In today’s e-commerce landscape, smart shopping is synonymous with comparing prices. Before making a purchase, savvy consumers are increasingly turning to Compare Prices Websites to ensure they’re getting the best possible deal. These platforms aggregate product listings and prices from numerous online retailers, presenting shoppers with a comprehensive view of the market. For businesses, especially e-commerce merchants, understanding and leveraging these compare prices websites is crucial for attracting customers and boosting sales.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious shopper aiming to save money or a business owner seeking effective marketing channels, this guide explores the world of compare prices websites. We’ll delve into the top platforms available, both in the US and globally, and discuss how to use them effectively to your advantage.
Top US Compare Prices Websites and Apps
1. Google Shopping: The Giant of Price Comparison
Google Shopping stands out as a leading compare prices website, known for its vast reach and integration with the Google ecosystem. For shoppers, it offers an intuitive interface to compare prices from countless retailers. Products listed on Google Shopping also gain visibility in standard Google search results, significantly expanding their potential audience.
For merchants, Google Shopping is a powerful tool integrated within the Google Merchant Center. It provides valuable insights through its price competitiveness report, allowing businesses to monitor how their pricing stacks up against competitors. Key metrics in this report include:
- Your Price: The current price you’re offering for your product.
- Current Benchmark Price: The average price across all businesses advertising the same product on Google Shopping Ads.
- Current Benchmark Price Difference: The percentage difference between your price and the benchmark price.
- Historical Benchmark Price Difference: Price difference compared to the benchmark over a chosen period.
📚 Further Reading: How To Create Google Shopping Ads for Your Store can guide you on maximizing your presence on this leading compare prices website.
2. Shopzilla: A Veteran in the Price Comparison Arena
Shopzilla, operational since 1996, is a long-standing compare prices website trusted by deal-seeking shoppers. Its extensive catalog encompasses millions of products, making it a competitive marketplace for online retailers.
Merchants looking to tap into Shopzilla’s audience should note its affiliation with Connexity. This connection grants access to a broader advertising network, potentially opening up new customer acquisition channels and marketing opportunities.
3. Become: Comprehensive Product and Price Comparisons
Become provides a robust compare prices website experience with a large product database. It empowers shoppers to not only compare prices but also to read and contribute product reviews. This dual functionality makes it a valuable resource for finding the best deals and making informed purchase decisions.
4. Bizrate: Price Alerts and Performance Marketing
Bizrate enhances the compare prices website model by offering features like price alerts. Customers can set notifications for products they’re interested in, receiving updates when prices drop. Being part of Connexity, Bizrate also provides merchants with access to performance marketing tools, extending their reach across the web.
5. Camelcamelcamel: Amazon Price History Tracker
Camelcamelcamel specializes in tracking Amazon product price history, setting it apart from general compare prices websites. Shoppers can analyze historical pricing trends and set up price drop alerts. A browser extension further simplifies price tracking. It supports multiple countries, including the US, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia.
6. ShopMania: Pay-Per-Click Price Comparison Platform
ShopMania operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, making it a distinct compare prices website for merchants. Shoppers can browse categories or search for products, and businesses pay only when a user clicks on their product listing. ShopMania also integrates with Facebook selling, broadening its reach.
To list products on ShopMania, businesses need to have a fully functional e-commerce store, be legally registered, provide clear contact information, and operate in the official language and currency of their target country.
7. BuyVia: Mobile-First Price Comparison with Coupons
BuyVia caters to mobile shoppers with its accessible web browser and dedicated mobile app. Like other compare prices websites, it allows product browsing and searching, barcode scanning, and price drop alerts. BuyVia also integrates coupons and promo codes, further enhancing savings for users.
8. ShopSavvy: Barcode Scanning and Local Deals
ShopSavvy is a mobile-centric compare prices app designed for smartphone users. It allows shoppers to scan barcodes or search via keywords or UPC codes to find the best prices online and in local retail stores. ShopSavvy also indicates stock availability and offers a price match tool to help secure the best deals.
9. Yahoo! Shopping: Price Tracker and Wishlists
Yahoo! Shopping’s price tracker functions as a price alert tool, adding a unique feature to the compare prices website category. Users create wishlists of products they want to monitor, and Yahoo! tracks price fluctuations over time. Yahoo! Shopping also features general deals and discounts.
