TOP 10: The best washing machines under 20,000 rubles in 2022

A washing machine is a long-term purchase and a serious burden on the family budget. However, it is not always worth overpaying for unnecessary functionality, because even the simplest basic model copes well with its main responsibility - thoroughly and efficiently washes laundry and clothes, as a rule, using no more than 3-5 of the most convenient programs, and spins things for a traditional 600-800 rpm.

But overpaying a little, but getting a device from a well-known manufacturer with a long warranty period and well-developed service is the right thing to do, since such complex equipment is still not worth buying cheaply from untested companies.

And so that you don’t waste precious time selecting an inexpensive, but functional and reliable assistant, we have already analyzed washing machines presented on the Russian household appliances market in 2020, carefully studied their characteristics and capabilities, familiarized ourselves with the results of tests and reviews, and We present to your attention the top five among budget, but very worthy devices. See the link for the full rating of washing machines.

Rating of the best washing machines under 20,000 rubles in 2022

Place/Photo	Brand/Model/Rating	Price/Review
1.	Samsung WF8590NLW9 4.7 / 5 Customers' Choice	Prices \| Review
2. Read also: Rating of the TOP 20 best smartphones under 15,000 rubles for 2021-2022	ATLANT 40M102 4.7 / 5 Customers' choice	Prices \| Review
3.	Samsung WF8590NLW8 4.6 / 5 Customers' Choice	Prices \| Review
4.	Hotpoint-Ariston RST 703 DW 4.6 / 5	Prices \| Review
5.	ATLANT 60U1010 4.6 / 5 Customers' choice	Prices \| Review
6.	Weissgauff WM 4726 D 4.6 / 5	Prices \| Review
7.	Indesit IWSC 6105 4.6 / 5	Prices \| Review
8.	Hotpoint-Ariston VMSG 622 ST B 4.6 / 5	Prices \| Review
9.	Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B 4.5 / 5	Prices \| Review
10.	ATLANT 70С1010-00 4.5 / 5 Customers' choice	Prices \| Review

Comparative table of the best washing machines under 20 thousand rubles in 2022

Which company should you choose?

The manufacturer of the washing machine also plays an important role. To ensure that the product lasts as long as possible, you should give preference to products from well-known, trusted brands.

Samsung, Candy, Hotpoint-Ariston, ATLANT, Indesit, Beko, Weissgauff, RENOVA and ARESA were recognized as the best manufacturers of washing machines in 2021-2022.

We analyzed the model range of these brands and included only the best washing machines in the rating.

ATLANT 70С1010-00

line: SMART/ACTION;
installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x51x85 cm;
loading: 7 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A+++;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The category of the best inexpensive washing machines of 2022 up to 20,000 rubles in terms of quality and reliability is opened by a washing machine of a famous Belarusian brand. Atlant 70C1010 with a front-loading type is a modern household device designed for washing sportswear and shoes, delicate fabrics, and removing stubborn stains. The technical characteristics of the machine allow you to load up to 7 kg of laundry into it at a time.

Despite this capacity, the device has fairly compact dimensions - 60x85x51 cm - allowing it to be placed even in a small bathroom. The Atlant 70S1010 washing machine has an electronic control type. The drum is made of stainless steel. The maximum spin speed is 1000 rpm. The built-in timer allows you to set a convenient time for you to start the machine.

Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 59.50x34.80x85 cm;
loading: 5 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: A;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501 B washing machine is excellently economical. It belongs to energy consumption class A and requires only 0.85 kW/h per operating cycle. The user has access to various programs designed for intensive stain removal, delicate laundry cleaning, and energy saving. In addition, the device has an express mode, suitable for everyday cleaning of frequently used laundry.

The extra rinse helps remove synthetic detergent residues that can cause skin irritation for people using washed items. The digital display makes it easy to select the optimal settings, and can also be used to set a delayed start timer, allowing you to start washing when it is truly convenient for the user.

