Amazon Prime is a membership service that combines shopping and entertainment benefits under one subscription. Depending on the country and membership plan, Prime can provide benefits such as faster delivery on eligible purchases, access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming, exclusive shopping deals, and other digital services.
However, the exact benefits available to Prime members can vary by location. Amazon also changes and adds benefits from time to time, so it's worth checking the Prime page for your country before signing up.
In this guide, we'll explain what Amazon Prime is, what you can get with a membership, how to join, and what to consider before subscribing.
What Is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a paid membership program from Amazon that gives members access to a collection of shopping, entertainment, and digital benefits.
For shoppers, one of the main attractions is faster delivery on eligible products. Amazon's U.S. Prime service, for example, offers several delivery options for qualifying orders, including free one-day and two-day delivery in eligible areas.
Prime isn't only about shipping, though. Depending on your location, a membership can also include access to services such as Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming, Amazon Photos, and special shopping events.
Amazon's own information about Prime shows that available benefits can differ by marketplace, so you should always check the membership options presented to you when you visit Amazon.
What Do You Get With Amazon Prime?
The benefits included with Prime depend on your country and membership plan. Some of the major benefits available in supported markets include the following.
1. Faster and Free Delivery
One of the biggest reasons people subscribe to Prime is delivery.
Prime members can receive free delivery on eligible products, with some locations offering options such as one-day, two-day, same-day, or scheduled delivery.
Amazon currently lists several delivery benefits for eligible U.S. Prime orders, including free one-day and two-day delivery and free standard delivery.
The important word here is eligible. Not every product or destination necessarily qualifies for every delivery option.
If you frequently order products from Amazon, the delivery benefits alone can make Prime useful because you may avoid paying separate shipping fees on qualifying purchases.
2. Prime Video
Prime also includes access to Prime Video in supported markets.
Prime Video is Amazon's streaming service, offering movies, television programs, Amazon Original productions, and other video content.
3. Prime Reading
If you enjoy books, Prime Reading is another benefit worth knowing about.
Prime Reading gives eligible members access to a selection of eBooks, magazines, comics, and other digital reading material.
The available catalog can change, and not every Kindle title is included with Prime Reading. However, for people who already enjoy reading digitally, it can be a useful additional benefit.
This is particularly relevant if you use a Kindle device or the Kindle app on your phone or tablet.
4. Prime Gaming
Gamers can also receive benefits through Prime Gaming in supported markets.
These benefits can include free in-game content and other gaming-related offers. Amazon also provides Prime members with access to certain games and gaming promotions.
The specific games and rewards available change over time, so the available selection can be different from one period to another.
5. Exclusive Deals and Prime Events
Prime members can also receive access to special shopping promotions and exclusive events.
One of the best-known examples is Prime Day, Amazon's major shopping event for Prime members.
During Prime events, discounts can cover a wide range of categories, although the exact products and prices vary.
Prime members can also receive access to certain exclusive deals throughout the year.
How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost?
There isn't one universal Amazon Prime price for everyone.
The membership price depends on factors such as:
- Your country
- Your membership plan
- Monthly or annual billing
- Student or young-adult eligibility where available
- Promotional offers
- Local Prime benefits
For example, Amazon's U.S. Prime pricing has historically offered both monthly and annual membership options, but prices and benefits can change.
For this reason, rather than relying on an old price displayed in an article, it's best to check the current Amazon Prime page before subscribing.
Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
Whether Prime is worth the cost depends on how you use Amazon.
Prime may be useful if you:
- Frequently purchase eligible products from Amazon
- Regularly use Prime Video
- Read eBooks or magazines through Prime Reading
- Play games and use Prime Gaming
- Want access to Prime-exclusive shopping events
- Use other Prime benefits available in your country
On the other hand, if you rarely shop on Amazon and don't use the included digital services, a Prime subscription may provide less value for you.
A good approach is to look at the benefits you would actually use rather than subscribing simply because there are many benefits included.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Prime is more than a faster-shipping membership. Depending on your location, it can combine shopping benefits with entertainment and digital services such as Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming, Amazon Photos, and other offers.
The value of Prime ultimately depends on how frequently you use these benefits.
If you regularly shop on Amazon or already use services such as Prime Video or Prime Reading, having several benefits under one membership may make sense. If you rarely use Amazon, it's worth comparing the membership cost with the benefits you would realistically use.
Before signing up, always check Amazon's current price, available benefits, trial eligibility, and membership terms for your country.