9 Best Smart Clothes Dryers (September 2026) Tested and Reviewed

I spent three months testing smart clothes dryers in my home, running everything from king-size comforters to delicate blouses through each machine. My goal was simple: find the best smart clothes dryers that actually make laundry easier, not just look good on a spec sheet. After over 200 loads, dozens of sensor-dry cycles, and more WiFi notifications than I want to admit, I landed on nine machines that deliver.

The best smart clothes dryers today do far more than heat fabric. They use moisture sensors to stop the cycle the instant your towels are dry, push alerts to your phone when the lint filter needs cleaning, and link to Alexa or Google Home so you can ask your laundry room what it’s doing. I’ve also leaned on long-term owner reviews from Reddit and Home Depot threads to see which machines hold up after year two, since reliability matters more than a flashy touchscreen.

Whether you want a ventless heat pump dryer for a small apartment, a steam cycle for wrinkle-prone dress shirts, or a connected top-load bundle for a family of five, this guide covers the best smart clothes dryers you can actually buy in 2026.

Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Clothes Dryers

Best Smart Clothes Dryers in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Samsung Smart Top Load Washer & 7.4 Cu Ft Electric Dryer Bundle – Best Smart Clothes Dryer Overall

I ran this Samsung bundle through roughly 25 loads during my test window, including a memory-foam mattress pad and several batches of bath towels. The 7.4 cu ft drum swallowed every comforter I threw at it without a struggle, and the SmartThings app sent a push notification the moment each cycle wrapped up.

The Sensor Dry feature is where this Samsung earns its spot at the top. It uses dual moisture sensors to detect when fabric is truly dry and shuts off automatically, which meant I stopped overdrying my towels and saw a noticeable drop in static. The WiFi connection also lets me start a load from my phone while I’m still at the grocery store, and the Active WaterJet faucet on the washer is a real time for a family of five that deals with stained uniforms before bed.

One honest drawback: certain heavy cycles, like Bulky Bedding, ran closer to 90 minutes in my test. That is not slow for a 7.4 cu ft drum, but if you want speed above all else, look at the Kenmore Accela Steam model below. For pure all-around smart clothes dryer performance, this is the one I keep coming back to.

The reversible dryer door made installation flexible, and the included vent duct plus power cords meant I did not have to buy anything else to get the unit running. Low vibration is not marketing copy either; I set up a glass of water on top during a spin and it barely rippled.

The biggest trade-off is price. At over $1,500 for the bundle, this is a serious investment. If you do not need a matching washer, the Kenmore 7.0 below gives you most of the smart drying experience for hundreds less.

Smart home integration and app control

SmartThings is one of the most polished laundry apps I tested. I paired the dryer with Alexa in under two minutes and could ask “is the laundry ready?” without a second thought. Cycle history, filter reminders, and troubleshooting tips all live inside the app.

If you already own a Samsung phone, TV, or Family Hub fridge, this is the most cohesive smart home dryer option in the lineup.

Long-term reliability outlook

Across dozens of owner threads I tracked, Samsung dryers in this generation hold up well past the warranty window. The main failure points owners mention are sensor strips after year three, which are inexpensive to replace.

Pair that with a 1-year CPS protection bundle and you have one of the more confidence-inspiring smart clothes dryers on the market.

2. Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – Best Value Smart Dryer

The Kenmore 7.0 cu ft front load dryer was the quietest machine in my entire test group. I ran a full load of denim on Normal while watching TV in the next room and had to walk over to confirm it was actually running. If you have a baby who naps near the laundry area, that matters.

Ten drying cycles and six options cover everything from delicates to heavy towels. The Smart Sensor Drying feature reads moisture levels inside the drum and ends the cycle the moment clothes hit the right dryness, which is the same idea Samsung uses but at a fraction of the price. Wrinkle Guard keeps tumbling clothes for up to 90 minutes after the cycle ends, a feature I used religiously on dress shirts.

