Comprehensive Guide to Walmart Two-Day Shipping vs Amazon Prime

Walmart and Amazon are two of the largest online retailers, and both offer fast shipping options for customers: Walmart Two-Day Shipping and Amazon Prime. But which is better? In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare the key features and benefits of each service to help you decide which fast shipping programme is right for you.

Walmart Two-Day Shipping

Launched in 2019 as a direct competitor to Amazon Prime, Walmart Two-Day Shipping allows customers to shop thousands of eligible items online and receive them within two business days with no membership fee required [Walmart Shipping FAQ]. Some key things to know about Walmart Two-Day Shipping:

• Free for orders over $35: There is no monthly or annual membership fee like Amazon Prime. You just need to meet the $35 minimum purchase per order.
• Two-day delivery on most items: Walmart aims to deliver eligible items within two business days after shipping. Certain heavy or bulky items may take longer.
• No streaming or other perks: Unlike Amazon Prime, Walmart Two-Day Shipping just covers the shipping and doesn’t provide extras like video streaming, music, or ebooks.
• Limited delivery windows Orders generally arrive between 8 AM and 8 PM, compared to more flexible delivery with Amazon Prime.

So in summary, Walmart Two-Day Shipping offers free two-day delivery on many items without a membership fee, but it lacks the additional perks that come with Amazon Prime.

Amazon Prime

Launched in 2005, Amazon Prime has over 200 million members worldwide, enjoying fast, free shipping and a wide range of shopping and entertainment benefits [Amazon Prime Benefits]. Here are the key things to know:

• $12.99/month or $119/year membership fee: You pay an ongoing membership subscription rather than a minimum per order, like Walmart.
• Free two-day shipping on millions of items: Amazon promises two-day delivery on eligible items marked “Prime” and shipped from Amazon logistics.
• Eligible one-day, same-day, and 2-hour delivery: Prime members can get even faster shipping on many popular items for an extra fee, while Walmart is limited to two days.
• Access to Prime Video, Music, Photos, and more: The membership unlocks a full package of streaming media and other digital services.
• Same-day grocery delivery: Prime members can shop for groceries through Amazon Fresh and have them delivered same-day in some cities.

So while there’s an ongoing membership cost, Amazon Prime opens up an expansive ecosystem of shopping and entertainment perks beyond just fast shipping.

Which option is best?

Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific shopping and entertainment needs.

• Mostly buy eligible items over $35? Then Walmart Two-Day Shipping provides free two-day delivery without any membership fees to worry about.
• Shop frequently and want other perks? Amazon Prime delivers faster shipping along with streaming movies, songs, ebooks and more for one low fee. It may be worthwhile if you’ll use all the benefits.
• Need faster than two-day delivery? Amazon offers one-day, same-day and 2-hour delivery options Prime members for an additional fee per order. Walmart is limited to two days.
• Live in major city? Amazon Prime membership opens up convenient options like Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods delivery not available through Walmart.

So in summary, Walmart Two-Day Shipping is best if you mainly buy occasional bulky items over $35, while Prime provides better overall value if you want a more fully-fledged shopping and entertainment membership across multiple categories.

Key Takeaways

To summarise the main differences:

• Walmart Two-Day Shipping is free for orders over $35, while Amazon Prime has a $12.99/month or $119/year fee
• Walmart focuses only on two-day delivery, while Prime unlocks faster 1-day/same-day shipping and a range of media perks
• Prime is worthwhile if you’ll make frequent purchases and use the other benefits beyond just shipping
• Walmart is better for occasional large purchases that hit the $35 minimum

Overall, both provide fast, convenient shipping; you just need to evaluate which member perks are more valuable for your shopping needs and lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: Can I get one-day shipping with Walmart Two-Day?

No, Walmart Two-Day Shipping is limited to a two-business-day delivery window on eligible items. For faster shipping, you’d need to pay additional fees per order rather than a membership.

Q: What kinds of items are eligible for two-day shipping?

A: Both Walmart and Amazon promise two-day delivery on millions of everyday items that are fulfillable from their own warehouses, excluding certain heavy or oversized products that may take longer.

Q: Is there a free trial for Amazon Prime?

Yes, new Amazon customers can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime to test out all the benefits before committing to the paid membership.

Q: Can I share my Amazon Prime membership?

A: Up to two adult family members sharing the same address can get Prime benefits through a Single or Couple’s Plan account.

Q: Are there additional shipping fees for non-Prime items on Amazon?

A: Yes, Amazon charges shipping fees on items that are not marked “Prime” and eligible for two-day delivery through a Prime membership. Rates vary by item weight and size.

Q: Can I get grocery delivery from Walmart?

While Walmart doesn’t currently offer same-day grocery delivery nationally through a membership programme like Amazon Fresh, many stores offer pickup or delivery of online grocery orders for a flat fee per order. Availability depends on your local store.

I hope this expanded, in-depth comparison of Walmart Two-Day Shipping vs. Amazon Prime was informative! Let me know if any part needs more explanation or if you have additional questions.