If the delivery driver knows your dog's name by now, the latest numbers back that up. The U.S. Census Bureau puts online retail sales at $340.2 billion1 for the second quarter of 2026, roughly 17% of all U.S. retail sales. A big share of it goes to the top online retailers below, weak spots and all.
Here's how the top 10 online stores on this list compare as of October 2026.
|
Store |
Best for |
Price level |
Product range |
Shipping |
Marketplace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amazon |
All-around shopping |
$-$$$ |
Nearly every category |
Free with Prime, or over a minimum order |
Yes, next to Amazon’s own stock |
|
Walmart |
Value and everyday essentials |
$ |
Groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing |
Free with Walmart+, or on orders above a set amount |
Yes, mixed in with Walmart’s own listings |
|
eBay |
Used and hard-to-find items |
$-$$$ |
Depends on what sellers list |
Varies by seller |
Yes, sellers only |
|
Target |
Everyday shopping |
$$ |
Home, clothing, beauty, groceries, toys |
Free with Target Circle Card or Circle 360, otherwise over a minimum2 |
Limited, through invite-only Target Plus |
|
Best Buy |
Electronics |
$$-$$$ |
Tech, appliances, gaming, smart home |
Free standard shipping past a minimum |
Limited, vetted sellers since 20253 |
|
Etsy |
Handmade and personalized items |
$$ |
Crafts, gifts, vintage, custom pieces |
Each shop sets its own |
Yes, every item comes from an independent shop |
|
Home Depot |
DIY and home improvement |
$$ |
Tools, building materials, appliances, garden |
Free over a minimum on many items, or pick up in store |
Limited, approved sellers |
|
Wayfair |
Furniture and home décor |
$-$$$ |
Furniture, décor, rugs, lighting |
Free on most items above a minimum |
No, though supplier partners ship most orders |
|
Chewy |
Pet supplies |
$$ |
Pet food, medications, toys, supplies |
Free over a minimum, or on every order with Chewy+ |
No |
|
Costco |
Bulk shopping |
$ per unit |
Groceries, household goods, electronics, furniture |
Built into many online prices, and non-members pay 5% extra4 |
No |
It all comes down to what you're looking to buy. Amazon is widely popular since it carries almost everything. Walmart builds its pricing around Every Day Low Prices5, making it a good choice for paper towels and laundry pods. If the item you want has been discontinued for years, try eBay.
For bigger or pickier purchases, the specialists further down this list usually do a better job.
Before you pick the best online shop for an order:
The stores on this list are legitimate businesses. The risk is a copycat that borrows their logos and product photos.
A $400 vacuum going for $59 is the kind of price (so much lower) the FTC calls a warning sign. With a shop you've never heard of, search its name plus "scam" or "complaint," and look for a real phone number or street address.
A marketplace isn't the retailer, either. Walmart's reputation says nothing about the stranger selling phone cases on Walmart.com.
International shipping for a birthday gift can cost more than the gift itself. For relatives overseas, it's easier to send money and let them shop locally. BOSS Revolution's money transfer service works on desktop and mobile, with cash pickup, bank deposit, mobile wallet, or home delivery depending on the country. If you don't have a card, you can pay in cash at a BOSS Revolution retail partner.
BOSS Revolution also offers international calling and mobile top-up, so you can call and hear what they picked out.
Amazon is the largest in U.S. e-commerce sales.
By U.S. e-commerce sales, Amazon and Walmart are the two biggest retailers. The rest of the top online shopping websites here lead in specific categories.
It depends on the item, though Walmart and Costco are both built around value.
Best Buy is the specialist. Costco is a strong backup, as it extends the manufacturer’s warranty on computers for up to two years.
Target and Walmart cover everyday clothing for the whole family. For a mix of brands, Amazon offers a bigger selection from outside sellers.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of September 19, 2026
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