Prime Video — Amazon's video streaming service delivering movies, TV shows, live sports, and Amazon Original series, bundled into Prime membership or available as a standalone $8.99/month subscription.
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Prime Video screenshots & video
Prime Video in 20 seconds
Best for: Amazon Prime members who want streaming bundled with shipping and music benefits, and ad-tolerant viewers of Amazon Originals and live sports
Pricing: From $8.99/month standalone, or $14.99/month ($139/year) as part of Amazon Prime; ads shown by default, ad-free costs $2.99/month extra.
- Prime Video standalone costs $8.99/month; full Amazon Prime membership (which includes Prime Video) costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
- Ads run by default on every Prime Video plan since January 2024; an ad-free upgrade costs an extra $2.99/month.
- Prime Video is available on web browsers, Windows, iOS, and Android, plus smart TVs and streaming devices.
- Prime Video hosts third-party channel subscriptions (HBO Max, Paramount+, and others) billed through the same Amazon account.
- There is no permanently free Prime Video tier; new customers get a limited-time Prime trial only.
Limitations: Ads are shown by default on every plan; removing them costs extra.; Newer theatrical releases often require an additional rental or purchase fee.; No permanently free tier.
Top alternatives: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Apple TV — full list
What is Prime Video?
Prime Video is Amazon's video streaming service, offering a library of licensed movies and TV shows alongside Amazon Original productions and live sports rights. Unlike single-purpose streamers, Prime Video is sold two ways: as a standalone $8.99/month subscription, or bundled into full Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year), which layers in retail perks like free shipping and Prime Music. Every plan has shown ads by default since January 2024, with an ad-free upgrade available for an extra $2.99/month. The service also functions as a transactional storefront — many newer theatrical releases are available only to rent or buy on top of the subscription — and hosts add-on channel subscriptions (like HBO Max or Paramount+) that bill through the same Amazon account.
Prime Video is Amazon's streaming service for movies, TV shows, live sports (including Thursday Night Football), and Amazon Original series such as The Boys and Fallout, accessible via web browser, smart TVs, and native apps. It ships as a standalone subscription starting at $8.99/month, or bundled into a full Amazon Prime membership at $14.99/month (or $139/year), which also includes free two-day shipping and Prime Music. Since January 2024, ads run by default on every plan; removing them costs an additional $2.99/month. Beyond its included library, Prime Video also operates as a storefront for renting and buying newer theatrical releases, and hosts third-party subscription channels (HBO Max, Paramount+, and others) that stack on top of the base subscription. There is no permanently free tier.
Standout feature: Bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music under one membership, so the $14.99/month price covers streaming plus retail benefits rather than video alone.
Biggest weakness: Ads run by default on every plan since January 2024, with the ad-free option costing an extra $2.99/month, and many newer theatrical titles sit behind an additional rental or purchase fee on top of the subscription rather than being included.
Pros
- Bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music, so the membership pays for itself beyond video alone.
- Standalone Prime Video plan ($8.99/month) is cheaper than most single-purpose streaming competitors.
- Wide device support across smart TVs, consoles, streaming sticks, and mobile apps.
- Hosts third-party channel add-ons (HBO Max, Paramount+, and others) billed through one Amazon account.
Cons
- Ads now run by default on every plan; removing them costs an extra $2.99/month on top of the base subscription.
- Many newer theatrical releases require an additional rental or purchase fee even for subscribers.
- No permanently free tier — the only way to try it is a limited-time Prime trial.
Prime Video pricing
From $2.99/mo
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video (standalone) | $8.99/mo | Video-only subscription without full Prime membership; ads shown by default. |
| Amazon Prime (monthly) | $14.99/mo | Includes Prime Video plus free two-day shipping, Prime Music, and other Prime retail benefits. |
| Amazon Prime (annual) | $139/yr | Same benefits as the monthly Prime plan, billed once a year. |
| Prime Video ad-free add-on | $2.99/mo | Removes ads from Prime Video; ads run by default on every plan as of January 2024. |
What reviewers say
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