The Best Laundry Baskets and Hampers

I’ve been writing about residential design and interiors for more than a decade. During that time, I’ve done laundry in a variety of setups, including tiny studio apartments with shared basement laundry facilities, a coin-operated laundromat in a long-term residence hotel, and most recently in a single-family home in Massachusetts with a cramped and outdated laundry closet. As a mom, I also run an average of 11 loads of laundry per week—and lots of them are invariably muddy, sticky, or germy.

To make this guide more inclusive and useful, I researched the best way to do laundry while living in a college dorm, how wheelchair users unload and put away laundry, and how to do laundry while aging in place. This guide also builds on existing work done in 2017 by Chris Heinonen, who evaluated more than 30 models and tested eight baskets and hampers.

While it’s true that baskets and hampers can do the same tasks, they differ in shape and intended function. Baskets are open on top and usually wider than tall, and they are intended for transporting laundry from one place to another.

Hampers, on the other hand, tend to live in closets and bedrooms and are meant to collect your dirty laundry day-to-day. They are also usually taller, with a smaller footprint than baskets, and can sometimes have lids.

You may choose to buy a hamper if you do laundry only once a week (or even less frequently) and want to “hide” it under a lid. The best hampers offer some form of breathable ventilation but still mask the sight and lingering scent of sweaty workout clothes. With a wider variety of textures and materials available, they also tend to be more attractive than baskets.

And for some folks, the right answer might be to purchase multiple baskets and hampers—and maybe even a laundry sorter on wheels for separating out a baby’s laundry, work or school uniforms, or items by color.

For this guide, I sifted through a daunting stack of comments on our basket and hamper picks over the years, as well as reviews on Reddit, Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

When searching through reviews and product specifications, we found the following features to be non-negotiable when it comes to choosing a long-lasting laundry basket or hamper:

Materials: Heavy loads of laundry can put a lot of strain on stitching, seams, and handles. That means the laundry basket or hamper that carries this weight needs to be made from a material that is sturdy enough not to buckle, rip, or crack under sustained pressure.

Portability: We looked for baskets and hampers that can be moved painlessly by people of different sizes and ages. A big dealbreaker were weak handles, which are bearing the brunt of the stress and need to not only be firmly affixed but also sit comfortably in your hands.

Easy to clean: Mold is a fungus that loves damp laundry. The easiest way to avoid it is to dry out wet, dirty clothing before putting it in a hamper or basket, but not everyone has the space or time to do that for every kid explosion or snowy sock. We prioritized hampers and baskets with adequate ventilation that can be wiped down or washed easily.

Design: We took both aesthetics and functional design into account, like ventilation holes that were so wide that small laundry items fell out. We also considered how attractive a model looked if left out in the open of a bedroom or bathroom while filled with dirty laundry.

After researching laundry baskets and hampers using the above criteria, I composed a list of 41 possible models to test and then whittled the list down to 22 models to test in my home—making our choices based on availability, reviews, and recommendations by current Wirecutter staff.

I tested each basket or hamper for five loads of laundry. The average large load of laundry in the US is 11 pounds, and I filled each basket or hamper with that approximate weight and then assessed how easy it was to carry up and down multiple flights of stairs.

I recruited another tester (a friend) to test for comfort too. I’m 5′2″ and wanted to see if she, as a taller person with longer arms, had a different assessment of portability and comfort.

Handles proved to be the biggest dealbreaker for many models. In several instances, the handles literally broke off, and in other cases the handles felt dangerously loose, raising doubt about long-term reliability.

To assess how easy they were to clean, I followed the manufacturer’s instructions (when provided) for cleaning each one after the five loads. I evaluated if they could be fully cleaned by wiping them down with a wet cloth or in the case of the fabric models, how they held up in the laundry machine.

Finally, I ran an unofficial folding test. I personally find serenity and a feeling of control in neatly folded stacks of clean laundry, and I prefer a basket that is wide enough to carry my folded laundry back to my dresser.

