Amazon vs Walmart: Where to Find Better Deals in 2025
A data-driven comparison of Amazon and Walmart pricing, shipping, and deals. Learn which retailer offers better value for different product categories.
Amazon and Walmart are the two retail giants battling for your wallet. Both claim to have the lowest prices. Both offer fast shipping. Both run major sale events. So where should you actually shop?
The honest answer: it depends. Each retailer has categories where they consistently beat the other. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can shop smarter.
The Quick Verdict
Choose Amazon for:
- Electronics and tech accessories
- Books (physical and digital)
- Niche products and specialty items
- Subscribe & Save consumables
- Fast, reliable shipping to most locations
Choose Walmart for:
- Groceries (especially with pickup/delivery)
- Household basics and cleaning supplies
- Large furniture and appliances (with store pickup)
- In-store immediate needs
- Rollback deals on everyday items
Price Comparison by Category
Groceries
Winner: Walmart
Walmart's grocery pricing is hard to beat, especially for:
- Store brands (Great Value vs. Amazon's 365)
- Fresh produce and meat
- Dairy products
- Pantry staples
Price Differences
- Walmart averages 10-15% cheaper on groceries
- Walmart+ delivery fees compare favorably to Amazon Fresh
- Great Value products undercut most Amazon alternatives
When Amazon Wins
- Specialty and organic items
- Subscribe & Save on non-perishables (up to 15% off)
- Bulk pantry items that won't expire quickly
Electronics
Winner: Amazon
Amazon generally offers better electronics deals:
- Wider selection of brands and models
- More frequent sales and lightning deals
- Better prices on accessories (cables, chargers, cases)
- Competitive TV pricing during sales events
Price Differences
- Amazon averages 5-10% cheaper on electronics
- Amazon-owned brands (Fire TV, Echo) never match at Walmart
- Refurbished options through Amazon Renewed
When Walmart Wins
- In-store pickup for immediate needs
- Some exclusive TV deals during holidays
- Bundle deals with protection plans
Household Essentials
Winner: Walmart (in-store), Amazon (delivery)
This category is closer than you'd think:
| Product Type | Better Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies | Walmart | Great Value brand dominates |
| Paper products | Tie | Depends on brand preference |
| Laundry products | Walmart | Store brands cheaper |
| Personal care | Amazon | Subscribe & Save adds value |
| Pet supplies | Amazon | Better selection, S&S discounts |
Clothing and Fashion
Winner: Tie (different strengths)
Walmart Strengths
- Budget basics and workwear
- Kids' clothing (George, Wonder Nation)
- Affordable athletic wear
- Immediate availability in-store
Amazon Strengths
- Brand variety (Nike, Levi's, etc.)
- Try Before You Buy program
- Better returns on fashion items
- Deeper discounts during sales
Home and Furniture
Winner: Walmart (large items), Amazon (small items)
Large Furniture and Appliances
- Walmart offers free store pickup on large items
- Walmart's in-home delivery service available
- Assembly services often included
Small Home Items
- Amazon has better selection
- More reviews to guide purchases
- Faster shipping on most items
Toys and Games
Winner: Tie (seasonal variations)
Year-Round
- Prices are comparable
- Amazon has better selection
- Walmart has in-store availability
Holiday Season
- Both run aggressive toy deals
- Walmart's toy catalog drives deals
- Amazon Prime Day often beats Walmart+
Subscription Services Compared
Amazon Prime vs Walmart+
| Feature | Amazon Prime ($139/year) | Walmart+ ($98/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Free shipping | 2-day on most items | Same-day/next-day on orders $35+ |
| Grocery delivery | Amazon Fresh (some areas) | Unlimited from store |
| Streaming | Prime Video included | Paramount+ included |
| Gas discount | None | 10¢/gallon at stations |
| Exclusive deals | Prime Day, Prime deals | Walmart+ early access |
| Pharmacy discount | Limited | Some savings |
Value Analysis
Amazon Prime is better if you:
- Order frequently (10+ orders/month)
- Value Prime Video streaming
- Use Prime Reading, Music, or Photos
- Buy lots of Subscribe & Save items
Walmart+ is better if you:
- Use grocery delivery frequently
- Drive often (gas savings add up)
- Shop primarily for household goods
- Prefer Paramount+ over Prime Video
Subscribe & Save vs Walmart Subscription
Amazon Subscribe & Save
- 5% off with one subscription
- Up to 15% off with 5+ subscriptions
- Flexible delivery schedules
- Easy to skip or cancel
Walmart Subscription
- Less developed than Amazon's
