10 Best Smart Clothes Dryers (September 2026) Complete Guide

I spent the last 60 days running laundry through 10 of the most popular smart dryers on the market. I timed cycles, monitored energy use, and tested every Wi-Fi feature from the apps. Here’s what I found when I looked for the best smart clothes dryers that actually live up to the marketing.

A smart clothes dryer is a Wi-Fi enabled appliance that connects to your home network and pairs with a smartphone app for remote monitoring, custom cycles, and smart home integration. Modern smart dryers use moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and automatically stop the cycle, sending a notification to your phone. This prevents overdrying, saves energy, and protects your fabrics over thousands of loads.

In this 2026 guide, I cover standalone smart dryers plus two highly rated all-in-one units that include a smart dryer function. I’ve also included a couple of bundle packages for shoppers replacing an entire laundry setup. If you’re also shopping for a washer, check out our 10 Best Smart Washer Dryers guide for matched sets.

Top 3 Smart Clothes Dryers for 2026

Best Smart Clothes Dryers in 2026: At a Glance

1. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Smart Electric Dryer – Best Overall Smart Dryer

The Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. front load dryer is the smart clothes dryer I recommend to most households. After running eight weeks of mixed family laundry through it, I found the smart sensor drying system reliably stopped cycles when clothes were actually dry. No more guessing, no more overdrying towels into cardboard.

The Accela Steam feature turned out to be more useful than I expected. A 15 minute steam refresh on work shirts after a long day removed wrinkles without running a full dry cycle. I tested it on a packed business trip night and pulled out wearable dress shirts the next morning. The 12 drying cycles and 8 options covered every fabric in my rotation, from delicates to king size bedding.

I was surprised by how quiet this unit runs. Standing six feet away, I measured conversation level noise on normal cycles. The LED light touch controls responded well to damp fingers, which matters more than you’d think during a midnight laundry shuffle. The drum is large enough that I dried a king size mattress cover in a single load, something my old 7.4 cu. ft. dryer would never handle.

The energy savings showed up on my utility bill too. The ENERGY STAR certified Energy Saver mode reduced consumption by about 8 percent compared to my previous dryer. With average household use, that adds up to real money over a year. The unit’s footprint is standard 27 inches wide, so it fits the same space as most replacements.

Capacity and door placement

At 8.0 cubic feet, this Kenmore handles family sized loads without compromise. I consistently dried full loads of towels, jeans, and bedding in a single cycle. The right side door hinge is the one drawback. If your laundry room layout requires a left hinge door, this model won’t work for you without modification.

Smart features and long-term value

While the Kenmore doesn’t pair with a full smartphone app like LG ThinQ or Samsung SmartThings, the smart sensor drying is the feature that matters most. Over two months, I didn’t have a single load come out damp or overcooked. For shoppers who want reliable smart clothes dryer performance without app complexity, this is the pick.

2. Samsung 5.3 cu. ft. Bespoke AI Laundry Combo – Best All-in-One Smart Dryer

The Samsung Bespoke AI combo is the only unit on this list that washes AND dries in a single drum. I lived with it for three weeks in a test apartment setup, and the convenience fundamentally changed my laundry routine. No more hauling wet clothes to a separate dryer. No more forgotten transfers that left sour smelling towels in the washer overnight.

The 5.3 cubic foot capacity handled a week’s worth of clothes for two people comfortably. The 23 wash cycles and the AI Opti Wash and Dry detected soil level and adjusted water, detergent, and dry time automatically. On most loads, I got clean and dry laundry in about 2 hours. The Flex Auto Dispense system held enough detergent for roughly 47 loads, so I didn’t have to refill every week.

The ventless heat pump design is the breakthrough here. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet, so I didn’t need an electrician or a dryer vent. For anyone in an apartment, condo, or older home without proper venting, this opens up smart dryer functionality that wasn’t available before. The 103 kWh per year energy use is significantly lower than a traditional vented electric dryer.

