If you’re wondering how much Amazon Instant Video costs, you’ve come to the right place. The name “Instant Video” can be a little confusing, as it’s the older name for what is now primarily known as Amazon Prime Video. The cost isn’t a single number because Amazon offers a few different ways to watch. Let’s break down the options so you can see what fits your budget.
The Core of Your Viewing: Amazon Prime Membership
For most people, access to a huge library of movies and TV shows comes with an Amazon Prime membership. This is the most popular way to enjoy the service. A Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Beyond the video library, this also gets you free shipping on many Amazon items, Prime Music, and more. It’s a bundled package that offers a lot of value if you use its various benefits.
Watching Without a Prime Subscription
What if you just want the videos and not the full Prime package? You’re in luck. Amazon offers a standalone video-only plan called Prime Video. This subscription costs $8.99 per month. It gives you full access to the same included library of movies and shows as the full Prime membership, but without the extra perks like free shipping. This is a fantastic option for those who are purely focused on streaming.
Renting and Buying Movies & Shows
Beyond the subscription, Amazon also operates like a giant digital video store. You can rent or buy thousands of titles that aren’t included with Prime. Rental prices for new movies are typically between $3.99 and $5.99 for 48 hours. Buying a digital movie can range from $9.99 to $19.99, often going on sale. This is perfect for catching the latest blockbuster that isn’t on a subscription service yet.
Adding Even More Channels
To make things even more flexible, Amazon Channels lets you add premium subscriptions like Max, Paramount+, and STARZ directly to your account. You pay for each channel you select, usually between $4.99 and $14.99 per month, and you can cancel anytime. This keeps all your streaming in one convenient place.
So, the cost of Amazon’s video service truly depends on how you want to use it. From a single rental to a full Prime membership, there’s a flexible option for every kind of viewer.
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