Choosing Between America's Two Pharmacy Giants: CVS or Walgreens?

When you need to fill a prescription, finding a pharmacy near me shouldn’t be difficult—and with CVS and Walgreens dominating the U.S. market, you likely have easy access to one or both. Together, these two retail pharmacy chains command over 40% of the market, making them the primary choice for millions of Americans. But with such similar footprints and services, how do you know which one is better for your needs?

Market Position and Store Availability

CVS holds the commanding lead in the pharmacy industry, claiming approximately 25% of the prescription drug revenue market with over 9,700 locations nationwide. Walgreens follows in second place with 18% market share and around 9,000 stores. With such extensive networks across the country, both chains make it easy to find a pharmacy near me in virtually any neighborhood. The real difference comes down to the specific services and conveniences each chain offers.

Convenience and Fulfillment Options

One standout feature sets Walgreens apart: curbside prescription pickup. Customers can place orders online and retrieve both medications and other purchases directly at their car in as little as 30 minutes. CVS requires customers to enter the store and visit the checkout area to pick up online orders, though the chain does offer app-based ordering.

Both pharmacies provide home delivery services for customers who prefer not to visit a store at all. Whether you’re busy or mobility-challenged, these options ensure you can get your medications without hassle. If you value the convenience of curbside service when you find a pharmacy near me, Walgreens has the edge.

Healthcare Services Beyond Prescriptions

CVS and Walgreens have expanded well beyond traditional pharmacy services. Both offer immunizations, health screenings, and over-the-counter medications. However, CVS has invested heavily in in-store clinics: its MinuteClinic operates within 1,100 CVS locations and represents the largest retail healthcare provider in America. These clinics provide nurse practitioner and physician assistant care without requiring appointments, even during evenings and weekends.

Walgreens currently operates approximately 400 medical clinics across 20 states—a significant but smaller footprint. The chain has announced major expansion plans through partnerships with VillageMD, targeting 600 clinics by 2025 and 1,000 by 2027. Until this expansion materializes, CVS holds a considerable advantage for customers seeking immediate in-person medical care alongside pharmacy services.

Pricing, Deals, and Rewards Programs

Both chains offer competitive pricing that varies by product and current promotions. It’s worth comparing prices between locations, especially for medications you take regularly. Each pharmacy runs its own rewards program designed to encourage customer loyalty.

CVS operates an in-store coupon machine that generates personalized offers based on your purchase history. After each transaction, CVS provides ExtraBucks coupons that can be applied immediately to your next purchase, creating a rolling savings cycle if you visit frequently.

Walgreens’ Register Rewards program functions differently—coupons apply to different products rather than rolling on the same deal. While both reward systems offer value, CVS’s approach may provide greater savings for repeat shoppers who consolidate their purchases strategically.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

According to Consumer Affairs data, CVS customers rate the chain 3.6 out of 5 stars, while Walgreens averages 3.9 out of 5. Conversely, CVS scores 13 points higher on Comparably’s Net Promoter Score. These metrics reveal that customer satisfaction often hinges on individual store locations and staff performance rather than chain-wide policies.

Making Your Choice

Ultimately, selecting between these two pharmacy powerhouses depends on your personal priorities. Consider whether you prioritize curbside convenience, in-store medical clinics, or maximized rewards. If you want to find a pharmacy near me with the best fit for my lifestyle, evaluate your shopping patterns, preferred services, and local store quality. Take time to compare prices on medications you regularly fill and test each rewards program before committing. Both CVS and Walgreens deliver reliable pharmacy services—your ideal choice simply reflects which chain aligns with your individual needs and habits.