This Or That? How Do AmazonBasics Products Stack Up Against Their Competition
If you’re an Amazon shopper, you’ve likely spotted a few AmazonBasics products during your searches and you’ve probably wondered How do AmazonBasics products compare to name brand?
You know we love a good deal at Hip2Save and these AmazonBasics items are often cheaper than name brand, so it’s time we did a little Amazon brand product comparison to see how they stack up. They often win in price point but are they comparable in quality?
Here’s what we found out…
(BUT please keep in mind that pricing changes often on Amazon)
1.) Silicone Baking Mat
Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat
Average price $15
4.5 stars – 2,581 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat 2 pack
Average price $10 – just $5 per mat
4.5 stars – 2,301 customer reviews
And the winner is…
AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat 2 pack
You get TWO of the AmazonBasics baking mats for less than the price of one Silpat. These are so similar in every way that we honestly can’t tell them apart.
2.) Batteries
Duracell Duralock Copper Top Alkaline AAA Batteries 80pk
Average price $33 – that’s 41¢ per battery
4.5 stars – 33 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics AAA Performance Alkaline Batteries 100pk
Average price $21 – just 21¢ per battery
4.5 stars – 20,631 customer reviews
And the winner is…
AmazonBasics AAA Alkaline Batteries
Honestly there was no good way for us to test these batteries, so we are basing our winner solely on price. The Duracell batteries are twice as much as the AmazonBasics brand. So even if the Duracell batteries end up lasting twice as long, you still come out ahead on the AmazonBasics version.
3.) iPhone Charging Cables
Apple 6.6ft iPhone Charging Cable 1ct
Average price $32.99 each
4.7 stars – 28,332 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics Apple MFi Certified Lightning to USB A Cable 6 Feet 2 pack)
Average price $16 – just $8 each
4 stars – 56,263 customer reviews
And the winner is…
AmazonBasics Apple USB Cable
To test these we charged the same phone in the same outlet for a designated amount of time and then noted the increase in battery percentage.
The results… the AmazonBasics Apple USB Cables charged one more percentage than the Apple version, which is such a small variation that I’m calling them even. So based on the price, you are better off choosing the two-pack from Amazon at half the price of one Apple charging cable AND the AmazonBasics versions are highly rated on Amazon too.
4.) Thermal Laminator
Scotch Thermal Laminator
Average price $35
4.5 stars – 47 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator
Average price $20
4 stars – 2,790 customer reviews
And the winner is…
AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator
I honestly could not tell a difference in the quality of the lamination. but I liked the compact size of the AmazonBasics version. The Scotch laminator is oddly shaped which I think would make it harder to store and it has a fold out tray on the back where you place your material to be fed through which means you’d need more desk space to use it. The price point and the compact size of the AmazonBasics option makes it a winner in my book.
5.) Basic Home Scissors
Fiskars Performance Titanium 2 pack
Average price $17
4.5 stars – 10 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics Multipurpose Scissors 2 pack
Average price $7.50
4.5 stars – 583 customer reviews
And the winner is…
AmazonBasics Multipurpose Scissors
We tested these scissors on fabric, felt, cardstock, and thin paper and our results varied. The AmazonBasics scissors did a better job at cutting multiple layers of cardstock, while the Fiskars did a better job cutting multiple layers of felt. On price alone, the AmazonBasics version wins, but if your primary use will be fabric or felt you may wish to opt for the Fiskars version.
6.) Kitchen Knives
Cuisinart Advantage Color Collection 12-Piece Knife Set
Average price $17
4.5 stars – 4.137 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics 12-Piece Colored Knife Set
Average price $15
4.5 stars – 208 customer reviews
And the winner is…
A tie! Too close to call on cutting ability and similarly priced.
I tested these knives on tough to cut items like spaghetti squash and delicate items like tomatoes and could not tell a difference at all!
7.) Baby Wipes
Huggies Natural Care Fragrance Free Baby Wipes 648 sheets
Average price $14.99 – just 2¢ per wipe!
