30 Best Websites Like Amazon in the UK for Online Shopping
By Matt RedererUpdated on August 22, 2024
The convenience of shopping, entertainment, and same-day delivery is what makes Amazon the most preferred e-commerce marketplace. But if none of these factors are super critical to your shopping and you are just looking for a great bargain or want to surprise your loved one with something unique, we have an extensive list of sites like Amazon in the UK that is guaranteed to help you find what you came for!
What is covered in this article
- 7 top sites like Amazon in the UK
- 1 Amazon alternative in the UK with a subscription-like Amazon Prime
- 4 alternatives to Amazon for books in the UK
- 3 sites like Amazon in the UK for electronics and office supplies
- 8 sites like Merch by Amazon in the UK
- 7 ethical and environmentally friendly alternatives to Amazon in the UK
- What is Amazon Flex in the UK?
- Top 5 Amazon Flex alternatives in the UK
Let us start by looking at some of the top Amazon competitors in the UK and their unique offerings.
7 top sites like Amazon in the UK
With Amazon’s sheer size and reach, you may be left asking, ‘Is there an alternative to Amazon in the UK?” The answer is yes! The following Amazon competitors in the UK carry products in almost every category, leaving their customers spoiled for choice!
1. eBay
What They Sell: Electronics | Clothing | Home | Garden | Sports | Toys & Games | Entertainment
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Strong buyer and seller community that can stay connected through the Discussion Board
Has Subscription: No
What started off as a bidding site exists today as an e-commerce marketplace connecting individual sellers and buyers. Through eBay’s philanthropic initiatives, buyers can support causes that they care about and sellers can choose to donate 10-100% of their item’s final sale price to a certified charity.
2. AliExpress
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry | Sports | Automotive | Garden | Industrial | Home | Electronics
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: 24/7 customer support
Has Subscription: No
Popularly known as the ‘Amazon of China’, AliExpress is the D2C arm of the Alibaba Group that ships to over 200 countries. As a leader in the online shopping space, AliExpress is able to offer products at a fraction of the cost compared to buying from websites like Amazon.
3. Shop4world
What They Sell: Toys & Games | Entertainment | Sports | Outdoors | Clothing | Electronics | Home | Garden
Ships To: UK | Ireland
Best Feature: 30-day hassle-free return policy
Has Subscription: No
Specializing in all things entertainment like toys, board games, and collectibles, Shop4world offers fast and insured delivery. As a part of their loyalty program, customers can earn reward points worth 2.5% of their cart value on every purchase.
4. Overstock
What They Sell: Home | Kids | Baby | Jewelry
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Free shipping on everything
Has Subscription: No
Overstock is a home furnishings and decor marketplace that sources from manufacturers and independent artisans from across the world. With their 30-day international and domestic returns, shoppers can buy with confidence.
5. OnBuy
What They Sell: Home | Garden | Health | Beauty | Toys & Games | Electronics | Tools | Sports | Outdoors | Entertainment
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: 180-day buyer protection plan
Has Subscription: No
OnBuy is one of UK’s most trusted marketplaces (https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/onbuy.com) connecting small businesses with customers across the world. Customers can shop by brand, retailer, popular products, or category.
6. ASOS
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: 10% student discount
Has Subscription: Yes
ASOS is a UK-based fast-fashion online marketplace that has a large fan following across the world. With a reasonable annual subscription of €10, ASOS customers can enjoy next-day delivery.
7. Fruugo
What They Sell: Clothing | Home | Garden | Electronics | Sports | Pets | Toys & Games | Office | Entertainment
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: No monthly listing fee
Has Subscription: No
Fruugo is a global marketplace that enables customers to buy from different retailers across the world in their local currency. Customers can use Klarna and Clearpay to buy now and pay later when shopping on Fruugo.
1 Amazon alternative in the UK with a subscription-like Amazon Prime
The unparalleled convenience of an Amazon Prime subscription is why many of us don’t hesitate to get on board. But if you are looking to explore similar services, we’ve got an alternative that you can check out.
