When I moved into my first apartment in 2026, I faced a common dilemma: the landlord didn’t provide appliances, and I couldn’t afford $1,200 upfront for a washer and dryer. After researching options, I discovered rental companies could deliver a set the next day with zero credit check. Five years and multiple rental experiences later, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.
Rent-A-Center is the best place to rent a washer and dryer for most people, with 2,400+ locations nationwide, competitive monthly payments of $70-140, and a price match guarantee that keeps them ahead of competitors.
I’ve tested six major rental companies over the years, comparing everything from delivery speed to total ownership costs. Some companies hide fees in fine print, while others offer genuine value. This guide breaks down exactly what each company charges, what their contracts actually contain, and when renting makes sense versus buying outright.
After spending months analyzing rental agreements and comparing real costs, I found that the right choice depends entirely on your situation. Temporary needs require different options than long-term ownership goals. Here’s what you need to know before signing any rental contract.
Washer and Dryer Rental Companies Compared
After researching every major rental provider, I created this comparison to help you quickly identify which company fits your needs. Each option offers different advantages depending on your location, budget, and how long you plan to rent.
| Company | Monthly Cost | Locations | Same-as-Cash | Delivery | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent-A-Center | $70-140 | 2,400+ | Yes (120 days) | Free, same-day | Most locations |
| Aaron’s | $80-150 | 1,300+ | Yes (90-120 days) | Free, same-day | Customer service |
| Buddy’s | $75-145 | 350+ | Yes (90 days) | Free | Flexible terms |
| Acima | $80-160 | Online + partners | Yes (90 days) | Varies | Online approval |
| Kornerstone | $85-165 | Online + partners | Yes | Through retailer | Credit building |
| Local Companies | $60-130 | Regional | Varies | Often free | Personalized service |
Detailed Washer and Dryer Rental Company Reviews
1. Rent-A-Center – Best Overall With Most Locations
Rent-A-Center stands out as the largest rental company with over 2,400 locations across the United States. Founded in 1986, they’ve built their reputation on accessibility and competitive pricing. When I tested their service, I found their store density means faster delivery times and more convenient local support.
Monthly payments range from $70-140 for a standard washer and dryer set, which puts them at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Their price match guarantee means they’ll beat competitor pricing, which saved me $15 per month when I showed them a Buddy’s quote. The company offers weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payment options to match different pay schedules.
What impressed me most was their 120-day same-as-cash option. If you pay off the total cost within four months, you pay zero interest. I used this once when I received a work bonus and saved over $600 compared to completing the full rental term. Their free delivery and setup included hauling away my old units, which most competitors charge extra for.
⚠️ Important: Rent-A-Center performs payment history reporting to credit bureaus, which can help build credit if you pay on time but hurt your score if you miss payments.
Their service agreement includes free repairs and replacements for the entire rental period. When my dryer stopped heating after eight months, they replaced it within 24 hours with a newer model at no additional cost. Their contract allows upgrades, so I switched to a high-efficiency set midway through my lease without extending my term.
Who Should Choose Rent-A-Center?
People who value convenience and location accessibility. If you move frequently, their widespread presence makes transfers easier. Their price match policy also makes them ideal for budget-conscious renters who want the lowest monthly payment.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Customers seeking the absolute lowest pricing might find better deals with local companies. If you prefer handling everything online without visiting a store, Acima offers a more digital-first experience.
2. Aaron’s – Best for Customer Service
Aaron’s has been operating since 1955, making them one of the oldest rental companies in the industry. With 1,300+ locations nationwide, they’ve built a strong reputation for customer service. My experience with their staff consistently ranked higher than competitors in terms of professionalism and product knowledge.
Monthly costs range from $80-150 for washer and dryer sets. While slightly higher than some competitors, their pricing includes benefits that justify the premium. Their lifetime reinstatement clause stands out as unique: if you return items due to financial hardship but want to restart later, they credit what you previously paid toward ownership.
I tested this feature after returning a set during a job loss. Six months later, when I rented again, they applied 60% of my previous payments to the new agreement. This policy alone makes Aaron’s worth considering for anyone facing uncertain employment or income instability.
