8 Best Dryers under $800 in 2026

Contents
  1. The Top 8
  2. Top 8 Dryers Reviewed in Detail
  3. 1. Best Overall
  4. 2. Best Premium
  5. 3. Best Heavy-Duty
  6. 4. Best Compact
  7. 5. Best Lightweight
  8. 6. Best for Daily Use
  9. 7. Best Splurge
  10. 8. Best for Beginners
  11. Dryers Compared Side by Side
  12. How We Reviewed
  13. What to look for
  14. How to Choose Dryers
  15. Frequently asked questions

Finding the best dryer under 800 can be tough. The BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer is our top pick due to its compact size of 23.6” x 17.1” x 27.5”, making it perfect for small spaces. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer. It offers fewer drying modes, but it’s still effective for light use.

When buying, you need to choose between size and drying capacity. The rest of this article will help you compare other models and make an informed decision.

Paid links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices are pulled live from Amazon and change often. How this works

The Top 8

1
Revlon Compact Hair Dryer | 1875W Lightweight Design, Perfect for Travel, (Black)
Revlon Compact Hair Dryer | 1875W Lightweight Design, Perfect for Travel, (Black)
Amazon.com
2
slopehill Professional Ionic Hair Dryer, Powerful 1800W Fast Drying Low Noise Blow Dryer with 2 Concentrator Nozzle 1 Diffuser Attachments for Home Salon Travel (Black)
slopehill Professional Ionic Hair Dryer, Powerful 1800W Fast Drying Low Noise Blow Dryer with 2 Concentrator Nozzle 1 Diffuser Attachments for Home Salon…
Amazon.com
3
MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer - 600w Compact Dryer for Apartment, Travel
MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer – 600w Compact Dryer for Apartment, Travel
Amazon.com
4
Temprium 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer for Laundry
Temprium 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer for Laundry
Amazon.com
5
BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 8.8 lb. Capacity, BCED26, White
BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 8.8 lb. Capacity, BCED26, White
Amazon.com
6
Feelfunn 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer, 1500W Front Load
Feelfunn 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer, 1500W Front Load
Amazon.com
7
BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 13.2 lb. Capacity, 120V, BCED37
BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 13.2 lb. Capacity, 120V, BCED37
Amazon.com
8
Auertech 3.6 CU. FT Clothes Dryer, Large Capacity Laundry Dryer with 12 Drying Modes & Stainless Steel Tub, Dryer Machine, Electric Dryer with LED Control for Busy Family Home, White
Auertech 3.6 CU. FT Clothes Dryer, Large Capacity Laundry Dryer with 12 Drying Modes & Stainless Steel Tub, Dryer Machine, Electric Dryer with LED Control…
Amazon.com

These are the strongest picks that come in under $800, cheapest first.

Top 8 Dryers Reviewed in Detail

Here’s a closer look at our top choices for dryers under $800.

1. Best Overall

Revlon Compact Hair Dryer | 1875W Lightweight Design, Perfect for Travel, (Black)

$14.98
in stock
Amazon.com
  • Compact Dryer. Easy, Everyday Use
  • 2 Heat/Speed Settings
  • Cool Shot Button
  • Lightweight & Compact Design
  • Removable End-cap for Easy Cleaning
Updated: 18 hours ago

The BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer is our best overall choice. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for small spaces while offering a solid 8.8 lb capacity. This dryer requires no complicated electrical work and runs on a standard 120V outlet, making it user-friendly. Compared to the other models, it strikes a balance between size and efficiency.

In contrast, the Temprium 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer is a great option as well, boasting a larger capacity of 13 lbs. and higher drying power with a 1400W heating element. The downside is that it is slightly bulkier, which may not suit very small areas.

One limitation of the BLACK+DECKER model is its smaller capacity compared to some competitors. It may not work well for larger families or those with heavy laundry needs. Overall, this dryer provides an excellent combination of portability and performance.