8. Rakuten
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry | Home | Electronics | Grocery | Books | Toys & Games | Beauty
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Install the Rakuten browser extension to never miss a deal
Rakuten is a marketplace to earn rewards on shopping, entertainment, and dining. With the reward points earned, shoppers can apply them towards using services like Rakuten TV, Kobo, Viber, and Viki.
4 alternatives to Amazon for books in the UK
While you might be able to find popular titles and textbooks on Amazon, there will always be some rare prints that are hard to get a hold of. With the following alternatives to Amazon in the UK you will be able to get access to used books, signed copies, and first edition titles that might be tucked away in a corner of a local bookstore.
9. Better World Books
What They Sell: Books | Entertainment
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Host a drop box (https://services.betterworldbooks.com/dropbox/) in your neighborhood
Free Shipping On: Everything
Better World Books started off as a social venture that sells used books to support literacy programs and libraries. With their global reach, Better World Books have been able to collect over 32 million books through drop boxes that can be found at over 20 different locations in the UK.
10. Biblio
What They Sell: Books
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: No monthly listing fee
Biblio is a paradise for bibliophiles who can find rare books, first editions, textbooks, out of print books, and signed copies. Providing a powerful e-commerce platform and search engine for local independent bookstores, Biblio can work with almost any upload format that sellers use.
11. Wordery
What They Sell: Books | Entertainment
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Wordery Book Club
Free Shipping On: Everything
Wordery is an online bookshop that offers free delivery in over 100 countries. Supporting charities that work towards improving literacy among young people, Wordery is helping children develop a love for reading and literature.
12. Alibris
What They Sell: Books | Entertainment
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Option to rent books and textbooks
Has Subscription: No
Alibris is an online marketplace for independent booksellers as well as leading global media retailers including Indigo (Canada) and Waterstone (UK). Customers can submit a Book Fetch request if they aren’t able to find a particular title now so that Alibris can contact them when the book is in stock.
Still haven’t found what you are looking for? Check out our longer list of Amazon alternatives to buy books, guaranteed to help you find the title that you are looking for.
3 sites like Amazon in the UK for electronics and office supplies
If you are in the market for a new gadget, then you must already know that between marketplaces there are always special offers that can help you save a few bucks on your purchase. Make sure to do a comparison with the following websites like Amazon before you hit the Buy Now button.
13. Newegg
What They Sell: Electronics | Home | Office | Toys & Games | Apparel | Tools
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Shop conveniently via their app
Newegg is a popular online marketplace among the PC building and DIY community. Being a tech-focused retailer, Newegg carries an e-magazine called the Newegg Insider which reviews and discusses the latest gadgets and technology.
14. Ebuyer
What They Sell: Electronics | Office
Ships To: UK | Ireland
Best Feature: Ebuyer Price Match Promise
Ebuyer is a UK-based marketplace for IT developers and PC retail experts who want computer components to be readily available at lower prices. Ebuyer also offers special rates for businesses who are looking to buy a large amount of equipment, networking, and security solutions, along with storage options.
15. Maplin
What They Sell: Electronics | Office | Kids
Ships To: UK | Ireland
Best Feature: Pay later with Laybuy and Openpay
Free Shipping On: Orders over £20
Maplin is a marketplace with a focus on all things technology for hobbyists, students, artists, and offices. Along with selling products, Maplin also offers technology consulting, account management, and installation services for businesses.
8 sites like Merch by Amazon in the UK
As an independent artist competing with popular brands, it is important to be listed on multiple marketplaces to reach a wider audience. The following Amazon alternatives can help you evaluate potential options to earn a competitive commission on your sales.
16. Etsy
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry | Home | Toys & Games
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Connect with artists to customize your products before placing an order
Etsy is an online marketplace connecting buyers with independent artists and small business owners. Sellers can set up their Etsy shop within a few minutes and start selling their merchandise.
