Note: This guide is written for web publication and synthesizes current manufacturer specifications, independent appliance testing notes, energy-efficiency guidance, and dryer-safety recommendations. Prices and availability can change faster than a sock disappears behind the laundry basket, so always compare the latest retailer listing before buying.
Shopping for the best clothes dryers of 2024 sounds simple until you realize modern dryers now come with moisture sensors, steam cycles, app controls, reversible doors, ventless heat-pump systems, pet-hair traps, sanitize settings, and enough cycle names to make laundry feel like a minor software update. The good news: a great dryer does not have to be complicated. The best model is the one that dries evenly, protects fabric, fits your space, and does not make you run a “just five more minutes” cycle three times while your jeans mock you from inside the drum.
For this guide, the winners were selected by comparing real dryer features, expert testing commentary, brand specifications, capacity, ease of use, energy considerations, and practical household needs. Good Housekeeping notes that a strong dryer should remove moisture without damaging fabrics or wasting energy, while also considering cycle speed, fabric temperatures, capacity, and usability during testing. Better Homes & Gardens also emphasizes capacity, efficiency, space planning, and real-world laundry habits when choosing washer and dryer sets.
Quick Look: The 8 Best Clothes Dryers of 2024
- Best Overall: LG DLEX4000W 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
- Best Smart Dryer: GE Profile PFD95ESPTDS 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer
- Best Budget Dryer: Amana NED4655EW 6.5 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
- Best for Pet Owners: Maytag MED6500MBK Pet Pro 7.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
- Best Large-Capacity Dryer: Samsung Bespoke DVE53BB8900D 7.6 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
- Best Stackable Dryer: Electrolux ELFE7637AT 8.0 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
- Best Family-Friendly Dryer: Whirlpool WED8127LW 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
- Best Compact Ventless Dryer: Miele TXD160WP T1 Heat-Pump Dryer
1. LG DLEX4000W Best Overall Clothes Dryer
The LG DLEX4000W earns the top overall spot because it checks the boxes most households care about: large capacity, smart features, steam, stackability, and fabric-conscious drying. Its 7.4-cubic-foot drum is big enough for family laundry without turning every load into a fabric traffic jam. LG lists the model as an ultra-large-capacity, smart Wi-Fi-enabled front-load electric dryer with TurboSteam and built-in intelligence.
What makes this dryer especially appealing is balance. It is advanced, but not absurd. You get steam for refreshing lightly worn clothes, sensor drying to reduce overdrying, Wi-Fi controls for remote monitoring, and a modern front-load design that pairs well with matching washers. In practical terms, this is the dryer for people who want strong daily performance without needing a PhD in Laundry Buttonology.
Why it stands out
The LG DLEX4000W is a strong fit for families, couples, and anyone who wants a dependable dryer with enough modern convenience to feel current. Better Homes & Gardens selected the LG DLEX4000W as a top-tested dryer, highlighting its large capacity, smart technology, steam, and sensor drying. It is also a good match for laundry rooms where stackability matters.
Potential drawbacks
Like many smart dryers, some features are most useful when paired with the matching washer and app ecosystem. Also, steam features can help relax wrinkles, but they are not a magic wand. A shirt that has been living at the bottom of a basket for four days may still require an iron, a steamer, or a heartfelt apology.
2. GE Profile PFD95ESPTDS Best Smart Dryer
The GE Profile PFD95ESPTDS is built for shoppers who want a smart dryer that feels genuinely useful rather than “because Wi-Fi needed a hobby.” GE lists this model as an ENERGY STAR 7.8-cubic-foot capacity smart front-load electric dryer with steam and a sanitize cycle.
Its 7.8-cubic-foot drum gives it more room than many standard dryers, making it a strong choice for bedding, towels, and bulky loads. Good Housekeeping praised a GE Profile model for quick, thorough drying, large capacity, steam wrinkle features, static reduction, sanitizing, app control, and the ability to sync with a matching washer for automatic cycle selection.
Why it stands out
This dryer is ideal for people who love automation when it actually saves effort. The app-enabled controls can help you monitor cycles, and washer-dryer syncing is convenient when using a compatible GE Profile washer. It is not just smart for the sake of being shiny; it aims to reduce guesswork.
Potential drawbacks
Some smart features may work best with the matching washer, so this may not be the best buy if you are mixing brands. Also, GE’s own product page notes that the specific PFD95ESPTDS model is no longer being manufactured, which means shoppers may need to look for remaining stock or a newer GE Profile equivalent.