Hotpoint-Ariston VMSG 622 ST B

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x44x85 cm;
loading: 6 kg;
spin speed: 1200 rpm;
energy class: A++;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: B;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The HOTPOINT-ARISTON VMSG 622 ST B washing machine offers a front-loading option. Its electronic controls are simple and intuitive, so absolutely anyone can master it. There is no doubt about the durability of the model, since the manufacturer gave preference to stainless steel in the manufacture of the drum. Energy consumption class – A.

A maximum of 6 kg of clothing can be loaded into the HOTPOINT-ARISTON VMSG 622 ST B washing machine per cycle. When spinning at the highest speed, 1200 revolutions are made in one minute. The diameter of the loading hatch is 34 cm. When washing, the noise level does not exceed 62 dB, and when spinning, this parameter increases to 80 dB. The opening angle of the hatch is 150 degrees.

Beko WRE 55P2 BSS

The original model, made in silver and black colors, perfectly removes any type of dirt.
Built-in indicators will promptly inform you about the washing stage and temperature conditions. The quick wash mode will allow you to get your clothes in proper shape in just 15 minutes. A large selection of programs makes it possible to wash clothes made from almost any type of fabric without worrying about their safety. Complete leakage protection will reliably protect against flooding even if the drain hose is damaged. The extra rinse function allows you to wash even children's clothes in this machine. Specifications :

load of laundry – 5 kg;

control type – touch, rotary mechanism;

washing machine water consumption – 47.5 l;

functional features - additional rinsing, child lock;

number of programs – 15.

Advantages

stylish design
bright indication
no vibration during spinning
low noise level
high quality washing

Flaws

poor build quality

Indesit IWSC 6105

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x45x85 cm;
loading: 6 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The convenient washing machine INDESIT IWSC 6105 with front loading and dimensions 60x85x45 cm is quite acceptable for a medium-sized bathroom. This model can wash 6 kg of dry laundry in one cycle - that’s about 2 sets of bed linen. The unit's programs provide a variety of washing options while maintaining the original appearance of the clothes.

The INDESIT IWSC 6105 washing machine is equipped with many useful functions, such as child protection, leak protection and foam control function. On the back wall panel there is a special hook for a fork, located at a height of 42 cm. This is very convenient when the machine is turned off.

Weissgauff WM 4726 D

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 59.50x47x85 cm;
reloading laundry: through the main hatch;
loading: 6 kg;
spin speed: 1200 rpm;
energy class: A+++;
protection: against leaks;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
Washing class A, drying mode and steam steaming, front loading type - all this and much more is combined in the WEISSGAUFF WM 4726 D washing machine. This is an irreplaceable thing that can cope with the most difficult tasks and is useful in any home. Now, in order to wash colored and children's clothes separately, you do not need to select the required temperature and adjust to the mode. The washing machine is equipped with many programs, including baby clothes, bedding, cotton, synthetics and much more. To select the desired mode, use the touch control panel.

In addition, the WEISSGAUFF WM 4726 D washing machine has a child lock, which prevents accidental opening of the door or changing settings. Modern technologies, high-quality materials and professional assembly are responsible for a long service life without breakdowns.

Customer Reviews

Vyacheslav

Electrolux PerfectCare 600 EW6S4R06W

We have had this brand of washing machine all our lives. The first was native Swedish, the second was Poland, and this miracle was already done by Ukrainian. I would like to note that the quality is noticeably decreasing, although there have been no serious breakdowns, mainly the heater and the pump (our water is not very good), but the quality of the materials is also decreasing from year to year and from country to country. Let's see how long this one will last... The previous ones have undergone repairs, but they still work, although the Polish one has already started to corrode. This one has been in use for a couple of months and so far everything is fine, with the exception of noise and slight vibration at high spin speeds, but not critical. Perhaps they didn’t set the level quite accurately, although they tried. I can recommend it for purchase - the brand is well-known and there is a guarantee, it performs its functions, washes well - the wring is not bad either. It saves electricity and water, and it’s pretty, which is also important. I can’t accept this modern design with exaggerated loading hatches.

Tatiana P.

