Is Amazon Prime Video Right for You?
The Pros and Cons of Amazon Prime
Pros
- Extensive library of movies and TV shows, including originals.
- X-Ray feature provides information about actors, soundtracks, and show notes.
- Live sports events, such as Thursday Night Football.
- Option to rent or buy movies and TV shows not included with Prime.
Cons
- Library doesn't have as much high-quality content as Netflix or Hulu.
- Interface can be confusing, especially on non-Amazon devices.
- Ads are present, even with a Prime subscription, though an ad-free tier is available at extra cost.
- Frequent complaints about customer service and billing issues.
Prime Video is a streaming service with a growing library of original content, movies, and TV shows included free with a standalone Amazon Prime Video subscription or an Amazon Prime membership. Amazon also has a sizable catalog of movies and TV shows available for purchase or rental. Unlike many other popular streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon offers in-theater releases as part of its Prime Video Cinema service.
Amazon Prime Top Movies & Shows
Movies
The French Connection
You're Cordially Invited
Blink Twice
Hoosiers
The Royal Tenenbaums
Shows
Yellowjackets
Severance
Reacher
Matlock
House of David
Amazon Prime Pricing
There are a few different subscription options:
- Monthly Plan: $14.99. Prime members enjoy the full list of available services, such as Prime Video, Amazon Music, Prime Reading, and more.
- Annual Plan: $139
- Prime Video Only Monthly Plan: $8.99. This is a standalone service that only includes access to the Prime Video streaming service. This option does not include the benefits of an Amazon Prime subscription, like free one-day, two-day, or same-day delivery on eligible orders.
- Young Adults Monthly Plan: $7.49. This option offers students the same benefits as Amazon Prime members, but for a discounted price. Plus, it comes with a six-month free trial.
- Young Adults Yearly Plan: $69
What Do You Get With Amazon Prime Video?
The plans mentioned above offer the same content. Below we’ll run through some highlights of the huge library Prime Video offers.
Hit TV Shows From Major Channels
- Burn Notice
- Chuck
- Hannibal
- Mr. Robot
- The Americans
Amazon Original Series
- The Boys
- Citadel
- Good Omens
- Invincible
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
- The Man in the High Castle
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- The Wheel of Time
- Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
See the full list of current and upcoming Amazon Original series.
Amazon Original Movies
- Air
- Beautiful Boy
- The Big Sick
- Honey Boy
- I Want You Back
- Manchester by the Sea
- The Tomorrow War
- You Were Never Really Here
See the full list of current and upcoming Amazon Original movies.
Amazon Original Documentaries
- All In: The Fight for Democracy
- Generation Wealth
- Gimme Danger
- Judy Blume Forever
- Lucy and Desi
- Time
- One Child Nation
Live Sports & Other Sports Content
- ONE Fight Night on Prime Video
- Overtime Elite
- Professional Pickleball Association
- Thursday Night Football
- WNBA
Supported Devices for Prime Video
Once subscribed,you have a list of supported devices to choose from.
Smart TVs
Most smart TVs from major brands, like Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, and more, will support the Prime Video app.
Amazon Devices
Amazon’s streaming devices, such as the Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire Tablet, and Echo devices, will all allow Prime Video access.
Mobile Devices
The Prime Video app is available for mobile devices running Android, iOS, and Windows.
Gaming Consoles
For gamers, you can stream on most current and even some past console generations, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Other Devices
If you still haven’t found a compatible option in your household, the Prime Video app is also available on many Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and other streaming devices, like Google Chromecast.
Benefits of Amazon Prime
- Free two-day shipping on eligible items.
- Access to Prime Video streaming service.
- Access to Prime Music streaming service.
- Other perks such as discounts at Whole Foods, Prime Reading, and Amazon Photos.
What users think about Amazon Prime
Users are divided. Some praise the value and benefits, especially free shipping and access to video and music content. Many are increasingly negative due to ads within Prime Video, confusing pricing and content availability, and difficulty getting customer support. Many also feel the quality of available movies and shows has decreased while the cost has increased.
Amazon Prime is Best for
Amazon Prime is best for frequent Amazon shoppers who also want a diverse selection of streaming entertainment and other perks, but should be carefully considered by those primarily interested in streaming who might find better value and content elsewhere.
How Does Amazon Prime Video Compare?
Yes, for $14.99 it is included at no additional cost along with other perks and services.
Yes, you can have up to six user profiles and stream on up to three devices at the same time.
If you have the standalone service you can cancel on Amazon.com.
Premium channels are available as paid add-ons with Prime Video. Many premium channels can be added to your Prime Video channels, allowing you to watch on-demand content from Starz, Showtime, HBO, etc. through the Prime Video app. You may even be eligible for a seven-day free trial of those premium channels through Prime Video.
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