What you get with Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service included with an Amazon Prime membership. If you pay for Prime, you can watch movies, TV shows, and original series at no extra cost. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices. You stream content over the internet — nothing is mailed to you.
Prime Video's library changes monthly. The movies and shows available depend on licensing agreements Amazon makes with studios and networks. Some content is included; other titles require an additional rental or purchase fee on top of your Prime membership. Original series made by Amazon (like The Boys or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) are included with membership.
You can download shows and movies to your phone or tablet to watch offline. You can create up to six user profiles on one account, so different household members see their own watch history and recommendations. Parental controls let you restrict content by rating.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year as of 2024, though prices vary by region and change over time.
- You need an internet connection to stream, and the service works on most phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through the Prime Video app or website.
- Some movies and shows are included with membership; others require a separate rental or purchase fee.
- You can create multiple profiles on one account and download content to watch without internet.
- Amazon Prime membership also includes free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, Prime Music, and other benefits beyond video.
How much Amazon Prime Video costs
Amazon Prime Video is not sold separately. You must buy an Amazon Prime membership to access it. As of 2024, Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year if you pay annually. These prices have increased over time and vary by country. Amazon occasionally runs promotional rates for new members.
If you are a student, Amazon offers Prime Student at a lower rate. You must have a valid .edu email address or be enrolled in a school that participates in the program. Prime Student includes the same video library and other Prime benefits.
Some rental or purchase titles on Prime Video cost extra. A new movie rental might cost $3.99 to $5.99; purchasing a title to own permanently costs more. These are optional — you do not have to buy anything beyond the membership fee to use the service.
How to set up and use Prime Video
To use Prime Video, you first need an Amazon account. Go to amazon.com and create one with an email address and password. Then sign up for Prime membership. Amazon will ask for a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment. Your membership begins immediately after payment goes through.
Once you have Prime, download the Prime Video app on your device or go to primevideo.com in a web browser. Sign in with your Amazon account. Search for a show or movie, click it, and select "Watch Now" if it is included with membership. If a title requires a rental or purchase, you will see the price before you confirm.
You can watch on multiple devices at the same time, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your membership type. Standard Prime allows two streams at once; some regions offer an upgraded tier for more simultaneous streams. If you exceed the limit, you will see an error message asking you to stop watching on another device.
What devices work with Prime Video
Prime Video works on most common devices. You can stream on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers (Windows and Mac), and smart TVs. Compatible smart TV brands include Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung, LG, Sony, and others. You can also use a Chromecast or Apple TV device to send video from your phone to your TV.
Download the Prime Video app from your device's app store, or use a web browser to watch at primevideo.com. Some older devices may not support the app or may have limited features. Check your device's app store to see if Prime Video is available for your model.
Internet speed affects streaming quality. Amazon recommends at least 15 Mbps for 4K video, 5 Mbps for HD, and 1.5 Mbps for standard definition. You can adjust video quality in your account settings if your connection is slow.
Differences between Prime Video and other streaming services
Prime Video is one of several major streaming services. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others offer their own libraries and original content. Unlike Netflix or Disney+, Prime Video is bundled with other Amazon Prime benefits — shipping, music, and photo storage — so you are paying for more than just video.
Prime Video's library is smaller than Netflix's in most regions, but it includes some exclusive titles and sports content. The interface is less polished than some competitors; searching and browsing can feel less intuitive. However, the lower price point (when compared to buying multiple services) and the inclusion of other Prime perks make it a common choice for existing Amazon customers.
Many people use multiple streaming services at once. You can have Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and others active simultaneously. Some services offer bundle discounts if you sign up for multiple at once.
Canceling or pausing your membership
You can cancel Amazon Prime at any time. Go to your Amazon account settings, find "Manage Prime Membership," and select "End Membership." Your access to Prime Video stops immediately. If you paid for a full year, Amazon does not refund the unused portion — cancellation is final.
Amazon does not offer a pause or freeze option. If you want to stop paying temporarily, you must cancel and rejoin later. When you rejoin, you start a new billing cycle at the current price.
If you cancel and then rejoin within a short time, Amazon may offer you a promotional rate to return. These offers vary and are not may provide.
Common issues and troubleshooting
If you cannot find a title you are looking for, it may not be available in your region or may have been removed from the service. Prime Video's library changes regularly. You can add titles to a "Watchlist" so you get notified if they become available later.
If video keeps stopping or buffering, check your internet speed and move closer to your router if you are using Wi-Fi. Restart the app or your device. If the problem continues, restart your internet router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If you see an error message saying you have reached the limit on simultaneous streams, stop watching on another device or upgrade to a higher membership tier if available in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Prime Video without paying for Amazon Prime shipping?
No. Prime Video is only available as part of an Amazon Prime membership. You cannot buy Prime Video alone. If you only want video streaming, you would need to choose a different service like Netflix or Disney+.
Do I have to watch ads on Prime Video?
Most content on Prime Video is ad-free with a standard Prime membership. However, Amazon has introduced an ad-supported tier in some regions at a lower price. Check your account settings to see which tier you are on and whether an ad-free option is available in your area.
Can I share my Prime Video account with people outside my household?
Amazon's terms of service state that Prime membership is for personal use by the member and their household. Sharing login credentials with people outside your home violates the terms. Amazon may suspend or cancel accounts found to be shared widely.
What happens to my watchlist and recommendations if I cancel?
Your watchlist and viewing history are saved to your Amazon account. If you cancel and rejoin later, your history and watchlist will still be there. However, recommendations will update based on any new viewing activity after you rejoin.
Is Prime Video available outside the United States?
Yes, Prime Video operates in many countries, but the library, pricing, and features vary by region. Some shows and movies available in the US are not available elsewhere due to licensing restrictions. Check primevideo.com in your country to see what is available and the local price.