Amazon Prime Video offers three subscription tiers, each with different features and prices
Amazon Prime Video has three ways to watch: a standalone video subscription, Prime membership that bundles video with other services, and an ad-supported tier that costs less. The standalone video plan gives you access to movies and shows without paying for shipping, music, or storage. Prime membership includes Prime Video but also covers fast shipping on Amazon purchases, Prime Music, and Prime Reading. The ad-supported option is the cheapest way in, though you will see advertisements during playback.
Which plan makes sense depends on whether you already shop on Amazon and what you are willing to pay. If you use Amazon for regular purchases, Prime membership often costs less per month than paying separately for video and shipping. If you only want to watch, the standalone video subscription or ad tier may be better. Prices and features change periodically, so checking Amazon's website directly before you sign up ensures you see the current offer.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video standalone costs less than Prime membership but does not include shipping benefits or other Prime perks.
- Prime membership bundles video with fast shipping, music, and reading, making it cheaper overall if you shop on Amazon regularly.
- The ad-supported tier is the lowest-cost option and includes the same shows and movies as paid tiers, but with advertisements during playback.
- You can pause or cancel any subscription at any time without penalty.
Prime Video Standalone Subscription
The standalone Prime Video subscription gives you access to the full catalog of movies, shows, and original content without bundling in Amazon's other services. You pay a monthly fee and can watch on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or TV — as long as you are signed into your account. This plan is useful if you do not shop on Amazon often or do not need the shipping benefits that come with full Prime membership.
You can share your account with people in your household, though Amazon limits the number of simultaneous streams depending on your plan. Standalone Prime Video typically allows two streams at once, meaning two people can watch different shows at the same time. If you need more simultaneous streams, you may want to check whether Prime membership offers a better value, since it sometimes includes additional streaming rights.
Prime Membership With Video Included
Prime membership bundles Prime Video with fast shipping on Amazon purchases, Prime Music (a music streaming service), Prime Reading (access to a rotating library of books and magazines), and other benefits. The monthly cost is higher than standalone video, but if you use Amazon for regular shopping, the shipping savings often make up the difference. Prime members get free two-day shipping on millions of items, and one-day or same-day shipping is available in many areas for an additional fee per order.
Prime membership also includes Prime Gaming, which offers free games and in-game content each month, and access to exclusive deals during Amazon sales events. The video library is the same as the standalone plan — you get all the same shows and movies. The main trade-off is cost: you pay more per month, but you get benefits beyond video if you use them.
Ad-Supported Prime Video Tier
Amazon offers a lower-cost Prime Video plan that includes advertisements. You see ads during movies and shows, similar to watching cable television, but the content library is the same as the paid tiers. This plan costs significantly less than ad-free options and is the entry point for people who want to try Prime Video without committing to a higher price.
The number and length of ads varies by title. Some shows have ads only at the beginning and end, while others have breaks throughout. You cannot skip ads on this tier. If you later decide you want to watch without interruption, you can upgrade to the ad-free standalone plan or Prime membership at any time.
How to Compare Plans Side by Side
| Feature | Ad-Supported Prime Video | Prime Video Standalone | Prime Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Video library | Full access | Full access | Full access |
| Advertisements | Yes | No | No |
| Amazon shipping benefits | No | No | Yes (two-day free) |
| Prime Music | No | No | Yes |
| Prime Reading | No | No | Yes |
| Prime Gaming | No | No | Yes |
| Simultaneous streams | Typically 2 | Typically 2 | Typically 2 |
Managing Your Subscription and Making Changes
You can pause or cancel your Prime Video subscription at any time through your Amazon account settings. There is no contract, no cancellation fee, and no waiting period — the change takes effect when ready or at the end of your current billing cycle, depending on which option you choose. If you pause instead of cancel, your subscription will resume on a date you select.
If you want to switch between tiers — for example, from ad-supported to ad-free, or from standalone video to Prime membership — you can make that change in your account as well. Amazon will prorate any price difference if you switch mid-billing cycle. You can also add Prime Video to an existing Prime membership or remove it if you have both, though removing video from Prime membership is not always possible depending on your region and membership type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Prime Video on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. Most Prime Video plans allow two people to watch different content at the same time. If you need more streams, check Amazon's current terms, as this can vary by region and plan type.
What happens if I cancel my Prime membership but want to keep Prime Video?
You can downgrade from Prime membership to the standalone Prime Video plan instead of canceling entirely. This keeps your video access but removes shipping and other Prime benefits. Make the change in your account settings before your current billing cycle ends.
Do I have to watch ads on the ad-supported tier?
Yes, ads are part of the ad-supported plan and cannot be skipped. If you want to watch without ads, you can upgrade to the ad-free standalone plan or Prime membership at any time.
Can I share my Prime Video account with family members who live elsewhere?
Amazon allows account sharing within your household, but the terms for sharing across different addresses vary by region. Check Amazon's current household sharing policy for your location, as rules differ between countries and may change.
Is the content library the same across all three tiers?
Yes, the movies and shows available are the same on ad-supported, standalone, and Prime membership tiers. The only difference is whether you see ads and what other benefits come bundled with your subscription.