Compare Laundry Detergent
Which scores higher on safety? R3 breaks it down.
R3 scored the Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablet Unscented (40 loads) 8.4/10 and the Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Powder 2-Pack (4 lbs each, 180 loads) 8.7/10 on the same laundry detergent scoring system, weighing safety, efficacy, and usability. The overall scores are close; the pillar breakdown below shows where they differ.
The most important dimensions, side by side.
See which one actually scores higher — and why
Free account unlocks full safety scores, spec-by-spec breakdown, and the R3 verdict on Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablet Unscented (40 loads) vs Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Powder 2-Pack (4 lbs each, 180 loads).
Unlock the full Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablet Unscented (40 loads) vs Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Powder 2-Pack (4 lbs each, 180 loads) breakdown
Free account unlocks all safety scores, complete spec comparison, scoring rationale, and the R3 verdict on which one to buy.
Everything you need to make the call - who each one is for, and who should skip it.
Go for it if you...
Eliminating plastic packaging entirely is a priority — tablets ship in compostable cardboard.
You want pre-measured convenience without liquid measuring and no PVA film concerns.
You travel frequently and want a compact, mess-free laundry format.
You want both enzyme cleaning power and a preservative-free powder formula — this is the only product in this group that delivers both.
Non-ethoxylated, SLES-free surfactants in a dry format are a priority for baby or sensitive-skin laundry.
You're already a Branch Basics household and want the full-enzyme powder option.
The main thing to know
At $0.48 per load, you can find cleaner formulations (by surfactant or preservative profile) at lower cost in this category. The Blueland premium is largely for the zero-plastic packaging format.
The load count for this 2-pack may be understated on Amazon — which means you might be getting better per-load value than the listed price implies. Verify with the brand before deciding the premium is unjustified.
Skip this if you...
Budget is a constraint — cleaner options at lower cost per load exist in this category.
You need enzyme-powered stain removal for heavy-duty loads.
You need independent ingredient certification before purchasing.
The $0.42/load premium is beyond your budget — the Molly's Suds Liquid or Puracy offer enzyme action at lower cost.
Independent third-party certification is a requirement before purchase.
Liquid convenience is necessary for your workflow.
Neither of these quite what you're looking for?
I've reviewed all Laundry Detergent options at every price pointEvery Laundry Detergent in our database is scored using R3's deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. For this comparison, we evaluated Blueland and Branch Basics across 3 independent criteria: Safety (87%), Efficacy (5%), Usability (3%). No sponsored rankings. No paid placements.
Straight answers - no sponsored content, no filler.
Both scored close to 8.4/10, so the better choice depends on your priorities. Safety is our top-weighted scoring pillar, followed by efficacy, and usability. Check which pillar matters most to your family and compare those specific scores.
R3 uses a deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. We evaluate each Laundry Detergent across Safety, Efficacy, Usability using independently verified data. No sponsored rankings. No paid placements. Every score is fully reproducible.
Not necessarily. The overall score reflects how we weight those three pillars, but your priorities may differ. If you care most about safety, compare the safety scores directly. If budget drives your decision, the prices tell a clearer story. The "right" pick is the one that matches what matters most to your family.
Not the right match? Explore these alternatives in the same category.
Puracy
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent Free & Clear (192 loads)
8.7
Branch Basics
Branch Basics Laundry Detergent Powder 2-Pack (4 lbs each, 180 loads)
8.7
Molly's Suds
Molly's Suds Original Unscented Laundry Powder (70 loads)
8.6
Puracy
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent Free & Clear (192 loads)
8.7
