Honey Vs Rakuten: Which Extension Saves You More Money?
Shopping online can be confusing, especially when you want the best deal. Two popular browser extensions—Honey and Rakuten—promise to help you save money. But which one gives you more real savings? Let’s break down how each works, compare their features, and see where you get the best value.
How Honey Works
Honey is a free browser extension that helps you find coupon codes. When you shop online and reach checkout, Honey automatically searches for and applies discount codes. It works on over 30,000 stores, including big names like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Honey also offers a rewards program called Honey Gold. When you buy through certain stores, you earn points. Later, you can turn these points into gift cards. However, the value depends on the store and the number of points you collect.
How Rakuten Works
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) also offers a free browser extension, but it focuses on cashback. When you shop at partner stores, you get back a percentage of your purchase as real cash. For example, if you buy $100 of clothes with 5% cashback, you get $5 back.
Rakuten partners with over 3,500 retailers. You can receive your cashback through PayPal or a check, making it easy to use your savings.
Direct Feature Comparison
Let’s see how Honey and Rakuten compare on key points:
| Feature | Honey | Rakuten |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Savings | Coupons & Rewards | Cashback |
| Number of Stores | 30,000+ | 3,500+ |
| Payout Options | Gift cards (Honey Gold) | Cash (PayPal, Check) |
| Automatic Coupons | Yes | No |
Which Extension Saves You More Money?
Coupon Codes Vs. Cashback
- Honey can find big discounts if there’s a working coupon, but sometimes coupons don’t apply or only save a small amount.
- Rakuten gives a guaranteed percentage back if you follow the correct link and activate cashback. Even if there are no coupons, you still save.
Example Scenario
Suppose you buy a $100 item:
- With Honey: If a 10% off coupon is found, you pay $90.
- With Rakuten: If the store offers 5% cashback, you pay $100 but get $5 later.
If you use both together, you could get the coupon price and cashback. But not every store allows stacking both.
Real-world Data
Most users report that Rakuten delivers more consistent savings, especially on big purchases, because the cashback is guaranteed. Honey depends on the availability of working coupons, which is sometimes hit-or-miss.
User Experience And Ease Of Use
Both extensions are simple to install and use. Honey’s automatic coupon testing is helpful for beginners who don’t want to search for codes. Rakuten requires you to click “Activate Cashback,” but the process is quick.
Here’s a quick look at how easy each is to use:
| Extension | Setup Time | Ease for Beginners |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | 2-3 minutes | Very easy |
| Rakuten | 2-3 minutes | Easy (must activate cashback) |
Non-obvious Insights
- Stacking Savings: Sometimes you can use both extensions together, but not always. Some stores block cashback if a coupon is used.
- Gift Card Value: Honey’s rewards are limited to gift cards, not cash. This can be less flexible if you prefer money you can spend anywhere.
Final Thoughts
Both Honey and Rakuten are excellent tools for online shoppers. If you want the highest chance of saving on every purchase, Rakuten usually delivers more reliable value through cashback. Honey is better for those who love hunting for coupons and don’t mind getting rewards as gift cards. For maximum savings, consider trying both, but always check store rules about stacking offers.
For more details, you can read about cashback programs on NerdWallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Honey And Rakuten At The Same Time?
Sometimes, yes. But some stores may block cashback if you use a coupon from Honey. Always check the store’s policy.
Does Honey Cost Money To Use?
No, Honey is free to use. You don’t pay anything to install or use the extension.
How Does Rakuten Pay Me Cashback?
Rakuten pays you by PayPal or by mailing a check. You usually get paid every three months.
Are There Privacy Concerns With These Extensions?
Both Honey and Rakuten collect some shopping data to function. Always review their privacy policies before installing.
Which Extension Should I Install First?
It depends on your shopping style. If you prefer cash payouts, try Rakuten first. If you love finding coupons, try Honey first. Both can be used together for some purchases.