Pros

  • Compact size (23.6” x 17.1” x 27.5”) for easy placement
  • 8.8 lb capacity suitable for small loads
  • No complex electrical setup required

Cons

  • Smaller capacity may not fit larger laundry loads
  • Drying times can be longer for heavier fabrics

Best for: Small apartments and light laundry needs. Not ideal for: Large families or heavy loads.

The BLACK+DECKER is a portable and powerful option for small spaces.

2. Best Premium

slopehill Professional Ionic Hair Dryer, Powerful 1800W Fast Drying Low Noise Blow Dryer with 2 Concentrator Nozzle 1 Diffuser Attachments for Home Salon…

$29.95 $39.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Limited Prime deal
Amazon.com
  • Powerful Motor for Faster Drying: The professional hair dryer delivers strong wind for fast drying even thick wavy hair in less time, because of the high airflow motor, up to 21,000 rpm. Compact design will be more lightweight & portable.
  • Deeply Protect Hair from Damaged: Hair care and low-radiation. The hair is protected at a constant temperature, evenly dried, no damaged. And Air outlet electromagnetic low radiation.
  • 1 Cool Shooting Button & 3 Heat Settings: One speed control knob + Three heat settings for complete drying and styling flexibility. Easy to control the temperature and wind speed to make your favorite hairstyle at home.
  • Concentrator & Diffuser Included: Concentrator is ideal for precision styling on straight, Diffuser focused airflow to help define hair natural curls and waves.
  • Safe, Reliable and High Quality: Built-in high-end fault diagnosis chip, intelligent diagnosis of usage faults, craftsman-level manufacturing technology to create safe, reliable and high quality, the motor service life is more than 1000 hours, which is more than twice the life of ordinary hair dryers.
Updated: 18 hours ago

The Temprium 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer stands out for its capacity and power. With a larger capacity of 13 lbs, it handles more laundry than smaller models. The 1400W heating system reaches temperatures up to 140°F, ensuring quick drying. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER, it is more efficient but takes up more space.

This dryer is ideal for those with more laundry needs, as it balances size and power. The layout is slightly larger than the BLACK+DECKER but remains manageable for most apartments. Although it excels at drying performance, it lacks the compactness of the top pick.

One limitation is that the increased size may challenge fitting in very small spaces. If space is a major concern, you might need to consider smaller options.

Pros

  • Larger 3.5 cu. ft. capacity for bigger loads
  • Powerful 1400W heating for efficient drying
  • Temperature reaches up to 140°F

Cons

  • Takes up more space than smaller models
  • Higher power consumption than compact dryers

Best for: Families needing more load capacity. Not ideal for: Very small apartments or limited spaces.

The Temprium offers excellent drying power for larger laundry needs.

3. Best Heavy-Duty

MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer – 600w Compact Dryer for Apartment, Travel

$56.04 $69.99
PRIMEPRIME
in stock
Amazon.com
  • Portable Clothes Dryer with Fast Drying Technology: The MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer features a powerful 600W heating system with 2 drying modes to suit different fabric types. Choose between a lower temperature for delicate garments or a higher temperature for faster drying. Using advanced heat and airflow technology, it can dry clothes in as little as 50 minutes, making laundry faster and more convenient.
  • Portable Dryer Machine for Convenient Drying: This ultimate portable and foldable dryer brings efficiency and eases your drying needs. It can hang up to 9 pieces of clothing and has a maximum load capacity of 22 lbs. It’s a great solution if you live in a small apartment, have limited laundry space, or are traveling, camping, or on vacation. In addition, it is lightweight and easy to move around. This is a lifesaver for those who are always on the go or have a busy schedule.
  • Deep Cleansing with Built-in LED UV & Automatic Overheat Protection: Keep your clothes fresh with the built-in LED UV sanitizing feature, designed to help maintain cleaner garments after every cycle. For added peace of mind, the dryer also features automatic overheat protection, which helps prevent overheating for safer, more reliable operation.
  • Quiet Functioning and Timer Functionality: No more noisy drying cycles that disrupt your peaceful environment. Mojoco mini dryer machine has a built-in timer and whisper-quiet functioning. With the timer feature, you can easily set the desired drying duration to suit your needs. You can enjoy a tranquil laundry experience without disturbing your surroundings.
  • Maximize Your Laundry Savings: This is a cost-effective solution for drying clothes. Mojoco portable dryers are smaller than traditional dryers, and they use less energy to operate. It saves you money on your electric bill in the long run. With Mojoco dryer, you don’t have to use your regular drying machine when you just have a few clothes to dry. Instead, you can dry your clothes .
Updated: 18 hours ago

The BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer offers a strong blend of capacity and portability. It has a 13.2 lb load volume and fits well in small spaces. The 120V compatibility makes it very accessible. This model is similar to the Temprium but slightly heavier at 49.5 lbs, which could affect portability.

This dryer competes well within the group, especially for those needing a bit more capacity. However, the reduction in portability might deter those looking for a lightweight option. The stainless steel drum also ensures durability for everyday use.

One limitation is that it still requires a good amount of space, which may not work for ultra-compact setups. If you have a very tight laundry area, this might not be the best fit.

Pros

  • Compact design (23.6” x 21.5” x 27.5”) fits many spaces
  • Stainless steel drum for durability
  • Requires standard 120V outlet for easy use

Cons

  • Heavier than other portable options
  • May still require a decent amount of space

Best for: Users needing decent capacity in small spaces. Not ideal for: Those with very tight laundry areas.

The BLACK+DECKER offers solid performance with a good capacity.

4. Best Compact

Temprium 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer for Laundry

$251.99 $279.99
in stock
Limited time deal
Amazon.com
  • Portable & Powerful Dryer: Sized at 22.0 × 19.3 × 26.4 inches, this 3.5 cu.ft. clothes dryer offers an 13 lb capacity—saving space while handling more laundry. Powered by 1400W, it reaches temperatures as high as 140°F for superior drying efficiency.
  • High Efficiency & Energy Conservation: This electric dryer features a power switch button that lets you select between full and half power once your drying cycle is set. Full power delivers fast drying for heavier loads, while half power reduces energy output for smaller batches, boosting efficiency. This power control not only cuts your operating costs but also reduces your environmental footprint.
  • Multiple Drying Programs: This portable dryer features an intuitive control knob with five dedicated settings. The Anti-Wrinkle mode leaves a slight amount of moisture in fabrics, simplifying the ironing process for shirts and linens. The Standard cycle handles everyday small loads with speed, while the Bulky Items cycle efficiently dries larger pieces such as sheets and comforters. A Cooling Refresh function is also included to eliminate odors and breathe new life into your garments.
  • User-Friendly Features: This dryer machine is equipped with a three-layer filtration system that effectively traps hair, pet fur, and dust, and is simple to clean. The door opens to 105° for effortless loading and unloading, while the transparent window allows you to keep an eye on your laundry throughout the cycle. For added safety, the mini dryer automatically stop if the door is opened during operation. Adjustable feet raise the unit off the floor to prevent contact with dirt and moisture, and side handles make it convenient to move.
  • Quality & Warranty: Our compact dryer can be placed on a stable countertop, floor, or bracket (bracket not included). Its space-saving dimensions make it an ideal choice for apartments, dormitories, and RVs. ETL-certified for safety and quality, this portable dryers for laundry is backed by Temprium’s one-year warranty, and our dedicated customer service team is always ready to provide support.
Updated: 18 hours ago

The Revlon Compact Hair Dryer is designed for everyday use and portability. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry. With 2 heat settings and a cool shot button, it provides flexibility for different hair types. Unlike the other dryers listed, this one is specifically for hair, not laundry.

This hair dryer is not meant for larger loads, so it serves a different audience. It excels in convenience and travel but doesn’t compete with laundry dryers. This model is less versatile in that it can only be used for drying hair, not clothes.

One major limitation is that it lacks drying capacity for laundry purposes. If you’re looking for a clothes dryer, this isn’t the right choice. It’s ideal for those focused solely on hair care needs.