LG F80B8LD6

Pros: Quiet, spins and washes quietly. The only thing you can hear is the addition of water at the beginning of the wash. This machine is suitable for installation in apartments with good audibility, or if you suddenly intend to install it in the kitchen-living room. If you're in the bathtub and with the door closed, you can't hear any noise at all. Disadvantages: If you load a lot (for example cotton), it will weigh and put the wash on for 4 hours!! The washing time is shown after startup. Once she said that it would take 4 hours and 30 minutes to wash (I put in a lot of heavy towels and bed linen). Wow!! It’s good that you can press cancel and set another mode, like “wash for 60 minutes.” Comment: Smart machine. She weighs the clothes herself and decides how much water and time she needs to wash it all. If you don’t want to follow her lead, you can choose the washing mode yourself, which is programmed for a specific time. For example, 60 minutes or 30 minutes (I mostly wash on these two modes). After finishing the wash, she still spins the drum to arrange the things inside - they will not be glued to the walls of the drum. It washes well. I'm very pleased with her. In use for 6 months. We bought the same second one for another house without thinking.

Evgenia G.

Weissgauff WM 4726 D

For a very long time we were looking for the ideal washing machine with a maximum depth of 47 cm for a new apartment. This model was perfect. Good variety of programs. I am also pleased with the possibility of quick washing of 30 and 15 minutes. Time saving mode allows you to run a program that will perform all the same actions, but in less time. After washing, there is a sound signal that repeats if you don’t take things out of the machine and turn it off. We’ve been using this machine for a little more than 2 months. Over this period of time there are no complaints about use.

Katenka Zherdeva

Samsung WF8590NLW8

The design is so-so, but taking into account its cost and set of all sorts of useful functions, this is not a minus. The machine makes noise during the spin cycle, but in the bathroom with the door closed you can hear absolutely nothing. Doesn't jump, doesn't move, doesn't even vibrate. There is a 30 minute wash cycle. I reviewed a bunch of Samsungs up to 20K, basically all of them wash for 15 minutes, and then an hour or two. It washes great, I haven’t tried all the modes yet, but the quick wash for 29 and 61 minutes does the job perfectly. There is protection against children. Many people took off stars because all the buttons are blocked, except the power, but the machine remembers at what point it was turned off, so it’s not a problem at all, in my opinion. In general, I’m happy with the purchase, I’ve been using it for a couple of days now, if anything happens I’ll update the review later. I definitely recommend purchasing

Elena P.

Hotpoint-Ariston VMSG 622 ST B

Comment: I really liked the hatch on the washing machine in the store, it’s large and convenient, it opens very wide. At first there was a slight smell of rubber, but according to the instructions we ran the washer for a long wash, and the smell went away. It washes quite well, depending on the mode. There are no completely bad modes, but I didn’t really like some. And some are very, economical washing is very economical, with an incomplete load this is a good option. I don’t always get 6 kg of dry laundry, only from time to time, so I often run the washing machine half empty, nothing bad has happened to it in a year of work.

Andrey Kuznetsov

Candy GVS34 126TC2/2

SmartTouch suggests which programs are best to use for washing, for example, when you need to wash jeans, clothes after a workout, bedding, etc. At first glance, the programs mostly overlap with the main programs, so SmartTouch is needed more as an additional option for convenience. I got no more than 2 centimeters from the wall during installation. The hose does not get pinched. I placed the machine using a level. When spinning at maximum speed, it stays in place, unlike the previous one, which, no matter how I didn’t level it, tried to escape from me. Yes, the water pours noisily and sharply. For me it's not critical. An excellent machine, considering the cost, quality of washing, spinning and the availability of programs.

Fedorova E.

