Overview
The short version
Actually Useful is a free browser extension that helps you search Amazon more effectively. It collects anonymous usage data to help fix bugs and improve the extension. It does not collect personal information, and it never sells data to anyone.
Extension
What we collect
When you use the extension, it sends anonymous usage data to a private log. This includes things like: your search term, how many results were found, which sort method you used, and how many pages were loaded.
It does not include your name, your Amazon account, or any information that identifies you personally. This data is used only to understand how the extension is being used and to improve it. It is never sold or shared with third parties.
Your control
How to opt out
You can turn off data collection at any time. Click the extension icon in your browser toolbar and uncheck "Help improve Actually Useful by sharing anonymous usage data." Your preference is saved and respected immediately.
Website
The comparison page
If you use the comparison feature at actuallyuseful.net, your shortlisted items are saved temporarily to a database to generate a shareable link. This data contains only product information from Amazon — no personal information. Saved comparisons may be deleted periodically.
Notes
Notes
Notes you add to items are stored locally on your computer. They are not included in shared comparison links by default. If you choose to include your notes when sharing, they are saved to the comparison database along with product information. Notes included in a shared link are accessible to anyone who has the link.
Extension
Bug reports
When you click "Report an issue" in the Actually Useful extension, the extension sends us:
The Amazon search URL you were on · the item's ASIN, title, price, and unit information · the raw data Actually Useful extracted from that listing · any notes you choose to add · the extension version.
This is separate from anonymous usage data (telemetry). Bug reports are sent only when you actively choose to submit one, regardless of your telemetry setting. We use these reports to find and fix problems with unit detection, price-per-unit math, brand identification, and filtering. No personal information is included.
Monetization
Affiliate links
actuallyuseful.net contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.