Finding the best deal used to mean cutting coupons, scanning ads, and doing manual price comparisons across different websites. Today, smart shopping is a lot easier thanks to apps and browser extensions designed to do the hard work for you. These digital tools work behind the scenes, searching for promo codes, comparing prices, alerting you to price drops, and even offering cashback for your purchases. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, electronics, travel, or groceries, there’s likely a tool that can save you time and money without lifting a finger.
Honey: Automatic Coupons at Checkout
One of the most popular browser extensions in the deal-hunting world is Honey. Once installed, it automatically checks for coupon codes when you reach the checkout page of thousands of online retailers. It tests multiple codes and applies the one that offers the best discount, so you don’t have to scour the internet for promo codes that may or may not work. Honey also includes features like price tracking for specific products and a rewards program where you can earn “Honey Gold” to redeem for gift cards. It's available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge, and works seamlessly in the background while you shop.
Rakuten: Cash Back Made Simple
Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten is both a website and browser extension that offers cashback on purchases from a wide range of retailers. When you visit a store’s site, the extension pops up to let you know how much cashback you can earn if you activate the offer. It’s a straightforward way to earn back a portion of what you spend, especially during the holidays or big sales events. Rakuten also has an app that alerts you to deals and allows you to shop through its portal to get cashback from mobile purchases.
Capital One Shopping: Price Comparison and Savings
Capital One Shopping, previously known as Wikibuy, helps users save money by comparing prices across multiple retailers. As you shop, the browser extension checks to see if the item you’re viewing is available for a lower price elsewhere. If it finds a better deal, it will alert you and give you a link to purchase it from the cheaper seller. It also searches for coupon codes and offers price drop notifications for products you’re watching. Capital One Shopping is a great tool for those who want a simple, all-in-one way to ensure they’re not overpaying.
CamelCamelCamel: Amazon Price Tracking
If you shop on Amazon frequently, CamelCamelCamel is a must-have tool. It tracks the price history of products on Amazon and lets you see whether a current price is a good deal or just a temporary increase. By using this browser extension or visiting the site directly, you can set up price drop alerts and get notified when an item falls below your target price. It’s especially helpful during big sales like Prime Day or Black Friday when prices can fluctuate frequently and create a false sense of urgency.
InvisibleHand: Real-Time Price Alerts
InvisibleHand is another helpful extension that works quietly in the background to find lower prices on the products you’re shopping for. When you’re viewing a product online, it searches other retailers to see if there’s a better price available and displays the alternative option in a small banner. It covers a wide range of categories including flights, hotels, and rental cars, in addition to retail goods. The beauty of InvisibleHand is how discreetly it works, providing useful price comparisons without disrupting your shopping flow.
ShopSavvy: Barcode Scanner and Deal Finder
If you prefer shopping in-store, ShopSavvy is a mobile app designed for you. It allows you to scan product barcodes or QR codes using your phone and instantly see if the item is available for a better price online or at nearby retailers. This is especially useful when shopping for electronics, appliances, or name-brand items where price differences can be significant. The app also includes price tracking, product reviews, and user ratings to help you make an informed decision.
RetailMeNot: Coupons and Cash Back in One Place
RetailMeNot offers both a browser extension and a mobile app that focus on coupons and cashback offers. As you browse, it will alert you to available promo codes or deals for the site you’re visiting. The app is especially useful for in-store shopping, as it includes a wide variety of mobile-friendly coupons that can be scanned directly from your phone at checkout. RetailMeNot frequently features limited-time offers, exclusive deals, and seasonal sales from popular brands, making it a go-to for frequent shoppers.
With so many options available, there’s no need to shop the old-fashioned way. These apps and browser extensions take the stress out of saving, working behind the scenes to ensure you get the best price without spending hours searching for deals. Whether you’re shopping for essentials, splurging on a big-ticket item, or just browsing, having a few of these tools installed can lead to serious savings over time. Smart shopping isn’t about cutting corners it’s about making technology work for you, so you can focus less on chasing deals and more on enjoying the things you buy.