How to shop with AI: 6 ways I find deals, price track, and let agents buy for me

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• AI instruments can do product analysis, evaluate choices, and discover offers for you.
• It is simpler than ever to get reward concepts, monitor costs, and visually search.
• In some circumstances, AI may even auto-buy or deliver you proper to checkout.

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Procuring on-line is simpler than ever. Keep in mind if you needed to juggle 20 tabs, learn by means of countless opinions and purchaser’s guides, and hunt by means of promo code websites to discover a whole lot? In 2025, AI can do all that for you. From researching merchandise and evaluating costs to discovering offers and even carrying you all the way in which to checkout, the method is simple and, dare I say, enjoyable.

As somebody who loves tech and loves to buy on-line, I’ve discovered AI to be a sport changer. There are such a lot of instruments now, and extra popping up virtually every day. Whether or not you are asking ChatGPT for reward concepts, letting Google’s AI Mode scan real-time listings throughout retailers, or utilizing Copilot in Edge to match merchandise in your open tabs, AI can prevent critical money and time. 

However with so many choices, which of them are literally price attempting?

Additionally: Our favorite Cyber Monday deals are still live: Shop Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s sales now

Beneath, I break down essentially the most helpful AI procuring assistants and tips on how to use them. Your pockets can thank me later.

1. Use ChatGPT for reward concepts

I’ve used ChatGPT for product analysis for some time now, and I’ve let its agent mode handle my Walmart shopping for me and even find me cheap Disney on Ice tickets. However OpenAI just lately rolled out a brand new Shopping Research tool that is particularly enjoyable to strive. Merely inform ChatGPT what you are on the lookout for, and it’ll interactively construct a personalized reward information. For instance, inform it:

“I would like a novel reward for my husband who loves skilled instruments, PS5 and handheld gaming, and classic Miami Hurricanes school soccer. Maintain it below $150.”

ChatGPT will ask a couple of follow-up questions on your preferences. When you’re finished specifying types, manufacturers, and options you’d wish to see from its product suggestions, it will comb the online for up-to-date data and gadgets.

Additionally: How to use ChatGPT: A beginner’s guide to the most popular AI chatbot

For me, it beneficial a PlayStation Portal distant participant (one thing I have been eyeing), a Hori Preventing Stick for PS5 (cool, although he is extra into sports activities and survival video games), a pliers set (he has a lot), and a Leatherman (he’d lose it in a month). It additionally advised a Gino Torretta autographed picture and an autographed Miami vs. FSU sport program from October 2000.

I requested my husband if he knew who Gino is, and he gave me an incredulous look and mentioned, “Oh, you imply one in every of Miami’s two Heisman winners?” I then requested concerning the Miami vs. FSU program, and he went, “Large Proper III, one in every of Miami’s most well-known video games.” So I needed to ask what he’d suppose if he bought the Miami stuff for Christmas. He smiled — huge. ChatGPT wins right here for reward inspo.

How you can use:

1. Open ChatGPT and begin a brand new chat.
2. Inform it what you are looking for, like “ANC headphones below $200.”
3. Choose Procuring Analysis from the immediate subject drop-down.
4. Reply any follow-up inquiries to refine preferences.
5. ChatGPT will return product choices with specs, comparisons, and costs.
6. Click on by means of hyperlinks to view merchandise and confirm pricing.

Additionally: My 8 ChatGPT Agent tests produced only 1 near-perfect result – and a lot of alternative facts

Professional tip: Swap to Agent within the drop-down, and you may ask ChatGPT to buy the items it beneficial. It might probably’t full checkout, however it will probably take over, open retailer pages, add gadgets to your cart, and convey you to checkout. Sadly, as of December 2025, it can not pull new Amazon information as a result of its shopping bots are blocked on that site. Amazon additionally blocks Google’s shopping bots.

