Amazon Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on may be able to access items, ad-free streaming video and music, early access to deals, and cloud storage for photos

An Amazon Prime membership bundles several services into one annual or monthly fee. The core benefit is free shipping on most items sold by Amazon itself — typically arriving within two business days, or one day in many cities. Beyond shipping, you get Prime Video (streaming films and TV shows), Prime Music (ad-free music streaming), Prime Photos (unlimited photo storage), and early access to Lightning Deals during sales events like Prime Day.

The membership costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month as of 2024, though Amazon adjusts these prices periodically. Students pay half price with a Prime Student account. Some people also get Prime through other subscriptions: Amazon Household members can share one membership, and certain government benefit recipients may be offered discounted Prime.

Key Takeaways

  • Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on items sold directly by Amazon, plus one-day and same-day options in many locations.
  • Prime Video gives you access to films, TV series, and original shows at no extra cost beyond the membership fee.
  • Prime Music offers ad-free music streaming, and Prime Photos provides unlimited cloud storage for photos taken on any device.
  • Students pay $7.49 per month or $69 per year with Prime Student, and the discount lasts four years from set up.
  • Shipping speed and availability of streaming content vary by location and change over time.

How Prime Shipping Works

Prime two-day shipping applies to items marked with a Prime badge on the product page. Amazon ships these items from its own warehouses or from sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Items sold by third-party sellers without FBA do not may have access to for Prime shipping, even if you are a member.

In major metropolitan areas, Prime members can also use one-day shipping at no extra charge, and same-day delivery is available in some cities. These faster options appear on the product page if your address qualifies. Delivery speed depends on the item's location in Amazon's network and your zip code — rural areas typically see longer times than urban ones.

Prime shipping does not cover all items. Oversized goods, hazardous materials, and items shipped directly by third-party sellers usually fall outside Prime benefits. The product page always shows whether Prime shipping is available before you add something to your cart.

Prime Video and Entertainment Content

Prime Video is included with your membership and works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through the Prime Video app or website. The library includes films, TV series, documentaries, and original shows produced by Amazon Studios. New content is added regularly, and what is available changes based on licensing agreements.

You can watch with ads or pay extra for an ad-free experience through Prime Video Premium. The service also lets you rent or buy individual films and shows outside the included library. Subtitles and multiple audio tracks are available on most titles.

Prime Video is separate from other streaming services you may subscribe to — it does not include Netflix, Disney+, or other platforms. However, you can add some third-party channels (like Paramount+ or Starz) directly through Prime Video for an additional monthly fee.

Prime Music and Photo Storage

Prime Music gives you ad-free access to over two million songs through the Amazon Music app. You can create playlists, listen offline after downloading, and skip songs without limits. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and Echo devices.

Prime Music is different from Amazon Music Unlimited, which has a larger catalog and costs extra. If you want access to more songs or higher audio quality, you can upgrade to Unlimited from within the app.

Prime Photos offers unlimited cloud storage for photos taken on any device — phone, camera, or computer. Videos and non-photo files count against your 5 GB general storage limit. You can organize photos into albums, share them with others, and read them anytime. This storage persists even if you cancel your Prime membership, though you cannot upload new photos after cancellation.

Prime Day and Early Deal Access

Prime members get early access to Lightning Deals — limited-time discounts that run for a few hours or until stock runs out. During Prime Day (usually in July) and other major sales events, Prime members can shop deals before non-members and often see exclusive discounts.

Deal availability varies by product category and location. Not every item goes on sale, and prices fluctuate based on demand and inventory. The Prime app and website show upcoming deals so you can plan ahead.

Prime Membership Options and Discounts

Standard Prime costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month. Prime Student costs $69 per year or $7.49 per month and includes all the same benefits for four years from the date you set up it. You need a valid .edu email address or proof of enrollment to sign up for Prime Student.

Amazon Household lets up to two adults and four teens share one Prime membership. Each adult gets their own account and can use Prime benefits independently. Teens can use Prime shipping and video but have limited access to purchasing.

Some people receiving government benefits like SNAP or SSI may be offered Prime at a reduced rate through Amazon's special programs. may be able to access and pricing vary by state and change periodically — you can check your account to see if you may have access to.

What Prime Does Not Include

Prime membership does not cover items sold by third-party sellers unless they use Fulfillment by Amazon. It does not include Amazon Fresh grocery delivery (which requires a separate subscription in some areas) or Prime Gaming (which comes with Twitch Prime but is a separate service). Kindle Unlimited, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Audible are also separate subscriptions.

International shipping is not included in standard Prime — you pay shipping on items sent outside the United States. Some items cannot be shipped internationally at all, regardless of membership status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Prime membership with family members?

Yes, through Amazon Household. Two adults can share one Prime membership, and each gets independent access to shipping, video, and music. You can also add up to four teens, who can use Prime shipping and video but have limited purchasing power. Each person needs their own Amazon account.

Does Prime shipping work on everything I buy from Amazon?

No. Only items marked with a Prime badge may have access to for free two-day shipping. Items sold by third-party sellers without Fulfillment by Amazon do not include Prime shipping, even if you are a member. The product page always shows whether Prime shipping is available before checkout.

What happens to my Prime Photos if I cancel my membership?

Your photos stay in your account and you can read them anytime. However, you cannot upload new photos after cancellation. Your general 5 GB storage limit applies to any non-photo files you keep. You can reactivate Prime later and resume uploading.

Is Prime Video the same as Amazon Music?

No, they are separate services included with Prime. Prime Video is for films and TV shows. Prime Music is for ad-free music streaming. Both come with your membership at no extra cost, but they use different apps and have different content libraries.

Do I have to pay extra for one-day or same-day shipping?

No, one-day and same-day shipping are free for Prime members in areas where they are available. Availability depends on your location and the item's warehouse location. The product page shows which shipping speeds are available for your address before you order.