Some people dread doing laundry, similar to how you might feel about washing dishes or vacuuming. Others may look forward to the simplicity of the chore. Regardless of which viewpoint you share, a good laundry routine includes a dependable laundry basket or hamper.
What makes a quality one depends on several factors, according to Linda Samuels, professional organizer and author at Oh So Organized. “Great laundry hamper qualities include good function and design,” she says. “Think about where the hamper will ‘live,’ how easy it is to use (with or without a lid), and whether it will stay in one place or be moved often.” With that in mind, we rounded up some of the best options that align with her guidance.
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Best laundry baskets of 2026
These are among the most highly rated laundry baskets and hampers we came across at NBC Selected readers’ favorite retailers, including Amazon, Target, Walmart and Wayfair. We separated the types of hampers and baskets we found into five common categories, including collapsible hampers and laundry baskets with wheels.
Best wicker laundry baskets
Wicker isn’t actually a material, but the way a material, like willow or reed, is woven together. Wicker has traditionally been used in basketry and is often made with rattan, raffia or straw in furniture, among other materials.
If you’re prone to compartmentalizing, you might like this bestselling laundry basket. The oval-shaped basket has two separate compartments with their own machine-washable liners that are secured to the hamper by built-in handles.
This wicker hamper is designed to fit snugly into corners. It’s made from a moisture-resistant plastic material and includes carry handles and a removable liner, according to the brand.
This waterproof, metal-framed hamper is made from a realistic looking rattan-like plastic and has silica gel feet to prevent scratches on the floor, according to the brand. Its cotton liner is removable, machine-washable and ties to the corners of the hamper.
Best collapsible laundry baskets
This basket comes recommended by Samuels who says it’s ideal for small rooms. “This slim, foldable laundry hamper fits into tight spaces and has handles for easy carrying,” she says. “It’s made of high-density waterproof fabric and a metal frame to keep it stable when standing.” It’s available in over a dozen styles and the inside is lined with breathable mesh.
While this fabric hamper may look inflexible, it can be collapsed when it’s not in use. Its exterior is made from a thick polyester and its interior lining is reinforced with a waterproof coating, according to the brand. The brand says the hamper’s longer handles make it easy to transport with just one hand. It currently comes in six capacities and multiple colors/patterns.
This affordable and bestselling hamper is constructed from what the brand describes as a “durable mesh” that’s meant to keep moisture at bay. A pocket on the hamper offers extra storage or a place to put your phone while headed to the laundry room. You can choose between a handful of colors and designs, though availability fluctuates.
Best laundry baskets on wheels
This hamper has a retractable handle and a flip-top lid. The roller wheels will glide smoothly across different surfaces, according to Sterilite.
This 160-liter laundry basket with wheels has handles on the sides and a metal frame to help it maintain its shape. While it’s a common style for hotels, it’s also suitable for home and even for students living away from home. It’s also available in a 320-liter option for people who do a high volume of laundry weekly. Two of the wheels have brakes on them and the basket is removable from the wheel frame, so you can wash and clean it.
This four-wheeled laundry basket has a durable metal frame on the outside and a fabric line on the inside. It also has a wood lid so you can cover your clothes but also use it to store laundry detergent and other supplies. It has two baskets each with handles and the metal frame also has a handle so you can pull it along with the wheels.
Best laundry hampers with lids
This bamboo basket has rope handles on each side and an additional rope on the lid. It includes a removable bag inside if you don’t want to carry the whole basket to the laundry room. It currently comes in two stains: Dark and a lighter, Natural.
While this dual-compartment hamper might seem big to carry, it’s actually made from a lightweight polypropylene material that makes transporting it to the laundry room easy, according to the brand. Each compartment comes with its own removable laundry bag, to help you separate whites from darks, or your laundry from your significant other’s. It comes in seven colors.
Best laundry sorters
This wheeled laundry center from Wayfair Basics, the online decor shop’s line of affordable home essentials, offers an adjustable hanging bar for ironed clothes or delicates. It also features three removable and machine-washable hamper bags.
Like other sorters, this wheeled hamper has three compartments for separating lights, darks and delicates — but with the Elena, each removable fabric bag slides out on runners. You can also use its table-like surface to fold clean laundry.
This laundry sorter comes with a tray-style top that doubles as an ironing board and folds upward for easy access to the three machine-washable laundry bags. The sorter sits on four caster wheels for transportability.
How we picked the best laundry hampers
These are the factors our expert recommended I keep in mind when making this list:
- Design: There are several types of laundry hampers, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Some hampers are made from mesh, plastic or fabric, while others are made of a woven material. Some people prefer the look of one over the other, but it’s also important to think about your personal routine and how much laundry you do on a daily or weekly basis. We made sure to include laundry hampers of all different types and textures, ideal for people with many types of schedules.
- Size: Similar to design, the size of the laundry basket you chose will depend on how often and how much laundry you do. Some small laundry hampers may be best for one person who only does laundry for themselves or someone who does laundry very often. A large one may be great for a family. In this list, we included laundry hampers of many different sizes.
How to shop for the best laundry baskets and hampers
Here’s what our experts recommend keeping in mind when shopping for laundry baskets.
Choose a material
Since laundry baskets often come in plastic, woven or fabric material, it’s best to start here when choosing the best option for you. “Plastic or fabric hampers are usually the lightest, making them easy to carry. Handles or straps help make transport easier,” says Samuels. “Woven hampers are less desirable because clothing and threads can snag on the rough surface, even if the hamper has a canvas insert.”
Think about portability
When choosing the best laundry basket for your home, decide whether portability is important, especially since the basket will get heavy from time to time. “If it will be moved frequently from its ‘home’ to your laundry area, make sure it’s easy to carry and not too heavy,” says Samuels. “Functionality is most important, but if it looks nice and is well-designed, that’s a bonus.”
Meet our organizing expert
At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Linda Samuels is a professional organizer and author at Oh So Organized.
Why trust NBC Selected?
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Selected where he writes about home appliances and accessories.
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