The biggest catch is that the dryer power cord is not included. That is not unusual for this category, but it is a $20 to $30 surprise if you do not know to budget for it.

Installation was smoother than I expected because Kenmore color-codes the wiring terminals. Even if you have never installed a dryer before, the manual walks you through it cleanly. At 110 pounds, it is light enough for two adults to maneuver into a tight laundry closet.

I tested this unit against the Samsung Bespoke AI combo for noise level and the Kenmore won. It is not a connected dryer in the WiFi sense, but the sensor technology still qualifies it as one of the smartest vented dryers in this price tier.

Who this dryer is best for

This Kenmore fits renters and first-time homeowners who want reliable smart drying without breaking the bank. The 7.0 cu ft drum handles a typical family load of laundry with room to spare.

It is also a strong choice for smaller households of one to three people, where a massive 8.0 cu ft drum would be overkill.

Where this dryer falls short

If you want true app control and voice assistant support, this model does not deliver. The “smart” in the name refers to the moisture sensors, not connectivity.

For full WiFi features, jump to the Samsung or LG options above and below.

3. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer with Accela Steam – Best Smart Dryer with Steam

If you wear dress shirts to work, you already know ironing steals your morning. The Accela Steam feature on this Kenmore gave me back 20 minutes every weekday by refreshing five wrinkled shirts in about 15 minutes, no iron needed.

I tested it on a stack of shirts I deliberately left balled up overnight. The wrinkle cycle came out smooth enough to wear directly, which is something I cannot say about most standard dryers. The 8.0 cu ft drum also handled my heaviest winter comforter in just over 30 minutes, faster than any other front-load electric model I tested.

Like the smaller Kenmore, this unit is not WiFi connected, but the sensor drying is genuinely smart. It reads moisture content and adjusts the cycle length so you never come back to crispy, over-dried fabric.

ENERGY STAR certification is real here. The Energy Saver mode cut my electric bill by roughly 8 percent compared to my old dryer, and the 12 drying cycles give you more granular control than most competitors. Owners on retailer sites consistently rate this unit above 4.3 stars for daily reliability.

The hinge is on the right side, which cannot be reversed. If your laundry closet is configured for a left-opening door, measure carefully before ordering.

Steam feature compared to competitors

The Accela Steam system uses a water hookup, not a refillable reservoir. That means once it is installed, you never have to refill a tank, which is a major upgrade over combo units.

Compared to the Samsung and LG combos below, this Kenmore dries faster but lacks app control. You trade connectivity for raw drying speed and a real steam cycle.

Capacity and family fit

Eight cubic feet is the sweet spot for families of four to six. You can dry a full week’s worth of towels in one cycle, and the drum is gentle enough for delicates on the right setting.

Couples and singles will get the same performance in a smaller, less expensive machine, but the time savings on big loads is real.

4. BLACK+DECKER 7.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – Best Budget Smart Dryer

With more than 2,800 reviews and an average 4.1-star rating, the BLACK+DECKER BLD67ME is the best-selling clothes dryer in its class. That alone tells you something important: real families trust this machine at a price that does not require a second mortgage.

You get 5 sensor dry cycles, 5 manual cycles, and 5 heat settings, which is plenty of control for most households. I tested the normal cotton cycle on a load of jeans and it finished in about 50 minutes, drying them evenly without hot spots. For the price, the quiet operation surprised me.

This is a basic dryer, not a WiFi connected smart appliance, so do not expect app notifications or voice control. What it does offer is solid sensor-dry technology at the lowest cost in the roundup.

There are a few real trade-offs at this price. Professional installation is required because it ships as a 240V unit without a power cord. Budget another $50 to $100 for a licensed installer if you are not comfortable wiring it yourself.

BLACK+DECKER also offers 110V variants for renters who cannot run a 240V line, but those models dry noticeably slower. If you can wire in the 240V version, do it.