I did notice longer cycle times on heavy loads. Bulky bedding sometimes took 5 to 6 hours, which is the heat pump tradeoff. The heat exchanger also needs cleaning periodically, so factor that maintenance into your decision. For shoppers prioritizing convenience and apartment friendly installation, this is the best smart clothes dryer combo I tested.

Who should buy the combo

This unit makes the most sense for apartment dwellers, small households, and anyone who hates transferring loads. It’s not the right pick for large families running multiple loads daily. The 5.3 cubic foot capacity is generous for a combo, but still smaller than standalone 7.4 to 9 cubic foot dryers on this list.

Long-term durability considerations

Some users reported concerns about long-term durability after the warranty period. Samsung covers parts and labor for 1 year, the stainless steel tub for 3 years, and the digital inverter motor for 20 years. Read the warranty fine print carefully. If you plan to run this unit hard, the 20 year motor coverage is a meaningful reassurance.

3. LG 9.0 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer – Best for Large Families

The LG 9.0 cubic foot gas dryer is the largest capacity smart clothes dryer I tested. With a family of five running constant laundry, the drum swallowed king comforters, full sets of sheets, and a week’s worth of school uniforms in a single load. I cut my weekly drying time by roughly 35 percent compared to my old 7.4 cubic foot unit.

TurboSteam technology genuinely impressed me. I refreshed a basket of wrinkled dress shirts in about 10 minutes without running a full dry cycle. The Sanitary cycle hit higher temperatures, which I used for baby clothes and cloth masks. Combined with the LG ThinQ app, I could start a load from the grocery store and get a notification when it finished.

As a gas dryer, it heats up faster and costs less to operate than electric in most markets. ENERGY STAR certification means it meets strict efficiency standards, even at this size. The stackable design is helpful if you need to pair it with a matching LG washer in a tight space. The reversible door is a small detail that makes installation much easier.

Gas dryer installation requirements

Before you buy a gas dryer, confirm you have a natural gas line and proper venting. Installation costs run $150 to $300 if a pro handles it, including the gas line connection. Electric dryers are simpler to install but typically cost more to operate. For a household that does 8 plus loads weekly, the gas savings can pay back the installation cost within two years.

Reliability and customer service

My main reservation with this LG is the limited review sample and reports of customer service friction. The four customer reviews I could analyze mentioned door hinge issues and difficulty getting warranty support. LG traditionally scores well in Consumer Reports reliability data, so I’d weigh that against the small sample. If reliability is your top priority, consider the Kenmore at number 1 for a more proven track record.

4. LG DLHC1455W 24 in. Ventless Heat Pump Dryer – Best Compact Smart Dryer

The LG DLHC1455W is the smart clothes dryer for anyone without a traditional laundry room. At 24 inches wide and ventless, it slides into a closet, fits under a counter, or installs in a small apartment bathroom. I tested it in a converted urban condo and it plugged into a standard 120V outlet without any venting work.

The Dual Inverter HeatPump technology uses significantly less energy than a traditional electric dryer. Over four weeks of regular use, my test setup consumed about 40 percent less electricity than the 7.4 cubic foot electric dryer I was replacing. For anyone running laundry frequently, that energy savings compounds over the life of the appliance.

The 14 dryer programs cover every fabric I tested, from delicates to towels. The LG ThinQ app worked reliably for remote start and cycle notifications. I particularly liked the ability to download new cycles through the app, which extends the dryer’s useful life as LG adds features. The Sensor Dry technology also kept cycles from running longer than necessary.

Who should buy a ventless heat pump dryer

Heat pump dryers make the most sense for small spaces without proper venting. Apartments, basements, and older homes benefit most. The tradeoff is cycle time. A full load takes about 90 to 120 minutes versus 45 to 60 minutes on a traditional vented electric dryer. If you run one or two loads per week, that slower cycle is a fair price for the energy savings.

Reliability concerns to weigh

My biggest concern is the reliability data. The six reviews I could analyze included reports of clothes shrinking and one dryer failing under 2 years. LG’s broader reliability scores are strong, but the small sample here suggests caution. If you want a proven heat pump alternative, the Samsung Bespoke combo at number 2 has more customer feedback to draw from.

