Price Compare Websites are essential online tools that empower shoppers to make smart purchasing decisions. By aggregating product prices, shipping costs, and available coupons from numerous online retailers, these websites provide a comprehensive overview of the market.
However, the benefits of price compare websites extend beyond just consumers. E-commerce businesses can also leverage these platforms to broaden their reach and attract a highly motivated customer base. Shoppers using price comparison sites are actively seeking to buy, making them an ideal audience for businesses promoting sales and discounts.
Whether you’re a consumer aiming to secure the best possible deals or a business owner seeking effective ways to market your products, understanding and utilizing price compare websites is crucial. Here’s a guide to the top platforms available today.
Top Price Compare Websites and Apps in the US
1. Google Shopping
Google Shopping stands out as a leading price compare website, widely recognized by both shoppers and sellers. Products listed on Google Shopping not only appear on the platform itself but also within standard Google search results, integrating seamlessly with Google Ads for enhanced visibility.
For retailers, Google provides a valuable price competitiveness report within Google Merchant Center. This report offers key metrics to assess product pricing against competitors:
- Your price: The current listed price of your product.
- Current benchmark price: The average price for a product, weighted by clicks, across all businesses advertising it via Shopping ads.
- Current benchmark price difference: The percentage variance between your product price and the current benchmark.
- Historical benchmark price difference: The percentage difference between your product price and the benchmark price over a selected period.
Alt: Google Shopping price compare website interface displaying product listings on a laptop screen.
📚 Learn more: How To Create Google Shopping Ads for Your Store
2. Shopzilla
Since 1996, Shopzilla has been a go-to price compare website for deal seekers. It boasts an extensive catalog of millions of products, ensuring a wide selection but also a competitive marketplace for sellers.
For merchants aiming to boost sales through Shopzilla, it’s important to know that it operates under Connexity. This affiliation grants access to a broader advertising network, opening up opportunities to connect with new customers and explore diverse marketing channels.
3. Become
Become provides shoppers with a robust price compare website featuring a vast product database. Beyond price comparisons, Become allows users to read and contribute product reviews, enhancing the shopping experience by providing community insights and helping users find the best online deals at the most competitive prices.
4. Bizrate
Bizrate not only offers product and price comparisons but also enhances user engagement with a price alert feature. This allows customers to track products of interest and receive notifications on price changes. As another platform under Connexity, Bizrate offers merchants access to performance marketing tools, extending their reach across the web.
5. Camelcamelcamel
Camelcamelcamel specializes in tracking Amazon product price histories. This unique price compare website allows shoppers to analyze historical pricing trends, helping them determine the best time to purchase. It also offers a browser extension that sends price drop alerts directly to users. Shoppers can easily navigate by category or search for specific items to compare prices effectively.
Camelcamelcamel extends its price comparison services beyond the US, with dedicated versions for the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia, catering to a global audience.
Alt: CamelCamelCamel price history chart showing Amazon product price fluctuations over time.
6. ShopMania
ShopMania operates as a price compare website based on a pay-per-click model. On this platform, consumers can explore product categories or use the search function to find specific items. Retailers are charged each time a user clicks on their product listing, making it a direct-response advertising approach. ShopMania also integrates with Facebook selling, providing additional avenues for merchants to reach potential customers.
For businesses to advertise on ShopMania, they must meet certain criteria:
- Operate a fully functional e-commerce store.
- Be officially registered and legally compliant.
- Ensure contact information is readily accessible on their site.
- Use the official language and currency of their operating country in all transactions and communications.
7. BuyVia
BuyVia is a versatile price compare website accessible through web browsers and mobile apps. It enables shoppers to compare prices by browsing product categories or conducting specific searches. A standout feature is its barcode scanning capability, along with options to set up price drop alerts. Beyond price comparisons, BuyVia also aggregates coupons and promotional codes, maximizing savings for users.
8. ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is primarily designed as a price compare app for smartphone users. It allows shoppers to find the best deals by searching keywords, UPC codes, or by scanning barcodes directly from products. ShopSavvy provides price comparisons from online and local retailers, inventory status, and a price match tool to help secure the best deals instantly.
9. Yahoo! Shopping
Yahoo! Shopping offers a price tracker, a price alert tool that helps online shoppers monitor price changes. Users can create wishlists of desired products, and Yahoo! Shopping tracks price fluctuations over time. This price compare website also highlights current deals and discounts across various product categories.
10. Pricepirates
Pricepirates, originating from Germany, extends its price comparison services to the US, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK. Consumers can browse popular products by category or perform specific searches to find items of interest. Results often include listings from major platforms like eBay and Amazon. Pricepirates also offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, enhancing accessibility for on-the-go price comparisons.
11. Twenga
Twenga is a price comparison platform that allows merchants to upload their product listings to attract price-sensitive customers. By listing on Twenga, businesses can increase their product visibility, making it easier for consumers to compare prices, features, and reviews, ultimately driving qualified traffic and boosting sales.
