5 Free Browser Extensions That Automatically Save You Money

The average online shopper leaves a surprising amount of money on the table simply by not using the free tools already available. Browser extensions can automatically hunt for coupons, apply promo codes, and earn cashback — without you lifting a finger. Here are five worth installing today.

1. Honey (by PayPal)

Honey is arguably the most well-known shopping extension, and for good reason. When you reach the checkout page of a supported retailer, Honey automatically tests available coupon codes and applies the one that saves you the most money.

  • Best feature: Automatic coupon testing at checkout — no copy-pasting codes.
  • Also useful for: "Droplist" — add items to watch and get notified when the price drops.
  • Honey Gold: Earn points on purchases that convert to gift cards.
  • Supported stores: Thousands, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and most major retailers.

Note: Honey is owned by PayPal and collects some shopping data. Review privacy settings if this concerns you.

2. Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping (formerly Wikibuy) works similarly to Honey but places a stronger emphasis on price comparison across retailers. You don't need a Capital One account to use it.

  • Best feature: Shows you the same product cheaper at other stores while you browse.
  • Coupons: Auto-applies coupon codes at checkout.
  • Rewards: Earns credits redeemable for gift cards.
  • Price tracking: Set price alerts on individual products.

3. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is primarily a cashback platform, not just a coupon tool. When you activate it before shopping at a partner retailer, you earn a percentage of your purchase back as real cash (paid quarterly via PayPal or check).

  • Best feature: Actual cashback — not points, not gift cards. Real money.
  • Double savings: Combine cashback with sale prices or coupon codes.
  • Cashback rates: Vary by retailer and season, often 1–15% of purchase price.
  • Important: You must activate Rakuten before shopping for cashback to apply.

4. CamelCamelCamel (via the Camelizer Extension)

CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon price history. The free Camelizer browser extension shows you a price history graph directly on Amazon product pages — so you can see instantly whether today's price is a genuine deal or artificially inflated before a "sale."

  • Best feature: Instantly see if the price is at a historical low, average, or high.
  • Price alerts: Set your target price and receive email notifications.
  • Amazon-specific: Works exclusively on Amazon, but that's where it matters most.

Pro tip: During Black Friday, always check CamelCamelCamel to confirm that "50% off" claims are genuine — many products have their base price inflated weeks before the sale.

5. Karma (formerly Shop)

Karma is a newer entrant that focuses on wishlists and price drops. Save items across multiple stores into a single wishlist, and Karma alerts you when prices drop or when coupon codes become available.

  • Best feature: Cross-retailer wishlist with automatic price-drop alerts.
  • Cashback: Earn Karma Cash on qualifying purchases.
  • Great for: Shoppers who browse and save items before committing to buy.

How to Use These Together Smartly

You don't have to choose just one. A practical setup is:

  1. Install Camelizer to verify Amazon deals are genuine.
  2. Use Honey or Capital One Shopping for automatic coupon codes.
  3. Activate Rakuten for cashback when buying from major retailers.

Used together, these three tools cover price verification, coupon application, and cashback — the full trifecta of online savings. The extensions are free, take minutes to install, and work passively. There's genuinely no reason not to use them.