Pros

  • Lightweight design for travel
  • Two heat settings for versatility
  • Cool shot button for styling

Cons

  • Not suitable for laundry drying
  • Limited to hair care use

Best for: Everyday hair drying needs. Not ideal for: Users needing a laundry dryer.

The Revlon Compact Hair Dryer is great for on-the-go styling.

5. Best Lightweight

BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 8.8 lb. Capacity, BCED26, White

$289.99
in stock
Amazon.com
  • FITS ANYWHERE: This compact dryer (23.6” x 17.1” x 27.5”) is perfectly sized for small spaces and apartments. Weighing 48.4 lbs., this clothes dryer is compact and powerful with a load volume of 8.8 lbs. with an inside capacity of 2.65 cu. ft. This portable clothes dryer requires no electrical hard writing with a 3-prong plug and access to a standard 120V standard outlet.
  • CHOOSE YOUR MODE: Pick from different drying modes to best suit your needs: Air Dry, Cool, ECO, Warm & Hot. This transportable clothes dryer possesses 1400W of drying power as well as overheat protection to ensure safety. Our mini dryer also comes with a Sensor Dry function, which automatically measures the moisture of your clothes, then adjusts the heat for a more efficient drying. ECO Mode starts the dry cycle with cool air, then changes to hot air once needed.
  • IMPRESSIVE SPECS: Our portable dryer comes with a 4” diameter vent hose and includes exhaust connector, lint and exhaust filters. With voltage at 115V, this clothes dryer is also equipped with a stunning stainless steel drum and front loading transparent lid. Adjustable leveling legs allow you to perfectly place your new mini dryer in smaller spaces.
  • HASSLE FREE OPERATION: Drying times with this outstanding portable dryer vary from 30 minutes to 200 minutes, depending on your needs. Drying times for this mini dryer may be extended due to its compact size and 120V capability. Fill halfway for fluffy, freshy dried clothing. Choose from a handful of easy-to-understand options without any inconvenience or hassle. Truly efficient clothes drying has never been easier.
  • DRYING ON THE GO: No matter what compact space you occupy or where your life takes you, this compact dryer is your top solution for drying sheets, towels, clothes, and other everyday items. Savor freshly dried laundry—no matter the size of your home or where you are on the road—with this BLACK+DECKER compact clothes dryer.
Updated: 18 hours ago

The MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer is a compact model with a focus on lightweight design. It features a 600W heating system, which is effective for drying smaller loads. It has two drying modes for delicate and heavier fabrics, making it versatile for different laundry needs. This dryer is best suited for those who need an easily portable solution.

In comparison to the BLACK+DECKER options, this model is lighter, but it has a lower capacity. It may not dry as much in one cycle, but it compensates for that with its quick drying technology.

A key limitation is that the lower heating power means larger loads might take longer to dry. If you’re handling bigger laundry loads regularly, this might not be sufficient.

Pros

  • Lightweight design for portability
  • 600W heating system with two drying modes
  • Advanced heat technology for efficient drying

Cons

  • Lower capacity for larger loads
  • Drying times may be longer for big items

Best for: Travelers and light laundry needs. Not ideal for: Large families or heavy wearers.

The MOJOCO is a practical choice for portable drying solutions.

6. Best for Daily Use

Feelfunn 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer, 1500W Front Load

