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Cleaning in independent tests. Consumer Reports and Which? both find big gaps between products, and some cheap store brands clean as well as the leading brands.
Resistance to spots and film. Hard water leaves mineral marks, and some plant-based packs do badly here.
Cost per load. Prices range from about 10 to 40 cents (or pence) a wash, and the dearest packs aren't always the best.
Dishwasher detergent
Finish Ultimate
Finish's top Powerball tablets were excellent at cleaning and at resisting spots and film in Consumer Reports' tests.
Packs of 40 to 60 tabletsAbout 32 to 40 cents a load.
Find on AmazonWorth knowing
- Finish sells several tiers (Quantum, Quantum Ultimate, Ultimate Plus). Consumer Reports tested Ultimate, so check the box name.
Use one pack per load and add rinse aid if you have hard water.
What we ruled out
Plant-based packs in a hard-water area. Consumer Reports found Seventh Generation's packs clean well but resist water spots poorly.
Also good
up & up (Target) dishwasher packs. Consumer Reports' top-rated pack in its latest tests, at about 22 to 31 cents a load. Target only.
Cascade Complete gel and Great Value gel. Consumer Reports' recommended gels, for people who prefer to dose their own.
Sources
- Best Dishwasher Detergents From Consumer Reports' Tests, Consumer Reports (2026)
- The best dishwasher detergent, per Consumer Reports, is a store brand, Tasting Table (2026)