5 stars – 4, 805 customer reviews
VERSUS
Amazon Elements Baby Wipes Unscented 720 count
Average price $17.24 (Prime Members Only) – just 2¢ per wipe
4.5 stars – 9,565 customer reviews
And the winner is…
Huggies Natural Care Wipes
Right off the bat I noticed that the AmazonBasics version is much thinner than the Huggies version. They also seem to tear a bit easier while you are pulling them from the package. I tested them by cleaning up blobs of peanut butter on my table and it took a few more swipes with the AmazonBasics version to get it cleaned up. The price per wipe is identical, so I would for sure stick with the Huggies on this one!
8.) Anti Gravity Chair
SONOMA Goods for Life Patio Antigravity Chair
Average price $59.99 (or less with Kohl’s codes)
4.3 stars – 505 customer reviews
VERSUS
AmazonBasics Anti-Gravity Chair
Average price $40
4.5 stars – 177 customer reviews
And the winner is…
AmazonBasics Anti-Gravity Chair
The price is nearly the same on the Amazon version when considering a Kohl’s 30% off promo code, but honestly the AmazonBasics chair feels a bit higher quality. They are super similar however, and the SONOMA chair comes in lots of fun colors whereas the Amazon version comes in only four colors.
9.) Toilet Paper
Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper 308-Sheet Mega Rolls 18-Count
Average price $16.99 – just 94¢ per MEGA roll
4 stars – 8,006 customer reviews
VERSUS
Amazon Brand – Presto! Ultra-Strong Toilet Paper 308-Sheet Mega Roll 24-Count
Average price $20.45 – just 85¢ per MEGA roll
4.5 stars – 497 customer reviews
And the winner is…
A tie! Similar in quality and price.
Based on the feel, the Charmin seems to be just a bit thicker, but just by a fraction. Both of these options are high quality toilet paper and I honestly doubt you would notice a difference at all when in use 😉. Currently the Presto Brand is cheaper, however, both of these brands often go on sale, so when you’re ready to buy, I would let the price determine your purchase.
10.) Dish Soap
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Liquid 25 oz (6-Pack)
Average price – $17.22 – just $2.87 each
4.5 stars – 1,551 customer reviews
VERSUS
Amazon Brand – Presto! 95% Biobased Fragrance Free Dish Liquid 25oz bottles (6-Pack)
Average price $16.95 – just $2.82 each
4.5 stars – 194 customer reviews
And the winner is…
A tie!
These both suds up similarly and seem to do the same job for cleaning, so the price point determines the winner on this one and this will vary depending on which one is on sale.
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I’m waiting for my laminator to come to the mail..good to know the amazon brand is just as good as the scotch
Hi Luv, I also have the AmazonBasics laminator at work. It has been a great performer.
I also have the AmazonBasics bluetooth speaker (the one without the microphone), and I’m very pleased with the sound quality and battery life. And for $20! I’m not a DJ or a super music aficionado, so I assume there must be *some* kind of difference in the sound quality between that and a Bose or Sony or Beats Bluetooth speaker… but for the casual user, certainly not something worth spending $50-$100 more for it!
Thanks for the review! I’ve always wondered about the quality of Amazon Basic products so this helps
You’re welcome Teresa! SO glad you found this post helpful! Thanks for the feedback! 😉
Thanks for this! I really don’t like the Amazon wipes. I purchased them once when they were on a really good deal. They were just as you described- thin and tore easily. But the thing I hated the most about them was that the wipes towards the end of the package were absolutely soaked. I had to go squeeze them out in the sink before using them.
I bought the amazon ones too on a Prime Day sale. They were terrible!
I just ordered the Amazon brand kcups Solimo today. They had a 5 dollar coupon so it brought the total to 26 cents a cup. I hope they’re good.
What a great deal! Thanks for sharing your find with us!
I LOVE most all of the AmazonBasics stuff I have purchased. I actually look to see if they have an option when I’m buying any sort of electronic item.
I think AmazonBasics Sensitive wipes are more comparable to Huggies Naturals. I love them both equally and use whichever is available for $0.01/each when I’m buying them. I haven’t found that I use more of one brand than the other.
I agree! The sensitive wipes are great and I don’t have any issue with tearing.
Thank you for these cost comparisons. My Dear Daughter is living in an apartment this summer, so I made lists of basic household/grocery items. I went to Aldi, Dollar Tree, Walmart, and our local grocery store and figured out which had the best price for the items on my list. That way, if my Dear Daughter is wondering if the “sale” at the grocery store is a good price, she can Know by looking at the list.
What a wonderful thing you’ve done for your DD!