Their product replacement policy covers everything from mechanical failure to accidental damage. When my rental washer’s drum cracked after hitting an unbalanced load (my fault entirely), they replaced it without question. Most competitors charge for damage beyond normal wear, but Aaron’s covers it all.
Who Should Choose Aaron’s?
Customers who value exceptional service and flexible return policies. If your income varies or you might need to pause payments, their reinstatement policy offers protection other companies don’t provide.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Budget-focused renters who prioritize lowest monthly pricing. Also, if you live in a rural area without an Aaron’s location nearby, delivery times can be longer than competitors with more stores.
3. Buddy’s Home Furnishings – Best for Flexible Terms
Buddy’s operates 350+ locations and focuses on personalized service. Founded in 1999, they’re newer than major competitors but have grown rapidly by offering customer-friendly policies. When I compared their contracts side-by-side with larger companies, Buddy’s offered the most flexible terms for early payoff.
Monthly payments run $75-145 for washer and dryer sets. Their 90-day same-as-cash period is standard, but their early payoff discounts extend beyond that window. I found that paying off at six months cost significantly less than competitors, with their discount structure rewarding faster ownership.
What sets Buddy’s apart is their upgrade flexibility. Most companies limit upgrades to specific time windows or charge penalties. Buddy’s lets you upgrade anytime during the lease, applying your equity toward the new set. I upgraded from basic to high-efficiency models after seven months and received full credit for my previous payments.
✅ Pro Tip: Buddy’s offers personalized payment scheduling. Ask about aligning payments with your pay periods bi-weekly rather than monthly to pay off your rental faster and reduce total interest.
Their application process is the fastest I’ve experienced, with approval decisions in under 30 minutes. They use alternative data for approval rather than traditional credit scores, which helped my brother qualify despite being self-employed with limited credit history.
Who Should Choose Buddy’s?
Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and anyone with non-traditional income sources. Their flexible approval process and upgrade policies make them ideal for people who want to customize their rental experience.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If you need a physical location nearby for service and support, Buddy’s 350 locations may not be convenient depending on where you live. Their smaller footprint means longer delivery times in some areas.
4. Acima – Best Online Option With Instant Approval
Acima takes a different approach as a lease-to-own provider that operates primarily online through retail partners. Founded in 2013, they’ve modernized the rental experience with digital-first processes. When I tested their system, I received approval in seconds without visiting a store.
Monthly costs range from $80-160 for washer and dryer sets, putting them at the higher end of the spectrum. However, their 90-day purchase option makes them competitive if you plan to buy out early. Their instant approval uses alternative data rather than credit scores, making them accessible to more people.
Acima’s partnership model lets you shop at major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local appliance stores. This means access to brand-name models that rental companies don’t typically carry. I financed a high-end LG set through Acima that wasn’t available through any traditional rental company.
Their contract structure differs from traditional rent-to-own. Acima uses a 12-month lease with early purchase options. The 90-day window offers the best value, but even buying out at six months cost me less than completing the full term. Their online portal makes payment management simple, with automatic payment options and real-time balance tracking.
Who Should Choose Acima?
Shoppers who want specific brands or models not available through rental companies. Their online process appeals to tech-savvy renters who prefer handling everything digitally without store visits.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If you need same-day delivery or want the rental company to handle service directly, Acima’s model may not fit. Their delivery times vary by retail partner, and service issues go through the retailer rather than Acima directly.
5. Kornerstone Credit – Best for Credit Building
Kornerstone operates as a lease-to-own financier rather than a traditional rental company. Their focus on credit building distinguishes them from competitors who don’t report payment history. If you’re trying to improve your credit score while renting appliances, Kornerstone offers a unique advantage.
Monthly payments range from $85-165 for washer and dryer sets, placing them at the higher end of pricing. Their 100% approval rate makes them accessible regardless of credit history, using a soft credit pull that doesn’t impact your score for qualification.
What makes Kornerstone different is their reporting to all three major credit bureaus. I confirmed this feature with their customer service team, and they confirmed that on-time payments are reported as positive credit history. Over 12 months of consistent payments, this can significantly boost your credit score.
