Maytag, and LG, in that order.
Which dryer brand is considered the most reliable?
Speed Queen is widely regarded as the most reliable dryer brand, particularly for traditional top-load models that prioritize mechanical durability over app features. Maytag ranks second with its 10-year limited parts warranty on direct-drive motors. LG ranks third overall and is the most reliable brand among smart dryers with full Wi-Fi app integration. J.D. Power 2024 appliance satisfaction data places LG second for dryers specifically.
Are smart dryers worth the extra cost?
Smart dryers are worth the extra cost if you will actually use the smart features. The most useful real-world features are remote start (start a cycle from the grocery store), push notifications when laundry is done, and voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant. If you do not care about those features, a non-smart dryer with sensor dry will dry clothes just as well for less money. The smart premium in 2026 typically adds 10-20% to the price over a comparable non-smart model.
Do smart dryers need Wi-Fi to work?
No, smart dryers do not strictly need Wi-Fi to operate. Every smart dryer in this roundup will run standard cycles using the physical control panel even if the Wi-Fi is disconnected or the app is not set up. The smart features (remote start, notifications, voice control, cycle downloads) require Wi-Fi, but the core drying function works the same way it has for decades. This is useful if your router fails or you choose not to connect the appliance.
How long do smart dryers last?
A well-maintained smart dryer should last 10-15 years on average. Speed Queen and Maytag models regularly reach 15-20 years with basic care. LG models average 12-15 years. Samsung models more commonly fail within 8-10 years based on owner reports. Heat pump dryers tend to last slightly longer than standard electric dryers because they run at lower temperatures, but the heat pump compressor itself can be a service item after 10-12 years.
Final Verdict on the Best Smart Dryers
The best smart dryer for most buyers in 2026 is still the Euhomy 3.5 Cu.Ft. Portable Smart Dryer. Its 1500W heating element, four well-tuned drying modes, and 3,662 reviews averaging 4.2 stars make it the safest pick in the category. For buyers who want a portable with more cycle variety, the Auertech 3.6 cu ft is the best value pick. For buyers with a tight budget, the COSTWAY 1700W delivers the most raw heating power per dollar in the roundup.
If you want a full-size app-controlled smart dryer, the LG DLGX8901B and GE GFD65ESPVDS are the strongest premium options, with the Kenmore 7.0 cu ft as the most-reviewed full-size model at a more accessible price point. If your home cannot support exterior venting, the LG DLHC1455W is the only true ventless heat pump option in this roundup.
Whatever you choose, focus on reliability data from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power over marketing claims. The brands that show up consistently at the top of those rankings — Speed Queen, Maytag, LG — are the brands that will still be running 15 years from now.
