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I'm searching for an American phrase that would be equivalent to the British “X is great value for money”, one that’s not too colloquial and can be used in a serious product description.

I am aware of following phrases with my objection in parentheses.

  1. price-performance ratio (not frequently used)
  2. cost-benefit ratio (not the same)
  3. Bang for your buck (too colloquial)
  4. A great buy (too colloquial)
  5. bargain at twice the price (too colloquial)

The British version is neutral and can be used in a formal product description of a technical product for marketing purposes.

It may be the case that #1 is the best or only choice, but I wanted to canvas for other ideas.

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    Actually, the "BE" phrase you quote is perfectly fine for AE usage, where more formality is required than "bang for the buck". Less formal is an emphasized "worth the price", e.g., "unquestionably worth the price". You might also hear "get what you pay for", but I'd class this as at least as inappropriately colloquial as your #4 or #5.
    – Jeff Zeitlin
    Dec 11, 2017 at 13:25
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    I've never seen it used in AE texts and "for money" without a definite article is very odd and definitely British. Perhaps "great value for your money" is better
    – SonOfPingu
    Dec 11, 2017 at 14:15
  • @SonOfPingu Or a great value for the money. I agree you need some determiner in there in the US. Also, a great value at the price. The latter shows up frequently in online reviews. As such, it might be a bit colloquial, but I think these reviewers are trying to sound formal and serious.
    – Phil Sweet
    Dec 11, 2017 at 14:29
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    The expression is the same in AmE. Where did you get the idea it wasn't?? But in both: X is a great value for your or for the money. There is no British version. That is false.
    – Lambie
    Dec 11, 2017 at 15:22
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    I have heard “good value for money” in New York in conversation with native-born Americans. I don’t think it’s a specifically British usage.
    – user205876
    Dec 12, 2017 at 5:48

2 Answers 2

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I've heard the phrase "get(ting) your money's worth" to say that the cost is proportional to the value you received. It is used as a positive expression for expensive items rather than having the same negative connotation as "you get what you pay for" commonly used with inexpensive and low quality items.

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Based on the discussion and examples given, "X is great value for your money" (using definite articles in AE) is acceptable and common AE. Thanks everyone!

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