2. Search with Google’s AI Mode

I wish to get my 4-year-old a Roku TV for her playroom, however I do not wish to spend a whole lot of {dollars}, and he or she does not want an enormous display screen. Ideally, I would wish to spend $200 or much less ($100 ideally), and the display screen will be as small as 24 inches. However I need 4K and Roku. It feels bizarre to purchase an HDTV as we speak, and our complete home has Roku, so I would like to stay with what my daughter is aware of.

Additionally: I let Google’s new AI tools take on my holiday shopping list – here’s how it went

Like anybody, I often seek for merchandise on Google, however wading by means of a sea of blue hyperlinks and the product carousel usually makes me marvel if I am not seeing all the pieces or lacking an excellent deal. With Google’s AI Mode, I can ask product questions naturally, very like I’d in ChatGPT, and it scans by means of Google’s big stock and real-time procuring information.

AI Mode can concurrently retrieve listings from a number of retailers, together with value comparisons. It’s visible and far simpler to digest than basic search outcomes. So, I flipped over to that tab and searched:

“Finest small Roku 4K TV below $100.”

Sadly, AI Mode informed me {that a} small Roku TV with 4K decision doesn’t at the moment exist below $100, however there are 4K Roku TVs beginning at 43 inches for round $180. It additionally mentioned Roku TVs below $100 are usually 32 inches with HD decision. From there, it listed an $88 Onn 32-inch mannequin at Walmart and a $129 Roku Choose 32-inch mannequin at Goal (each 1080p).

Beneath that, Gemini confirmed a desk of 4K Roku TVs over $100, together with 43-inch fashions from TCL, Roku, and Westinghouse, every round $178. At that time, I felt like I had sufficient data. Again within the day, it could have taken me hours to do that analysis. 

How you can use:

1. Open Chrome or the Google app.
2. Search naturally, like “Finest small Roku 4K TV below $100.”
3. Choose AI Mode when looking out or click on the AI Mode tab.
4. Evaluate the outcomes and product playing cards with costs and specs.
5. You may ask follow-ups, resembling “Present me the most cost effective Roku 4K TV.”
6. Click on by means of to purchase.

3. Use Copilot in Edge to match

When you use Edge, it now has a Copilot Mode that may analyze any web page you are on, evaluate a number of merchandise throughout tabs, summarize opinions and movies, keep in mind your analysis days later, and even load gadgets into your cart if you’re prepared to purchase.

Additionally: I tested all of Edge’s new AI browser features – and it felt like having a personal assistant

I just lately examined it by attempting to find a brand new house heater. Much like ChatGPT Atlas, it has a search bar that doubles as a immediate subject. As a substitute of defaulting to Bing, it figures out whether or not you are attempting to look the online, open a website, or chat with Copilot based mostly on intent.

After enabling Copilot Mode (at aka.ms/copilot-mode), I searched:

“Finest energy-efficient heaters for giant rooms.”

As a substitute of sending me to conventional search outcomes, it switched into chat and surfaced heater listings, together with ones on Amazon. I opened a couple of of them and requested: “Examine my open tabs and inform me which heater is the perfect mixture of energy and effectivity.” Copilot then pulled each spec right into a comparability chart, together with wattage, room dimension, vitality effectivity, security options, noise degree, value, and extra.

It beneficial the Dr. Infrared Heater for efficiency and the Dreo for effectivity. After I requested which might price much less to run in winter, it used my native electrical energy estimates and picked Dreo once more. I additionally had it summarize a YouTube evaluate on the Dreo and the remark part so I did not have to look at it and will get a greater understanding of real-world efficiency.

Lastly, I examined Copilot Actions in Edge, which is a sort of agent that enables the browser to carry out duties in your behalf. After enabling it (Settings > Copilot Mode Settings > AI Improvements > Actions in Edge Preview), I typed “Purchase the Dreo sensible wall heater on Amazon.” Copilot discovered it, opened the itemizing, added it to my cart, and introduced me to the fee display screen.