10. Pricepirates: International Price Comparison with Mobile Apps
Pricepirates, originating from Germany, offers compare prices website versions for the US, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK. Users can explore top sellers, browse categories, or conduct specific product searches. Results often include listings from eBay and Amazon. Pricepirates also provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms.
11. Twenga: Attract Price-Conscious Customers
Twenga is a compare prices platform focused on connecting merchants with price-sensitive customers. Listing products on Twenga increases visibility, making it easier for shoppers to compare prices, features, and reviews, ultimately driving qualified traffic and sales.
12. Price.com: Browser Extension for Automatic Price Checks
Price.com offers a desktop website and a convenient Chrome extension, expanding the accessibility of this compare prices tool. It searches for discounts and coupon codes across a vast network of over 100,000 stores. The browser extension automatically compares prices while users browse e-commerce sites, alerting them to lower prices elsewhere.
Global Compare Prices Websites for International Shoppers
1. PriceRunner: Klarna’s UK and European Price Comparison Engine
Klarna’s PriceRunner is a free compare prices engine widely used in the UK and Europe. It allows shoppers to compare prices from retailers across the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
2. Skinflint: UK and EU Wholesale Price Comparison
Skinflint is a compare prices website popular among dropshippers in the UK and EU. It specializes in comparing products from wholesale retailers across Europe, serving both shoppers and businesses sourcing products.
3. Shopbot: Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand Price Comparisons
Shopbot is a compare prices website catering to shoppers in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. It features an extensive blog with buyer guides and product reviews, adding value beyond just price comparison. Shopbot also has an extensive blog that includes buyer guides, product reviews, and advice on what to look for when purchasing specific products.
4. Pricebat: Canadian Electronics and Office Supplies Focus
PriceBat is a Canadian compare prices site with a specific focus on computer accessories, electronics, and office supplies. It helps businesses find deals on essential items like printers, ink cartridges, and laptops.
5. Getprice: Australian Local and Nationwide Price Comparison
Getprice is an Australian compare prices website listing products from retailers across the country. It includes city-specific filters, enabling local shoppers to save on shipping costs. Getprice hosts millions of products from a vast network of Australian retailers.
6. PriceSpy: UK Price History and Brand Filtering
PriceSpy offers a comprehensive compare prices platform with a wide range of products from UK retailers. Its search functionality allows for filtering by brand and category. PriceSpy also provides price history charts for some products, empowering shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions based on price trends.
Best Compare Prices Websites and Apps for Shopify Merchants
For Shopify merchants aiming to showcase their products on compare prices websites, the Shopify App Store offers a range of relevant Shopify apps.
These apps fall into two main categories: those that list your products on external compare prices websites and marketplaces, and those that integrate price comparison features directly into your Shopify store.
1. Prisync: Dynamic Pricing Optimization
Dynamic Pricing Optimization by Prisync is a Shopify app acting as a backend tool for competitive pricing intelligence. It allows store owners to track competitor prices, adjust pricing strategies dynamically, monitor stock availability, and set email notifications. Data export in Excel is also supported.
2. PriceMole: Competitor Price and Stock Tracking
PriceMole mirrors Prisync’s functionality by tracking competitor pricing and stock levels. It also offers dynamic pricing features and email alerts, empowering merchants to react quickly to market changes and maintain competitive pricing.
3. Price Compare by The App Geeks: On-Site Price Comparison Display
The Price Compare app by The App Geeks takes a different approach by displaying competitor pricing directly on your Shopify website. This allows merchants to highlight their competitive prices and potentially earn affiliate revenue from users who click through to competitor sites.
4. Equate – Product Compare: In-Store Product Comparison Tool
Equate – Product Compare enables merchants to offer product comparison features within their own Shopify stores. Customers can compare similar products side-by-side and share comparison lists with others, facilitating product discovery and informed purchasing decisions.
5. Lengow: Multi-Channel Sales and Advertising Platform
Lengow is a comprehensive platform extending beyond compare prices websites to incorporate social media selling, affiliate platforms, and ad retargeting. It provides analytics reporting to optimize product listings and improve sales performance across multiple channels.
Key Features to Consider in Compare Prices Tools
When choosing a compare prices tool, whether for shopping or selling, certain features are essential.
For Shoppers:
- Real-time Pricing Updates: Ensures accuracy and reflects current market prices, including flash sales and limited-time offers.
- Price History Graphs: Visual representation of price fluctuations over time, helping identify optimal purchase timing.
