Walmart+ Vs. Amazon Prime: Which Subscription Reigns Supreme For Shoppers?

In the battle for your loyalty – and your wallet – two retail titans stand head-to-head, each vying to be crowned the ultimate champion of convenience and savings. We're talking, of course, about Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime: Which Subscription Reigns Supreme? It’s a question that’s become increasingly relevant as both services expand their offerings, blurring lines and making the choice anything but simple.
Gone are the days when a subscription just meant fast shipping. Today, these memberships are sprawling ecosystems of benefits, encompassing everything from digital entertainment to discounted gas and even free veterinary advice. Deciding which one is right for you isn't just about comparing price tags; it's about understanding which one genuinely integrates with your lifestyle and delivers tangible value.

At a Glance: Key Differences & Takeaways

Before we dive deep, here’s a quick overview of what sets these two powerhouses apart:

Cost: Walmart+ is generally cheaper annually ($98) than Amazon Prime ($139).
Focus: Walmart+ leans heavily into practical, in-store benefits and local grocery delivery. Amazon Prime excels in digital entertainment, vast product selection, and broader e-commerce.
Groceries: Walmart+ offers free same-day grocery delivery for eligible orders from its stores. Amazon Prime charges an additional monthly fee for grocery delivery, though it includes Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh.
Entertainment: Amazon Prime offers a massive library via Prime Video and Music, plus other digital perks. Walmart+ provides a free Paramount+ subscription.
Marketplace Shipping: Walmart+ doesn't cover third-party marketplace shipping. Amazon Prime does for some sellers.
Discounts: Both offer gas savings, but Walmart+ has broader station coverage. Amazon Prime has more health and wellness perks (RxPass, One Medical), while Walmart+ offers auto repair and pet care.
Demographics: Amazon Prime often appeals to city dwellers, students, and those prioritizing digital entertainment. Walmart+ is strong for budget-conscious families, rural shoppers, and those who frequently visit Walmart stores.
The Verdict: Most experts advise against paying for both. Your choice depends entirely on your specific shopping habits and priorities.

The Core Question: Value Beyond the Price Tag

When Amazon Prime first launched in 2005, its promise was elegantly simple: free two-day shipping. It revolutionized online retail and quickly cemented its place in 67% of U.S. households, becoming a staple of modern life. Walmart+, a relative newcomer in 2020, entered the fray with a different, yet equally compelling, proposition: convenience and savings for the everyday Walmart shopper, quickly attracting 30% of U.S. consumers.
On the surface, it might seem like a straightforward price comparison. Walmart+ rings in at a more budget-friendly $98 per year, while Amazon Prime commands $139 annually. But true value isn't just about the upfront cost. It's about maximizing the benefits you actually use and how much money those benefits save you over time. Are you a digital entertainment junkie, a meticulous grocery planner, or someone who relies on in-store conveniences? Your answer to these questions will inevitably steer you towards one service or the other.

Cost of Admission: Annual Fees & Discounts That Matter

Let's talk dollars and cents, because for many, the annual fee is the first hurdle.
Amazon Prime's standard annual membership is $139. For those who prefer a monthly commitment, it's $14.99 per month, which adds up to significantly more over a year.
Walmart+ comes in at a more appealing $98 per year, or $12.95 per month. This difference of $41 annually is not insignificant, especially if you're on a tight budget.
However, the price isn't always set in stone for everyone. Both memberships demonstrate a commitment to accessibility by offering a 50% discount for recipients of government benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. This is a crucial detail for many families, effectively bringing Amazon Prime down to $69.50/year and Walmart+ to $49/year.
Amazon also extends a generous student discount, allowing college students to snag Prime for just $7.49 per month (or $69/year). This makes Prime incredibly attractive to younger demographics who might lean heavily on its digital entertainment and textbook delivery. Walmart+ doesn't currently offer a specific student discount, though eligible students could still qualify for the government benefits discount.
The takeaway: While Walmart+ is cheaper for the general public, Amazon Prime offers specific discounts that can make it more affordable for students or those receiving government assistance. Always check if you qualify for these reduced rates before committing.

