Quick summary: Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+ offer three different models. Which one actually saves you money? I am sharing what I found after a 4-month comparison test. Short answer: Walmart+ usually wins.
Why You Should Use Grocery Delivery
Grocery shopping in America takes longer than you expect because of traffic and parking. Someone spending 1.5 hours a week loses 6 hours a month. When you compare the delivery fee against the time you get back, the math can actually work out in your favor.
Instacart: Widest Selection, Highest Price
Instacart is America's most popular grocery delivery service. It can deliver from Whole Foods, Costco, Sprouts, Aldi, and many other stores within hours.
- Pros: Most store options, fast delivery (1-2 hours), access to specialty store products
- Cons: Prices are 5-15% above store prices, delivery fee $3.99-7.99 on top, tip is expected
- Instacart+: Annual $99 or monthly $9.99. Unlimited free delivery (on orders over $35)
| Service | Membership Fee | Delivery | Price Difference | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instacart+ | $99/year | 1-2 hours | +5-15% product price | Speed priority |
| Amazon Fresh | Included with Prime | 2 hours - next day | Nearly the same | Prime members |
| Walmart+ | $98/year | 2 hours - next day | Same price | Budget focused |
Amazon Fresh: Use It If You Have Prime
If you are an Amazon Prime member, Amazon Fresh offers free delivery on orders over $35. Product prices are the same as real Amazon prices. You are not paying more than you would at the store.
The downside of Amazon Fresh: stock can sometimes be empty and the organic/specialty selection is not as wide as Whole Foods. If Amazon Fresh is not available in your area, Whole Foods delivery comes with Prime.
Walmart+: Best Price-to-Performance
Walmart+ is $98 per year (or $12.95 monthly). This membership includes both grocery delivery and a gas discount (10 cents per gallon). Walmart prices are already among the lowest, and there is no extra price markup on delivery.
With Walmart+, orders over $35 get free 2-hour or next-day delivery. Error rates are low at big Walmart stores. Walmart's order fulfillment rate is the highest in the industry.
My personal choice: I use both Amazon Prime and Walmart+. Walmart+ for groceries, cleaning supplies, and everyday products. Amazon for organic, specialty, and Whole Foods items. I only use Instacart for Costco orders (Costco delivery is cheapest through Instacart).
Costco Delivery: Instacart Is the Cheapest Way
Costco has its own delivery system through Costco.com, but prices and product selection are more limited. Accessing Costco through Instacart gives a wider product range. If you have a Costco membership you can order from Costco through Instacart. Product prices are the same as in-store, you only pay the Instacart delivery fee.
Fresh Produce Quality: There Is a Real Difference
The biggest issue with grocery delivery is fresh produce selection. With delivery, you are not picking, someone else is. So which service picks the best?
- Instacart: Depends on your shopper's rating. A 4.9-rated shopper picks very well
- Amazon Fresh: Satisfactory but fruits/vegetables occasionally arrived damaged
- Walmart+: Better than expected. Returns on fresh items are super easy
Disclosure: Prices and membership information in this article are current as of 2026. Services may change their pricing. Check current prices before making a purchase decision.