- Price Drop Notifications: Alerts for price reductions on desired products, ensuring you never miss a deal.
- Barcode Scanners: Mobile app feature for instant in-store price comparison across online platforms.
- Community Reviews and Ratings: Insights from other buyers, aiding in product evaluation and merchant selection.
- Shipping Costs and Times: Transparency regarding total cost, considering shipping fees and delivery timelines.
For Sellers:
- Easy Integration: Simplified product listing and updates from your store, minimizing manual effort.
- High Traffic and Engagement: Platforms with substantial user traffic, increasing product visibility and sales potential.
- Analytics Tools: Insights into listing performance and competitor benchmarking, guiding strategic price adjustments.
- Ad Placement Options: Opportunities for featured product placements and advertisements to enhance visibility.
Effective Strategies for Using Compare Prices Websites
Aaron Orendorff, VP of Growth at FERMÀT, highlights the fundamental principle of value in transactions: “The only time someone buys from you is when the value of the product is greater than the value of the price.” Price comparison sites bring these value equations into sharp focus for consumers.
Here’s how to maximize the benefits of compare prices websites as both a shopper and a seller.
For Shoppers:
Utilize Multiple Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to a single compare prices website. Explore various platforms to uncover exclusive deals and partnerships that may be unique to each site.
Factor in All Costs
Consider the final price, including shipping, taxes, and return policies. A lower initial price may be offset by higher shipping costs or less favorable return conditions.
Set Up Price Alerts for Desired Products
If you’re not in a rush to buy, leverage price alert features to receive notifications when prices drop or special offers become available.
For Sellers:
Optimize Your Product Feed
Ensure your product feed is well-formatted, accurate, and meets the specifications of each compare prices website. Include high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing.
Leverage Platform Data and Analytics
If available, analyze user data provided by compare prices websites to understand user behavior and optimize your listings, pricing, and marketing efforts.
Enhance Product Visibility
Explore premium features like featured listings or advertisements offered by compare prices websites to increase product visibility and attract more potential customers.
Bogdan Rancea, co-founder of Ecommerce Platforms, suggests: “If you feel that your value-for-money is no match against other companies, then I’d recommend implementing a comparison tool for similar products on your own website, and tracking the sales you generate from being listed on external price comparison sites.”
Advantages of Price Comparison
Price comparison offers significant advantages for both consumers and businesses.
For Consumers:
- Save Money: Identify the best deals and avoid overpaying, stretching your budget further.
- Discover Hidden Gems: Uncover lesser-known brands or better value options you might not have found otherwise.
For Businesses:
- Gain a Competitive Edge: Monitor competitor pricing to adjust your own strategies and maintain healthy margins.
- Build Trust through Transparency: Showcase fair pricing and build credibility by participating in compare prices websites.
- Inform Pricing Strategy: Gain market insights to optimize pricing, promotions, and value-added services.
- Optimize Promotions and Discounts: Time promotions effectively based on market trends and competitor actions.
Grow Your Business with Compare Prices Websites
Listing products on compare prices websites with competitive pricing is an effective strategy to reach engaged customers actively seeking the best deals. Whether you’re a shopper or a seller, understanding and utilizing compare prices websites and tools can significantly enhance your online experience.
Price Comparison Sites FAQ
How do compare prices websites function?
Compare prices websites act as search engines for product information and prices. They aggregate data from numerous retailers, displaying offers side-by-side for easy comparison. Some offer additional features like price tracking and coupon finding. For merchants, listing products usually involves submitting product feeds and potentially paying fees.
What is the optimal compare prices website?
The “best” compare prices website depends on individual needs. Google Shopping and Shopzilla offer broad product coverage, while specialized apps cater to specific needs. For merchants, the ideal platform aligns with their overall e-commerce strategy and target audience.
Are there drawbacks to using compare prices websites?
Yes, potential drawbacks exist. For consumers, compare prices websites may not always reflect all hidden costs or quality differences. For brands, they can intensify price competition, potentially de-emphasizing value-added services.
What factors should be considered when comparing prices?
Beyond the price tag, consider shipping costs, brand reputation, product quality, and material when making price comparisons.
How accurate are compare prices websites?
While generally reliable for market price overviews, some discrepancies or delays in updates may occur. Cross-referencing prices with retailer sites and multiple compare prices websites is recommended for optimal accuracy.