Getting Your Goods: Shipping, Delivery & Returns

At their core, both services promise one thing above all else: fast, free shipping. And for eligible items, both Amazon Prime and Walmart+ deliver on this promise, offering free same-day, one-day, and two-day shipping. This means that whether you're ordering a last-minute gift or a household essential, you can often get it to your doorstep with impressive speed.
Where they diverge significantly is in their handling of marketplace sellers.

Walmart+: If you're buying from a third-party seller on Walmart's Marketplace (which isn't directly sold by Walmart), your Walmart+ membership generally does not include free shipping. You'll often face shipping fees or minimum order requirements from these independent sellers.
Amazon Prime: The situation is a bit more nuanced here. While many third-party sellers on Amazon's vast Marketplace do participate in Prime shipping, meaning you get free, fast delivery, not all do. You'll need to look for the "Prime" badge next to the item to confirm eligibility. Amazon boasts a massive network of 2 million active sellers compared to Walmart.com's 150,000, which means there's a higher likelihood of finding a Prime-eligible third-party item on Amazon.
Returns are largely hassle-free for both services. They offer free returns for most items, with the caveat that some specific products (often larger items or those with special handling) might incur restocking fees. Both have streamlined processes, allowing you to often print a label and drop off at a local shipping center or even a physical store. Walmart's vast physical footprint can be an advantage for in-person returns.
Consider this: If a significant portion of your online shopping involves items from smaller, specialized sellers rather than the main retailers, Amazon Prime might offer more comprehensive shipping coverage, albeit with the need to check for the Prime badge.

The Grocery Game: Freshness, Convenience, and Fees

This is arguably the biggest battleground and a key differentiator between the two services. For many families, especially those with busy schedules, grocery delivery is a non-negotiable convenience.
Walmart+ shines brightly here, primarily due to its "free" model:

Free Same-Day Delivery: Walmart+ offers free same-day grocery delivery from its vast network of over 4,600 stores. This means you can get your milk, bread, produce, and household essentials delivered right to your door with no per-delivery fee, provided your order meets the $35 minimum.
Wide Availability: With a Walmart store seemingly on every corner, this service is accessible to a massive percentage of the U.S. population, including many rural areas.
In-Store Prices: You're largely paying the same prices you'd find walking the aisles, without added markups for the delivery service itself.
Amazon Prime's grocery offering is more complex and comes with an additional cost:
Additional Monthly Fee: While Amazon Prime members can get grocery delivery, it's not included as a standard Prime perk. You'll need to pay an additional $9.99 per month for unlimited grocery delivery on orders over $35.
Select Areas & Stores: This service is available in select areas and primarily from Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh stores. While Amazon Fresh is expanding, its footprint is still smaller than Walmart's.
Discounts: Prime members do receive a 10% discount on select Amazon Fresh groceries and an extra 10% off Whole Foods storewide sales. So, while you're paying more for the delivery, you might save a bit on the items themselves if you shop those brands.
The Verdict for Groceries: If you rely on grocery delivery frequently and want to keep costs predictable, Walmart+ is the clear winner with its included, unlimited deliveries. If you live near a Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh, already shop those stores, and don't mind the additional monthly fee, Amazon's offering might still appeal, especially with its exclusive discounts. Both services accept SNAP/EBT for online grocery orders, which is a valuable feature for many.

Beyond Shopping Carts: Entertainment & Digital Perks

Once upon a time, online shopping was just about stuff. Now, it's about escapism, music, and digital convenience. This is where Amazon Prime truly flexes its muscles.

Amazon Prime's Digital Dominance

Amazon Prime’s entertainment package is robust and deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem:

Prime Video: Boasting over 12,000 movies and 2,100 TV shows, Prime Video offers a vast library of content, including critically acclaimed Amazon Originals, Hollywood blockbusters, and popular series. From dramas to comedies and documentaries, there's always something new to watch.
Amazon Music Prime: Access to a large catalog of 2 million songs, ad-free. While not as extensive as Amazon Music Unlimited, it's a significant bonus for casual listening.
Free Video Games: Prime Gaming offers a rotating selection of free PC games and in-game content.
Unlimited Photo Storage: Amazon Photos provides unlimited full-resolution photo storage, a major perk for anyone with a smartphone full of memories.
Rotating Ebooks & More: Prime Reading gives members access to a rotating selection of ebooks, magazines, comics, and audiobooks from the Kindle library.
Alexa Integration: Seamless integration with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, making it easy to play music, find shows, and manage your digital life.

Walmart+'s Streaming Play

Walmart+ takes a different, more focused approach to entertainment:

Free Paramount+ Subscription: Your Walmart+ membership includes a free subscription to Paramount+, the streaming service from Paramount Global. This gives you access to about 800 movies and 750 TV shows, including live sports (like NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League), breaking news from CBSN, and original series like Yellowstone prequels.
The Verdict for Entertainment: If you're looking for an all-encompassing digital entertainment hub with a huge video library, music, gaming, and photo storage, Amazon Prime is the clear front-runner. However, if your entertainment tastes align with Paramount+'s offerings – particularly if you enjoy live sports, news, or specific shows like Yellowstone – then Walmart+'s benefit might be perfectly tailored for you. It's about quality over quantity for Walmart+ in this arena.

Exclusive Deals & Shopping Events

Both retailers understand the power of a good sale, and both leverage their memberships to offer exclusive access to prime shopping opportunities.
Amazon Prime:

Prime Day: Held annually in July, Prime Day is Amazon's biggest shopping event, rivaling Black Friday in scale. It offers deep discounts across virtually every product category, often including Amazon's own devices. In 2024, it set a record with $14 billion in sales, demonstrating its massive pull.
Prime Big Deal Days: Following the success of Prime Day, Amazon introduced "Prime Big Deal Days" in October, providing another major savings event just before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear.
Exclusive Deals: Beyond these major events, Prime members frequently get early access to lightning deals and exclusive member-only discounts throughout the year.
Walmart+:
Walmart Plus Week: Walmart launched its own member-exclusive sale event, "Walmart Plus Week," typically held in June. This event features special deals and discounts across various categories, often competing directly with early summer sales from other retailers.
Exclusive Deals: Similar to Amazon, Walmart+ members often receive exclusive deals on specific products, gas discounts (which we'll discuss next), and travel benefits throughout the year.
Consider this: If you're a strategic shopper who plans purchases around major sales, both memberships offer compelling reasons to subscribe. Amazon's events are larger and more widely publicized, offering a broader range of products. Walmart's events are tailored to their product selection and often focus on household essentials.

The "Other" Goodies: Unexpected Benefits That Sweeten the Deal

Beyond shipping, groceries, and entertainment, both subscriptions pile on additional perks that can add significant value – or just be nice-to-haves, depending on your needs. This is where the "human" aspect of your shopping truly comes into play.

Fuel Savings: Driving Dollars Further

Gas discounts are a practical benefit that can add up quickly.

Walmart+: Offers 10 cents off per gallon of gas at over 13,000 stations nationwide. This includes Walmart and Murphy gas stations, and crucially, Sam's Club fuel centers. This broad coverage can be a huge advantage for many, especially those in rural areas or who frequently travel.
Amazon Prime: Provides 10 cents off per gallon of gas at 7,000 stations. This benefit is offered through the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card at selected stations, and also through linking your Prime account to specific gas station loyalty programs. The network is smaller than Walmart's.
Verdict: For gas savings, Walmart+ generally offers broader access and a more straightforward discount, especially if you have a Sam's Club nearby.

Health & Wellness: From Prescriptions to Pet Care

This category shows a distinct difference in focus.

Amazon Prime:
RxPass: Eligible medications for a flat fee of $5/month. This is a significant benefit for managing chronic conditions with generic prescriptions.
One Medical: 24/7 on-demand virtual medical care for $9/month. This can be invaluable for quick consultations, prescription refills, or minor health concerns without needing an in-person visit.
Walmart+:
Pawp: Free 24/7 access to veterinary experts via Pawp. This benefit offers peace of mind for pet owners, allowing them to consult with vets about non-emergency concerns, saving costly clinic visits.
Verdict: Amazon Prime leans into human healthcare with prescriptions and virtual doctor visits. Walmart+ offers a unique benefit for pet owners. Choose based on whether you prioritize your health or your pet's.

