Best Connected Washing Machine 2026: 6 Models Compared (Bosch, Miele, Samsung…)

For most households, the best connected washing machine in 2026 is the Bosch Series 8 WGB256A40: 10 kg, energy class A, a 1,600 rpm spin, i-DOS automatic dosing and a fully featured Home Connect app. On a tighter budget, the Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW100-B14979 delivers 10 kg, class A and the hOn app, and if you have no room for a separate dryer, the LG W4WR70E6Y washer-dryer (11 kg wash / 6 kg dry) is the most sensible pick.

This comparison is based on manufacturer spec sheets, the EU energy label and verified buyer feedback. It covers six models sold in Europe from Bosch, Siemens, Miele, Samsung, LG and Haier, and helps you decide between a washer-dryer and a washing machine paired with a separate dryer. You will find all the models in our connected washing machines section.

The criteria that really matter

The EU energy label (A to G)

Since March 2021, washing machines have been rated on an A to G scale, without the old "A+++" grades. The class is based on the Eco 40-60 programme, and the label shows weighted consumption in kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, rated capacity, Eco programme duration, spin-drying efficiency class and noise level. Every model here is class A for washing, but the gap is still real: from 32 kWh per 100 cycles for the Samsung to 51 kWh for the Bosch. Brands often express this as "A -20%" or "A -40%", meaning 20% or 40% below the class A threshold.

A washer-dryer label shows two classes: one for washing only and one for the full wash-and-dry cycle. The second figure is almost always much weaker (often D or E).

Capacity in kg

Rated capacity (9, 10 or 11 kg) applies to cotton on the standard programme. One or two people will manage with 8 to 9 kg; for a family of four or more, 10 to 11 kg lets you wash a duvet or group loads together. Synthetic and delicate programmes take far less than the headline figure.

Spin speed and spin class

A 1,400 rpm spin is enough in most cases. The 1,600 rpm of the Bosch and Miele leaves a little less water in the laundry, which shortens drying time, mainly useful if you use a tumble dryer afterwards. The spin-drying efficiency class (A to G) on the label tells you more than the rpm figure alone.

Noise

The label gives spin noise in dB(A), with a class from A to D. Between 69 and 74 dB the difference looks small, but the scale is logarithmic: 3 dB more is roughly twice the sound energy. If the machine sits in an open-plan kitchen or near a bedroom, aim for noise class A.

Auto-dosing and steam

Automatic dosing (i-DOS at Bosch, i-Dos at Siemens, TwinDos at Miele, Auto Dose at Samsung) draws from a liquid detergent tank and doses according to the load and, on some models, how dirty it is. In practice you top up the tank every few weeks and avoid overdosing, which wastes detergent and leaves residue. Steam is mostly for smoothing creases, refreshing lightly worn clothes and hygiene programmes for allergy sufferers. It is a bonus, not a deal-breaker.

What is the app actually useful for?

The app does not wash any better, but it does a few genuinely useful things:

• End-of-cycle notification: the most used feature, so damp laundry does not sit in the drum.
• Delay start and remote start: handy for running the machine on off-peak tariffs or when your solar panels are producing. The laundry must be loaded beforehand.
• Extra downloadable programmes (down jackets, shirts, sportswear depending on the brand).
• Water and energy tracking, plus detergent level alerts on auto-dosing models.
• Diagnostics: error codes explained and maintenance tips (filter and drum cleaning).

Ecosystems differ: Home Connect for Bosch and Siemens, the Miele app, SmartThings for Samsung, LG ThinQ and hOn for Haier. If you already own other appliances from one brand, staying in the same ecosystem makes life easier.

The 6 best connected washing machines in 2026

1. Bosch Series 8 WGB256A40: best overall

The Bosch Series 8 WGB256A40 is a 10 kg front loader with a spin of up to 1,600 rpm, energy class A (51 kWh per 100 cycles) and spin class A. Its i-DOS with detergent scan doses water and detergent automatically, and the Home Connect app makes the initial dosing setup simple. Iron Assist uses steam to cut creases by up to 50% according to Bosch, and Home Connect adds extra programmes such as down and shirts.

Strengths: large capacity, very efficient spin, precise auto-dosing, mature app.
Limitations: 74 dB(A) on spin (noise class B), louder than the Siemens or Samsung; slightly higher consumption than the best class A machines.
Who it's for: families who want a complete, dependable appliance that fits well into a smart home.

2. Siemens iQ700 WG44B2A40: the most frugal BSH model

A technical sibling of the Bosch, the Siemens iQ700 WG44B2A40 offers 9 kg, 1,400 rpm and an A -20% rating (40 kWh per 100 cycles). It includes i-Dos with detergent scan, speedPack XL to speed up programmes (down to a 15-minute wash) and smartFinish, which reduces creases by up to 50% according to Siemens. At 70 dB(A) it sits in noise class A.

Strengths: quieter and more economical than the Bosch, same Home Connect app.
Limitations: 1 kg less capacity, spin limited to 1,400 rpm (spin class B).
Who it's for: couples and small families, especially when the machine is close to living areas.

