We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Laundry Products The 8 Best Laundry Pods of 2024 From heavy-duty detergents for tough stains to gentle, unscented options for sensitive skin. By L. Daniela Alvarez Updated on June 20, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / David Hattan Proctor & Gamble has issued a recall for select Tide Pods/Gain Flings due to an issue with the packaging that can cause the contents to be easily accessible to children and other vulnerable populations. Find out more about the included products and what to do if you have recalled products in your home at CPSC.gov. Laundry pods are an extremely convenient form of laundry detergent. Unlike messy liquids and powders, there's no need to precisely measure pods. These small yet powerful detergent pods make laundry day less of a pain, so your clothes will look, smell, and feel as clean as possible. “With larger laundry loads or extremely tough messes, some consumers find themselves needing more cleaning power,” says Jennifer Ahoni, principal scientist at Procter & Gamble. “High-quality liquid laundry pacs deliver better performance with more concentrated cleaning ingredients and 50% more cleaning power than liquid detergent." To find the best laundry pods, we spent hours researching the formula, scent, and machine compatibility of dozens of products. We also received expert tips on what to look for in laundry pods from Ahoni and CEO and founder of Modern Maids, Justin Carpenter. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Gain Flings at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Order Blaster 5-In-1 Power Paks at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Scented: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best Unscented: AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best for Stains: Tide Pods Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent Pacs at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Odors: All Stainlifter Pacs at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly: Blueland Laundry Starter Set at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Overall Gain Flings PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $7 at Target What Stands Out They contain the stain-fighting power of Oxi and the freshness of Febreze. What Could Be Improved You might end up having to use more pods to get loads completely clean. If you want to prioritize effective cleaning power on tough stains, we recommend the Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent. We love that these powerful pods contain the stain-fighting power of Oxi and the freshness of Febreze, which combine to create a clean and invigorating scent. Not only are these laundry pods safe for HE washers, but they are also effective at cleaning in cold water. Gain Flings are also an excellent value for the price. Like most laundry pods, simply add one (two for large or heavily soiled loads) to the top-loading or front-loading washing machine drum before adding clothes. Quantity: 81 | Scent: Gain Original | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best Budget Arm & Hammer Order Blaster 5-In-1 Power Paks PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Target What Stands Out It effectively lifts stains, neutralizes odors, whitens whites, and brightens colors. What Could Be Improved It only comes in one strong scent. Liquid soap is typically considered the most budget-friendly form of laundry detergent since it can be measured and controlled, which helps it last longer (and saves you more money). But some laundry pods, like the Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean 5-in-1 Power Paks, can be affordable, too. Despite their lower price, these pods don’t compromise on cleaning power. Like our best overall pick, these laundry pods use the power of OxiClean to lift stains, neutralize odors, whiten whites, and brighten colors. The laundry pods also utilize the deodorizing power of Arm & Hammer baking soda, leaving clothing looking and smelling fresh. Simply use one pod for regular loads and two for bulky or heavily soiled loads. They are also HE-compatible and can clean in cold water. Quantity: 42 | Scent: Fresh | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best Scented Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Laundry Detergent Pacs PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon What Stands Out These uniquely scented pods are made with plant-derived ingredients and enzymes to combat stains. What Could Be Improved They're not as affordable as other options. If you’re looking for effective laundry pods made with essential oils that leave behind a unique and invigorating scent, we recommend these from Mrs. Meyer’s. They’re available in scents like basil, lavender, and honeysuckle, but our favorite just might be the lemon verbena. This garden-fresh scent has light citrus notes that leave your clothes smelling like springtime all year round. We also like that these laundry pods are Leaping Bunny certified, have a B rating from the EWG, and are made with plant-derived ingredients and enzymes to combat stains. Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Pacs dissolve in all water temperatures and are HE compatible. To get your clothes and linens as clean as possible, add one pod to the washing machine drum for a small or medium load, two for a large load, and three for extra-large loads. Quantity: 45 | Scent: Lemon verbena, basil, honeysuckle, lavender | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best Unscented AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Aspenclean.com What Stands Out They're formulated without parabens, phosphates, sulfates, carcinogens, and fragrance. What Could Be Improved They don't deep clean as well as other options. Many laundry pods contain a concentrated detergent gel that can be heavy on fragrance and dyes. For those who want an unscented, hypoallergenic option, we recommend the AspenClean Unscented Laundry Pods. These natural yet effective laundry pods are made with organic and plant-derived ingredients, and they’re also EWG Verified, which means they meet the Environmental Working Group’s strictest standards for health and transparency. We love that these pods have impressive cleaning power while being gentle on sensitive skin. Even though they’re on the pricier side, these laundry detergent pods are formulated without parabens, phosphates, sulfates, carcinogens, and fragrance—which makes them worth the price tag for those who prioritize natural formulas. If you want to try out these laundry pods but still prefer a touch of scent, they also come in lavender and eucalyptus options that are powered by essential oils. Quantity: 36 | Scent: Unscented | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best for Sensitive Skin Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon $26 at Dropps.com $15 at Thrive Market What Stands Out They are dermatologist-approved and have an A-rating from the EWG. What Could Be Improved They are not as effective at removing strong odors. Whether you want to wash baby clothes without harsh chemicals or simply have sensitive skin yourself, finding a laundry pod that is both effective and gentle could require a lot of trial and error. We love that the Dropps laundry pods are dermatologist-approved and safe for sensitive skin, as they’re made with unscented and non-toxic ingredients. And it gets better: They’re also Safer Choice Certified by the EPA and have an A rating from EWG. The Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods are free of fragrance, dyes, enzymes, phosphates, parabens, phthalates, and optical brighteners. As a bonus, each package is made of compostable cardboard and manufactured in the U.S., and the laundry pods have a convenient subscription option that includes carbon-neutral shipping when you order directly through the brand’s website. Quantity: 36 | Scent: Unscented | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best for Stains Tide Pods Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent Pacs PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $28 at Walmart $12 at Target What Stands Out They're formulated with a color protector and pre-treater. What Could Be Improved They're not intended for sensitive skin. Whether it’s wine, ink, grass, or makeup, some stains seem impossible to remove using just any old laundry detergent. That’s why we recommend the Tide Pods 4-in-1 Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent. They have a built-in stain remover that will tackle tough spots with ease, so you don’t even need to keep a separate stain remover on hand. The detergent pods also have a color protector and pre-treater in the formula, which helps cut down the prep work for even the messiest laundry. Plus, these pods are expert-approved and GreenCircle Certified, which is a third-party organization that independently verifies a company’s sustainability claims. Quantity: 61 | Scent: Original | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best for Odors All Stainlifter Pacs PHOTO: Walmart $35 at Amazon $30 at Walmart What Stands Out They use enzymes to tackle new and set-in odors caused by sweat, pets, mildew, and more. What Could Be Improved The pods may not always dissolve completely. Some materials, such as gym clothes, seem to hold on to strong odors no matter how many times they’ve been washed. Luckily, the All Stainlifter 4-in-1 Mighty Pacs use enzymes to tackle stinky smells caused by sweat, pets, mildew, and more. With these odor-removing laundry pods, your laundry will look, feel, and smell clean. They only come in one scent (fresh), so they may not be the best for those who want multiple fragrances to choose from. Like many other great laundry pods, these are effective at removing stains, whitening whites, and brightening colors, too. The HE-compatible pods are safe for septic systems and are intended to dissolve in all water temperatures, though they may not dissolve fully in cold washes. Quantity: 60 | Scent: Fresh | Safe for HE Washers: Yes Best Eco-Friendly Blueland Laundry Starter Set PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon View on Blueland.com $20 at The Container Store What Stands Out They come in a refillable steel tin for easy storage. What Could Be Improved They're not suitable for heavily soiled loads. Most laundry pods are wrapped in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH), which is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that can sometimes be defined as a type of plastic. But Blueland's Laundry Starter Set contains powder tablets without any plastic coating—and they come in a steel tin for easy storage. You can even get a subscription for refills so you never have to run out