I actually like that Copilot in Edge nonetheless works with Amazon. For no matter purpose, it isn’t blocked but, so you possibly can see up-to-date data.

How you can use:

1. Open Edge and allow Copilot Mode (aka.ms/copilot-mode).
2. Use the search bar like a immediate, e.g., “Finest energy-efficient heaters.”
3. Swap to Copilot chat when outcomes seem.
4. Open product pages in tabs, then ask Copilot to match them.
5. View the auto-generated chart of specs, pricing, and effectivity.
6. Ask follow-ups like “Which prices much less to run in New York winters?”
7. Use Copilot to immediately summarize opinions or YouTube movies.
8. Allow Actions (Settings > Copilot Mode Settings > AI Improvements > Actions).
9. Strive a job command, like “Purchase the Dreo sensible wall heater on Amazon.”
10. Evaluate your cart and checkout manually to finish the acquisition.

4. Rufus can value monitor on Amazon

Other than Copilot in Edge, there should not some ways to browse Amazon utilizing AI instruments. Maybe that’s as a result of Amazon has constructed its personal assistant referred to as Rufus and blocks competing bots. Rufus is built-in instantly into the Amazon app and website. 

Additionally: Cyber Monday is over, but you can still shop my favorite Amazon sales on Hisense, Oura, and Apple

Rufus can reply particular questions, resembling “I would like a Christmas reward for my husband who’s into woodworking and Dewalt instruments,” and it will reply with product ideas throughout related classes. It might probably summarize opinions, evaluate gadgets, and reply all of your questions on product pages. It might additionally personalize suggestions based mostly in your Amazon historical past.

It might probably even present merchandise from different retailers on the net. For me, it advised a Dewalt Professional Wooden Chisel set from Amazon, in addition to different gadgets on Amazon that I’d take into account much less helpful, resembling a magnetic wristband for drill bits and a headlamp. However beneath that, it surfaced a customized “man cave” signal from bechmarkcustomsigns.com and a wooden carving knife from woodcarvingtools.com.

I had by no means heard of these websites, so that is the place Rufus feels a bit wonky.

However Rufus can actually shine contained in the Amazon cell app. There, it is in a position so as to add gadgets to your cart, monitor costs, or auto-buy when a deal hits your goal. For instance, on the Dewalt chisel set web page, I tapped the Rufus icon within the backside menu drawer and mentioned:

“Arrange a value alert for the Dewalt chisel set, and if it hits beneath $15, purchase it.”

Rufus then requested me to verify the small print, confirmed me the 30-day value low, and let me allow auto-buy. On the backside, there was a button to handle value alerts. So whereas Google and ChatGPT can not assist me a lot with merchandise on Amazon, Rufus is aware of Amazon’s whole catalog and might hunt offers and even store for me. It’s quick, intuitive, and ideally suited for Amazon customers.

How you can use:

1. Open the Amazon app or web site and search for the Rufus icon.
2. Ask naturally, like “Present concepts for somebody who loves Dewalt instruments.”
3. Browse the ideas and ask about value, options, or alternate options.
4. To trace a deal, open a web page within the Amazon app and faucet the Rufus icon.
5. Say one thing like “Set a value alert for this merchandise” or “Auto-buy below $15.”
6. Verify particulars, allow auto-buy if desired, and handle alerts from the value alert menu.

5. Walmart has Sparky, but it surely’s restricted

Much like Rufus, Walmart launched its personal AI assistant referred to as Sparky, constructed into the Walmart mobile app. It really works throughout Walmart, together with on groceries. Sparky can summarize opinions, evaluate related gadgets, recommend presents, or assist plan procuring lists. For instance, ask “I would like a gift for a dinosaur-loving 4-year-old,” and it’ll generate concepts with listings you possibly can browse.

