There's a deal showdown about to take place.
In one corner is Amazon Prime Day. Amazon will run four days of sales, starting on July 8 and running through July 11. In the other corner is Walmart Deals. This event also starts on July 8 but, unlike Amazon, it will go through July 13, giving shoppers two extra days of deals.
While deals are usually comparable on similar items, there are other areas to watch when it comes to these sales events. As someone who writes about deals, I examined them for you and believe Walmart's better. Here's why Walmart Deals offer you a better value overall.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Amazon Prime Day requires a membership
The main reason I prefer Walmart Deals over Amazon Prime Day is that as its name suggests, Amazon Prime Day requires you to have an Amazon Prime membership.
A membership runs you $14.99 per month or $139.99 annually. That can be a great deal if you plan to shop there regularly or use some of the other perks like Prime Video or Amazon Music Prime.
That said, if you don't plan to use Amazon Prime much, it doesn't make sense to pay for a membership just to access a few days' worth of deals. Fortunately, there's an alternative that doesn't require a subscription: Walmart Deals.
One caveat: If you're new to Amazon, you can receive a 30-day free trial, and college students receive up to six months free.
Shop Walmart Deals without a membership
Unlike Amazon Prime Day, you won't need a membership to shop during Walmart Deals. The event opens to all shoppers at midnight ET on July 8. On its own, that will save you $15 compared to a monthly Amazon Prime membership.
That said, there is a perk to being a Walmart Plus member. Walmart will open sales to its Walmart Plus members one day earlier, on July 7. If you're new to the subscription, you can try it free for 30 days, making now a perfect time to try it out and get early access to Walmart Deals.
Below are a few standout deals:
- Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker - Pay $119. You save $60.00
- VIZIO 50" Class Quantum Pro 4K QLED HDR 120Hz Smart TV - Pay $398.00. You save $231.00
- Travelhouse 4 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set - Pay $94.99. You save $184.00
- Westintrends Outdoor Folding HDPE Adirondack Chair - Pay $84.99. You save $155.00
- Hanes Essentials Men’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt - Pay $3.54. You save $6.46
- Costway Inflatable Water Slide Mighty Bounce House Castle Splash Pool without Blower - Pay $174.99. You save $214.01
- DuraComfort 8000BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Room up to 230 Sq.Ft - Pay $179.99. You save $130.00
- Meta Quest 3S 128GB. Get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ Included. All-In-One Headset - Pay $249.00. You save $50.00
- Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) - Pay $399.00. You save $80.99
Alternatively, you can bypass the free trial and score a great deal on an annual membership. Through July 7, new members save up to 50% on an annual Walmart Plus subscription. The deal brings the total cost down from $98 to $49 per year, which is far less expensive than the $139 Amazon charges annually.
Because of that promotion, if you decide to sign up for one of these memberships, Walmart Plus currently offers much better value and earlier shopping access for deals than Amazon Prime.
You'll also receive the following perks:
- Free shipping and returns on many items
- Free same-day grocery and pharmacy delivery (where applicable)
- Free online petcare through Pawp
- Save up to $0.10 per gallon of gas
- A 25% digital discount on Burger King orders every day
- A free Paramount Plus with Essentials Plan
The bottom line on Walmart Deals vs Amazon Prime Day
As you can see, Walmart offers easier access to their deals event, with no hoops to jump through. And if you want a membership, Walmart offers you many of the same perks as Amazon, at a much better price and with earlier shopping access for deals.
Related content
-
How to Invest as the AI Industry Grows UpHere’s where to find the winners as artificial intelligence transitions from an emerging technology to an adolescent one.
-
I’m 62 and worried about Social Security’s future. Should I take it early?A Social Security shortfall may be coming soon. We ask financial experts for guidance.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Tech Industry Director, 78, Delaware County, OhioEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
The Country Club Arms Race Adds Perks (And Fees) Beyond Golf. Is It Worth the Expense?As golf has grown in popularity, country clubs are upgrading with amenities for the whole family. Find out what's new and what's worth the cost of memberships.
-
Are You Jeopardizing Your Future to Help Your Adult Kids? An Expert Guide for How to Not Do ThatIf your adult child needs financial help, of course you want to provide it, but crafting a plan that also protects your financial and emotional well-being is vital.
-
The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's ClubSkip Amazon and shop these anti-Prime Day deals at Walmart, Target or Sam's Club to save on all of your household essentials.
-
Amtrak Joins Prime Day With Deals on Fares — But You’ll Have to Act FastPrime members can score 20% off midweek fares — what travelers should know before booking.
-
Florida Revives Popular Home-Hardening Program With $280M in New FundingA major infusion of state funds revives Florida's flagship home-hardening grant program to protect homeowners and potentially lower insurance costs.
-
TSA Expands Precheck Benefits for Military, Gold Star Families and VeteransEnhanced "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" initiative lowers barriers to expedited screening for service members and their loved ones.
-
The Hated TSA Shoe Removal Rule Was Finally Phased OutAfter nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
