When it comes to saving money – whether on groceries, technology, dining out, or even when selling back textbooks – you no longer need to rely on spending extra time cataloguing the differences between retailers. Where RedLaser and Amazon’s price comparison function ruled the price comparison app sphere just a couple of years ago, there is now a bevy of options for obtaining the best possible price. Here are five favorites.
- RedLaser
This app started out as the go-to for price comparison, and it still reigns supreme in this category. Use the app to snap a barcode or qr code, and you’ll immediately see a list of prices for that item, available both in local stores and online. In addition, RedLaser allows you to store your loyalty cards in one place and keep a list of your favorite local retailers.
- ShopSavvy
If you’re like most people, you try to keep your grocery list all in one place. With ShopSavvy, you can tell the app what you’re looking for and receive notifications when the app discovers a great deal on that item. Search for great deals, sales, and coupons on fashion items, technology and more, including big-box stores like Walmart and Best Buy.
- Apples2Oranges
Not a math person? Some people need a little extra help comparing unit prices, and there’s no shame in that. Apples2Oranges allows you to calculate the best price between two similar items with different amounts to see which is the best deal. It works for anything sold by weight, count, or volume, including granola, shampoo, vitamins, ziploc bags, and more.
Not only can this app be a lifesaver in the supermarket aisle, but you can also use it to compare nutrition information and ingredients between food items, even when the serving size is different.
- Consumr
Have you ever come close to trying a new restaurant, only to discover that the Yelp reviews are terrible? Compare prices all you want – but if you’re buying a new product, you’ll want to know if it’s any good. Not only can you use Consumr to figure out the best prices on groceries, appliances, electronics, and more, but you’ll also have access to product reviews from a wide variety of users. If you also review products, you’ll have the chance to earn rewards to help you save more.
- Sell Textbooks for Cash
If you’re a student at any level, you already know how big of an expense textbooks are – and how much college bookstores make by paying the lowest possible price for your used books. To compare prices on your used books right from your phone, enter the ISBN number or scan the book itself. You can even scour thrift stores and used bookstores to see if you can resell textbooks for more money than it costs to buy them secondhand.
The Takeaway
Price comparison software is a huge help in today’s world, and when used in conjunction with other apps, they offer great ways to save time and money on everyday and specialty items.