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The 5 Best Cat Dewormers Of 2024
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As an assistant in veterinary hospitals for eight years, one of my jobs was conducting fecal tests to look for the presence of worms. If your cat has worms, the best cat dewormers can get rid of them fast and keep them from coming back. Deworming medications kill the parasites your cat already has, while parasite preventives stop future infections from taking root.
With so many deworming treatments available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your cat. For this guide, I selected products based on their safety, efficacy, number of parasites targeted, and ease of use. I also asked veterinarians about treating and preventing intestinal parasites in cats. My top pick for the best cat dewormer is Drontal, which kills more worms than any other medication.
Intestinal parasites, commonly referred to as worms, hide inside your cat where they silently cause harm. Common intestinal parasites in cats include roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Some, like roundworms and hookworms, can also infect humans. Different drugs kill different worms, so you'll need to visit your vet for a fecal test before giving your cat a dewormer. Further, the dewormers I recommend require a prescription from your vet. Once your vet has determined what kind of worms your cat has, you can use one of the following treatments to get rid of them.
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Our top picks for the best cat dewormersBest broad-spectrum: Drontal Dewormer - See at Chewy
Best oral tapeworm dewormer: Droncit Tablets - See at Chewy
Best topical tapeworm dewormer: Centragard Topical Solution for Cats - See at Petsmart
Best oral parasite preventive: Interceptor Flavor Tabs - See at Chewy
Best topical parasite preventive: Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats - See at Chewy
Best broad-spectrum Drontal Broad Spectrum DewormerBayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer effectively eliminates several types of intestinal parasites including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
What we likeA broad-spectrum dewormer can kill multiple types of parasites simultaneously. I recommend Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer because it is safe, effective, and eliminates all parasites within seven days. No other cat dewormer kills as many different types of worms as Drontal. This dewormer features two powerful active ingredients, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which together cover tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
To give your cat this medicine, place the tablet far back in their mouth until they swallow it or crumble and mix it into a small amount of wet food. Drontal has a very low risk for side effects and is safe for kittens and cats more than 8 weeks old and ranging from 2 to 16 pounds.
Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Don't skip this step because cats may have other parasites that even broad-spectrum dewormers can't eliminate.
When using a broad-spectrum dewormer like Drontal, your cat may require one or more follow-up treatments to make sure all the worms are eliminated. If your cat has fleas, you should also use one of the best flea treatments for cats to prevent future tapeworm infections.
Best oral tapeworm dewormer Droncit Tablets for CatsOne Droncit tablet quickly and safely kills tapeworms in cats and can be given mixed with food.
What we likeDroncit Tablets tackle tapeworm infestations quickly and safely in cats and kittens 6 weeks of age and older. They are conveniently sold per pill, unlike the other tapeworm dewormer I considered, Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer Tablets, which are sold in a three-pack and at a slightly higher cost per pill.
Each tablet contains 23 milligrams of the active ingredient praziquantel, which works to paralyze and eliminate tapeworms within 24 hours. This ingredient is effective against the most common species of tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis), eliminating them in a single dose. You can feed the tablet to your cat whole or crumbled and mixed with food.
Because cats can become reinfected by ingesting another flea, effectively eliminating tapeworms requires treating your cat for fleas as well.
Best topical tapeworm dewormer Centragard Topical Solution for CatsOne dose of Centragard Topical Solution quickly and safely kills tapeworms in cats, treats hookworms and roundworms, and prevents heartworms when given monthly.
What we likeCentragard is one of the best cat dewormers because it quickly and safely treats tapeworms and two other intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms) in cats and kittens 7 weeks of age and older. It is a great option for cats that won't take pills. Simply squeeze the liquid in one spot on the back of your cat's neck and allow it to dry. You can use Centragard one time to treat an infestation of tapeworms, hookworms, or roundworms, or give it monthly to keep your cat free from intestinal parasites and also prevent deadly heartworms.
