The 11 Best Laundry Baskets and Hampers, According to Testing

We then ranked the best in 10 categories, from best basket for a dorm to best budget hamper, and we chose one as the best overall laundry basket.

We tested 30 laundry baskets and hampers over a two-week period to see how they performed with big loads and small, how sturdy and durable they were, and their overall value versus their price tags.

In fact, Blakey keeps a laundry basket in each child’s bedroom (and she recommends her clients do the same), so that when the kids undress at the end of the day, clothes go straight into the basket rather than the floor. She and her husband actually keep two baskets in their closet, one for lights and the other for darks, “so that helps me with the sorting,” she explains.

“A laundry basket is a physical boundary that can create more harmony in a household,” says Holly Blakey, owner of Breathing Room Home, a home organizing and styling company in the San Francisco Bay area. “Laundry can cause a lot of frustration … But having a basket or hamper gives those socks and other clothes a physical boundary, a place for them to live until laundry day. The basket helps create a more succinct system to give you back more time.”

As humble as laundry baskets and hampers can be, these clothes collectors actually do more than just hold garments, linens, and bedding ready for the washing machine. They can actually be part of a system that makes wash day easier, your laundry room more organized, and life a little less stressful.

One complaint is the handle, which should be longer to be of better use.

To suit almost any décor, it comes in several colors, all emblazoned with “Laundry” on the side for a minimalist, modern touch. It’s also attractive enough to keep out in the open; we thought it would even be useful as storage or for carrying other items. For the price, we were definitely impressed.

Casters and a single loop handle let you wheel it to the laundromat or washing machine, but it’s also lightweight enough to easily carry—we even toted it down to the basement when it was filled with laundry and had no problems. An interior mesh flap can close to keep items in the basket if it tips over, though this flap mostly just got in our way. The hamper can also collapse to about an inch tall if needed, but we kept it assembled and stashed in a small closet where it fit easily.

When you’re a dorm dweller or you just live in tight quarters, floor space is at a premium. This rolling hamper is super skinny and short enough to slide under a shelf while still stashing plenty of dirty clothes. It is made of woven Oxford cloth and treated to be waterproof, so it can hold damp items without getting musty; it also easily wipes clean.

We found that the single handle, which is a leather loop that snaps onto the hamper, was too short and difficult to grip.

This basket packs lots of features into its snug size, including locking casters and a mesh flap at the top to prevent spillage if the hamper falls over.

As far as drawbacks go, the basket carries a hefty price tag, but it feels commercial in quality so we think its value outweighs the high cost. We wouldn’t put wet clothes in this basket, and it’s not suitable for going up and down stairs. And if we could, we would add a rod over the cart to hang clean or damp clothes.

The frame is very sturdy, and the cotton canvas basket is very heavy and durable. It is also removable and could be machine-washed if it was ever stained. The cart sits on casters and glides easily across tile, wood, and carpet, and it is so handsome that it elevates whatever room it’s in—we just love how it looks! We tested the small narrow style in white, but these canvas hampers come in other sizes and colors as well.

If your family’s wash day never seems to end, the Steele Canvas Elevated Laundry Basket is for you. Ergonomically designed on an elevated steel frame, this cotton canvas basket sits at just the right height for unloading dirty clothes into the machine and piling in just-dried laundry for folding. It holds an adequate 10 ounces, so we could transport two to three loads in one fell swoop. We think the large size makes it perfect for families who frequently wash large loads at once.

On the downside, it arrived flat-packed and required assembly, but the illustrations were so vague that we had to hunt around for a video on YouTube to put it together. We wouldn’t recommend placing damp clothing or towels inside, as there is no air circulation, so we just let towels air-dry before adding them to the hamper. All these drawbacks prompted the sense that the hamper is a bit overpriced.

The hamper can fold and store flat if needed, but we found that process wasn’t as simple or quick as other models. We did appreciate the lid, which keeps soiled garments hidden from view, and that it came in multiple colors. It looks attractive enough to leave out in your bedroom.