3. Amana NED4655EW Best Budget Dryer
The Amana NED4655EW is the dryer for anyone who wants clothes dry, controls simple, and budget intact. It does not try to be your life coach. It does not ask to connect to Wi-Fi. It does not send notifications. It dries clothes, which is refreshingly bold behavior for an appliance.
Amana lists this model as a 6.5-cubic-foot electric dryer with Automatic Dryness Control, 11 dryer cycles, a Wrinkle Prevent option, and a reversible door. Good Housekeeping also identified the Amana 6.5-cubic-foot electric dryer as a strong value pick, noting straightforward settings, good drying results in testing, and a large lint filter.
Why it stands out
The Amana NED4655EW is best for apartments, first homes, rental properties, and shoppers who prefer knobs over screens. Its 6.5-cubic-foot capacity is smaller than many premium full-size dryers, but still practical for everyday loads. It is especially appealing if you care more about reliability and price than steam refresh, app alerts, or a control panel that looks like it belongs on a spaceship.
Potential drawbacks
This is not the best dryer for huge comforters, advanced fabric-care customization, or smart-home integration. It is also not ENERGY STAR certified according to Good Housekeeping’s feature summary, so efficiency-focused shoppers may want to compare operating costs carefully.
4. Maytag MED6500MBK Pet Pro Best Dryer for Pet Owners
If you live with pets, you already know the truth: fur is not a substance; it is a lifestyle. The Maytag MED6500MBK Pet Pro is designed for households where laundry includes dog blankets, cat beds, hoodie sleeves covered in mysterious fluff, and towels that somehow became pet towels without a family meeting.
Maytag lists this model as a 7.0-cubic-foot Pet Pro top-load electric dryer. Its Pet Pro option uses no heat and extended dry time to lift pet hair from clothes, while the XL lint trap is built to capture loads of pet hair. The dryer also includes steam-enhanced wrinkle help, Moisture Sensing, Wrinkle Prevent, Quick Dry, Steam Refresh, a drum light, and an end-of-cycle signal.
Why it stands out
This is one of the most practical specialty dryers on the list. The pet-hair focus is not a gimmick if your laundry regularly looks like it hugged a golden retriever. The XL lint trap and Pet Pro option help make the dryer more useful for pet-heavy households than a standard model with generic cycles.
Potential drawbacks
It is not stackable, so it needs floor space. Also, pet-hair performance still depends on good laundry habits: do not overload the drum, clean the lint trap every load, and shake out heavily fur-covered items before washing or drying. Your dryer is powerful, but it is not a wizard in a metal box.
5. Samsung Bespoke DVE53BB8900D Best Large-Capacity Smart Dryer
The Samsung Bespoke DVE53BB8900D is a stylish, high-tech dryer for people who want large capacity, fast cycles, and a modern control experience. Samsung lists this model as a 7.6-cubic-foot Bespoke AI front-load electric dryer with Super Speed Dry, AI OptiDry, and AI Smart Dial. Samsung also states that it can dry a full load in 30 minutes under specified conditions and automatically choose settings based on what is being dried.
This dryer makes sense for large households, tech-friendly users, and shoppers who like the look of Samsung’s Bespoke appliance design. The 7.6-cubic-foot drum gives it enough room for bulky loads, while AI controls aim to simplify cycle choices.
Why it stands out
The main appeal is convenience. Super Speed Dry can be a major advantage when the school uniform, work shirt, or favorite hoodie is needed “right now,” which in laundry time means “yesterday.” The AI Smart Dial can also reduce cycle clutter by learning preferred settings.
Potential drawbacks
Smart dryers can be polarizing. Better Homes & Gardens reported mixed results with a Samsung Bespoke dryer during testing, noting that sensor behavior and alerts were not ideal in their experience. For best results, shoppers should read current owner reviews and decide whether they prefer Samsung’s feature-heavy approach or a simpler dryer.
6. Electrolux ELFE7637AT Best Stackable Dryer
The Electrolux ELFE7637AT is the best choice here for shoppers who want a spacious, fabric-care-focused dryer that can be stacked in a tighter laundry room. Electrolux describes this 600 Series electric dryer as an 8.0-cubic-foot model with Balanced Dry technology designed to prevent temperature spikes and keep fabrics cooler during the dry cycle.
That 8.0-cubic-foot capacity is generous, especially for a stackable front-load dryer. It is a strong fit for households that wash larger loads, bedding, towels, or mixed fabrics. The focus on balanced temperatures also makes it appealing for people who are tired of dryers that treat delicate clothes like they are training for a desert survival contest.
Why it stands out
The Electrolux ELFE7637AT combines large capacity with thoughtful drying technology. It is especially good for homes where space matters but laundry volume is still high. The Spruce has also highlighted the Electrolux ELFE7637AT as a stackable dryer with an 8-cubic-foot capacity, reversible door, and vented electric design.