$339.99 $369.99
in stock
Amazon.com
  • Powerful Drying】 This portable dryer offers1500W of power, allowing it to reach a maximum temperature of 140°F, ensuring your clothes dry quickly and efficiently (Suitable for 110V and 120V). Even on rainy or cloudy days, you can enjoy fresh, dry clothes every day. The forward and reverse tumbling action ensures thorough rotation, preventing tangles, reducing wrinkles, and keeping your clothes soft and fluffy.
  • 【Portable & Convenient】Our portable clothes dryer weighs just 55.1 lbs and measures 22″D x 24″W x 26.8″H, making it perfect for small spaces like apartments, dorms, and RVs. It’s also wall-mountable for added flexibility. This dryer is ideal for drying baby clothes, underwear, t-shirts, and other small items. Please note: For quicker drying, limit the load to 26 pounds (wet clothes).
  • 【Easy to Operate】Designed with user-friendly LED touch control, this electric dryer is simple to operate. It offers four drying modes to suit different fabrics and load weights, and once you set it, you can go about your day while it works. The mini dryer runs quietly, so you won’t be disturbed during conversations or while sleeping.
  • 【Customer Care】We offer a 1-year warranty. If you encounter any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact our professional after-sales team, and we will do our best to assist you. Upon receiving your order, please check the contents: 1 dryer machine, 2 suspension brackets, 1 exhaust pipe fitting, 4 screws (12mm), 4 screws (25mm), and 1 user manual.
  • 【Use-friendly Design】 The transparent door window lets you easily monitor the progress of your laundry. The stainless steel drum adds durability, while the multi-filter system traps lint, preventing it from escaping. For added safety, the dryer automatically stops if the door is opened while the machine is running.
Updated: 18 hours ago

The Auertech 3.6 Cu. Ft. Clothes Dryer is designed for larger households. Its spacious 3.6 cu. ft. capacity allows for hefty loads. The 12 drying modes provide flexibility for different fabrics, while the stainless steel tub ensures durability. Compared to smaller models, it handles daily use effectively.

This dryer excels in providing substantial space, making it ideal for families. While it may be bulkier than compact models, it offers better performance for larger loads. It lacks the portability that smaller models provide, which could be a drawback for some users.

One limitation is that it requires more space than portable options. If you live in a small apartment, this dryer may not fit comfortably in your laundry area.

Pros

  • Large capacity of 3.6 cu. ft. for heavy loads
  • 12 drying modes for versatile fabric care
  • Durable stainless steel tub for longevity

Cons

  • Requires more space than compact models
  • Bulkier design may not fit in small areas

Best for: Large families with heavy laundry needs. Not ideal for: Small apartments or limited laundry space.

The Auertech is built for families and daily use.

7. Best Splurge

BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer, 13.2 lb. Capacity, 120V, BCED37

$399.99 $420.99
in stock
Amazon.com
  • PORTABLE & POWERFUL: This compact dryer (23.6” x 21.5” x 27.5”) is ideal for smaller spaces and apartments. At 49.5 lbs., this clothes dryer has an impressive load volume of 13.2 lbs., inside capacity of 3.5 cu. ft., and requires no electrical hard writing with a 3-prong plug and access to a standard 120V standard outlet.
  • CHOOSE YOUR MODE: Pick from different drying modes to best suit your needs: Air Dry, Cool, Warm & Hot. This transportable clothes dryer possesses 1500W of drying power as well as overheat protection.
  • IMPRESSIVE SPECS: Our portable dryer comes with a 4” diameter vent hose & exhaust connector, lint & exhaust filters. At 120V, this clothes dryer has a durable stainless steel drum and front loading transparent lid.
  • HASSLE-FREE OPERATION: Drying times with this outstanding compact dryer vary from 30 minutes to 200 minutes. No inconvenience, no hassle—efficiently drying clothes has never been easier.
  • DRYING ON THE GO: No matter where your life takes you, this portable dryer is your top solution for drying sheets, towels, clothes and other everyday items. Savor freshly dried laundry—no matter the size of your home.
Updated: 18 hours ago

The Feelfunn 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer offers powerful drying capabilities. With 1500W of power, it reaches high temperatures for quick drying. The forward and reverse tumbling action ensures even drying across your laundry. This dryer competes well with other portable options for efficiency.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER models, it provides more drying power but may take up slightly more space. Its performance can handle larger laundry loads effectively, making it suitable for various users. While it excels in power, the larger design may not suit very tight setups.

One limitation is that it may consume more energy than smaller models. If energy conservation is your priority, you might want to consider more energy-efficient options.

Pros

  • 1500W power for fast drying
  • Forward and reverse tumbling for even drying
  • Spacious 3.5 cu. ft. capacity

Cons

  • Can consume more energy than compact models
  • May not fit in very small spaces

Best for: Users needing powerful drying performance. Not ideal for: Small living spaces.

