Some products sneak into your budget because they’ve become automatic purchases—you’ve used them for years, they’re easy to grab, and you don’t think to question the price.
But a lot of those “go-to” buys have cheaper versions that work exactly the same. Companies count on brand loyalty to keep prices high, and most of us never notice. A few small swaps can save hundreds a year without sacrificing quality.
Here are ten everyday products that probably cost you more than they should.
Laundry detergent
Big-name laundry detergents are heavily marked up, and many cheaper or store-brand versions clean clothes just as well. The key ingredients—surfactants and enzymes—are nearly identical across brands.
Unless you’re dealing with specific skin sensitivities or tough stains, you can save money by buying generic or concentrated formulas. You’ll get the same results for half the price.
Razor cartridges
Razor companies make their money on replacement blades, not handles. Those fancy cartridges with extra strips and swivels cost far more than necessary.
Subscription razors or safety razors offer the same close shave for a fraction of the long-term cost. Once you switch, you’ll realize how much you were overpaying for packaging and marketing.
Bottled water
Paying for bottled water when your tap water is safe to drink adds up fast. In many areas, tap or filtered water is just as clean—sometimes cleaner—than what’s sold in bottles.
Investing in a reusable bottle and a good filter pays for itself quickly. It’s better for your wallet and the environment.
Paper towels
Paper towels are convenient but expensive when you use them for everything. They’re single-use, so the cost adds up quietly every week.
Microfiber cloths or reusable paper towel alternatives do the same job and last for years. Once you switch, you’ll wonder why you kept paying for something that went straight in the trash.
Name-brand medicine
Most brand-name pain relievers, allergy pills, and cold meds are identical to the generic versions—the active ingredients and doses are the same. The only difference is the label.
Check the packaging and match ingredients before you buy. Generics go through the same FDA approval process, so you’re not losing quality—you’re losing the extra cost.
Premium cleaning products
Many “specialty” cleaners are the same formula in different bottles. A good all-purpose cleaner, vinegar, or baking soda can handle most messes without the price tag.
You don’t need a product for every surface or room. Fewer, multipurpose cleaners keep your cabinets organized and your spending lower.
Salon shampoo and conditioner
High-end shampoos often share similar ingredients with drugstore options. You’re usually paying more for branding, fragrance, or packaging than performance.
If you color your hair, a sulfate-free drugstore shampoo will protect it just as well as a salon version. You’ll notice the difference in your budget, not your hair.
Coffee pods
Single-use coffee pods are convenient but costly per cup. Buying ground coffee or using a refillable pod can cut your coffee expenses by more than half.
If you’re loyal to a pod system, look for off-brand or compatible pods—they brew the same taste without the premium markup.
Skincare products
Many pricey skincare lines use the same ingredients found in affordable brands. Fancy packaging and marketing phrases like “clinical” or “luxury” don’t guarantee better results.
Dermatologists often recommend simple drugstore formulas because they’re backed by the same research at a lower cost. Save your splurges for treatments that actually require professional-grade products.
Printer ink
Printer ink is one of the most overpriced products you’ll ever buy. Manufacturers intentionally make printers cheap so you’ll keep paying full price for refills.
Using third-party cartridges or refillable ink systems can save hundreds over time. As long as they’re compatible with your printer, the print quality is nearly identical.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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