In just a few years, AI shopping assistants have gone from a niche novelty to mainstream tools. These digital helpers are changing how Americans shop, guiding everything from discovering new products to price comparisons.
This article looks at how consumers are using AI to shop, save money, and simplify the buying process. It also dives into how much people trust AI, how comfortable they are making purchases with it, and where interest is growing the fastest. The findings are based on a nationwide survey of over 1,000 Americans, plus recent Google search trend data from across the country.
In this study, "AI shopping assistants" refers to platforms like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Gemini. Here's who uses them the most and why.
Nearly 7 in 10 Americans said they've used an AI shopping assistant. Men were more likely than women to lean on these tools (73% compared to 66%). Usage was highest among Gen X (72%) and lowest among baby boomers (63%), but both groups were most likely to have used an Amazon AI shopping assistant. Gen Z and millennials were more likely to turn to ChatGPT.
The most common purchases people made based on AI recommendations were tech and electronics (47%), household essentials (28%), and clothing (27%). Shoppers also used AI to guide more personal or seasonal purchases, including beauty or skincare (19%), books and media (18%), holiday gifts (17%), and groceries (16%).
On average, Americans saved $83 in the past year thanks to AI shopping assistants. Some fared even better. One in 10 saved over $200, with Gen Z leading at 14%. Among the most cost-effective platforms, Meta AI users reported the highest average savings at $103. Gemini followed closely at $99, while ChatGPT users saved an average of $91.
As AI becomes more involved in the shopping process, consumers are weighing the trade-offs between convenience and control. Many are willing to hand over purchasing power, but only under the right conditions.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans said they believe AI can find better deals than they can on their own. That belief is translating into action: 45% said they feel comfortable letting AI make purchases for them. Gen Z was the most open to this shift at 54%, followed by millennials (46%), baby boomers (45%), and Gen X (38%).
Over half (54%) said trusting AI with making purchases saves time, while 48% would only allow it for low-risk or routine items. Another 41% felt secure because they'd set specific preferences or filters for the AI to follow. However, trust still has its limits, with 61% of consumers believing AI shows bias toward certain brands or products.
When asked which companies they'd trust most to offer an AI shopping assistant, Amazon topped the list at 56%. Google (34%), Walmart (30%), Target (25%), Apple (20%), and Microsoft (18%) followed behind.
Consumer curiosity around AI-powered shopping has exploded in recent years. Search trends show just how quickly interest has grown, and where it's growing the fastest.
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Geographically, the most interest in AI shopping came from Washington, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Hawaii. States that showed the least interest included Mississippi, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, and Michigan. These regional differences may reflect varying levels of digital adoption or trust in AI, but the overall momentum is unmistakable.
From 2023 to 2025, interest in AI shopping assistance jumped by more than 223%. Specific search terms saw even steeper increases: searches for "AI coupon" spiked by 2,360%, while "AI deals" grew by 890% and "AI shopping assistant" by 342%.
Consumers are already using AI shopping assistants to help them find deals, save money, and even make purchases on their behalf. While product information and comparisons are major drivers, some skepticism remains, particularly around brand bias. Still, rising adoption rates and skyrocketing search interest suggest that AI-powered shopping is here to stay. As the technology evolves, consumers may find themselves handing over even more decision-making to the AI assistant in their cart.
We surveyed 1,002 Americans to explore how consumers are using AI shopping assistants. Among the respondents, 48% were women, and 52% were men. The generational breakdown was as follows: Gen Z (15%), millennials (52%), Gen X (25%), and baby boomers (8%). We also collected Google Trends search volume data from the past 3 years on searches made regarding AI shopping assistance across the U.S. All data was collected in March 2025.
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