Yahoo Finance Amazon Prime vs. Walmart+ — Which Membership Is Worth the Cost?
Both Amazon Prime and Walmart+ have their perks, but deciding which is better is ultimately based on your lifestyle, needs and budget. They both have quite a few options, such as free shipping. But they diverge in other perks — like streaming options and grocery delivery.
If you’re deciding between the two, here’s what you need to know.
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Price Comparison Between the Two Memberships
The price of membership is probably one of the first things you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown:
A basic membership to Amazon Prime costs $139 a year or $14.99.
Membership to Walmart+ costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month.
Both options also offer a free 30-day trial, so you have time to figure out whether or not the service is worth it before committing to payment. You can also cancel at any time without penalty.
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Main Perks of Amazon Prime
While Amazon Prime costs more than Walmart+, this monthly subscription service still has a lot to offer. This includes:
Fast and free shipping: As a Prime member, you benefit from same-day and two-day delivery on countless everyday and niche items. You may need to be located within the U.S. to get same-day or next-day shipping. Exact shipping times also depend on your delivery address. Free same-day delivery is only available for orders over $25.
Video streaming: With Prime Video, you gain access to thousands of movies and television shows — all part of the base membership cost. Some options do require you to rent or purchase them digitally, however. For between $4.99 and $14.99 a month, you can also get Amazon Channels, which lets you stream shows and movies from STARZ, HBO and SHOWTIME.
Music streaming: Amazon Music is included with your membership at no extra cost, provided you’re located within the U.S. or Puerto Rico. This feature includes access to over 2 million songs and podcasts.
Gaming: You also get access to Prime Gaming, which lets you download and play a selection of PC games.
Grocery delivery: Prime members can get food delivered to their homes via Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh within two hours of placing the order — depending on location. Orders over $100 come with free delivery, but you’ll need to pay a service fee if you spend less.
Clothing perks: Amazon Prime also includes options like “Prime Try Before You Buy,” which lets you try out different clothing items for free. You have seven days to return the items you don’t like. You’ll get charged for whatever you keep.
Other features: A Prime membership also comes with free access to a large library of audiobooks, unlimited photo storage and 5 GB of video storage. It also includes prescription savings, 5% cash back for qualifying grocery purchases, early access to Prime Day sales and more.
Students and low-income individuals who receive government assistance may also get a discounted membership to Amazon Prime. For students, membership costs $7.49 a month or $69 a year. For those on government assistance, it costs $6.99 a month.
Main Perks of Walmart+
Since 2020, Walmart has offered a special program to its customers — Walmart+. This subscription service includes a multitude of benefits, including:
Free shipping: Members get free next-day or two-day shipping on eligible products. Considering the delivery fee alone can cost up to $9.95, there’s potential for significant savings.
Gasoline perks: With a Walmart+ membership, you can score fuel discounts — up to $0.10 off per gallon. You’ll need to fill up at a Walmart, Mobil, Exxon, or other participating gas station.
Auto care perks: Membership also includes benefits like a free road hazard warranty when you purchase new tires and a free flat repair.
Grocery delivery: You can also get free same-day grocery delivery on orders of $35 or more. Smaller orders come with a $6.99 delivery fee.
Other features: Walmart+ includes early access to select deals and sales events — like Black Friday. It also comes with fringe benefits like access to ad-free content through Pluto TV and an ad-supported plan subscription to Paramount+. Members also have access to prescription discounts and Mobile Scan & Go, which offers a contact-free shopping experience.
Like Amazon Prime, Walmart+ has a discounted membership program called Walmart+ Assist. It’s geared toward those who receive government aid and costs $6.47 a month or $49 a year.
Choosing the Better Deal for You
Between Walmart+ and Amazon Prime, the better deal really depends on what you’re looking for. In terms of price alone, you’ll save $41 a year by getting a Walmart+ membership. But price isn’t everything.
If you want a dedicated streaming service with additional perks like free shipping, Prime could be worth the higher price tag. But if you’re a frequent Walmart shopper who wants to save time and money on shopping, Walmart+ could be the better option.
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