Walgreens is a better choice for those who prefer in-person services, a wide variety of OTC medications, and a comprehensive range of vaccinations. Capsule Pharmacy is ideal for those who prioritize convenience, quick delivery, and attentive customer service.
| Attribute | Walgreens | Capsule Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription filling speed | Varies; 15-20 minutes if waiting, 2-3 hours on busy days, potentially longer at high-volume stores unless waiting in-store. | Quick and efficient, with same-day delivery in many locations. |
| Insurance acceptance | Accepts most major prescription plans, including local, regional, and specialty plans, HMOs, and PBMs. Accepts most Medicare Part D plans. Medicaid acceptance varies by state. Works with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana. Confirm specific plan acceptance with local Walgreens. | Accepts all major insurance plans, including commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid. Tricare may not be accepted. |
| Availability of vaccinations | Offers COVID-19, flu, RSV, pneumococcal (pneumonia), shingles, MMR, HPV, Tdap, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Also offers travel vaccines like yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies (availability may vary). Administers vaccinations for children ages three and older, with state and age restrictions. | Offers COVID-19, flu, and travel vaccinations. Vaccinations are typically available on weekdays. |
| 24-hour service availability | Some locations offer 24-hour pharmacy services and drive-thru pharmacies. Hours vary, so check the specific store's hours. | Hours vary by location. Provides a 24-hour live chat service for assistance. |
| Online prescription management | Online platform and mobile app for refills, transfers, store location changes, and prescription delivery. View prescription history from the last 18 months. Features include pill reminders, refill by scanning prescriptions, and combining family orders. | Provides a digital platform for managing and ordering medications online. |
| Over-the-counter medication selection | Wide variety of OTC medications, including pain relievers, cold and flu medications, allergy relief, digestive health products, and first aid supplies. Offers popular brands like Vicks, Mucinex, and Zicam, along with Walgreens' own branded products and generic options. | May offer some over-the-counter medications. Can connect you with other delivery options if needed. |
| Drive-thru pharmacy option | Many locations have drive-thru pharmacies for prescription pickup, drop-off, and pharmacist consultations. Some offer OTC item purchases and online shopping order pickup. | No drive-thru pharmacy option. Focuses on delivery services. |
| Price transparency | Displays the full price of prescriptions not covered by insurance at checkout. Offers the Rx Savings Finder tool. Works directly with insurance providers. | Aims to provide price transparency and works to get the best price for medications. Free to use, you only pay your insurance co-pay. |
| Customer service quality | Provides comprehensive services such as prescription refills, medication counseling, vaccinations, and flu shots. Offers personalized attention and guidance on health concerns and medication management with personalized support from expert pharmacists. | Known for attentive customer service with fast response times. Contact via phone, text, or email. |
| Specialty medication availability | Walgreens Mail Service manages prescriptions and specialty medications. Pharmacists can prescribe COVID-19 treatments nationwide and flu treatments in select locations. | Provides both specialty and non-specialty medications. |
| Medication adherence programs | Offers medication adherence programs and automatic enrollment in refill reminders. | Manages refills and coordinates with doctors. Offers medication synchronization programs. |
| Home delivery service | Offers same-day, 1-2 business days, and 5-10 business days prescription delivery options. Same-day delivery available at over 8,000 stores. Delivery fees vary by store. | Provides free, same-day prescription delivery to your home or office. |