Potential drawbacks
Because it is a premium front-load model, it usually costs more than basic dryers. Also, stackable installation requires compatible stacking hardware and careful measurement. Always check doorway width, closet depth, vent position, and door swing before buying.
7. Whirlpool WED8127LW Best Family-Friendly Dryer
The Whirlpool WED8127LW is a practical family dryer with a 7.4-cubic-foot drum, Advanced Moisture Sensing, steam wrinkle help, a sanitize cycle, quick dry options, app features, and ENERGY STAR certification. Whirlpool says the model includes a Wrinkle Shield Plus option with steam, a dryer rack for tumble-free drying, EcoBoost, Static Reduce, app-based cycle matching, voice-control compatibility, and Favorite Cycles.
That makes it a versatile option for busy homes. It can handle towels, school clothes, workwear, bedding, and the emergency “I forgot this was in the washer” load. The 7.4-cubic-foot capacity is large enough for most families without needing the extra width of mega-capacity models.
Why it stands out
The Whirlpool WED8127LW is not the flashiest dryer, but it may be one of the easiest to live with. Advanced Moisture Sensing helps prevent overdrying, while the sanitize and steam features add flexibility. Better Homes & Gardens also found a Whirlpool washer and dryer set effective over long-term testing, noting large capacity and useful features.
Potential drawbacks
Some app-based features may be unnecessary for people who prefer manual controls. It is also a vented dryer, so proper installation and vent maintenance matter. A great dryer with a clogged vent is like a sports car stuck in a school-zone parade: technically capable, painfully slow.
8. Miele TXD160WP T1 Best Compact Ventless Dryer
The Miele TXD160WP T1 is the best pick for apartments, condos, small laundry closets, second-floor laundry areas, and homes without exterior dryer venting. Miele lists the TXD160WP as a T1 heat-pump dryer with an 18-pound capacity, DirectSensor controls, Honeycomb drum, FragranceDos, Miele@home, and EcoDry.
Good Housekeeping highlights Miele’s compact heat-pump dryer as space-saving, ventless, stackable, able to plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, and energy-efficient thanks to heat-pump technology. ENERGY STAR explains that heat-pump dryers reuse heated air in a closed-loop system and certified models can use around 70% less energy than conventional clothes dryers.
Why it stands out
The Miele TXD160WP solves a problem many dryers cannot: drying clothes without an exterior vent. That is huge for apartments, older homes, and compact spaces. It is also gentler by design because heat-pump dryers typically use lower drying temperatures than conventional vented models.
Potential drawbacks
Heat-pump dryers often take longer than traditional vented dryers, and the capacity is smaller than a full-size 7.4-cubic-foot machine. The Miele is also expensive. But for the right home, especially one where venting is impossible or energy use matters, it can be a smart long-term choice.
How to Choose the Best Clothes Dryer in 2024
1. Measure before falling in love
Before you choose a dryer, measure the laundry room, hallway, doorway, stairwell, and installation depth. Good Housekeeping specifically recommends measuring the dryer space along with doorways and stairwells before buying. Better Homes & Gardens also notes that shoppers should allow clearance behind machines for hoses and ventilation and check stacking compatibility when needed.
2. Choose gas, electric, or ventless
Electric dryers are common and easier to install if you already have a compatible outlet. Gas dryers may cost more upfront but can be economical where gas prices are low. Ventless heat-pump dryers cost more but are efficient and do not need an exterior vent. ENERGY STAR notes that heat-pump dryers can offer major energy savings and installation advantages in homes without venting.
3. Match capacity to laundry reality
A 6.5-cubic-foot dryer can work for small households, while 7.4 to 8.0 cubic feet is better for families, bedding, towels, and larger loads. Mega-capacity dryers are great for big households, but only if you have room for them. Buying too small can lead to damp clothes; buying too large can mean paying for capacity you rarely use.
4. Prioritize moisture sensing
Moisture sensors help prevent overdrying by stopping the cycle when clothes are dry. This protects fabric, saves time, and reduces the crispy-towel effect nobody requested. Timed dry still has its place for special loads, but sensor dry should be your daily driver.
5. Do not ignore the lint trap
Dryer maintenance is not glamorous, but neither is explaining why the laundry room smells like toasted dust. Consumer Reports cites dryer fire risk and recommends cleaning lint from the dryer screen after every load; longer drying times can also signal a blocked vent system.
Buyer Recommendations by Household Type
For families
Choose the LG DLEX4000W, Whirlpool WED8127LW, GE Profile PFD95ESPTDS, or Electrolux ELFE7637AT. These models offer larger drums and enough cycle flexibility for towels, bedding, school clothes, and weekly laundry marathons.