Food Delivery & Dining: Grubhub vs. Burger King

Amazon Prime: Includes a free year of Grubhub+, which provides unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders from restaurants via Grubhub. This can save you a bundle if you're a regular takeout orderer.
Walmart+: Offers 25% off Burger King digital orders with a $5 minimum. A nice discount if Burger King is your fast-food of choice, but more limited than Grubhub+.
Verdict: Amazon Prime's Grubhub+ benefit offers broader utility for those who order a variety of takeout. Walmart+'s benefit is niche but valuable if you're a BK fan.

Travel & Financial: Walmart Cash & More

Walmart+: Members can earn Walmart Cash (2-5% back) on travel bookings made through Walmart's travel portal. This is essentially a loyalty program that puts money back into your pocket for future Walmart purchases.
Amazon Prime: Offers free shipping from Shopbop and Zappos, which are Amazon-owned fashion and shoe retailers. Useful if you frequently shop these sites.
Verdict: Walmart+ offers a direct financial incentive for travel, while Amazon Prime extends shipping benefits to its niche fashion subsidiaries.

In-Store Convenience: Scan & Go and Auto Care

Walmart+: Features Scan & Go, allowing you to scan items with your phone as you shop in-store and pay directly through the app, skipping the checkout line entirely. This is a massive time-saver for frequent in-store shoppers.
Walmart+: Also provides free flat tire repairs at Walmart Auto Care Centers. A practical, money-saving benefit for car owners.
Verdict: These in-store perks from Walmart+ are designed to enhance the physical shopping experience, making it faster and more convenient. Amazon Prime, by its nature, doesn't have comparable in-store benefits.
When considering if Is Walmart Plus worth it? for you, these "other" benefits can often tip the scales, particularly if you find yourself frequently using services like gas stations, veterinary advice, or auto repair.

Who Wins? Tailing Your Shopping Habits to the Right Subscription

After dissecting the features, it's clear there's no single "reigning supreme" champion for everyone. The best subscription is highly personal, tied directly to your shopping habits, location, and lifestyle priorities. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

You're an Amazon Prime Champion If...

You prioritize digital entertainment: If Prime Video, Amazon Music, free games, and unlimited photo storage are essential for your daily life, Prime is unbeatable.
You crave a vast product selection: With 2 million active sellers, Amazon’s sheer variety and higher likelihood of Prime-eligible third-party shipping are appealing.
You're a college student: The discounted student rate makes Prime an exceptional value for education and entertainment.
You live in a city: Amazon's faster fulfillment centers and specific Whole Foods/Amazon Fresh delivery zones might align better with urban living.
You're an introvert (or simply prefer online shopping): If the thought of a physical store fills you with dread, Amazon's comprehensive online ecosystem is your sanctuary.
You frequently order takeout: The included Grubhub+ membership can save you significant delivery fees.
You rely on prescriptions or need quick medical advice: RxPass and One Medical offer valuable health benefits.

Walmart+ Is Your Go-To If...

You're budget-conscious and price-sensitive: The lower annual fee and free grocery delivery can offer significant savings.
You're a family needing groceries and essentials regularly: Unlimited, free same-day grocery delivery from a local Walmart is a huge convenience and cost-saver.
You live in a rural area: Walmart stores and gas stations are often more prevalent, making the gas discount and in-store benefits more accessible.
You frequently shop at physical Walmart stores: Scan & Go drastically improves the in-store experience, and the Auto Care benefits are tangible.
You own a pet: Free 24/7 veterinary access through Pawp can be a lifesaver (and a money-saver).
You appreciate practical, tangible benefits: Gas discounts, flat tire repair, and speedy grocery delivery resonate more than digital libraries.
You enjoy live sports or specific streaming content: If Paramount+ aligns with your entertainment preferences, it's a solid win.
Experts generally advise against paying for both due to the significant overlap in their core offerings. While 87% of Walmart+ members also subscribe to Amazon Prime, often out of habit or for a few specific services, carefully evaluating your actual usage might reveal that one can truly meet the vast majority of your needs.
When considering if Is Walmart Plus worth it? or if Prime still holds its value, it truly comes down to self-reflection on your spending and consumption patterns.

The Overlap Conundrum: Can You Just Pick One?