Compact and lightweight, this hamper can easily handle two to three loads of laundry—and it’s still light enough to carry when full. (It has handles on either side.) An interior divider allowed us to separate clothes as we deposited them inside, though we found it not very useful as a sorter, as we often have more than two loads to do at a time. Mesh liners in each compartment can be removed and used as laundry bags, though we are a bit concerned that these liners might rip easily, especially if they’re ever overstuffed. They are secured to the hamper with hook and loop fasteners, but we question the longevity of the sticky tabs, as they seemed pretty flimsy. Plus, securing the liners to the tabs added an extra step to laundry day—that is, it wasn’t as quick as just plopping the liner in the hamper and moving on.

One complaint about this model is its small size, which holds enough for one person’s weekly laundry; it’s not suitable for a larger household. (We aren’t sure the handles could withstand very heavy loads anyway.) And it doesn’t collapse like some similar-looking models do.

We appreciate its clean, attractive design, and there are plenty of ventilation holes that will keep it from getting musty or mildewed. Stains wipe right off with a damp cloth, and it can even stack with other like baskets if you have several in your home.

In testing, we really felt that this is the best “bang-for-your-buck” basket. Designed with one concave side and three handles, it can be carried two ways: with both hands in front of the body (for heavier loads) or pressed against a hip (to free up one hand). Made of BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, it is surprisingly sturdy given its lightness. Its weight and carrying options make it especially handy going up and down stairs, toting clean or dirty clothes to and from the laundry room, and carrying folded clothes to put them away.

This basket has a small 44-liter capacity, which is probably not enough for a household with children or lots of dirty clothes.

It’s sturdy and lightweight, and its curved design and a third handle let you carry it on your hip.

Our concern is that the fabric could hang onto musty smells or dampness, so air-drying and the occasional spritz of fabric refresher are good ideas if you pile wet clothes inside. We also don’t think these baskets would be comfortable to carry when held against the hip, as we often do.

Because these come in a package of two baskets, you could put them in different rooms to serve as hampers, or do what we did: Keep one in the trunk of the car to transport groceries into the house after shopping trips. Just flatten it until you need it so it takes up almost zero space.

The baskets fold down almost flat so they can be stored when not in use. The top lip includes an alloy steel frame so the basket stays open when you’re loading it—there’s no flopping or collapsing, and it’s plenty broad for catching clothes. The fabric can also be wiped clean and air-dried if it’s ever stained , but it is not machine-washable.

This pair of baskets is a bargain, plain and simple. Each one has a respectable 64-liter capacity, and they are sized just right for easy carrying. They are lightweight, even when loaded with laundry, and the handles are wide, comfortable, secure, and easy to hold, even going up and down stairs.

With no ventilation holes, it should be air-dried if you carry wet clothes in it.

Even loaded full of clothes and sheets, the CleverMade Laundry Basket is still lightweight—and it collapses to nearly nothing when it’s not in use.

We just had two gripes with this hamper: One, that the wheeled cart doesn’t suit a home with stairs or a household that takes its soiled clothes to a laundromat. The second is that this sorter only comes in gray—more color choices would be great.

The metal handles held up well during testing, and the basket is made of medium-weave cotton canvas that’s both attractive and quick-drying. If the bags ever get stained, they can go into the washer for cleaning. We found this sorter to be a very good value for the price, too.

The bags hang from a metal cart with four wheels and two taller handles so you can push or pull from either side; we found it very easy to maneuver. The wheels have stoppers to lock the cart in place. It’s narrow enough to fit against a wall on non-laundry days or even in a closet, which is where we kept ours during testing. In fact, one of our testers even said that this stylish cart made her laundry room look clean and more organized .

If your household generates lots of laundry and it’s tough to haul it all from the bedrooms to the washing machine, this wheeled laundry sorter will make wash day easier. The three bags all have handles so they can be lifted and lowered easily, and each one holds about one medium-size load, allowing you to sort up to three loads as you toss clothes and bedding inside.

A few things we noted: The hamper doesn’t have handles and it’s pretty heavy, so it’s awkward to carry—though of course you can simply remove the liner instead of moving the whole hamper. It’s also smaller than many models we tested, which makes it good for tight spaces , but it also means that it holds only about a load and a half of laundry. We would prefer it to hold two full loads rather than just one and a half.

