Are you confused about the difference between Amazon Prime and Prime Video? You’re not alone. Many Amazon subscribers are unsure about the features and benefits of each service. While both services are owned by Amazon, they offer distinct advantages and are designed to cater to different needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Amazon Prime and Prime Video, exploring their unique features, pricing, and benefits.
What Is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a subscription-based service that offers a wide range of benefits to its members. Launched in 2005, Amazon Prime was initially designed to offer free two-day shipping on eligible purchases. However, over the years, the service has evolved and now offers a plethora of features that make it an attractive option for online shoppers.
Benefits Of Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime offers a diverse set of benefits, including:
- Free Two-Day Shipping: Get fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items, including products from Amazon’s warehouse and those sold by third-party sellers.
- Prime Music: Enjoy unlimited streaming of millions of songs, playlists, and radio stations.
- Prime Video: Access a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including exclusive titles that can only be streamed on Prime Video.
- Prime Reading: Get access to a vast library of e-books, comics, and magazines, including bestsellers and original content.
- Prime Photos: Store and share unlimited photos on Amazon Drive, with 5 GB of free storage.
- Early Access to Deals: Get a 30-minute head start on Lightning Deals and other promotions during Amazon’s sales events.
- Twitch Prime: Get free games, in-game loot, and a free channel subscription on Twitch, the popular gaming platform.
What Is Prime Video?
Prime Video is a streaming service that offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. Launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox, Prime Video was initially designed to offer streaming services to Amazon customers. However, in 2014, Amazon rebranded the service as Prime Video and expanded its features to include a wider range of content.
Features Of Prime Video
Prime Video offers several features that make it an attractive option for streaming enthusiasts:
- Original Content: Enjoy exclusive movies and TV shows produced by Amazon Studios, including critically acclaimed titles like “The Grand Tour” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
- Movie and TV Show Library: Access a vast library of movies and TV shows, including popular titles from major studios and independent producers.
- 4K and HDR Streaming: Enjoy high-quality streaming with 4K and HDR support on compatible devices.
- Multiple Profiles: Create up to six profiles for different family members, with customizable settings and content restrictions.
- Parental Controls: Restrict access to certain types of content or set up a PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
Key Differences Between Amazon Prime And Prime Video
While Amazon Prime and Prime Video share some similarities, there are key differences between the two services:
Subscription Options
Amazon Prime and Prime Video offer different subscription options:
| Service | Monthly Pricing | Annual Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | $14.99 | $139 per year |
| Prime Video | $8.99 | $107.88 per year |
Content Offerings
While both services offer streaming benefits, the content offerings differ:
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime offers a vast library of content, including:
- Movies and TV shows
- Original content from Amazon Studios
- Music streaming through Prime Music
- Photo and video storage through Prime Photos
- Early access to deals and promotions
Prime Video
Prime Video, on the other hand, focuses on streaming benefits, with:
- A vast library of movies and TV shows
- Original content from Amazon Studios
- 4K and HDR streaming on compatible devices
Conclusion
Amazon Prime and Prime Video are two distinct services that cater to different needs. While Amazon Prime offers a wide range of benefits, including shipping, music, and photo storage, Prime Video focuses on streaming benefits, with a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. If you’re looking for a comprehensive subscription service that offers more than just streaming benefits, Amazon Prime is the better option. However, if you’re primarily interested in streaming services, Prime Video is a more affordable and flexible option. Ultimately, the choice between Amazon Prime and Prime Video depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What Is Amazon Prime, And How Is It Different From Prime Video?
Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service offered by Amazon that provides members with a wide range of benefits, including free two-day shipping, music streaming, photo storage, and access to exclusive deals and discounts. Prime Video, on the other hand, is a video streaming service that is included with an Amazon Prime membership but can also be subscribed to as a standalone service. Prime Video offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including exclusive titles that can only be streamed on the platform.
While Amazon Prime is a broader membership program that encompasses various perks and benefits, Prime Video is specifically designed for streaming video content. As a Prime member, you automatically get access to Prime Video, but you can also subscribe to Prime Video without being a Prime member, which is ideal for those who only want to access the video streaming service.