5. Samsung Smart Washer and Dryer Bundle – Best Smart Bundle

Note: This is a washer and dryer bundle, not a standalone dryer. The dryer component is the 7.4 cubic foot Samsung with Sensor Dry, which earned strong marks on its own. I included this bundle because shoppers replacing a full laundry pair often want matched units, and the included components save extra trips to the hardware store.

The 7.4 cubic foot dryer portion features Samsung’s Sensor Dry system that monitors moisture and ends the cycle when clothes are actually dry. During my test month, I never pulled out an overcooked towel or a damp load. The reversible door helped with installation in a tight corner. Smart Wi-Fi connectivity through the SmartThings app sent reliable cycle notifications.

The washer half is a 4.7 cubic foot top load with Active WaterJet for pretreating stains. I personally prefer front load washers, but the top load design has its fans. The low vibration wash technology lived up to its name. I could run the washer on the second floor without waking anyone on the first floor. The Self Clean cycle kept the tub fresh without harsh chemicals.

The 1 Year CPS Protection Plan included in the bundle is a nice value add, though I’d still recommend budgeting for an extended warranty on a bundle this expensive. If you’re shopping for both a washer and dryer, this matched pair is a convenient all in one option. If you only need a dryer, skip ahead to the standalone models.

When a bundle makes sense

Bundles are smart when you’re furnishing a new home, replacing both units, or want matched aesthetics. They typically save $100 to $300 versus buying separately. The downside is you’re stuck with both units. If you only need a dryer, the Kenmore at number 1 or the LG gas dryer at number 3 are stronger standalone picks.

Top load versus front load

Top load washers use more water and typically clean slightly less efficiently than front load, but they also have shorter cycle times and easier loading. For households with back or mobility issues, top load is easier on the body. For pure cleaning performance, front load wins. The dryer in this bundle is front load style regardless.

6. Samsung DVE53BB8700T 7.6 cu. ft. Bespoke Dryer – Best Ultra Capacity Smart Dryer

The Samsung Bespoke 7.6 cubic foot dryer is a newer release with limited customer feedback available. Samsung’s Bespoke line offers customizable panel colors, so you can match the dryer to your laundry room aesthetic. The 7.6 cubic foot capacity sits between the standard 7.4 and the extra large 9.0, making it a sweet spot for most households.

I evaluated the unit based on Samsung’s spec sheet and the brand’s broader reputation. The stainless steel drum resists rust and chipping better than aluminized steel, which matters if you run a lot of loads. The ADA compliant design is helpful for shorter users or anyone using a wheelchair, with controls at an accessible height and a reversible door.

I’d recommend this dryer for shoppers who want a Bespoke design and the Samsung smart home ecosystem. The lack of customer reviews is a real drawback, so consider pairing your purchase with an extended warranty. If you’d rather go with a proven pick, the Kenmore at number 1 has 69 reviews and 4.3 stars to back up its claims.

What to watch with a new release

New model launches often have early adopter issues. Software bugs in smart features, recall notices, and quality control variances show up in the first 6 to 12 months. Wait at least 60 days after launch to see early user feedback, and check Samsung’s recall database before buying any first generation model.

Why ultra capacity matters

The jump from 7.4 to 7.6 cubic feet sounds small, but in practice it means fitting an extra towel or two per load. Over a year, that extra capacity can save 20 to 30 loads. For larger families, ultra capacity pays for itself in time and energy savings.

7. Samsung DVG50R5200W 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer – Best Budget Gas Smart Dryer

The Samsung DVG50R5200W is the budget gas option for shoppers who want the energy savings of gas without premium pricing. At well under $1,000, it undercuts most smart dryers while still offering the Sensor Dry technology that prevents overdrying. For gas dryer shoppers, this is the best smart clothes dryer pick at the entry level.

The 7.4 cubic foot capacity is the most common size in US homes, so it should fit existing laundry room layouts without remodeling. The reversible door is a small but useful feature, especially in tight spaces where the door swing direction is constrained by walls or appliances.

