What you get with Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service included with an Amazon Prime membership, or you can pay for it separately. The membership gives you access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and original series that you can watch on demand. You stream content through the Prime Video app on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and devices like Roku or Fire Stick.

The service also lets you rent or buy movies and shows that aren't included in the standard catalog — those cost extra, and the price varies by title. Some content is available to watch for free with ads, while other shows and movies require the ad-free tier or individual purchase.

If you have an Amazon Prime membership for other benefits like free shipping, Prime Video is already included at no additional cost. If you only want the video service without the broader Prime membership, you can subscribe to Prime Video alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Prime Video costs either $14.99 per month with ads or $139 per year ad-free as a standalone subscription, though prices vary by region and change over time.
  • If you pay for a full Amazon Prime membership, Prime Video is included and you get the ad-free version along with free shipping and other Prime benefits.
  • You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs using the Prime Video app, and you can read some titles to watch offline.
  • Movies and shows not in the included catalog can be rented or purchased separately at prices set by the content provider.
  • Prime Video offers a free trial period before your paid subscription begins, though the length of the trial changes periodically.

Standalone Prime Video pricing and payment options

If you subscribe to Prime Video without a full Amazon Prime membership, you pay a monthly or annual fee. The monthly option with ads is less expensive than the monthly option without ads. The annual plan without ads costs more upfront but works out to less per month if you keep the subscription year-round.

You can change your subscription tier or cancel at any time through your Amazon account settings. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access through the end of your billing period. Charges appear on your Amazon account statement and use whatever payment method you have on file.

The exact prices vary by country and Amazon adjusts them periodically. Check your Amazon account or the Prime Video website to see the current rates in your region before you subscribe.

Prime Video as part of an Amazon Prime membership

An Amazon Prime membership includes Prime Video, free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, Prime Music (a music streaming service), Prime Reading (access to a rotating library of books and magazines), and other benefits. The full membership costs more than Prime Video alone, but if you use multiple Prime benefits, the total cost may be lower than paying for each service separately.

Prime membership is available on a monthly or annual basis. Students can get a discounted Prime membership through Amazon Prime Student, which also includes Prime Video. You can pause your Prime membership for up to three months if you want to stop charges temporarily without canceling.

What content is included and what costs extra

Prime Video's included catalog changes regularly — Amazon adds new titles and removes others throughout the year. The included shows and movies are available to stream as many times as you want at no additional cost, though you may need to watch ads depending on your subscription tier.

Content not in the included catalog can be rented or purchased. A rental typically lets you watch a movie for 24 to 48 hours, while a purchase gives you permanent access. Prices for rentals and purchases are set by the content provider and vary widely — a new movie rental might cost $3.99 to $5.99, while older titles may be cheaper.

Some channels, like HBO Max or Paramount+, can be added to your Prime Video subscription for an additional monthly fee. This bundles them into your Prime Video app rather than requiring separate apps and logins.

Devices and offline viewing

Prime Video works on most devices: phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers with a web browser, smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others, and streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast. You can watch on up to three devices at the same time with one subscription, though some content has stricter limits.

You can read episodes and movies to your phone or tablet through the Prime Video app and watch them without an internet connection. Downloaded content expires after a set period — usually 30 days, though some titles have different limits. The read option is available on the mobile app only, not on computers or smart TVs.

Free trial and how to start

Amazon offers a free trial period for new Prime Video subscribers before charges begin. The length of the trial varies — it may be 7 days, 30 days, or longer depending on current promotions and your region. During the trial, you have full access to the included catalog and can cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

To start a trial or subscription, you create or sign into your Amazon account, go to the Prime Video page, and select the plan you want. You provide a payment method, and your subscription begins when ready. You can manage your subscription, change your tier, or cancel at any time through your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously with one subscription. Some content, particularly newer movies, may have stricter limits that allow only one or two simultaneous streams. Check the content details if you're having trouble streaming on a second device.

What happens to my subscription if I cancel?

You keep access to Prime Video through the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you're not charged again, and your access ends on the date your current month expires. If you cancel an annual plan, you lose access when ready unless you cancel within a certain window — check Amazon's policy for your specific situation.

Can I read shows to watch without internet?

Yes, the Prime Video app on phones and tablets lets you read episodes and movies. Downloaded content typically expires after 30 days, though some titles have different expiration dates. Downloads are not available on computers, smart TVs, or streaming devices — only on mobile apps.

Do I have to pay extra for channels like HBO Max through Prime Video?

Yes, premium channels are add-ons that cost extra per month on top of your Prime Video subscription. Adding them through Prime Video bundles them into the app, but you pay the channel's standard rate. You can cancel individual channels without affecting your Prime Video subscription.

What's the difference between the ad-supported and ad-free tiers?

The ad-supported tier costs less per month but shows ads during shows and movies. The ad-free tier costs more and has no ads. Both tiers include the same catalog of content — the only difference is whether ads play during viewing.