Bargain hunting has come a long way from clipping paper coupons and visiting multiple stores to find the best price. Thanks to the internet, you can now compare prices across thousands of retailers with just a few clicks. Whether you're shopping for groceries, gadgets, clothing, or household essentials, price comparison tools can help you save time and money.

With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to get started. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best price comparison tools and browser extensions to help you find deals effortlessly. From snagging discounts to tracking price drops, these tools are your secret weapon in smart shopping.

Why Use Online Price Comparison Tools?

Before we jump into specific tools, you might be wondering what makes price comparison tools so powerful. Here are a few reasons they’re a game-changer for savvy shoppers:

  • Save Money: These tools can instantly find the lowest prices, ensuring you never overpay.
  • Save Time: No more opening dozens of tabs to check prices manually. Comparison tools do the heavy lifting for you.
  • Track Discounts: Many offer price tracking features, so you’re alerted when items go on sale.
  • Make Smarter Choices: Seeing reviews, ratings, and shipping costs alongside prices helps you find the best deal overall—not just the cheapest price.

Now that you know the benefits, here are the top tools and extensions to supercharge your savings.

1. Honey

Honey is a browser extension that simplifies savings for online shoppers. Famous for automatically finding coupon codes and applying them to your checkout, it also offers built-in price comparison features for maximum value.

Features:

  • Automatic Coupon Finder: Honey scans the web for valid promo codes and applies them instantly to your purchase.
  • Price History Tracker: It shows price trends for products over time, helping you decide when to buy.
  • DropList: Add items to your DropList, and Honey will notify you when they go on sale.

Pro Tip: Honey’s rewards program, Honey Gold, lets you earn cashback on eligible purchases, which you can redeem as gift cards.

2. CamelCamelCamel

If you shop on Amazon frequently, CamelCamelCamel is an essential tool. This site specializes in helping you find the best prices on Amazon by tracking historical data and alerting you to price drops.

Features:

  • Price History Charts: View a product’s price changes over time to identify the best buying opportunities.
  • Price Alerts: Set a target price, and CamelCamelCamel will notify you when the product you want hits that number.
  • Browser Integration: Use the Camelizer browser extension to access price history directly on Amazon product pages.

Pro Tip: Use CamelCamelCamel before hitting “Buy Now” on Amazon to ensure you aren’t overpaying. Prices can fluctuate dramatically, and this tool makes navigating those changes easy.

3. Google Shopping

Google Shopping is a comprehensive tool for comparing products across various retailers. Simply type in what you’re looking for, and it will show you prices, availability, and reviews from multiple stores.

Features:

  • Wide Range of Retailers: Search results include big-box stores, small businesses, and everything in between.
  • Easy Filters: Narrow your search by price range, brand, rating, or even pickup options.
  • Shipping and Tax Estimates: See the total cost, including extras like shipping, for better comparison.

Pro Tip: Use Google Shopping during sale seasons, like Black Friday, to instantly compare discounts across retailers for the best savings.

4. PriceGrabber

A pioneer in the price comparison space, PriceGrabber has been helping consumers save money for years. It’s an easy-to-use tool that aggregates deals from a variety of stores, making it perfect for comparing prices on everything from electronics to clothing.

Features:

  • Category-Specific Searches: Whether you're shopping for tech, travel, or fashion, PriceGrabber lets you explore tailored deals.
  • Detailed Product Comparisons: Compare features, specs, and prices side by side.
  • Email Alerts: Get notified when the price of an item you’re interested in drops.

Pro Tip: Use PriceGrabber to evaluate shipping costs alongside product prices for a true apples-to-apples comparison.

5. Rakuten

Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) isn’t strictly a price comparison tool, but its cashback program helps you save money across hundreds of online retailers. It also integrates neatly with your browser, so you’ll never forget to activate savings.

Features:

  • Cashback Offers: Earn percentages back on your purchases that can add up over time.
  • Browser Extension: Automatically applies discounts and cashback opportunities at checkout.
  • Exclusive Deals: Rakuten partners with retailers to provide unique promo codes and special offers.

Pro Tip: Stack Rakuten cashback with other discounts from tools like Honey or promo codes for double the savings.

6. ShopSavvy

If you prefer to shop both online and in-store, ShopSavvy is a handy app for comparing prices everywhere you go. It lets you scan barcodes while shopping at physical stores and instantly checks online prices for the same product.

Features:

  • Barcode Scanner: Compare prices by scanning a product’s barcode in-store.
  • Price Drop Alerts: Get real-time notifications when prices fall on your saved items.
  • Product Reviews: View ratings and reviews to help guide your decision.

Pro Tip: Use ShopSavvy to negotiate in-store. Show the sales associate the lower online price, and they might be willing to match it.

7. Capital One Shopping

Another powerful browser extension, Capital One Shopping (formerly Wikibuy), helps you find the best price for items you’re considering. It works automatically across retailers while you shop.

Features:

  • Price Comparisons in Real-Time: See if another retailer is offering the product for less.
  • Coupon Finder: Like Honey, Capital One Shopping applies valid coupon codes where available.
  • Rewards Program: Earn gift cards while saving money.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use this extension. It’s free for everyone!

Tips for Maximizing Savings

To get the most out of these tools, try these simple strategies:

  • Stack Discounts: Combine cashback offers, promo codes, and price comparisons whenever possible. For example, use Rakuten for cashback and Honey for coupons.
  • Price Alerts: Set price drop alerts for big-ticket items so you’re notified when the price drops.
  • Plan Ahead: Patience is key. If you can, wait for seasonal sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday for deeper discounts.
  • Check Reviews: Even if a price seems unbeatable, poor reviews can be a red flag. Be sure to research the quality of the product before buying.
  • Be Mindful of Shipping: Don’t forget to factor in shipping and handling fees. Some deals lose their luster when extra costs are added.