Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or Target Circle 360: Which Membership Really Gives You the Most Bang for Your Buck?
If you’re someone who shops online a lot—or even just wants to save time, money, and the hassle of running errands every week—you’ve probably wondered about shopping memberships like Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or Target Circle 360 at some point. With so many people ordering everything from groceries to clothes to electronics from their couch, these memberships promise convenience, savings, and special perks you won’t get if you’re checking out as a guest.
But the big question remains: Are they really worth it? And if so, which one should you actually choose?
The honest answer is that each of these programs comes with its own unique perks, fine print, and ideal scenarios where they make the most sense. Maybe you want fast, free shipping so you never have to pay extra at checkout. Or you’re tempted by exclusive discounts and member-only deals. Or you’d love to skip the grocery store lines and have everything delivered right to your doorstep. Or maybe streaming movies, shows, or music is part of what you’re looking for too.
When you stack up all these factors—where you live, what you shop for most often, how big your household is, and how often you’d actually use the benefits—the right choice becomes clearer.
So, to help you make the smartest decision for your wallet and your lifestyle, we’ve broken everything down in one easy place.
Below, you’ll find exactly what you get with Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Target Circle 360—including what each membership costs, what’s included, the hidden perks you might not know about, and how they stack up side by side.
Plus, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have when comparing these shopping memberships—and wrap up with a straightforward verdict that’ll help you pick the one that gives you the best value for your money.
Whether you’re a busy parent who needs groceries delivered every week, a student who wants entertainment bundled in, or someone who just hates paying for shipping—this breakdown will help you figure out which membership makes sense for you right now.
So grab a coffee, read on, and see which one deserves your hard-earned cash.
The Big Three Shopping Memberships: An Overview
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick look at what each program offers at a glance:
– Amazon Prime
Still the heavyweight champ of online shopping memberships, Amazon Prime has more than 200 million members worldwide. It combines fast shipping with streaming, deals, and extras.
– Walmart+
Walmart’s version of Prime launched in 2020 as a direct competitor. It focuses on groceries, same-day delivery, gas savings, and perks inside Walmart stores.
– Target Circle 360
Target’s newer membership option is all about free same-day delivery and shipping perks, with some unique benefits for loyal Target shoppers.
Amazon Prime: What You Get
Cost:
- $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
Shipping Perks:
- Unlimited free two-day shipping on millions of items.
- Free same-day or one-day delivery in some areas.
- Free release-date delivery for pre-ordered items.
Streaming & Entertainment:
- Prime Video: TV shows, movies, Amazon Originals.
- Amazon Music Prime: 100 million songs ad-free.
- Prime Reading: Borrow e-books, magazines, and comics.
- Prime Gaming: Free in-game content and monthly free games.
Shopping Perks:
- Prime Day: Exclusive access to major annual sales.
- Subscribe & Save discounts.
- Try Before You Buy (Prime Wardrobe).
- Whole Foods discounts (extra 10% off certain items).
Grocery & Delivery:
- Free grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods in select areas (minimum orders apply).
Walmart+: What You Get
Cost:
- $12.95 per month or $98 per year.
Shipping & Delivery:
- Unlimited free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items.
- Free same-day delivery for groceries and household essentials from your local Walmart store (minimums may apply).
In-Store Savings:
- Scan & Go: Use your phone to scan items as you shop in-store, then check out through the app—no waiting in line.
- Member prices on fuel at over 14,000 gas stations (up to 10 cents off per gallon).
Other Extras:
- Paramount+ Essential subscription included at no extra charge.
- Early access to Black Friday deals and exclusive promotions.
Target Circle 360: What You Get
Cost:
- $99 per year.
Shipping & Delivery:
- Unlimited free same-day delivery for orders over $35 with Shipt.
- Free two-day shipping on thousands of Target items.
- No order minimum for most shipping perks.
Shopping Perks:
- Exclusive discounts and offers for members.
- Earn rewards on purchases through Target Circle (the free loyalty program).
- Combine with Target’s everyday deals like price matching.
Extra Value:
- Convenient for people who live near a Target and want reliable, same-day home essentials and groceries.
- Works well for families who use Shipt regularly.
How Do the Costs Compare?
