If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
We have Amazon to thank (or blame) for completely transforming the way we shop. The e-commerce giant’s virtually
endless product selection, massive inventory, and ultra-fast delivery options have made everything from streaming movies to ordering groceries from Whole Foods as easy as clicking a button.
While Amazon excels in convenience and variety, that same abundance can be overwhelming. Sifting through dozens of near-identical products can lead to decision fatigue, leaving many consumers frustrated or simply burned out. That’s just one reason more customers are exploring alternatives to Amazon.
Some want to support smaller businesses and independent creators instead of contributing to the fortune of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, whose net worth reportedly exceeds $200 billion. Others have grown uneasy about the company’s business practices and environmental impact, prompting them to take their spending elsewhere.
Although Amazon has made efforts to promote small businesses on its platform, its market dominance still makes some shoppers hesitant. If you’re among those looking to support independent sellers and ethical brands, there are plenty of great options available.
Sites like Etsy let you buy directly from makers and designers, while platforms such as Uncommon Goods showcase work from independent artists on everything from gifts to home decor. Shopping for bigger-ticket items? There are several excellent Amazon alternatives that offer great deals, some even matching or beating Amazon.
What Are the Best Amazon Alternatives to Shop Online?
If you’re looking for more curated, mindful, or ethical shopping experiences, a growing list of online retailers provides strong alternatives to Amazon. Many of these sites streamline your search by carefully selecting products, sparing you the need for endless scrolling. Plus, eco-conscious and socially responsible shoppers will appreciate that several of these companies are certified B Corporations — meaning they meet rigorous standards for transparency, sustainability, and ethical business practices.
Keep reading for some of the best non-Amazon places to shop online, whether you’re hunting for handmade gifts, stylish essentials, or deals that don’t require a Prime membership.
BEST OVERALL
REI
Best for travel, outdoors, and sports apparel and accessories.
If you’re looking for clothing, footwear, outdoor gear, and sports equipment, the best Amazon alternative is REI. Founded as a consumer cooperative, REI has long been able to use its membership dues to fund projects that promote conservation, diversity, and equity. To this day, $5 from the purchase of every lifetime membership is donated to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which supports organizations “working to improve the health and well-being of people and communities through time spent outside.”
Of course, you don’t have to be a member anymore to shop the best REI deals online (though members do get additional perks and discounts). We’ve been shopping at REI for years to get hard-to-find products or trip-specific gear, and the site continues to grow with unique product offerings and new brands today. Right now, they’re offering up to 50% off on all clearance products. Start your search at REI.com.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Thrive Market
Best for groceries, supplements, and snacks.
Certified B corporation Thrive Market launched in 2014 with a cause-driven mission to offer organic and natural groceries and other sustainable products at affordable prices. The membership-based online grocer allows shoppers to save 25 to 50 percent off on more than 6,000 products spanning healthy foods, meat, pantry staples, wine, bath and body products, beauty and skincare, baby care, supplements, and home goods.
Membership plans start at $5 per month (based on an annual subscription price of $59.95), and you can shop by diet and lifestyle (vegan, vegetarian, non-GMO, keto, paleo, raw, and more) as well as by values such as non-toxic, Environmental Working Group-verified, certified organic, cruelty-free, and others.
We love using Thrive Market to stock up on groceries and pantry items, household goods, and everyday essentials, and their meat and seafood selection is surprisingly fresh. We’ve also found some of our favorite snacks and (sort of) good-for-you sweets through their marketplace, which stocks unique items from around the world. The site also has hard-to-find organic and specialty brands, which you can’t get at the big box chains or on Amazon.
Start shopping at ThriveMarket.com. Thrive Market offers promo codes, discounts, and deals all the time, too. See the latest offers here.
FAST DELIVERY
Doordash DashPass
Best for fast, same-day delivery on everything from restaurants to retail.
Amazon may be known for Prime and its promise of two-day shipping (or sometimes even faster), but when you need something today, DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program, is the service I always turn to. Starting at just $9.99 per month — with a discounted $4.99 student plan — DashPass unlocks $0 delivery fees on everything DoorDash has to offer, including restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, florists, and local fan-favorites.
I’ve been a loyal DashPass member for the past five years, and I genuinely wouldn’t switch to another delivery platform. It’s saved me more times than I can count, whether I was packing for a last-minute vacation, scrambling to send a gift, stocking up on simple things like paper towels (mid-cleaning session), or simply ordering a Gatorade after a night out when walking across the street somehow felt like too much.
