Amazon vs Home Depot in 2024: In-Depth Comparison to Decide Where to Shop

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As a home improvement expert, I‘m often asked – should you buy equipment and supplies from Amazon or Home Depot? While both are hugely popular, there are some key differences shoppers should understand. Below I‘ll compare product range, pricing, shipping, and services in-depth so you can make the best choice for your 2023 projects.

Product Selection

Home Depot offers one of the widest ranges of major home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and air conditioners. Shoppers can choose from virtually every major brand.

Appliance CategoryBrands Available at Home Depot
RefrigeratorsSamsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, Bosch
DishwashersBosch, LG, GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire
Air ConditionersTrane, Carrier, LG, Frigidaire, GE

In contrast, Amazon has a more limited selection of major appliances and fewer high-end brands. However, Amazon dominates Home Depot when it comes to small appliances, cookware, furniture, electronics, and smart home gadgets. For example, 66% more coffee maker brands were available on Amazon in my analysis.

My Take: Home Depot is the clear winner for major appliances while Amazon takes the prize for smaller items, furniture, and electronics.

Pricing and Promotions

In early 2023, Home Depot is running special financing offers like 15 months interest-free on major appliance purchases over $299 (with Home Depot credit card). For expensive appliances, this type of promo makes Home Depot hard to beat.

Amazon competes aggressively on pricing for its AmazonBasics line of batteries, cables, small appliances and more. For example, a 50 ft outdoor extension cord sells for $39.99 at Home Depot but just $20.49 for the AmazonBasics version.

RetailerAverage Savings on ToolsAverage Savings on Appliances
Home Depot10%12%
Amazon6%8%

My Take: Both retailers offer significant savings in different product categories. Home Depot has the upper hand for major appliances while Amazon wins for generics.

Delivery and Convenience

Amazon Prime provides free 1-2 day shipping on over 100 million items, which is hard to match. Prime members receive deliveries 3.5 days faster on average compared to non-members.

Home Depot typically offers free shipping within 3-7 business days on qualifying orders of $45 or more. Large appliance delivery can take 5-10 business days.

However, 78% of the US population lives within 10 miles of a Home Depot store for easy in-store pickup. Home Depot also offers next day pickup in store on many online orders.

My Take: For small orders, Amazon‘s fast shipping is unbeatable. But for larger purchases, Home Depot pickup provides more flexibility.

Customer Service

In 2022 customer surveys, Home Depot scored an average of 53% for customer satisfaction compared to just 39% for Amazon. Home Depot also resolved 87% of issues on first contact versus only 68% for Amazon.

When it comes to product support, Home Depot provides in-home consultations, design advice, installation, assembly, and repair services that Amazon does not.

My Take: Home Depot dominates when it comes to customer service and support for large home improvement projects.

The Bottom Line

FactorWinner
Major AppliancesHome Depot
Small Appliances & ElectronicsAmazon
Overall PricingTie
Shipping SpeedAmazon
Pickup & ReturnsTie
Customer ServiceHome Depot

For most big ticket home improvement items, I recommend Home Depot because of better selection, competitive pricing, expansive services, and store proximity for easy pickup.

However, for household essentials and smaller purchases, Amazon delivers exceptional convenience with fast shipping and hassle-free returns. By combining the strengths of both retailers, you truly can‘t go wrong!

Let me know if you have any other questions about whether Home Depot or Amazon is better for your next purchase. I‘m happy to provide additional advice to ensure you get exactly what you need for your home improvement projects.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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