Finish Quantum vs Powerball | What’s the Difference?

With the variety of dishwashing detergents available, it can become tricky to differentiate the benefits of each one. One of the top-rated dishwasher detergents, called Finish, comes in a few formats and the most popular tablet options are sometimes referred to as either Finish Quantum or Finish Powerball.

All Finish tablet options are called Powerball due to the distinct red ball of detergent on the tablet. Finish Quantum is within the Powerball tablet line, offering an optimal clean within one wash cycle. The Finish Powerball line also contains the All in One Max Powerball tabs to cut through tough residues and stains.

Read on to learn about the differences between the Finish Powerball and Quantum varieties and how they differ. If you are interested we also compared Cascade Platinum vs Finish Quantum here.

What is Finish Quantum Dishwasher Detergent?

Finish Quantum dishwasher detergent tablets contain three chambers with various solutions to soak and soften any food residue so no pre-soak is needed, to leave dishes shiny, and the red Powerball to break down stuck-on food while leaving dishes fully dried and spotless in one wash cycle.

Are There Different Types of Finish Quantum Detergent?

There were initially two types of Finish Quantum detergent, both of which are still available. The first is Quantum tablets available in Fresh and Lemon scents, with the three detergent chambers designed to lift away tough residues, offering a spotless shine in one wash cycle.

The second edition of this detergent, called Quantum Ultimate, was designed to dissolve faster than the original Quantum tablets while still effectively cleaning your dishes. This version is also available in Fresh and Lemon scents and various pack sizes.

Now, Finish boasts the newest member of the Quantum line, called Quantum Superior Clean and Shine with Activblu technology. Available in a Fresh scent and various pack sizes, this formula is said to clean in short wash cycles while providing glass protection alongside the cleaning efficacy of its predecessors.

Read our related article about Finish Quantim Ultimate vs Finish Quantum Ultimate Max here.

What is Powerball Dishwasher Detergent?

While the naming can appear to differentiate the Finish Powerball from Finish Quantum, they are actually related in that Finish Quantum is part of the Powerball line. Powerball simply refers to the red ball-like chamber on the detergent tablets that deliver extra cleaning power.

Are There Different Types of Finish Powerball Detergents?

Just like the Quantum varieties, there are multiple Powerball options as well. First is the Finish Powerball All In 1 Max tablet available in Orange, Lemon, and Fresh scents and various pack sizes. This detergent delivers the ability to cut through greasy food messes and remove tough stains.

Although the All In 1 Max formula is still available, the reinvented formula called Finish Powerball Max in 1 is also available. In a Fresh scent and various pack sizes, this formula delivers the same cleaning power, removing stains, baked-on food residue, while protecting your dishes. This tablet does not have a dissolvable wrapper and can be used just like any other Finish Powerball tablet.

Lastly, there are Finish Powerball Deep Clean tablets that come individually wrapped, in various pack sizes and a Fresh scent.  This formula is also meant to remove tough stuck-on foods like lasagna and oatmeal while still being septic safe and protecting your dishes.

Which Detergent is More Affordable?

Because Finish Powerball Quantum contains more advanced detergent formulas than the Finish Powerball options, you will likely find that the former will be slightly more expensive than the latter and this can also vary based on where it is purchased from.

For example, a 12 pack of Finish Powerball Quantum costs on average about 31.4 cents per tablet whereas, the 12 pack of Finish Powerball costs about 25.6 cents each. You will also typically find that buying these detergents in larger quantities also makes them more cost-efficient.

An 85 pack of Quantum Powerball costs on average approximately 22.3 cents per tablet and a 72 pack of Finish Powerball Quantum costs about 27.7 cents per tablet.

Note that the prices are always changing and these numbers provided are from researching local shops.

What Are Finish GelPacs?

Finish GelPacs are conventional-looking dishwasher detergent pods that are septic safe, available in an Orange scent, and various pack sizes. They contain powerful and protective dish detergents that are pre-measured and still offer the Finish standard of cleaning away tough stuck-on food messes while leaving your dishes shiny and spotless.

As is the case, with the Powerball tablets, purchasing the GelPacs in larger quantities proves to be more cost-effective. 84 packs of the GelPacs cost approximately 12.8 cents per pod whereas, the 54 pack costs close to 34.5 cents per pod. Again, this can vary based on where you purchase the GelPacs from.

Do Any of the Finish Dishwasher Detergents Also Clean the Dishwasher?

None of the Finish dishwasher detergents claim that they can clean the dishwasher while simultaneously cleaning your dishes with one pod. Finish does however offer dishwasher cleaners in liquid and tablet form along with liquid rinse-aids to remove hard water stains.

What are Some Competitors in the Dishwasher Detergent Space?

While Finish dishwasher detergents are typically ranked on the top lists for effectiveness at cleaning, there are a few competitors that are worth checking out that also offer similar benefits. Some competitor detergents also offer eco-friendlier options than conventional pods that are also biodegradable.

• Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pods (formulated to clean dishes and the dishwasher with one pod)
• Miele Ultra Tabs Multi Dishwasher Detergent
• Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Pacs
• Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets (plant-based and biodegradable)

What Is the Best Finish Dishwasher Detergent?

As is the case with any household cleaner, it depends on what you need it for. Finish Powerball Quantum offers the most comprehensive cleaning power to your dishes, removing tough stuck-on residues, coffee, and tea staining while ensuring your dishes come out of the dishwasher fully dry without streaks or spots. This can be an ideal option if your dishwasher uses hard water to minimize staining on your dishes.

Finish Powerball varieties offer a superior level of cleanness and shine ideal for most water types and the GelPacs are the most conventional dishwasher detergent pods of the Finish lineup. It is best to determine the conditions you need it for and that should help you determine which is the best formula for you.