Inside is a removable liner attached with hook and loop fasteners so it won’t bunch or slip. Once the bag is full, unfasten the tabs and lift the liner out of the hamper. If it ever gets stained or smelly, it can go straight into the washing machine .

There’s also a plastic ring on the bottom to protect floors, and we especially like how handsome and sleek it looks; it’s nice enough to leave visible in the bathroom or bedroom.

Even if you have just a corner of a closet, minimal floor space in a bathroom, or “cozy” laundry room to dedicate to a hamper, chances are high that this cylindrical model will fit. It’s made of corrosion-resistant metal that’s easy to wipe clean; it also has ventilation holes all around so it’s OK to drop in damp clothing and towels—they won’t develop any odors. It is plenty sturdy so there’s no worry about it tipping over when tossing heavy towels or bedding inside. The top is covered by a cork lid with a small hole for tossing in dirty clothes. The metal base and cork lid convinced us of this hamper’s excellent value, even considering its higher price tag.

For its size, this hamper is heavier than expected and awkward to carry because there are no handles.

We’re also wary of putting damp towels or clothing inside because there are no holes or slots to circulate air. Putting the lid on a hinge would be an improvement, too, as a hinged lid would be more practical than having to remove the lid to add laundry to the hamper. Lastly, it comes in only one color, so if it’s not your favorite, you’ll have to make do or find another hamper.

With all these fab features comes a hefty price. The hamper is also wide, making it harder for some people to carry, and it’s tall enough that shorter people might have difficulty digging out clothes at the bottom of the bin. When it’s brimming with laundry, it can be heavy, too. We decided not to move it much, but rather to empty one side at a time on wash day and leave it in the bedroom.

Who says laundry must be mundane or messy? With a hamper this handsome, you might start looking forward to laundry day —or at least dread it a little less. We found that the Tava Hamper easily holds two large loads (one in each compartment), which means you can sort clothes as you deposit them (one of our favorite features). A lid hides the heaps so no one has to look at them. While some natural fiber baskets can come a bit undone and snag, this one is tightly woven, heavy duty, and easy to wipe down, and it appears that it will stay that way for a long time. It could pass for a nice piece of furniture in the bedroom or bath—you won’t have to hide it in a closet.

As an added bonus, we’re particularly pleased with the charming gray and white stripe print which makes these hampers much less of an eyesore, fitting into almost any décor. Besides laundry, we found that the baskets would also work well for stashing toys and blankets, a great option considering they come in a set of two. We also consider this an all-around smart purchase.

The fabric is waterproof on the inside so it won’t stain or absorb odors, and you can leave damp garments inside until wash day.

Another option that can double as a basket and a hamper, the HomeHacks Large Laundry Basket is light enough to haul from one room to another and up a flight of stairs, even while holding one to two loads of clothes. But it’s also sturdy enough to stand on its own—that’s thanks to an interior metal frame. The long handles might be our favorite part: They’re reinforced with tight stitching so we could carry or even drag a heavy load. When the hampers are empty, they fold up for storage.

On the downside, because it has a lid and there are no holes for ventilation, it might be wise to let damp clothes dry before tossing them inside. The price was also a bit higher than we expected.

Otherwise, each compartment has a canvas liner secured to the inside with adhesive hook and loop tabs. When you’re ready to wash, unfasten the tabs, lift out the fabric liners, and carry them to the laundry room with their built-in handles. If they ever get stained or musty, you can throw them in the machine too. The hamper itself can be wiped clean if needed, though its heavy texture might make some marks difficult to remove. But we do love how attractive the woven water hyacinth is—this hamper doesn’t have to be hidden, which is a major plus in smaller homes. In fact, this hamper could almost pass for a stylish piece of furniture. We kept one beside the bed, where it doubles as a tabletop because it’s flat and sturdy.

Inside, a divider lets you sort laundry as you toss it in. It fits at least two loads’ worth, and even when it’s full, it is still fairly lightweight and easy to carry, so you can tote the whole hamper to the washing machine or laundromat if you’d like.