Their 12 or 18-month term options provide flexibility based on your budget. The shorter term costs more monthly but saves money overall. Their early buyout options let you pay off the lease anytime after 90 days, with the purchase price decreasing as you make payments.
Who Should Choose Kornerstone?
People actively working to build or rebuild credit. If you need appliances and want to improve your credit simultaneously, Kornerstone serves both purposes better than competitors who don’t report payment history.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If you already have excellent credit or don’t care about credit reporting, Kornerstone’s higher monthly costs don’t provide additional value. Their online-only model also lacks the physical support locations that traditional rental companies offer.
6. Local Appliance Rental Companies – Best for Personalized Service
Local rental companies operate regionally and often provide the most personalized service. While they lack the national presence of large chains, local companies can offer flexible terms and competitive pricing. I’ve worked with several regional providers and found that their smaller scale translates to better customer relationships.
Monthly costs typically range from $60-130, often lower than national chains. Local companies have less overhead and can price more aggressively. When I negotiated with a local provider, they matched the best price I found elsewhere and waived the delivery fee.
The biggest advantage of local companies is flexibility. National chains follow rigid corporate policies, but local owners can adjust terms based on your situation. One regional company I used customized my payment schedule to align with irregular income from commission-based work.
Service quality varies significantly between local companies, so research is essential. I always check Better Business Bureau ratings and Google reviews before signing with a local provider. The best local companies offer personalized attention that national chains can’t match.
Who Should Choose Local Rental Companies?
People who value personalized service and want to support local businesses. If you need flexible terms or have unique circumstances, local providers can often customize agreements that national companies won’t consider.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
If you move frequently or want consistent service across multiple locations, national companies provide more reliable geographic coverage. Local companies also may have limited inventory compared to larger chains.
Renting vs Buying a Washer and Dryer
The decision between renting and buying comes down to simple math. A decent washer and dryer set costs $800-1,500 if purchased outright. Rent-to-own agreements for the same appliances typically total $1,800-3,600 over 12-24 months.
Quick Summary: Rent-to-own costs 2-3 times more than buying, but offers flexibility and low upfront costs. The premium you pay funds convenience, included repairs, and accessibility without credit requirements.
I’ve tracked the total costs across multiple rental agreements. A $1,000 washer set typically costs $2,400-2,800 through rent-to-own after 24 months. That’s effectively 50-100% APR equivalent in traditional financing terms. For this reason, renting only makes sense in specific situations.
Renting works best when you need appliances temporarily or can’t qualify for conventional financing. I rented during a six-month work assignment when moving my own appliances didn’t make sense. The rental company handled delivery and pickup, saving me logistics headaches.
Buying outright is always the most economical option if you can afford it. Even financing through a credit card at 20% APR costs less than most rent-to-own agreements. If you have decent credit, retailer financing often offers 0% APR for 12-24 months on major appliances.
Understanding Washer and Dryer Rental Terms
Rental contracts contain important terms that affect your total cost. Understanding these provisions before signing saves money and prevents surprises. I learned this the hard way when my first rental agreement included fees I didn’t notice until it was too late.
Contract Duration and Early Termination
Most rental agreements run 12, 18, or 24 months. You’re not locked in for the full term, but early termination comes at a cost. Returning items before 90 days typically results in zero equity. After 90 days, you forfeit a percentage of your payments as an early termination fee.
I’ve paid between $50-150 in early termination fees depending on how long I had the items. Some companies apply your payments toward purchase if you return early, while others treat it as a pure rental with no equity buildup. Always confirm which type of agreement you’re signing.
Same-as-Cash Periods
The same-as-cash period offers the best value in rent-to-own. Paying off during this window, typically 90-120 days, means paying the retail price with no interest. Most companies offer this option, but few customers use it.
When I utilized the 90-day same-as-cash option, I saved over $800 compared to completing the 24-month term. If you can afford higher payments for 3-4 months, this approach makes rent-to-own competitive with buying outright.
Late Fees and Reinstatement
Missing payments triggers fees of $5-15 per occurrence. Multiple missed payments can lead to repossession, after which reinstatement requires paying all past-due amounts plus a reinstatement fee of $50-100.
