Ditching Amazon Prime? 4 shopping subscriptions that could save you more

While Amazon Prime boasts over 200 million members worldwide, according to Statista, many consumers are questioning whether the service's rising costs justify its benefits. At $139 per year or $14.99 monthly, Prime's subscription fee has some members reconsidering their loyalty — especially as competitors offer compelling alternatives.

Gone are the days when Amazon Prime was the only game in town for fast, free shipping and streaming entertainment. The market has evolved, and there are now several robust alternatives that might better suit your needs and budget.

Let's unpack whether Prime still deserves its crown in the age of rising subscription costs and growing competition, and if you decide it is king, how you can save money on Amazon moving forward.

Understanding Amazon Prime in 2024

Amazon Prime has evolved significantly since its launch, transforming from a simple shipping service into a complex ecosystem of benefits. However, recent changes have left many questioning its value proposition. Here's what Amazon Prime offers today and examine where it might fall short.

What you get with Amazon Prime

The cornerstone of Prime remains its shipping benefits. Members enjoy free two-day shipping on millions of items, with same-day and one-day delivery available in select areas. But shipping is just the beginning of what's become a vast bundle of services.

💡 Quick tip: Audit your Prime usage by checking your order history and streaming habits for the past 3 months to see if you're really maximizing these benefits.

Top alternatives to Amazon Prime

Here are some of the best options to hop to if you're thinking of ditching prime, in no particular order:

1. Walmart+: The closest Prime competitor

Walmart+ offers a compelling package at $98 annually, making it $41 cheaper than Prime when you commit to a year. If you prefer to pay monthly, it costs $12.95 per month for a total of $155.40 per year. Walmart+ has become a serious contender, especially for frequent grocery shoppers.

Do you shop Walmart online? Check out these Walmart promo codes to save on your next order.

2. Target Circle 360: Premium delivery membership

Target Circle 360 offers same-day delivery perks and exclusive benefits for $99 annually or $10.99 monthly, positioning itself as a strong alternative for frequent Target shoppers who value quick delivery.

Looking to save at Target? Check out these Target promo codes for your next purchase.

3. Best Buy Total: Tech support powerhouse

For tech enthusiasts and frequent electronics buyers, Best Buy's Total premium membership program offers comprehensive support and services. While pricier than Prime, it provides hands-on tech support that Amazon can't match.

Need better deals on electronics? Check out these Best Buy promo codes for that next big buy.

4. Streaming alternatives: Entertainment focus

If Prime Video is the main reason you’re a prime member, dedicated streaming services might offer better value. With the rise of quality streaming options, there's no shortage of alternatives for your entertainment needs, such as: Paramount+, Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV+, Max, Disney+, and more.

💡 Quick Decision Helper:

• 🛒 Best for groceries → Walmart+

• 🎯 Regular Target shopper → Target Circle 360

• 💻 Tech purchases → Best Buy Total

• 📺 Just streaming → Dedicated services

While Prime offers an impressive array of services, the best alternative depends on your specific shopping habits and entertainment needs. Consider starting with a one-month break from Prime to test your chosen alternative before making a final decision.

Save more using these services with promo codes

Or search your favorite store here to get discount codes for your next major retailer purchase now.

Cost-benefit analysis: Breaking down the numbers

Understanding the true value of these services requires looking beyond the sticker price. Let's analyze the costs and potential savings to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Annual membership costs compared

Urban vs. rural consumers

Your location significantly impacts which Prime alternative will work best for you. Here's what different shoppers should keep in mind:

• Urban users benefit from:

  • Same-day delivery options

  • Grocery delivery services

  • Multiple pickup locations

While city dwellers enjoy extensive service coverage and quick delivery options, the experience can be quite different for those outside metropolitan areas.

• Rural users should consider:

  • Service availability in their area

  • Delivery speed limitations

  • Local store presence

Example scenarios

Let's look at real-world examples of how different households can maximize their savings with Prime alternatives:

Suburban family of four

• Monthly grocery delivery: $180 saved

• Fuel savings: $15-20/month

• Streaming usage: 60+ hours/month Best option: Walmart+ ($98/year) saves approximately $2,400 annually

Urban professional

• Frequent online shopping

• Limited grocery delivery

• Heavy streaming usage Best option: Amazon Prime or Target Circle 360 + separate streaming service

Rural household

• Limited delivery options

• Regular store visits

• Significant fuel usage Best option: Walmart+ for fuel savings and in-store benefits

Hidden costs to consider

When evaluating services, watch for these hidden costs:

• Streaming upgrade fees (like Prime Video's new $2.99 ad-free fee)

• Minimum purchase requirements

• Delivery fees for items outside membership coverage

• Price increases

Maximizing value

Many members pay for services they rarely use or miss out on valuable perks simply because they don't track their usage. Here's how to ensure you're maximizing your investment:

Track your usage

• Monitor monthly orders

• Calculate actual shipping savings

• Track streaming hours

• Document fuel savings

Consider combinations

• Use a promo code site to add discounts to your orders

• Combine Walmart+ with entertainment subscriptions

Utilize special pricing

• Student discounts (Prime offers half-price membership)

• Government assistance programs

• Military discounts

• Family sharing options

Remember, the best value comes from choosing services that align with your actual usage patterns rather than potential benefits you're unlikely to use.

Making your decision: Is Amazon Prime worth it in 2024?

After analyzing the features, costs, and real user experiences of Amazon Prime and its alternatives, the answer to "Is Prime worth it?" comes down to your specific needs and shopping habits. Here's how to make your decision:

Amazon Prime might still be your best choice if:

• You order online frequently enough to offset shipping costs

• You actively use multiple Prime benefits (shopping, streaming, gaming)

• You value the convenience of an all-in-one service

• You're deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem (Kindle, Echo devices)

Consider alternatives if:

• You primarily use Prime for just one feature (like shipping or streaming)

• Your main expenses are groceries and household essentials (consider Walmart+)

• You're looking to reduce monthly subscription costs

• You shop regularly at specific retailers (Target Circle 360 might be better)

The bottom line

Remember that you're not limited to a single solution – combining services (like Walmart+ for groceries with a standalone streaming service) might provide better value than Prime's all-in-one approach.

Take advantage of free trials, calculate your actual usage, save more by using discounts on trusted promo code sites, and don't be afraid to experiment with alternatives. The best choice is the one that aligns with your shopping habits, budget, and priorities – not necessarily the service with the most features.

• How to find promo codes for Walmart that actually work

• How to use price matching to save you money

• How to find promo codes for anything