That is so thoughtful and caring!! What a great mama ❤
Thank you for doing the comparison. This is very useful information! I always wonder about the quality of Amazon Basic products, and now I have more confident ordering them.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad it’s helpful for you!
Amazon Basics items have all been winners to me. I’ve ordered the Amazon office chair, litter box, and multiple household items and been extremely satisfied with them all. And saved tons of many.
The Quality Assurance part of my brain is cringing at these “tests” but I agree the concept is a good one. For example on the baking mats, you’d want to test them at different temperatures, evaluate ease of cleanup and durability, etc.
MrsK, I almost wish you could share that list! My sister-in-law is moving out on her own for the first time too. 🙂
Use both brands of batteries in the same device for the same amount of time. Use the following or similar devices: toy, IR remote(ex. PS3), Bluetooth remote(ex. PS4), flashlight, portable fan, and emergency radio. You can use a battery tester to see which brand has more power left.
I’m not a fan of Kirkland or Amazon Basics batteries. They tend to burst ion the end ifyou leave them in a toy or flashlight. They also don’t last as long when my kids use them in their walkie talkies, they literally get an hour of play and the batteries are drained.
I use the Amazon basics rechargeable batteries for all my kids stuff (including walkie takies). They last for hours or even days and they recharge pretty fast.
I just tried the basics paper towels and they are great!
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
We just purchased my cat’s new litter box from Amazonbasics..It’s great. It’s large enough and very good looking! Great price too!
I’m a die hard Charmin fan, but I just ordered the Amazon TP based on your recommendation. They were offering $3.00 off your first order. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the Amazon brand!
Me too but the Aldi’s Charmin version is pretty good. It really surprised me.
Let me shed light on another side of Amazon Basics. Other companies take risk with research and then the manufacturing of goods and then sell their products from Amazon’s platform. Once Amazon sees that a product is worthwhile and viable (from their own market data) they swoop in and manufacturer their own version. They effectively let other companies do all the work and risk taking and then they capitalize on it. I’m not saying Amazon should be a charity or anything but it’s kind of a jerk move.
https://bit.ly/2x91YrP
Isn’t that how all businesses primarily work? Something works, make a knock off. I think it’s pretty brilliant. Also, consumers get a discount.
We ordered a set of amazon basic dishes a few months back and love them!!
You may want to be careful with Apple…. I’ve read in their policy that any warranty you have on your device (through Apple) is void if you retain damage while using other brands to charge your apple product 🙁
I have to agree on the baby wipes. I bought the basics on a super good sale and was disappointed. I am not a wipes snob by any means. I contacted Amazon and they even refunded me the money for the wipes. My favorite Amazon basics has to be the cat pee pads (similar to the Breeze pads) now they do not have the scent like the Breeze pads, but the savings is so worth not having the scent.
I dislike the Amazon batteries. They don’t last. For example I use them in my Apple Mouse. The batters last such a short period of time and I’m SO tired of changing them out. After we finish up with this pack, we will be going back to duracell.
I will vouch for the Amazon Basics charging cables for iPhone. I’ve had generic charging cables before and I would constantly get the message on my phone saying I’m using a product other than an Apple product and certain things may not work correctly. Eventually the cord would just stop working all together. I’ve used Amazon Basics cords with my past two iPhones and never once did I get the message and they’ve worked thru the duration of having my phone. I highly recommend them!
I have been happy with the Amazon Basics charging cables with everything except for hooking up to Apple Car Play in my car. For some reason, they are hit and miss. My car sometimes tells me it can’t connect to my device. I took my car to Honda because my Car Play started acting up, and the first thing they did was print a service bulletin from Honda saying that you have to use a real Apple cord. And for some reason, it really does make a difference. I don’t know how it “knows” you’re using a different brand of cable, especially when they even have the Apple certification, but it does seem to make a difference with Car Play!
My Honda Accord tells me same thing. I have to use Apple cords.
I’ve ordered the amazon batteries a couple of times. Wont order them again. They run down much quicker than Duracell. My daughter and her friend both wore the blow up dinosaur costumes for Halloween last year. We had to replace the Amazon batteries too many times before the evening trick or treating was done. They also run down quickly in the TV remotes and computer mouse. I don’t feel they are a money saving purchase.
We use Amazon Basics rechargeable batteries. They’re great! Highly recommend