Amazon Prime Video Review 2025: Prices, Plans, and More
We've spent thousands of hours watching shows and movies on Prime Video, and we think it's a good value. Read on to see if it's right for you.
Amazon Prime Video is one of our top streaming service picks
Prime Video is the best perk of being an Amazon Prime member. We see you, AmazonFresh and two-day shipping, but access to 25,000 movies and TV shows is just tastier for that $14.99 a month. You can even get access to its entire catalog for a smaller bill of $8.99 a month, although you won’t get any of those other Prime perks.
Prime Video also offers live sports programming (like NFL, NBA, and WNBA coverage), and it has a growing slate of in-house original TV shows and movies (like award winners The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the mega-budget The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power).
No streamer is perfect. Prime Video’s small-but-growing stable of original content can’t compete with Netflix’s sheer quantity of shows and movies. It also doesn’t have the immediacy of Hulu, which streams many TV shows the day after they’re broadcast elsewhere. And as of January 29, 2024, you’ll have to shell out an extra $2.99/mo. to get rid of ads on all (previously ad-free) Prime content, which we don’t love.
Still, there’s plenty to love about Prime Video, especially if you’re a movie buff who’s a sucker for ’80s marathons (aren’t we all?).
Amazon Prime Video free trials and deals
Amazon Prime gives you a 30-day free membership trial, which means you also have a month to try out Prime Video. If you’re interested in only Prime Video, the same 30-day trial also applies.
Prime Video is best when bundled with a Prime membership
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
…but it’s also available as a standalone streaming service
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Even though the price continues to rise, we still prefer our Prime Video without ads and with an Amazon Prime membership. Both standalone Prime Video subscriptions do give you access to plenty of entertainment, but the extra perks of the Amazon Prime membership are worth the price tag.
Basically, we’re suckers for late-night shopping and free shipping.
Amazon Prime Video vs. the competition
| Service | Price | Video | Streams | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Prime Video | $8.99–$17.98/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 3 | View plans |
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Netflix | $7.99–$24.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 2–4 | View plans |
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Hulu | $9.99–$18.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 2 | View plans |
 |
Disney+ | $9.99–$15.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 4 | View plans |
 |
Max | $9.99–$20.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 2–4 | View plans |
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Apple TV+ | $9.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 6 | View plans |
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Paramount+ | $7.99–$12.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 3 | View plans |
 |
Peacock | $7.99–$13.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 3 | View plans |
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Discovery+ | $5.99–$9.99/mo. | 1080p, 4K | 4 | View plans |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Prime Video falls somewhere in the middle of the competition in price and content—it doesn’t have the largest collection of originals, but it’s not the most expensive service either. But can any of the others also deliver a Ninja air fryer to your door within 48 hours? Amazon Prime membership combined with Prime Video is an all-inclusive entertainment package that’s tough to beat.
Amazon Prime Video has a vast catalog of shows and movies
Included with Prime
Of all Prime Video’s categories, the most popular is “included with Prime.” This is the core offering of Prime Video: members don’t have to pay extra to watch a TV series or movie (it’s also indicated by a white “Prime” logo on the preview image).
Included in this section are Prime Video originals, like Good Omens, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Hazbin Hotel, Fallout, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. We’re generally impressed with the quality of their originals.
We know, “not having to pay extra” is the whole premise of a streaming service. But Prime Video likes to be as confusing as physically possible, so it also hosts two other kinds of content, and it’s not always clear where the line is between them.
Free with ads
“Free with ads” content are a holdover from one of Amazon’s other streaming services, Freevee. The company is phasing out the Freevee branding, but the same basic concept still applies.
Any user, Prime member or otherwise, can watch content in this category for free. Of course, the catch is that all users have to sit through ads. Yes, even if you’re a Prime member, and even if you’ve shelled out the extra cash to avoid ads on Amazon Prime content. Confusing, right?
Video on Demand (VOD)
Amazon is, at its heart, a platform designed around selling you extra stuff, and its video streaming platform is no exception.
Additional charge shows and movies from the Prime Video rental store are labeled with a yellow “$” tab and can range from $2 to $20 per TV episode or full movie. Most newly released videos on demand fall under this category, with Amazon-owned movies (like Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse) excluded.
Channel add-ons
There are over 100 channel add-ons available through Prime Video, ranging from familiar premiums like SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX to niche channels like BBC Select, PBS Masterpiece, and Hallmark Movies Now.
Some add-on channels, such as the martial-arts centric Hi-Yah!, go for as little as $2.99 a month, while Paramount+ with SHOWTIME costs the same $12.99 a month as it does on cable or satellite. Read about all the options in our Amazon Prime Video Add-Ons guide.
Live sports
Prime Video is now the streaming home to the NFL’s Thursday Night Football, which is included in the basic subscription—again, always look for the blue Prime tab. Off the gridiron and into the sand, AVP pro beach volleyball games are also included with Prime Video.
