We get it, Amazon Prime is convenient. Like, scary convenient. Click, boom, package on your doorstep before you’ve had your morning coffee. But let’s be honest—between the ever-creeping price hikes and Jeff Bezos having bridges disassembled and rebuilt so his yacht can pass through, maybe it’s time to see what life looks like outside the Prime bubble.
We’ve got you. Here are six solid alternatives to Amazon Prime.
1. Walmart+ – Prime’s (cheaper) country cousin
If you just want the fast shipping and don’t care about having yet another streaming platform to keep track of, Walmart+ is shockingly decent. $98 a year (or $12.95/month) gets you:
- Free same-day or next-day shipping
- Fuel discounts (because, inflation)
- Free Paramount+ (which has some surprisingly binge-worthy stuff)
- Mobile scan-and-go in stores (for people who hate checkout lines as much as humanity hates spoilers)
Verdict: Great if you shop Walmart anyway. Not as flashy, but practical AF.
2. Target Circle 360 – for the aesthetic shopper
Target finally stepped into the ring with Target Circle 360 (formerly known as “Shipt Everyday,” but, like, rebranded because marketing). It’s $99 a year and includes:
- Same-day delivery from Target and other local faves
- Early access to deals
- A vibe that screams “I own a bar cart and scented candles”
Pro tip: Stack it with Target Circle rewards and you can pretty much game the system.
3. Instacart+ – groceries at lightning speed
Instacart is for those “oh %*@& we have no coffee/eggs/will-to-live” moments. Instacart+ will cost ya $99/year or $9.99/month, and it covers:
- Free delivery on orders $35+
- Reduced service fees
- Household account sharing (yes, your roommate can mooch)
Bonus: You can get stuff from CVS, Costco, and other stores that don’t even have their own apps for delivery!
4. Best Buy memberships – nerd heaven
If your Amazon cart is mostly gadgets and gear, Best Buy’s My Best Buy membership might be your perfect match. They’ve got tiered plans, but the mid-range one ($49.99/year) gives you:
- Free 2-day shipping
- Exclusive member pricing
- Extended returns
- Occasional early access to deals (hello, Black Friday chaos)
For tech heads, this one hits right.
5. Libby + your local library = free streaming + e-books
Not exactly a Prime clone, but if you love Amazon for the books, shows, or the low-key thrill of finding something random to read/watch, your local library’s digital setup is criminally underrated.
- Libby app: eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and even comics for $0
- Kanopy or Hoopla: Free movies and shows—some artsy, some nostalgic, all free
Zero dollars. All vibes.
6. Your couch + a little patience – the ultimate free hack
This one’s more of a mindset than a membership: Just… wait. A day or two. Sometimes even regular ol’ retailers (Target, REI, Home Depot) offer free shipping over $35 and get it to you within 3 days. Revolutionary, I know.
Plus, you’ll buy less random crap at midnight. Which might be what we all really need most.
So… should you ditch Prime?
If you’re still using all the perks—streaming, shipping, music, Whole Foods deals—it might be worth it. But if you’re mostly there for fast delivery and keep forgetting Prime Video exists until Jack Ryan drops a new season? It might be time to unsubscribe and mix things up.
Brigit is not affiliated or partnered with any brands and/or companies mentioned in the blog.