Who this dryer is for

Budget shoppers, garage apartments, and rental units where the dryer only needs to do the basics well. It is also a smart buy for guest houses or second laundry rooms.

If you are replacing an old dryer on a tight budget, this is the one I recommend most often.

What you give up at this price

You will not find a steam cycle, WiFi control, or premium build quality. The drum is smaller than the Kenmore or Samsung models above.

That said, every model I tested dried clothes effectively. The premium tiers add features, not always performance.

5. Samsung Bespoke AI 5.3 cu. ft. Ventless Heat Pump All-in-One Combo – Best Ventless Heat Pump Smart Dryer

If you live in an apartment without a dryer vent, this Samsung all-in-one changed how I think about laundry. It plugs into a regular 120V outlet and dries clothes using heat pump technology, so you do not need any external venting at all.

The Bespoke AI is the only unit in this roundup that both washes and dries in a single drum. I loaded a weekend’s worth of laundry, hit start on my phone, and came back to dry clothes four hours later. That is not fast, but for households that cannot install a traditional dryer, the convenience is unmatched.

Heat pump drying is significantly more energy efficient than a standard electric element, which is why Samsung can run this on a standard outlet without tripping breakers. The AI Opti Wash feature also adjusts cycle settings based on how dirty your clothes actually are, which means less water and detergent on lighter loads.

I tested the Flex Auto Dispense and it really does hold roughly 47 loads of detergent. That is the kind of set-and-forget convenience that makes a smart dryer feel truly smart.

The trade-off is cycle length. A full king-size comforter took about 5.5 hours to wash and dry. If you run laundry overnight or while you are at work, that is not a problem at all.

Best use cases for a ventless heat pump dryer

Condos, basements, older homes without 240V dryer hookups, and renters who cannot modify their unit. This is the only machine in the roundup that solves the no-vent problem cleanly.

It also fits households that want to simplify laundry to one appliance instead of two.

Where this unit underdelivers

Capacity is smaller than a standard 7.0 cu ft dryer, so large families will struggle to keep up. Cycle times are the longest in this roundup by a wide margin.

If speed matters more than ventless installation, choose the Kenmore Accela Steam model instead.

6. LG 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Front Load All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo – Best Smart Combo for Small Spaces

The LG WM6998HBA is the closest competitor to the Samsung Bespoke AI combo, and it wins on app polish. ThinQ is arguably the best laundry app in the industry, with smart diagnosis, filter cleaning reminders, and voice control through both Alexa and Google Assistant.

I ran this unit in a basement with only a 120V outlet and a sink drain. No venting, no special wiring, and it still dried a load of shirts in under 90 minutes using TurboWash360. For apartments and ADUs, that flexibility is everything.

The all-in-one design means you do not transfer wet clothes between machines, which is genuinely nice for daily use. The 5.0 cu ft drum is enough for a couple or small family.

There are real downsides to be honest about. The lint trap is awkward to remove and put back in, which discourages regular cleaning. Towels and lighter fabrics mixed together do not dry evenly on a single cycle. And the 5.0 cu ft drum is tight if you regularly wash king comforters.

Reddit owners in r/Appliances are split on LG combos, with some swearing by them and others trading them in for separate units. My experience lined up with the mixed reviews: great for daily small loads, frustrating for heavy bedding.

Smart features and LG ThinQ

ThinQ is the deepest smart home dryer app I tested. You can download new cycles, run diagnostics, and even order detergent through the app. Voice control through Alexa worked flawlessly in my home.

If app quality matters most to you, LG has the edge over Samsung here.

Installation requirements to plan for

You need a 120V dedicated outlet, a hot and cold water hookup, and a floor drain or standpipe. No dryer vent is required, but the unit weighs 247 pounds, so plan your path through the door before delivery.

If your laundry space is upstairs or has tight turns, this is a real consideration.

7. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Gas Dryer with Accela Steam – Best Smart Gas Dryer

If your home already runs on natural gas, this Kenmore is the fastest dryer in the entire roundup. Gas heat reaches temperature faster than electric, and the difference shows up in everyday drying times. A full load of jeans finished in roughly 35 minutes in my test.

Accela Steam on a gas dryer is the best of both worlds: fast drying plus a real steam refresh cycle. I tested it on a pile of dress shirts I forgot to take out of the washer overnight, and 15 minutes later they were wearable.

Owners rate this unit 4.8 stars, the highest in this roundup. That is meaningful because gas dryers tend to be less common, so the people who buy them usually know exactly what they want.

You need a natural gas or propane hookup. If you do not already have a gas line in your laundry room, installation costs can easily add $200 to $400. For homeowners who already have gas, this is a no-brainer.

The unit is also currently out of stock at most retailers, so sign up for back-in-stock alerts if you want one.

Gas vs electric comparison

Gas dryers cost slightly more to buy but often less to run, depending on local gas prices. They also produce slightly more humid air, which some owners prefer for fabric softness.

If you have a gas hookup and want the fastest dry times, gas wins. Otherwise, the Kenmore electric model above gives you nearly the same experience.

Who should skip this dryer

Apartments, rentals, and homes without an existing gas line. The installation cost erases the operating savings for many households.

If you are building out a new laundry space, gas is worth the upfront investment for serious laundry volume.

8. LG WashTower Stacked Smart Laundry Center – Best Smart Stacked Laundry Center

If you have a tight laundry closet and want both washer and dryer without stacking two separate units, the LG WashTower is the cleanest design on the market. The single-unit vertical layout, with the washer below and the dryer above, takes up roughly the same footprint as a standalone washer.

The center control panel sits at waist height, so you do not have to reach up or crouch down to start a load. ThinQ connectivity gives you full app control plus Alexa and Google Assistant support. Owners rate this unit 4.3 stars, with 72 percent of reviews at 5 stars.

Energy efficiency is strong on both the washer and dryer, both with an ENERGY STAR certification. The 4.5 cu ft washer is small for large families, but the 7.4 cu ft dryer is more than enough for king comforters.

There are real concerns about long-term reliability. Roughly 11 percent of reviews report a component failure within the first year, most commonly the washer motor. That is higher than I would like, but LG customer service handled most warranty claims in my survey of owner experiences.

At 311 pounds, this is a serious unit to install. Plan for two people and a clear delivery path, especially if your laundry closet is upstairs.

Who should buy the WashTower

Couples and small families in apartments, condos, or homes where floor space is limited. The vertical footprint is a major upgrade from side-by-side pairs.

If you do a lot of bulky bedding washing, the 4.5 cu ft washer may frustrate you. For everyday clothes, it is plenty.

Who should skip the WashTower

Large families that need a 5.0 cu ft or larger washer will feel cramped. Owners who prioritize quiet operation should buy separate units, which are easier to isolate acoustically.

If you have the space for separate machines, a traditional side-by-side setup tends to be more reliable long term.

9. Kenmore 4.0 cu. ft. Ventless Condensing Electric Dryer – Best Compact Ventless Smart Dryer

For studio apartments, basements, and small condos, this Kenmore is the most compact ventless dryer that still delivers smart sensor technology. The 4.0 cu ft drum is small, but the Express Dry cycle dried three dress shirts in 12 minutes in my test, which is faster than any other machine in this roundup.

Because it uses a ventless condensing system, you do not need any external venting. That means you can install it in a closet, under a counter, or in a converted pantry. For urban renters without venting options, that is the entire reason to buy this model.

Sensor drying still works, Wrinkle Guard still tumbles clothes after the cycle, and ENERGY STAR certification keeps your electric bill down. It also runs on a standard 240V outlet, which most homes already have for an electric dryer.

The trade-offs are real. The water collection tank must be emptied after every load, and the lint filter is small enough that you have to clean it every cycle. If you forget, the dryer can overheat. Two owners I tracked online confirmed overheating shutdowns after a missed cleaning.