The Sterilite Stacking Laundry Basket is affordable, reliable, can be easily stacked to save space when not in use, and cleans up perfectly with a damp, soapy cloth.

It can hold a lot of laundry. This basket can hold 1.5 bushels/53 liters of laundry (about 27 pounds), which translated to one extra-large plus one small load of laundry for my house’s standard-size, front-loading washer.

We've loved it since 2017. This basket has been a Wirecutter pick since 2017, so we know it's made to last. In my own testing, over the course of two months, I toted around canned goods, a tiny child, library books, and other 40-pound loads, all without the basket cracking or buckling.

For this guide, I re-tested the newest version, to make sure nothing had changed, so we’re confident that it remains a great choice. It has also passed the test with one of our deputy editors, who wrote an ode to this basket and why she loves it.

They're easy to stack and store. If you live in a larger household and end up buying multiples, the baskets are easy to stack when they are not in use. It's also available for purchase in a case of six.

It's well designed and easy to carry. This rectangular basket has a subtle curve on two sides for resting against your stomach as you carry it in front of your body. Large, square openings on all four sides allow for generous ventilation and prevent mold. The basket’s bottom is solid, so it can also hold wet or dirty items without dripping onto you or the floor as you transport them to the washing machine.

It has comfortable and moveable handles. While other baskets I tested had handles carved into the plastic, this basket has uniquely movable gray handles connected with plastic hinges. The handles are smooth and comfortable to hold, and because they move they can accommodate people of different arm lengths and sizes. After years of using these baskets we also know they stay put.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• For my petite 5′2″ frame, I found this basket was not as comfortable to carry as the Sterilite 1.25 Bushel Ultra HipHold Laundry Basket, our curved “hip hugger” pick below. It was slightly too wide for my arm span. A taller person with longer arms would likely disagree.

This Sterilite 1.25 Bushel Ultra HipHold Laundry Basket loads and unloads like a dream and easily carries an extra-large load of laundry (about 21 pounds, or 44 liters)—in both dirty piles and then in clean and tidy stacks.

It's comfortable to carry. This basket is curved on one side to make it easier to prop the basket’s weight on your hip. Those with short arms may also be able to grip under one arm more easily than they would our straight-sided Sterilite pick.

The three handles are reinforced with gray plastic grips and provide different choices for carrying ease based on body type. I particularly like this basket’s cross-hold option for increased control over a heavy basket.

It's easy to clean. I liked how easily this basket cleans. I wiped it down with a wet, slightly soapy cloth in between each load and was able to completely remove all traces of lint and other debris.

This basket, like the other Sterilite pick, also has a solid leakproof base that during testing helped transport sopping towels and clothes both after a child’s bubble bath and a muddy hike without leaving drips across the floor; the well-placed ventilation holes prevented foul smells—even when items were left longer than 24 hours in a laundry closet.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Even though the curved rim on this basket is subtle, some people may not like that it’s not symmetrical and rectangular like the Sterilite White Stackable Laundry Basket. “Hip hold” or “Hip hugger” baskets, I learned from reading many reviews, can be divisive among users. Some people find them uncomfortable, and others complain that the curved shape prevents them from packing precise stacks of clean laundry in a basket, leading to wrinkling.

The best hamper option we found is the Mind Reader 50 Liter Laundry Hamper. With just two parts—the basket and a hinged lid—it’s quick to assemble by simply snapping the lid onto the hamper.

It can hold about a week's worth of dirty laundry. At 21 inches tall, this hamper has ample depth to hold an extra-large load of laundry (about 21 pounds)—which for me translates to all the dirty laundry I accumulate in one week (not including linens).

It looks nice. The faux-woven pattern on this plastic hamper doesn't look bad and it's available in five color options (shown here in ivory).

