When it comes to choosing pharmacy chains, many customers wonder, “Walgreens or CVS?”. It is not only about prescription prices—it’s also about convenience, services, customer support, and other perks.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a look into everything from pricing and deals to customer service and store accessibility. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to determine which pharmacy offers better overall value for your needs.
Walgreens vs CVS pharmacy: Who is taking the lead?
Walgreens vs CVS has been 2 leading pharmacy chains, and deciding which one is more suitable for your next shopping definitely requires lots of effort. Below, we will make this simpler for you to compare between them.
Convenience and Services
In terms of convenience, both Walgreens and CVS offer services that cater to busy, health-conscious consumers. Online ordering, prescription refills, and mobile apps make it easy for customers to manage their healthcare needs. However, the specific services offered by each pharmacy can influence your choice.
- Mobile App Features:
Both Walgreens and CVS provide mobile apps that allow you to refill prescriptions, browse deals, and find product information.
However, Walgreens’ app includes a more user-friendly interface for curbside and drive-thru pickup services, which can be a big advantage for those with limited mobility. CVS’s app, on the other hand, focuses more on managing health-related services like setting up appointments at MinuteClinics.
- Curbside Pickup at Walgreens:
One of the biggest advantages Walgreens holds over CVS is the availability of curbside pickup. This service allows customers to place orders online and have them delivered to their car upon arrival, a particularly useful feature for people with mobility issues or those looking to save time. CVS currently lacks a similar offering but does offer in-store pickup.
- Medical Clinics:
When it comes to healthcare, CVS takes the lead with over 1,100 MinuteClinic locations across the U.S. These clinics provide walk-in medical care for minor illnesses and injuries, vaccinations, and even preventive health screenings.
Unlike CVS, Walgreens has fewer medical clinics but is investing in partnerships with healthcare providers like VillageMD to expand its in-store healthcare services.
For customers looking for comprehensive healthcare services in-store, CVS has the edge, but if you’re looking for quick access and convenience, Walgreens’ curbside pickup might be more appealing.
Pricing and Deals
For many customers, pricing is one of the most important factors when choosing a pharmacy. Both CVS and Walgreens both offer loyalty programs that help shoppers save, but there are key differences in how these programs work.
- CVS ExtraCare Program:
CVS has one of the most well-known loyalty programs in retail with its ExtraCare program. Members earn 2% money back on every purchase (excluding prescriptions) and receive personalized coupons through the CVS app or in-store receipts.
ExtraCare often features a “CarePass” subscription that provides additional benefits, such as free delivery on prescriptions and discounts on CVS-branded items, for a small monthly fee. For those who frequently shop at CVS, the CarePass subscription is a valuable perk that can quickly pay for itself.
- Walgreens Balance Rewards:
Walgreens recently revamped its rewards program, renaming it myWalgreens. This program allows customers to earn Walgreens Cash, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
While Walgreens offers frequent sales and promotions, it doesn’t quite match CVS’s ability to offer substantial long-term savings through CarePass. Walgreens also features Walgreens discounts on popular items, making it a good option for customers looking for one-time savings rather than continuous rewards accumulation.
Ultimately, CVS may offer better value through its loyalty program, especially for regular shoppers. However, Walgreens can still be a good choice for customers looking for immediate discounts on specific products.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service is a major factor in a pharmacy’s overall value. Good service can make refilling prescriptions and resolving issues with loyalty programs easier and less stressful.
- Pharmacy Staff Expertise:
When it comes to customer feedback, both Walgreens and CVS receive mixed reviews regarding pharmacy staff expertise and helpfulness. According to customer surveys, CVS pharmacists are often praised for being more proactive in providing advice about prescriptions and answering questions about medications. CVS also has an edge in clinical care, thanks to its MinuteClinics, where medical staff can assist with both routine and urgent health concerns.
Walgreens staff, while generally helpful, receive more varied reviews. Customers often cite Walgreens as more convenient for quick prescription pickups but have reported longer wait times and occasional issues with communication between pharmacy staff and customers. The two chains offer in-person and over-the-phone support for prescription inquiries, though CVS’s integration with its health clinics offers an extra layer of professional medical assistance.
To integrate with digital age, both CVS and Walgreens have developed robust mobile apps. Yet, their functionality differs in key areas:
- CVS Mobile App: CVS’s app excels in healthcare management. Customers can easily schedule MinuteClinic appointments, access their health records, and manage prescriptions. The app also sends reminders for upcoming refills and offers exclusive deals for ExtraCare members. However, some users have noted that the app’s interface can be clunky, particularly when it comes to finding specific deals or managing prescription delivery options.
- Walgreens Mobile App: Walgreens’ app is praised for its user-friendly design, particularly for its photo printing and curbside pickup features. The app also integrates well with Walgreens’ myWalgreens rewards program, allowing customers to earn and redeem rewards directly through the app. However, Walgreens doesn’t offer the same level of healthcare management features as CVS, such as MinuteClinic scheduling.
Both apps offer tech support for customers who encounter issues with prescriptions or rewards, but CVS’s focus on healthcare services gives its app a slight advantage for users prioritizing health management.
- Loyalty Program Support:
Both Walgreens and CVS provide customer service support for their loyalty programs, but customers generally report better experiences with CVS’s ExtraCare support. CVS offers more direct ways to resolve issues with purchases or points discrepancies, either in-store or through their customer service hotline.
Walgreens, while offering a robust rewards system, receives more complaints regarding customer support when it comes to redeeming Walgreens Cash or resolving disputes about points earned. Users often report difficulty navigating customer service for online orders, though the in-store experience tends to be smoother.
Store Hours and Holiday Availability
Accessibility is a key consideration when choosing a pharmacy. Both Walgreens and CVS operate extensive networks of stores, but their hours of operation can differ.
- Walgreens Store Hours: Walgreens is often praised for its extended store hours, with many locations open 24 hours a day for essentials. This makes it an ideal choice for customers who need late-night access to prescriptions or over-the-counter medications and necessities. Walgreens also tends to have more Walgreens locations open during holidays, including Christmas.
- CVS Store Hours: While most CVS locations maintain standard business hours, many stores close earlier than Walgreens. Some stores do offer extended hours, but 24-hour locations are fewer compared to Walgreens. On major holidays like Christmas, CVS typically has more limited commerce hours. Customers needing medication during holiday seasons may find Walgreens more accessible.
In-store vs. Online Shopping
The shopping experience, whether in-store or online, varies between CVS and Walgreens.
- CVS Online Shopping: CVS’s website allows customers to easily navigate through. The integration with its ExtraCare program also means customers can easily access discounts and earn rewards from online purchases. CVS also offers free prescription delivery with CarePass, providing additional convenience for frequent shoppers.
- Walgreens Online Shopping: Walgreens offers a user-friendly online shopping experience. The chain provides quick access to its extensive inventory of health products, beauty supplies, and prescription services. The standout feature is its curbside pickup. It allows customers to shop online and pick up their purchases without leaving their car. Walgreens also offers photo printing services online, allowing customers to order prints and pick them up in-store within an hour.
For those who like online shopping, Walgreens may be the better option.
Other Perks
Beyond the basics of healthcare services, Walgreens and CVS both offer extra perks that can enhance the shopping experience.
- Walgreens Photo Printing: Walgreens offers same-day photo printing. This is a great option for customers looking to print photos, create photo books, or design custom photo gifts. The photo printing process can be done through the Walgreens app or website. In most cases, your prints will be ready in as little as an hour.
- CVS Photo Printing: CVS pharmacy selection of photo products is somewhat more limited compared to Walgreens. However, CVS frequently offers discounts and promotions on photo services, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Final Verdict
When choosing between Walgreens and CVS, it ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for comprehensive healthcare services and savings through loyalty programs, CVS may be the better choice. ExtraCare program and extensive MinuteClinics network will bring However, Walgreens shines with its curbside pickup, 24-hour store availability, and seamless online shopping experience.
Both pharmacies have their strengths, so it’s worth considering what matters most to you. Is it cost savings, healthcare access, or the ease of picking up your prescriptions that matters most? By weighing these factors, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision for your health and wellness needs.
