When you’re buying gifts for family, friends, and co-workers, holiday shopping gets expensive. And tracking down just the right deal for everyone on your list (including the new girl in your department who you don’t really know—but whose name you drew for Secret Santa) takes more time than you may feel you have this time of year.
So to make the process easier and help you save money, we’ve picked out our favorite free shopping apps. (All are available on both iPhone and Android.) Happy shopping!
1. SnipSnap
No more coupon clipping! With SnipSnap, all you have to do is snap a photo of and save the print coupons you want to use, then redeem them right from your phone. The app will even remind you to use your coupons when you enter a store, and let you know when your coupons are going to expire so you don’t miss out on a deal.
With Coupon Sherpa, you don’t have to search for sales—this app will send you the promotions nearest you, right to your phone. Just pull up the coupon at checkout to take advantage of the savings.
3. Key Ring
Key Ring helps you save by collecting all your loyalty cards in one place. Simply scan them into the app, and you’ll know you’ve got them when you need them (no more cluttering up your purse!). You can also enroll in loyalty programs and access other coupons directly from the app for even greater discounts.
4. Decide
Not sure now’s the time to buy? Decide’s algorithms predict whether an item’s price will drop or jump. It will also show you if there’s a newer version available or on the horizon, send you price alerts, and compare costs between other stores and online.
5. SnapTell
This app turns your smartphone’s camera into a shopping tool. Just snap a picture or scan the barcode of any book, DVD, CD, or video game to get reviews (to make sure you make the right choice for any book snobs or film devotees on your list), compare prices, or make a purchase.
6. Slice
If you do most of your shopping online, Slice will help you organize the receipts in your inbox and track your packages. The app will also show you a breakdown of your online spending habits, and remind you of Groupons, LivingSocial deals, and other coupons you wanted to take advantage of.
Did we miss your favorite shopping app? Let us know in the comments.