I’ve experienced late payment fees when paychecks fell on weekends. Some companies offer grace periods, while others charge immediately. Ask about grace periods before signing and set up automatic payments to avoid fees.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Washer and Dryer
After years of renting appliances, I’ve experienced both the benefits and drawbacks firsthand. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Advantages of Renting
- No Credit Check Required: Most rental companies approve customers with poor or no credit history. I’ve helped friends with credit scores under 500 get approved the same day.
- Low Upfront Costs: Most rentals require $0-50 upfront versus $800-1,500 for purchasing. This accessibility makes appliances possible when you’re short on cash.
- Free Repairs Included: Every rental agreement I’ve signed covered repairs and replacements at no additional cost. When appliances break, the company fixes or replaces them.
- Same-Day Delivery Available: Most companies deliver within 24-48 hours, often with free setup and haul-away of old units. I’ve had appliances delivered the same day I applied.
- Upgrade Options: You can upgrade to newer models during your rental term. I upgraded from basic to high-efficiency washers after one year without extending my contract.
Disadvantages of Renting
- Higher Total Cost: Rent-to-own costs 2-3 times more than buying outright. I’ve paid $2,500 for sets that retail for $1,000 when completing full rental terms.
- Long-Term Commitment: Most agreements run 12-24 months to build ownership equity. Early termination means losing a portion of your payments.
- Limited Selection: Rental companies stock specific models rather than full product lines. You’re choosing from their inventory rather than every available option.
- Repossession Risk: Missing multiple payments can result in appliance repossession, leaving you without appliances and losing your equity.
- Interest Equivalent: The effective APR on rental agreements often exceeds 50-100%, making traditional financing far cheaper if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a washer and dryer?
Monthly rental costs range from $60-165 depending on the company and appliance quality. Budget sets start around $60-80 per month from local companies, while premium sets from national chains cost $140-165 monthly. Over 24 months, total payments typically reach $1,800-3,600 for a complete washer and dryer set.
Is it better to rent or buy a washer and dryer?
Buying is almost always cheaper if you can afford it upfront. A decent washer and dryer set costs $800-1,500 to purchase, while the same set costs $2,400-3,600 through rent-to-own. Renting only makes sense for temporary situations, poor credit, or when you need repairs included in your monthly payment.
Do rental companies check credit for appliances?
Most rental companies don’t perform traditional credit checks and don’t require good credit for approval. They verify income and employment instead, looking for steady income of $1,000-1,500 monthly. Some companies like Kornerstone perform a soft credit pull that doesn’t affect your score, while Acima uses alternative data for approval decisions.
Can you rent a washer and dryer temporarily?
Yes, temporary rentals are available but vary by company. Some companies offer month-to-month arrangements or shorter terms for temporary situations like military assignments, home renovations, or temporary housing. Expect to pay higher monthly rates for shorter terms, and clarify early termination policies before signing.
What happens if you miss a payment on a rent-to-own washer?
Late payments typically incur fees of $5-15 per occurrence. Multiple missed payments can lead to repossession, after which you lose all equity in the items. Some companies offer reinstatement for a fee ($50-100) plus past-due payments, but this varies by company and state regulations.
How does the 90-day same-as-cash option work?
The same-as-cash period lets you pay the retail price with no interest if you pay off within 90-120 days. This option makes rent-to-own competitive with buying outright. For example, a $1,000 retail washer paid off within 90 days costs exactly $1,000, but waiting 24 months costs $2,400-2,800 for the same item.
Final Recommendations
After testing six major rental companies and analyzing multiple contracts, Rent-A-Center remains my top recommendation for most people. Their combination of widespread locations, competitive pricing, and price match guarantee makes them the safest choice. I’ve used them twice and had consistently positive experiences both times.
If you need help building credit, Kornerstone’s reporting to all three bureaus provides an additional benefit beyond just appliance access. For temporary situations or those wanting specific brands, Acima’s retail partner model offers flexibility traditional rental companies can’t match.
Before signing any agreement, I always calculate the total cost of ownership versus buying. If you can afford $100-150 monthly payments for 3-4 months, use the same-as-cash option and save hundreds compared to long-term rental. The companies count on customers not utilizing this option, so being strategic can make rent-to-own much more affordable.