12. Price.com
Price.com is accessible via a desktop website and a convenient Chrome extension. This price compare website specializes in finding discounts and coupon codes from over 100,000 stores, including major retailers like Chewy, Target, and Walmart. The Price.com extension automatically compares prices while users browse online stores, notifying them if better deals are available elsewhere.
Global Price Compare Websites for International Shoppers
1. PriceRunner
PriceRunner, powered by Klarna, is a free price compare engine popular in the UK and Europe. It allows shoppers to compare prices from a wide array of retailers across the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. PriceRunner is recognized for its comprehensive coverage and user-friendly interface.
2. Skinflint
Skinflint is a price compare website particularly favored by dropshippers operating in the UK and EU. It enables both shoppers and retailers to search for and compare products from wholesale retailers throughout Europe, focusing on bulk purchasing and wholesale pricing.
3. Shopbot
Shopbot is a versatile price compare website that allows shoppers to efficiently search and compare products from numerous retailers. Shopbot also features a comprehensive blog that includes buyer’s guides, detailed product reviews, and expert advice to assist in making informed purchasing decisions.
Shopbot’s services are available to shoppers in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, catering to a broad international audience.
4. Pricebat
PriceBat is a Canadian price compare website specializing in computer accessories and electronics. It helps consumers find the best deals on essential office supplies, including printers, ink cartridges, and laptops, making it a valuable resource for businesses and individuals alike.
5. Getprice
Getprice is a leading price compare website in Australia, listing and comparing products from hundreds of local retailers. It offers city-specific filters, allowing Australian shoppers to prioritize local purchases to save on shipping costs. Getprice features millions of products across various categories.
6. PriceSpy
PriceSpy provides a comprehensive price comparison platform with a wide selection of products from retailers across the UK. Its detailed search functionality allows users to filter by specific brands and categories. Notably, PriceSpy offers pricing history for many products, enabling shoppers to assess whether current prices are favorable compared to past prices.
Price Compare Websites and Apps for Shopify Merchants
For Shopify store owners looking to feature their products on price compare websites, the Shopify App Store offers several relevant Shopify apps.
These apps fall into two main categories: those that connect your store to external price comparison sites and marketplaces, and those that integrate price comparison features directly into your Shopify website.
1. Prisync
Dynamic Pricing Optimization by Prisync is a backend tool designed for Shopify store owners to monitor and analyze competitor pricing. This app allows you to refine your pricing strategy or utilize its dynamic pricing feature to automatically adjust prices based on market competition. It also provides insights into stock availability, email notifications, and data export in Excel format.
2. PriceMole
Similar to Prisync, PriceMole tracks competitor pricing to inform your business strategy. It offers features like stock level monitoring, dynamic pricing adjustments, and automated email alerts, helping merchants stay competitive and informed.
3. Price Compare by The App Geeks
The Price Compare app by The App Geeks integrates competitor pricing directly onto your Shopify site. This allows you to highlight your competitive prices and demonstrate potential savings to customers compared to other retailers. While it may lead some users to explore competitor sites, these click-throughs can also generate affiliate sales, offering a potential return.
4. Equate – Product Compare
Equate – Product Compare enables merchants to compare their own products against each other directly on their Shopify store. These comparison lists are shareable, allowing customers to easily get feedback from friends and family. It also enhances product discovery by suggesting similar items for comparison.
5. Lengow
Lengow is a comprehensive tool that integrates social media selling, affiliate platforms, and ad retargeting. It includes robust analytics reporting to help optimize product listings for increased sales performance and broader market reach.
Key Features to Look for in Price Compare Tools
When selecting a price compare tool, consider these essential features for both shopping and selling:
For Shoppers
- Real-time Pricing Updates: Ensure the price compare website provides current prices reflecting recent changes, crucial for capturing flash sales and limited-time offers.
- Price History Graphs: Historical price data helps identify price trends, indicating the optimal time to buy.
- Price Drop Notifications: Opt for tools that offer alerts when product prices decrease to your desired level.
- Barcode Scanners: Mobile apps with barcode scanning allow instant price comparisons in physical stores.
- Community Reviews and Ratings: User reviews and ratings offer insights into product quality and merchant reliability.
- Shipping Costs and Times: Consider total cost, including shipping fees and delivery times, to truly compare deals.
Alt: Infographic listing features of price comparison tools for shoppers and sellers.
For Sellers
- Easy Integration: Apps that simplify product listing and updates from your store ensure your information stays current without manual effort.
- High Traffic and Engagement: Choose platforms that attract a significant number of visitors to increase product visibility and sales potential.
- Analytics Tools: Platforms offering performance insights help you understand listing effectiveness and refine pricing strategies.
- Ad Placement Options: Explore opportunities for featured listings or ads to enhance product visibility and attract more customers.
Maximizing Price Compare Websites: Best Practices
Aaron Orendorff, VP of Growth at FERMÀT, highlights a fundamental principle in all transactions: “The only time someone buys from you is when the value of the product is greater than the value of the price. Product over price equals purchase, and these elements form an offer.”
