8 Best Retail Drugstore Pharmacies, According to Reddit

Pharmacies are uncomfortable. People don’t tend to visit them when they’re entirely well. Whether you’re caretaking or feeling miserable, your pharmacy has to work for you.

Not only should your prescriptions be filled in a timely manner, but you should feel comfortable when you pick up your medical supplies, as it isn’t a fun errand by any means.

So, what pharmacy makes your trip the easiest, and who offers the best perks and shopper hacks? These are the eight best retail drugstore pharmacies, ranked by Reddit pros.

While the comedically massive receipts and inconsistent pharmacy hours are reasons many Reddit users stay away from CVS, many more really love its convenience.

There are more than 9,000 pharmacy locations across the United States, with over 1,800 of those located inside Target stores.

Reddit user WickedAngelLove cites the discounts and deals included with the Extra Care Card as their reason for coming back time and time again. CVS reps have even been active on Reddit in recent months, giving health and prescription pick-up tips to customers.

Many Redditors have found solace in their Walgreens pharmacists and technicians. In recent months, Reddit user InfiniteSr1 got extra help from her pharmacist in transferring a prescription quickly and effortlessly.

Join myWalgreens for free to get 5% Walgreens Cash for every Walgreens branded item purchased and earn additional rewards by reaching your health goals.

Walmart is known for helping customers in a pinch, according to Reddit user Diliggent_Abrocoma680.

As a big box store, their pricing is often cheaper than other pharmacies, and their hold on the market is sufficient enough that they are rarely out of items, something Reddit user sadmarland notes.

As long as you’re willing to wait a little bit, they often have prescriptions ready within about 15 minutes. Plus, Walmart pharmacists will price check with GoodRx to get you the best deal.

It is widely agreed that Albertson’s pharmacies offer more one-on-one care for patients. That is, once they get in an appointment chair.

While the buyout with Kroger made some of the pharmaceutical functions clunky, they seem to have recovered nicely. Albertson’s is known for taking all walk-in vaccination appointments, but be ready for wait times up to an hour, Reddit user wanderlust217 warns.

East Coast grocer Harris Teeter is a smaller chain owned by Kroger with a very user-friendly website. They encourage their digital pharmaceutical options, and you get fuel points when you visit the pharmacy.

The Harris Teeter Pharmacy Savings Club Membership can save customers up to 80% on health necessities for families and pets. Members also get access to $3 and $6 price points on some prescriptions and free opportunities to nab others.

J.D. Power consistently ranks Sam’s Club’s pharmacy high in customer satisfaction year after year. They offer health and wellness services outside of filling prescriptions that are catered to the customer.

According to Reddit user Jrock9589, you don’t need a Sam’s Club membership to use their pharmacy.

Big box stores that can afford to pay their pharmacy techs well seem to foster the best community environment. While Sam’s Club can be overwhelming to shop in, its pharmacy area is comforting, the staff is quick and knowledgeable, and prescription wait times are low.

Reddit users are widely impressed with Publix and often compare it to Costco. According to Redditor pinback77, workers seem “less stressed and flustered” than at other chains.

Pharmacists will make follow-up calls more often than their competitors and will price shop to get you the best deal.

Publix workers get great stock offerings and bonuses, and most of them earn competitive pay. Their growth and earning potential drive them to clear their queues by the end of each workday.

Every user on Reddit raves about Costco’s pharmacy. In fact, user Anything84 emphatically says, “Costco is basically the best retail pharmacy experience there is, not only for patients but their staff as well.”

You don’t need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy. However, with a membership, you can get special deals and lower prices on prescriptions, vaccines, home delivery options, and virtual doctor visits, whether you are insured or not.

These are almost on-demand appointments, with same-day options available at all times. Unlike many competitors, Costco carries 90-day supplies of common prescriptions at affordable pricing.

Be sure to choose your pharmacy based on the availability and cost of your medications, the care and knowledge of your pharmacists and technicians, and any other important details.

And don’t forget to use one of the top rewards credit cards to save more on your prescriptions and other eligible purchases every time you shop.