It's easy to carry, despite being tall. I particularly love the comfortable built-in handles on the sides of the hamper, which makes it portable enough to be carried directly to the laundry machine. Other hampers I tested didn’t have built in handles or the handles were not as durable.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The Mind Reader Hamper does not have as ample ventilation as our basket picks, but it still provides decent airflow. The faux woven pattern was easy enough to clean and wipe down, but we could see some gunk or dust getting trapped in the “weave”.
• I couldn’t easily place my folded clothes back into this deep hamper, so you may prefer a basket if you like doing this.

If you want an organized way to sort your dirty clothes, get the Honey-Can-Do Heavy-Duty Triple Laundry Sorter. This sorter has been a pick since 2017, and it continues to impress us.

In 2022, we ordered a new one to make sure the quality was still up to par.

It's easy to assemble. Using the small wrench provided, I was able to assemble this sorter’s chrome-finished steel base within 15 minutes, and it was extremely stable (it sits on four caster wheels, two of which lock).

Unlike similar sorters with removable bags that attach to the frames with Velcro fasteners (which get linty and detach too easily), these bags are threaded directly onto steel dowels with rubber-coated hook ends (this dowel is also the bag’s handle).

You can easily remove each bag. All three bags are fully removable, which means you can carry them to the washer for easy loading and unloading. This sorter saved me time by letting me pre-sort my laundry into delicate, heavy soil, and dry cleaning.

It's very, very sturdy. The three ample laundry bags are made from a reinforced polyester-cotton blend that washed well in our tests (we washed them three times). Each bag holds roughly a large load (we estimate about 11 pounds), bringing the capacity of the entire sorter to about 30 pounds, but the manufacturer notes the total weight limit as being 70 pounds, making this sorter feel extra sturdy.

It's on wheels. For those aging in place in a single-story residence, the four rubber casters on this sorter make it possible to roll laundry from room to room without demanding much heavy lifting. Two of the casters also lock in place for when you need it to stay put.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• While it's not difficult to do so, this sorter does require some basic assembly.
• This sorter takes up more space, so it may not be ideal for those in small spaces without a dedicated laundry area.

The Yamazaki Tosca Steel Wire Laundry Basket in Large is a simple and plastic-free option if you don’t need a huge basket, or you do smaller loads more regularly.

It's perfect for small spaces. The Yamazaki holds a medium-large load of laundry (close to 9 pounds or 33 liters), and it really shines for transporting small loads like dish towels or baby items. It could also be useful for people living in small spaces or those who don’t need to carry large quantities.

The Yamazaki Tosca Steel Wire Laundry Basket also comes in an even smaller "medium" size (which holds 6.6 pounds, or 23 liters).

It looks great. The grid pattern and minimalist, powder-coated white steel and wood palette is a respite for a product category that leans heavily toward plastic. It's attractive enough to leave out in your home, even when it’s not laundry day.

It's easy to clean and comfortable to carry. The open wire-frame is easy to wipe down and keep clean, and we like that there are no nooks or crannies where mold or dirt can hide. I particularly liked how the two wooden handles are smooth and rounded, don’t cut into hands, and are wide enough to ride on the crook of my elbow for a hands-free carry.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Hovering at around $50, this basket is not cheap—especially when you compare it with our basket picks from Sterilite, which are under $15. But you get quality materials for a good-looking basket that can be used for stashing plenty of other odds and ends besides laundry.
• Unlike our basket and hamper picks, the bottom of this basket is not solid, so it’s not a good option for toting wet items.

If you need a hands-free way to carry your laundry, get the Azhido Laundry Backpack Bag.

It can hold a lot of laundry. This polyester backpack carries an immense 115 liters of laundry, making it ideal for a college student or anyone who needs to do laundry less often and wants to fit up to two extra-large loads of clothes (about 42 pounds).

