If you’re thinking about signing up for Amazon Video, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How much does it actually cost?” The answer is a little more interesting than a single price tag, because Amazon offers a couple of different ways to access its huge library of movies and TV shows. Let’s break down the options so you can decide what’s best for your wallet and your watchlist.
The Two Main Ways to Watch Amazon Video
First, it helps to know that “Amazon Video” is the overall service, but it comes in two main flavors. You can either rent or buy individual titles, or you can get a subscription for unlimited access to a vast collection. The subscription service is called Amazon Prime Video, and it’s most often bundled with an Amazon Prime membership.
What an Amazon Prime Subscription Includes
An Amazon Prime membership is the most popular way to get Amazon Prime Video. For a monthly or annual fee, you get full access to the Prime Video library at no extra cost. On top of that, you receive all the other Prime benefits, like free fast shipping, Prime Music, and more. The standard cost is $14.99 per month or $139 per year. If you’re a student, you may qualify for a discounted Prime membership at roughly half the price.
Standalone Prime Video: A Budget-Friendly Choice
What if you only want the videos and don’t need the free shipping? Amazon offers a standalone Prime Video subscription for $8.99 per month. This is a fantastic option if your main goal is to stream shows like The Boys or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel without paying for the full Prime package.
Renting and Buying Movies & Shows
Even without a subscription, anyone with an Amazon account can use Amazon Video to rent or buy individual titles. Rental prices for new movies are typically between $3.99 and $5.99 for a 48-hour viewing period. Buying a digital movie to keep permanently can range from $9.99 to $19.99. This is a great option for watching that one new release you missed in theaters.
Finding the Right Plan for You
So, which option makes the most sense? If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper who also loves to stream, the full Prime membership offers tremendous value. If you’re solely interested in streaming and want to keep costs low, the standalone Prime Video plan is a smart pick. And if you only watch a movie every once in a while, simply renting might be all you need.
With a free trial often available for new members, you can easily test the waters and see if the extensive library of Amazon Prime Video is the perfect fit for your next binge-watching session.
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