Centragard contains the active ingredients eprinomectin and praziquantel, which work to kill worms and prevent future infections. These ingredients are effective against the two most common species of tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis), two species of hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense), one species of roundworm (Toxocara cati), and heartworms.
Because cats can become reinfected by ingesting another flea, effectively eliminating tapeworms requires treating your cat for fleas as well.
Best oral parasite preventive Interceptor Flavor TabsGiven monthly, Interceptor Flavor Tabs prevent heartworms and treat and control roundworms, adult hookworms, and adult whipworms.
What we likeInterceptor is a great choice for pet owners who wish to give an oral preventive rather than a topical product because of the many parasites it protects against. In addition to preventing deadly heartworm disease, Interceptor Flavor Tabs treat and control roundworms, adult hookworms, and adult whipworms with the active ingredient milbemycin oxime. Each pill protects for 30 days, and it's safe for kittens as young as 6 weeks of age.
Interceptor is one of only two chewable parasite preventives available for cats, Heartgard being the other option. Unlike Interceptor, Heartgard only treats and controls one other parasite (hookworms) in addition to heartworms.
You can give your cat an Interceptor Flavor Tab as a treat or hide it in a small amount of wet food. You'll need a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase Interceptor. As with all heartworm medications, your cat needs a heartworm test prior to starting this preventive and once a year thereafter.
Best topical parasite preventive Revolution Plus Topical Solution for CatsSafe for use in kittens as young as 8 weeks, Revolution Plus Topical Solution treats, controls, and prevents more parasites than any other topical product, including roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, fleas, ticks, and mites.
What we likeMy pick for best topical parasite preventive is Revolution Plus Topical Solution because it protects cats against six different parasites — more than any other topical preventive. Revolution Plus beat out the other topical preventive I considered, Bravecto Plus Topical Solution, because it is safe for kittens 8 weeks and older. Bravecto cannot be used for kittens younger than 6 months old. Revolution Plus also kills ear mites, while Bravecto does not.
Revolution Plus treats and controls two intestinal worms: roundworms and hookworms. It also prevents heartworms, treats and prevents flea infestations (killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs), and treats and controls ear mites and three different tick species (black-legged or deer tick, Gulf Coast tick, and American dog tick). It does not kill tapeworms.
Given every 30 days, this monthly spot-on treatment is simple to apply in one spot to your cat's skin between the shoulder blades. The medication, a small amount of liquid, is absorbed through the skin and dries quickly, leaving nothing behind. Unlike some other topical products like Advantage Multi and Bravecto, you do not need to wear gloves to apply Revolution Plus and you can touch your cat after application, even if the product has not completely dried. If you get the medication on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water.
Before choosing a broad-spectrum parasite preventive for your cat, have a conversation with your veterinarian who can advise you on what might be best depending on your cat's lifestyle and what parasites are most common in your area.
You must obtain a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase Revolution Plus. As with all heartworm medications, your cat needs a heartworm test prior to starting this medication and once every year after. Revolution Plus should be used with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders such as seizures.
What to look for in cat dewormersIt's important to take your cat to the vet before giving them one of the best cat dewormers. If you suspect your cat has worms, always take them to the veterinarian for a physical exam and fecal test, which is an examination of the stool that reveals what type of worms your cat has.
"Generally speaking, if they have one parasite, they'll have multiple parasites," says Dr. Herman Jeffer, a veterinarian at Cornwallis Road Veterinary Hospital. "If they have roundworms, it's not uncommon to see tapeworms or other worms as well, or 'non-worms' like coccidia."
Certain single-celled microscopic parasites (protozoa), including coccidia and Giardia, cause symptoms similar to those caused by intestinal parasites, but they are not true worms. They require different prescription medications to treat them — dewormers won't help.
Even though some dewormers do not require a prescription, do not skip the vet visit since different drugs treat different worms. Your vet can also determine if your cat may have other health issues that need to be addressed.
