What Amazon Prime Video costs and what's included

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service you can watch on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. You pay a monthly or yearly fee and get access to movies, TV shows, and original content that Amazon produces. The service does not require you to buy anything else — you just need an internet connection and a device.

As of now, Amazon offers Prime Video in two ways. You can pay for Prime Video alone, or you can pay for Amazon Prime, which includes Prime Video plus other benefits like free shipping on Amazon purchases and Prime Music. The standalone Prime Video plan costs less than the full Prime membership. Prices vary by region and change periodically, so check Amazon's website for current rates in your area.

When you subscribe, you can watch on up to three devices at the same time on the same account. You can create separate profiles within one account so different household members have their own watchlist and recommendations. You can download shows and movies to watch offline on the Prime Video app.

Key Takeaways

  • Prime Video is available as a standalone subscription or bundled with Amazon Prime membership, and prices vary by location and change over time.
  • You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously and create multiple profiles on one account for different household members.
  • Some content on Prime Video is included with your subscription, while other movies and shows require an additional rental or purchase fee.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Amazon account settings without penalty or notice period.
  • Prime Video works on most devices including phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.

Included content versus paid rentals and purchases

Prime Video includes a rotating library of movies and TV shows at no extra cost beyond your subscription fee. What's available changes monthly — some titles leave and new ones arrive. You can browse what's currently included by filtering for "Prime" in the search results.

Alongside the included library, Prime Video also offers movies and shows you can rent or buy separately. A rental typically lets you watch for 24 to 48 hours after you start playing it. A purchase means you own the digital copy and can watch it as many times as you want. These rentals and purchases cost extra and are optional — you do not have to buy anything to use Prime Video.

Some channels, like Paramount+ or Starz, can be added to your Prime Video account for an additional monthly fee. These are separate subscriptions bundled into one place, not part of your base Prime Video payment.

How to set up and manage your account

To start, you need an Amazon account. Go to Amazon.com, create an account if you don't have one, and then navigate to the Prime Video subscription page. You'll enter a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other payment option Amazon accepts. Your subscription will renew automatically each month or year, depending on which plan you chose.

Once you're subscribed, download the Prime Video app on any device you want to use, or go to primevideo.com in a web browser. Sign in with your Amazon account credentials. You can then start watching immediately.

To manage your subscription, log into your Amazon account and go to "Your Account" or "Account Settings." Look for "Prime Video" or "Memberships and Subscriptions." From there you can view your renewal date, change your payment method, add channel subscriptions, or cancel your subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you keep access until that date.

Devices and technical requirements

Prime Video works on most modern devices. This includes iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac computers, Amazon Fire tablets, Fire TV devices, Roku devices, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and many others. You can also watch through a web browser on primevideo.com.

To stream, you need an internet connection. The speed required depends on the video quality you want: standard definition requires about 1 megabit per second, high definition requires about 5 megabits per second, and 4K Ultra HD requires about 15 megabits per second. Most home internet connections can handle HD without issue.

If you download content to watch offline, you'll need enough storage space on your device. Downloaded shows and movies expire after a set period — usually 30 to 48 days depending on the title — so you can't keep them permanently on your device.

Regional differences and availability

Prime Video is available in many countries, but the library of content, pricing, and features vary by region. If you travel internationally, you may not be able to watch content outside your home country due to licensing restrictions. Some titles are only available in certain regions.

Pricing also differs significantly. A subscription in the United States costs a different amount than in the United Kingdom, India, or other countries. Check the Prime Video website for your specific country to see current pricing and what's available in your area.

Comparing Prime Video to other streaming services

Prime Video competes with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and others. Each service has different content libraries, pricing, and features. Prime Video's main advantage is that you can add it to Amazon Prime membership, which includes other benefits. Its disadvantage is that some content requires extra payment beyond the subscription fee, whereas some competitors include everything in one price.

If you're trying to decide between services, consider what shows and movies matter to you. Most streaming services offer a free trial period or a low-cost first month, so you can test the service before committing. You can also subscribe to multiple services or rotate between them depending on what you want to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Prime Video account with people outside my household?

Amazon's terms of service state that Prime Video is for personal use within your household. While the technical ability to share login credentials exists, doing so violates the terms. Amazon may restrict or terminate accounts found to be sharing outside the household.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access ends at the end of your current billing period. You keep watching until that date, then you lose access to all Prime Video content. If you resubscribe later, you start fresh — your watchlist and profile data may or may not be retained depending on how long you've been away.

Can I watch Prime Video on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, up to three devices can stream simultaneously on one account. If a fourth device tries to play at the same time, you'll get an error message. Different profiles on the same account count toward this limit.

Do I need Amazon Prime to watch Prime Video?

No. You can subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service without buying Amazon Prime membership. The standalone option costs less but does not include free shipping or other Prime benefits.

What if I have a problem with my subscription or billing?

Contact Amazon customer service through your account settings or by visiting Amazon's help page. You can chat, email, or call depending on your region. Amazon handles billing issues, refunds, and account problems directly.