He clarifies, “An offer is the equation in a customer’s mind—why this product is worth more than its price. Purchase happens when the perceived value of the product exceeds its cost.”
Orendorff emphasizes understanding this value equation to create a compelling offer. “It’s not always about having the best or most innovative product, but about presenting the highest product value relative to price.”
This process is largely subconscious for shoppers, but price compare websites make these value equations transparent and directly comparable.
Here’s how to effectively use price compare engines for both buying and selling:
For Shoppers
Compare Across Multiple Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to a single price compare website. Different platforms may have exclusive deals or retailer partnerships. Checking several sites ensures you find the absolute best price.
Account for All Costs
Be sure to consider shipping fees, return policies, and taxes when comparing prices. A lower initial price might not be the best deal after adding these costs.
Utilize Price Alerts
If you’re not in a rush to buy, set up price alerts to be notified of price drops or special offers on your desired products.
For Sellers
Optimize Your Product Feed
Ensure your product feed is well-formatted and meets the specifications of each price comparison site. Include high-quality images, accurate descriptions, and competitive pricing. Regularly update your feed to maintain accuracy and relevance.
Analyze Platform Data
Leverage any user data provided by price comparison platforms to understand how customers interact with your listings. Identify trends and adjust your pricing or marketing strategies accordingly.
Enhance Product Visibility
Explore premium features on price comparison sites, such as featured listings or advertisements, to improve your product placement and attract more potential buyers.
Bogdan Rancea, co-founder of Ecommerce Platforms, suggests, “If your value proposition is competitive, implement a comparison tool on your website and track sales from external price comparison listings. Effective price compare apps help analyze this data, showing the sales impact.”
Find the right price point for your products and boost your profitability with a product pricing calculator.
Benefits of Using Price Compare Websites
Price comparison offers significant advantages for both consumers and businesses. While it’s clear how shoppers benefit, brands also gain substantially.
Smart Savings
Price comparison is an easy way for consumers to maximize their budgets without compromising on needs. By exploring multiple options, shoppers avoid overpaying for products and services.
Discovery of Value
Price comparison isn’t just about cost; it’s about value. Shoppers seeking the best value may discover brands or deals they weren’t aware of. Lesser-known brands offering similar quality at lower prices or bundle deals providing more for less become visible.
For merchants, price compare websites act as a discovery channel, increasing product visibility among motivated buyers.
Competitive Advantage
Monitoring competitor pricing allows businesses to adjust their own prices to remain competitive while maintaining profitability. Strategic pricing, rather than simply undercutting competitors, positions your brand as offering the best value to your target market.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Today’s consumers value transparency. Openly comparing prices or participating in price comparison marketplaces builds credibility. Fair and easily verifiable pricing fosters trust, encouraging customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
Informed Pricing Strategies
Understanding competitor pricing informs better pricing strategies. Insights into market prices help identify opportunities to adjust pricing, emphasize value-added services, or create attractive product bundles.
Optimized Promotions
Market visibility through price comparison aids in timing promotions effectively. Responding strategically to competitor price reductions, such as offering bundles or highlighting unique value, is more effective than reactive price cuts.
Grow Your Business with Price Compare Websites
Listing products on price compare websites with competitive pricing is an effective strategy to reach engaged customers.
Whether for market analysis or direct sales, price comparison tools build buyer confidence and reduce purchase hesitation.
Further Reading
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Price Compare Sites: FAQs
How do price compare sites function?
Price compare websites act as search engines for products, gathering current information and offers from numerous retailers to show comparative pricing.
Some sites offer additional features like price tracking, coupon finders, and sale alerts.
For merchants, listing products involves adhering to platform-specific guidelines, potentially including fees and submission of product details like photos, URLs, prices, and descriptions. Products then appear in relevant searches, ranked by price against comparable items.
These platforms also assist in developing balanced pricing strategies, helping businesses avoid underpricing while ensuring profitability.
What is the best price compare website?
Leading price compare websites like Google Shopping and Shopzilla allow customers to compare a vast array of products by price, while apps may focus on finding checkout discounts.
For merchants, the best platform depends on their overall ecommerce strategy. Some apps facilitate on-site product comparisons, while others list products against competitors externally. Consider where your target customers compare prices and their key product feature interests.
Are there drawbacks to price compare sites?
Yes, price compare websites have potential downsides. For consumers, they may not always present a complete picture, potentially overlooking hidden fees or quality differences. For brands, these sites can intensify price competition, making it harder to compete on value or service quality.
What factors should I consider when comparing prices?
When comparing product prices, account for shipping origin, brand reputation, materials, and overall product quality to ensure a fair comparison.
How accurate are price comparison sites?
While occasional discrepancies or delays in updating deals may occur, price compare websites generally offer a reliable overview of market prices. For best results, cross-reference information with retailer websites, search engine results, and multiple comparison platforms.