"It's important to see your veterinarian so they can identify what parasites are present and then prescribe the appropriate deworming medication," says Dr. Colleen Sawyer, a veterinarian with Rolesville Veterinary Hospital. "Your vet can also explain any risks for human disease, which is also parasite dependent."
Depending on the type of worms found, your cat might also need follow-up deworming and a follow-up fecal exam to make sure no parasites remain. Your veterinarian can also identify any other health issues that might be going on aside from intestinal parasites.
How we selected the best cat dewormersMy knowledge about intestinal parasites and their treatment and prevention is informed by my experience as a veterinary assistant and my 20-year career writing and editing for pet and veterinary publications.
For this guide to the best cat dewormers, I consulted two veterinarians for advice regarding the treatment and prevention of intestinal parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms, as well as heartworms and ectoparasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Although this information guided our product selection, our experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide. I also used the quick product reference guide published by the independent, nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council. It lists all FDA- and EPA-approved parasite control products for small animals, including each product's active ingredients and uses.
Here are the main attributes I looked for:
Safety and efficacy: I only considered FDA- or EPA-approved dewormers and preventives for this guide. I then consulted the Merck Veterinary Manual to ensure all ingredients in these products are known to be safe and effective for use in cats and kittens.
Number of parasites treated: In general, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher it was rated.
Ease of use: Products were rated lower if they were more complicated to use than a similar product. For instance, products ranked lower if the pet owner must wear gloves to apply the product or if children and pets need to be kept away from the treated animal for a specified amount of time.
Cat dewormer FAQs What is the best cat dewormer?In general, Sawyer prioritizes products that provide both flea and heartworm prevention. "Heartworm disease, although rare, is not treatable in cats and has a high fatality rate," she says. "Coverage for ticks, immature life stages of fleas, and intestinal parasites are also important, and fortunately now there are products available that protect against all the above."
Are natural dewormers better for cats?Jeffer says he has serious doubts about whether natural deworming products are effective. He points out that conventional, veterinarian-recommended dewormers are not only very effective but extremely safe to use. "They've all been used over decades, and there are very few to no side effects associated with them," he says.
Can indoor cats get worms?Outdoor cats are most at risk of picking up intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. However, even indoor cats need parasite prevention. Fleas can be brought into the house by other pets or even on your clothing, and cats that live inside can still be exposed to other parasites. Jeffer says heartworms are the main risk for indoor cats. "Even one heartworm can potentially be fatal to a cat," he says. "Even if a couple of mosquitoes get into the house that happen to be carriers for heartworm disease, there's a chance that an indoor-only cat can get heartworms and can actually die from it."
Should you give cats parasite prevention medicine year-round?Veterinarians recommend broad-spectrum parasite prevention for all cats. Some owners think their cats only need preventives in the spring and summer, but veterinarians recommend keeping cats on a broad-spectrum parasite preventive all 12 months of the year. Different parasites are active during different months, and parasite activity can vary depending on where you live. Additionally, parasites can become active earlier than expected, including in the winter. "It's a little bit of a gamble, especially with climate change and the unpredictability of the weather in most areas of the country," Jeffer says.
Indoor-outdoor cats are at high risk for contracting intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, and all cats, including those that live indoors, need prevention from deadly heartworms. Sawyer says parasites can find their way into your home in many different ways. This includes other animals like the family dog or small rodents. Humans can also bring fleas inside on their clothing or shoes, and mosquitoes that transmit heartworm disease can easily enter through open doors or windows.
Types of worms and their signs and symptomsCornell University veterinarians estimate that as many as 45% of cats have intestinal parasites at any given time. In adult cats, parasite infestations may cause mild to moderate digestive symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. However, heavy infestations, especially in kittens, can lead to more severe digestive symptoms, weight loss, anemia, malnutrition, and restricted growth.
"We'll see cats coming in, for example, if they've been in a feral situation. They are anemic, bloated, they have chronic diarrhea and vomiting, their coats are brittle and unkempt, and they can be very depressed," Jeffer said. "Kittens can actually die from parasite infestations."
