Amazon Prime Video Review 2023: Is it Worth It? (Price, Plans, Shows & More)
Features:
- Access to thousands of movies and TV shows, with new titles added regularly
- Ad-free streaming
- Official NFL streaming partner for Thursday Night Football
Navigating the digital entertainment world can be challenging with so many different streaming apps to choose from.
With an abundance of choices, how do you figure out which ones are worth your time and money?
We’ll review everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Video in this guide. We’ll discuss its pricing, plans, content variety, device compatibility, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s right for your streaming needs.
Is Amazon Prime Video Worth It? (Our Upfront Recommendation)
For many consumers, an Amazon Prime Video subscription is a worthwhile investment for the extensive entertainment library alone.
The streaming service offers thousands of popular movies, TV shows, and award-winning original programming.
From binge-worthy series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Jack Ryan, to exclusive sporting events and new movie releases, there are endless entertainment options.
Compared to other streaming services, Prime Video holds its own with high-quality originals and an extensive back catalog. The service is constantly acquiring new shows and movies.
Another major perk is offline downloading so you can watch anytime, anywhere without WiFi. This makes Prime Video great for travel and commuting.
While Prime Video offers some compelling perks, the smaller content library, and annoying tech issues can be frustrations for subscribers. The service has room to improve the overall user experience.
Even so, with the extensive content library, original programming, and offline viewing features make a Prime Video subscription a worthwhile investment for most entertainment seekers.
Amazon Prime Video Review: Everything You Need to Know
What is Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service included with an Amazon Prime membership (also can be purchased separately). It gives users access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and original content at no extra cost.
Prime Video offers an extensive on-demand catalog of popular movies and shows from major networks and studios. The platform continues to expand its content library with new releases and exclusives.
History of Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has its origins in Amazon Unbox, Amazon’s original video service launched in 2006. The platform started by offering movie and TV show purchases and rentals.
In 2011, Unbox was rebranded to Amazon Instant Video with the added option of online streaming. Viewers could watch a catalog of movies and shows at no extra cost with their Amazon Prime membership. This marked the beginning of Prime Video as it still operates today.
Over the next several years, Prime Video continued expanding its content library by acquiring rights to popular shows like Downton Abbey, Spongebob, and early seasons of Suits. The platform also brought on new release movies for online streaming.
2014 was a major growth year for Prime Video. The company premiered its first set of original programming with the launch of the series Alpha House and Transparent. These kickstarted Amazon’s efforts to develop exclusive, high-quality original content.
The late 2010s saw Prime Video secure even more popular licensed titles like Mr. Robot and rush to grow its catalog of award-winning Originals. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel became the first Original series to win Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Today, Prime Video operates in over 200 countries/territories with thousands of titles available for streaming. It has solidified itself as a top destination for blockbuster movies, popular network series, and binge-worthy Amazon Original content. The service continues securing high-profile titles and expanding its reach globally.
Amazon Prime Video vs Other Streaming Services
How does Amazon Prime Video stack up against the top players?
This section provides a detailed comparison of Prime Video to other major streaming services. The table below breaks down key factors like price, video quality, number of simultaneous streams allowed, and overall editorial rating.
Service | Price | Video | Streams | Editorial Rating | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prime Video | $8.99–$14.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 3 | 4.1/5 | View Plans |
Discovery+ | $4.99–$6.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 4 | 4.0/5 | View Plans |
Netflix | $6.99–$19.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 1–4 | 4.3/5 | View Plans |
Hulu | $7.99–$14.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 2 | 4.5/5 | View Plans |
Max | $9.99–$19.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 2-4 | 4.5/5 | View Plans |
Disney+ | $7.99–$10.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 4 | 4.4/5 | View Plans |
Paramount+ | $5.99–$11.99/mo | 1080p | 3 | 4.3/5 | View Plans |
Apple TV+ | $6.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 6 | 4.4/5 | View Plans |
Peacock | $4.99–$9.99/mo | 1080p, 4K | 3 | 4.6/5 | View Plans |
How to Get Amazon Prime Video on ANY Smart TV or Streaming Device
For those in search of an exceptional online video streaming experience, Prime Video is a top choice worldwide, offering not only on-demand content but also live TV channels. Users can enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and live TV programming whenever they want, regardless of their location.
If you have a Smart TV or Streaming Device continue reading to learn how to install Amazon Prime Video with just a few simple steps.
Once the setup is complete, you will be ready to stream any series, movie, or live TV channel currently available on Prime Video.
How Much Does Amazon Prime Video Cost?
When thinking about streaming services, the price is often the most important thing.
Amazon Prime Video offers a few different options when it comes to pricing:
Purchase Amazon Prime
The main way to access Prime Video is through an Amazon Prime membership. This costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually.
