13 things you can buy for less on Amazon

The go-to online marketplace for many, Amazon offers low prices on everything from diapers and detergents to blenders and batteries.

However, not all Amazon deals are created equal.

You need to do their research to determine when to buy from Amazon and when to take your business to another retailer. GOBankingRates.com asked top savings experts to price check several items you can purchase on Amazon to determine if they're truly good buys. So if you're wondering what to buy on Amazon, check out these deals.

This article was originally published by GOBankingRates.

1. Blenders

If you take your smoothies seriously -- like ninja serious -- but still want to get a good deal on a blender, Amazon might be the right choice, said Kendal Perez, savings expert at CouponSherpa.com. The below item will help keep both your body and your budget in good shape:

Price Check:

Amazon: $31.39
Target: $39.99
Walmart: $32.75

2. Mixers

If you want to take your kitchen game up a notch, consider purchasing a top-quality mixer from Amazon. Perez said that the online superstore is a great place to get deals on pro-grade mixers. The KitchenAid product below is a good example and comes in a variety of attractive colors.

Price Check

Amazon: $279.99
Overstock: $294.99

3. Food processors

If you're looking to expand your kitchen appliance collection, Amazon can likely hook you up with a quality food processor for less. Perez found that Amazon had the best buys on Cuisinart food processors, such as the one below. Fifty dollars in savings can translate to quite a few veggies to slice and dice.

Price Check

Amazon: $149.98
Bed Bath & Beyond: $199.99
Sur La Table: $199
Macy's: $199.99

4. Laundry detergent

Dirt might be free, but it can cost a lot to get this substance out of your clothes. Luckily, Amazon beats the competition on certain laundry detergent brands, said Perez. As an added bonus, you can get your super-sized detergent tub delivered right to your door, so you don't have to carry a heavy load home from the supermarket.

Price Check

Amazon: $18.97 ($16.97 with $2 digital coupon)
Walmart: $19.97
Target: $19.99

5. Kitchen supplies

Filling up your kitchen cabinets with tools and supplies can leave your wallet empty. However, Amazon offers great prices on items like spatulas, spoons and measuring tools, said Perez. Case in point:

Price Check

Amazon: $14.97
Overstock: $28.49

6. Gaming controllers

Gone are the days when you had to visit an actual store -- or pay full retail price -- to decimate your virtual enemies. When it comes to gaming controllers, Perez notes that Amazon beats many of its competitors. Sony's PlayStation controller is a great example.

Price Check

Amazon: $49 (free shipping on orders of $49 or more)
Newegg: $53.99

7. HDMI cables

Buying quality HDMI cables can be an expensive proposition. While the ones that come free with equipment are often absurdly short, longer, better-quality cables can be absurdly expensive. But, said Perez, Amazon does a good job of mitigating the frustration. She found Amazon beat out competitors with its pricing for 6-foot cables and obliterated them on a comfortably long 25-foot cable.

Price Check

Amazon: $13.99
Newegg: $45
Sears: $30.08

8. Diapers

If you've ever shopped for diapers, then you've probably wondered if you could save money by wrapping your baby in dollar bills. Well, Amazon might be able to save your baby a bout of diaper rash, thanks to some good deals on diapers, said Perez. While she did find that Walmart and Target beat Amazon on certain brands, if you like Pampers, the online retailer is the place to go.

Price Check

Amazon: $35.23 from Amazon ($33.23 with $2 digital coupon)
Target: $34.99

9. Batteries

Buying the batteries needed to power all your gizmos and gadgets can be anything but cheap. And while Perez found that certain brands -- like Energizer rechargeable batteries, with a recharger -- can be cheaper at places like Walmart, the popular Duracell batteries are often less on Amazon.

Price Check

Amazon: $12.72
Target: $13.99

10. Nail polish

We all want to look our best, but sometimes beauty products can cause some ugly sticker shock. Fortunately, a little smart shopping can ease the financial burden.

"Amazon seems to have the market beat when it comes to designer nail polish," said Kerry Sherin of Offers.com. With the item below, you can score a professional-grade manicure at home for less.

Price Check

Amazon: $9.95
Sally Beauty: $19.98

11. Film

If you're a photography purist, then you know capturing the moment on actual film can be expensive. Luckily, Amazon has affordable offerings to support film buffs.

"Film for instant print cameras can be expensive as it is, but some retailers are selling the same product for nearly double the price of Amazon," said Sherin, who went on to recommend the deal below.

Price Check

Amazon: $11.49
Walmart: $15.54
Target: $19.99

12. Protein powder

Sherin said Amazon is ready to pump you up -- and for less than the competition.

"If you are into fitness and working out, then you know supplements can get expensive. Amazon was found to be consistently the cheapest option," she said.

Price Check

Amazon: $42.36 ($36 with 15% off coupon)
BodyBuilding.com: $40.49
VitaminShoppe: $49.99

13. Phone charging cords

If you live by your smartphone, then you probably know how important it is to have a reliable phone charging cable. There's nothing worse than a cheap one that breaks after a few bits of current.

"The Amazon-brand cords are not only of high-quality materials, but also come at an affordable price. While you might be able to find a cheaper cord out there, there isn't one that can match the price and quality of what Amazon offers," said Sherin about the below pick.

Price Check:

Amazon: $7.99