Additionally: The best Walmart Cyber Monday deals are still live: Shop the top 35 sales while you can

You may refine outcomes by including a finances or fashion choice, however for those who ask it to purchase one thing for you, Sparky will inform you it’s nonetheless studying and can’t change your cart. You may faucet “Add” on the listings it exhibits to place gadgets in your cart. When you ask it to trace costs or present you a 30-day low for merchandise, it won’t try this. So, Sparky is useful for concepts, but it surely’s very restricted.

Why point out it?

During the last yr, I turned a Walmart+ member and discover myself utilizing Amazon much less as a result of Walmart can ship in about an hour. I dwell rurally, and Amazon shipments usually take every week, even with Prime. So if I would like one thing quick, Walmart is my go-to app.

Sparky is there if I need ideas, and it’s simpler than looking out manually. It beneficial particular toys for my 4-year-old as an alternative of dumping each dinosaur-related merchandise it carries.

How you can use:

1. Open the Walmart app and faucet the Sparky icon within the backside drawer.
2. Ask naturally, like “Present concepts for a dinosaur-loving 4-year-old.”
3. Browse the merchandise and faucet Add to position gadgets in your cart.
4. Refine with follow-ups resembling “Beneath $20.”
5. Use Sparky for concepts, comparisons, and evaluate summaries.

6. Favor to purchase small? Strive Store

When you favor to buy throughout smaller manufacturers, Shop by Shopify is price a glance. The cell app consists of an AI procuring assistant that pulls from many Shopify shops. Faucet the search icon within the backside drawer after which choose “Chat with Store AI.” The interface merges each a chat and a product feed, and as you describe what you need, outcomes replace immediately. You may refine preferences as you go.

Additionally: Should you trust AI agents with your holiday shopping? Here’s what experts want you to know

The assistant remembers previous conversations, private fashion notes, dimension, and materials preferences. It won’t value monitor or purchase merchandise for you, as an alternative prompting you to view and buy instantly from the listings. Additionally it is extra boutique than huge field, however that additionally makes it nice for locating distinctive merchandise and supporting smaller retailers and sellers.

As an illustration, I would like a Christmas current for my stepdad, so I searched, “I would like reward concepts for somebody who hikes and loves espresso.” It confirmed me a $4 Hiker’s Brew Espresso journey packet from Path Addict Store. Tremendous particular. It additionally advised a reduced AeroPress Go that I may purchase from Various Brewing as an alternative of Amazon or Walmart.

How you can use:

1. Set up and open the Store app, then faucet the search icon.
2. Choose “Chat with Store AI.”
3. Describe what you want, like “Present concepts for somebody who loves espresso.”
4. Browse the ideas. Refine with fashion, dimension, materials, or preferences.
5. Scroll the product feed and faucet by means of to buy from particular person sellers.

Bonus tip: Visible search

There are fairly actually a whole lot of smaller AI instruments on the market that may enable you to discover the proper product at the perfect value, however we’d be right here all day if I listed all of them. To wrap up this information, right here is yet one more tip I take advantage of virtually each time I store: visible search.

It is extremely helpful, permitting you to add pictures or screenshots to seek out merchandise. Love that water bottle at your good friend’s home, however they do not know the place it got here from? Snap a photograph of it and use visible search to seek out it. Within the Amazon cell app, there’s a camera button within the search bar that you should utilize to add pictures. It might probably discover actual matches or shut alternate options.

Pinterest even has a digital camera button, and it’ll present related pins and product listings to browse.

Additionally: 7 ways I use Google Lens every day – and why it’s one of my favorite AI apps

My favourite technique is utilizing Google Lens. Open the Google app, faucet the digital camera icon, level it at one thing, or add a screenshot. Lens will establish gadgets and discover related ones throughout retailers. It’s extremely correct and truthfully addicting to make use of.

One of many issues I like to do with Lens is establish classic coats, sneakers, and clothes worn in basic motion pictures. Simply the opposite day, I used it to establish the purple puffer jacket Tim Allen wears originally of The Santa Clause. Significantly.