Here’s a quick side-by-side cost snapshot:
| Membership | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | $14.99 | $139 |
| Walmart+ | $12.95 | $98 |
| Target Circle 360 | N/A (annual only) | $99 |
At a glance, Walmart+ and Target Circle 360 are cheaper per year than Amazon Prime, but they don’t come with big streaming libraries or the same entertainment perks.
Who Should Pick Amazon Prime?
Best for:
- Shoppers who want fast shipping plus movies, TV shows, music, books, and gaming perks.
- Households who already stream a lot of Prime Video.
- People who shop for a wide variety of products, not just groceries.
- Anyone who loves Amazon’s Try Before You Buy option for clothing and shoes.
Good to Know:
Prime is great if you’d pay for streaming separately anyway. The free grocery delivery can be helpful if Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods delivers to your area, but it may not replace a local grocery trip for everyone.
Who Should Pick Walmart+?
Best for:
- Families who buy groceries and household essentials weekly.
- People who want free grocery delivery directly from their local Walmart store.
- Drivers who’ll save money at the pump with gas discounts.
- Shoppers who like the idea of skipping checkout lines with Scan & Go.
Good to Know:
Walmart+ doesn’t include huge entertainment perks like Prime, but the free Paramount+ subscription is a nice bonus for movie nights.
Who Should Pick Target Circle 360?
Best for:
- Loyal Target shoppers who visit Target often.
- Households who use Shipt for same-day grocery delivery.
- People who want to stack extra perks on top of the free Target Circle rewards program.
- Families who shop a lot for home goods, kids’ stuff, and seasonal items.
Good to Know:
Target Circle 360 is very delivery-focused—no streaming or gas savings. But if you love Target’s selection and same-day convenience, the savings can add up fast.
Key Differences to Remember
Entertainment:
- Amazon Prime easily wins for streaming content—Prime Video, Music, Gaming.
- Walmart+ offers only Paramount+ Essential.
- Target Circle 360 doesn’t include entertainment at all.
Grocery Delivery:
- Walmart+ and Target Circle 360 both offer same-day grocery delivery—Amazon does too, but only if you have Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods in your area.
In-Store Perks:
- Walmart+ has Scan & Go checkout in-store.
- Target Circle 360 ties into the broader free Target Circle loyalty program.
- Amazon Prime is mostly online-focused—no in-store perks.
Fuel Discounts:
- Walmart+ is the only one with gas savings, which can be a big deal for drivers.
Table of Contents
FAQs: Common Questions Shoppers Ask
Is Amazon Prime worth it if I already pay for Netflix?
Yes—if you’ll use Prime for free shipping, special deals, and other perks like grocery delivery or Prime Reading. If you won’t watch Prime Video at all, it may be less of a value.
Does Walmart+ have a student discount?
No. Amazon Prime offers a Prime Student plan at a discount, but Walmart+ does not.
Can I share my Walmart+ or Target Circle 360 membership?
Walmart+ is tied to your household account and can be shared with family members. Target Circle 360 is linked to your Target account but you can schedule Shipt deliveries for other people if you want.
Do any of these memberships work internationally?
Amazon Prime works internationally for streaming and some perks, but shipping benefits vary by country. Walmart+ and Target Circle 360 only work in the U.S.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes—Prime and Walmart+ both offer monthly plans if you don’t want to commit for a whole year. Target Circle 360 is annual only but you can choose not to renew next year.
Conclusion: Which Membership Wins?
So which membership should you actually pick? Here’s the bottom line:
Pick Amazon Prime if:
You want an all-in-one bundle with fast shipping, streaming, gaming, and extra perks that go beyond shopping.
Pick Walmart+ if:
You shop weekly for groceries, want same-day delivery, gas discounts, and like the idea of skipping lines in-store.
Pick Target Circle 360 if:
You’re loyal to Target, use Shipt, and want fast same-day delivery for household needs—without paying for entertainment you won’t use.
Final Takeaway
At the end of the day, each membership gives you good value—if you use the perks enough to cover the cost. The best way to decide? Look at your shopping habits:
How often do you shop online?
Do you buy a lot of groceries every week?
Do you drive a lot and want gas savings?
Do you already pay for streaming services that Prime could replace?
Your answers will tell you exactly which membership will actually save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.