Ideal for small spaces because it can serve as both a hamper and as totable laundry bags, the Seville Classics Oval Hamper is crafted of water-resistant polyethylene wicker with a hinged lid that keeps soiled clothes hidden. It came to us fully assembled, which is a major plus.

We wish the removable liners had backpack-type straps for hauling to the laundromat, and we’d appreciate holes for air circulation.

As though all that wasn’t enough, it’s also smartly priced. Our only quibble with this product—and it’s a small one—is that it probably can’t carry a huge heap of blankets or towels. But for most households and most loads, it’s plenty practical.

Because it comes in a set of two, you could use them to sort dirty clothes or you could put them in two different bedrooms or bathrooms to serve as hampers. The baskets also have holes on two sides so air can circulate, preventing mustiness and mildew. When it’s not in use, this basket can collapse to be stored.

Just about everything about this laundry basket won us over. We hauled it up and down two flights of stairs, and its plastic construction was lightweight and its handles comfortable to use. A third handle on the side lets you carry it against your hip to free up one hand, a truly convenient feature, and the basket is roomy enough to hold a medium to large load easily. It comes in multiple colors so you can choose your favorite—we’re partial to the black and white striped version.

Available in a rainbow of pretty colors and sold in a set of two, the Sammart Laundry Basket has three handles so you can carry it two ways (in front of your body or on your hip). It also collapses to a mere 3 inches tall so you can stash it in a closet when it’s not in use.

The Bottom Line

After extensive testing, the Sammart Collapsible 3-Handled Plastic Laundry Basket was deemed the best for its lighter weight, a third handle and curved shape for carrying on the side of your body, and its store-flat collapsible design.

Our Testing Process

Our testers put 30 laundry baskets and hampers through the ringer every time they did laundry over a two-week period. They used the baskets or hampers for both small and large loads, hauled them up and down stairs, and cleaned the baskets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

We evaluated each product in four areas: ease of use, design, durability, and value. For ease of use, we rated the basket or hamper on whether it was easy to carry and lightweight, and whether the handles were comfortable and easy to hold, even with a heavy load of laundry. For design, we noted whether the basket was large enough to fit a standard or oversize load, whether it could be easily stored when not in use, what special features it has (such as wheels, liners, or collapsibility), if it looks nice enough to leave out, and whether it can serve multiple purposes.

Regarding durability, we evaluated if the basket is stain-resistant or easy to clean, if the handles ripped, broke, or cracked during the testing period, and whether it was suitable for wet clothing. For value, we evaluated whether or not the product’s price reflects its usefulness and features and whether they would pay this price for it (or even more). 

Lastly, we also noted what we liked most about the basket or hamper, what we would change about it, and whether we would recommend it to friends or family. We then compiled the results to name the best laundry baskets and hampers in 10 categories, plus the best overall basket.

What To Know About Laundry Baskets Before Shopping

Before shopping for a basket or hamper, Blakey recommends taking stock of four things: ease of use, design, durability, and value.

Ease of use

“You want to make sure the hamper or basket is transportable,” Blakey notes, so look for sturdy handles and light weight. Also note whether it is collapsible. If you’re in a small apartment, a collapsible option may appeal to you; if you do several loads of laundry every week, you might want a rigid hamper that stays upright to hold all those dirty clothes. Also consider how easy other tasks are: carrying the basket up and down stairs, removing and inserting a liner, and storing when it’s not in use.

Design

While shopping, take into account a basket’s size and features. Size is measured by both interior capacity (usually in liters) and by dimensions in inches, so consider where you will keep the basket or hamper and how big that area is to make sure a potential purchase fits. As far as capacity goes, if you do heaps of laundry every week, opt for a container with greater capacity. If you’re a one-person household with little laundry, a small basket is plenty.

Do you need wheels on a hamper? Probably, if you’re moving it from room to room and it’s too heavy or bulky to carry. Probably not if it’s easy enough to tote in your arms. Should you buy a collapsible model? Yes, if you plan to store it when it’s not in use. Do you need a sorter? Yes, if you have lots of different types of laundry (delicates, heavy-duty items, bulky garments, towels, bedding, and so forth), but not really if your household generates just a few loads a week.

