Singapore
Thailand
IndonesiaNavigating online shopping in Singapore can be overwhelming, with countless apps and websites vying for your attention. How do you find the best deals, the fastest delivery, or that specific item you’re looking for?
There’s no single “best” site for everything. One platform might be unbeatable for bargain hunting, while another specializes in authentic brands or two-hour grocery delivery. Knowing where to look is the key to saving time and money. This guide breaks down the most popular e-commerce websites to show you what each one does best.
Summary
Singapore’s top e-commerce sites each excel at different needs—price, speed, authenticity, or category—so the smartest approach is to pick the platform that fits your goal. Shopee wins for bargains and selection; Lazada/LazMall for guaranteed authentic brands and big-ticket electronics; Amazon.sg (with Prime) for fast, reliable delivery and books; Carousell for second-hand; Zalora for fashion with easy returns; RedMart for scheduled grocery delivery; Qoo10 for flash and group deals; and Taobao for ultra-low prices if you can wait. Use the cheat sheet to decide quickly, and for orders over $50, compare Shopee and Lazada to often save 10–15%.
Contents
Shopee: For Bargain Hunting and Finding (Almost) Anything
If your main goal is finding the absolute lowest price, Shopee is your best bet. It’s famous for a massive selection of items from thousands of sellers, making it the go-to app for bargain hunting. From phone cases to snacks, if it exists, you can probably find it here.
With so many sellers, it’s crucial to check their shop rating and recent customer reviews before you click “buy.” This quick step helps you find reliable sellers and avoid surprises.
A neat perk is earning “Shopee Coins” on your purchases. Think of them as loyalty points you can collect and use for a small discount on future orders, making good deals even better.
Lazada: For Guaranteed Authentic Brands and Faster Delivery
If you’re wary of buying from thousands of unknown sellers, Lazada offers a more curated experience. It’s a top choice for guaranteed quality and authenticity, especially for bigger purchases.
This trust comes from LazMall, its dedicated section for official brand stores. It’s like an online department store where you can buy directly from brands like Samsung, Philips, or Estée Lauder, guaranteeing you get the real deal with a proper warranty.
For many shoppers, this makes Lazada the go-to for electronics and home appliances. You trade rock-bottom prices for the peace of mind that comes with buying from an official, trusted source.
Amazon Singapore: When You Need It Fast and Free (with Prime)
For sheer speed, it’s hard to beat Amazon.sg. Its strength lies in its Prime membership—a subscription that gives you free, one-day delivery on countless items. If you’re a frequent shopper who values convenience, this makes it a top contender for reliable delivery.
Beyond speed, Amazon also shines as the go-to source for international books, often at prices significantly cheaper than local bookstores. The main app also includes Prime Now, allowing you to get groceries, electronics, or baby essentials delivered within a few hours.
Carousell: For Buying and Selling Second-Hand Treasures
Carousell is Singapore’s giant online flea market, where you buy directly from other people. It’s the go-to for finding unique second-hand items like furniture and fashion, making it a hub for cheap online shopping.
Unlike most online stores, prices aren’t always fixed. Don’t be afraid to use the ‘Make an Offer’ button to negotiate. A friendly haggle is part of the experience.
For safety, many deals happen via public meet-ups, letting you inspect items before paying. Always check a seller’s reviews first to ensure a smooth transaction.
Zalora: For Fashion Lovers Who Want the Perfect Fit
Buying clothes or shoes online can be a gamble, but Zalora solves this problem better than anyone. It’s the top online destination in Singapore purely focused on fashion, from dresses and suits to sneakers and accessories.
Zalora’s key advantage is its famously easy and free 30-day return policy. This removes all the risk, letting you order multiple sizes, try them on at home, and send back whatever doesn’t work without hassle.
You’ll find a curated mix of popular international brands like Mango and Adidas alongside up-and-coming local labels, so you can refresh your wardrobe with confidence.
RedMart (on Lazada): For Weekly Grocery Runs
Tired of lugging heavy bags home from the store? RedMart is Singapore’s go-to service for online grocery delivery. As a full-service supermarket inside the Lazada app, it makes your weekly shop effortless, especially for bulky items.
Its best feature is scheduled delivery. You simply choose a two-hour window for your items to arrive, taking the guesswork out of your day. Be sure to book popular weekend slots in advance, as they fill up fast!
Because it’s integrated with Lazada, you can add fresh produce and pantry staples to the same cart as a new phone case or book, making it the ultimate time-saver.
Qoo10: For Daily Deals and Group Buys
If you love the thrill of a good bargain, Qoo10 is your playground. It’s known for its “Time Sale” with deep discounts that expire quickly. For even bigger savings, the “Group Buy” feature drops prices as more people decide to buy an item together.
Qoo10 is also a hotspot for authentic K-beauty, with many sellers shipping skincare and makeup directly from Korea at competitive prices.
Pro tip: always check your account for coupons before buying. The site frequently gives out extra discount vouchers you can apply for instant savings.
Taobao: For Ultra-Low Prices Direct from China
For those willing to wait a bit longer for rock-bottom prices, Taobao is an unbeatable source for home decor, fashion, and accessories. The savings can be huge.
Getting your finds to Singapore is simpler than it seems. The Taobao app offers a “Direct Shipping” option, or you can use a third-party shipping agent. While the site is in Chinese, your phone’s camera with the Google Translate app can read product details instantly.
Your Smart Shopping Cheat Sheet
Here is a clear map for which online shopping site to use and when:
- Need it ASAP? -> Amazon Prime
- Lowest Price on Anything? -> Shopee
- Guaranteed Authentic Electronics? -> Lazada (LazMall)
- Second-Hand Bargains? -> Carousell
- Groceries to Your Door? -> RedMart
- Fashion with Easy Returns? -> Zalora
Pro-Tip: For any purchase over $50, spend 30 seconds checking both Shopee and Lazada. That quick search could save you 10-15%. Happy shopping!
