Are you confused about the differences between Amazon Prime and Prime Video? You’re not alone! With the rise of online streaming services, understanding the nuances between these two popular Amazon offerings can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Amazon Prime and Prime Video, exploring their features, benefits, and pricing to help you make an informed decision about which service is right for you.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a premium membership program offered by Amazon that provides a plethora of benefits, including:
Free Two-Day Shipping: Get fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items, including products from Amazon’s own inventory and those from third-party sellers.
Streamlined Shopping: Enjoy instant access to deals, discounts, and promotions, making it easier to score great prices on your favorite products.
Music Streaming: Tap into a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations with Amazon Music, including ad-free listening and offline playback.
Photo Storage: Store and organize your photos with unlimited cloud storage on Amazon Drive, accessible from any device.
Gaming Perks: Get exclusive discounts, free games, and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, a premium gaming experience.
Early Access to Deals: Be the first to snag Lightning Deals, Limited-Time Discounts, and other promotions 30 minutes before non-Prime members.
Original Content: Access to exclusive Amazon Original content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries produced by Amazon Studios.
Other Amazon Prime Perks
In addition to these key benefits, Amazon Prime members also enjoy:
- Free same-day or one-day delivery in select areas
- Alexa-exclusive features and discounts
- Special discounts at Whole Foods Market and AmazonFresh
- Early access to new product releases
- 10% off at Amazon Go and more
What is Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including:
On-Demand Content: Stream popular movies, TV shows, and documentaries from major networks and studios.
Amazon Original Content: Exclusive access to Amazon Original series, movies, and documentaries produced by Amazon Studios.
Offline Viewing: Download content for offline playback, perfect for commutes, travel, or areas with limited internet connectivity.
X-Ray: Get behind-the-scenes insights, cast and crew information, and trivia about the content you’re watching.
Multi-Language Support: Stream content in multiple languages, catering to diverse global audiences.
Prime Video Add-Ons
In addition to the standard Prime Video features, you can also purchase add-ons to enhance your streaming experience:
- Starz: Gain access to premium content from the popular cable network, including hit shows like Outlander and Power.
- Showtime: Stream award-winning series and movies from the renowned cable channel.
- HBO: Enjoy critically acclaimed content from the iconic premium network, including Game of Thrones and Westworld.
Pricing: Amazon Prime vs. Prime Video
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for Amazon Prime and Prime Video:
Amazon Prime:
- $12.99 per month (or $119 per year)
- Includes all Amazon Prime benefits, including free shipping, music streaming, photo storage, and more
Prime Video:
- $8.99 per month (standalone subscription)
- Includes access to Prime Video content, including on-demand and original content, offline viewing, and X-Ray features
- Can be added to an existing Amazon Prime membership for an additional $2.99 per month
Student and Low-Income Options
Amazon offers discounted Prime memberships for students and low-income individuals:
- Amazon Prime Student: $6.49 per month (or $59 per year) for students with a valid .edu email address
- Amazon Prime Access: $5.99 per month (or $59 per year) for low-income individuals with a valid EBT or Medicaid card
Key Differences: Amazon Prime vs. Prime Video
To summarize, the main differences between Amazon Prime and Prime Video are:
- Scope of benefits: Amazon Prime offers a broad range of benefits beyond streaming, including free shipping, music, and more, while Prime Video is focused solely on streaming content.
- Pricing: Amazon Prime is more expensive, with a higher monthly or annual fee, while Prime Video is a more affordable option for those only interested in streaming.
- Content availability: While both services offer exclusive Amazon Original content, Prime Video is focused on streaming movies and TV shows, whereas Amazon Prime includes access to music, photos, and other benefits.
Who Should Choose Amazon Prime?
If you:
- Frequently shop on Amazon and want to take advantage of free two-day shipping
- Enjoy music streaming, photo storage, and other non-streaming benefits
- Want access to exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions
- Are willing to pay a premium for a comprehensive membership program
Then Amazon Prime is the better choice for you.