Some of the most common worms seen in cats are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.
Roundworms: Common in cats, especially in kittens, roundworms are large (3 to 6 inches), smooth, and round-bodied. You might not notice symptoms, particularly if your cat has only a few roundworms. In kittens, large numbers of worms may cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite, dull coat, and restricted growth. You might also see roundworms in your cat's stool or vomit.
Tapeworms: If you see something in your cat's feces that resembles grains of white rice, or you notice them licking or biting the area under their tail, they could have a tapeworm infestation. Cats contract tapeworms when they ingest an infected adult flea. As the tapeworm grows, segments break off and pass in your cat's stool.
"Probably the most common kind of worm that pet owners are going to notice is a tapeworm," Jeffers says. "The cat might have other ailments that need to be addressed, so there are a lot of reasons to bring your cat to the vet to sort out which worm it is and to make sure there aren't secondary issues that are resulting from that infection."
Hookworms: Tiny worms nearly invisible without the assistance of a microscope, hookworms are blood-sucking parasites that attach to the wall of the intestines. Signs of hookworm infection in cats include anemia, weight loss, and dull coat. Hookworm-infested cats also sometimes have dark, tarry-looking stools.
Disney Plus: How To Sign Up, Features, And More
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If you're shopping around the best streaming services, Disney Plus is the choice for diehard Disney fans and our top pick for families in need of programming for every age.
From classic Disney programs to new series developed exclusively for members, Disney Plus has a growing library of titles to stream. Subscribers can watch the studio's iconic animated films, new Pixar movies, and hours of content from "Star Wars" and Marvel franchises. Recent theatrical releases also hit the service after running in theaters, like "The Marvels" and "Wish."
Subscriptions start at $8 a month for ad-supported streaming or $14 a month for ad-free playback. You can even opt for a Disney Bundle to save up to 40% on Disney Plus combined with Hulu, ESPN Plus, or Max, starting at $15 a month.
If you're still deciding if Disney Plus is right for your streaming needs, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about Disney Plus' features, content, pricing, plans, supported devices, and more.
Disney Plus Ad-Supported (Monthly Plan)Disney Plus is the top streaming choice for families and fans of blockbuster franchises like Marvel and "Star Wars." This plan features ads and does not support downloads. This is the cheapest tier, although the Hulu bundles are only a few extra dollars a month.
What is Disney Plus?Disney Plus is an on-demand streaming service created by The Walt Disney Company. Subscribers can watch thousands of Disney movies and shows from all of the studio's brands, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios.
The service lets members stream content on smart TVs, phones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles. Disney Plus also offers multiple user profiles, 4K video support, and other convenient features.
How much does Disney Plus cost?The Disney Plus price varies depending on which plan you choose. The service costs $8 a month for ad-supported streaming or $14 a month for ad-free streaming. An annual ad-free plan is also available for $140, which means you can get a 16% discount by paying for a year upfront.
There's also an option to buy a Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN Plus or Max for a starting price of $15 a month. Subscribing to the bundle can save you more than 40%. You can read more about how to get the different Disney Bundles in our Disney Plus bundle guide.
The Disney bundle is also automatically included with a subscription to any of Hulu's live TV plans. Hulu + Live TV offers access to over 90 channels for a starting price of $77 a month.
Does Disney Plus have an ad-supported plan?Disney Plus launched an ad-supported Basic plan on December 8, 2022. The plan costs $8 a month, which is $6 less than the ad-free plan. It's one of the most affordable streaming service options available.
Though the ad-supported plan includes access to the entire Disney Plus library of movies and shows, it lacks features like Dolby Atmos audio support and unlimited downloads.
How do I sign up for Disney Plus?You can sign up for Disney Plus directly through the Disney Plus website. To start streaming, you only need to create an account by entering an email address and payment method.