17. Design By Humans
What They Sell: Clothing | Home
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Spin the wheel to win exciting discounts and gifts
Free Shipping On: Orders over $75
Design By Humans enables artists to showcase their designs and artwork on phone cases, apparel, and other merchandise. Artists can also participate in design contests run by Design By Humans to win cash prizes.
18. Redbubble
What They Sell: Clothing | Home | Kids | Baby | Office
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: 24/7 customer support
Redbubble has over 700,000 artists and designers from across the world on their platform. Artists can set up their shop within minutes on Redbubble for free, upload their designs, and let Redbubble take care of the printing and shipping duties.
19. TeePublic
What They Sell: Clothing | Kids | Home
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Commission an artist to create custom designs
TeePublic is a marketplace for independent designers to display their designs; and customers can purchase these designs on the merchandise of their choice. With a strong commitment to the environment, TeePublic uses DTG inks that are 100% biodegradable, water-based, and contain no animal products.
20. Spreadshirt
What They Sell: Clothing | Home | Kids | Baby | Home
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Save up to 70% on bulk orders
Spreadshirt is a print-on-demand platform that gives customers two modes to select from: create personalized merchandise or choose unique designs by independent artists. With a 48-hour turnaround time, customers can get their orders within a few days.
21. Spring
What They Sell: Spring
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: No cost to set up shop
Spring, previously known as Teespring, is a marketplace to discover artists and their designs. Artists can use Spring to create or upload their designs for free, engage with their fans, and monetize their content.
22. CafePress
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry | Home | Toys & Games
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Create fan art
Cafepress is a print-on-demand platform with a wide range of designs that can be personalized and put on merchandise of your choice. Their ‘Officially Licensed’ section has merchandise from popular TV & movies, colleges, and universities to choose from.
23. Fine Art America
What They Sell: Home | Clothing | Office
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: 30-day money-back guarantee
Fine Art America is a global platform that ships museum-quality products to buyers across the world. With over 16 manufacturing centers located in five countries, Fine Art America is able to minimize delivery times and shipping costs.
7 ethical and environmentally friendly alternatives to Amazon in the UK
For many, accessing ethically produced and sourced goods is extremely important; driving shoppers to look for ways of buying these goods online. The following ethical marketplaces are selling goods that also enable sustainable living for the environment and community, support local businesses and artisans, and help give back.
24. Ethical Superstore
What They Sell: Home | Groceries | Beauty | Kids | Baby | Pets
Ships To: UK | Northern Ireland
Best Feature: 30-day hassle-free returns
Ethical Superstore is a UK-based online retailer that enables customers to make ethical buying choices. To reduce waste, Ethical Superstore regularly donates slightly damaged goods or products with a short shelf life to charities that support various social causes.
25. Veo
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry | Home | Grocery | Kids | Beauty
Ships To: UK
Best Feature: Shop by values
Veo is a Certified B Corp that carries a host of independent and sustainable brands that are on a mission to create a circular economy that ensures sustainable living. All products are vegan, fair-trade, organic, and toxin-free.
26. Wearth London
What They Sell: Beauty | Home | Jewelry | Clothing | Office
Ships To: Europe
Best Feature: Partnered with Forest Nation to support reforestation in Tanzania
Wearth London is a preferred online shopping destination to find eco-friendly lifestyle products. With over 300+ independent brands that make vegan and cruelty-free products, shoppers can learn about eco-friendly living from Wearth London’s Eco Inspo blog.
27. Depop
What They Sell: Clothing | Jewelry | Beauty
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Become a seller and get pro-tips from Depop to set up your store
Depop is a fashion marketplace app to discover independent brands and the creators behind them. With the purpose of creating a more inclusive and less wasteful community, Depop is a platform for designer, preloved, vintage, or streetwear items.
28. Petit Vour
What They Sell: Beauty | Clothing
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Get 20% back on every purchase
Petit Vour is a marketplace for vegan, organic, and cruelty-free makeup and beauty products. Along with buying products you like, you can also get a custom beauty box worth $50-85 for just $15.