For pet owners
Choose the Maytag MED6500MBK Pet Pro. The pet-hair-focused design makes it the most targeted pick for fur-heavy households. Clean the XL lint trap often and avoid overloading for best results.
For apartments and condos
Choose the Miele TXD160WP if you need ventless drying. It is compact, efficient, stackable, and better suited to tight spaces than full-size vented dryers.
For shoppers on a budget
Choose the Amana NED4655EW. It gives you the core drying features most people need without premium pricing or smart extras.
For smart-home fans
Choose the GE Profile PFD95ESPTDS or Samsung Bespoke DVE53BB8900D. GE leans practical and connected; Samsung leans stylish and AI-forward.
Real-World Experience: What Living With a Good Dryer Actually Feels Like
The difference between an average dryer and a great dryer usually shows up in small, everyday moments. It is not always dramatic. There are no fireworks. The dryer does not roll into the kitchen wearing sunglasses. But suddenly your towels dry in one cycle. Your sheets do not twist themselves into a damp burrito. Your jeans are not hot enough to brand cattle. Your laundry routine becomes quieter, faster, and less annoying.
One of the biggest lessons from using modern dryers is that capacity matters more than people expect. A big drum does not just let you stuff in more clothes; it gives fabrics room to tumble. That airflow helps loads dry more evenly. This is especially noticeable with towels, hoodies, blankets, and bedding. A smaller dryer can technically hold a comforter, but if the item cannot move, it may come out with dry corners and a damp center, which is basically laundry’s version of betrayal.
Moisture sensing is another feature that seems boring until you live with it. In older dryers, timed drying often becomes a guessing game: 45 minutes, still damp; 20 more minutes, now everything feels like it spent spring break in the sun. Good sensor drying reduces that drama. It also helps protect elastic, synthetic fabrics, workout clothes, and cotton items from excessive heat. For households that do laundry several times a week, this can make clothes feel better for longer.
Steam cycles are useful, but expectations matter. A steam refresh cycle can relax light wrinkles, freshen a shirt, or make a forgotten load more presentable. It will not turn a crushed linen shirt into a department-store display. Think of steam as a helpful assistant, not a fairy godmother. The best use is for lightly worn clothes, travel creases, or garments that need a quick refresh before leaving the house.
Pet owners will notice another truth: lint traps are not all created equal. If you have pets, a dryer with a larger, easier-to-clean lint trap can make laundry less frustrating. The Maytag Pet Pro design is a good example of a dryer built around a real household problem. Still, no dryer can overcome terrible habits. Shake pet bedding outdoors when possible, avoid overloading, and clean the lint trap every single cycle. The lint trap is not a suggestion box.
Smart features are helpful when they solve a real problem. App alerts are genuinely useful if your laundry room is in the basement, garage, or another floor of the house. Cycle matching can help households that use compatible washer and dryer pairs. Remote monitoring is convenient when you are multitasking. But smart features should not be the only reason to buy a dryer. Drying performance, capacity, venting, and reliability matter more than whether the machine can send you a cheerful notification that your socks are ready.
Ventless heat-pump dryers require a mindset shift. They are efficient and flexible, but they may take longer. For some homes, that tradeoff is worth it because there is no exterior vent to install. For others, especially large families doing multiple back-to-back loads, a conventional vented dryer may feel faster and more convenient. The right choice depends on your home, not just the spec sheet.
Finally, the best clothes dryer is the one that fits your actual routine. If you wash king-size bedding every week, prioritize capacity. If you live in an apartment, prioritize ventless installation. If your dog sheds enough to knit a second dog, prioritize pet-hair handling. If you just want a basic dryer that works, do not let premium features bully you into overspending. Laundry is already enough work; your dryer should make it easier, not audition to become the family’s most confusing appliance.
Final Verdict
The best clothes dryer of 2024 for most homes is the LG DLEX4000W because it combines capacity, steam, smart features, and everyday usability in a well-rounded package. The GE Profile PFD95ESPTDS is the strongest smart dryer pick, while the Amana NED4655EW is the best budget-friendly option. Pet owners should start with the Maytag MED6500MBK Pet Pro, and apartment dwellers should seriously consider the Miele TXD160WP if ventless drying is required.
In the end, the perfect dryer is not always the most expensive one. It is the one that fits your space, handles your laundry volume, protects your clothes, and saves you from saying, “Why is this still damp?” three times a week. Choose wisely, clean the lint trap, and may your towels be fluffy, your sheets untangled, and your missing socks eventually return from wherever they are holding their secret meetings.