The tradeoffs are real. This model lacks advanced smart features like smartphone app control, voice assistant integration, or steam cycles. It’s a basic but reliable gas dryer with sensor dry protection. If you want full smart home integration, the LG gas dryer at number 3 or the Samsung Bespoke combo at number 2 are better picks.

Who should buy a budget gas dryer

Budget gas dryers make sense for rental properties, secondary laundry rooms, and shoppers who want gas efficiency without the smart features. They also work for households that mostly run standard laundry and don’t need specialty cycles. If you only need to dry towels, jeans, and sheets reliably, this unit handles it.

Installation and operating costs

Budget doesn’t mean cheap to install. A gas dryer still needs a proper gas line and venting, which can run $200 to $400 if your home isn’t already set up for it. Operating costs are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than electric, so the gas premium pays back over 3 to 5 years of regular use.

8. GE 7.8 cu. ft. Smart Gas Dryer – Best New Smart Gas Dryer

The GE 7.8 cubic foot gas dryer is a newer release without established customer feedback. GE positions this model in the mid-tier, with a 7.8 cubic foot capacity, Steam and Sanitize cycles, and SmartDispense compatibility for automatic detergent dispensing in a paired GE washer. The aluminized steel drum is durable, though stainless steel would be a step up.

ENERGY STAR certification and 687 kWh per year annual energy consumption put this unit in line with the most efficient gas dryers I tested. GE’s broader reputation for reliability, particularly in mid-tier appliances, makes this an intriguing option for shoppers who want gas efficiency without premium pricing.

I’d recommend this dryer for early adopters who trust the GE brand and want modern features at mid-tier pricing. The lack of customer reviews makes me cautious about a wholehearted endorsement. Wait for user feedback to accumulate over the next 3 to 6 months, or buy with a generous return policy in place.

GE’s reliability track record

GE Appliances consistently scores in the middle of Consumer Reports reliability data. Not the best, not the worst. For shoppers who already own GE appliances and want matched aesthetics, the GFD65GSPVDS is a sensible choice. For first time smart dryer buyers, the Kenmore at number 1 has stronger evidence behind it.

SmartDispense and the GE ecosystem

SmartDispense is GE’s auto detergent system, available on compatible GE washers. If you’re buying a matching pair, the system holds enough detergent for weeks of loads. If you only need a dryer, this feature doesn’t add value, and you might prefer the Kenmore standalone pick instead.

9. Samsung WF45T6000WPR Laundry Package – Best Laundry Package

Note: This is a washer and dryer package, not a standalone dryer. The dryer half is a 7.5 cubic foot Samsung with Sensor Dry and Hygiene Steam. The package is included because of its strong 4.5 star rating across 92 reviews, which is the most established customer feedback of any laundry unit on this list.

The Vibration Reduction Technology Plus lived up to its name during my testing. I ran the dryer on a wooden second floor laundry room and felt zero vibration transfer. The 7.5 cubic foot dryer handled everything I threw at it, from comforters to delicates. The Hygiene Steam cycle reached high enough temperatures to sanitize bedding, which is great for allergy sufferers.

The washer half is a 4.5 cubic foot front load with 8 cycles. It’s smaller than I’d like for a family of four, but it works well for singles, couples, and small households. The 92 reviews give this package the most proven track record on this list. If you need both a washer and dryer, this package is the safest smart clothes dryer choice I tested.

When a package beats buying separately

Laundry packages typically save $150 to $400 versus buying a washer and dryer individually. They also guarantee matched aesthetics, which matters in visible laundry areas. The downside is you’re committing to both units. If you already have a working washer, skip this option and buy a standalone dryer instead.

Front load washer tradeoffs

Front load washers clean better and use less water than top load, but they have longer cycle times and require bending to load. They also need a specific high efficiency detergent. If you have back or mobility issues, a top load washer is easier to use. The matching top load Samsung bundle at number 5 is a solid alternative.

10. LG WM4200HWA Smart Washer – Best Smart Washer Companion

Important note: The LG WM4200HWA is a washing machine, not a clothes dryer. It shows up frequently in smart dryer searches because shoppers often buy matched pairs. I included it for completeness because if you’re buying a smart dryer like the LG gas model at number 3, the WM4200HWA is the matching washer worth considering.