3. Miele WWR 860 WPS: the long-lasting premium choice

The Miele WWR 860 WPS (W1 range) offers 9 kg, 1,600 rpm and class A (49 kWh per 100 cycles). Its TwinDos system is designed for Miele UltraPhase 1 and 2 cartridges, a two-part detergent injected at different stages of the cycle. You also get QuickPowerWash (up to 4 kg in 49 minutes), the honeycomb drum that is gentle on fabrics, the WaterProof leak protection system and Wi-Fi connection to the Miele app.

Strengths: the brand's reputation for longevity, excellent fabric care, built-in leak protection.
Limitations: premium positioning, and TwinDos works best with Miele's own cartridges, which raises the cost per wash.
Who it's for: buyers who want a machine for the long haul and often wash delicate textiles.

4. Samsung WW11DB8B95GB Bespoke AI: the most energy-efficient

The Samsung WW11DB8B95GB from the Bespoke AI Series 8 range combines 11 kg, 1,400 rpm and an A -40% rating: 32 kWh per 100 cycles, the lowest consumption in this comparison. AI Ecobubble mixes air, water and detergent to clean effectively at low temperatures, AI Wash estimates load weight and soil level, Auto Dose handles the detergent and Hygiene Steam treats laundry with steam. At 72 dB(A) it stays in noise class A, and QuickDrive shortens cycles.

Strengths: record-low consumption, large capacity, very complete SmartThings app (energy tracking, diagnostics).
Limitations: lots of functions and menus; SmartThings pays off most if you own other Samsung devices.
Who it's for: large families who wash a lot and want to cut their energy bill.

5. LG W4WR70E6Y: the best washer-dryer

The LG W4WR70E6Y is a washer-dryer with 11 kg wash / 6 kg dry capacity, a 1,360 rpm spin, rated A for washing and D for wash and dry. Its AI DD motor detects load size and fabric type to adapt drum movements, TurboWash 360° shortens cycles, the Steam function treats laundry with steam and the ThinQ app lets you monitor and control the machine. Spin noise: 71 dB(A).

Strengths: two appliances in one footprint, large wash capacity, steam.
Limitations: condenser drying (no heat pump), only 6 kg can be dried at once, no auto-dosing.
Who it's for: flats with space for just one machine.

6. Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW100-B14979: best value

The Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW100-B14979 offers 10 kg, 1,400 rpm, class A (46 kWh per 100 cycles), a brushless Direct Motion motor and 69 dB(A) on spin. The Refresh programme uses micro-steam to freshen clothes, and the hOn app unlocks dozens of extra cycles plus consumption tracking.

Strengths: the quietest in this selection, good efficiency, entry-level pricing for a connected 10 kg machine.
Limitations: no auto-dosing, spin class B, after-sales network less dense than the German brands.
Who it's for: families who want a large connected drum without paying for premium extras.

Comparison table

Consumption shown in kWh per 100 cycles of the Eco 40-60 programme, from manufacturer spec sheets.

Washer-dryer or a separate heat pump dryer?

A washer-dryer saves space, but it has three drawbacks: it dries less than it washes (6 kg out of 11 for the LG), it usually relies on condenser drying (more energy-hungry and, on many models, using water to cool the air), and its wash-and-dry class generally tops out around D. A handful of premium heat pump washer-dryers exist, but they remain the exception.

A washing machine paired with a heat pump tumble dryer uses far less energy to dry, lets you wash and dry at the same time, and can be stacked with a stacking kit if floor space is tight. If you have the height, it is the better long-term option. To choose the dryer, see our heat pump tumble dryer comparison. A washer-dryer still makes sense for a studio, a narrow bathroom or occasional use.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing on spin speed alone: check the spin class and noise level on the label.
• Overloading the drum: rated capacity applies to cotton; an overfilled machine washes and rinses less well.
• Thinking remote start means no preparation: laundry and detergent must be in place before you leave.
• Forgetting the dimensions: depth varies (about 59 cm for the Bosch, 64 cm for the Miele); also measure the room's door opening.
• Putting the wrong detergent in the tank: auto-dosing systems are designed for liquid detergent; follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Neglecting maintenance: clean the drain filter and door seal regularly, and run a drum-clean programme from time to time.

Installation, use and safety

Plug the machine into a dedicated earthed socket, with no extension lead or power strip: a washing machine draws over 2,000 W when heating. For any new circuit or change to your consumer unit, call a qualified electrician. Level the appliance carefully and remove the transit bolts before first use, or you risk vibration and damage.

If you run cycles while you are out, choose a model with leak protection (aquaStop at Bosch and Siemens, WaterProof at Miele) and add a smart water leak detector on the floor. For connectivity, most home appliances connect over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi: check that the signal reaches your utility room before you buy.

Our verdict

For most households, the Bosch Series 8 WGB256A40 is the most balanced choice: 10 kg, a 1,600 rpm spin, i-DOS dosing and an app that adds real value. The Siemens iQ700 WG44B2A40 is better if quietness and low consumption come first, the Samsung WW11DB8B95GB if you wash a lot and want the lowest energy use, and the Miele WWR 860 WPS if you want a premium machine built to last. On a budget, the Haier I-Pro Series 7 HW100-B14979 covers the connected essentials without frills. Finally, if only one machine fits in your home, the LG W4WR70E6Y is the washer-dryer to go for; otherwise, pair a washing machine with a heat pump dryer.