Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime: Which Is Better?

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LARRY W SMITH/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com

Watch out Amazon Prime, there’s a new delivery subscription service coming. Walmart launched its Amazon Prime competitor — Walmart+ — on Sept. 15, which offers super-fast delivery on its groceries and other products, as well as a number of other perks. As with Amazon Prime, there is also an annual fee for Walmart+ — but is it worth it? And which service provides the better deal overall? GOBankingRates is breaking down exactly what each service entails so you can decide for yourself if it’s time to make the switch to Walmart+ or if Amazon is still worth it.

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Last updated: March 8, 2021

MONTREAL, CANADA - MARCH 25, 2016 - Walmart internet page under magnifying glass.
MONTREAL, CANADA - MARCH 25, 2016 - Walmart internet page under magnifying glass.

Walmart+ Annual Cost

Walmart+ costs $98 a year.

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Amazon Prime membership box
Amazon Prime membership box

Amazon Prime Annual Cost

Amazon Prime costs $115 for an annual subscription.

If you opt for an annual subscription over a monthly subscription, Amazon Prime will cost $17 more than Walmart+.

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Walmart+ Monthly Cost

Monthly membership for Walmart+ costs $12.95.

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Amazon Prime Monthly Cost

Amazon Prime costs $12.99 a month if you choose the monthly subscription option.

With just pennies between these two costs, there’s no real money-saving benefit to choosing one subscription service over the other if you plan to pay monthly.

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Miami, FL, USA - March 26, 2020:Man wearing medical mask on Walmart store parking space.
Miami, FL, USA - March 26, 2020:Man wearing medical mask on Walmart store parking space.

Walmart+ Free Trial

When you sign up for Walmart+, you’ll get 15 days for free as a trial period.

girl browsing Amazon Prime Day on laptop
girl browsing Amazon Prime Day on laptop

Amazon Prime Free Trial

New members can try Amazon Prime free for 30 days — that’s twice as long as Walmart+ will offer.

Walmart associate delivering free grocery pickup to customer
Walmart associate delivering free grocery pickup to customer

Walmart+ Same-Day Delivery

Walmart boasts that its physical stores make many items available for same-day delivery: “Walmart+ has the reach of more than 4,700 stores, including 2,700 stores that offer delivery as fast as same day,” the company said in a press release.

Amazon Prime delivery truck
Amazon Prime delivery truck

Amazon Prime Same-Day Delivery

Amazon Prime members can get same-day delivery on qualifying orders over $35. Items marked eligible for delivery “Today” qualify for the same-day service.

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man using Walmart grocery delivery
man using Walmart grocery delivery

How Many Products Are Available for Same-Day Delivery With Walmart+

Walmart doesn’t specify the number of items available for same-day delivery with Walmart+, but according to the press release, free delivery “as fast as same-day” is available on more than 160,000 items.

WASHINGTON DC, USA - MARCH 15, 2018: A large Amazon Prime delivery consisting of several packages delivered to the front door of a home.
WASHINGTON DC, USA - MARCH 15, 2018: A large Amazon Prime delivery consisting of several packages delivered to the front door of a home.

How Many Products Are Available for Same-Day Delivery With Amazon Prime

Amazon also doesn’t guarantee same-day delivery on a specified number of items, but says that delivery “as fast as today” is available for up to 3 million items in some areas.

This seems to be one area where Amazon has the upper hand, so it might be the better option for those needing instant gratification.

Citrus Heights, California, USA - December 12, 2016:  Pumping gas at the  Sam's club gas station located at 7147 Greenback Ln in Citrus Heights, California.
Citrus Heights, California, USA - December 12, 2016: Pumping gas at the Sam's club gas station located at 7147 Greenback Ln in Citrus Heights, California.

Walmart+ Fuel Discount

In addition to speedy shipping, one of the perks that comes with a Walmart+ membership is a fuel discount. Members can save up to 5 cents a gallon at nearly 2,000 Walmart, Murphy USA and Murphy Express fuel stations. The discount will also apply at Sam’s Club fuel stations in the near future.

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Pumping gasoline fuel in car at gas station,travel,transportation and holiday concept.
Pumping gasoline fuel in car at gas station,travel,transportation and holiday concept.

Amazon Prime Fuel Discount

Amazon Prime provides lots of member perks, but a fuel discount isn’t one of them. If you’re someone who spends a lot on gas, a Walmart+ membership might be your better choice.

Walmart Grocery delivery
Walmart Grocery delivery

Walmart+ Grocery Delivery

Walmart+’s unlimited free delivery includes grocery delivery. Members pay the same prices they would if they purchased the items in-store.

Amazon Fresh grocery delivery
Amazon Fresh grocery delivery

Amazon Prime Grocery Delivery

Free grocery delivery is available to Prime members in select regions via Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market. Orders must meet the local free delivery threshold, which varies by region. In addition, Prime members can shop for household essentials including snacks and beverages via Prime Pantry. Free shipping is available for Prime Pantry orders over $35.

Canton, GA, USA - October 4, 2015 Netflix, hulu, and hbo subscription streaming video service accessed through a Apple tv and displayed on a hd tv.
Canton, GA, USA - October 4, 2015 Netflix, hulu, and hbo subscription streaming video service accessed through a Apple tv and displayed on a hd tv.

Walmart+ Streaming Services

As of now, Walmart+ membership does not include any streaming services. Walmart’s press release states that new benefits will roll out over time, so it’s possible this could be something the membership includes in the future.

close up of amazon prime video screen
close up of amazon prime video screen

Amazon Prime Streaming Services

The Amazon Prime membership gives you access to the Prime Video streaming service, which includes Amazon Originals, movies and TV shows. However, not all titles available on the streaming service are included with Prime membership — there are additional fees to access certain movies and shows.

Woman working from home at the yard on her computer and typing on the mobile phone.
Woman working from home at the yard on her computer and typing on the mobile phone.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between Walmart+ and Amazon Prime will depend on your particular needs and budget. If you are paying an annual membership fee, Walmart+ will cost you less. If same-day delivery is important to you, you will have more options available with Amazon Prime. If you want to save on gas, go with Walmart+. But if you’d rather have the perk of an included streaming service, Amazon Prime is your better option.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime: Which Is Better?

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