Overview: Three Different Approaches to Saving
Not all deals platforms work the same way. Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Honey each have a distinct model — and understanding the differences helps you pick the right tool for each type of purchase. Here's a clear breakdown of how each works and where each one shines.
Groupon: Best for Local Deals & Experiences
Groupon operates primarily as a marketplace for discounted local experiences — restaurants, spas, fitness classes, travel packages, and entertainment. Rather than coupon codes, Groupon sells pre-purchased vouchers at a set discount, which you redeem directly with the business.
What Groupon is best for:
- Dining out at local restaurants
- Spa treatments, salons, and wellness services
- Travel deals (hotel stays, activities, flights)
- Entertainment (escape rooms, tours, events)
- Online shopping deals through Groupon Goods
Limitations:
- Deals are time-sensitive and may expire quickly
- Not ideal for regular retail product shopping
- Refund policies vary by merchant
RetailMeNot: Best for Online Promo Codes
RetailMeNot is a coupon aggregation site — it collects promo codes, printable coupons, and cashback offers from hundreds of retailers in one place. You search for a store, find a code, and apply it at checkout on the retailer's website.
What RetailMeNot is best for:
- Online clothing and fashion retailers
- Restaurant chains (printable and digital coupons)
- Major e-commerce stores (Gap, Nike, Home Depot, etc.)
- Cashback offers that pay out via PayPal or gift card
Limitations:
- Codes are user-submitted and may be outdated — always verify before use
- Cashback payout minimums may apply
- No automatic code testing — you apply codes manually
Honey: Best for Automatic Code Hunting
Honey (now part of PayPal) is a browser extension that automatically tests coupon codes at checkout on thousands of websites. It also offers a rewards program called Honey Gold, which converts to PayPal cashback. The main advantage is the automation — no manual searching required.
What Honey is best for:
- Online shoppers who want a passive, hands-off experience
- Amazon, eBay, and major e-commerce platforms
- Anyone who frequently forgets to look for promo codes
- Price tracking (Honey's Droplist feature alerts you to price drops)
Limitations:
- Doesn't always find the best available code — only tests codes in its database
- Honey Gold rewards earn slowly for casual shoppers
- Works only in desktop browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Groupon | RetailMeNot | Honey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Voucher marketplace | Coupon aggregator | Browser extension |
| Best Use Case | Local services & experiences | Online promo codes | Auto code testing |
| Requires App/Extension? | Optional app | No (website only) | Yes (browser extension) |
| Cashback Available? | No | Yes | Yes (Honey Gold) |
| Works for Local Businesses? | Yes | Partially | No |
| Automatic Code Application? | No | No | Yes |
Should You Use All Three?
Absolutely — and many savvy shoppers do. Each platform covers a different slice of your spending:
- Use Groupon when booking a restaurant, spa, or weekend activity.
- Use RetailMeNot when shopping a specific online store and want to manually browse current codes.
- Use Honey as your everyday safety net — let it automatically find codes while you shop normally.
Bottom Line
There's no single "best" platform — the right tool depends on what you're buying. Use them together and you'll cover virtually every shopping scenario with meaningful savings potential.