You can also watch live MLB baseball (MLB.TV), NBA basketball (NBA TV, NBA League Pass), CBS Sports (Paramount+), and Spanish-language soccer coverage (ViX Premium) through Prime Video Channels for additional monthly fees.
"I dislike that so many of their options require more money to access. We are not interested in renting a movie or paying any more than we currently pay."
Amazon Prime Video specs and features
Prime Video’s on-screen guide is comparable to other on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, but one of our favorite Prime Video features is its exclusive X-Ray function, which displays information about the movie or TV show you’re currently watching. It identifies actors in any given scene, provides trivia and soundtrack information, and more with a single remote click. It’s handy for those “I know that guy—what’s he been in?” moments.
Amazon Prime Video simultaneous streams
| Plan | Streams |
|---|---|
| Prime Video | 3 |
Data effective as of post date.
Prime Video allows up to three simultaneous streams, which is pretty standard with most streaming services. It also offers offline downloads for unconnected viewing, allowing up to 25 downloads per Prime Video account with 30 days to watch.
You can also create up to five user profiles within Prime Video and set up parental controls based on content ratings with a PIN number. Even though it’s a cartoon, you probably don’t want the kiddies watching Prime Video’s ultra-violent superhero original Invincible.
Amazon Prime Video compatible devices
| Device | Prime Video |
|---|---|
| Amazon Fire Cube, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Android phones, tablets | ✔ |
| Android TV | ✔ |
| Apple TV (4th gen.) | ✔ |
| Apple TV 4K | ✔ |
| Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV | ✔ |
| Echo Show | ✔ |
| iPhone, iPad | ✔ |
| LG TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| Nintendo Switch | — |
| NVIDIA SHIELD Pro TV | ✔ |
| PC, Mac web browsers | ✔ |
| PlayStation 3, 4, 5 | ✔ |
| Roku Ultra, Express, Premiere, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Samsung TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| TiVo Stream | ✔ |
| Wii | — |
| Xbox One | ✔ |
Data effective as of post date.
With the exception of Nintendo devices, your streaming gadget of choice is likely compatible with Prime Video. Amazon’s Fire TV devices work exceptionally well with Prime Video, as it’s literally what they were created to stream. Looks like corporate synergy pays off.
Amazon Prime Video video and audio quality
Prime Video streams at 1080p HD, with some original TV shows and movies in 4K, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. It’s not consistent from show to show, though: Prime Video’s hit Bosch is available in HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, while Carnival Row is available in HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos.
As long as your internet connection is solid and fast, Amazon Prime Video’s picture quality is reliably pristine. Prime Video recommends at least 5 Mbps to get that quality; we recommend 25 Mbps at minimum for buffer-free streaming.
Audio-wise, Prime Video supports Dolby 5.1 digital surround sound for most of its original movies and TV shows, and Dolby Atmos on a small portion of content. For the majority of programming on Prime Video, however, sound output is the standard 2.0 stereo offered by all other streaming services.
Is Amazon Prime Video worth it?
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is an excellent streaming addition to your app lineup—if you aren’t already using it, why not? That’s like passing on a free dessert with your entrée, or at least those “extra” fries in the bottom of the takeout bag.
For non-Prime members, the standalone $8.99 a month service might not be quite as essential as a Netflix or Hulu subscription. Prime Video’s original series and movies are high quality but few, and you can get its premium channels and rental movies for the same prices elsewhere.
But, now that Prime Video is the exclusive streaming home to NFL Thursday Night Football and the epic Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power original series, we think the streamer has become more essential than it was previously.
Amazon Prime Video FAQ
Is Prime Video included with Amazon Prime membership?
Access to Prime Video is included at no extra charge with an Amazon Prime membership.
How much does Amazon Prime Video cost?
Access to Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 a month or $139.00 a year. For non-Prime members, Prime Video is available as a standalone streaming service for $8.99 a month.
Starting January 24, 2024, both groups of subscribers can pay an extra $2.99/mo. to get rid of ads. The service was previously ad-free.
How much do Amazon Prime Video movie rentals cost?
Movie rentals through Prime Video can range from as low as $2.99 for older releases to as much as $19.99 for recent theatrical releases.
What is the difference between Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime membership?
Amazon Prime membership is a service provided by Amazon.com. With it, subscribers receive free, standard, or two-day delivery of items purchased on Amazon.com, as well as full access to Prime Video’s thousands of TV shows and movies.
What is included with Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video features over 25,000 movies and TV shows, including exclusive originals, live sports, and film premieres for $8.99 a month, or $14.99 included with an Amazon Prime membership. Prime Video streams in 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and allows mobile downloads for offline viewing of some content.
Where is Amazon Prime Video available?
Amazon Prime Video is available to most of the world, with the exceptions of Mainland China, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.
Methodology
Our experts employed 1000s of hours of hands-on testing with Prime Video, rating the streaming service on bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction. Then we matched up Prime Video with other on-demand streaming services head to head to give a clearer picture of its strengths and weaknesses. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