The convenience alone makes it worth the fee, which is lower than Prime, which costs $14.99 per month. Sign up today to take advantage of a 30-day free trial — just don’t be surprised if you end up keeping it long after it ends.
ETHICALLY-SOURCED
Hive
Best for pantry items and household goods.
Think of HiveBrands.com as your favorite general store or emporium, filled with unique snacks, drinks, health and beauty products, and household goods. Almost all of the options are sustainably made, ethically sourced, and from socially conscious companies. But they’re also just great products too – think organic nut butter and homemade sauces for the pantry, and clean salves and lotions for your skincare routine. We’ve found super gentle and eco-friendly cleaning supplies and bug sprays, too.
Everything ships in recyclable boxes printed with non-toxic ink and filled with 100% recyclable packing materials. Every order is carbon-neutral, too. What we like: Hive lets you shop by cause, whether you want to support brands helping small communities improve their livelihood, brands dedicated to championing equality, or female-owned businesses. You can shop by your preferred attributes too — like cruelty-free, Made in the USA, vegan-friendly, and more.
Bonus: Right now, new customers can save up to 20% on orders $100+ with the discount code MEETHIVE. See more details here.
BEST FOR FLOWER DELIVERY
1-800 Flowers
Best for last-minute gifting.
Sure, you can order fresh flowers with your Amazon Prime account for delivery, but we prefer to go through a site like 1-800-Flowers instead. The online retailer has been around since the eighties and is our go-to for everything from beautiful rose bouquets to gift baskets and table arrangements that can be sent directly to you.
The site even lets you shop by occasion, making it simple to browse everything from sympathy arrangements to celebratory bunches. Depending on where you live in the United States, 1-800-Flowers offers same-day delivery (which often beats even Amazon’s fastest shipping option). You never have to worry about missing a birthday, graduation, or housewarming again — well, at least when it comes to flowers. You’ll still have to remember to RSVP.
SUSTAINABLE MARKETPLACE
Grove Collaborative
Best for health/personal care products and cleaning supplies.
If you’re looking for a one-stop eco-conscious shop for non-toxic and cruelty-free household supplies, beauty and skincare, personal care, and wellness products, and also want to save yourself from the hassle of last-minute restocks, then you’ll want to try Grove. The online subscription service offers everything from dishwasher and bathroom soap refills to medicine cabinet essentials and compostable plastic bags (and much more) from popular brands such as Dr. Bronner’s, Seventh Generation, Method, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Tom’s of Maine, and others, alongside independent names.
It works like this: You’ll add product subscriptions that you can customize by frequency — say, you need dish soap and sponges every month and laundry detergent every three months. So long as your order meets the minimum of $29, you’ll get all of your must-haves in regular deliveries, efficiently packed in recyclable materials. Oh, and it’s a B Corp., too. Start shopping at Grove.co.
BEST FOR GIFTING
Harry & David
Best for sending gift baskets, special treats, and flowers.
Harry & David is our top pick for special occasions, offering a wide selection of gift baskets, flowers, wine, and sweet treats. The brand ships nationwide, and they also provide expedited shipping if you’re on a tight schedule or working with a deadline.
BEST FOR JEWELRY
Blue Nile
Best for original online jewelry gifts and buying conflict-free diamonds.
If you’re in the market for a jewelry gift, one place we recommend looking is Blue Nile. Founded in 1999, the brand is the original online jewelry retailer and still one of the most trusted sources for diamond jewelry. The retailer sources conflict-free diamonds and offers education services for choosing the right pieces. They’ve since expanded to other types of jewelry, but diamonds remain their bread and butter. Plus, Blue Nile has impeccable customer service, ensuring that the ordering and any follow-up processes are painless.
We’re not alone in our appreciation for Blue Nile. Helen Mirren, Brooklyn Decker, Grimm star Bitsie Tulloch, and Giuliana Rancic are just a few celebrities who have been spotted wearing Blue Nile jewelry on red carpets.
BEST FOR DESIGNER
Nordstrom
Best for designer apparel and everyday essentials.
From designer apparel to everyday essentials, Nordstrom’s markdowns give shoppers the chance to invest in pieces that last, often with free shipping and easy returns, making the experience stress-free.
