Walmart+ vs Instacart: Which Saves You More in 2025?
Both Walmart+ and Instacart promise to save you time and money on groceries — but the real savings depend heavily on how you shop. One service charges no item markups but limits you to one store. The other gives you access to hundreds of stores but quietly raises prices on every item. Let's break it all down so you can decide which one actually makes sense for your wallet.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Walmart+ | Instacart+ |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $12.95/mo (or $98/yr) | $9.99/mo (or $99/yr) |
| Free delivery threshold | $35 minimum order | $35 minimum order |
| Item price markup | None — same as in-store | ~15–20% above in-store prices |
| Store selection | Walmart only | 1,400+ stores (Costco, Aldi, Kroger, etc.) |
| Service fees | None with membership | 5% service fee on orders |
| Extra perks | Paramount+, fuel discounts, Rx savings | Peacock subscription included |
| Best for | Loyal Walmart shoppers | People who shop at multiple stores |
Walmart+: The No-Markup Option
Walmart+ is the better deal if you're already a regular Walmart shopper. The biggest advantage is that you pay the same price as in-store — there's no item markup at all. For a family spending $600/month on groceries, that can be a significant difference compared to services that inflate prices.
The $12.95/month subscription also comes with some surprisingly useful perks: a free Paramount+ subscription, discounts on fuel at Walmart and Murphy gas stations, and access to Walmart's Rx savings program. If you use even one of those perks regularly, the membership essentially pays for itself.
The main limitation is obvious — you're locked into Walmart. If your nearest Walmart doesn't carry a specialty ingredient or you prefer organic options, you'll hit a wall quickly.
Try Walmart+ Free for 30 Days →Instacart+: Flexibility at a Hidden Cost
Instacart's biggest selling point is store variety — you can order from Costco, Aldi, Kroger, Whole Foods, and dozens of local stores all in one app. That flexibility is genuinely useful, especially if you like cherry-picking deals across stores.
The catch is the item price markup of roughly 15–20% above what you'd pay in-store. On a $150 grocery order, that's an extra $22–30 before you even factor in the service fee. The $9.99/month subscription removes delivery fees on orders over $35, but it doesn't touch the item markups. This is the hidden cost that most people don't realize until they compare their receipt to in-store prices.
Try Instacart+ Free for 2 Weeks →The Verdict
Choose Walmart+ if you shop at Walmart regularly and want to pay in-store prices. The no-markup policy is a big deal and the extra perks make the subscription genuinely worth it.
Choose Instacart+ if you need access to multiple stores, shop at places Walmart doesn't carry, or value the convenience of comparing across retailers. Just go in knowing you're paying a premium on item prices.
Can't decide? Both offer free trials — try Walmart+ for a month and compare your grocery bill to what you'd normally spend. The numbers will tell you everything.