As the digital world continues to evolve, streaming platforms are vying for our attention and Amazon Prime Video is no exception.
With its impressive technical capabilities, user-friendly platform, and a vast library of content, it's quickly becoming a formidable contender in the streaming wars.
But how does it really stack up against its competitors?
In this review, we'll delve into the depths of Prime Video, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and the standout titles that make it worth considering.
Prime Video Review Summary
Prime Video 2023: A Deep Dive into Amazon's River of Content $14.99/month
Name: Prime Video
Description: Amazon Prime Video is a popular American subscription video on-demand service that offers a plethora of viewing choices to its subscribers. It's not just a shopping cart - it's a treasure trove of hit movies, TV shows, and exclusive Amazon Originals.
Offer price: Starting from $8.99 per month
Currency: USD
Application Category: Streaming, Movies/Series
- Movies / Series / Live TV Selection
- Price Comparison
- Video Quality / Userability
Summary
The platform also offers live 24/7 entertainment channels and Freevee Originals, all accessible without additional subscriptions. Recently, Prime Video has become the new home for ‘Thursday Night Football' and has also released trailers for highly anticipated shows like ‘The Burial' featuring Jamie Foxx, further solidifying its position in the streaming industry.
How much does Prime Video cost?
| Subscription Plan | Cost per Month | Cost per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video standalone | $8.99 | N/A |
| Amazon Prime (includes Prime Video) | $14.99 | $139 |
| Amazon Prime (students) | $7.49 | $69 |
Is Prime Video free for Amazon Prime members?
Yes, Prime Video is included as part of the Amazon Prime membership. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you get access to a selection of titles at no additional cost.
However, while new customers can access Prime Video as part of their Amazon Prime subscription for free for the first 30 days, there will be charges after this trial period.
The Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year.
>> Click here to sign up for 30 days free trial
Is Prime Video better than Netflix?
Choosing between Prime Video and Netflix depends largely on individual preferences as both platforms offer distinct advantages.
| Feature | Prime Video | Netflix |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Less expensive. Included with Amazon Prime membership which also gives you access to Amazon Music, free two-day shipping, and more. | More expensive for the basic plan. Three tier plans are available, each offering different features. |
| Content | Larger overall library with more movies. Offers live sports and add-on channels. | Smaller library but known for high-quality original content like ‘Stranger Things,' ‘The Crown,' and many others. |
| Additional Features | Allows you to buy and rent movies and TV shows. | All content available included in the subscription cost. |
| User Interface | Simple and user friendly. | Intuitive with personalized recommendations. |
Prime Video:
Amazon Prime Video has a larger overall library of content compared to Netflix and offers more movies. It also allows you to buy and rent movies and TV shows, which is not an option on Netflix. Amazon Prime Video's add-on channels and live sports offerings make it a worthwhile service.
Additionally, Amazon Prime Video is less expensive than Netflix, offering more features for the price.
Netflix:
On the other hand, Netflix shines when it comes to original programming. Despite having a smaller library compared to Prime Video, Netflix often offers more of the latest movies and TV shows for instant watching.
Netflix's basic plan is more expensive compared to Amazon Prime, but it boasts a larger catalog and all its content is included in the subscription without any additional costs.
The truth is, both services have their strengths. Amazon Prime Video might be a better choice for those looking for a larger content library and additional features at a lower cost.
Meanwhile, Netflix could be more appealing to those prioritizing original content and the availability of the latest films and shows.
>> Click here to read our in-depth review of Netflix
Does Prime Video have more subscribers than Netflix?
As of 8 September 2023, Netflix maintains a slight edge over Prime Video in terms of global subscribers.
Netflix boasts 220.6 million people subscribing to its service, while Amazon Prime Video is not far behind with 117 million users globally.
However, it's important to note that in certain markets, such as the United States, Prime Video has recently overtaken Netflix as the most subscribed-to streaming service.
Both platforms continue to vie for dominance in the streaming landscape, and future subscriber counts could fluctuate based on content offerings, pricing changes, and other factors.
Is Prime Video better than YouTube TV?
Both Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV have their unique strengths, catering to different viewer preferences.
| Feature | Prime Video | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally less expensive, included with Amazon Prime membership. | More expensive, but offers a full live TV service. |
| Content | Offers a large library of movies and series, including originals. | Provides live TV from over 70 channels, including local networks and popular cable options. |
| Additional Features | Allows you to buy and rent movies and TV shows, offers add-on channels. | Includes cloud DVR with unlimited storage, allows up to three simultaneous streams. |
| User Interface | Simple and user-friendly. | Intuitive with personalized recommendations and live TV guide. |
| Live TV | Limited live TV options. | Extensive live TV programming, mimicking traditional cable or satellite service. |
If you're looking for a service to replace traditional cable or satellite TV, YouTube TV seems to be the preferred choice. It offers live streaming which mimics the experience of cable television, making it more appealing to those who want a wide range of live channels.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video might be a better option if cost is a significant factor for you. While it also offers good content, it is generally less expensive compared to YouTube TV.
Ultimately, the choice between Prime Video and YouTube TV would depend on your viewing habits and preferences.
Is Discovery Plus on Amazon Prime the same as Discovery Plus?
Discovery Plus on Amazon Prime is essentially the same as Discovery Plus. It includes all your favorite shows, personalities, and exclusive originals featured on the Discovery Plus platform.
