Tide has a broader range of powders, including a baby clothes line, and is generally more affordable. It is better suited for people with sensitive skin. Ariel tends to be slightly more expensive and offers fewer gel and capsule varieties. It is considered slightly better at bleaching light-colored fabrics and may have a stronger fragrance.Both brands are from Procter & GambleTide offers more powder options and a baby line; Ariel has fewer gel and capsule typesTide is usually cheaper; Ariel costs a bit moreTide is gentler on sensitive skinAriel is better for brightening light fabrics; Tide excels on tough stainsAriel often has a stronger fragranceBoth deliver strong cleaning with moderate foam