Shape is another consideration. If you plan to place the hamper into the corner of a closet or bathroom, maximize its capacity by choosing a square or rectangular model, not a round or oval one.

A basket’s aesthetics also fall into the “design” category: “Will it be in your closet or out in your bedroom?” Blakey asks. “Do you want it to blend in, or do you want to see it?” If the basket or hamper will be visible day-to-day, choose one you really like. “If you value something, how it looks or how it helps your house, you’re much more likely to utilize a system,” Blakey explains. “You’ll use it more, and it can truly help you keep the space tidier.”

Durability

Handles are often a pain point with baskets because they get a lot of use. Consider a handle’s material and construction as well as how it’s attached to the basket.

A basket’s material makes a big difference in durability. Wicker or rattan hampers and handles can unravel and snag, and often these natural materials are not waterproof so they can be damaged by wet clothes or being kept in a damp area, such as a bathroom.

Fabric bags can tear, develop holes, and pick up odors and stains, so look for heavy, densely woven fabric and strong, tight stitching along seams and handles. Ideally, fabric bags would be machine-washable or treated to resist stains.

Plastic baskets should be thick enough that the plastic won’t warp or tear, especially with a heavy load inside, and handles should not be slick, slippery, or sharp along the edges.

Value

For those of us who stash our laundry baskets in the closet, who have baskets in every bedroom and bathroom, and who don’t mind a utilitarian look, an inexpensive but serviceable basket is likely fine. There are plenty in our recommended list under $50.

But don’t think that value automatically means cheaper. Value is about an item’s worth, not its price tag. An expensive hamper that streamlines wash day, looks handsome in your bedroom, and lasts for years might be well worth the money. Likewise, even if a basket costs only a few dollars, it isn’t a bargain if it is flimsy, the wrong size, or unsuitable for your household. “That’s where value comes in,” says Blakey, our expert, “What fits your space, and what do you need?”

Other Laundry Baskets we Tested

Better Homes & Gardens Laundry Deluxe Service Canvas Tote

This basket got high marks for its sizable capacity (it could fit two large loads), affordability, and the fact that it both stands on its own–making it easy to drop dirty clothes inside–and also folds down when not in use. On the downside, we wished it had a longer strap option so you could toss it over a shoulder to carry; it also wouldn’t work well for wet clothing or towels.

Songmics 4-Bag Laundry Cart Sorter

This sorter won rave reviews during our test because it serves as an everyday sorter for up to four loads of laundry, and it moves easily on heavy-duty wheels from the bedroom to the washing machine, even when filled to the brim. The bags are lined in plastic so damp clothing won’t cause problems, and the bags can be easily wiped down. It lost points for its large size and that it’s not sensible in a house with stairs.

Chrislley 45L Slim Laundry Hamper with Wheels

A lightweight model on lockable wheels, we liked its slim size, but that also meant it couldn’t hold large loads. It also includes a mesh drawstring cover to hide soiled items inside—which we appreciated—but we didn’t like the single handle. A second handle on the other side would’ve made the hamper much more maneuverable.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the difference between a laundry basket and a laundry hamper?

A basket is meant for toting dirty clothes and linens from one place to another—say, from the bedroom to the laundry room or from the house to the laundromat. A hamper is not meant to move from room to room but rather is simply a receptacle for dirt laundry.

What is the best laundry basket?

Our testers raved about the Sammart laundry baskets for a load of reasons: They come in a set of two so you can stash one in the primary bedroom and one in the kids’ bathroom. They’re made of durable but lightweight plastic so they stand up to regular use but are still easy to carry. And they fold nearly flat so you can store them in a narrow space if you need to.

Who We Are

Sarah Halverson has more than 25 years of writing and editing experience—and way more than that doing laundry—in elementary school, she was in charge of washing, drying, and folding the family’s clothes, sheets, and towels! These days, she does upwards of eight loads a week, and it’s still her favorite chore. Our expert, Holly Blakey, is the owner of Breathing Room Home, a home organizing and styling company in the San Francisco Bay area.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.