Amazon created the annual savings event Prime Day in July 2015. Years later, Amazon launched October Prime Day (also known as Prime Big Deal Days), and now Walmart announces a sale to challenge Prime Day-adjacent events with Walmart Holiday Deals. With two retail giants hosting what's advertised as some of the biggest sales events of the year, shoppers want to know if one event is better than the other. We dug into it, and the answer is: It depends on what you're shopping for and what you want out of either shopping membership.

Sales and deals editors at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been covering Prime Day since its conception along with competitor deals at Walmart. To get to the bottom of the Amazon Prime Day vs. Walmart Holiday Deals debate, we dug into the ins and outs of both sales below.

When is Prime Big Deal Days?

This year's Prime Big Deal Days is Amazon's third time running the October sales event, starting Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 3 a.m. ET, and running through Wednesday, October 9 at 3 a.m. ET.

Is shopping Prime Big Deal Days worth it?

Absolutely, according to our GH commerce editors. It's one of the few times each year you can save big (hence the name) on otherwise pricier items like tech gadgets, cleaning and kitchen appliances, beauty products and more. You'll find savings in every category as well as on cult-favorite brands like Dyson, Samsonite and Laneige. Discounts will be just as competitive as its competitor's site — we're talking anywhere from 15% to over 50% off on average, but bigger discounts may turn up day of.

Editor Favorite Prime Big Deal Days Sales

We found the best deals on Amazon right now. Our favorite sales are listed below for your convenience so you can snag them ASAP.

When is Walmart Holiday Deals?

Walmart's Holiday Deals event begins on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at noon E.T. and lasts until October 13. Walmart+ members get a special a 12-hour head start and can start shopping sales at midnight E.T.

Is shopping Walmart Holiday Deals worth it?

We're seeing discounts at up to 70% off shoppers' favorite tech gadgets, beauty staples, appliances and more. Similar to Prime Big Deal Days, now is the time to splurge on those big-ticket items like new luggage, Dyson vacuum cleaners, cookware sets and kitchen accessories you may not otherwise click "Add to Cart" on.

Editor Favorite Walmart Holiday Deals

These are our favorite Walmart Holiday Deals so far. We recommend you act fast before inventory goes down and prices go back up.

Amazon Prime vs. Walmart+ Membership

Note that you will have to sign up to be an Amazon Prime member to shop Prime Day, and a Walmart+ member to get early access to deals. Here are the rundowns on either membership:

Amazon Prime

To become an Amazon Prime member it costs $14.99 monthly (or $139 annually). If you are a student, you can sign up for a student membership and get a free six-month trial. After that, it will cost $7.49 monthly (or $69 annually). Amazon also offers a discounted membership ($6.99 monthly) for EBT, Medicaid, SNAP and select government assistance recipients.

With a Prime membership, you will gain access to sales events like Prime Day as well as exclusive and early deals, in addition to free one-, two- and same-day delivery. Members can enjoy speedy grocery delivery, an included Grubhub+ membership at zero cost, free streaming of Prime Video and so much more. You can read up on all of the Amazon Prime Benefits at your leisure, but the main hack if you are hesitant is to sign up for a free 30-day trial this month to enjoy Prime Big Deal Days.

Walmart+

A Walmart Plus membership is only $98 annually (or $12.95 monthly). That's $40 less than an Amazon Prime membership, plus the retailer also offers a free 30-day trial. The more budget-friendly pricing doesn't mean you'll be missing out on great perks, either. Enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping, free same-day grocery delivery, an included Paramount+ Essential plan at zero cost, and savings on Burger King digital orders, gas, and, of course, early access to annual sales events. In-person shoppers can reap the savings at over 13,000 locations.

Bottom Line: Is Amazon Prime Day or Walmart Holiday Deals better?

Honestly, from what we've seen over the years, the deals at both retailers go hand in hand. Since both Amazon and Walmart sell practically the same product categories and even the same brands in home, cleaning, tech, etc., both retailers have surprised us with similar standout discounts. The main difference lies in the upfront cost of membership and additional perks. Of course, if you're already a Prime member, it's more worth it to shop Amazon Prime Day, and it's not worth signing up for an extra membership when Walmart+'s early access starts just a few hours before the Prime Day sale. And if you're already a Walmart+ member, it's best to shop the Walmart sale.

If you're not a member of either program, both memberships offer a free trial. Amazon does provide Prime members with more perks, but Walmart+ is the more affordable option of the two.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.