What makes Nordstrom’s website even more tempting is the selection of brands on sale. You can score deals on favorites like ON Running, Nike, rag & bone, plus home essentials from Voluspa candles and Calvin Klein bed sheets. Whether you’re updating your sneaker rotation, refreshing your wardrobe, or stocking up on skincare, Nordstrom’s curated deals make it easy to shop for quality brands.
BEST FOR WORKOUT CLOTHES
lululemon
Best for workout (and athleisure) apparel, accessories, and footwear.
Training for a marathon? Heading to the Hamptons for the summer? Lululemon has an incredibly versatile selection of everything from top-tier running shorts made for performance, to bright tanks and tees that will have you standing out in a sea of neutrals. And if you’ve been eyeing the internet-famous Everywhere Belt Bag, yes, we can promise it’s worth it. Over the last few years, lululemon has worked to expand beyond the yoga studio (especially in the men’s department) with high-performance workout gear and ultra-comfy everyday clothing, and their styles frequently go viral for a reason. Instead of picking up cheap bike shorts that’ll ride up or pill immediately, this is a great place to shop for quality fitness gear that will last you through every workout (and every season).
BEST FOR GEAR
Huckberry
Best for clothing, accessories, fitness equipment, and hiking equipment.
One of our favorite Amazon alternatives to shop these days is Huckberry.com. Once best known as an outdoor site, Huckberry’s online inventory now includes footwear, clothing, grooming, workout equipment, and even home decor. The site is pioneering what they call the “Everyday Adventure” category, which “sits between the traditional outdoor and fashion industries” while combining “the best of retail, media, and community.” The best part is that Huckberry offers a number of brands that you can’t find on Amazon, including new and emerging American designers. Their prices (and deals) are often pretty competitive too.
BEST FOR COFFEE
Trade Coffee
Best for a long-term subscription.
Sure, you can order ground or whole coffee beans on Amazon, but what you should really be turning to is Trade Coffee. Trade is a subscription-based service designed to cater to your individual tastes, helping match you with coffee that fits your preferences.
It’s affordable, customized, and supports smaller businesses, so you can feel good about what’s in your cup with every sip. Right now, you can get up to 30% off.
BEST QUALITY
Public Goods
Best for home goods, skincare, and bath and beauty.
We first discovered Public Goods during the pandemic when we stocked up on the site’s super-gentle soaps and hand sanitizers for our home. Since then, we’ve become big fans of the eco-friendly company’s Costco-meets-direct-to-consumer model. For an annual membership fee of $49, you’ll have access to the startup’s line of sustainable essentials, such as grocery staples and canned sundries, home cleaning products, personal care items (like bamboo toothbrushes and haircare), vitamins, pet food, and even CBD oils. While you don’t need to be a member to shop the site, members get lower prices, occasional deals, and freebies (sign up now and get $60 worth of goods and promos).
The company touts transparency and ethically sourced ingredients among its values, and it’s able to pass along savings to its members by manufacturing its own products. You can shop by categories such as gluten-free, vegan, tree-free, and organic, and Public Goods works with nonprofit Eden Reforestation Projects to offset its carbon footprint by planting a tree for every order placed.
You don’t need a membership to start shopping, though: start here, pick up products from the site, and see how you like them. New users can get 15% off their first order with promo code PUBLIC15. See full details here.
FAST SHIPPING
Revolve
Best for quick delivery.
One of the biggest perks of ordering through Amazon Prime is the lightning-fast shipping — you can get whatever you need, from clothing to sleep aids like melatonin to last-minute accessories before an upcoming event or concert, delivered in less than two days.
So if you’re in that same kind of rush and need something ASAP, we turn to Revolve. The online retailer offers the latest in fashion, popular viral products, beauty, and accessories, with shipping speeds that rival Prime. They offer several delivery options, including next day by 12 PM, next day by 8 PM, and 2nd Day Air, in addition to standard free shipping within 3–5 business days.
In our experience, they’ve never let us down when we’ve needed something in a pinch. Between the impressive product selection and expedited delivery options, Revolve is our go-to when we need an order fast.
SURPRISE STEALS
Macy's
Best for fashion, home essentials, and toys.
Macy’s has long been a favorite of ours for just about… anything. The major retailer, which was first established in 1858, offers an extensive lineup of fashion, beauty, personal care products, home goods, décor, and more. What we like most is the fast shipping; many items can be delivered in just a few days, along with consistent sales and exclusive perks through its VIP membership program.
