Looking to save money when shopping online? We’ve rounded up the best browser extensions to help you find the juiciest discounts.
The best deals and coupons browser extensions for the Ireland’s biggest online shopping periods
These days, every coin counts. On special occasions like Mother’s Day and Christmas, nothing beats snagging a great deal. And why settle for the basic discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday when you might be able to get even more money off?
But Googling for deals and voucher codes might be a wasteful and frustrating use of your time. Often the vouchers you find don’t work or have expired. Thankfully, there’s a better way. There are some great browser extensions that run in the background whilst you browse. These extensions make it easier than ever to find the best bargains. It’s a bit like having a virtual shopping assistant on an endless mission to save you money.
How do these browser extensions work?
These browser extensions integrate with your internet browser and spring into action when you shop online. They search through databases of deals and voucher codes. Then they automatically apply the best coupons they find to your shopping cart.
Recommended browser extensions for deals and voucher codes
A few free browser extensions stand out for their effectiveness and reliability for Ireland deals:
Honey
Works with: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge
Notable for its broad compatibility and user-friendly interface, the Honey extension is used by over 17 million people. On average, Honey discount-hunters save £102/year on online purchases. As well as finding and applying voucher codes for you, Honey also offers Honey Gold rewards when you shop at thousands of popular stores. You can redeem these for gift cards.
Pouch
Works with: Chrome
Tailored for the Ireland audience, Pouch is used by over 200,000 people. At checkout, you can simply click ‘Try Codes’, and it will try applying all the voucher codes it’s found to make sure you get the best discount available. Pouch also has a reward scheme called Pouch Points (also redeemable for gift cards).
DealFinder by VoucherCodes
Works with: Chrome
This platform is distinguished by its array of exclusive deals and vouchers specifically for Ireland shoppers. It may help you access offers not found elsewhere. DealFinder users saved more than €72 million in 2023, and over 10,000 offers are added every week.
Karma
Works with: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Karma is an all-in-one tool for saving money online. It helps you track prices, find deals and voucher codes, and earn cash back. Unlike the extensions that give you reward points you can exchange for gift cards, Karma gives you actual cash you can redeem through PayPal. When you sign up, you get $5 in your Karma Wallet. But be aware that you need to purchase at least $30 worth of goods using Karma within 90 days to keep the $5 new user bonus.
Getting the most out of discount code browser extensions
Here’s a quick 8-step checklist for the smart use of voucher extensions and discount websites:
- Install extensions on multiple browsers
- Some extensions offer unique deals depending on the browser.
- Keep your extensions updated
- Ensure your extension is the latest version for the best deals.
- Combine with cashback offers
- Use extensions that offer cashback for double savings.
- Set up notifications
- Get alerts for price drops or new coupons for your favourite stores.
- Check for exclusivity
- Some extensions have exclusive deals with retailers.
- Use for comparison shopping
- Take advantage of price comparison features to compare different retailers.
- Explore extension settings
- Familiarise yourself with all features for maximum benefits.
- Regularly clear your shopping cart
- Some extensions offer better deals for first-time cart items.
Keeping your purchases private and secure
While the benefits are clear, privacy and security are key when using voucher extensions. Reputable tools like Honey and Pouch have addressed these concerns head-on. They’ve implemented robust encryption and adhering to stringent data protection standards.
Using these extensions in tandem with prepaid credit cards and gift cards can provide an extra security layer. They’re secure alternative to traditional credit cards. You can preload them with a set amount of funds, which reduces the risk of fraud or overspending. And they’re great for privacy. You can buy online without disclosing sensitive personal or financial information online. This makes them especially useful for transactions on new or less familiar websites. At recharge.com, popular options include prepaid Just Eat gift cards and Amazon gift cards. And with companies like Moonpig no longer letting customers add prepaid credit directly to their account, that’s another reason to set up your own prepaid card.
Here are some other tips for private and secure online shopping:
- Regularly review extensions’ privacy policies and check recent user feedback to stay informed about changes.
- Periodically review the extensions you have installed and remove any you no longer use. This minimises potential security vulnerabilities.
- Consider using a dedicated browser for online shopping and financial transactions. This browser should only have essential extensions installed to reduce risk.
- Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions, especially after making online purchases.
The best Ireland deals for the biggest days
It’s always a good idea to use browser extensions to find the best deals around key dates like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. To maximise savings, start your shopping early and set alerts for price drops on wishlisted items. Always check if extensions offer special cashback or rewards during these busier shopping seasons. These tips all apply to Black Friday and Cyber Monday too.
Here are some other ways to increase your chances of getting the best deals:
- Sign up for newsletters from your favourite retailers and follow them on social media. That way you’ll never miss out on early sale access or exclusive discounts.
- Join loyalty programmes — members sometimes receive additional discounts or points.
- Make a list and set a budget. Know what you want to buy and how much you’re willing to spend to avoid impulse purchases.
- Check the return policy — ensure you can return items that don’t meet expectations.
- Consider refurbished or open-box items. These can offer significant savings and often come with warranties.
- Be patient: You’ll often find bigger discounts after dates like Black Friday and Christmas, as retailers need to clear inventory.
By using the right tools and adopting savvy shopping habits, you can unlock substantial savings all year round. It’s never been simpler to avoid paying a penny more than necessary when shopping online. So next time you spot something you like the look of on another online store or even in games on Steam, you’ll know exactly how to find a discount.
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Written by
Joel Stein