You’re at checkout. Your cart is full. You hover over the “Place Order” button—then that little voice in your head says: “Wait, isn’t there a promo code for this?” So you open a new tab, Google “[store name] promo code,” and scroll through sketchy websites with expired codes that never work.

Here’s a closer look at three of the most popular coupon extensions, how they actually work, and which one might be best for your online shopping habits.

1. Honey

Honey is probably the best-known coupon extension—and for good reason. It’s owned by PayPal, used by millions, and works with thousands of online stores.

How it works:

• When you get to checkout, Honey automatically pops up and says “Apply Coupons.”
• It tests available promo codes in a matter of seconds.
• It shows you the best working discount and applies it to your cart.

What makes it great:

• Very user-friendly, especially for beginners
• You can earn “Honey Gold” (loyalty points) on eligible purchases
• Works with Amazon for price tracking and deal comparisons
• Offers a Droplist tool to track price drops over time

What to keep in mind:

• Doesn’t always find exclusive brand codes
• Some features require logging in with a PayPal account
• May slow down certain sites slightly while testing codes

Honey is perfect for casual shoppers who want a quick discount without doing any work. Just click and save.

2. Capital One Shopping

Don’t let the name fool you—you don’t need a Capital One account to use it. Formerly known as Wikibuy, this extension does more than just apply coupons. It also compares prices across different sellers, especially on Amazon, and finds better deals in real-time.

How it works:

• At checkout, it scans for available coupon codes and applies the best one.
• It shows price comparisons and cheaper listings (especially on marketplace sites).
• You can earn credits (similar to Honey Gold) on eligible purchases.

What makes it great:

• Excellent for Amazon shoppers
• Finds better prices even if there’s no promo code
• Offers a price history chart on certain products
• Can alert you to lower prices at other retailers

What to keep in mind:

• Interface can be a little clunky compared to Honey
• Some features are best on desktop, not mobile
• You’ll need to create a Capital One Shopping account to earn rewards

Capital One Shopping is ideal if you want both coupons and smarter price comparisons in one tool.

3. Cently (by CouponFollow)

Cently is the underdog here. It’s not as flashy as the others, but it gets the job done—especially for people who want a lightweight extension that works in the background without all the bells and whistles.

How it works:

• Auto-tests available coupons at checkout
• Highlights verified working promo codes
• No need to dig through coupon forums or sketchy websites

What makes it great:

• Very lightweight—won’t slow your browser
• Easy to install, no account required
• Gives you a “verified” checkmark so you know what’s legit
• Works on more niche or lesser-known stores than some bigger extensions

What to keep in mind:

• Smaller database than Honey or Capital One
• Doesn’t offer cashback or price tracking
• Not as slick-looking, but reliable

Cently is perfect if you just want clean, fast coupon testing—no clutter, no fluff.

Tips for Using Extensions Effectively

• Stick to one or two extensions. Running too many at once can slow your browser or cause them to clash.
• Use them in incognito mode if privacy matters. Most extensions request permission to “read and change data”—nothing shady, but worth noting.
• Always double-check codes. Sometimes manual codes from newsletters or influencers are better than public ones.
• Watch for cashback stacking. Some extensions let you stack discounts and earn points. Just make sure they’re activated at checkout.

Do These Extensions Work on All Sites?

Short answer: not quite.

They work best on large retailers and popular shopping platforms. You’ll get the most success on:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Macy’s
• Sephora
• Old Navy
• Best Buy
• Wayfair

Smaller boutique sites or subscription services (like meal kits or digital tools) might not play as nicely. But even then, the extensions will often let you know up front if no codes are available—which beats wasting time searching manually.

What About Mobile Shopping?

Most of these extensions work best on desktop Chrome. If you mainly shop on your phone, check if the company offers a companion app (Honey and Capital One Shopping both do). Or you can shop on desktop, apply the deal, then complete your order via mobile if needed.

Coupon extensions are like that smart friend who always knows where the deals are—only they live in your browser and don’t judge your online shopping habits. Whether you’re a casual deal hunter or a full-on bargain warrior, installing just one of these tools can help you save time, money, and a whole lot of checkout frustration.

Try one out, watch it go to work, and enjoy the moment when your total drops without lifting a finger.