Are there Disney Plus gift cards?Disney Plus gift cards are available in amounts ranging from $25 to $200 in the US. They can be applied toward new or existing monthly Disney Plus and Disney Bundle plans. You can purchase Disney Plus gift cards from the Disney Plus website and retailers like shopDisney, Best Buy, and Target.
Disney previously allowed shoppers to gift an annual Disney Plus subscription for an entire year of service. This option is no longer available in the US, and current gift cards can only be used toward monthly plans.
What devices does Disney Plus support? You can access the Disney Plus app on many devices, including tablets. Disney PlusYou can watch Disney Plus through many connected devices, including our picks for the best streaming devices and TVs. Here's a full list of devices that support Disney Plus:
As of April 2023, the Disney Plus Basic plan with ads is now available on Roku devices. The ad-supported plan was previously unavailable on Roku products. If you're a Disney Plus subscriber and cannot access your account on a Roku device, try updating the device's Disney Plus app.
What features and formats are supported on Disney Plus?Disney Plus includes several features that make using the service more convenient. However, some features are exclusive to the ad-free plan. Here's what you get with each Disney Plus plan.
Disney Plus features included with ad-supported and ad-free plans: Disney Plus features exclusive to ad-free plans:Most Disney shows or movies already released are available to watch on Disney Plus. From classics like "Aladdin" to recent big-screen releases like "The Marvels" and "Wish," the service features a huge library of titles across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studio brands.
Disney Plus also has lots of original programming, including series like "Loki," "Ahsoka," "The Mandalorian," "Ms. Marvel" and "Secret Invasion," as well as movies like "Hocus Pocus 2." High-profile titles that have arrived this year include "X-Men '97," a new Marvel show that picks up where the classic '90s animated series left off, and "Acolyte," a new Star Wars series taking place before the rise of the Empire.
The service also lets you watch exclusive music content, including concert films and recording sessions from Miley Cyrus, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, along with a film version of the Broadway show "Hamilton" and Beyonce's visual album "Black is King."
You can find more information about Disney Plus shows and movies below: Does Disney Plus still offer Premier Access? "Jungle Cruise" was the last movie released via Disney Plus Premier Access. Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesIn 2020 and 2021, Disney Plus allowed subscribers to pay an extra fee to stream select movies on the same day they debuted in theaters. This premium option was called Premier Access. Each Disney Plus Premier Access title cost $30 to unlock.
The first movie released via Disney Plus Premier Access was "Mulan," which hit the service in September 2020. "Raya and the Last Dragon," "Cruella," Marvel's "Black Widow," and "Jungle Cruise" all followed in 2021. After a three-month Premier Access window, these movies were added to the regular Disney Plus catalog for all subscribers to stream without any extra fees.
Disney Plus did not release any movies through Premier Access in 2022, and the studio has not announced plans to release any additional Premier Access movies. For now, this release model appears to have been suspended in favor of exclusive theatrical releases.
Who should sign up for Disney Plus?Disney Plus is an ideal service for Disney fans, whether they're Marvel geeks, "Star Wars" devotees, or animation aficionados. It's especially suitable for families with children who want to watch recent Disney movies and older Disney titles from the studio's vault.
The lineup of original programming has also grown a lot since its launch. Popular shows like "X-Men '97" and "Bluey" continue to add value, and you'll need to sign up for Disney Plus to watch them.
You can read our full Disney Plus review for detailed impressions, as well as our Disney Plus review from a parent's perspective for specific thoughts on the platform's family-centric features.
How does Disney Plus compare to other streaming services? Disney Plus remains an affordable streaming option, and it's an especially good choice for families. ShutterstockDisney Plus compares well to other services, with competitive pricing, features, exclusive originals, and a vast back catalog of content.
While platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video feature a rotating mix of licensed movies and TV shows from different studios, Disney Plus is focused entirely on Disney programming. That means that subscribers can count on a healthy library of classic titles and new monthly releases from the studio.
