The Best Liquid Fabric Softeners
We compared eight liquid fabric softeners on owner ratings, price, and specs. Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener is our top pick for its exceptional softness and fragrance.
Updated
The bottom line
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener (asin B0D68HMJLL) is our top pick for its superior softening power and long-lasting scent, backed by nearly 60,000 positive owner ratings. The closest alternative is Downy Liquid Fabric Softener (asin B0C8XBKZYG), which offers similar benefits at a slightly higher price. For budget-conscious buyers, Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener (asin B0CCK54KCF) is a gentle option for sensitive skin at an affordable price.
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener $9.60
Best overall softener and scent
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener offers four times the softening ingredients compared to leading liquid detergent alone, with a calming lavender and vanilla bean scent. It is safe for all fabric types and washing machines, and is priced at $9.6 for 56 fl oz. The tradeoff is its smaller volume compared to other options.
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Downy Liquid Fabric Softener $11.02
Excellent softener with long-lasting scent
Downy Liquid Fabric Softener provides dual benefits of softness and freshness, with a long-lasting scent. It is easy to use and safe for all washing machines, priced at $11.02 for 140 fl oz. The tradeoff is its higher price compared to the top pick.
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Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener $10.94
Affordable and gentle for sensitive skin
Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, free of dyes and perfumes. It is gentle on sensitive skin and easy to use, priced at $10.94 for 111 fl oz. The tradeoff is its smaller volume compared to other options.
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- Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener Best at softening and scent 10.0/10 $9.60 Amazon
- Downy Liquid Fabric Softener Excellent softener with long-lasting scent 9.0/10 $11.02 Amazon
- Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener Affordable and gentle for sensitive skin 8.0/10 $10.94 Amazon
- Downy Fabric Softener Liquid April Fresh Scent Good softener with April Fresh scent 8.0/10 $10.97 Amazon
- Downy Soft Liquid Fabric Softener Decent softener with Clean Breeze scent 7.0/10 $12.97 Amazon
- Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener Large volume, good for sensitive skin 7.0/10 $22.56 Amazon
- Downy Infusions Liquid Fabric Softener, Calm, Lavender & Vanilla Bean Good scent, but higher price 6.0/10 $19.98 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
Owners consistently report that Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener leaves clothes exceptionally soft and fragrant, with a long-lasting scent that persists for days. Downy Liquid Fabric Softener also receives high praise for its softening power and scent longevity, but some owners mention that the liquid is a bit thick, which may affect dispensing in some washing machines. Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener is praised for its gentleness on sensitive skin, but some owners note that the scent is less pronounced compared to other options.
Who should buy which
Downy Ultra Soft Fabric Softener is for those who prioritize exceptional softness and a long-lasting scent. Downy Liquid Fabric Softener is for those who want a balance of softening power and scent longevity. Downy Free & Gentle Liquid Fabric Softener is for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it is hypoallergenic and free of dyes and perfumes.
The also-rans
Downy Fabric Softener Liquid April Fresh Scent (asin B0CCK41736) and Downy Soft Liquid Fabric Softener (asin B0CCK45S6B) both offer good softening power and scent, but they are not as highly rated as the top picks. Downy Infusions Liquid Fabric Softener, Calm, Lavender & Vanilla Bean (asin B078CR27Z9) has a soothing scent but is priced higher than other options.