The best Amazon alternatives depend on what you're buying: big-box retailers for everyday items, specialist stores for tech, books and pet supplies, and handmade or secondhand sites for something different. Specialist stores often know their category better. Wherever you shop, the same shipping rules protect you if your order is late.
There are plenty of reasons to shop somewhere other than Amazon. You might want to support independent bookshops, find a specialist who knows their products inside out, or simply see if someone else has what you need.
Here are ten Amazon alternatives, listed in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. They range from huge general retailers to specialists in books, tech, pets, health and handmade goods.
The trick is matching the store to what you're buying. A general retailer is fine for washing-up liquid, but a specialist tech or camera store is often better when you need advice and the right accessory.
Whichever store you use, there's one rule about delivery times that protects you, and most shoppers have never heard of it.
Amazon alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps carry ads or offer in-app upgrades, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&H Photo | Camera and tech store | Cameras, audio and video gear | Yes |
| Bookshop.org | Online bookshop | Books that support local bookshops | Yes |
| Chewy | Pet supplies store | Pet food and supplies | Yes |
| eBay | Online auction and shopping site | New and secondhand items | Yes |
| Etsy | Handmade and vintage shop | Handmade, vintage and personalised gifts | Yes |
| iHerb | Health and wellness store | Vitamins and natural products | Yes |
| Newegg | Computer and electronics store | PC parts and electronics | Yes |
| Target | General retailer | Everyday and household items | Yes |
| ThriftBooks | Used bookstore | Secondhand books | Yes |
| Walmart | General retailer | Groceries and everyday essentials | Yes |
Ten online stores to try instead
B&H Photo
Best for: Photographers and creators who want specialist camera, audio and video equipment.
Bookshop.org
Best for: Readers who want to buy books online while supporting independent bookshops.
Chewy
Best for: Pet owners who want food and supplies delivered on a regular schedule.
eBay
Best for: Bargain hunters looking for secondhand, rare or discontinued items.
Etsy
Best for: Gift buyers who want handmade, personalised or vintage pieces.
iHerb
Best for: Shoppers who want a wide range of health and wellness products.
Newegg
Best for: PC builders and gamers who need components and accessories.
Target
Best for: Families who want everyday items with in-store pickup options.
ThriftBooks
Best for: Readers who'd rather buy used books and give them a second life.
Walmart
Best for: Shoppers who want a huge range of everyday essentials in one place.
The shipping rule that protects every online order
Here's the rule most shoppers don't know. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule says a seller must have a reasonable basis for any shipping time it states, and if it states no time, it must expect to ship within 30 days.
If the seller then can't ship on time, it has to ask for your consent to the delay. So if an order goes quiet, you're entitled to an update and a choice, not just silence. Keep your order confirmation and contact the store in writing if a delivery is late.
How to choose where to shop
- Specialist knowledge: tech, camera and pet stores know their products well.
- Supporting independents: some bookshop sites share sales with local shops.
- Secondhand: auction and used book sites keep items in use for longer.
- Gifts: handmade and vintage shops offer something no one else will give.
- Speed: general retailers with local stores often offer quick pickup.
Shopping safely with a new store
- Check the store's returns policy before you buy.
- Use the official app or type the web address yourself.
- Pay with a method that offers buyer protection.
- Keep your order confirmation and tracking details.
- Contact the store in writing if your order is late.
A little extra care goes a long way with a store you haven't used before. Look for a real contact address and a clear returns page, and be wary of any site that only accepts unusual payment methods or pushes you to pay outside its own checkout.
It's also worth comparing delivery promises before you order. A slightly slower delivery from a store that answers its emails is often a better deal than a fast promise from one that doesn't.
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Shopping small
Spreading your shopping around helps smaller businesses too. Here's what Small Business Saturday means and how shoppers can take part.
And if you're curious why Amazon became so dominant in the first place, here's how Amazon built its brand.
Do you make online stores or shopping apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Amazon alternatives
Match the store to what you're buying. Use a specialist for anything where advice and the right accessory matter, and a general retailer for everyday items.
And keep that shipping rule in mind. If an order is late and the store goes quiet, you have the right to an update and a choice, wherever you shopped.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of Amazon?
General retailers, specialist stores and handmade or secondhand sites all cover different needs.
Where can I buy books online instead of Amazon?
Online bookshops and used book sites are good alternatives.
What's the best alternative for electronics?
Specialist tech and computer stores often have a wider range of parts and accessories.
Is there an alternative for handmade gifts?
Yes. Handmade and vintage shops focus on unique and personalised items.
How long can an online store take to ship?
In the US, if no time is stated, the seller should expect to ship within 30 days.
What if my online order is late?
The seller should ask for your consent to the delay. Contact them in writing.
Are secondhand sites safe to use?
Check seller ratings and returns policies, and pay with buyer protection.
Can I buy pet supplies online without Amazon?
Yes. Pet supply stores offer food and supplies, often on a regular schedule.
How do I support independent bookshops online?
Some bookshop sites share sales with local independent shops.
Are store apps safe?
Download them from your phone's official app store.
Can I pick up online orders in store?
Many general retailers offer in-store or curbside pickup.
What should I check before buying from a new site?
The returns policy, contact details and reviews from other shoppers.