Samsung WF8590NLW8

Pros: Cleans great! White linen becomes boiling white. Easy to use. It doesn’t make much noise, doesn’t jump or run, and there’s no need to remove bottles from it (it’s leveled). There are all the programs I need. The lowest price is from Samsung. I am very pleased with the machine. Disadvantages: After the first wash, I discovered that the sealing rubber of the hatch was twisted inside. But this shortcoming was more than compensated for by the work of the service center. I called the hotline and the next day I was diagnosed remotely, the manufacturer called me, and a day later a technician came and replaced the tires under warranty with all the explanations of what and why. It turned out that this defect was not really a defect at all, but the tires were replaced anyway. Comment: Despite the defect, I didn’t want to return the car - love at first sight))). Compared to the old Bosch (19 years old), he does the laundry, but doesn’t pretend to do it. I tried to reduce the temperature in the “synthetic” program, but in the end it washed the clothes worse. I concluded for myself that it is better not to adjust automatic settings. In the “wool” program, the machine restored a woolen jacket that had shrunk decently in the Bosch—brought it back to life, now it’s like new. And the white underwear - my daughter thought I bought her new ones. I will also buy a Samsung for the dacha, only with voltage control. I give it a rating of “5” despite the manufacturing defect (which made me worry until it was fixed), really clean things bring a lot of joy.

Yutaka

Electrolux PerfectCare 600 EW6S4R06W

Advantages: Relatively thin 38, but if you measure 42-43 cm from the wall to the edges of the drum door, maybe it’s important to someone if you put it in a cabinet with a door. For those who write that this is not class A+++, at the moment in Russia the method for determining the effectiveness of washing corresponds to the European method, which was in force until 2011, and this is: ABCDEFG. The new scale in Europe after 2011 looks like A+++A++A+ABCD. It washes quietly and the spin cycle is not loud either. What can’t be said about the sound during and before filling the water, the pump is noisy. I didn’t level the machine, the floors were level and it was leveled by default; it didn’t jump around during the spin cycle. I am pleased with the quality of the spin cycle. Although it’s 1000 revolutions, the laundry naturally dries quite quickly. Disadvantages: crooked assembly; the photo of the bottom of the machine shows that on the right side the welded back part differs by 1-2 mm from the left. It is impossible to insert the plastic latch securing the bottom cover. There is another review with a photo, I looked there and had the same problem. Apparently there is a complete defect at the factory) the program regulator is also shifted by a couple of mm. When unpacking, I didn’t like the presence of water inside, I understand that they test it at the factory. but it looks like it was washed in a couple of days ago))

Beko WRS 55P1 BWW

Bought to replace a broken Electrolux. In comparison, it seems to me that Veko is noisier during the spin cycle (the high-pitched sound of an airplane taking off). And when pumping out water, the drain pump probably hums low and loud. When spinning, it vibrates, but does not move (it stands on its original legs, without special stands, just flat on the tiled floor). When the bathroom door is closed, the washing stage is almost inaudible; The spin cycle is clearly audible, not critical during the day, but I haven’t washed it at night yet. The modes are very long, “cotton” even at 20 degrees is 3 hours, and synthetics is 2 hours. There is a “Mini 30 g” mode for 28 minutes. and “Shirts” at 40 degrees. for 80 min. — I use them for regular clothes. You can change the spin mode, but this will not affect the program time (at least if you reduce it from 800 to 600). The control buttons and the rotary knob for selecting programs respond with a slight delay, you need to wait 2 seconds, do not press again. You just have to pull the drum hatch by the handle, and not press the handle - it’s a little awkward, you have to pull it hard. The plastic of the machine (the handle of the hatch, the powder compartment, the control buttons) does not look very durable, although this is only a feeling... To understand the washing stage, you need to look at the indicators on the panel, in general everything is clear: what stage is in progress - washing, rinsing or spinning ; how much is left until the end (but only shows when there are less than 40 minutes left). At the end of the wash, a rather loud click of the door unlocking is heard, which can be heard from the other room (instead of the end of wash signal that is missing in this model). The fact that the wash is completed and the door is unlocked is displayed on the panel. The area above the program selection knob gets a little warm, probably there is a control unit there. Switching clicks are heard from the same place during washing. The powder compartment is removable and can be washed. There is a separator for liquid laundry detergent. In general, I’m happy with the machine: it washes well, spins well, doesn’t jump, isn’t too noisy, takes up little space. 2 year warranty, hopefully it will last much longer.