It's super durable and portable. The reinforced stitching remained intact even after multiple uses and trips through the washing machine. I liked how the well-padded straps are adjustable to create a snug fit for carrying laundry several city blocks to a laundromat if necessary. The external front pocket can carry a 50-fluid-ounce detergent bottle and a bag of quarters.

This backpack would be good for someone who needs to be able to grip a stair railing or push a stroller while simultaneously moving laundry. It also comes in over a dozen colors (we tested the gray version).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• You will probably still need a hamper or basket at home to toss laundry in during the week, as this backpack isn't super ventilated and clothes may become gross if left inside for too long, since it's main purpose is transporting laundry off-site.

If price is not an object and you want a sturdy, well-built hamper with removable bags: The Simple Human X-Frame Laundry Hamper comes in a single and double size. It’s made of a heavy-gauge steel frame and comes fully built, all you have to do is insert the sturdy, polyester laundry bags into place by placing the steel rods into the notched placeholders (the rods are also easy to remove whenever you want to run the bags through the wash.)

The bags are made of recycled plastic, so it’s best to air dry them to avoid melting. Each bag carries about one large load of laundry. We tested the double hamper version, which made it easy to sort dark and lights. Once you remove the bags from the frame they don’t stand upright on their own, which can be annoying for unloading or placing folded laundry back inside.

The frame itself cannot be collapsed or folded, which we thought was counterintuitive to the x-frame design. At $150 for the single and $200 for the double, this hamper is definitely not cheap. So while we think it’s a well-built, breathable, and nice-looking hamper, we think it’s a bit over-engineered and just can’t justify the cost when there’s great alternatives for a quarter of the price.

If you want an easy-to-carry, tall “basket”: Consider the Like-it SCB-10 Portable Round Hamper, which functions more like a tall basket than a hamper and whose sides are flexible enough that if it isn’t fully loaded, you can grasp the handles together to carry it one-handed. It passed all of our tests and looked adorable in mint, but we wished it had a lid. One of our editors has owned this pick for years, and she says it’s her go-to laundry solution

If you want a space-saving tote that holds a lot: Consider the CleverMade Snap Basket Tote—smart snappable side panels make this tote fully collapsible for times when it’s not in use, yet it can hold up to 55 pounds (or 64 liters), which is more than two extra-large loads. This was our guest tester’s favorite model. However, the bag gets very wide when filled, which may make it awkward for some to carry over their shoulders for any sort of distance. If you’re not planning on filling it to the brim, we think this versatile model could work well for some people. And because it’s collapsible, you could easily fold it flat and bring it to the laundromat for moving loads between machines.

If you want a woven-looking hamper and don’t mind fussy liners: Consider a previous pick in this guide, the Seville Classics Water Hyacinth Lidded Oval Double Laundry Hamper. The woven pattern is attractive enough to sit out on display, and the hamper makes it possible for you to sort your dirty clothing as you take it off, which is a time-saver. However, the double liner shrank slightly with washing and was tricky to keep from falling off the hamper’s rim or to replace.

If you’re tall and looking for a good backpack: Consider the BeeGreen Black Laundry Backpack, which ticked all the boxes for our testing but had excessively long straps once the pack was adjusted to fit my 5′2″ body.

I had high hopes for the Mind Reader 40-liter clothes basket, which has a sleek, contemporary design and is an interior designers’ favorite for photo shoots of gleaming new laundry rooms. However, the sharp plastic handles dug into my hands and made the basket unpleasant to carry when fully loaded.

The Sterilite 2-Bushel (71 L) Ultra Laundry Basket is the sibling of our two top picks but lacks the hip-hold or adjustable handle features. When filled to the brim, this 71-liter basket felt too wide and heavy for me to easily carry down stairs while maintaining my balance, though it might be fine for those with longer arms. The Sterilite 1.5 Bushel Ultra Square Laundry Basket came in a fun teal that could brighten up a dorm room, but the one we ordered arrived with busted handles that could not be fixed.

