Amazon Prime Video Review 2025: Why It's Worth It

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Prime Video is still one of the best ways to launch straight into award-winning TV shows, blockbuster movies, and exclusive Amazon Originals. Whether you're deep into The Boys universe, catching up on Reacher Season 3, or curious about the new epic House of David, Prime Video delivers a little bit of everything. If you're into streaming deals, our weekly Amazon Prime Video Deals roundup is a hidden gem — available only to those with Prime Video access. 

For movie buffs and TV show connoisseurs, this service is more than worth a spot in your streaming rotation. Here's our full Amazon Prime Video review.

What is Prime Video?

Prime Video is Amazon's on-demand streaming platform packed with thousands of movies, shows, and exclusive originals. From Emmy winners like Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to genre favorites like The Wheel of Time, the catalog is deep, diverse, and always growing. You'll also find newer hits like The Bondsman, family-friendly flicks, and even international titles that you won't see anywhere else.

The service is sleek and easy to use. You can rent or buy digital films that aren't included with the subscription, explore curated watchlists, and customize your own library. It's accessible across nearly every device imaginable, so you're covered whether you're watching on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or game console.

Does Prime Video Come With Amazon Prime?

Yes, it does — and that's where the value really starts to stack up. If you're subscribed to Amazon Prime, you automatically get full access to Prime Video at no additional cost. That means one subscription unlocks not only the streaming platform, but also perks like free two-day shipping and more. It's the best bang for your buck if you're even remotely interested in shopping on Amazon or diving deeper into the Prime ecosystem.

How Much Does Prime Video Cost?

The standalone version of Prime Video costs $8.99/month, and that gives you access to everything the platform offers in terms of included movies, shows, and original content. But if you're willing to pay a bit more, Amazon Prime delivers way more value.

• Prime Video only: $8.99/month
• Amazon Prime (monthly): $14.99/month
• Amazon Prime (annual): $139/year (breaks down to $11.58/month)

If you're planning to use Amazon for anything beyond streaming — like holiday shopping, fast deliveries, or ebook reading — going with a full Amazon Prime membership is the smarter long-term play.

Does Prime Video Have a Free Trial?

Yes, and it's a generous one. When you sign up for Amazon Prime, you get a 30-day free trial that gives you full access to Prime Video and all the other Prime perks. That includes everything from exclusive streaming content to free shipping. It's a great way to explore what the service has to offer before you commit to a monthly or annual plan.

Does Prime Video Have Any Add-ons?

Prime Video makes it easy to customize your streaming setup with premium channel add-ons. While these typically cost the same as subscribing through other platforms, the benefit here is convenience—everything lives under your Prime Video dashboard.

Some of the most popular add-ons include:

• Max
• STARZ
• Apple TV+
• Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
• AMC+
• Cinemax

It's a seamless way to keep all your favorite networks, movies, and exclusive content in one place, with one login and one bill. Click here for the full list of add-ons.

Does Prime Video Have Sports?

Absolutely. Prime Video has become a real contender in the sports streaming space. Most notably, it's the exclusive home for Thursday Night Football, offering live coverage of NFL games each week. That alone makes it a top pick for football fans.

But it doesn't stop there. Baseball fans can access full coverage of the season with MLB.TV as an add-on, and sports like MMA and boxing are increasingly popular on the platform. You can even catch more niche events — like professional pickleball — streaming live on Prime Video. Occasionally, you'll also find one-off matches or events that are exclusive to Prime, making it a valuable destination for sports enthusiasts who want more than the basics.

Prime Video Compared

When it comes to content, Prime Video stands shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names in the streaming game. Its catalog is vast and includes top-tier originals and rotating movie selections that rival the libraries of Max and Hulu. But here's the kicker — Prime Video is part of a much larger value proposition.

For $14.99 a month, Amazon Prime doesn't just give you streaming access — it offers a full suite of shopping, gaming, and digital reading perks. That makes it an especially smart choice when compared to other services that cost just as much but don't offer anything beyond the ability to watch TV. If you're looking for a service that delivers serious value without sacrificing content quality, Prime Video is one to compete with — especially when bundled with Prime.

Prime Video Features

Prime Video comes packed with features that cater to all types of streamers. You'll find a sprawling library of content that spans genres, countries, and decades, with Amazon Originals continuing to grow in both number and popularity. It supports high-definition streaming, including 4K Ultra HD and HDR for select content, and allows offline downloads so you can watch on the go without burning through data.

Live sports and pay-per-view events are available, and users can stream on up to three devices at once. There's no cloud DVR for live events, but many shows and games are available for replay after they air. It's an all-in-one entertainment hub for casual viewers and serious streamers alike.

Our Final Take

Prime Video is one of the most compelling streaming services available today, especially when you factor in the strength of its original programming and the breadth of its content library. The standalone subscription is decent for those who only care about streaming, but the smart move is to go all-in with Amazon Prime. For a few dollars more per month, you get access to one of the most versatile subscription bundles out there.

Whether you're looking to keep up with award-winning dramas, stream live sports, or just binge your favorite shows without bouncing between apps, Prime Video delivers — and it does it best when bundled with Prime.

How to Cancel Prime Video

Canceling Prime Video (or Amazon Prime) is quick and easy. Just log into your Amazon account, head to "Memberships & Subscriptions," and locate your Prime or Prime Video subscription. From there, click "Manage Subscription" and follow the prompts to cancel. No confusing steps, no fine print — just a clean break if you decide to go.

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