However, the Disney Plus library is not permanent. Disney removed a selection of titles from its catalog in 2023, including some original shows like "Willow," and it's not clear if they plan to bring them back at a later date. This practice is common on other streaming services, but Disney was previously an outlier that tended to keep its library consistent.
At a starting price of $8 a month, Disney Plus remains competitively priced, and the discounted bundle with Hulu and ESPN Plus adds even more value. Disney Plus is also one of the most generous streaming services in the areas of multiple-device support, profile additions, downloads, and 4K playback.
On the downside, Disney's focus on family-friendly programming does limit the service's appeal to adults. Disney has taken some steps to rectify this by adding a handful of mature Marvel shows, and three R-rated movies to its lineup, but competitors like Netflix, Max, Peacock, and Paramount Plus have a lot more content geared toward older viewers.
Is Disney Plus merging with Hulu?Disney Plus and Hulu are still technically separate services, but as of December 2023, Disney launched a new one-app experience for users who sign up for both platforms using the Disney Bundle. Now, Hulu content is accessible within the Disney Plus app if you're subscribed to both platforms.
To watch Hulu within Disney Plus, just navigate to the Hulu hub in the Disney Plus app.
You can also subscribe to a Disney Plus and Hulu bundle, Duo Basic, starting at only $10 monthly.
Does Disney Plus allow password sharing?Disney Plus does not allow free password sharing, and as of March 14, it implemented platform changes to restrict it. In a February earnings call, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston announced that accounts "suspected of improper sharing" will be notified with new opportunities to enable their password borrowers to begin their own memberships.
In addition, it was announced that starting in June, account holders will have the option to pay an extra fee to add users outside their household to their subscription. Though June has passed, this feature has yet to surface and pricing has not yet been announced.
Kevin Webb
Video Game Reporter
Steven Cohen
Senior Tech Editor
Steven is a Senior Tech Editor for the Insider Reviews team, where he oversees streaming and home entertainment product coverage. He previously served as High-Def Digest's Gear Editor from 2013 to 2019, and his work has appeared on Ben's Bargains, Steve's Digicams, Big Picture Big Sound, and Consequence of Sound. Over his 11 years of experience covering the audiovisual industry, Steven has reviewed numerous TVs, headphones, speakers, monitors, streaming players, and more. He was one of a select number of journalists invited to get a hands-on first look at LG's first 8K OLED TV in 2019, and is always excited to check out the newest and biggest displays on the market. Based on his extensive experience in the home theater industry, Steven served as one of the expert judges for the 2018 TV Shootout, the premier annual display competition that crowns the best TVs of the year. Steven also has a background in film criticism, having reviewed over 400 movies and TV shows. He uses his movie industry knowledge to help inform his coverage of the streaming and home entertainment markets. Steven's own home theater setup makes his passion for entertainment clear, complete with a 77-inch HDR display and the biggest Dolby Atmos speaker system he can fit in his apartment. And though he often spends his free time binging new series on every streaming service under the sun, he remains proud of his huge collection of Blu-ray discs.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics. Read more Read lessSarah Saril
Editor, Deals and How to Watch
Walmart Plus — Everything You Need To Know
Walmart Plus is a membership program designed for frequent Walmart shoppers. The subscription service competes with the likes of Amazon Prime and My Best Buy. Walmart Plus offers subscribers in-store and online benefits, such as unlimited free delivery and fuel discounts from participating gas stations. Members also get early access to this week's Walmart Deals event, which runs from July 8 through July 11 as an alternative Prime Day sale.
Walmart is frequently adding new perks for its members. The latest perks include up to five free months of Apple Music, up to four free months of Apple Fitness Plus, and two free months of Xbox Game Pass.
Walmart Plus members also get early access to select deals and exclusive access special sales events. These perks come in handy during major retail holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
A Walmart Plus membership traditionally costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month. However, it includes a free 30-day trial. Make sure you check our Walmart promo codes page for additional discounts. Here's everything you need to know about Walmart Plus membership.