The Feelfunn is a strong choice for effective drying.

8. Best for Beginners

Auertech 3.6 CU. FT Clothes Dryer, Large Capacity Laundry Dryer with 12 Drying Modes & Stainless Steel Tub, Dryer Machine, Electric Dryer with LED Control…

$429.99
in stock
Amazon.com
  • Large 3.6 CU.FT Capacity: This spacious 3.6 cu.ft electric dryer (23″x22″x33″) is designed to handle substantial laundry loads, making it ideal for families living in laundrys or condos. From bulky bed sheets to daily loads of shirts and underwear, the stainless steel drum provides ample room for clothes to tumble freely, ensuring even drying and reduced tangling without occupying excessive floor space.
  • 12 Customized Drying Modes: Tailor your drying cycle to any fabric type with our advanced LED touch control. Choose from specialized settings including Cotton, Synthetic, Mix, Wool, Down, and Delicate to protect sensitive fibers. Features a dedicated Baby Care mode for hygiene-conscious parents and a Refresh cycle to revitalize clothes. Whether it’s heavy bedding or fragile silk, your garments receive the precise heat and time they need.
  • 160° Wide-Angle Door & Easy Access Filter: Our clothes dryer for laundry features an 160° door opening angle, making loading and unloading bulky bedding and towels effortless. The convenient front-facing lint filter easily slides out for quick cleaning, eliminating the need to reach inside or dismantle parts, and ensuring optimal airflow and drying performance.
  • Powerful Drying Performance: Experience rapid drying with our 1400W dryer machine, featuring a robust heating system that reaches up to 140°F. The innovative back-and-forth drum function ensures even heat distribution, making it perfect for drying clothes on rainy or cloudy days. Enjoy enhanced drying efficiency by starting with less humid clothes!
  • Smart Safety & Personalized Scheduling: Designed for modern living, this dryer features a Delay Start and customizable Timer, allowing you to run cycles during off-peak energy hours or have warm clothes ready when you wake up. Safety is paramount; it includes a Child Lock to prevent accidental operation and automatically stops if the door is opened. The clear viewing window lets you monitor progress at a glance.
Updated: 18 hours ago

The Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer offers strong versatility. With ten drying cycles and six options, it caters to various fabric types effectively. Its larger capacity of 7.0 cu. ft. can handle bigger loads easily. This model excels for those who frequently wash bulkier items.

In comparison to smaller dryers, this model provides more flexibility for different laundry needs. While the capacity is excellent, its bulkier design may not fit in smaller apartments. The Energy Saver option also helps reduce energy costs during use.

One major limitation is the size, which can be an issue in smaller living spaces. If you have limited laundry room space, this dryer may not work well.

Pros

  • 7.0 cu. ft. capacity handles large laundry loads
  • Ten drying cycles for versatile fabric care
  • Energy Saver option for lower energy use

Cons

  • Bulkier design may not fit in small spaces
  • May be overkill for light laundry needs

Best for: Large households needing versatile drying options. Not ideal for: Users with limited space.

The Kenmore is versatile and powerful for large laundry loads.

Dryers Compared Side by Side

The table below shows key details of each dryer. Look at the capacity, dimensions, and special features to find the best dryer under 800 for your needs.

# Product Best for Brand Price Link
1 BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer Best Overall W Appliance Company $289.99 Check
2 Temprium 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer for Laundry Best Premium Temprium $251.99 Check
3 BLACK+DECKER 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer Best Heavy-Duty W Appliance Company $399.99 Check
4 Revlon Compact Hair Dryer | 1875W Lightweight Design Best Compact Helen of Troy $14.98 Check
5 MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer Best Lightweight MOJOCO $56.04 Check
6 Auertech 3.6 CU. FT Clothes Dryer Best for Daily Use Auertech $429.99 Check
7 Feelfunn 3.5 Cu. Ft. Portable Clothes Dryer Best Splurge Feelfunn $339.99 Check
8 Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer Best for Beginners Kenmore $849.99 Check
9 Kenmore 7.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer — Kenmore $999.99 Check
10 slopehill Professional Ionic Hair Dryer — slopehill $29.95 Check

Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.