Who Should Choose Prime Video?
If you:
- Are primarily interested in streaming movies and TV shows
- Want access to a vast library of on-demand content, including Amazon Original series and movies
- Are on a budget and prefer a more affordable option
- Don’t need or want the additional benefits offered by Amazon Prime
Then Prime Video is the better choice for you.
In conclusion, while both Amazon Prime and Prime Video offer unique benefits, they cater to different needs and preferences. By understanding the differences between these two services, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Whether you’re a frequent shopper, a streaming enthusiast, or something in between, Amazon has a solution to meet your needs.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a membership program offered by Amazon that provides a wide range of benefits, including faster shipping, streaming of music, video, and photos, photo storage, early access to deals, and more. It also includes access to Prime Video, which offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content.
In addition to the benefits mentioned, Amazon Prime members also get access to exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions on various products, including those from third-party sellers. Members can also enjoy Twitch Prime benefits, including ad-free viewing, free games, and other perks. Overall, Amazon Prime is designed to enhance the shopping experience and provide entertainment options for its members.
What is Prime Video?
Prime Video is a streaming service offered by Amazon that provides access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. It is included with an Amazon Prime membership, but it can also be subscribed to separately. Prime Video allows users to stream content to their devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Prime Video offers a wide range of content, including popular movies and TV shows, as well as original content produced exclusively for Amazon. This includes hit shows like The Grand Tour, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, among others. Prime Video also provides additional features like 4K Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) streaming, making it a great option for those who want high-quality video.
Can I Get Prime Video Without Amazon Prime?
Yes, it is possible to get Prime Video without an Amazon Prime membership. Amazon offers a standalone Prime Video subscription that can be purchased separately from an Amazon Prime membership. This subscription provides access to Prime Video, without the additional benefits of Amazon Prime.
However, it’s worth noting that the standalone Prime Video subscription is only available in certain countries, and the availability of content may vary depending on the region. Additionally, the Prime Video subscription does not include the additional benefits of Amazon Prime, such as free shipping, music streaming, and photo storage.
Is Prime Video Free with Amazon Prime?
Yes, Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership at no additional cost. This means that Amazon Prime members get access to Prime Video, including its vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, as part of their membership.
Prime Video is one of the many benefits of an Amazon Prime membership, which also includes free two-day shipping, music streaming, photo storage, and more. Members can enjoy Prime Video on their devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, without paying any extra fees.
Can I Share My Amazon Prime Benefits with Others?
Amazon Prime members can share their benefits with others, but there are some limitations. Members can create an Amazon Household, which allows them to share their benefits with one other adult and up to four teenagers or children.
However, when it comes to Prime Video, the sharing options are more limited. While members can create profiles for other users, including family members or roommates, each profile requires its own Amazon account, and the content watched is tied to the individual account. This means that if you want to share Prime Video with others, you’ll need to create separate profiles and manage them individually.
Can I Cancel My Amazon Prime or Prime Video Subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription at any time. To cancel Amazon Prime, go to your Amazon account settings, click on “Membership & subscriptions,” and then click “End membership” next to “Amazon Prime.”
To cancel Prime Video, go to your Amazon account settings, click on “Membership & subscriptions,” and then click “Cancel subscription” next to “Prime Video.” You can also cancel your subscription through the Prime Video app on your device. Keep in mind that canceling your subscription will stop your benefits immediately, and you’ll no longer have access to Prime Video or other Amazon Prime benefits.
Is Amazon Prime or Prime Video Worth the Cost?
Whether Amazon Prime or Prime Video is worth the cost depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you shop frequently on Amazon and take advantage of the free shipping, music streaming, and photo storage benefits, Amazon Prime might be a good value for you.
If you’re primarily interested in streaming movies and TV shows, Prime Video might be a good option, especially if you’re a fan of Amazon Original content. However, if you don’t plan to use the additional benefits, you might want to consider a standalone streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.