The 8 Best Laundry Detergent Pods of 2023

Best Overall

Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Original Scent

4.9

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It’s hard to beat the cleaning power of Tide. These pods come in the Tide original scent, which adds a familiar freshness to your clothes as it cleans. Each pod cleans just as well in cold water as in warm water, so they’re perfect for use on just about any soil level or stain you can create. They are also safe for both soft and hard water, as well as high-efficiency washing machines.

Each pack comes with 42 pods, which isn’t as large as some other options on our list. These are still an excellent value, but expect to replenish your stash more often (or try buying in bulk) if you’re someone who does multiple loads of laundry every few days.

The cleaning power is what really sets these pods apart. They are packed with the same detergent as traditional Tide, which has been making laundry detergent since 1946. Tide states that its pods clean 10 times as well as some more budget-friendly options. In our experience, that has proven to be true. Tide also leaves your clothes smelling fresh but not like chemicals. If you are sensitive to smells (no matter how pleasant), that may be an issue for you. For most, it is a welcome addition and one of the best things about Tide.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 42︱Scent: Tide Original scent︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes}

Best Budget

All OXI Mighty Pacs

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Not only are All Mighty Pacs detergent budget-friendly, they also combine multiple products in one pod so that you only have to purchase one product to get your clothes clean, soft, and stain-free. Each pod has a pre-treatment formula that works right in your washing machine to get rid of stains. The pod also brightens and whitens.

The scent isn’t as enjoyable as some others, although it is still fresh and clean. The real benefit from these pacs is that they take care of so much in one convenient little pod. Not only does that save you money, but it also saves a lot of time and work. The pods come in a package of 60, meaning fewer trips to the store to restock, as well.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 60︱Scent: All scent︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes}

Best Eco-Friendly

Grab Green 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods

4.4

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This environmentally-friendly pod uses plant and mineral ingredients to deliver a very effective clean. The formula doesn’t use phosphates, phthalates, chlorine, dyes, or toxins. These pods are perfect for those with sensitive skin or those who just want to do their part to protect the environment. They're also septic-safe, and they work in HE machines.

The scents of the Grab Green pods are especially nice. You can choose from gardenia, lavender vanilla, vertiver, or unscented. Not only are the scents less harsh than their chemical counterparts, but the relaxing smell also lingers even after the clothes and linens are out of the dryer, folded, and put away. These pods are quite pricey, though, and you may need to use two for especially soiled loads. While our at-home tester liked the easy-close top of the bag, it doesn’t protect the pods from getting wet like a hard plastic container would.

Price at time of publish: $19

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 60︱Scent: Fragrance-free, gardenia, lavender vanilla, vetiver︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Not listed}

Best Unscented

All Free Clear 4-in-1 MightyPacks Laundry Detergent

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These pods combine the cleaning power of All with a Free & Clear formula that doesn’t use fragrances, dyes, or perfumes. If you are sensitive to those things, this could be the perfect pod to take care of your cleaning needs.

You only need to use one pod per load, even for heavily soiled laundry. These pods can be used in HE machines as well as in warm or cold water. The price can fluctuate, based on whether you opt for a single container of 60 or a two-pack of either 66 or 67 each. With so many options, it can be tricky to figure out which is the best deal, but if you go through a lot of laundry in a week, a two-pack of detergent containers is always a welcome option.

Price at time of publish: $31

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 60︱Scent: None︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes}

Best Smelling

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs

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If you have used Mrs. Meyer’s line of cleaning products, you probably know just how wonderful they smell. The scents are plant-based and free of harsh chemicals. However, they can be quite strong and too much for some people with smell sensitivities (even though they don’t use chemicals).

These Mrs. Meyer’s pods are on the expensive side, but they keep your laundry smelling great days after being washed. For heavily soiled loads, expect to use two pods, which adds to the overall cost. If you love a particular scent (basil, honeysuckle, lavender, or lemon verbena), you can also get other Mrs. Meyer’s products in the same scent and enjoy it all around your home.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 64︱Scent: Basil, honeysuckle, lavender, lemon verbena︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes}

Best for Sensitive Skin

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs - Free and Clear

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Seventh Generation Free & Clear packs are hypoallergenic and perfect for those with sensitivities. They are made with 94 percent plant-based ingredients but still have strong cleaning power. Their transparent list of ingredients on the back of the package can help those with allergies or sensitive skin know whether these will work for their needs before buying them.

These pods come in a two-pack, so you can open one to use and keep the other tucked away. They have some stain-fighting ingredients but aren’t the best for tough stains like oil or red wine. For day-to-day use, however, they are ideal.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 90︱Scent: None︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes}

Best for Babies

Grab Green Newborn Baby Laundry Detergent Pods

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These eco-friendly laundry detergent pods from Grab Green are gentle enough for your baby’s clothing and good for the environment in which they will grow. Grab Green uses a chamomile or rosewood scent, which may give a calming sense to your little one. If you prefer something free of smells, there is also an unscented option.

This formula works on the most common baby stains, including spit-up, breastmilk, formula, and anything that can be deposited into a diaper. They are also safe for use on cloth diapers and won’t leave a residue behind. These pods are a bit pricey, especially considering how often you will likely need to wash your baby’s clothes. But you can’t beat the convenience of a pod when you’re also balancing nap and feeding times.

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Type: Pod︱Amount: 60︱Scent: Chamomile, rosewood︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes}