Amazon Subscribe and Save Review: Is It Worth It?
The cost of our weekly shop has almost doubled over the last 20 years, although a 4-pack of Stella is apparently cheaper, so it’s not all bad news. With prices continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever to shop smart and squeeze every saving we can.
We’re no longer limited to the big supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda. With Aldi, Lidl, and online shopping growing rapidly, competition is fierce. One of the biggest online players is Amazon, and its Subscribe and Save service promises regular deliveries at a lower cost. But is it really worth it?
How does Amazon Subscribe and Save work?
The clue is in the name: subscribe to an item, and save money.
You’ll find thousands of eligible products, from groceries and cleaning supplies to baby products and toiletries. Once you pick what you want, you choose how often you’d like it delivered, anything from every two weeks to once every six months.
The savings work like this:
- 5% off the list price when you subscribe to one item.
- 15% off when you subscribe to five or more items delivered in the same month.
Amazon also sends you an email before each delivery, so you’ve got a few days to cancel, skip, or change your order. Handy if you’re still working through that bulk pack of loo rolls.
Do you need Amazon Prime?
No. Subscribe and Save is available to all Amazon customers, not just Prime members. That said, Prime does give you extra perks like faster delivery and access to Amazon Fresh, which could work well alongside Subscribe and Save.
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Does Subscribe and Save actually save money?
From my own experience, yes, although it depends on what you’re buying. Here’s a snapshot from when I compared some household essentials:
| Product | Amazon (with 15% off) | Best supermarket price | Supermarket offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrex Toilet Rolls (45) | £14.88 (33p each) | £20.75 Tesco (47p each) | £18 Sainsbury’s (43p each) |
| Huggies Baby Wipes (18 packs) | £10.20 (57p each) | £18 Tesco (£1 each) | 2 x 12 packs for £12 (50p each) |
| Gillette Mach 3 Razor Heads (8) | £10.97 (£1.37 each) | £14 Asda (£1.75 each) | £14.99 3 for 2 Superdrug (£1.25 each) |
| Finish Dishwasher Tabs (90) | £10.20 (11p each) | £12 Tesco (14p each) | – |
| Dettol Surface Cleanser 750ml (3) | £3.83 (£1.28 each) | £7.50 Sainsbury’s (£2.50 each) | £4.50 Tesco (£1.50 each) |
(Amazon prices include the 15% discount)
Even compared to supermarket offers, Amazon usually came out cheaper. Even at just 5% off, you’ll likely save, especially on branded products that rarely get reduced in supermarkets.
What to watch out for
- Price changes – just because you subscribed at one price doesn’t mean it stays the same. I once had three cans of deodorant nearly double in cost between deliveries. Always check the email reminder to make sure it’s still a bargain.
- Discount drops – if you cancel or postpone an item and fall below five active subscriptions, your discount drops back down to 5%.
- Impulse subscribing – it’s easy to get carried away. Only subscribe to items you genuinely use regularly.
Can you cancel Subscribe and Save anytime?
Yes, there’s no penalty. You don’t even need to wait for your first delivery. To cancel, go to Accounts & Lists > Your Subscribe & Save Items and edit or remove the subscription.
Is Amazon Subscribe and Save worth it?
After a year of having toilet rolls and dishwasher tablets arrive at my door, I’d say yes. It’s convenient and often cheaper than the supermarkets. However, I’ve noticed fewer standout bargains now compared to when I first started using it.
My advice? Use Subscribe and Save for essentials you buy regularly (toilet rolls, nappies, pet food, razors), keep an eye on the reminder emails, and don’t be afraid to cancel if the price jumps.
👉 Take a look at what is on offer by clicking the button below.
If you’re already a user, find out the cheapest Subscribe and Save products to reach a 15% discount.
FAQ’s
When can I cancel Subscribe and Save?
Any time you like. Even if you’ve only subscribed because you’ve received a special price, you can cancel straight away.
When does Subscribe and Save charge?
This depends on your set delivery date. You will be charged when your item is sent, although you will be sent a reminder beforehand.
Can you return Subscribe and Save items?
Yes. You have precisely the same rights as with any other purchase.
Can you have Subscribe and Save subscriptions to different addresses?
You can. Just visit here to change the address Your Account > Your Subscribe & Save Items
do you need prime for subscribe and save if not do you get charged delivery.
Hi Stu. I don’t have Prime and I’m not charged for delivery.