To become a Walmart+ or an Amazon Prime member? That is the question.
Ahead of the holidays, Walmart is coming in hot with deals — including 50% off your first year of a Walmart+ membership. The deal ends on Monday, December 2 at midnight EST, and our deals experts recommend you subscribe for $49 for your first year (typically $98 per year) before it's too late.
"I use Walmart+ and I do think it's worth it," says Editorial Commerce & Product Reviews Director Jessica Teich. "I get home staples delivered at a much cheaper rate than what I can buy them for in the city. Plus, my parents use it for local delivery, which is easier for them than physically shopping," she adds.
A Walmart+ membership includes early access to deals, a Paramount+ subscription, gas discounts and more. While our shopping experts think a Walmart+ membership is helpful year-round, it is especially a must-have accessing early and exclusive sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
BECOME A WALMART+ MEMBER TODAY
How much does a Walmart+ membership cost?
Typically, a Walmart+ annual subscription costs $98 per year. For a limited time, though, you can sign up for 50% off and pay $49 for your first year. (After that, the fee will go back up to $98 per year). This offer only applies to new, expired, monthly or trial members. Note: If you subscribe to Walmart+ Assist, Paramount+ or SHOWTIME, you are ineligible for this offer. The promo officially ends on December 2 at 11:59 PM EST.
What does Walmart+ offer?
If the affordable price tag hasn't already convinced you to try a Walmart+ membership, the benefits may convince you. Here's a quick summary of the main ones, excluding limited-time offers:
- Early access to annual sales events including Black Friday (members get a few hours of a head start)
- Free, same-day shipping with no order minimum and free grocery delivery with a $35 order minimum
- Streaming access to 40,000+ movies, TV shows, sports games and more thanks to an included Paramount+ subscription
- Fuel discounts — save $0.10 per gallon at over 13,000 stations nationwide and access exclusive member prices at Sam's Club fuel centers
- Free tire repair and road hazard warranty at Walmart Auto Care centers nationwide
- Earnings of up to 5% Walmart Cash to use towards travel
- Easy returns — Walmart employees come to your front door to collect them so you don't have to print a label, repackage the product or leave your home
- Burger King discounts, like 25% off your order at participating locations — every 3 months, you'll also get a free whopper with any purchase
- Access 24/7 pet care with Pawp
How does Walmart Plus compare to Amazon Prime?
Both membership plans see a plethora of benefits, including overlap in certain areas like early access to sales, free shipping and included streaming services. However, the minimum for free shipping varies. Walmart+ members get free, same-day shipping on orders over $35 — otherwise, there is a $5.99 fee for orders under the minimum. Alternatively, Prime members receive free two-day, one-day and same-day delivery with no minimum spend.
The biggest difference between a Walmart+ and Amazon Prime membership is the cost. Overall, Amazon Prime costs more at $139 per year or $14.99 per month. Even with a special discount going on now that lets you pay $7.49/month for the first 3 months, Walmart+ is still cheaper. Amazon does offer discounted plans for students ($7.49 per month) as well as Prime Access ($6.99 a month) for anyone eligible for EBT, Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Similarly, Walmart+ Assist has discounted options at $49 per year for qualifying government aid recipients too.
Bottom line: Is Walmart Plus worth it?
We say yes. Not only does Walmart+ make everyday shopping less stressful, but you will reap the rewards of free entertainment with Paramount+, gas discounts, free delivery from local stores and early access to the hottest sales events of the year — all for less money than Amazon Prime.
Of course, there are certain Prime benefits you won't see with a Walmart+ membership (like included access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading and even photo storage), so the ultimate choice comes down to what matters most to you. But since so many of our favorite appliance, beauty, home and tech brands are available on both Walmart and Amazon, the more affordable membership cost may just be worth it.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with Lab directors and analysts to ensure our shopping guides reflect the most recent testing and pricing information. In addition to updating evergreen product round-ups, she reports on tentpole sales events like Walmart Holiday Deals, Amazon Prime Day and Sephora Summer Deal Week. Elizabeth scours Walmart for the best deals so our readers can spend less on top-tested products we love.
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.
