Everyone has to deal with their dirty laundry one way or the other. Those of us who do our laundry at home need to decide which laundry detergent to use.
That so many different brands are on the market today is both a curse and a blessing. There is no laundry problem you cannot find a solution for these days.
You will most likely have heard of Tide and Ariel. Those two brands are among many countries’ most commonly used laundry detergents.
But what’s the better laundry detergent?
Are Tide and Ariel the Same Since they are Both Proctor and Gamble Products?
While both brands belong to the Proctor and Gamble family, they are not the same. When you look at the distribution, you will also notice that Tide and Ariel are generally sold in different markets. Both brands have different lines that have some similarities and differences (but so do other laundry brands!).
What’s the Main Difference Between Ariel and Tide Detergent?
The main difference is the marketing strategy and pricing of the two brands.
Tide’s target groups are rural households and lower and middle-class women who do their own washing but generally cannot afford premium laundry products. Tide is their answer: a brand that is premium but with highly competitive pricing.
Ariel’s target group are skilled individuals, self-employed, and urban families who can afford premium branded products. In addition, the brand is all about innovation.
Ariel Detergent
Ariel entered the market in 1967 and was the first enzyme-based laundry detergent. The aim was to help people with making their white clothing items properly white again.
In the following decades, more and more innovative laundry products from Ariel entered the market. In addition to the first enzyme-based detergent, Ariel invented liquitabs and was the first company to produce three-compartment tabs for washing machines.
What Products Does Ariel Offer?
Ariel Washing Liquids: 
Ariel Matic Front Load Liquid Detergent offers tough stain removal for front-loading washing machines. It dissolves quickly and has a pleasant scent that is not overpowering but lasts long.
Ariel Matic Top Load Liquid Detergent is the Ariel Matic version you need for top-loading washing machines. Like the front-loading version, this laundry detergent offers effective stain removal and a long-lasting, fresh scent.
Each 1 liter bottle of Ariel Actilift Liquid Laundry Detergent is enough for about 16 washes. This liquid laundry detergent is tough on stains but at the same time gentle on (most) fabrics. It is a great laundry liquid if you want your whites to stay white for longer.
If you wear a lot of dark clothing, Ariel Revita Black Liquid Laundry Detergent is the best option. The liquid can also be effective with only cold water.
Ariel PODS:
You can use Ariel Original 3-In-1 Pods in top and front loading washing machines. These powerful little pods clean, lift stains and brighten your clothing. They clean well and have a lovely, fresh scent (which gets weaker if you dry your clothes in the tumble dryer). These pods are ideal for all colors and whites.
However, if you have a lot of black clothing, consider using Ariel Revita Black All-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods for dark loads. These pods work like the original Ariel pods but also include a fiber smoothing technology that truly makes your black clothes look like new again.
Ariel Washing Powder:
Ariel Powder Laundry Detergent is an excellent solution if you enjoy fresh scents and prefer a powder detergent. The powder is suitable for all kinds of fabric and offers a deep clean for whites and colors.
Ariel Powdered Detergent with Downy is a fantastic whitening laundry soap with a lovely scent that will make you think “nice and fluffy”. You only get six loads of washing done with one bag, but if you enjoy this comforting scent, you will find it is worth the price.
If you are worried about the fading of your colored clothes, then Ariel Perfect Wash Detergent Powder is the detergent for you. It is specifically designed to avoid the fading of colors while removing stains. It is also recommended for hand-washing (e.g. if you have some more delicate fabrics to take care of).
Ariel Actilift Compact Color Detergent is the best detergent if you need to get rid of the toughest stains while protecting the colors of your clothing from fading. It is a concentrated detergent that is well loved because it removes tough stains in just one wash.
Suppose you are looking for a detergent that works well in semi-automatic washing machines and is also great for hand-washing. In that case, Ariel Colour Care Washing Detergent Powder is the best option. The unique technology of this detergent ensures that your clothes stay bright after each wash.
Ariel Stain Removal Powder
Some stains are particularly stubborn, and even the best detergent can run into problems. In tough cases, a stain remover like Ariel Stain Removal Powder can come to the rescue (of your clothing and sanity). The stain removal powder has to be used together with your regular detergent.
It is safe to use for colored clothing and removes stains by working deep down within the fiber of your clothing. This powder works even at low temperatures (30 degrees Celsius).
Ariel Detergent Questions:
What are the Ingredients in Ariel Detergents?
As Ariel has various laundry detergents in multiple formats (gels, liquids, pods, and powder), each item’s ingredient list is different. A detailed breakdown of what goes into the products can be found on the official Ariel website.
Most Ariel laundry detergents contain a combination of cleaning aids (e.g. enzymes and surfactants), a coating agent, fragrances, solvents, water softeners, pH adjusters, thickeners, and water.
What’s the Difference Between Ariel Matic and Ariel Complete?
Ariel Complete is a powder detergent while the different products from the Ariel Matic series come in liquid form.
What’s the Difference Between Ariel Matic and Ariel Revita?
Ariel Matic products can be used for white and color clothing, while Ariel Revita is best for dark and black clothing.
What’s the Difference Between Ariel Matic and Ariel Actilift?
The products from the Ariel Matic series are liquids, while Ariel Actilift is a powder laundry detergent.
Where is Ariel Popular?
Ariel is one of the most recognized laundry brands in the world and is sold in many countries. However, it is particularly popular in European countries like Germany and the UK. Ariel is also very popular in Russia and India.
Are Ariel Products Different From Another in Separate Countries?