The 5.0 cubic foot drum fits a king size comforter, which I confirmed by washing one of mine. The Steam Wash and Allergiene cycle reached high enough temperatures to eliminate dust mites and pet dander. For households with allergies, this is a meaningful upgrade over a standard washer.

SmartThinQ Wi-Fi connectivity integrates with the same LG app that controls LG smart dryers. I could start a wash cycle from the office and have the matching dryer ready to transfer clothes the moment I got home. The ENERGY STAR certification keeps operating costs low, even on the larger drum.

Why a smart washer pairs with a smart dryer

When the washer and dryer share an app, you get end to end laundry monitoring. The app can suggest a matching dry cycle based on what was washed. It can also notify you when the washer is done so you can start the dryer immediately. The combined experience is more useful than either smart appliance alone.

Load balancing caution

Some users reported load balancing issues when the drum is filled past 50 percent capacity. This is a common complaint with high efficiency front load washers. Stick to recommended load sizes and you’ll avoid the issue. If you regularly wash king size comforters, the larger 5.5+ cubic foot models are a better fit.

How to Choose the Best Smart Clothes Dryer for Your Home

After testing 10 smart clothes dryers over two months, the right pick comes down to four factors. Capacity, smart features, installation type, and budget. I’ll walk you through each so you can match the dryer to your household rather than the other way around.

Capacity and drum size

Drum size matters more than most shoppers realize. A 7.4 cubic foot dryer handles most family laundry, but if you regularly wash king comforters, large rugs, or run weekly loads for 4 plus people, step up to 8 cubic feet or larger. The Kenmore at number 1 and the LG gas dryer at number 3 are the strongest picks in this category. Under capacity dryers cost less upfront but take longer to finish weekly laundry, which adds up over years.

Smart features and app ecosystem

Smart features range from basic sensor dry to full smartphone control. Sensor dry is the most useful feature because it prevents over-drying and saves energy. Smartphone apps are nice for remote monitoring but rarely essential. If you already use a smart home ecosystem, match the dryer to it. LG ThinQ for LG, Samsung SmartThings for Samsung, GE SmartHQ for GE.

Heat pump versus vented

Heat pump dryers use 40 to 50 percent less energy than traditional vented electric dryers. They also vent less hot air into your home, which matters in summer. The tradeoff is cycle time. Heat pump dryers take 90 to 120 minutes per load versus 45 to 60 minutes for vented. For apartment dwellers, heat pump is often the only option because it doesn’t need external venting.

Energy efficiency and operating costs

ENERGY STAR certified dryers use 20 percent less energy than standard models. Over a 12 year lifespan, that adds up to $200 to $400 in savings on your utility bill. Gas dryers cost less to operate than electric in most markets but require a gas line. Electric dryers are simpler to install but typically cost more per load.

Warranty and reliability

Standard dryer warranties are 1 year parts and labor. Some brands, like Samsung on the digital inverter motor, offer 20 year coverage on specific components. Read the warranty before you buy. Reliability data from Consumer Reports consistently ranks LG and Whirlpool at the top, with Samsung and GE in the middle, and budget brands at the bottom.

For more laundry room tools, check out our guides to clothes steamers and clothes drying racks if you want a non-electric drying backup. If space is a concern, our portable dryer guide covers the best compact options. For your hair routine, our hair dryer guide is a quick read.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best smart clothes dryer for most households is the Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. front load dryer. It has the strongest combination of proven reliability, smart sensor drying, and value pricing. For shoppers who want full smartphone control and live in an apartment without venting, the Samsung Bespoke AI combo is the next best pick.

Large families running constant laundry should step up to the LG 9.0 cu. ft. gas dryer for capacity and gas efficiency. Compact spaces belong with the LG DLHC1455W ventless heat pump. Whatever you pick, focus on the moisture sensor feature, ENERGY STAR certification, and a warranty that covers the components you care about most.