Introduction
Amazon Prime Video has been making waves in the streaming world by offering a wide range of original programming, as well as popular movies and TV shows. However, many people are still wondering if the service is really free. In this article, we will explore the truth about Amazon Prime Video and uncover some hidden costs you might not know about. We will also provide some tips and tricks for watching for free and help you decide if a Prime Video subscription is worth the investment.
Uncovering the Truth: Is Amazon Prime Video Really Free?
When people talk about whether Amazon Prime Video is free, they are usually referring to the cost of a subscription. Prime Video offers a wide range of content that can be viewed without any additional fees, but a subscription to Amazon Prime is required to access it. The cost of a Prime subscription covers a variety of benefits, including free shipping on Amazon purchases and access to a music streaming service. However, the focus of this article is on the cost of accessing Prime Video content.
Prime Video offers two types of content: free and exclusive. Free content includes thousands of movies and TV shows that can be streamed at no additional cost beyond the subscription. Exclusive content includes original programming produced by Amazon that can only be found on Prime Video. In addition to these benefits, Prime subscribers also have the option to purchase or rent additional movies and TV shows through the platform.
When compared to other streaming services, Prime Video falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Some services, like Crackle, offer completely free streaming with ads, while others, like Hulu and Netflix, require a monthly subscription fee. Prime Video also offers a combination of free and subscription-based content, which set it apart in the streaming market.
How to Watch Prime Video for Free: Tips and Tricks
While a subscription to Amazon Prime is required to access the majority of Prime Video content, there are some ways to watch for free. Here are some practical tips and tricks:
1. Take advantage of free trials – Amazon offers a free 30-day trial of Prime which includes access to Prime Video. Just be sure to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.
2. Sign up for Amazon credit cards – Amazon offers several credit cards that come with Amazon Rewards dollars that can be used to pay for Prime subscriptions. Some cards even come with cash back rewards that can be used to pay for the membership fee.
3. Use a friend’s account – Amazon Prime allows up to three individuals to share an account and access Prime Video. While not strictly “free,” this is an option for users who have friends or family members with a Prime subscription.
4. Watch with ads – Some movies and TV shows on Prime Video are available with ads, allowing users to watch for free. However, not all content is available with ads and some users may find the interruptions annoying.
While these tips and tricks can save you money, there are some limitations to keep in mind. For example, only the primary account holder can take advantage of free trials, and sharing an account can result in different streaming preferences or recommended content.
7 Shows You Can Watch for Free on Prime Video Right Now
To help whet your appetite for Prime Video content, here are seven shows you can watch for free right now:
1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Winner of eight Emmy Awards, this comedy follows a housewife who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy in 1950s New York City.
2. Man in the High Castle – Based on the book by Philip K. Dick, this series imagines a world where the Axis powers won World War II and now control the United States.
3. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan – John Krasinski stars as the titular CIA analyst who is thrust into a global operation to stop a major terrorist attack.
4. Downton Abbey – Follow the lives of an aristocratic family and their servants in this beloved British period drama set in the early 20th century.
5. The Expanse – This sci-fi series follows a group of people fighting for survival in a colonized solar system 200 years in the future.
6. Bosch – Adapted from novels by Michael Connelly, this series follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he solves high-profile cases while facing his own personal demons.
7. Good Omens – Based on the book by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, this comedy follows an angel and a demon as they work together to try and prevent the end of the world.
Is Prime Video Worth the Investment? We Did the Math
The cost of a Prime Video subscription is $8.99 per month, or $107.88 per year. When compared to other streaming services, like Hulu and Netflix, the price is relatively affordable. However, it’s important to consider the value of the content provided.
While there is a decent amount of free content available on Prime Video, users will likely want to access additional titles that require an additional fee. According to a report by Business Insider, a user who streams just two movies per month at an average cost of $5.99 will spend $143.76 per year. This means that while the base subscription cost is affordable, users could end up spending more than they originally budgeted for.
The Hidden Costs of Prime Video: What You Need to Know
In addition to the streaming costs associated with Prime Video, there are some additional fees and costs to keep in mind. For example, some movies and TV shows are not included with the subscription and require an additional fee to rent or purchase. Additionally, users may need to upgrade their internet speed or invest in a streaming device to properly access the content.
Despite these hidden costs, there are ways to avoid unexpected fees. For example, checking the “Included with Prime” section of the Prime Video website will help users identify content that is free to stream. Additionally, users can research which devices work with Prime Video to avoid purchasing a device that won’t work with the service.
Conclusion
Now that you know the truth about whether Amazon Prime Video is free, it’s clear that a subscription is required to access the majority of the content. However, we hope that our tips and tricks for watching for free, along with our curated list of free content, have provided you with some new options to explore.
Ultimately, whether Prime Video is worth the investment depends on your individual needs and priorities. While the subscription cost is relatively affordable, the additional costs associated with streaming content can add up quickly. By being aware of the hidden costs and doing your research, you can make an informed decision about whether Prime Video is right for you.