29. Boobalou
What They Sell: Home | Beauty | Baby | Garden
Ships To: Worldwide
Best Feature: Collect reward points on every purchase
Boobalou is a marketplace to discover eco-friendly alternatives for your everyday needs. In partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects, Boobalou plants a tree for every order placed in Madagascar, Nepal, Indonesia, Mozambique, and Haiti.
30. Natural Collection
What They Sell: Clothing | Home | Grocery | Beauty | Kids | Baby
Ships To: UK
Best Feature: Free delivery on orders over £50
Natural Collection is a marketplace that offers a curated range of handcrafted homeware, ethically sourced fashion, and natural beauty essentials that enable their audience to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. Shoppers receive a cash voucher every three months to redeem Natural Collection reward points on their next purchase.
What is Amazon Flex in the UK?
Amazon Flex is a program for anyone 18 or older to work as a delivery partner for Amazon. Operating in the UK, delivery partners have the freedom and flexibility to work around their schedules, making it extremely convenient, even as a second job.
Becoming an Amazon Flex partner is as easy as registering on their app and providing a valid UK driver’s license. As a part of the onboarding process, partners can select their preferred delivery locations to see their estimated earnings with every available delivery block. Earnings are calculated based on the location and the number of packages delivered across an estimated length of time.
Top 5 Amazon Flex alternatives in the UK
With a 34.5% growth rate of online retail business in the UK, the need for logistics is only going up. As Amazon Flex crowdsources delivery partners without having to spend trucks and other capital-intensive resources, the following tech-enabled logistics partners are also following suit, if you are looking for a part-time gig:
1. Evri
Service: Parcel delivery
Average earnings: Contact for hourly rates
Evri enables anyone to become a self-employed courier delivering parcels between 8 AM to 8 PM. Evri doesn’t require any experience, offers competitive pay, and even gives up to 28 paid holidays.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Valid UK work permit
- Valid driver’s license
- Licensed vehicle with insurance
- No unspent criminal convictions
2. Yodel
Service: Parcel delivery
Average earnings: Contact for hourly rates
Yodel is a marketplace to find job opportunities ranging from parcel delivery, sorting, and operations. Drivers can work for Yodel as self-employed drivers, giving them the flexibility to choose their hours, or as employed drivers where they are required to do full-time shifts and deliver a minimum of 100 parcels per shift.
Requirements:
- Valid UK work permit
- Valid driver’s license
- Licensed vehicle with insurance
3. Stuart
Service: Parcel delivery
Average earnings: Contact for hourly rates
Stuart is Europe’s largest on-demand logistics platform that is enabled by a fleet of geolocalized independent couriers who can work flexible hours. Couriers on Stuart can get access to high-quality delivery gear and insurance to ensure safety at work.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- A smartphone
- A bike, moped, or car
4. CitySprint
Service: Parcel delivery
Average earnings: Contact for hourly rates
CitySprint is UK’s largest same-day delivery company that has over 15,000+ courier delivery jobs available daily. With over 35 service centers across Scotland, England, and Wales that operate 24/7, couriers have the flexibility and freedom to choose their work hours and get paid weekly.
Requirements:
- National Insurance Number
- Valid UK work permit
- Valid driver’s license
- Images of the vehicle
5. Beelivery
Service: Grocery delivery
Average earnings: £7 – £20 per delivery (based on distance)
Beelivery is a grocery delivery app, where a driver can accept a shopping job request from a customer, pick up the items for them, and deliver it to their home. Drivers can choose their work hours and accept jobs to earn extra cash.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- A smartphone
- A bike, scooter, or motorcycle
Not the type of delivery gig you are looking for? Check out our list of food delivery platforms that might interest you.
With the number of online shopping sites that exist today, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the choices that customers are presented with. Depending on your shopping goals, like buying eco-friendly products, using coupons to save money, or just finding everything under one roof, there is something for everyone!