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Ulta Beauty alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll fashion and beauty shopping apps

Top picks

  • Target logo

    Best overall

    Target

    Circle 360 price: $10.99/month or $99/year

  • Walmart logo

    Best free option

    Walmart

    Starting price: $98 a year (Walmart+ annual)

Common reasons people leave Ulta Beauty: US only; it does not ship internationally, and free shipping thresholds are higher for basic members than for top tiers. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Ulta Beauty, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Target currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Target logoTargetFree plan + paid$10.99/month or $99/yearNoWeb, Android, iOS5 of 554.4
2Walmart logoWalmartFree plan + paid$98 a year (Walmart+ annual)NoWeb, Android, iOS8 of 852.6
3Amazon logoAmazonFree plan + paid$14.99 a month (Prime Monthly)NoWeb, Android, iOS7 of 751.2
4Nordstrom logoNordstromFree—NoiOS, Android, Web3 of 342.3
  1. Target logo

    1. TargetTop pick

    Best for: US shoppers who like Target's own brands and want quick pickup or same-day delivery

    Free plan + paidWeb, Android, iOS

    54.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ulta Beauty

    Cheaper everyday beauty brands in the same trip as groceries, with same-day pickup and delivery.

    Pros

    • Drive-up and in-store pickup are quick and free
    • Target-only home, kids and clothing brands
    • Free loyalty program with regular personalised deals
    • Circle 360 adds an extra 30 days to return items

    Cons

    • Smaller catalogue than Amazon or Walmart
    • Same-day delivery through Circle 360 only at select stores
    • US only
    Visit Target Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.352
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Target a good Ulta Beauty alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Target Circle
    Free to join
    Checked Nov 8, 2026target.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Circle 360 price
    $10.99/month or $99/year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026target.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Circle 360 returns
    Extra 30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026target.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Stores
    More than 2,000 in the US
    Checked Nov 8, 2026corporate.target.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner of
    Shipt and Roundel
    Checked Nov 8, 2026corporate.target.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Walmart logo

    2. Walmart

    Best for: US households who want low-price groceries and essentials delivered or ready for pickup

    Free plan + paidWeb, Android, iOS

    52.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ulta Beauty

    Lowest prices on drugstore makeup and hair care, with Walmart+ delivery from local stores.

    Pros

    • Groceries and general merchandise in one order, with store pickup
    • Walmart+ costs less per year than Amazon Prime
    • Thousands of US stores for pickup and in-person returns
    • Half-price Walmart+ for students and government assistance recipients

    Cons

    • Free grocery delivery needs a $35 minimum even with Walmart+
    • Marketplace sellers mixed with Walmart's own stock make shipping and returns uneven
    • Walmart.com and Walmart+ serve only US customers
    Visit Walmart Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.346
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Walmart a good Ulta Beauty alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Walmart+ price
    $98 per year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Walmart+ trial
    30 days for $1
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free delivery minimum
    $35 with Walmart+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student price
    $49 per year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Stores
    More than 10,900 in 19 countries
    Checked Nov 8, 2026corporate.walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $98 a year (Walmart+ annual)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    30 days for $1
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Student discount
    $49 a year or $6.47 a month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026walmart.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Amazon logo

    3. Amazon

    Best for: Shoppers who want the widest selection and fast delivery, especially Prime members

    Free plan + paidWeb, Android, iOS

    51.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ulta Beauty

    Huge beauty range with fast Prime shipping and subscribe-and-save for everyday makeup and skincare restocks.

    Pros

    • Largest selection of almost any online store
    • Fast free delivery on eligible items with Prime
    • Easy returns on most items sold or shipped by Amazon
    • Prime bundles video, music and photo storage

    Cons

    • Search results are crowded with sponsored listings and lookalike brands
    • Marketplace seller quality is uneven
    • Prime is a fairly expensive yearly subscription
    Visit Amazon Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Amazon a good Ulta Beauty alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Photo storage
    Unlimited with Prime
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Used goods
    Amazon Resale
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $14.99 a month (Prime Monthly)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Prime Annual plan
    $139 a year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Prime for Young Adults plan
    $7.49 a month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Prime Access plan
    $6.99 a month for eligible government assistance recipients
    Checked Nov 8, 2026amazon.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Nordstrom logo

    4. Nordstrom

    Best for: US shoppers who want mid-range to designer fashion and beauty with in-store pickup and service

    FreeiOS, Android, Web

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ulta Beauty

    Beauty plus clothing, shoes and designer brands, with in-store services and free rewards.

    Pros

    • Wide range from everyday brands to designer labels
    • In-store services like pickup, alterations and styling
    • Free loyalty program with points and perks
    • Discounted stock through Nordstrom Rack

    Cons

    • Mainly serves the US, with limited reach elsewhere
    • Prices are higher than mass-market retailers
    • Best loyalty perks are tied to its credit card
    Visit Nordstrom Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Nordstrom a good Ulta Beauty alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Origin
    Seattle shoe store
    Checked Nov 8, 2026careers.nordstrom.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ownership
    Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool
    Checked Nov 8, 2026careers.nordstrom.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Off-price stores
    Nordstrom Rack
    Checked Nov 8, 2026careers.nordstrom.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Ulta Beauty alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Target logo

Best Ulta Beauty alternative for most people

Target

Cheaper everyday beauty brands in the same trip as groceries, with same-day pickup and delivery.

Nordstrom logo

Best Ulta Beauty alternative for a free option

Nordstrom

Beauty plus clothing, shoes and designer brands, with in-store services and free rewards.

Walmart logo

Best Ulta Beauty alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Walmart

Lowest prices on drugstore makeup and hair care, with Walmart+ delivery from local stores.

Amazon logo

Best Ulta Beauty alternative for iPhone and Android

Amazon

Huge beauty range with fast Prime shipping and subscribe-and-save for everyday makeup and skincare restocks.

Target logo

Best Ulta Beauty alternative for working in the browser

Target

Cheaper everyday beauty brands in the same trip as groceries, with same-day pickup and delivery.

Ulta Beauty alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Ulta Beauty?

Target ranks first right now. Cheaper everyday beauty brands in the same trip as groceries, with same-day pickup and delivery. Walmart and Amazon follow it in our ranking.

Ulta Beauty vs Target: what's the difference?

Ulta Beauty is free to use; Target is free with paid plans. Both run on Web, iOS and Android.

Is Ulta Beauty free?

Ulta Beauty is free to use. Points earning: 1 point per $1 (more at higher tiers). Checked on Ulta Beauty's own site, November 2026.

How much do Ulta Beauty alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Ulta Beauty alternatives: Target, $10.99/month or $99/year; Walmart, $98 a year (Walmart+ annual); Amazon, $14.99 a month (Prime Monthly). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Ulta Beauty?

Yes. Target (free plan + paid), Walmart (free plan + paid), Amazon (free plan + paid) and Nordstrom (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Ulta Beauty?

None of the 4 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from Ulta Beauty?

The complaints we hear most: US only; it does not ship internationally; free shipping thresholds are higher for basic members than for top tiers; points expire for entry-level members unless you keep shopping.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Ulta Beauty, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.