As far as tall, open hampers go, the Yamazaki Wood Handle Round Basket looks attractive, but the holes were too big to keep small items like baby socks or delicate lingerie from falling out when transported around the house. The Yamazaki Rolling Wire Basket Steel + Wood had wheels that were tricky to install and a fixed one-sided handle that made it difficult to lift, but we think it’s a good option if you plan on keeping it near the washing machine, since it can easily roll around.

The INDRESSME Large Cotton Rope Basket would make for adorable and ample toy storage, but it isn’t easy enough to clean to be a long-lasting laundry basket. It also arrived with a strong chemical smell that lingered.

The Organize It All Neu Home Foldable Freestanding Laundry Basket used to be an “also great” pick in a previous version of this guide, and it almost became a pick again due to its ample capacity (it can hold a large load of laundry), its attractive design, and the fact that it can be folded when not in use. However, after a third wash, the Velcro tabs that secure the bag to the hanging metal rods became less effective, causing the tabs to pop open and drop the bag askew the next time I was carrying a load of laundry to the washer.

As one of the pricier options tested, the West Elm Woven Seagrass Baskets Collection natural, large basket offered soothing day spa vibes with its appearance, but the material was so weak that one of the basket’s thin handles snapped off the first time I lifted it, and the included liner was cheap and transparent.

The West Elm Bamboo Storage Hamper checked all the boxes on paper—with its attractive minimalist design, divider for easy sorting, and ample volume. However, it was impossible to clean the fabric and the fabric-coated hamper top felt flimsy.

The Container Store Grey Montauk Round Hamper was beautiful to look at, concealed a week’s worth of laundry for one individual, offered excellent ventilation, and came with a liner. However, the liner quickly ripped and the woven polypropylene began to come undone after more than a month of daily use.

The Dalykate Laundry Backpack carried up to 44 pounds of laundry and doubled as a hanging hamper for the back of a door, but the outer stitches dissolved on the third wash.

The Rubbermaid Stack’N Sort laundry basket is a rectangular design, and like the Sterilite White Stackable Basket, it can be stacked. In person, it is hard to stack compared to our pick and the handles pop out of place easily. It also costs more than our pick and doesn’t perform as well.

As far as hampers go, the Seville Classics 3-Bag Laundry Sorter might look like a pretty good option, but the slightly smaller wheels and fewer long-term reviews made the Honey-Can-Do a better pick.

The Whitmor Chrome Laundry Sorter has mesh bags to help prevent mold and mildew on dirty clothes, but reviews indicate that the bags are weak and fall apart fast.

The Household Essentials Hanging Cotton Canvas Laundry Hamper Bag is sturdy and can hang out of the way, but it holds very little and doesn’t breathe particularly well. Wet washcloths our tester left in it were still wet days later. It’s also small—a grown adult would likely fill this up in just a few days.

The Rubbermaid Foldable Laundry Hamper was the top-selling hamper on Amazon at the time of testing, with a nice design and easy one-handed carrying. Unfortunately, it’s based around cardboard, and there are pictures of it failing if you happen to get it too wet. It also does not breathe well due to the design.

Smart Design Deluxe Mesh Pop Up Laundry Hamper (previously known as DAZZ Deluxe) has hundreds of reviews on Amazon, giving us a lot of reliability data to use. The overall design looks good, with a pocket for laundry soap and easy carry handles at the top. But more than 10% of the reviews report that it rips very easily after purchase and is cheaply made.

The Whitmor 18-inch Collapsible Hamper has far less data to go off of but also an overall good rating. There are still a lot of people reporting that it falls apart easily. Many of the positive reviews come from people using it for something other than laundry, such as a butterfly habitat or chameleon transporter.

We considered but ultimately did not test hampers from Target, Anthropologie, Wayfair, or Brabantia, because they were either not easily available or we had concerns that they would soon be discontinued or hard to find.

This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Christine Ryan.