Office Depot vs Staples: which does AI recommend?

· ChatGPT and Google AI Mode

Based on every AI answer that names bothReviewed by

How we measure

When AI names both, it usually lists first. It recommends both about as often.

Listed first when AI names both

Office DepotOffice Depot: 20%StaplesStaples: 80% (Staples leads)

Recommended when named

Office DepotOffice Depot: 95%
StaplesStaples: 87%

Pick Staples for

  • Buying envelopes online Almost always
  • Getting custom yard signs Almost always

Topic by topic

Mentioned in, as a share of each topic’s answers

About even2Staples named more11

Staples named more

About even2

Only Office Depot is ranked in2

Only Staples is ranked in12

What people ask AI about Office Depot and Staples

is listed first almost always for questions about buying envelopes online and getting custom yard signs.

Office Depot listed firstStaples listed first
  1. where can i buy envelopes online?Staples almost always first
  2. I'm a Teacher and I'm spending too much of my own money on supplies. Where can I find the best teacher discounts?Staples often first
  3. where can i get custom yard signs?Staples almost always first
  4. Where can I print business cards?Leans Staples
  5. Where can I buy anti fatigue mats?Leans Staples
  6. Where can I get business signs?Staples usually first
  7. where can i print booklets online?Staples usually first

Who AI mentions first

Office Depot listed firstStaples listed first

is listed first every month.

  1. JunOffice Depot listed first: 19%Staples listed first: 81%
  2. JulOffice Depot listed first: 21%Staples listed first: 79%
  3. AugOffice Depot listed first: 10%Staples listed first: 90%
  4. SepOffice Depot listed first: 31%Staples listed first: 69%

Every engine leans to by about the same margin when answers name both brands. Google AI Mode and ChatGPT Search list first usually.

  • Google AI ModeOffice Depot listed first: 18%Staples listed first: 82%
  • ChatGPTOffice Depot listed first: 21%Staples listed first: 79%

Sources cited in the comparisons

Office Depot favouredNeither favouredStaples favoured

Also named alongside Office Depot and Staples

, and also appear in many of these answers, putting the choice alongside other named retailers and printing services.

  1. Target39%
  2. Amazon34%
  3. Vistaprint33%
  4. Walmart30%
  5. Michaels26%
  6. FedEx Office24%
  7. JOANN16%
  8. Envelopes.com13%
  9. Signs.com13%
  10. DonorsChoose12%
  11. Apple11%
  12. GotPrint11%

Office Depot vs Staples: common questions

Is Office Depot better than Staples?
Staples is listed first almost always for questions about buying envelopes online and getting custom yard signs.
Do ChatGPT and Google AI Mode recommend Office Depot or Staples?
Every engine leans to Staples by about the same margin when answers name both brands. Google AI Mode and ChatGPT Search list Staples first usually.
What are the alternatives to Office Depot and Staples?
Target, Amazon and Vistaprint also appear in many of these answers, putting the choice alongside other named retailers and printing services.
When is Staples the better pick?
AI usually lists Staples first for: Buying envelopes online; Getting custom yard signs.

Related comparisons

How would your brand compare?

Find out where you stand in AI answers—and who you’re up against.