Currys vs Argos, AO, John Lewis and Amazon: a price match that covers discount codes

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Find the same TV cheaper elsewhere, even using another retailer's discount code, and Currys says it will match the price. That promise, along with free Click & Collect from around 300 stores and 30-day returns on opened items, is the case Currys makes when you're spending serious money on tech.

The business started in 1884 as a bicycle maker, moved into household electricals in the 1960s, and dropped the PC World name from its stores in 2021. Today it sells more than 10,000 products, from kitchen appliances and computing to gaming, TVs and audio, with around 22,000 colleagues working in stores, online, on the phone and on the doorstep.

We've compared Currys with four of the biggest places to buy electricals in the UK, Argos, AO, John Lewis and Amazon, on price, collection, delivery, returns and aftercare. Every detail comes from the retailers' own websites.

At a glance

We've rated each retailer out of 5 on price matching, Click & Collect, delivery, returns and aftercare, and ranked them on the average.

A price promise that matches discount codes

Currys says it will match the price of any product against any other UK retailer, online or in store, and that includes discount codes. So if another retailer's code brings the same TV below Currys' price, Currys says it will match that too. Spot the same item cheaper within 7 days of buying and you can claim the difference back.

Other retailers have price pledges, but the details matter:

• Currys: matches any UK retailer, online or in store, including discount codes, with a 7-day refund of the difference.
• John Lewis: its Price Promise matches eligible lower prices from a list of selected retailers.
• AO: says it matches other retailers' prices, even in the sales, with 7 days to claim after delivery.

Covering any UK retailer, codes included, gives Currys' promise a wider reach than John Lewis's, which is limited to selected retailers. The usual conditions apply: the item must be the same model and in stock, and staff, student and NHS-only prices elsewhere are excluded.

Free Click & Collect from around 300 stores

Currys has around 300 stores across the UK and Ireland, and Click & Collect is free. If the item is in stock at your local store, you can often collect it the same day you order. If it isn't, Currys will send it there for you to collect on a day that suits you. Mobile phones bought online can't be collected in store.

AO and Amazon don't have shops to collect from. John Lewis offers Click & Collect, but it's only free on orders over £40, with a £2.95 charge below that. Argos offers free Click & Collect from its stores and Sainsbury's, so it's a close match here.

Free delivery from £40

Small items are delivered free on orders over £40, with standard delivery in 3-5 working days, and next-day delivery is available from £5. For large appliances, you can add installation when you order, so you're not left wrestling a new dishwasher into place yourself.

Here's how the free delivery thresholds compare for small items:

• Currys: free over £40.
• John Lewis: free over £50.
• Argos: free over £100, otherwise £4.95.
• AO: free delivery on every order for AO Members, who pay £39.99 a year.
• Amazon: free and faster delivery is mostly for Prime members, at £8.99 a month or £95 a year.

A quick example: buy a £45 pair of headphones and Currys delivers them free. The same basket at Argos would cost £4.95 for delivery unless you collect, because it's under the £100 threshold.

Returns, even if you've opened the box

Items bought online from Currys can be returned within 30 days, even if you've opened them to have a look, as long as they're in like-new, resaleable condition. That matters with tech, where you often can't tell whether something is right until you've switched it on.

AO also gives 30 days for unused items, but non-members pay a collection charge of up to £49.99 for large items or £24.99 for small ones. John Lewis charges £29.95 to collect non-faulty large items. With around 300 stores, many Currys returns can go straight back over the counter.

Help before and after you buy

• Care & Repair with a 7 Day Fix Promise: add Care & Repair to your purchase and, if your tech stops working, Currys says it will fix it fast. If it can't, it will replace it on request.
• ShopLive: video call a Currys expert while you shop online, for advice without leaving the sofa.
• Trade-in: trade in your old tech for money off something new. Amazon has a trade-in scheme too, but it only takes Amazon's own devices.

Perks and student savings

Currys Perks is free to join and gives members exclusive discounts and offers on top brands, partner benefits and the chance to win prizes. Students can save an extra 10% on selected items, including up to £150 off selected laptops.

Where the others have the edge

• Loyalty points: Argos gives 1 Nectar point per £1 spent, and Currys doesn't have a points scheme.
• Long returns for members: AO Members get 100-day returns, if you're happy to pay £39.99 a year.
• Department store range: John Lewis lets you buy tech alongside fashion, home and beauty in one order.
• Speed for Prime members: if you already pay for Prime, Amazon's one-day delivery on eligible items is a quick option for small accessories.

Our ranking

1. Currys: the widest price match of the five, because it covers any UK retailer and their discount codes. Add free same-day collection, free delivery from £40 and 30-day returns on opened items, and it's the most complete package for big tech purchases.
2. John Lewis: a Price Promise, Click & Collect and free delivery from £50 make it a close second. It drops a place because the price match only covers selected retailers and collection costs £2.95 on orders under £40.
3. Argos: free Click & Collect from Argos stores and Sainsbury's is as convenient as Currys, and Nectar points are a bonus. It's held back by the £100 free delivery threshold and the lack of a price promise.
4. AO: its price match and 100-day member returns are strong, but there are no shops, and non-members pay for delivery and up to £49.99 to send a large item back.
5. Amazon: quick and convenient if you already pay for Prime, especially for small accessories. Without Prime, and with no price match and trade-in limited to its own devices, it's the weakest fit for bigger tech buys.

Who Currys suits best

Currys is a strong all-round choice when you're spending serious money on tech and want back-up: a price match that covers discount codes, a nearby shop for same-day collection and easy returns, and expert help before and after you buy. It's especially suited to laptops, TVs and kitchen appliances, where aftercare and installation matter most.

Your questions answered

Does Currys price match Amazon?

Currys says it matches any other UK retailer, online and in store, and it matches discount codes too. The product needs to be the same and available, and staff, student and NHS-only prices are excluded.

Can I return something to Currys if I've opened it?

Yes. Online orders can be returned within 30 days even if opened, as long as the item is in like-new, resaleable condition.

Is Currys Click & Collect free?

Yes, from around 300 stores, often on the same day if the item is in stock locally. Mobile phones ordered online are the exception.

Ways to save at Currys

• Join Perks first: sign up to Currys Perks before a big purchase so you get the member-only offers.
• Ask for a match: use the Price Promise if you find the same item cheaper, including with another retailer's code.
• Collect small orders: choose free Click & Collect for orders under £40 to avoid a delivery charge.
• Trade in: put your old tech towards the new one.
• Students: check the discount codes and student deals page for the extra 10%.

See our pick of ten Currys Tech of the Year winners, and you'll find every current offer on our Currys voucher codes page.

Sources: Currys, Currys Price Promise, Currys delivery and collection, Currys returns, Currys Perks, Currys plc, Argos delivery, AO returns, John Lewis delivery, John Lewis Price Promise, Amazon Prime

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