CamelCamelCamel vs BuySignal
| Feature | CamelCamelCamel | BuySignal |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks Amazon UK | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Tracks Currys | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Tracks Argos | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Tracks John Lewis | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Tracks Very | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Tracks any URL | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Account required | Required | ✓ No account |
| Email notifications | Daily/weekly digest | ✓ One email when target hit |
| Price history charts | ✓ Yes | No (not needed) |
| Cost | Free | £5 per alert |
Why CamelCamelCamel Isn't Enough for UK Shoppers
UK retail isn't just Amazon
In the US, Amazon dominates online retail to the point where tracking only Amazon covers most purchases. The UK is different. Currys is the country's largest electronics retailer. John Lewis is a major destination for premium tech and appliances. Argos moves enormous volumes of gaming hardware and home products. Very is a significant online retailer for tech and home.
If you're only watching Amazon, you're missing a large chunk of the UK market – and potentially the best price on the product you want.
The best UK price is often not on Amazon
For TVs, Currys frequently beats Amazon on price during flash sales and Black Friday. For laptops, John Lewis sometimes matches Amazon while including a 2-year guarantee instead of 1 year. For gaming hardware, Argos regularly undercuts Amazon on specific bundles. CamelCamelCamel won't tell you about any of this.
Daily email digests create noise
CamelCamelCamel sends regular emails showing price movements. This is useful for research but creates noise if you just want to know when to buy. BuySignal sends one email – when your target price is reached. Nothing before, nothing after.
Best approach: Use CamelCamelCamel to research Amazon price history on a product. Then set a BuySignal for Currys, John Lewis and Argos at the same target price. You'll catch whichever retailer drops first.
When to Use Each Tool
Use CamelCamelCamel when:
- You want to see the full price history of an Amazon listing
- You want to check whether a "sale price" is genuinely lower than usual
- The product is only available on Amazon
Use BuySignal when:
- The product is available at multiple UK retailers
- You want to track Currys, Argos, John Lewis or Very
- You don't want daily emails – just one notification when your price is hit
- You don't want to create an account
Which UK Products Are Best Tracked Outside Amazon?
- TVs – Currys often has better Black Friday TV deals than Amazon UK
- Laptops – John Lewis matches Amazon on laptops and adds a 2-year guarantee
- Gaming hardware – Argos regularly has competitive PS5 and gaming bundle pricing
- Home appliances – Currys and John Lewis are the primary UK appliance retailers
- iPhones & phones – All major UK retailers sell SIM-free phones at varying prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BuySignal free like CamelCamelCamel?
No. BuySignal charges £5 per alert. CamelCamelCamel is free but only covers Amazon. If the product you want is only on Amazon, CamelCamelCamel works well. If you want to track Currys, Argos, John Lewis or any other UK retailer, BuySignal is the tool for that.
Can I use both tools together?
Yes. Use CamelCamelCamel to research historical Amazon pricing, then use BuySignal to set alerts at Currys, John Lewis and Argos at the same target price. You cover the whole UK market.
Does BuySignal show price history charts?
No. BuySignal is built around one use case: you set a target, you get one email when it's hit. If you want price history charts for Amazon, CamelCamelCamel is better for that specific feature.
How long does a BuySignal alert stay active?
Indefinitely, until your target price is reached. No expiry, no monthly fees – £5 once.