1
Best overall
GE GFD55GSSNWW
Front-load, 7.8 cu ft, ENERGY STAR, smart app control — $893 at Shop Appliances.
★ 5 (621 owner ratings)
$893.00
8.6DustScore
4.5ValueScore$893 eff.
The best dryers under $700
22 tested, 10 ranked · Last verified: Aug 31, 2026
TL;DR — the short answer
Whirlpool's WGD4720RW gas dryer at $447 is the budget pick of the field, GE's 6.2 cu ft electric at $429 is the cheapest serious vented dryer, and Midea's $329 compact covers tight spaces.
A dryer is the easiest place to save without giving up sensor drying — the sub-$700 field here is genuinely good. Prices verified live from each dealer listing.
Our top picks
Ranked by:
2
Best front-load
LG DLGX4001B
Front-load, 7.4 cu ft, ENERGY STAR, smart app control — $1025 at Shop Appliances.
★ 4.5 (12 owner ratings)
$1025.00
8.5DustScore
4.0ValueScore$1025 eff.
3
Editor's pick
Whirlpool WGD4720RW
7.4 cu ft, ENERGY STAR, smart app control — $447 at stlapplianceoutlet.
$447.00
8.3DustScore
7.8ValueScore$447 eff.
4
Also great
GE 7.8 cu ft Front-load
Front-load, 7.8 cu ft, ENERGY STAR, smart app control — $649 at Mazer Appliance.
$649.00
8.3DustScore
5.7ValueScore$649 eff.
5
Worth a look
Samsung DVE50BG8300V
7.5 cu ft, ENERGY STAR, smart app control — $949 at Shop Appliances.
$949.00
8.3DustScore
4.2ValueScore$949 eff.
6
8.3DustScore
2.8ValueScore$1699 eff.
7
8.3DustScore
2.3ValueScore$2299 eff.
8
8.2DustScore
6.5ValueScore$545 eff.
9
8.2DustScore
6.5ValueScore$547 eff.
10
8.2DustScore
6.0ValueScore$597 eff.
Compare the top picks
Prices and stock load live from each merchant. Specs are from our verified editorial database.
Highlighted cells differ between models.
| Spec | GE GFD55GSSNWW | LG DLGX4001B | Whirlpool WGD4720RW | GE 7.8 cu ft Front-load | Samsung DVE50BG8300V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (live) | $893.00 | $1025.00 | $447.00 | $649.00 | $949.00 |
| Capacity | 7.8 cu ft | 7.4 cu ft | 7.4 cu ft | 7.8 cu ft | 7.5 cu ft |
| Configuration | Front-load | Front-load | Not disclosed | Front-load | Not disclosed |
| Energy | ENERGY STAR certified | ENERGY STAR certified | ENERGY STAR certified | ENERGY STAR certified | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Finish | White | Black | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Black |
| Smart / app | Smart (Wi-Fi app) | Smart (Wi-Fi app) | Smart (Wi-Fi app) | Smart (Wi-Fi app) | Smart (Wi-Fi app) |
| ValueScore | 4.5 | 4.0 | 7.8 | 5.7 | 4.2 |
| DustScore | 8.6 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Buy | Check price → | Check price → | Check price → | Check price → | Check price → |
Best budget dryers: the full review
How this ranking works
Every listing is a live Shopify dealer catalog entry — the price you see is the price the dealer is charging right now, refreshed at page view. Scores are seed drafts: a published rubric applied to listing specs, ENERGY STAR status and owner ratings, pending our bench protocol.
Dealer stock moves fast in this category. If a pick has sold through, the profile page will show it — and the next candidate is usually $50 away in the same ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Gas or electric dryer?
Gas costs less to run where a gas line exists and heats faster; electric is simpler to install anywhere. Matching your washer brand lets you stack them with one pedestal set.
What does a moisture sensor do?
It ends the cycle when clothes are actually dry instead of running a fixed timer — the cheapest feature that saves real energy and fabric wear. Treat it as a must-have.
Are heat pump dryers worth it?
They use roughly half the energy of vented electric dryers and need no vent, which makes them the only option for apartments and closets. They cost $700+ more and dry slower.
How long should a dryer last?
12-13 years on average — longer than washers, since the mechanism is simpler. Lint-screen and vent cleaning matters more than brand choice.
Changelog
- Aug 31, 2026: Launched ranking from live Global Catalog dealer listings; scores are seed drafts pending bench protocol.