Is Amazon Prime and Prime Video the Same? A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re considering an Amazon subscription, you’ve likely encountered a common question: Is Amazon Prime and Prime Video the same thing? The confusion stems from their similar names and branding, coupled with the fact that they are both Amazon products. While they appear related, they are distinctly different services.
Amazon Prime vs. Prime Video: Key Differences
In simple terms, Amazon Prime is a comprehensive membership program offering a wide range of benefits, while Prime Video is specifically focused on streaming movies and TV shows. Both offer value, but cater to different needs.
What is Amazon Prime Membership?
Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service that unlocks a suite of benefits beyond just streaming. These include:
- Shipping Benefits: Faster delivery options, including free two-day shipping and same-day delivery in select areas. Free shipping with no minimum order size. Amazon
- Amazon Household: Sharing benefits with family members (one adult and up to four teens).
- Amazon Photos & Drive: Unlimited photo storage and 5GB of cloud storage.
- Amazon Music: Access to a vast music library with ad-free listening and shuffle playback.
- Amazon Luna: Cloud gaming with access to select games, requiring no downloads or console.
- Amazon Prime Reading: Free access to eBooks, magazines, audiobooks, and comics.
- Amazon Prime Video: Included access to stream movies and TV shows.
- Amazon Fuel Savings: Savings on fuel purchases at participating gas stations.
Amazon Prime Shopping Benefits
A significant draw of Amazon Prime is the shopping advantages it provides:
- Free one-day or two-day shipping on eligible items.
- Same-day delivery in select cities.
- Free scheduled delivery options.
- Early access to Lightning Deals.
- Exclusive Prime-only discounts.
- Access to Prime Day sales.
- No-rush shipping rewards.
- Free and easy returns on eligible products.
- Discounts on select grocery and household essentials.
Amazon Prime Membership Pricing
As of February 2026, Amazon Prime offers the following pricing options:
- Full Membership: $14.99 per month or $139 per year.
- Prime Student: $7.49 per month or $69 per year (requires student verification).
What is Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service that is also included as part of an Amazon Prime membership. However, it can also be purchased as a standalone subscription.
Amazon Prime Video Pricing
You can subscribe to Amazon Prime Video independently for $8.99 per month. This plan provides access to movies, TV shows, and offline downloads, but does not include the additional benefits of a full Prime membership, such as free shipping and shopping discounts.
What Does Amazon Prime Video Include?
- Amazon Originals
- Hollywood movies
- Regional and international content
- Kids and family shows
- Live sports (in select markets)
- Add-on channel subscriptions
- Rentals and digital purchases
- Offline downloads
- Multiple user profiles
- Parental controls
- 4K UHD streaming (on supported devices)
Prime vs. Prime Video: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature / Benefit | Amazon Prime Membership | Amazon Prime Video Only |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (US) | $14.99 | $8.99 |
| Yearly Cost (US) | $139 | Not typically offered |
| Free Rapid Shipping | Yes | No |
| Same-Day / One-Day Delivery | Yes (eligible items) | No |
| Prime Day Access | Yes | No |
| Exclusive Shopping Discounts | Yes | No |
| Prime Video Streaming | Yes (included) | Yes |
| Amazon Originals | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple User Profiles | Yes | Yes |
| 4K / HD Streaming | Yes (supported devices) | Yes (supported devices) |
| Prime Music | Yes | No |
| Prime Reading | Yes | No |
| Add-On Channel Subscriptions | Yes (extra cost) | Yes (extra cost) |
| Student Discount Option | Yes (Prime Student) | No |
How to Cancel Your Prime Video Subscription
You can cancel your Amazon Prime Video subscription at any time, but the process depends on how you subscribed:
- Google Play Store (Android): Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, travel to “Payments & Subscriptions” > “Subscriptions,” select Prime Video, and tap “Cancel Subscription.”
- Apple App Store (iPhone): Open Settings, tap your Apple ID, select “Subscriptions,” choose Prime Video, and tap “Cancel Subscription.” (Cancel at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid charges.)
- Amazon Website: Log in to your Amazon account, go to “Memberships & Subscriptions,” select Prime Video, and click “Cancel.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Prime Video free with Amazon Prime? Yes, Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership.
- Can I gain Prime Video without Amazon Prime? Yes, you can subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service.
- Can I cancel Prime Video anytime? Yes, but ensure you cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date, especially if you subscribed through Apple.