Comparison

Matalan vs British Essentials

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Matalan

Shop a wide range of clothing, fashion, and homeware items from a leading retailer. Discover new arrivals, exclusive deals, and create stylish outfits. Manage your loyalty rewards and enjoy convenient payment options.

Highlights
  • Browse full department range
  • Notifications for deals and new arrivals
  • Outfit builder
  • Matalan Me Rewards program
  • Wishlist functionality
  • Multiple payment options
  • In-store barcode scanning
Features
Read full description

Experience effortless, affordable online shopping anytime, anywhere with the official Matalan shopping app. Browse our full department range, from the latest clothing for the whole family to must-have homeware and gifts. Keep up to date with hundreds of new arrivals dropping every single week. Whether you are multi-tasking on the go, enjoying a well-deserved quiet moment, or styling your ideal home, our app makes it quicker and easier than ever to browse and shop. Get the modern, relevant look you deserve at prices that perfectly respect your budget. WHY DOWNLOAD THE MATALAN APP? • Never Miss Out - Turn on notifications to be the first to hear about the latest deals, exclusive discounts, sales and new arrivals. • Be First In Line - Rest easy if your favourite item is out of stock - get notified the moment your size is back so you can quickly add it to your basket. • Create Your Perfect Look - Get inspired by using our outfit builder to effortlessly create fashionable, stylish outfits that make you feel amazing. • Discover Brands You Love - Shop trusted names all in one seamless place, including collections from Regatta, Clarks, Blue Vanilla, Threadbare, Catherine Lansfield and more. • Be Inspired - Discover community style by browsing real Matalan looks tagged with #LoveMatalan and share your own everyday style to inspire others too. JOIN MATALAN ME REWARDS • Exclusive Deals - Unlock exclusive members-only rewards to use both in store and online. • Early Access - Be first in line for sales and new season launches before anyone else. • Birthday Treat - Enjoy a treat to help you celebrate when you share your special day with us. • Partner Offers - Discover our partner Pick Me Ups: exclusive treats and rewards from brands we love, just for you. SHOP SMARTER: WHY YOU WILL LOVE THE MATALAN APP • Browse Now, Buy Later - Build a custom wishlist to save your favourite items - perfect for shopping on the go and checking out at a time that suits you. • Choose How You Pay - Use fast, reliable options at checkout like Apple Pay, PayPal, Klarna or Clearpay. • Find It Faster - Filter and sort using upgraded search to discover specific styles, colours and price ranges in just a few quick taps. • Get Help When You Need It - Access live chat support directly inside the app from 8am to 6pm every day for friendly, helpful customer care, whatever your query. HOW DOES THE MATALAN APP IMPROVE YOUR STORE EXPERIENCE? • Find It Online Fast - Scan barcodes with your phone camera while browsing our stores to instantly find alternative colours, more sizes or home delivery options online. • Your Reward Card On The Go - Go completely cardless by keeping your digital Matalan Me card right on your phone, making it quick and easy to scan at the till. • Find Your Nearest Store - Locate your closest Matalan instantly to check store opening hours and directions. • Check Store Availability - Found something you love? Use our app to quickly check if it's in stock at your local store before you head in to try it on. • Fit Shopping Into Your Day - Use convenient Click & Collect at your local store to fit shopping seamlessly into your busy routine. JOIN THE MATALAN COMMUNITY Download the Matalan shopping app today and bring everyday style, quality and value straight to your screen for a faster, smarter and more rewarding retail experience. For more style inspiration, home trends and customer updates, visit us online at www.matalan.co.uk or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @shopmatalan.

About

British Essentials

Discover and purchase a wide array of authentic British food and drink items from around the world. This app offers global accessibility to classic British groceries, exclusive deals, and a user-friendly shopping experience, all while supporting UK producers.

Highlights
  • Extensive selection of British groceries
  • Worldwide shipping
  • User-friendly interface
  • Authentic UK products
  • Exclusive app offers and discounts
  • Personalized product recommendations
  • Fast and reliable shipping
Features
Read full description