Alexander E.

Indesit IWUB 4085

A good budget option for a narrow washing machine. Suitable for families with small children. Washing daily. There are all the basic functions and washing modes. It turns itself off after the wash is finished. For slightly soiled items there is an “expert wash” mode that takes 15 minutes. I was also pleased with the mode for washing sports shoes. I am very pleased with the purchase. The only drawback is that it is slightly noisy during the spin cycle, but we have an old machine in the bathroom and we don’t notice its noise.

ATLANT 60У1010

line: SMART/ACTION;
installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x41x85 cm;
loading: 6 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A++;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The automatic washing machine ATLANT 60U1010 in white is an excellent option for a modern kitchen or bathroom interior. Provides high quality cleaning of clothes from dirt thanks to washing efficiency class A. The drum can hold up to six kilograms of laundry. The device is 64.2 centimeters wide, 85.5 centimeters high and 53.5 centimeters deep.

The spin cycle, reaching thousands of revolutions per minute, ensures the safety of clothes, protecting them from damage, and also effectively removes excess moisture before drying. Additionally, the ATLANT 60U1010 washing machine is equipped with leakage protection, which increases the safety of using the device. The model has front loading. In addition, it can work in sixteen washing programs, efficiently cleaning various types of materials. The case is equipped with an information display.

Indesit IWUB 4085

Miniature dimensions and a removable cover will allow you to install the machine even in a very small room.
The innovative Eco Time function makes it possible to thoroughly wash a small amount of laundry in a very short time. A wide selection of programs allows you to choose the one that meets the characteristics of the fabric. The auto-balance function will reliably protect your laundry from getting tangled during the spin cycle. Foam control automatically turns on the pump to pump it out, which ensures better rinsing quality. Specifications :

load of laundry – 4 kg;

control type – push-button, rotary mechanism;

washing machine water consumption – 39 l;

functional features - auto balance, delayed start;

number of programs – 16.

Advantages

compact size
low noise level
no vibration
there is a quick wash mode
high quality washing

Flaws

no additional rinse

Hotpoint-Ariston RST 703 DW

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x44x85 cm;
loading: 7 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A+++;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The front washing machine HOTPOINT-ARISTON RST 703 DW is made of durable materials in a stylish body in classic white color. It is equipped with a capacious drum, where you can load up to 7 kg of dry laundry at once. In terms of washing efficiency, it is assigned to class A, and according to the spin speed of 1000 rpm, to class C. Provides effective washing of all types of fabrics. At the same time, 16 programs allow you to select the most optimal mode, ensuring cleanliness and preservation of the fabric structure. All information about the procedure is displayed.

The HOTPOINT-ARISTON RST 703 DW washing machine provides gentle washing of children's clothing, delicate for items made of delicate fabrics. You can also wash outerwear in it. The Quick Wash program can refresh items that have been clean but have been lying around for a long time. The delayed start function is convenient, allowing you to start washing at a convenient time, including at night, when electricity tariffs are much lower. An important way to prolong the uninterrupted operation of the device is to protect it from children.

How to use? Instructions

After correctly installing the washing equipment, you can proceed directly to the washing itself. Before this, it is worth dividing the laundry into groups: white to white, colored to colored, black to something dark, dirtier items with those items of clothing that they will not stain during the cleaning process, etc.

Next, you need to study in detail the instructions supplied with the model, examine the device itself, and familiarize yourself with the buttons located on the dashboard. Load the laundry into the drum, select the desired program, pour the cleaning agent/powder into the compartment provided for this purpose, or throw a special capsule into the clothes. Add conditioner if necessary.

Turn on the device by pressing the start button. After turning off the equipment and unlocking the hatch, the laundry can be taken out and hung to dry. It is better to leave the unit itself open so that there is no smell of dampness/mould, and also wipe the rubber between the drum and the door dry after each cycle.

Once every two weeks it is necessary to run a dry wash without clothes, but with the addition of citric acid/vinegar/other product to clean equipment. More detailed operating rules are provided in the user manual. If you strictly follow them, then any washing machine will serve faithfully for many years.

