You’re not alone if you’ve ever used “Amazon Prime” and “Prime Video” interchangeably. They sound so similar, and you often access one through the other. This common mix-up can lead to confusion about what you’re actually paying for each month or year. Let’s clear up the relationship between these two services so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your subscription.
Amazon Prime: Your All-Access Membership
Think of Amazon Prime as the main, comprehensive membership. It’s the big bundle that includes a wide array of benefits. The most famous perk is the free, fast shipping on millions of items sold by Amazon. But that’s just the start. Your Prime membership also gives you access to Prime Music for ad-free music streaming, Prime Reading for a rotating selection of books and magazines, exclusive deals and early access during sales events, and free photo storage with Prime Photos. It’s designed to be a full-service subscription for your shopping and entertainment needs.
Prime Video: One Piece of the Prime Puzzle
Prime Video is a single, major component within the larger Amazon Prime package. It is Amazon’s streaming service, home to thousands of movies, TV shows, and critically acclaimed Original series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys. When you sign up for an Amazon Prime membership, you automatically get access to Prime Video at no extra cost. It’s included right along with your shipping and music benefits. You can think of it as a key feature of your main subscription.
Can You Get Prime Video by Itself?
Yes, you absolutely can! This is where the distinction becomes very practical. Amazon offers a standalone subscription called Prime Video. If you’re only interested in the streaming service and don’t need the fast shipping or the other Prime perks, this is a more affordable option. With a standalone Prime Video membership, you get the exact same library of movies and shows, but you won’t receive any of the shopping benefits that come with a full Amazon Prime account.
Choosing the Right Plan for You
So, which one should you choose? If you frequently shop on Amazon and value fast, free delivery, the full Amazon Prime membership offers tremendous value, with the video service as a fantastic bonus. However, if you’re primarily looking for a new streaming platform and rarely order from Amazon, the standalone Prime Video subscription will save you money while still giving you all the entertainment you want.
In short, Prime Video is a part of Amazon Prime, but you don’t need the whole Prime bundle to enjoy it. Knowing the difference helps you select the perfect plan for your lifestyle and budget.