# Prime Video review

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.

By Noah — last updated & pricing verified September 15, 2026.

> **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.

## Facts

- Website: https://primevideo.com
- Pricing: From $2.99/mo
- License: Paid
- Platforms: web, windows, ios, android
- Best for: Amazon Prime members who want streaming bundled with free shipping, and ad-tolerant viewers who want access to Amazon Originals and live sports without a single-purpose-only subscription
- 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.
- Categories: [Video Streaming](https://findalternative.to/categories/video-streaming)

## Pricing snapshot

| 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. |

## Pros and cons

- Pro: Bundled with Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping and Prime Music, so the membership pays for itself beyond video alone.
- Pro: Standalone Prime Video plan ($8.99/month) is cheaper than most single-purpose streaming competitors.
- Pro: Wide device support across smart TVs, consoles, streaming sticks, and mobile apps.
- Pro: Hosts third-party channel add-ons (HBO Max, Paramount+, and others) billed through one Amazon account.
- Con: Ads now run by default on every plan; removing them costs an extra $2.99/month on top of the base subscription.
- Con: Many newer theatrical releases require an additional rental or purchase fee even for subscribers.
- Con: No permanently free tier — the only way to try it is a limited-time Prime trial.

## AI summary

- 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.
- 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.
- Top alternatives: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Apple TV
- Limitation: Ads are shown by default on every plan; removing them costs extra.
- Limitation: Newer theatrical releases often require an additional rental or purchase fee.
- Limitation: No permanently free tier.

## Alternatives

6 vetted alternatives to Prime Video: https://findalternative.to/prime-video — top picks: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu

## Comparisons

- https://findalternative.to/compare/netflix-vs-prime-video

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