There’s no denying the appeal of a rotisserie chicken—it’s hot, ready-to-eat, and perfect for those nights when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards. The golden-brown skin, the savory aroma, and the promise of a hearty meal for under five bucks can be hard to resist. Walmart, with its $4.98 price tag (sometimes slightly higher depending on location), seems to offer one of the best deals around.

But while the low price might catch your eye, taking one home might leave you feeling underwhelmed, especially when you compare it to what other retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club have to offer. One of the most noticeable differences comes down to size. Walmart’s rotisserie chicken weighs in at about 1 pound 13 ounces—just under two pounds. At first glance, this might not seem like a big issue, but if you’re feeding a family or counting on leftovers for lunch the next day, that missing pound makes a big difference.

Over at Costco and Sam’s Club, their rotisserie chickens typically weigh around three pounds, meaning for nearly the same price, you get a bird that’s almost double the size. The comparison stings even more when you remember that Sam’s Club is owned by Walmart yet manages to sell a significantly larger chicken for a similar price. Beyond size, flavor plays a huge role in how people judge their rotisserie chicken, and here’s where Walmart struggles again. Costco’s rotisserie chicken has earned a devoted following thanks to its juicy, tender meat and consistently savory seasoning.

Sam’s Club comes close in quality, with some shoppers even claiming it outshines Costco’s version. Reviews from loyal customers praise its balance of flavor and moisture, making it a reliable choice every time. Walmart’s, however, is far more unpredictable. Feedback on Walmart’s own website and across social media often points to inconsistency—some customers find it dry, others complain it’s bland, and some say it’s overly salty. That inconsistency means buying one can feel like a gamble, and for many, food that’s supposed to be easy and enjoyable shouldn’t be hit-or-miss.

The sodium content is another factor worth noting, especially for health-conscious shoppers. In a three-ounce serving, Walmart’s rotisserie chicken contains about 690 milligrams of sodium. While that number might not seem alarming in isolation, it adds up quickly when you’re eating multiple servings. By comparison, Sam’s Club’s version contains 550 milligrams per serving, and Costco’s comes in at around 460 milligrams. If you want a lower-sodium option, Whole Foods offers a rotisserie chicken with just 280 milligrams of sodium per quarter bird, making it a better choice for those who are watching their salt intake—even if it costs a little more. For many customers, seasoning is key, and while some like a saltier flavor, Walmart’s chicken often crosses into overly seasoned territory, which can be off-putting if you prefer something more balanced.

So what’s the best route if you want a better rotisserie chicken experience? Costco remains a standout, offering a plump, three-pound bird for $4.99 that’s reliably delicious and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Sam’s Club is another strong contender, matching Costco’s size and price while earning rave reviews for flavor from members who sometimes prefer it over Costco’s. Whole Foods caters to the health-minded crowd with a cleaner ingredient list and significantly lower sodium, though at a higher price point. Local grocery stores can also surprise you with fresh, flavorful rotisserie chickens that beat Walmart’s in both size and taste.

The reason these differences matter is that rotisserie chicken isn’t just about convenience—it’s a food people actually look forward to. The combination of affordability, flavor, and portion size is what makes certain options, like Costco’s, so beloved. When you get a large, juicy, well-seasoned chicken for under five dollars, it feels like you’ve scored an unbeatable deal. Walmart’s offering, unfortunately, falls short on several counts: it’s smaller, often less flavorful, and packs a higher sodium punch.

While it might do in a pinch if Walmart is your only option, those who have access to alternatives are likely to find better value and taste elsewhere. In the end, the lure of that low Walmart price tag fades quickly when you realize you could get a bigger, tastier, and possibly healthier bird for the same amount of money just by shopping somewhere else.