Okay, let's clear up something that confuses so many people: does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video? I remember when I first signed up for Prime years ago, I was scratching my head over this too. You're probably here because you saw those two names and wondered if you're paying twice for the same thing. Don't worry, you're not alone.
Straight answer? Yes, absolutely. When you pay for Amazon Prime, Amazon Video is part of the package. But hold up – there's more to it that you really need to know. Like why some movies still ask for extra money even though you're a Prime member. Or how this compares to Netflix. I've been using both for years, and I'll break it all down for you.
Prime Membership Explained: What You're Actually Paying For
Let's start with the basics. Amazon Prime costs $139/year in the US (or $14.99/month). When you sign up, here's what you get:
- Free two-day shipping – obviously the main reason most people join
- Prime Video – full access to their streaming library
- Prime Music – ad-free music streaming included
- Prime Gaming – free games and in-game loot monthly
- Prime Reading – borrow books and magazines
- Whole Foods discounts – 10% off sale items
See how Prime Video is listed right there? That's your answer to "does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video?" But here's where folks get tripped up...
Amazon Video vs. Prime Video: Same or Different?
Amazon Video is like the big umbrella store where you can buy or rent digital movies and shows. Prime Video is the section inside that store that's included with your membership. Think of it like a huge department store:
Feature | Amazon Video | Prime Video |
---|---|---|
What it is | The entire Amazon video platform | Subscription library within Amazon Video |
Cost to access | Free to browse, pay per title | Included with Prime membership |
Content type | All movies/shows (rent/buy) | Curated library of included content |
Ads? | No ads on purchased content | Ads only before some content |
Need Prime? | No | Yes |
When you log into your Amazon account and go to the video section, you'll see both types mixed together. Prime videos have a little Prime logo badge. Others show rental prices. That's why people wonder – does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video? Technically yes, but not every single thing.
Exactly What You Get With Prime Video
So now that we've cleared up does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video access, let's talk about what's actually in Prime Video's library:
- Original series: The Boys, Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- Movies: Older blockbusters, indie films, documentaries
- Live sports: Thursday Night Football (this surprised me when they added it)
- Kids content: Full seasons of popular cartoons
- Music and comedy specials
Prime Video's Limitations (What They Don't Tell You)
Okay, here's what annoys me sometimes:
- Content rotates monthly: That movie you watched last week might disappear next month
- 4K costs extra: Wait, what? Yeah, basic Prime only gets you HD. For 4K streams, you need an add-on ($3/month)
- Regional differences: When I traveled to the UK last summer, half my watchlist vanished
- New releases excluded: Movies still in theaters or just released digitally cost extra
How Much Prime Video Really Costs Worldwide
Since does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video in all countries? Mostly yes, but prices vary:
Country | Annual Prime Cost | Monthly Prime Video Only* | Content Differences |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $139 | $8.99 | Largest library |
United Kingdom | £95 | £5.99 | More BBC content |
Canada | CA$99 | CA$7.99 | Less sports coverage |
India | ₹1499 | ₹179/month | Massive local film library |
Japan | ¥4900 | ¥500 | Anime exclusives |
*Prime Video Only = standalone subscription without shipping benefits
Setting Up Prime Video: What Works, What Doesn't
Since we know does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video access, how do you actually use it? First, log into your Amazon account. Then:
- Visit primevideo.com or open the app
- Click "Prime" in the top menu to filter included content
- Search for specific titles (look for the Prime logo)
Device Compatibility Checklist
Here's where Prime Video shines compared to some services:
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony (2015+)
- Streaming devices: Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast
- Game consoles: PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X
- Mobile: iOS, Android (download for offline viewing)
- Web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari
But I had issues with my older Roku stick – some 4K content buffered constantly. Upgraded to Fire Stick and problem solved. Moral? Older devices struggle.
Prime Video vs. Netflix: Is It Worth Keeping Both?
Now that we've answered does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video, how does it stack up against the big dog? Here's my personal comparison after using both for 3+ years:
Feature | Prime Video | Netflix |
---|---|---|
Monthly cost | $14.99 (full Prime) | $15.49 (standard) |
Original content | Great but smaller volume | Massive volume, consistent quality |
Movie library | Better classic films | Strong newer releases |
Downloads | 30 days to start watching | Unlimited time once downloaded |
Simultaneous streams | 3 | 2 (standard plan) |
Ads | Optional ad-supported tier | No ads on standard plans |
Honestly? I keep both. Netflix has more "bingeable" series, but Prime wins for movies and NFL games. And since Prime comes with shipping, it feels like a better value.
What About Bundling Options?
Good news if you're cost-conscious:
- Prime + Paramount+: $11.99/month bundle
- Prime + Discovery+: $8.99/month combo
- Amazon Kids+: Free for first year with Family Prime
Advanced Prime Video Features You Might Miss
Since we've established does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video access, here are some hidden features I've discovered:
- X-Ray: Pause any show to see actor names and song info
- Watch Parties: Sync viewing with friends (only on desktop)
- Parental Controls: Pin-protected profiles for kids
- Audio Descriptions: Available for visually impaired viewers
- IMDb Integration: Links directly to actor bios and trivia
But their interface? Could be better. It took me forever to find where they hid the Continue Watching section last update.
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Based on what people actually search about this topic:
Does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video automatically?
Yes, immediately when you activate Prime. No separate sign-up needed.
Can I get Prime Video without the full Prime membership?
Absolutely. Standalone Prime Video starts at $8.99/month in the US.
Why do some videos still cost money if I have Prime?
Prime Video only includes select titles. New releases and premium content are extras.
How many devices can stream Prime Video at once?
Three simultaneous streams per account. More than Netflix's standard plan.
Does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video in 4K?
Only with paid add-on ($2.99/month). Basic Prime includes HD only.
Can I download shows for offline viewing?
Yes, on mobile apps. Downloads expire after 30 days though.
The Verdict: Is Prime Video Worth It?
So after all this, does Amazon Prime include Amazon Video? Undeniably yes. But whether it's worth your money depends on:
- Shipping usage: If you order from Amazon monthly, Prime pays for itself
- Content preferences: Their original series are fantastic (The Boys alone justifies it for me)
- Sports interest: Free NFL games are a huge perk
- Alternative costs: At $139/year, it's cheaper than Netflix + shipping fees
My personal take: If you shop on Amazon regularly and watch 2-3 hours of video weekly, Prime is a no-brainer. Otherwise, the standalone $8.99 video plan might suffice.
Just remember – content comes and goes. That movie you love today might be gone next month. But considering you're getting shipping, music, and video in one package? Still the best deal in streaming if you ask me.
What about you? Have thoughts on Prime Video or questions I didn't cover? Drop them below – I read every comment and update this guide regularly based on user feedback.
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