One standout feature we especially love: in 2021, Macy’s partnered with WHP Global to bring back Toys “R” Us, the nostalgic, once-beloved toy retailer, both online and in select brick-and-mortar locations. On Macy’s site, you can find all the classic offerings, from Barbie and LEGO sets to games and puzzles, in a dedicated section that keeps the brand’s iconic rainbow aesthetic alive. There are even some toys created exclusively for Macy’s, per the brand’s site.
It captures the same fun, variety, and affordable pricing that made Toys “R” Us so popular in the early 2000s. Only now, you can add it all to your cart from the comfort of home.
BEST SELECTION
World Market
Best for home decor and gift items.
If you’re looking to add globally-inspired flavors or flair to your cooking or home decor, World Market (or Cost Plus World Market) is our go-to for fair-trade products that meet sustainability and ethical standards. The San Francisco-founded retailer stocks gourmet groceries, fair-trade coffee and teas, international pantry essentials, handwoven baskets, kitchen accessories, vintage-inspired home furnishings, and more from every corner of the world.
We’ve picked up everything from lamps and pillows to chocolates and flowers from the store, which has an eclectic array of offerings. It’s a great place to shop for unique gifts, too, if you want an Amazon alternative.
Can’t wait for your delivery, but need the convenience of online shopping? You can opt for same-day Curbside Pickup at your local store and score an additional 15% off when you join the company’s free membership program. Start shopping at WorldMarket.com.
BEST PET SITE
Chewy
Best for pet food, toys, and accessories.
Pet parents can stock up on everything they need to keep their four-legged family members healthy at Chewy. The online pet food, pharmacy, and supply site offers more than 2,000 pet brands that cater to dogs, cats, horses, fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals.
The retailer stocks wet and dry food, treats, medicine, accessories, toys, and more from Blue Buffalo, Kong, Nutro, Purina, Rachael Ray Nutrish, Sheba, Tidy Cats, and many other popular and independent names. Many brands aren’t available on Amazon, making Chewy a better option if you’re particular about what you’re feeding — and giving — to your pets.
You’ll also save money when you subscribe to the retailer’s Autoship service, and the retailer also offers free shipping when you spend $35 or more. Start shopping at Chewy.com.
MOST UNIQUE OFFERINGS
Uncommon Goods
Best for gifting.
What began as founder Dave Bolotsky’s virtual handmade marketplace has grown into one of the best places for shopping for handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts. Go to Uncommon Goods if you’re looking for cool finds by independent brands, designers, and makers. They’ve got everything from stylish jewelry and clothing to gourmet condiments and kitchen accessories to puzzles and home decor. This is our go-to site for unique gifts for birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations, and more. We’ve purchased a lot of personalized gifts from Uncommon Goods, from wall art to toys to desk accessories.
Vegans will be happy to know that the ethical online retailer only stocks leather-, feather-, and fur-free products. And many of their products are made from recyclable materials and packaging.
The B corporation also donates $1 from every purchase to a nonprofit partner, uses eco-friendly packaging, pays its employees more than double the federal minimum wage, and advocates for paid family leave and better pay in the state of New York. Now, what’s a better Amazon alternative than that? Start shopping at UncommonGoods.com.
BEST FOR HEALTHY FOOD
Wildgrain
Best for getting freshly baked goods delivered to your door.
Amazon Fresh offers a wide selection of baked goods, from breads and pastries to other doughy favorites — but there’s another company giving it serious competition: Wildgrain. Founded in 2020, Wildgrain is a subscription-based service that, according to the brand, “delivers artisan breads, pastas, and pastries straight to your door”. The process is simple: you choose when your box arrives, what’s inside — including vegetarian or gluten-free options — and your preferred price range. Boxes start at just $69 and cap at around $189.
With hundreds of five-star reviews, Wildgrain is praised for its convenience and simplicity. Every item is made with good-for-you ingredients, giving you that fresh-from-the-bakery taste without ever leaving home. Get started here.
BEST INDEPENDENT SITE
Etsy
Best for crafts, decor, gift ideas, and DIY designs.
From fan-made merch to home decor and accessories, Etsy features thousands of sellers offering unique, often handmade goods for purchase. Once known as a destination for DIY crafters, Etsy is now a full-service marketplace that sells everything from vintage clothing and antiques to jewelry, tableware, and furniture.