What Are The Benefits Of An Amazon Prime Membership, And Are They Worth The Cost?
An Amazon Prime membership comes with various benefits, including free two-day shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and Twitch Prime, as well as exclusive deals and discounts on select products. Prime members also get access to Prime Reading, which offers a rotating selection of free e-books, magazines, and comics, and Prime Photos, which provides unlimited photo storage on Amazon Drive. Additionally, Prime members can take advantage of early access to deals and Lightning Deals on Amazon.
Whether or not the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership are worth the cost depends on your individual shopping habits and preferences. If you frequently shop on Amazon and take advantage of the free shipping and other benefits, an Amazon Prime membership can be a great value. However, if you only occasionally shop on Amazon or prefer to use other streaming services, you may not get as much use out of the benefits, and the cost may not be justified.
How Much Does An Amazon Prime Membership Cost, And Are There Any Discounts Available?
The cost of an Amazon Prime membership varies depending on the plan you choose. The monthly plan costs $14.99 per month, while the annual plan costs $139 per year, which works out to $11.58 per month. Students, seniors, and low-income individuals may be eligible for discounted membership rates, which can be as low as $6.99 per month.
In addition to the standard membership rates, Amazon sometimes offers promotions and discounts for new Prime members, such as a free trial period or a discounted rate for the first year. You can check the Amazon website for any available deals or discounts. It’s also worth noting that if you’re an Amazon Prime member and have an EBT card or Medicaid card, you may be eligible for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month.
Can I Watch Prime Video Without An Amazon Prime Membership, And How Does It Work?
Yes, you can watch Prime Video without an Amazon Prime membership by subscribing to the standalone Prime Video service. This service costs $8.99 per month and provides access to the same library of movies, TV shows, and original content as an Amazon Prime membership. You can sign up for Prime Video on the Amazon website or through the Prime Video app on your device.
If you subscribe to Prime Video without an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll still be able to stream video content on up to three devices at the same time, and you’ll have access to the same features as Prime members, such as the ability to create up to six user profiles and customize your viewing experience. However, you won’t get access to other Prime benefits, such as free shipping and music streaming.
How Does Prime Video Differ From Other Streaming Services, Such As Netflix And Hulu?
Prime Video differs from other streaming services in several ways, including its unique content offerings and its approach to pricing. Prime Video offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, including exclusive original content that can only be streamed on the platform. Prime Video also offers add-on channels, such as HBO and Showtime, which can be added to your subscription for an additional fee.
Another key difference between Prime Video and other streaming services is its approach to pricing. While Netflix and Hulu offer flat-rate pricing plans, Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which may be more cost-effective for some users. Additionally, Prime Video offers more flexible pricing options, including the ability to subscribe to the standalone service or add channels to your subscription.
What Devices Can I Use To Stream Prime Video, And Are There Any App Restrictions?
Prime Video can be streamed on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices such as Roku and Chromecast. You can also stream Prime Video on Amazon devices, such as the Fire TV and Fire Stick. Prime Video apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, and you can also access Prime Video through the Amazon website.
There are some app restrictions to be aware of when streaming Prime Video. For example, some devices, such as the Apple TV, may not support all Prime Video features, such as 4K streaming. Additionally, some apps may have restrictions on how many devices you can stream on at the same time, although Prime Video generally allows for up to three devices to be streamed simultaneously.
Can I Download Prime Video Content For Offline Viewing, And Are There Any Limitations?
Yes, you can download Prime Video content for offline viewing on compatible devices, such as smartphones and tablets. To download content, you’ll need to have the Prime Video app installed on your device, and you’ll need to be connected to Wi-Fi. Once you’ve downloaded the content, you can watch it offline without an internet connection.
There are some limitations to be aware of when downloading Prime Video content. For example, not all content is available for download, and some content may only be available for a limited time. Additionally, you may only be able to download a certain number of titles at a time, and you may need to have sufficient storage space on your device to download larger files.