There are other polyether detergents in the market that have lower costs but none are measureably better. (Cost meaning what Chevron pays, not what the consumer pays.) Techron has also been thoroughly tested for not harming the oil.
As with many products in the aftermarket, there are almost no standards on performance, you have to trust the brand. Chevron's additive company arm sells the active ingredient of Techron to anyone (well, almost anyone) that would pay for it, so it may be in Pixie Dust Fuel Additive at a lower or a higher treat rate, but you can't always be sure. Pixie Dust may cost more or cost less, too, so it's difficult to make an intelligent choice.
Chevron (and others) are now touting that their gasolines meet an OEM spec cleverly called "Top Tier Detergent Gasoline." This loosely defined, not well policed performance is intended to separate their gasolines from the everyday gasoline that contains only the legal minimum amount. You may have to ask/search to find out which companies are participating, but that would also be worthwhile.
