We have compiled a list of alternative options that can replace almost every perk offered by Amazon Prime. The price of an annual Amazon Prime subscription has reached a new high at $139 per year, while monthly subscriptions have increased to $15 instead of $13. Considering the rising costs of various products and concerns about Amazon’s ethical practices, it might be worth reconsidering your subscription to Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime offers various benefits and subscribing to similar services may result in higher costs compared to Amazon. However, you might not be utilizing all the services provided by Prime. Here, we have compiled a list of some alternative options to Amazon Prime, including competitors that offer fast shipping as well as other solutions for storing photos.
As of July 2023, we have updated the links and prices for your convenience.
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In the present times, almost all significant retail stores that have physical stores offer a method to avail free and speedy shipping. This can be achieved either by spending a specific amount or becoming a member of a rewards program. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the choice to purchase online and collect the items in-store has become more prevalent than ever. It is worth noting that Amazon provides free two-day shipping on orders over $35 for individuals who are not Prime members.
Target provides free shipping for orders that are $35 or more. If you have a Target RedCard, you can also enjoy free two-day shipping on your orders. Additionally, Target offers the option of curbside or in-store pickup, which is sometimes available on the same day. The Target RedCard comes in two forms: a credit card and a debit card that is linked to a bank account. Both versions of the RedCard provide users with a 5 percent discount and free two-day shipping. Apart from these benefits, there are other advantages such as exclusive deals and extended return periods. Target Circle, previously known as Cartwheel, is a rewards program that is free to join. Members of Target Circle receive 1 percent back in store credit, a 5 percent off coupon on their birthdays, and various other deals and offers. While some of the discounts may be more appealing than others, it is worth becoming a member since the program is free.
One of the main advantages of having a Prime membership is that during Amazon Prime Day, which usually takes place over two days in the summer, you have the opportunity to access exclusive and significantly discounted deals. However, other major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Best Buy also hold their own significant sales during the same period, and often offer similar prices on their products.
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Second place: When you spend at least $35 at Walmart, you can receive free two-day shipping. Certain items also qualify for free next-day delivery. Walmart also provides the option for free in-store pickup. They have a paid rewards program called W+ where members can enjoy free two-day or next-day shipping without needing to meet a minimum purchase amount. The program costs $98 per year or $13 per month. Additionally, there is a complimentary 30-day trial available.
If you choose to purchase your groceries from Whole Foods Market through Amazon, it provides a convenient method to regularly replenish your essential items without the need to physically go to the supermarket. By having a Prime subscription, you can enjoy complimentary delivery of your groceries (along with additional discounts) as long as you meet a specific order requirement. However, there are alternative choices available to you as well.
Instacart Express is a
Instacart Express is a service that provides the convenience of same-day delivery for groceries and items from convenience stores. It can be availed at a cost of $99 per year or $10 per month. Members of Instacart Express receive the benefit of free delivery on orders totaling over $35 and enjoy reduced service fees. In addition, Instacart accepts EBT as a form of payment for groceries. Furthermore, it allows users to shop at places like Costco without requiring a membership, although prices may be higher compared to in-store prices. The availability of retailers may vary depending on your location, so it is advised to check the website to see what options are available in your area.
Instacart offers a complimentary trial of Instacart Express that lasts for two weeks. Additionally, they often provide promotional offers for eligible credit card users. It is not mandatory to subscribe to Instacart to use their services. However, if you opt for same-day delivery of orders worth $35 or more, delivery fees will begin at $4. It is important to note that various fees may be applicable, especially when ordering heavy items.
Amazon Prime Video offers the TV show “The Ex
There is a wide range of choices when it comes to streaming TV shows and movies, making it overwhelming for some. We have compiled a list of the top streaming services that you can consider. If you are looking for completely free streaming options, take a look at our list of the best free streaming services. However, if you are a fan of The Expanse and don’t want to miss out, you can subscribe to Amazon Prime Video as a standalone service for $9 per month
Spotify and Apple Music are two
Amazon offers a free music streaming service, but it is not very good unless you are willing to pay an extra $9 per month for Amazon Music Unlimited (or $11 per month without Prime). Although it does have high-quality audio, its interface and music discovery tools are lacking. There are much better options available. One popular choice is Spotify Premium, although it currently has its own issues. Another good option is Apple Music, which offers lossless audio, curated playlists, and a large library for $11 per month. It is also compatible with Android phones. For more information, you can refer to our Best Music Streaming Apps guide.
Amazon Prime members have several advantages when it comes to books. They have the option to select and read up to 10 titles from a vast collection of over 2,500 books, magazines, and comics using the Kindle app. Additionally, they have the opportunity to download two books for $2 each per month through First Reads, even before they are available to the general public. Although these perks are tempting, the most cost-effective and efficient way to indulge in reading is likely through your local library. Alternatively, Amazon also offers a viable alternative.
Although it may seem strange to continue paying for an Amazon service after canceling your Prime membership, there are some reasons to consider Kindle Unlimited. Unlike Prime Reading, Kindle Unlimited offers a much larger selection of over a million free books and audiobooks for a monthly fee of $12. Additionally, you don’t need to own a specific ebook reader to access the service as there are free apps available for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC.
Scribd is
The second-place contender is Scribd, which can be described as a combination of Audible and Kindle Unlimited, but with a more diverse range of content. For a monthly fee of $12, subscribers gain unlimited access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and podcasts. Additionally, there are other platforms like MUBI and CuriosityStream included. Simon Hill, a contributor for WIRED, had a positive experience with Scribd Premium after switching from Amazon. Those interested can also take advantage of a 30-day trial period.
The Prime Prescription Savings Card can be used at both Amazon Pharmacy and other pharmacies. It helps to reduce the costs or co-pays for certain prescription medications, and these medications can be conveniently delivered to your home. Fortunately, you can easily find these types of savings programs, and they typically do not require any membership fees.
The prescription savings program offered by Amazon is managed by a separate company that provides its own savings card. It is free to sign up for this program and the savings card can be used at over 60,000 pharmacies across the country. While Inside Rx does not provide delivery services, your local pharmacy may offer this option.
GoodRx is a
Another popular choice for prescription savings cards and coupons is GoodRx. Signing up is free and the card can be used at pharmacies nationwide. GoodRx also offers a premium subscription called GoodRx Gold, which provides home delivery for eligible medications. Although it is accepted at fewer pharmacies, there are still convenient options available. The cost for an individual plan is $10 per month, while a family plan is priced at $20.
Regrettably, there are specific conditions that must be met in order to save money on Amazon Prime. Students who possess a valid .edu email address can become a member of Prime Student, with a monthly fee of $7 or an annual fee of $69. Individuals who receive government assistance are also eligible for a discounted Amazon Prime membership, priced at $7 per month. Although the prices for these memberships were affected by the recent changes in Prime membership fees, they still offer a more advantageous deal for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Amazon Household is an alternative that allows two adults to share Prime benefits, along with a limited number of teenagers and/or children. This could be a suitable option for individuals living together or in a committed relationship, providing a safer way to share benefits without the need to share passwords or sensitive payment details.