How We Reviewed

Where our data comes from

We gathered product information from reliable sources like manufacturer websites and customer reviews. This helped us understand each dryer’s features and user experiences.

How we built this shortlist

We examined over 30 dryers to find the best options under 800. We focused on capacity, size, and energy efficiency to create a well-rounded list.

What we ruled out and why

Models that lacked essential features, like multiple drying modes or compact sizes, were removed. We wanted to ensure our picks provided real value without sacrificing performance.

What we did not do

No products were tested by hand or measured in a lab. All information is based on research and available specifications. We did not create scores or ratings based on personal opinion.

How often this page is updated

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest products and prices. We review our findings every three months to ensure accuracy.

What to look for

Capacity

When choosing a dryer, consider its capacity. A larger capacity, like 3.5 cu. ft. or more, is better for families with frequent laundry. A smaller capacity, under 3.0 cu. ft., works well for individuals or small apartments.

Size and Space Requirements

Assess the space where you plan to place the dryer. Compact models, like those under 24 inches in width, fit well in tight areas, while larger models require more space but often handle bigger loads.

Energy Efficiency

Look for dryers that prioritize energy efficiency. Models with an Energy Star rating or those that save energy during cycles help reduce your electricity bill over time.

Drying Modes

Different drying modes can cater to various fabrics. A dryer with multiple settings, like delicate, normal, and heavy-duty, allows you to care for your clothes properly across different fabric types.

Portability

If you move often or have limited space, a portable dryer is essential. Models under 50 lbs. are easier to relocate and usually require less installation effort.

How to Choose Dryers

Determine Your Space

Start by measuring the area where the dryer will go. Ensure there is enough room for ventilation and access to electrical outlets. Compact models are often 24 inches wide or less, making them suitable for tight spots.

Evaluate Load Capacity

Consider your typical laundry load. For small households or individuals, a dryer with about 2.5 to 3.0 cu. ft. capacity works well. Larger families may need at least 3.5 cu. ft. for efficiency.

Check the Power Source

Most dryers plug into a standard outlet. Ensure the dryer you choose matches your home’s electrical setup, especially if you’re considering a portable option. Some models need a 120V supply.

Look for Energy-Saving Features

Choose a dryer with energy-saving features to reduce electricity usage. Look for models with settings that adjust power based on load size to maximize efficiency.

Consider Drying Time

Different dryers have varying drying times based on their power and capacity. Portable dryers might take longer but are useful for occasional use. Check user reviews for insights on drying performance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best dryer under 800?

The best dryer under 800 is the BLACK+DECKER 2.65 Cu. Ft. Portable Dryer. Its compact size and strong performance make it a top choice.

How much laundry can a compact dryer hold?

Compact dryers typically hold between 2.5 to 3.5 cu. ft. of laundry, equating to around 8 to 13 lbs. This capacity is suitable for small loads.

Are portable dryers efficient?

Yes, many portable dryers are energy efficient. Look for models with energy-saving modes to minimize electricity consumption.

Can I use a portable dryer in an apartment?

Yes, portable dryers are ideal for apartments due to their compact size. They fit well in small spaces and don’t require special electrical setups.

What features should I look for in a dryer?

Look for features like load capacity, drying modes for different fabrics, and energy efficiency. These aspects ensure you get a dryer that meets your needs.

Sources and standards

Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:

About the author

Radhika Gupta

Radhika Gupta 12+ years

Editor, Best Under 2026

Radhika Gupta builds the buying guides on Best Under 2026. Every shortlist starts from the manufacturer specification and the live Amazon listing, then gets cut down by who the product actually suits. Nothing here is hands-on tested, and we do not pretend otherwise — where a guide names a drawback it comes from the spec sheet or from a pattern in buyer reports, not from a lab. Prices are pulled from Amazon and stamped with the date they were checked. If something here is wrong, email hello@bestunder2026.com and it gets fixed.

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