It's a common scenario: you've had Amazon Prime for years, maybe decades, and then Walmart+ came along, tempting you with its lower price and grocery promise. Suddenly, you find yourself paying for both. The data shows that a significant chunk of Walmart+ subscribers (87%, in fact) also maintain an Amazon Prime membership. But is this truly necessary?
For most people, the answer is no. While there are unique perks to each, the core value propositions – free, fast shipping and convenient access to goods – overlap considerably. Think about it: if you're getting your groceries delivered free from Walmart, and basic household items quickly shipped, are you still fully leveraging Prime's shipping? If you have Paramount+ through Walmart+, are you still diving deep into Prime Video's vast library every night?
The ideal scenario for maximizing savings and minimizing subscription fatigue is to commit to one membership that aligns most closely with your dominant shopping habits and entertainment preferences.
If you’re only keeping Prime for the occasional movie or the faster shipping on a specific gadget, and Walmart+ is handling your weekly groceries and gas, you might be overspending. Consider which service provides the most frequent and impactful benefits to your daily life.

Making Your Choice: A Smart Shopper's Checklist

Ready to make an informed decision? Here's a practical checklist to guide you:

Track Your Spending: For one month, jot down every online purchase you make and where it comes from. Note your grocery spending habits: how often do you order delivery, and from where? Do you shop at Whole Foods or your local Walmart?
Evaluate Your Entertainment: What streaming services do you actually watch? Do you listen to music regularly? Do you use photo storage? Be honest about your consumption.
Assess Your "Other" Perks Usage: How often do you fill up your gas tank? Do you have pets? Do you order takeout frequently? Are you a frequent in-store Walmart shopper?
Consider Your Location: Are there Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods stores nearby? Are Walmart and Sam's Club gas stations convenient? Rural vs. urban access can heavily influence benefit utility.
Utilize Free Trials: Both services offer a 30-day free trial. This is your most powerful tool. Use it actively. Order groceries, try the shipping, explore the entertainment. Get a real feel for how each service integrates into your life.
Calculate Potential Savings: How much would you save annually on shipping fees, grocery delivery fees, gas, or prescriptions with one service over the other? Factor in the cost of the subscription itself. This will provide a clear financial picture of which is most worth it for you.

FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: Can I use SNAP/EBT with both Walmart+ and Amazon Prime?
A: Yes, both Walmart+ and Amazon Prime accept SNAP/EBT for eligible online grocery orders, making them accessible options for a wider range of shoppers.
Q: Are the free trials truly free?
A: Yes, both Amazon Prime and Walmart+ offer 30-day free trials that can be canceled before the trial period ends without charge. Just be sure to set a reminder!
Q: Is one better for students?
A: Amazon Prime offers a specific student discount ($7.49/month or $69/year) which makes it significantly more affordable for college students, providing access to its vast digital library, shipping, and other perks. Walmart+ doesn't have a dedicated student discount.
Q: Can I save money by having both subscriptions?
A: While it's possible if your habits perfectly align with the unique, non-overlapping benefits of both (e.g., you primarily use Prime for entertainment and Walmart+ for groceries), experts generally advise against it. For most people, the core benefits of shipping and convenience overlap too much, leading to unnecessary spending. Focus on maximizing one membership.
Q: What about returns? Are they easy with both?
A: Yes, both services offer free and generally hassle-free returns for most eligible items. Walmart's extensive physical store presence can make in-person returns particularly convenient for some.

Final Verdict: The Reigning Champ for Your Wallet

The debate between Walmart+ and Amazon Prime isn't about one being objectively "better" than the other in all aspects. It's a nuanced discussion about tailoring a service to an individual's unique needs, priorities, and lifestyle.
Amazon Prime, with its higher price tag, still offers an unparalleled breadth of digital entertainment, a massive product selection, and a strong suite of health and wellness benefits. It’s the digital ecosystem champion, perfect for the city-dwelling, student, or introverted shopper who prioritizes convenience in a few clicks.
Walmart+, the newer, more affordable challenger, zeroes in on practical, everyday savings and convenience. Its strength lies in free, unlimited grocery delivery, significant gas discounts, and in-store perks that streamline the physical shopping experience. It's the undisputed champion for budget-conscious families, rural residents, and anyone who frequents their local Walmart.
Ultimately, the reigning supreme subscription is the one that brings the most value and convenience to you. Take a moment to reflect on your habits, leverage those free trials, and make the choice that genuinely simplifies your life and stretches your dollar further.