Amazon Music Unlimited is a paid music streaming service separate from Prime membership
Amazon Music Unlimited is a standalone subscription that gives you access to millions of songs on-demand. It is not included with Amazon Prime membership — you pay for it separately, though Prime members get a discounted rate. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible smart speakers and devices.
You can stream any song, create playlists, listen offline after downloading, and skip tracks without limits. The catalog includes current releases and back catalogs across all genres. Unlike free or ad-supported tiers, Unlimited has no ads and no restrictions on skips.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Music Unlimited costs less per month if you are a Prime member than if you are not, and Amazon frequently runs promotional rates for new subscribers.
- You can download songs to your phone or tablet to listen without an internet connection, but downloads expire if your subscription lapses.
- The service works on Amazon devices like Echo speakers and Fire tablets, as well as iPhones, Android phones, computers, and most other platforms.
- You can create multiple user profiles under one subscription if you pay for the family plan, each with separate playlists and listening history.
Pricing tiers and who pays what
Amazon offers Unlimited in three pricing tiers. The individual plan costs one amount per month; Prime members pay less. The family plan covers up to six people and costs more per month than the individual plan but less per person. Amazon also offers an annual plan for individual subscribers at a discounted rate if you pay upfront.
Prices vary by region and change periodically. Amazon frequently runs promotional offers for new subscribers — typically a discounted rate for the first few months. If you have never had an Unlimited subscription, you may see an introductory offer when you visit the sign-up page. Existing subscribers do not receive these promotions.
If you cancel and resubscribe later, you may or may not be treated as a new subscriber for promotional purposes. Amazon's policy on this varies. Contact Amazon customer service if you want to know whether you would may have access to for a current promotion before you sign up again.
What devices work with Amazon Music Unlimited
Unlimited works on iPhones and Android phones through the Amazon Music app. On computers, you can use the web player at music.amazon.com or download the desktop app for Windows or Mac. Tablets including iPads and Fire tablets support the app.
Amazon's own devices — Echo speakers, Fire tablets, and Fire TV devices — integrate with Unlimited. You can play music by voice command on any Echo speaker if you have Unlimited. Some car systems and third-party speakers also support Amazon Music, though compatibility varies by model and year.
If a device is not on this list, check Amazon's compatibility page or the device manufacturer's documentation. Some older devices or less common platforms may not be supported.
Downloading songs to listen offline
Unlimited lets you download up to 100,000 songs per account to your phone or tablet. Once downloaded, you can listen without an internet connection. Downloads use storage space on your device, so the number of songs you can actually store depends on your phone or tablet's available space.
Downloaded songs remain playable only while your subscription is active. If you cancel Unlimited, the downloaded files become unplayable within a set period. If you resubscribe later, your downloads work again. You cannot transfer downloaded songs to other devices or share them.
Family plans and multiple profiles
The family plan covers up to six people under one subscription. Each person gets their own login, separate playlists, separate listening history, and separate recommendations. Family members do not see each other's activity unless they choose to share it.
Only the account holder (the person who pays) can manage the family plan — adding members, removing members, or changing the payment method. Family members can change their own password and personal settings but cannot modify the subscription itself.
Family plans are cheaper per person than buying six individual subscriptions, but more expensive than one individual subscription. If you live with roommates or friends rather than family, you can still use a family plan, though Amazon's terms of service require that members live in the same household.
How to start and cancel your subscription
To start, visit music.amazon.com or open the Amazon Music app and select "Start Your Free Trial" or the current promotional offer. You will need an Amazon account. Enter your payment method and confirm. Your subscription begins immediately, and you can start streaming right away.
If you are a Prime member, you will see the Prime member price. If you are not, you will see the standard price. Make sure you are signed into the correct Amazon account before you sign up.
To cancel, go to your account settings in the Amazon Music app or on the website, find the subscription section, and select "Cancel Subscription." Your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you keep access until that date even after you cancel. You will not be charged again after cancellation.
Comparing Unlimited to other Amazon Music options
Amazon offers three music services. Amazon Music (included free with Prime) has a limited catalog and plays songs in a shuffled order — you cannot pick individual songs to play. Amazon Music HD costs more than Unlimited and offers higher audio quality for people with compatible equipment and trained ears. Amazon Music Unlimited is the middle option: full on-demand control and a massive catalog at a standard price.
If you already have Prime and rarely listen to music, the free tier may be enough. If you want full control over what you listen to and a current, complete catalog, Unlimited is the standard choice. If you are an audiophile with high-end speakers or headphones and want the best possible sound quality, HD is worth considering, though it costs significantly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Amazon Music Unlimited on multiple devices at the same time?
You can stream on multiple devices, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. Individual plans allow one stream at a time; family plans allow multiple simultaneous streams. If you exceed the limit, you will get an error on the device that started playing most recently.
What happens to my playlists and downloads if I cancel?
Your playlists remain in your account, but you cannot listen to the songs in them without an active subscription. Downloaded songs become unplayable. If you resubscribe later, your playlists are still there and you can listen again.
Is there a student discount?
Amazon offers discounted rates for students through its Prime Student program, which includes a discounted Unlimited subscription. You must verify your student status through a third-party verification service. Check Amazon's website for current student pricing and may be able to access requirements.
Can I share my login with someone outside my household?
Sharing a login with someone who does not live with you violates Amazon's terms of service. The family plan is designed for household members. If you share your login, Amazon may suspend or cancel your account.
Do I need Amazon Prime to use Unlimited?
No. You can subscribe to Unlimited without Prime membership. Prime members pay a lower monthly rate, but non-Prime members can subscribe at the standard price.