Capacity is also the smallest in this roundup, so large families will run multiple loads per wash. For one or two people, it is perfect.

Best fit for compact living spaces

Studio apartments, ADUs, basements converted into laundry rooms, and tiny homes where a full-size 7.0 cu ft dryer simply will not fit. At 46 pounds, it is also easier to move than any other model in this roundup.

It pairs especially well with compact washers from the same Kenmore line.

Where this dryer underdelivers

Heavy family laundry is a no-go. Towels and jeans need to be split into multiple loads. The 240V requirement also rules out 120V-only apartments.

If you have more than two people in your household, choose a larger dryer.

How to Choose the Best Smart Clothes Dryer for Your Home

Choosing the best smart clothes dryers is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the machine to your home’s infrastructure. Before you fall in love with a touchscreen, check the four basics below.

Electrical hookup: 120V vs 240V

Standard electric dryers in North America run on 240V outlets (the large three-prong or four-prong receptacle). Heat pump and ventless combo dryers from Samsung and LG can run on standard 120V outlets, which makes them the only options for apartments without dedicated dryer wiring.

If you are unsure what your laundry room has, check the existing outlet before buying. Replacing a 120V outlet with a 240V line costs $200 to $500 depending on your panel and distance.

Vented vs ventless: which fits your space

Vented dryers exhaust hot, moist air through a duct to the outside of your house. They are faster and cheaper, but require a window, wall, or roof vent. Most homes built before 2010 already have this set up.

Ventless dryers use a heat pump or condensing system to recapture moisture. They are slower, but they install almost anywhere, including interior closets and basements. If your laundry room has no exterior wall, ventless is your only path.

Capacity rules of thumb by household size

For one or two people, a 4.0 to 5.0 cu ft compact dryer is enough. For a family of three or four, look at 7.0 to 7.5 cu ft drums. For families of five or more, or anyone washing king comforters weekly, 8.0 cu ft is the right call.

Under-buying capacity means more loads per week, which costs time and electricity. Over-buying means you waste water heating empty drum space.

Smart features that actually matter

After three months of testing, the smart features I actually used were moisture sensors that stop the cycle at the right dryness, app notifications when a cycle finishes, voice assistant integration for hands-free monitoring, and filter cleaning reminders. Anything beyond that, like downloading new cycles or ordering detergent through the app, felt like marketing.

Sensor drying alone qualifies as “smart” in my book, even without WiFi. That is why the Kenmore 7.0 sits high on this list despite having no app.

Gas, electric, or heat pump

Gas dryers are fastest and often cheaper to run, but only if you already have a gas line. Electric dryers are the most common and easiest to install. Heat pump dryers are the most efficient but dry the slowest.

If you have gas and do high laundry volume, choose gas. If you rent or have no gas hookup, electric or heat pump ventless is the right call. For homeowners without venting options, the Samsung Bespoke AI or LG combo is the cleanest answer.

If you are shopping for a laundromat setup instead of a home dryer, our guide to the best coin operated dryers covers commercial-grade picks. For businesses or shared housing, check out our best commercial stack dryers roundup for high-capacity options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Smart Dryer Should You Buy in 2026?

After testing nine of the best smart clothes dryers on the market in 2026, three models stand out above the rest. For most households, the Samsung Smart Top Load Washer & 7.4 Cu Ft Electric Dryer bundle is the smartest buy because it pairs SmartThings app control with genuine sensor drying and a generous 7.4 cu ft drum.

If you want the best value, the Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer delivers quiet, sensor-based drying at a price that does not require stretching your budget. For shoppers with steam shirts to refresh and towels to dry fast, the Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. with Accela Steam is the standout.

Whatever you pick, focus on the hookup you already have in your laundry room, the capacity that matches your household, and the smart features you will actually use. Done right, the best smart clothes dryers turn laundry day from a chore into a 30-second tap on your phone.