However, if you have subscribed to Discovery Plus through Amazon Prime Video, you can only access Discovery Plus through the Amazon Prime Video app.
It's also important to note that while Discovery Plus is available on Amazon Prime Video Channels, it's not included in the Amazon Prime subscription for free.
Amazon Prime members and Prime Video subscribers can purchase Discovery Plus as an add-on to their existing service. The ad-free version of Discovery Plus is available on Prime Video Channels for $6.99 per month.
In essence, Discovery Plus on Amazon Prime and Discovery Plus offer the same content, but the way you access and pay for them may vary.
>> Click here to read our in-depth review on Discovery+
The 20 Most Popular Titles on Prime Video in 2023
Based on the information provided, here's a table depicting some of the most popular titles on Amazon Prime. Please note that exact genres and rankings could not be determined from the provided data.
| Title | Genre |
|---|---|
| House of Gucci | Biography/Crime/Drama |
| Nope | Horror/Thriller |
| Inglourious Basterds | Adventure/Drama/War |
| Casino Royale | Action/Adventure/Thriller |
| One Night in Miami | Drama |
| Licorice Pizza | Comedy/Drama/Romance |
| The Bourne Identity | Action/Mystery/Thriller |
| Avengement | Action/Crime |
| The Flash (I) (2023) | Action/Adventure/Drama |
| The Wheel of Time (2021– ) | Action/Adventure/Fantasy |
| Bottoms (2023) | Comedy |
| Harlan Coben's Shelter (2023– ) | Mystery/Thriller |
| The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023) | Drama |
| The Vast of Night (2019) | Mystery/Sci-Fi/Thriller |
| How to Train Your Dragon (2010) | Animation/Action/Adventure |
| Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) | Adventure/Fantasy |
| A Quiet Place Part II (2021) | Drama/Horror/Sci-Fi |
| When Harry Met Sally… (1989) | Comedy/Romance |
| M3GAN (2022) | Horror |
| Creed III (2022) | Drama/Sport |
Is Prime Video worth the price?
Prime Video is considered to be worth the price.
With its affordable monthly cost, Prime Video offers a user-friendly platform and a vast selection of content including popular original titles like Fleabag. For $14.99 a month, or $8.99 for a standalone subscription, users gain access to over 25,000 movies and TV shows.
While some might argue that Amazon Prime's annual fee of $139 is steep, if you're an avid user of all the benefits that Prime unlocks, these perks more than make up for the cost.
Furthermore, Amazon Originals and a large movie library may make it worth the investment even if you're not using the other Prime benefits.
>> Click here to sign up for 30 days free trial
The Pros and Cons of Prime Video
Advantages:
- Included with Amazon Prime membership, which also offers other benefits.
- Provides a large selection of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals.
- Allows for downloading content for offline viewing.
- Offers the option to add premium channels like HBO, Starz, and Showtime.
- Can be used on various devices including smart TVs, mobile devices, and computers.
Disadvantages:
- The interface can be less user-friendly compared to other streaming platforms.
- New releases often require an additional rental fee.
- Content library varies by region, so some shows and movies may not be available everywhere.
- Does not offer as many popular TV shows as some competitors.
- While it does have original content, it may not be as critically acclaimed or popular as Netflix or HBO originals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is Amazon Prime Video for seniors?
Amazon Prime Video offers a discounted rate for seniors, making the service more affordable. Seniors who are enrolled in qualifying government assistance programs such as Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, SSI, and EBT can avail of Amazon Prime Video for just $6.99 per month, a significant reduction from the regular price of $14.99 per month.
This discounted rate provides full access to all the benefits of Amazon Prime, including Prime Video's extensive library of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. It's worth noting that these discounts may vary, and eligibility requirements apply.
2. Why am I getting charged for Prime Video when I have Amazon Prime?
If you're noticing additional charges despite having an Amazon Prime membership, it might be due to a few reasons.
One possibility is that your Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription was renewed, which would result in a charge. Another common reason could be that you've subscribed to a Prime Video Channel, which incurs separate fees from your Prime membership.
You might also see charges if you've purchased or rented videos on Prime Video, as these are not typically covered in the standard Prime membership.
Lastly, Amazon balances from gift cards or returns can be used for Amazon Prime charges, which might make it seem like you weren't charged.
Always remember to check your subscriptions and purchases to understand any unexpected charges.
3. Is there a difference between Amazon Prime and Prime Video?
Yes, there is a difference between Amazon Prime and Prime Video.
Amazon Prime is a subscription service that offers a broad range of benefits. These benefits include free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video, music streaming, and more.
On the other hand, Prime Video is the streaming-video component of Amazon Prime.
It offers unlimited streaming of a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. While Prime Video is included in the Amazon Prime membership, it can also be separately subscribed to for a monthly fee.
4. Can I watch Prime Video in 4k?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video supports 4K resolution. With a subscription to Amazon Prime, you have access to a variety of movies and shows in 4K.
This includes nearly all of the service's original creations and hundreds of other shows and movies, including family favorites like Shrek.
Unlike some streaming platforms, Amazon Prime Video does not charge extra for 4K content. To watch in 4K, you can either search for a specific title known to be available in Ultra HD or explore the Amazon Video app's home screen.