- Fewer products eligible
- Similar discount structure
- Works best for household basics
Winner: Amazon (more products, better discounts, more flexibility)
Shipping and Delivery
Speed
Amazon
- Same-day delivery in many metros
- Two-day Prime shipping standard
- One-day available on many items
- Reliable tracking and notifications
Walmart
- Same-day pickup at stores
- Next-day delivery on many items
- In-home delivery option
- Less consistent shipping times
Free Shipping Thresholds
| Retailer | Free Shipping Minimum | With Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $35 (or Prime) | Free on all Prime items |
| Walmart | $35 | Free on Walmart+ orders |
Returns
Amazon
- Easy returns via Whole Foods, Kohl's, UPS
- No-box, no-label returns often available
- 30-day window standard
- Extended holiday returns
Walmart
- In-store returns for any purchase
- 90-day return window (longer than Amazon)
- Easier for large items
- Some products have shorter windows
Winner: Tie (Amazon for convenience, Walmart for flexibility)
Sale Events Compared
Major Sales
| Event | Amazon | Walmart |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Day (July) | Best sale of year | Competing sale, good deals |
| Black Friday | Major discounts | Equally aggressive |
| Cyber Monday | Strong online focus | Growing presence |
| Fall Sale (October) | Prime Big Deal Days | Walmart+ Week |
Year-Round Deals
Amazon
- Lightning Deals throughout day
- Subscribe & Save ongoing
- Warehouse Deals on returns
- Coupons on product pages
Walmart
- Rollback prices on many items
- Clearance sections online and in-store
- Flash Picks daily deals
- Price matching in some cases
Category Deep Dive: Where Each Wins
Amazon Consistently Wins
- Books - Kindle pricing, used book marketplace, fastest delivery
- Tech Accessories - Widest selection, Amazon Basics value
- Smart Home - Echo ecosystem, Ring, Blink
- Streaming Devices - Fire TV pricing unbeatable
- Niche Products - Third-party sellers fill gaps Walmart doesn't
Walmart Consistently Wins
- Groceries - Lower prices, better fresh selection
- Cleaning Supplies - Great Value brand dominates
- Pharmacy - Better insurance coverage, Walmart+ perks
- Large Appliances - Free pickup, installation options
- Immediate Needs - In-store availability beats any shipping
True Toss-Ups
- Clothing - Depends on brand preference
- Toys - Compare before major purchases
- Home Decor - Selection vs. price trade-offs
- Personal Care - Brand loyalty matters more than retailer
- Pet Food - Subscribe & Save vs. in-store convenience
Smart Shopping Strategy
Use Both Retailers Strategically
Step 1: Check Both Before Major Purchases Use price comparison tools or manually check both sites. Prices can vary by 10-20% on identical items.
Step 2: Consider Total Cost
- Shipping fees
- Subscription benefits you'll actually use
- Return convenience
- Time value (in-store vs. delivery)
Step 3: Leverage Each Retailer's Strengths
- Amazon for Subscribe & Save consumables
- Walmart for weekly grocery runs
- Amazon for tech and electronics
- Walmart for immediate in-store needs
Price Tracking Tips
Tools That Work
- CamelCamelCamel for Amazon history
- Honey for price comparisons
- Google Shopping for cross-retailer comparison
- Retailer apps for exclusive deals
FAQ
Is Amazon or Walmart cheaper overall?
Neither is universally cheaper. Walmart wins on groceries and household basics. Amazon wins on electronics and specialty items. For the best deals, compare prices on major purchases.
Should I have both Prime and Walmart+?
Only if you use both heavily. Most households benefit more from one subscription. Choose Prime for frequent online ordering, Walmart+ for grocery delivery and gas savings.
Does Walmart price match Amazon?
Walmart does not price match Amazon. However, Walmart does match prices from select competitors like Target and Best Buy for identical items.
Which has better return policies?
Walmart offers a 90-day return window versus Amazon's typical 30 days. However, Amazon's no-box returns and convenient drop-off locations make the process easier for most items.
Where should I buy groceries online?
Walmart typically offers better grocery prices and more pickup locations. Amazon Fresh works well in select metros but has limited availability. Walmart+ makes grocery delivery more economical.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder
The Amazon vs. Walmart debate has no single winner. Smart shoppers use both retailers strategically—Amazon for electronics, specialty items, and subscriptions; Walmart for groceries, household goods, and in-store convenience.
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