of laundry pods again. While this is the most expensive product on our list, these plastic-free laundry pods are a great option for those who want a completely green clean. Just keep in mind that they won’t be as effective on heavily soiled loads as other options on our list. The powder tablets are free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, phthalates, ammonia, and petroleum—instead, you’ll find naturally-derived ingredients such as enzymes, sodium carbonate, and citric acid in the formula. Best of all, these laundry detergent pods are EWG Verified. Quantity: 60 | Scent: Unscented | Safe for HE Washers: Not listed Final Verdict Our top pick is Gain Original Flings Laundry Detergent for its impressive cleaning power, fresh scent, and ability to get rid of an array of stains and odors. But if you’re looking for effective laundry pods that are more environmentally friendly, we recommend Seventh Generation Power+ Laundry Detergent Packs. Made mostly from plants and other renewable resources, these pods are a USDA Certified Biobased Product and they’re Safer Choice Certified by the EPA. How to Shop for Laundry Pods Like a Pro Formula Laundry pods are typically made with gel, powder, or a combination of both. Regardless of the type, laundry pods can be chemical-based or plant-based for a more environmentally friendly option. To figure out what formulation is best for you, Carpenter says it’s best to first decide what you want to wash. “Before purchasing laundry pods, it’s important to consider the type of fabrics you’ll be washing,” Carpenter says. “Some pods may not be suitable for delicate items such as lingerie or silks and can damage them.” You should also think about your household’s specific needs. Do you have kids who play sports and often come home covered in dirt? Is anyone sensitive to fragrance? “If you are looking to combat frequent odors and stains, I’d recommend choosing laundry pacs that are formulated with extra stain- and odor-fighting ingredients,” Ahoni says. “If you or someone in your household has sensitive skin, use pacs that cater to this.” Quantity A tub of laundry pods can contain anywhere from 30 to 80 pods, so you can choose to stock up. Be sure to consider the number of pods per container when deciding how long your purchase will last. In general, a regular-sized load will only require one pod. Most brands recommend using two pods for medium-sized or moderately soiled loads and three for extra-large or heavily soiled loads. Carpenter says it’s always important to check the label’s instructions and go with its recommendations. Scent Some laundry pods may contain dyes or synthetic fragrances that could cause discoloration to clothes or irritation to sensitive skin, according to Carpenter. If you want to err on the side of caution, it’s best to choose a laundry pod with a natural fragrance (derived from essential oils) or one that is unscented. Machine Type Most laundry pods will work on all washing machine types, including HE, or high-efficiency, machines. HE washers can be front-loading or top-loading, whereas standard washers are only top-loading. HE washers use less water and therefore require less detergent, so if you have these machines, it’s important to make sure your laundry pods are HE-compatible. Questions You Might Ask Do laundry pods clean better than liquid detergents? Both Carpenter and Ahoni explain that laundry pods have a more concentrated and powerful formula than liquid detergent, meaning you can get more cleaning power out of a smaller amount. “Laundry pods are formulated with powerful detergents that can penetrate deeply into fabrics to remove stains and dirt,” Carpenter says. “They can also contain enzymes to break down tough, set-in stains that may not be completely removed by traditional liquid detergent.” Where should you put laundry pods in the washing machine? Ahoni says the best way to use laundry pods is to add them directly to the washer drum (for all types of washing machines, including traditional top loading and front load HE) before adding any clothes or linens. “Place it at the back or bottom of the machine drum, not in the dispenser drawer, and make sure to check your label for the recommended dosing for your load size," Ahoni says. "It is important to use the right amount of pacs for the amount of clothes and soil level in your load to get the best results. As washing machines become larger, so do load sizes! This means there’s more dirt going into each load, which requires more cleaning power.” Do laundry pods dissolve in cold water? Both Carpenter and Ahoni say that all laundry pods dissolve in cold water. However, not all laundry pods are created the same so it’s important to always check the instructions and understand the benefits of washing with cold or hot water. “Most laundry pods are formulated to dissolve in both hot and cold water, though some may take a bit longer to do so in cold water,” Carpenter says. "For maximum stain removal, use hot water when possible. Additionally, some laundry pods are designed specifically for cold water washes, so be sure to check the manufacturer instructions before using.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching laundry pods. She also received tips on how to shop for laundry pods from Jennifer Ahoni, principal scientist at Procter & Gamble, and Justin Carpenter, CEO and founder of Modern Maids.