Amazon Prime vs. Walmart+: Which Membership Is Right for You?
Both Amazon Prime and Walmart+ offer paid membership programs promising free shipping, exclusive deals, and extra perks. But they serve different types of shoppers. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide — or determine if you need both.
At a Glance: Key Differences
| Feature | Amazon Prime | Walmart+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | ~$139/year | ~$98/year |
| Monthly Option | Yes (~$14.99/mo) | Yes (~$12.95/mo) |
| Free Shipping | Millions of items, 2-day or faster | Free delivery on orders $35+ from Walmart.com |
| Grocery Delivery | Via Amazon Fresh (fees may apply) | Free same-day from Walmart stores |
| Streaming | Prime Video (large library) | Paramount+ Essential included |
| Music | Amazon Music (ad-supported or Prime Music) | Spotify Premium (select plans) |
| Gas Discounts | No | Yes — savings per gallon at Walmart & Murphy stations |
| In-Store Benefits | Whole Foods discounts | Scan & Go, mobile checkout in Walmart stores |
| Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
Amazon Prime: Strengths
Amazon Prime is the more established and feature-rich membership. Its standout advantages include:
- Massive product selection: Tens of millions of Prime-eligible items across virtually every category.
- Fast, reliable shipping: Same-day and next-day delivery is available in many areas.
- Prime Video: A competitive streaming library including original content.
- Prime Day: An annual mega-sale exclusive to Prime members.
- Additional perks: Prime Gaming, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos, and more.
Walmart+: Strengths
Walmart+ is newer but carves out real value in areas Amazon doesn't serve as well:
- Lower annual price: Meaningfully cheaper than Prime each year.
- Grocery delivery: Free same-day delivery from local Walmart stores on orders over $35 — no per-delivery fee.
- Gas discounts: Real savings per gallon if you drive regularly — this alone can offset the membership cost for some households.
- In-store convenience: The Scan & Go feature lets you skip checkout lines entirely.
Who Should Choose Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime makes the most sense if you:
- Shop online frequently across diverse product categories
- Watch a lot of streaming content and want another library option
- Value speed and reliability of delivery above all else
- Shop at Whole Foods regularly
Who Should Choose Walmart+?
Walmart+ is a better fit if you:
- Do a significant portion of your grocery shopping at Walmart
- Drive regularly and want gas savings
- Are budget-conscious and want a cheaper membership
- Prefer in-store shopping but want added convenience
Can You Have Both?
Yes, and some households do. If you're a heavy online shopper who also buys groceries frequently and drives regularly, the combined cost of both memberships can be justified by the savings each provides. However, for most people, one membership will cover the majority of their needs.
Verdict
If you had to pick just one: Amazon Prime offers broader value for the average online shopper. But if your household spends heavily on groceries and gas, Walmart+ may deliver equal or greater savings at a lower membership price. Consider where you currently spend the most, and let that guide your choice.