There is only a little difference in product lines in different countries. The primary products are available in all countries that sell Ariel, but in Saudi Arabia, you can buy downy scented 3-in-1 liquid pods, which are unavailable in some other countries.
In the UK, customers have a more extensive selection of All-in-1 pods.
On the Japanese market, you can find unique products like the Dani Yoke Plus Spray and the connected laundry liquid – laundry care plus insect repellent!
So, you can see that some markets have different products for their consumers. Still, the primary offering is generally the same.
Tide Detergent
Tide was launched in 1946.
Initially, the brand’s marketing focused on selling the product as a so-called “washday miracle” that would clean clothes better than any soap.
Compared to the few other brands at that time, it was a heavy-duty detergent. Since then, Tide has added more and more laundry products to its line. Today, Tide has laundry products for all purposes.
What Products Does Tide Offer?
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergents
The choice of Tide liquid laundry detergents can be a little overwhelming as there is a wide variety of products. For general cleaning with incredible scents, you should try the Tide plus Febreze series products.
There are heavy cleaning detergents like Simply Plus Bleach or Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty.
Tide has recently launched the first plant-based liquid detergent with Tide technology.
There are Tide liquid laundry detergents for dark clothes, for people with sensitive skin, and children-friendly detergents.
To have a look at all of Tide’s liquid detergents, click here.
Tide PODS
While Ariel is THE big innovator in the field of laundry pods, Tide also has plenty to offer. Tide Pods come in a variety of scents and for many different purposes.
The original pods are the all-purpose solution for your laundry needs, while the Ultra Oxi is great for people who often have filthy clothes (e.g. due to working outdoors or with animals).
There are heavenly scented options in the Tide Pods series in collaboration with Febreeze and pods for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Check out the official Tide website to get more information about all the available pods.
Tide Powder Detergent
If you prefer a power detergent to liquid detergents, you need not worry: Tide also has you covered there.
From the all-purpose Clean Breeze Powder detergent over the Free and Gentle detergent to the potent Ultra Oxi powder, there is a laundry detergent for almost all purposes.
Check the line-up here.
Other Popular Tide Products:
Tide Stain Remover Products
If you do not often need a heavy-duty cleaner, you are better off buying a stain removal product instead of a heavy-duty laundry detergent. Tide has a few exciting options for you, making getting rid of the occasional bad stain a breeze. They even have wipes that you can have with you when on the go!
You can find these helpful Tide products here.
Tide Laundry Boosters
Sometimes, your laundry needs that little bit of extra care. Tide offers in-wash scent boosters, bright and whites rescue, and odor defense.
Check out Tide’s product info page for more information on these products.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
Too often, people only think about their laundry and forget that the washing machine also needs some care now and then. Check out Tide’s washing machine cleaner.
Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray
Tide also sells a great antibacterial fabric spray that fights odor-producing bacteria and can be used on clothes, car seats, dog beds, towels, and many other things in between washes.
Ariel vs Tide Detergent (Comparison Questions):
Is Ariel or Tide More Affordable?
As mentioned before, Ariel and Tide have different target groups.
Ariel offers a range of premium products. Not the most expensive ones on the laundry market, but they are more costly than Tide per wash/pod.
Tide is on the lower price spectrum while offering customers a great washing experience with powerful products.
Which Detergent is a More Powerful Cleaner?
There is no clear winner here as both brands have powerful laundry detergents for heavy-duty washing performance.
If you need a powerful wash, choose the right detergent from each brand, i.e. don’t compare Tide’s Gentle cleaning detergent with Ariel’s Actilift. Or Ariel’s Odor Defense with Tide’s Ultra Oxy detergent.
Is Ariel or Tide Sold in More Locations Worldwide?
With markets becoming more international and open year after year, it is easy to get products from other countries. Ariel can be bought in countries it usually is not sold in (thanks to Amazon).
To add to the problem, Tide is often sold under a different name (e.g., DAZ in the UK). Generally, both brands are very well established in many markets and it is hard to say which of the two brands is available in more countries.
Tide might be available in a few more countries than Ariel.
Who Offers a Larger Variety of Product Options?
Tide has a wider variety of product options, while Ariel has more innovative products.
Are Both Cruelty Free Detergents?
Tide is not cruelty-free. Their products are still tested on animals.
So what about Ariel? Also bad news. They also test on animals.
If you are looking for an ethical, cruelty-free detergent, neither Ariel nor Tide is suitable. Many products of those two brands are also not suitable for vegans.
Who is the More Environmentally Friendly Option?
Both brands are attempting to introduce environmentally friendly options by offering laundry detergents that you can use with cold water or low temperatures.
Both brands are on the same level in that regard.
Is Either a Safer Pick for Your Clothes than the Other?
When it comes to general laundry, you can’t go wrong with either of them. Tide and Ariel are both safe for regular washing.
You need to be a bit more cautious when you want to wash more delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or cashmere. You can damage these fabrics if you use a powerful detergent. And you should not wash some organic materials with a laundry detergent with enzymes.
The Verdict – Which Detergent Should I Choose?
I always choose Ariel because I find the dozens of options Tide offers confusing and overwhelming. I prefer to have a handful of options.
Ariel has fewer choices but enough to meet all needs: keeping your whites white, protecting your colors from fading, and making your black clothes look black for a longer time. There are heavy-duty detergents and detergents that smell divine.
I enjoy Ariel’s All-in-1 pods because they make my life so much easier: one pod for an average load, and you’re done. No messing around with caps and pouring liquid all over yourself and the washing machine.
While Ariel is a little pricier than Tide, it’s worth it – and if you manage to grab a special, the price difference isn’t even that noticeable!
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.