By: Bryan Tropeano
Amazon Prime vs Walmart+ are two of the most prominent retail subscription services in the United States. Both promise convenience, savings, and perks that extend beyond shopping. The question many consumers are asking is simple: which membership really gives you more value?
Comparing Costs: Amazon Prime vs Walmart+
Price is often the first thing people consider. Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, while Walmart+ is slightly cheaper at $12.95 per month or $98 per year. That’s a $40 annual difference. For students and qualifying households, both offer discounts, but Walmart+ holds the edge for those trying to keep subscription costs lower.
Delivery and Shopping Convenience
Delivery speed and convenience are major factors when choosing a membership. Amazon sets the standard for shipping speed with two-day, one-day, and same-day delivery on millions of products. Recently, Amazon expanded same-day grocery delivery for perishable items in over 1,000 cities, making it easier to get milk, strawberries, or frozen meals quickly. Walmart leverages its massive physical store network, offering same-day grocery delivery and pickup in many locations, often with no extra charge on orders over $35.
My Experience Using Both Services
When I started using both memberships, I noticed how differently they fit into my routine. One week, my car battery died, and Amazon Prime delivered a replacement the next morning, saving me a stressful trip to the store. A few days later, I used Walmart+ to order groceries for a family barbecue and picked everything up curbside on my way home. Those back-to-back experiences showed me how each service shines depending on the situation.
Grocery Delivery Showdown: Amazon Prime vs Walmart+
Groceries are a key battleground for these memberships. Walmart still leads U.S. online grocery sales with roughly 32 percent of the market, compared to Amazon’s 22.6 percent. Amazon is closing the gap by eliminating its old Fresh membership fees and lowering the free delivery minimum for perishable items to $25. This move directly challenges Walmart’s dominance, particularly for city shoppers who rely on doorstep delivery more than store visits.
Membership Features: Amazon Prime vs Walmart+
| Feature | Amazon Prime | Walmart+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $14.99/month or $139/year | $12.95/month or $98/year |
| Free Shipping | Fast shipping on millions of items | Free shipping with $35 minimum |
| Same-Day Delivery | Available in select cities, including groceries | Available in many areas, groceries and more |
| Grocery Options | Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods delivery | Full Walmart grocery selection |
| Streaming Services | Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Gaming, more | Paramount+ Essential |
| Fuel Discounts | Limited, BP and ampm in select regions | Discounts at Walmart, Murphy, Exxon, Mobil |
| Pharmacy Benefits | RxPass $5/month for generics | Discounts on prescriptions, pet telehealth |
| In-Store Perks | None | Scan & Go checkout for faster trips |
Digital and Entertainment Perks
Amazon clearly delivers more in digital perks. Prime members get Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and Prime Gaming bundled together. Popular shows, music playlists, and exclusive deals create a well-rounded package. Walmart+ offers Paramount+ Essential, which is good for streaming TV and movies, but it doesn’t match Amazon’s variety. For those looking for a cheaper alternative, the Roku Howdy streaming service can also be an option. Walmart+ sometimes adds smaller bonuses like food discounts or music trials, but these perks rotate.
Everyday Savings with Amazon Prime vs Walmart+
Both services also include gas and healthcare savings. Walmart+ offers fuel discounts at Walmart, Murphy, Exxon, and Mobil stations, plus access to Sam’s Club fuel pricing. It also includes pet telehealth, pharmacy discounts, and Scan & Go checkout for faster shopping trips. Amazon Prime offers smaller fuel discounts at BP and ampm in select regions. Its pharmacy program includes RxPass for unlimited generics at $5 per month and discounts on One Medical memberships.
Who Uses These Memberships
A growing number of people subscribe to both memberships. About one in four U.S. households uses both, with Millennials leading this trend. Dual members often use Amazon for broad product shopping and Walmart for groceries and fuel, highlighting how the memberships complement each other rather than always compete head-to-head.
Final Verdict: Amazon Prime vs Walmart+
The right membership depends on your lifestyle. If you want fast shipping on nearly anything and a robust suite of digital entertainment, Amazon Prime is hard to beat. If your focus is on groceries, fuel savings, and in-store convenience, Walmart+ may be the smarter choice. Many savvy shoppers choose both, using each service’s strengths depending on the situation.
Both memberships have carved out strong niches. For some, Amazon is the go-to for online essentials and streaming. For others, Walmart is the everyday partner for household management. Either way, consumers are winning with two powerful options.
About the Author: Bryan Tropeano is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
