5 Best Amazon Prime Video Subscription Plans Explained Simply
Amazon Prime Video has become a staple in the world of streaming services, offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and original content that caters to diverse tastes. One of the key advantages of using Amazon Prime Video is its flexibility in subscription plans, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their viewing habits and budget. Here, we’ll break down the five best Amazon Prime Video subscription plans, explaining them in a straightforward manner to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Amazon Prime Video Plans
Before diving into the specifics of each plan, it’s essential to understand that Amazon Prime Video is part of the broader Amazon Prime membership. Amazon Prime is a comprehensive service that includes benefits like free shipping, music streaming, photo storage, and more, in addition to Prime Video. However, you can also subscribe to Prime Video independently if you don’t need the other Amazon Prime benefits.
1. Amazon Prime Membership
The Amazon Prime membership is the most comprehensive plan, offering access to Prime Video along with a host of other benefits. For 14.99/month or 139/year, you get: - Access to Prime Video’s library of content - Unlimited free two-day shipping on eligible items - Same-day or one-day shipping in eligible areas - Prime Music streaming - Unlimited photo storage with Amazon Drive - Twitch Prime, which includes free games and in-game loot
2. Prime Video Standalone Subscription
For those who are only interested in the video content, Amazon offers a standalone Prime Video subscription. Priced at $8.99/month, this plan gives you access to: - Prime Video’s extensive library of movies, TV shows, and original content - Ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously
This plan is perfect for individuals or households that want to enjoy Prime Video without the additional Amazon Prime benefits.
3. Student Plan
Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership for students, which includes Prime Video. For 6.49/month or 59/year (valid for six months), students get: - All the benefits of Amazon Prime, including Prime Video - Verification required through .edu email address or through Amazon’s verification process
4. Monthly Membership for Low-Income Households
Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership for low-income households through its partnership with government assistance programs. For $6.99/month, eligible households can access: - All Amazon Prime benefits, including Prime Video - Verification required through government assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid
This plan makes Amazon Prime and Prime Video more accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
5. Free Trial and Add-ons
While not a separate subscription plan, it’s worth mentioning that Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new Prime members, allowing you to test the service, including Prime Video. Additionally, you can add channels to your Prime Video subscription, such as HBO, Showtime, or Starz, for an extra fee. These add-ons expand your content options without needing a separate subscription.
Comparing the Plans
| Plan | Price | Includes Prime Video | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Membership | 14.99/month or 139/year | Yes | All Amazon Prime benefits |
| Prime Video Standalone | $8.99/month | Yes | Prime Video only |
| Student Plan | 6.49/month or 59/year (for 6 months) | Yes | All Amazon Prime benefits |
| Low-Income Plan | $6.99/month | Yes | All Amazon Prime benefits |
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right Amazon Prime Video plan depends on your viewing habits, budget, and whether you can benefit from the additional Amazon Prime services. For heavy Amazon shoppers and those who want the full Prime experience, the Amazon Prime membership is likely the best value. For others, the standalone Prime Video subscription or the discounted plans for students and low-income households offer more tailored options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Amazon Prime Video subscription with others?
+Yes, you can share your Prime Video subscription with others through Amazon Household. This allows you to share benefits with one other adult and up to four teens and four children, each with their own profile.
Is Prime Video available in 4K?
+Yes, Amazon Prime Video offers a selection of titles in 4K Ultra HD. The availability of 4K content depends on the title and your device’s capabilities.
Can I cancel my Prime Video subscription at any time?
+Yes, you can cancel your Prime Video subscription at any time. If you’re on a monthly plan, you’ll retain access until the end of your billing period. For annual plans, you won’t be eligible for a refund for the unused portion of your subscription.
Are there any additional fees for Prime Video?
+While the base Prime Video subscription includes a vast library of content, some titles may require an additional rental or purchase fee. You can also add premium channels to your subscription for extra content.