Today, the internet is used for almost everything.

It’s everyone’s go-to place whenever they’re bothered with questions.

The internet and digital platforms are increasingly being used to support research on products and services for informed buying decisions.

Online research is fast growing in popularity as in-store purchases remain supreme. According to Effective Measure, digital channels have emerged as “pointers” to final sales transaction destinations for both offline and online purchases.

Apart from product and service research, consumers are also using the internet to compare product benefits, features, and price points. This continues to grow in significance as the budgets of shoppers continue to be constrained and stay under pressure.

According to Effective Measure, the internet is empowering users to search worldwide and heavily while still buying locally.

As a result, shopping from tablet computers and smartphones is increasingly becoming popular. This has seen the rise of apps for use on your mobile devices. They increase the functionality of your mobile devices, making it easy to save and even shop.

Designed to accomplish various functions, shopping apps can help you reduce your travel expenses and save on gas money. With a tap on your smartphone, you can easily reduce the price of items you want to buy.

Some functions of shopping apps include:

• Finding more information about particular products
• Scanning barcodes
• Searching for the lowest product prices locally, online or at physical stores
• Redeeming coupons
• Tracking finances

Here are a few shopping apps to get you started:

Top 5 Shopping Apps Every Buyer Should Download

1. Google Shopper

Whether you’re looking for a video game, a book, or the best Ping Pong paddles, Google Shopper can help you find the lowest price on offer.

Scan the product’s cover using your phone’s camera and let the app search stores online or nearby. Alternatively, use the barcode scan feature to find more information about your given product.

Whether you’re shopping for electronics or groceries, the app’s barcode scanner is just a click away. You’ll be able to make price comparisons, save your searches, share it friends, or make an order directly from your smartphone.

Today’s Offer and Nearby Offers are other exciting features to explore for local offers and daily deals, respectively. You can also use the Search by Voice feature to do vocal searches.

2. Yowza!!

Designed to negotiate deals, Yowza!! Offers instant coupons based on zip code or city search. It also sends push notifications whenever your favorite store adds a coupon.

The hassle-free app features a cashier that scans barcodes right off smartphones.

You can share your coupon finds on social media such as Facebook or Twitter, or email. The app also allows for tracking of your savings.

Access to discounted prices is unlimited due to the potential coupon offers. The app corresponds with both sellers and consumers, leading to rich and successful experiences.

However, the app is currently only U.S-based.

3. Consumer Reports Mobile Shopper

Popular for unbiased buyer advice and expert ratings, Consumer Reports is now available as a Mobile Shopper app. It gives access to product ratings, a barcode scanner, and a price check and comparison feature.

The app is available for both local and online retailers.

The database on Consumer Reports features products that have been tested and those that haven’t. You’ll find products under the following categories:

• Electronics
• Appliances
• Babies & kids
• Home & garden
• Automotive products

The app gives access to unbiased product reviews, including evaluated features. The buying guide defines all product features to help you make an informed buying decision.

For instance, if you’re looking for a well made and sturdy table tennis paddle, you’ll go through product features to make a selection.

The right paddle with the features you need will help improve your game for better performance. You can also compare paddle brands.

However, the app costs $4.99 annually.

4. FastMall

Designed with over 50 features, FastMall offers step-by-step directions to find any of the following at a major shopping mall:

• Restaurants
• Stores
• Disability accesses
• Bathrooms

Shops and mall location levels are listed alphabetically, and basic store directories available for free. You can browse available deals and read store descriptions.

The app’s community-driven features give access to other users’ store reviews, and you’re able to contribute as well. Get in touch with the app to correct any outdated information you may spot.

You can also share photos, text, and videos on the app. The app allows you to create the “My List” section and track where you parked your vehicle. The information on the app is shareable on social media and email.

The app is free, but the Virtual Map (calculates directions based on turns) costs anything from $0.99 to $2.99. It’s doesn’t require GPS or wireless internet to function. You can also use it to locate deals in a familiar mall.

However, the app is only available in some countries, including:

• Canada
• UK
• US
• France

5. Groupon

If you’re looking for daily deals in a specific city, you’ll find Groupon handy. It has partnered with local businesses to offer you daily deals. Most deals expire after 180 days.

Some businesses available on the app include:

• Theaters
• Restaurants
• Stores
• Spas
• Salons
• Special events

Deals can be shared on social media, and the business plan helps local businesses to get new customers. Unlike other shopping apps, Groupon allows you to redeem deals as you spot them to avoid missing on unbeatable discounts.

The app allows you to track deals by date, location, and expiration.