British Essentials stands as a premier destination for lovers of British food and drink, offering a vast selection of quintessentially British groceries to customers worldwide. Specializing in delivering the comforts of home to expatriates and the exquisite tastes of the UK to global enthusiasts, British Essentials curates the finest British fare—from classic teas and biscuits to British Chocolate, confectionary and premium beverages. By bridging the gap between traditional British producers and the international market, British Essentials not only supports the UK's food and beverage industry but also provides a platform for exploring the rich culinary heritage of Britain. Advantages for Customers Shopping on the App: 1. Unparalleled Selection: The app offers an extensive range of British food and drink, including hard-to-find items and regional specialties, ensuring that customers can satisfy any craving for British cuisine. 2. Global Accessibility: British Essentials makes British culinary delights accessible worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and bringing the taste of the UK to your doorstep, wherever you are. 3. User-Friendly Shopping Experience: The app's intuitive design and streamlined navigation make it easy for customers to browse categories, discover new products, and complete purchases with ease. 4. Authentic Products Guaranteed: Customers can shop with confidence knowing that all products on British Essentials are sourced directly from the UK, ensuring authenticity and quality. 5. Exclusive Offers: App users gain access to exclusive deals, seasonal promotions, and discounts, making premium British food and drink more affordable. 6. Personalized Recommendations: Through personalized shopping experiences, the app suggests products based on your preferences and past purchases, helping you discover new favourites. 7. Direct Support of UK Businesses: By choosing British Essentials, customers directly support British producers and suppliers, contributing to the sustainability of the UK's food and drink industry. 8. Eco-Friendly Packaging Options: Committed to sustainability, the app offers eco-friendly packaging options for shipments, reducing the environmental impact of your purchases. 9. Fast and Reliable Shipping: With a commitment to prompt delivery, British Essentials ensures that your British food and drink favourites are delivered quickly and in perfect condition, preserving their freshness. 10. Secure Payment System: The app provides a safe and secure payment environment, with multiple payment options available for a hassle-free checkout experience. 11. 24/7 Customer Service: Dedicated customer support is available around the clock to assist with any inquiries, order tracking, and after-sales service, ensuring a satisfactory shopping experience. 12. Community Features: Join a community of British food and drink lovers within the app, where you can share reviews, recipes, and tips, enhancing your culinary journey. British Essentials is more than a shopping app; it offers a convenient, enjoyable, and authentic way to explore and enjoy British food and drink, irrespective of where you are in the world. For anyone looking to indulge in the flavours of the UK or seeking the comfort of British culinary classics, British Essentials provides an accessible, diverse, and quality-assured shopping experience.

Screenshots

Matalan4 screens
British Essentials4 screens

Verdict

The call

Matalan and British Essentials both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of British Essentials's written reviews are positive against 45% of Matalan's. British Essentials also leads on ratings volume (259 vs 61) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.2). Matalan's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Matalan against 4.9 for British Essentials. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 61 and 259 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 45% of Matalan's written reviews are positive against 100% of British Essentials's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Matalan ships an update every 3 weeks, British Essentials every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Matalan versus British Essentials: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMatalanBritish Essentials
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (61 ratings) — better4.9 (259 ratings)
Positive reviews44.9% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings61259 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.214.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size116 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMatalan Retail LimitedB.E. ESSENTIALS LTD

Customer experience

Matalan

All ratings61 ratings
Positive98.4%
Neutral1.6%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews167 reviews
Positive44.9%
Neutral12.6%
Negative42.5%

British Essentials

All ratings156 ratings
Positive99.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.6%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Matalan

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • App crashes on startup with red splash screen
  • Freezing during checkout process
  • Keyboard visibility blocking voucher code entry
  • Basket clears when app is closed
  • Back button doesn't return to previous page
Show 11 more
  • Search results showing irrelevant items
  • Orders tab showing blank
  • Autofill password feature not working properly
  • App not full screen on iPad
  • Filters not working correctly
  • Page loading extremely slow
  • Discount codes not accepting input
  • Wishlist items disappearing randomly
  • Apple Pay button not initiating payment
  • Website pages jumping and opening/closing randomly
  • Account recognition issues with date of birth format

Requested features

15 requests
  • Dark mode option for accessibility
  • Barcode scanner functionality
  • Google and Facebook sign-in options on app
  • Add Matalan card to Apple Wallet
  • Improved wishlist with easier navigation
Show 10 more
  • Real-time stock level visibility in stores
  • Reserve items online feature
  • Better search functionality across app
  • Larger size options for men (XXL, XXXL)
  • Work wear clothing section
  • Dog product section restoration
  • Inside leg measurements for trousers
  • Improved filter options
  • Option to remove promotional pop-ups
  • Apple Pay support for click and collect orders

British Essentials

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Matalan

No in-app purchases

None

British Essentials

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Matalan free?
Matalan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is British Essentials free?
British Essentials is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Matalan or British Essentials?
Matalan is rated higher. Matalan averages 4.9 out of 5 from 61 ratings, while British Essentials averages 4.9 from 259 ratings.
Do Matalan or British Essentials have ads?
Both Matalan and British Essentials show ads.
Which is updated more often, Matalan or British Essentials?
Matalan ships an update every 3 weeks, and British Essentials every 3 months. Most recently, Matalan was updated on November 12, 2026 and British Essentials on November 12, 2026.

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