Walmart deals to shop now — Quick linksWalmart Plus membership costs $98 per year or $12.95 per month. (It includes a free 30-day trial period). The membership program — which is Walmart's version of Amazon Prime — is a rebranding of Walmart's $98-per-year Grocery Unlimited service. The grocery delivery service launched in 2019 and quickly expanded to 1,400 additional stores in September of 2019. However, Walmart Plus goes beyond groceries to also include tech, beauty, and sports products. By comparison, Amazon Prime costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month.
Paramount Plus and Walmart PlusWalmart Plus now comes bundled with free access to Paramount Plus. Subscribers to Walmart's premium membership program will get a Paramount Plus Essential membership at no additional cost. The Paramount Plus Essential tier usually costs $4.99/month and is ad-supported. It doesn't include access to live broadcasts of local CBS stations. However, it's yet another perk enjoyed by members.
Walmart Plus adds Rx savings for membersMembers of Walmart Plus just got a new perk. Rx for Less is the name of Walmart Plus' latest benefit. The program offers discounts on commonly prescribed medications across a variety of health needs. Drugs including in Rx for Less include heart health medication, mental health medication, antibiotics, allergies, and diabetes management. Walmart Plus members now have access to select medications at zero cost, whereas others will be up to 85% off. RX for Less is available to paying members only. The discounts go into effect after your 15-day free trial.
Walmart Plus waives shipping minimum for membersWalmart Plus members no longer need to meet the retailer's $35 minimum purchase requirement to obtain free shipping. Last year, Walmart announced members would be able to get free shipping on all purchases without worrying about hitting that $35 minimum threshold.
In addition, Walmart is also expanding the number of locations where members can use their fuel savings. Walmart Plus customers now have access to fuel discounts at more than 500 Sam's Club locations. All of these features are a welcome perk for shoppers, especially in light of Amazon shuttering its Prime Pantry service.
Walmart Plus perks
Launched in September of 2020, Walmart Plus includes a handful of benefits that keeps growing over time. Perks have included everything from access to free services to exclusive deals over holiday weekends. Other Walmart Plus benefits include the following:
It's unclear what other perks Walmart Plus will offer in the near future. However, it's no secret that Walmart and Amazon price match each other all the time, especially on retail holidays like Black Friday. The renewed rivalry could make for excellent deals.
Walmart Plus vs. Amazon Prime
During Amazon's Q1 2021 earnings call, the company revealed there are over 200 million paid Prime members worldwide. That's a number that Walmart Plus is certainly hoping to reach.
Once the country's top retailer, Walmart has watched as its rival Amazon has dominated online sales. Amazon now accounts for roughly 38% of all online retail sales in the U.S., according to eMarketer. By comparison, Walmart is a distant second place with just over 5% of the U.S. E-commerce market. The hope is that Walmart Plus will help it take some of that market share from Amazon.
This isn't the first time Walmart has taken on Amazon Prime. In 2015, Walmart launched ShippingPass, an unlimited online shipping service that cost $50 per year and promised deliveries in three days or less. This was Walmart's attempt to undercut Amazon Prime, which at the time cost $99 per year. Two years later, Walmart dropped its membership fee and switched to a 2-day free shipping program on orders of $35 or more.
However, Walmart's biggest chest thump came in 2016, when it purchased Jet.Com for $3 billion. The hope was that Jet.Com would help Walmart establish a bigger online presence. (Walmart announced last month that it was permanently closing Jet.Com).
The Walmart vs. Amazon feud continued into 2019. Just as Amazon announced its plans to offer 1-day shipping, Walmart followed suit with its own 1-day shipping pilot. Most recently, Walmart announced 2-hour Express delivery for an additional $10 over Walmart's typical delivery fees.
Even on big retailer days like Black Friday, Walmart has shadowed Amazon with similar sales of its own. Walmart Plus is an extension of this ongoing battle and only time will tell if it's the true knockout punch that it needs to take on Amazon and its legion of subscribers.
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