Honey browser extension vanishes from Chrome Web Store in certain regions

It looks like the heat is getting hotter for the Honey browser extension as it mysteriously vanishes from the Chrome Web Store for some users. Users attempting to access the extension are met with a cryptic message: “This item is not available.” Curiously, some users report that Honey remains accessible in both the Chrome Web Store and Edge Add-ons, suggesting a gradual, region-specific removal.

A few folks in the US still have access to the extension while others in Asian countries have lost access to the tool. I too don’t have it here in Kenya yet it was there just last week. Below is a screenshot of what I get when I access the Honey extension on Chrome Web Store using Microsoft Edge browser.

This development follows a series of sticky situations for Honey, a PayPal-owned tool that promised to sweeten online shopping by automatically applying the best coupon codes at checkout. In December 2024, YouTuber MegaLag released an investigative video alleging that Honey not only failed to find the best deals but also engaged in shady practices like overriding affiliate links, effectively siphoning commission from content creators.

The exposé sparked a backlash, leading to a mass exodus of users. Reports indicate that Honey’s user base on the Chrome platform plummeted by over 3 million, dropping from 20 million to 17 million in a matter of weeks. Adding fuel to the fire, a class-action lawsuit was filed against PayPal. The suit alleges that Honey’s practices constitute intentional interference with contractual relations and unjust enrichment, among other claims.

In response to the allegations, PayPal defended Honey’s operations, stating that the extension follows industry rules and practices, including last-click attribution, which is widely used across major brands.

As the saga unfolds, the disappearance of Honey from the Chrome Web Store in select regions raises questions about the extension’s future and the implications for its remaining users. Is this a temporary glitch, a strategic retreat, or the beginning of a broader crackdown? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, users seeking alternatives might consider other coupon-finding tools or, for a more hands-on approach, manually searching for deals to ensure they’re truly getting the best bang for their buck.