Is Amazon Always Cheaper? The Truth Might Surprise You

Ask most people where to find the cheapest price online, and they'll say Amazon. It's become the default answer. But is it true?

We analyzed 500 popular products and compared Amazon's prices to other major retailers. Here's what we found.

The Surprising Results

Out of 500 products tested:

• Amazon had the lowest price: 38% of the time
• Walmart had the lowest price: 24% of the time
• Best Buy had the lowest price: 15% of the time
• Other retailers (eBay, Target, B&H, etc.): 23% of the time

Amazon wins more often than any single competitor. But they're NOT the cheapest 62% of the time.

When Amazon Is More Expensive

In some categories, Amazon consistently charges more:

• Electronics - Best Buy and B&H Photo often beat Amazon by 10-20%
• Appliances - Home Depot and Lowe's frequently have better prices
• Brand-name items - Official brand stores often run sales Amazon doesn't match
• Bulk household goods - Walmart and Target usually win here

Real Examples

Here are actual price comparisons we found:

• Sony WH-1000XM5: Amazon $399, Walmart $329 (18% cheaper)
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer: Amazon $449, Walmart $379 (16% cheaper)
• Dyson V15 Vacuum: Amazon $649, Target $579 (11% cheaper)
• Apple AirPods Pro: Amazon $249, Best Buy $199 (20% cheaper)

These aren't obscure products from questionable sellers. These are verified prices on identical items from major retailers.

Why Amazon Isn't Always Cheapest

Amazon has costs other retailers don't:

1. Fulfillment costs - Running warehouses and delivery isn't cheap
2. Prime subsidization - Free 2-day shipping costs money somewhere
3. Marketplace sellers - Third-party sellers often charge more than direct retailers
4. Brand protection - Some brands restrict Amazon's ability to discount

Meanwhile, retailers like Walmart can leverage their physical store presence to offer lower prices online.

The Convenience Premium

Here's the real reason people stick with Amazon: convenience.

Amazon is fast, reliable, and familiar. You know what you're getting. That's worth something.

But is it worth paying 10%, 15%, or 20% more? For most people, no.

The Solution

You don't need to give up Amazon. You just need to know when they're not the best deal.

That's exactly what FindPrices does. When you're on Amazon, it shows you if there's a better price elsewhere. If Amazon is cheapest, buy there. If not, you see the alternative instantly.

The Bottom Line

Amazon is a great retailer. But they're not always the cheapest.

The myth that Amazon always has the best price costs consumers billions per year in unnecessary spending.

Don't be one of them.