Etsy is one of our go-to destinations for gifting, with one-of-a-kind picks for Halloween, housewarmings, and the holidays alike. Unlike Amazon, there’s no Etsy warehouse — only a network of artisans and local sellers that sell and ship their goods directly to you. Start shopping here.
MOST CONVENIENT
Instacart
Best for same-day groceries.
Amazon Fresh has made it easy to get groceries delivered to your door, but you can do the same thing with Instacart. The site and app offer a wider range of offerings than Amazon Fresh, with the same super-fast delivery times.
Instacart offers same-day delivery from almost 600 national and local retailers, like Sprouts Farmers Market, ALDI, Costco, Publix, Wegmans, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, The Fresh Market, Fresh Thyme Market, and more. And it’s not just food and drinks either — Instacart can now deliver flowers, home accessories, and even beauty products from Sephora in as fast as an hour.
Instacart is free to sign up for, though you’ll want to grab an Instacart Express membership to get free delivery (otherwise, delivery fees range from $1.99 to $9.99 in our experience). Right now, you can sign up for an Instacart Express free trial here to test out the service for yourself.
GREAT DEALS
Walmart
Best for daily discounts.
No list of the best alternatives to Amazon would be complete without mentioning Walmart. This mega discount superstore could be considered the original Amazon, as it offers daily competitive deals on a wide range of goods, from pantry products to clothing items and even pharmacy delivery. Walmart truly has everything you could possibly need, all in one place.
Additionally, Walmart has a membership program called Walmart+, which provides exclusive access to members-only sales, free delivery options, discounted streaming services (including your choice of Peacock or Paramount+), and special deals on partnered brands, from restaurant chains to other online stores. Walmart+ is available for $12.95 per month, but you can currently sign up for a 30-day free trial.
FAN FAVORITE
Target
Best overall Amazon alternative.
It’s hard to beat the Big Red Bullseye’s ridiculously convenient shopping options, especially on days like Prime Day, where Target often offers the same, if not lower, prices than Amazon. Target makes it easy to place an online order for deodorant, groceries, and bath towels and pick up your goods in-store or via its Drive Up option (simply wait in your car, and store staff will bring your purchases to you), or get everything delivered using Shipt’s same-day service.
On top of its vast inventory, the mass retailer also offers a 5% discount whenever you use its RedCard debit or credit card. Don’t forget the retail giant’s smartphone app, which also boasts additional Target Circle deals. Is it as niche or as small a business to support like some of the other sites on our list? No. But does it deliver a ton of deals and exclusives that make it a worthy Amazon competitor? One hundred percent. Start shopping at Target.com.
ALSO CONSIDER
Temu
Cheapest prices.
How you feel about Amazon may also be the same way you feel about Temu, the Chinese e-tailer that offers millions of discount items for home and travel. Where else can you get $3 headphones or a $30 pizza oven? Like Amazon, Temu has millions of items in stock, from electronics to clothing to household essentials. Most of their items are made in China and are noticeably cheaper than those on Amazon, though shipping may take a few extra days if the products are coming from overseas. In our experience, you also get what you pay for. But if you need something in bulk or just want to test out a trend or viral product before committing to the real thing, Temu could be a good option for you.
Of course, you’ll want to read up on Temu’s business practices before you decide whether or not you want to spend your money there. Congressional lawmakers have cited Temu’s sale of knockoff designer items and have asked the company for increased safety and compliance controls. A potential bright spot? Temu talks up its tree planting program, which partners with Trees for the Future to plant trees across Africa to benefit farmers in this region. Learn more here.
About the Authors
Tim Chan is the VP of Commerce at Penske Media, overseeing fashion, tech, lifestyle and streaming coverage across marquee brands like Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and WWD, among others. Previously, Chan was the first-ever Lifestyle Editor at Rolling Stone, covering all things fashion, culture, and travel through an entertainment lens. In addition to PMC, his bylines over the years have appeared in L’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Korea, i-D, and more. Chan has also consulted for a number of fashion brands, advising them on media and marketing strategy. He graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in journalism
Alexis Mikulski Ruiz is a commerce writer at Penske Media, where she tests, reviews, and writes about the latest in lifestyle, fashion, tech, and entertainment. A lifelong shopaholic, she’s dedicated to helping readers separate the hype from the must-haves. Previously, she has contributed to Men’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, and more. She’s a proud Oxford comma enthusiast and graduated from Emerson College with a B.A. in Journalism.
Click here to read the full article.
