Amazon has become a go-to name in online shopping. As of May 2024, it captured a 37.6% share of the US retail e-commerce market, according to Statista. This dominance is largely due to the popularity of its Amazon Prime subscription service, which now boasts over 200 million members.
Coming in second is Walmart, holding 6.4% of the market. Walmart+ launched in 2020 as a competitor to Prime, following the costly failure of Walmart's $3 billion investment in Jet.com. Despite its smaller market share, Walmart remains a retail giant with an estimated subscriber base of around 59 million as of October 2022. For frequent online shoppers, whether it be for home goods or groceries, deciding between Amazon Prime and Walmart+ is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two services.
Cost of Subscription Services
Walmart+ costs $12.95 per month or $98 per year. Amazon Prime, on the other hand, is priced at $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Prime had a price increase in 2022, rising from $12.99 per month and $119 per year—its first hike in four years. Both services offer a 30-day free trial period.
Amazon offers several discounted versions of Prime, such as Amazon Student, which includes a free six-month trial followed by a $69 annual fee or $7.49 monthly for students enrolled in a two- or four-year college. Amazon Student benefits are similar to Prime, with additional discounts on services like Grubhub+, Calm, StudentUniverse, and Course Hero.
Individuals with a valid Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or Medicaid card can subscribe to Amazon Prime for $6.99 per month. Additionally, Amazon allows one other adult member and up to four children in the same household to share Prime benefits.
Walmart+ Assist offers a 50% discount on memberships ($6.47/month or $49/year) for those on government assistance, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, TTANF, NSLP, and LIHEAP.
Though not heavily advertised, Walmart's FAQ mentions a student discount for Walmart+, available at $6.47/month or $49/year. Students can sign up at walmart.com/plus/student by providing their information, which is verified by SheerID.
Delivery Services
The original appeal of Amazon Prime lay in its free, two-day delivery, which has evolved over the years to include numerous delivery perks. Currently, Amazon provides one-day delivery on over 20 million items. By filtering items with "Get it tomorrow," customers can get deliveries by 9 p.m. the next day. Orders over $35 may even qualify for free, same-day delivery depending on the location. Prime members shopping for groceries from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods can choose a free, two-hour delivery window if they spend at least $100. Frequent shoppers can also select a "delivery day" to consolidate package deliveries.
Walmart provides free two-day shipping on orders over $35 for all customers. Walmart+ members enjoy no minimum order requirement for next-day, two-day, and standard shipping, although this benefit does not apply to purchases from third-party sellers. Check for the "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com" label on product pages to ensure eligibility. (You can also filter results by retailer and select Walmart.)
Customers living near a Walmart store can get home deliveries for groceries and other items within a one-hour window, provided their order exceeds $35; otherwise, there's a $5.99 delivery fee.
If delivery options for groceries or same-day items are important, verify on each company's website whether they serve your area. For example, Walmart does not offer grocery delivery in New York City, whereas Amazon Fresh does. Conversely, Walmart+ supports grocery delivery in Houston, Texas, while Amazon Fresh does not.
Exclusive Deals
Amazon hosts its annual deals event, Prime Day, aimed specifically at boosting Prime subscriptions. Over the years, the quality of these deals has improved. You need to be a Prime member to take advantage—even a free trial member qualifies. In 2024, Amazon will hold two Prime Days, with the first set for July 16-17.
Walmart typically schedules a counter-event to Prime Day; for 2024, it's set for July 8-11. Walmart+ members also enjoy early access to special promotions and events for popular or limited-availability items. However, only paying members can take advantage of this perk—free trial members are excluded. To bypass the 30-day free trial and start a paid membership immediately, go to the Walmart+ sign-up page, scroll to Early access, and click Start paid membership. Enter your payment details, click Start Walmart+ membership, and enjoy the benefits right away.
Video-Streaming Services
Amazon offers a robust video-streaming service through Prime Video. Since its launch of original programming in 2013, Prime Video has expanded to include award winners and popular series. Amazon has invested significantly, including a $250 million acquisition for rights to several Lord of the Rings prequel series. They also secured a 10-year deal with the NFL to broadcast 15 Thursday Night Football games on Prime Video.
Prime Video is available as a standalone service for $8.99 per month, but it's also included with the Amazon Prime subscription, whether you pay monthly or yearly.
Walmart ventured into video services in 2010 with the purchase of Vudu, focusing on allowing customers to buy or rent movies through broadband-connected TVs and Blu-ray players. Despite initial efforts, Walmart sold Vudu to Fandango in 2020 amid the growing competition from new streaming services like Disney+ and Max. Now, Walmart+ members benefit from free access to the Paramount+ streaming service. The Paramount+ Essential Plan, which typically costs $5.99 per month, includes on-demand movies and TV shows, original programming, and live sports like NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League.
Other Walmart+ Perks to Know
Scan and Go
Walmart offers a feature similar to Amazon's former Just Walk Out technology called scan & go. By connecting a card to Walmart Pay in their mobile app, members can scan items in-store using Services > Scan & go. Finalize payment by scanning a QR code at a self-checkout register.
Fuel Discounts
Walmart+ members can enjoy savings of up to $0.10 per gallon at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy stations. Simply open the Walmart app, navigate to your Walmart+ membership page, and choose the member prices for fuel. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process. Members also receive free tire repair and road hazard warranties at Walmart Auto Care Centers.
Limited-Time Subscriptions
While Walmart does not have its own music-streaming service, it partners with third-party services for free trials. Present offers feature up to five free months of Apple Music, a three-month trial of YouTube Premium, and two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Other Amazon Prime Perks to Know
Grubhub+
Amazon collaborated with Grubhub in 2022 to offer Prime members a free year of Grubhub+, which provides $0 delivery fees on orders over $12 and more. It's now a permanent benefit for Prime members, who can activate it via amazon.com/grubhub.
Prime Gaming
Prime Gaming offers members in-game loot, free games, and other monthly perks.
Prime Reading
Prime Reading allows access to over 2,000 books each month. Members can also opt for Kindle Unlimited for $11.99 per month for an even wider selection of books, including magazines and newspapers.
Amazon Photos
With the cessation of free, unlimited storage by Google Photos in 2021, Amazon Photos serves as a viable alternative. Prime members get unlimited photo storage and up to 5GB of free video storage.
Prime Music
Amazon Prime includes a base version of Amazon Music, which offers shuffle-mode playlists. For $9.99 per month after a three-month trial, members can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited to enjoy on-demand music.
Prime Try Before You Buy
Prime Try Before You Buy enables Prime members to select items from specific brands, try them on at home, and return what they don’t want. Amazon charges members only seven days after receiving the package.
Bottom Line: Walmart+ or Amazon Prime?
There are several factors to consider when deciding between Amazon Prime and Walmart+. Walmart+ is more affordable at $98 per year, saving you $41 yearly compared to Amazon Prime.
For those not living near Walmart stores, Amazon's grocery delivery options via Fresh or Whole Foods may be more suitable. Amazon also provides various delivery options, depending on your location. Additionally, Amazon Prime Video is a valuable perk for streaming enthusiasts.