Table of Contents

• What is Amazon Prime Video?
• How Much Does Amazon Prime Video Cost?
• Why Am I Being Charged for Prime Video if I Have Amazon Prime?
• What’s the Difference Between Amazon Prime and Prime Video?
• Can You Subscribe to Prime Video Only?
• How to Get Prime Video for Free
• How Much is Amazon Prime for Seniors?
• Is It Worth Getting Prime Video?
• Amazon Prime Video’s History and Evolution
• Prime Video Pricing Comparison Across Countries
• Tips for Saving Money on Prime Video
• User Reviews and Experiences
• Explore More Service Cost Management Tools

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes. Last updated: February 20, 2025.

What is Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video is a subscription-based streaming service offered by Amazon. It provides access to a wide range of content, including:

• Original Series: Award-winning shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Boys, and Jack Ryan.
• Movies: From blockbuster hits to indie films.
• Live Sports: Exclusive coverage of events like NFL Thursday Night Football.
• Kids’ Content: A dedicated section for children’s programming.
• Global Content: International movies and TV shows.

Prime Video is available in over 200 countries and territories, making it one of the most accessible streaming platforms globally.

How Much Does Amazon Prime Video Cost?

The cost of Amazon Prime Video varies depending on your location and subscription plan. Here’s a breakdown:

Standalone Prime Video Subscription

• United States: $8.99/month
• United Kingdom: £5.99/month
• Canada: CAD 7.99/month
• Australia: AUD 6.99/month

Amazon Prime Membership (Includes Prime Video)

• United States: $14.99/month or $139/year
• United Kingdom: £8.99/month or £95/year
• Canada: CAD 9.99/month or CAD 99/year
• Australia: AUD 9.99/month or AUD 79/year

Prime Video Channels

Amazon also offers additional channels (e.g., HBO, Showtime) for an extra fee, typically ranging from $4.99 to $14.99 per month.

Why Am I Being Charged for Prime Video if I Have Amazon Prime?

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, Prime Video is included in your subscription at no additional cost. However, you might see charges if:

• You’ve subscribed to Prime Video Channels (e.g., HBO, Starz).
• You’ve rented or purchased a movie or TV show that isn’t included in the Prime Video library.
• You’re using a standalone Prime Video subscription without an Amazon Prime membership.

Always check your subscription details to avoid unexpected charges.

What’s the Difference Between Amazon Prime and Prime Video?

While the two services are closely linked, they serve different purposes:

Feature	Amazon Prime	Prime Video
Cost	$14.99/month or $139/year (US)	$8.99/month (standalone)
Included Services	Free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and more	Access to streaming content only
Eligibility	Available in select countries	Available in over 200 countries

If you’re primarily interested in streaming, a standalone Prime Video subscription might be more cost-effective. However, if you frequently shop on Amazon, the full Prime membership offers better value.

Can You Subscribe to Prime Video Only?

Yes, Amazon offers a standalone Prime Video subscription for users who don’t need the additional benefits of Amazon Prime. This is ideal for those who:

• Don’t shop frequently on Amazon.
• Only want access to streaming content.
• Live in regions where Amazon Prime isn’t available.

How to Get Prime Video for Free

While Prime Video isn’t entirely free, there are ways to access it without paying:

• Free Trial: Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users.
• Student Discounts: Students can get a 6-month free trial and a discounted rate of $7.49/month thereafter.
• Promotions: Look out for special deals, especially during holidays or Amazon Prime Day.
• Shared Accounts: Share a subscription with family or friends (up to two simultaneous streams are allowed).

How Much is Amazon Prime for Seniors?

Unfortunately, Amazon does not offer a specific discount for seniors. However, eligible individuals can apply for Amazon Prime’s discounted membership through programs like:

• Medicaid: US residents with a valid Medicaid card can subscribe for $6.99/month.
• EBT: Those with an EBT card can also access the discounted rate.

Is It Worth Getting Prime Video?

The value of Prime Video depends on your viewing habits and needs. Here’s a quick pros and cons list to help you decide:

Pros

• Affordable pricing compared to competitors like Netflix and Hulu.
• Access to exclusive Amazon Originals.
• No ads during streaming.
• Ability to download content for offline viewing.
• Additional perks with a full Amazon Prime membership.

Cons

• Smaller content library compared to Netflix.
• Some movies and shows require additional rental or purchase fees.
• Limited availability of live sports and news.

If you’re already an Amazon shopper or enjoy Amazon Originals, Prime Video is definitely worth it.

Amazon Prime Video’s History and Evolution

Amazon Prime Video launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox, a video-on-demand service. Over the years, it evolved into Prime Video, becoming a major player in the streaming industry. Key milestones include:

• 2011: Introduction of Prime Video as part of Amazon Prime.
• 2015: Launch of Amazon Originals like Transparent and The Man in the High Castle.
• 2016: Global expansion to over 200 countries.
• 2020: Surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Prime Video competes with giants like Netflix and Disney+, offering a mix of licensed content and original programming.

Prime Video Pricing Comparison Across Countries

Here’s a quick comparison of Prime Video’s standalone subscription costs in different regions:

Country	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
United States	$8.99	$107.88
United Kingdom	£5.99	£71.88
Canada	CAD 7.99	CAD 95.88
Australia	AUD 6.99	AUD 83.88

These prices reflect the standalone subscription and do not include additional channel fees.

Tips for Saving Money on Prime Video

Here are some practical tips to save money on your Prime Video subscription:

• Opt for Annual Plans: Annual subscriptions are often cheaper than monthly payments.
• Share Accounts: Use Amazon Household to share benefits with family members.
• Cancel Unused Channels: Regularly review and cancel any Prime Video Channels you no longer watch.
• Take Advantage of Free Trials: Use free trials to test new channels or services.

User Reviews and Experiences

Many users praise Prime Video for its affordability and exclusive content. However, some criticize the platform for its smaller library and occasional technical issues. Here’s what users are saying:

• Positive Feedback: “Love the Amazon Originals! The Boys and Fleabag are must-watches.”
• Negative Feedback: “The interface can be clunky, and some shows require extra payments.”

Explore More Service Cost Management Tools

To further assist you in managing your entertainment and recreational expenses, we’ve developed a suite of Service Cost Calculators. These tools are designed to help you make informed decisions and optimize your budget. Below are three of our most popular calculators:

• Netflix Subscription Cost Calculator – Calculate the total cost of your Netflix subscription.
• Spotify Subscription Cost Calculator – Optimize your Spotify Premium budget.
• Golf Club Membership Cost Calculator – Plan your golf club membership costs.

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