Amazon Prime vs. Walmart Plus: Which is The Better Deal?

In today’s fast-paced shopping world, subscription services like Amazon Prime and Walmart+ promise convenience, savings, and exclusive perks. But with annual fees of $139 for Prime and $98 for Walmart+, which one truly delivers the best value? This article breaks down the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of each membership to help you decide based on your shopping habits, whether you’re a frequent grocery buyer, online deal hunter, or entertainment enthusiast.

Both services offer free shipping, grocery delivery, and streaming options, but they cater to different needs. Walmart+ shines for everyday essentials and in-store integration, while Amazon Prime excels in vast product selection and digital entertainment. We’ll compare head-to-head across key categories, including pricing, delivery speeds, groceries, streaming, fuel savings, prescription perks, and more.

Costs and Membership Options

The price difference is the first major distinction. Walmart+ costs $98 annually or $12.95 monthly, making it about $41 cheaper per year than Amazon Prime‘s $139 annual or $14.99 monthly fee. Both offer 30-day free trials, allowing you to test perks risk-free.

Discounted rates enhance accessibility:

• Qualifying government assistance: Walmart+ at $49/year; Amazon Prime at $6.99/month.
• Students: Amazon Prime at $69/year or $7.49/month; Walmart+ offers similar via verification.

Table comparing core pricing:

Walmart+’s lower entry point appeals to budget-conscious families, but Prime’s discounts make it competitive for eligible groups.

Free Next-Day or Two-Day Shipping

Core to both memberships is free shipping without minimums on eligible items. Walmart+ provides next-day or two-day delivery on up to 180,000 items, including tech, toys, clothing, and household goods—no order minimum required. A single toothpaste tube ships free, ideal for quick top-ups.

Amazon Prime offers even more flexibility: same-day, next-day, or two-day options, plus “Amazon Day” for scheduling deliveries to specific weekdays. Prime’s network handles millions of items from Amazon and third-party sellers, ensuring broader availability.

• Walmart+ advantage: No minimums on Walmart-shipped items; integrates with store inventory.
• Prime advantage: Faster speeds and vast selection, including rare products.

Both exclude oversized items, but Prime’s scale often means quicker fulfillment.

Grocery Delivery Perks

Groceries are a battleground. Walmart+ includes free delivery on orders over $35 from 4,600+ stores, with no markups—same in-store prices. Schedule slots for convenience, or pay extra for two-hour express. Coverage is widespread due to Walmart’s footprint.

Amazon Prime requires an add-on: $9.99/month for unlimited same-day grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, or local stores (over $100 minimum otherwise). Selection is diverse but location-dependent.

Walmart+ wins for routine staples; Prime for variety.

Streaming Services With Walmart Plus

Walmart+ bundles entertainment: choose Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium (with ads) for free. Switch every 90 days; upgrade for ad-free at extra cost. It’s a solid value-add for cord-cutters.

Prime Streaming and Entertainment

Amazon Prime dominates here with Prime Video (originals, classics), Amazon Music (shuffle catalog; Unlimited for $10.99 extra), Prime Gaming, Prime Reading (books/magazines), and unlimited photo storage (5GB video). Add-ons like Discovery+ get discounts.

• Prime’s ecosystem offers more depth: TV, music, games, reading.
• Walmart+ keeps it simple with one streaming choice.

Entertainment fans favor Prime.

Fuel Savings and In-Store Perks

Walmart+ exclusive: 10¢/gallon off at 14,000+ stations via app—nearly double Prime’s network (via separate Exxon Mobil Rewards+).

In-store: Walmart+’s Scan & Go skips lines; returns from home. Prime’s counters are limited to Amazon Fresh/Go/Whole Foods.

Prescription Savings

Both offer free prescription delivery. Walmart+ via pharmacies; Prime through RxPass ($5/month for generics). Low-income discounts apply.

Other Walmart+ Perks

• InHome delivery: To fridge/garage ($7/mo or $40/year extra).
• Early sales access: Walmart+ Week deals.
• Member prices: On select items.

Other Amazon Prime Perks

• Amazon Key: Secure garage delivery (free with membership).
• Prime Day: Exclusive deals.
• Expanded selection: Third-party marketplace.

Prime edges in digital/secure options.

Where Walmart+ Falls Short

• Groceries limited to Walmart.
• Fewer entertainment options.
• Limited healthcare beyond basics.
• No broad cash-back rewards.

Where Amazon Prime Falls Short

• Higher cost.
• Grocery add-on fees; fewer gas stations.
• Limited in-store skips.

Bottom Line: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Walmart+ for groceries, fuel savings, and lower cost—ideal for families near Walmarts driving often. Opt for Amazon Prime for variety, entertainment, and speed—best for online shoppers. Test trials to match your habits. Savings depend on usage: Walmart+ for staples ($41 annual edge + fuel); Prime for breadth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Walmart+ cheaper than Amazon Prime?

Yes, Walmart+ is $98/year vs. Prime’s $139/year, a $41 savings, plus fuel discounts.

Does Walmart+ include free grocery delivery?

Yes, free on $35+ orders from Walmart stores, no markups.

What streaming comes with each?

Walmart+: Paramount+ or Peacock; Prime: Video, Music, Gaming, Reading.

Can I get discounts on either membership?

Yes, government assistance and students qualify for reduced rates.

Which has better shipping?

Prime for speed/variety; Walmart+ for no-minimum essentials.

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Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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