With Prime, customers get free expedited shipping, music streaming, Prime Gaming, and of course access to Prime Video.
Prime Video Standalone
For those interested only in video streaming, there is also Prime Video standalone. This membership is $8.99 per month and grants access solely to the Prime Video catalog of movies, shows, and Amazon Originals.
Prime Video also offers add-on “channels” like Showtime, CBS All Access, and STARZ for additional monthly fees. These provide wider channel-specific content libraries.
Lastly, Prime Video can be bundled with other Amazon subscriptions like Kindle Unlimited and Audible. There are discounted combo pricing options available.
The most cost-effective way to access the full Prime Video library is through the bundled Amazon Prime membership. However monthly plans and add-ons give customers flexibility when it comes to budget and content selection.
Does Amazon Prime Video Have a Free Trial?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video offers a free trial for new members of Amazon Prime.
You can access a 30-day trial of Prime Video by signing up for an Amazon Prime membership.
When you sign up for Amazon Prime you get to choose whether you would like to pay monthly or annually (for a discount).
Which Countries Is Amazon Prime Video Available In?
Amazon Prime and Prime Video have expanded their global footprint significantly in recent years. Here is a rundown of where Amazon’s subscriptions are available:
- North America – Amazon Prime and Prime Video are available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Europe – Most European countries have access to Prime and Prime Video, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and more.
- Asia – Available in India, Japan, and South Korea. Recently launched in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Oceania – Australia and New Zealand have full access to Prime and Prime Video.
- South America – Prime and Prime Video are available in Brazil.
Some other countries with more limited availability include Turkey, Poland, and the Netherlands. Prime Video can also be accessed in parts of Africa including South Africa and Egypt.
While not universally available yet, Amazon has prioritized the rapid global expansion of Prime and Prime Video, and more countries are being added over time.
Amazon Prime Video Channel Lineup
The main draw of Amazon Prime Video is its extensive on-demand library of movies, shows, and original programming.
However, Prime Video members can also choose to add premium “channels” for additional fees.
Here are some of the major channels available:
- Max
- Showtime
- STARZ
- Paramount+
- AMC+
- Discovery+
- PBS Masterpiece
- Noggin
- NBA League Pass
With channels starting at $2.99 per month, subscribers can easily customize their Prime Video experience based on their favorite networks and shows.
Shows on Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video offers an extensive library of shows across various genres. Here’s a glimpse of what they offer:
Show | Genre |
---|---|
The Boys | Superhero/Action |
Fleabag | Comedy/Drama |
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Comedy/Drama |
The Expanse | Sci-Fi |
Bosch | Crime/Drama |
Jack Ryan | Action/Thriller |
Vikings | Historical/Drama |
The Man in the High Castle | Science fiction/Drama |
Good Omens | Fantasy/Comedy |
Invisible City | Fantasy/Drama |
Hanna | Action/Drama |
Carnival Row | Fantasy/Drama |
This is just a small sample of the content available on Amazon Prime Video.
Keep in mind that Amazon regularly updates its content library, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
What Devices Are Compatible with Amazon Prime Video?
One of Prime Video’s strengths is its broad compatibility with various devices. This allows Amazon Prime Video subscribers to enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and live events on various platforms.
So, if you’re wondering what devices are compatible with Amazon Prime Video, you’ve come to the right place!
The following devices are fully compatible with Prime Video:
- iPads
- iPhones
- Android devices
- Chromecast
- Amazon Kindle Fire tablets
- Xbox One
- All Roku streaming devices
- Most newer streaming sticks and tablets
This extensive device compatibility makes Prime Video a top choice for those seeking a versatile and flexible streaming solution.
What Smart TV Brands are Compatible with Amazon Prime Video?
For those who prefer to watch on larger screens, compatible Prime Video devices also include all popular Smart TVs.
This means that smart TV brands like Vizio, LG, Samsung, Hisense and TCL are fully compatible with the Prime Video platform.
Prime Video is compatible with smart TVs running on Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, and the Tizen system, so you have a variety of options from which to choose.
Furthermore, any smart TV with built-in Chromecast functionality will automatically run Amazon Prime Video.
How Many Devices Can Stream Amazon Prime Video at Once?
With an Amazon Prime Video subscription, you can stream content on up to three devices at the same time.
This makes it a great choice for families or shared households, as multiple people can watch different shows concurrently without any interruptions.
If you attempt to exceed these limits, you may receive an error code.
Learn more: Prime Video Account Sharing Rules
How to Cancel Amazon Prime Video
Canceling your Prime Video subscription is simple. Users can easily cancel their subscription by following these detailed instructions on how to cancel an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Remember that you need to cancel subscriptions at least 24 hours before the next billing date to avoid being charged for the next cycle.
Read More About Amazon Prime Video…
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