AO vs Currys Compared: Prices, Delivery & Returns
If you’re buying a new washing machine, fridge freezer or TV, you’ll almost always end up comparing AO.com and Currys.
I’ve used both regularly over the years. Service has generally been fine from each. But I’ve also seen £50–£150 price differences on identical products — sometimes within days.
So which one actually offers better value in 2026?
Here’s a proper side-by-side comparison covering:
• Prices
• Price matching
• Delivery & installation
• Returns (updated for 2026)
• Finance options
• Discounts & cashback
• Customer reviews
And at the end, I’ll show you exactly how I decide where to buy.
AO vs Currys: Quick Decision Guide
Choose AO if you want:
• Lower prices on big appliances
• Flexible delivery time slots
• Higher customer ratings
• A smoother large-item experience
• 100-day returns (Five Star only)
Choose Currys if you want:
• Click & Collect convenience
• Easy online price matching
• Physical stores nationwide
• Regular 0% finance offers
• Loyalty vouchers and perks
That’s the short version. Below is the detail.
AO vs Currys Price Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
Prices change daily, so this is a snapshot using identical model numbers across popular categories.
Product | AO | Currys |
|---|---|---|
Shark Anti Hair Wrap Vacuum | £199 | £179 |
Samsung Ecobubble Washing Machine | £429 | £429 |
LG OLED 48″ TV | £650 | £699 |
Samsung Galaxy model | £769 | £699 |
HP DeskJet Printer | £44 | £49.99 |
Hive Thermostat | £179 | £179 |
Philips Hue Lightstrip | £192 | £199.99 |
Samsung Soundbar | £999 | £1,099 |
Hisense Fridge Freezer | £799 | £899.99 |
Sony Headphones (older model) | £129 | £139 |
Which is cheapest?
AO was cheaper in 6 out of 10 examples.
That doesn’t mean AO always wins. It means you should never assume either retailer is permanently cheaper.
In my experience:
• AO often undercuts on large appliances
• Currys can be stronger on phones and smaller tech
• Weekend flash sales can flip the result completely
Winner – AO (just)
Also worth reading
If you want to save money on your appliances, take a look at my page on finding the best deals when shopping for white goods.
Price Matching (Who Makes It Easier?)
Both retailers offer price matching, but the process differs.
AO requires you to contact them before purchase. If the price drops after you buy, you can request a refund of the difference — but it isn’t automatic.
Currys allows online price matching, including discount codes. If approved, you’re given a voucher before checkout. You can also do it in store.
One important nuance in 2026: both retailers factor delivery costs into price matching. So if one is £10 cheaper but charges £10 delivery, it may count as a “match” rather than a price beat.
Because of the online system:
Winner – Currys
Delivery & Installation Costs
This is where total cost can quietly swing your decision.
AO Delivery
• Weekday delivery often free
• Weekend slots typically around £10
• Faster delivery around £20
• Fridge freezer install + old removal: approx £55
• Washing machine install + removal: approx £50
• Strong time-slot flexibility
Currys Delivery
• Many standard slots free
• Some days £5
• Fridge freezer install + removal: approx £70
• Washing machine install + removal: approx £45
• Click & Collect available
AO tends to win on flexibility.
Currys can be slightly cheaper on certain installations and offers in-store pickup.
Winner – Draw
Returns Policy
This has changed compared to a few years ago.
AO’s standard returns policy is 30 days for unused items.
The well-known 100-day return window applies only if you’re an AO Five Star member (their paid loyalty scheme).
Currys has now standardised to 30 days for most online returns as well.
So the gap is much smaller than it used to be.
Where AO still edges it:
• Slightly more flexible approach to opened items
• Partial refund options within 14 days
• 100-day window for Five Star members
Standard returns – Draw
Flexibility – AO
Extended returns – AO (members only)
Winner – AO (but not by a mile anymore)
Finance Options
Retail APRs remain high in 2026.
Typical representative APR:
• Currys – around 24.9% variable
• AO – around 19.9% variable
Both are expensive compared to a 0% purchase credit card if you qualify.
However, Currys heavily promotes brand-specific 0% finance deals (often 12–36 months) on certain products. If you qualify and clear it in time, that can make Currys the cheaper finance route.
On headline APR alone:
Winner – AO
On promotional 0% deals – Currys can win
Personally, I only use finance if it’s genuinely 0% and I know I’ll clear it before interest kicks in.
Discounts, Cashback & Loyalty
Never buy electricals without checking cashback.
Both AO and Currys regularly appear on cashback sites. Even 2–5% back on a £1,000 appliance is £20–£50 saved.
I always check:
• Cashback rates
• Blue Light Card discounts (both occasionally run them — see my Blue Light Card discount list)
• Voucher codes
• Email sign-up offers
Currys also runs Currys Perks, which can generate gift cards or targeted vouchers.
Because of loyalty pushes and frequent promos:
Winner – Currys
Customer Reviews
Customer sentiment still favours AO overall.
AO consistently scores higher on review platforms and has a lower percentage of negative ratings compared to Currys.
No large retailer is perfect — delivery complaints are common for both — but AO holds the stronger reputation.
Winner – AO
When AO Is Better
Choose AO if:
• You want slightly cheaper large appliances
• Flexible delivery slots matter
• You value stronger review scores
• You want access to 100-day returns (via Five Star)
When Currys Is Better
Choose Currys if:
• You want Click & Collect
• You prefer online price matching
• You want access to physical stores
• You’re using brand-specific 0% finance
How I Personally Decide
Here’s exactly what I do:
- Compare the exact model number on both sites
- Screenshot prices
- Check cashback rates
- Factor in installation and removal fees
- Consider returns flexibility
I’ve saved £80+ in the past just by spending five extra minutes comparing properly.
Electrical pricing is volatile. A weekend sale can completely flip the winner.
AO vs Currys: Final Verdict
Overall, AO edges it.
It wins slightly more often on price, holds stronger customer ratings and offers better flexibility around returns (especially for Five Star members).
But I still check both every time.
The real winner is competition. When these two go head-to-head, we benefit.
If you’re spending serious money on appliances or tech, take a few extra minutes to compare properly. It’s usually worth it.
A little tip if you’re shopping at Currys
If you decide to go with Currys, visit Everup first. This app lets you buy shopping vouchers at a discount. The rates vary, but tend to be between 2% and 5%. These sometimes stack with cashback sites… but not always.
Ready to shop?
FAQs
Is AO cheaper than Currys?
AO is often slightly cheaper, particularly on white goods. However, prices fluctuate daily, so always compare both before buying.
Does Currys price match AO?
Yes. Currys offers online price matching before purchase, including discount codes, subject to approval.
Which retailer has the better returns policy?
Both now offer 30-day standard returns. AO offers a 100-day return window for Five Star members and slightly more flexibility on opened items.
Is delivery free at AO?
Weekday delivery is often free on large appliances, with additional charges for weekend or faster slots.
Is AO more reliable than Currys?
Review scores generally favour AO, though experiences vary with both retailers.