Samsung WF8590NLW8

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x45x85 cm;
loading: 6 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
Samsung WF8590NLW8 is an easy-to-use narrow washing machine that provides high quality washing of clothes and bed linen. Using the electronic control system, you can quickly select the desired program, adjust the temperature and washing time. The developers have provided a display that displays basic information about the washing progress and a light indication of the selected program.

The developers have provided a large selection of programs with preset settings that are optimal for washing items made from different fabrics. The owner has access to programs for washing delicate fabrics and wool, children's clothing, cotton and synthetic items, removing stains, and so on. The washing machine is equipped with a ceramic-coated heater that prevents the formation of scale on its surface. Thanks to this, even after prolonged use, the heating power does not decrease.

Beko RGE 585 P2BSW

The narrow washing machine with a long-lasting Hi-Tech heater with anti-scale protection has a maximum load of 5 kg and electronic imbalance control that distributes wet laundry evenly in the drum. The washing machine offers 15 wash programs, including special modes for wool, sportswear and down items, a hypoallergenic mode and an express wash in 14 minutes. Convenient controls and a digital display with a child lock function, as well as a built-in foam control system ensure comfortable use of the washing machine day after day.

Advantages

sustainable
high quality washing

Flaws

makes noise when draining water

ATLANT 40M102

ruler: MAXI FUNCTION;
installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x33x85 cm;
loading: 4 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A+;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The Atlant washing machine SMA-40 M 102-00 can hold up to 4 kg of dry laundry. The model is controlled via electronic switches. The arsenal includes 15 automatic programs. The device allows you to effectively clean trousers, blouses and shirts made of cotton, synthetic or woolen fabric with minimal time and energy consumption. For heavily soiled laundry, it is recommended to use the pre-soak function before the main wash.

Additional rinsing helps to thoroughly remove powder from the material, which is especially important for allergy sufferers and newborns. All necessary information about the specified parameters is displayed on the digital display. The maximum spin speed is 1000 rpm. Thanks to the built-in timer, it is possible to delay the start (up to 24 hours). A sound signal indicates the completion of work. The Atlant washing machine SMA-40 M 102-00 has a front-loading type. The device consumes no more than 0.62 kWh per cycle.

Samsung WF8590NLW9

installation: free-standing;
WxDxH: 60x45x85 cm;
loading: 6 kg;
spin speed: 1000 rpm;
energy class: A;
protection: against leaks;
washing class: A;
spin class: C;
control: electronic.

Prices in online stores
The SAMSUNG WF8590NLW9 washing machine is designed to work with laundry weighing up to 6 kg. Electronic control simplifies the washing process to a minimum. With this model you will not have any difficulties. It operates in energy saving mode. A C-class spin means that drying clothes will take a little longer, but the quality of the wash will, of course, only benefit from this. The machine makes little noise: during operation you will not hear any extraneous sounds.

The Samsung WF8590NLW9 features a powerful security system designed to keep you calm. Protection against power surges will equalize the current strength, protection against leaks will block water in the event of an emergency. Auto balance will reduce vibration and, accordingly, engine noise, and the “Child Lock” function will block the buttons from unauthorized intervention.

Midea MWM 6123 Glory

This model of a freestanding automatic washing machine, thanks to its removable lid, can be easily integrated into the set. Software-based, the device is equipped with 15 operating modes and a function for reloading laundry during washing. The model also boasts a system for monitoring the balance and level of foam, manual adjustment of the spin speed, water temperature, and a long timer for 24 hours. Users note good assembly and high-quality manufacturing; the reliability of the machine is not inferior to more expensive competitors. The control is simple, push-button, plus there is an informative display and a sound signal for the end of the cycle. Considering the moderate water consumption, high energy efficiency class and fairly large load of up to 6 kg, the washing machine can be recommended for small families.

Advantages

long warranty (2 years)
reloading laundry
variety of modes
efficiency
high-quality manufacturing and assembly
can be partially integrated into furniture

Flaws

there is noticeable but not critical noise