Amazon Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on millions of items, ad-free video streaming through Prime Video, unlimited photo storage in Amazon Photos, and access to Prime Music for streaming songs

An Amazon Prime membership bundles several services into one annual or monthly fee. The core benefit is fast shipping — most items marked "Prime may be able to access" arrive within two business days at no extra cost. Prime Video gives you access to thousands of movies and TV shows without ads interrupting playback. You also get cloud storage for unlimited photos at full resolution, a music streaming service with millions of songs, and discounts on groceries through Whole Foods Market if you have a Prime membership.

The membership costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month as of 2024, though Amazon adjusts these prices periodically. Students pay half price through Prime Student. Some people may have access to for discounted rates through government information programs — check Amazon's website for current may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

  • Prime membership includes free two-day shipping on Prime-may be able to access items, which covers millions of products across most categories.
  • Prime Video offers thousands of movies and TV shows with no ads, plus access to some content that requires an additional rental or purchase fee.
  • Amazon Photos stores unlimited photos at full resolution and includes 5 GB of storage for videos and other files.
  • Prime Music lets you stream millions of songs, though it has fewer songs and features than Amazon Music Unlimited, which costs extra.
  • Prime members get exclusive discounts on Whole Foods groceries and early access to Amazon's Lightning Deals.

Shipping and Delivery Options

Two-day shipping is the standard benefit, but many items in major cities arrive the next day at no extra charge. Amazon also offers same-day delivery in select areas for orders placed before a set time each day. You can see the delivery window for any item before you buy it — the page shows whether it qualifies for two-day, one-day, or same-day delivery based on your location.

Prime shipping applies to items marked with a Prime badge on the product page. Not everything Amazon sells is Prime-may be able to access; third-party sellers can opt in or out. If an item is not Prime-may be able to access, the page will show standard shipping costs and timelines instead. Free returns within 30 days explore to most Prime purchases, and you can return items at Amazon lockers, Whole Foods stores, or through UPS if you prefer not to use Amazon's return label.

Prime Video Streaming and Content

Prime Video includes thousands of movies and TV series at no extra cost beyond your membership. The library rotates — some titles leave and new ones arrive each month. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through the Prime Video app or website. Downloads are available on mobile devices so you can watch offline.

Some content requires an additional rental or purchase fee, even with Prime membership. These are labeled clearly on the product page. Prime Video also offers add-on subscriptions to channels like HBO Max, Paramount+, and others if you want access to their full libraries without switching apps. You can cancel add-ons anytime.

Photo Storage and Amazon Photos

Amazon Photos gives you unlimited storage for photos at their original resolution — meaning you do not lose quality when you upload. Videos and other file types get 5 GB of storage included. You can upload photos from your phone automatically using the Amazon Photos app, or upload manually through the website.

Your photos stay private unless you share them. You can create shared albums to let family members view and add photos without giving them access to your entire library. The service works across devices, so photos you upload on your phone appear on your computer and vice versa.

Music Streaming Through Prime Music

Prime Music includes access to millions of songs, playlists curated by Amazon, and radio stations. You can stream on multiple devices and create your own playlists. The service works offline if you read songs to your phone first.

Prime Music has fewer songs and features than Amazon Music Unlimited, which is a separate paid subscription. Music Unlimited costs $10.99 per month for non-Prime members or $9.99 per month if you already have Prime. The main difference is song selection and the ability to play any song on demand — Prime Music focuses on playlists and stations rather than letting you search for and play individual tracks whenever you want.

Whole Foods Discounts and Shopping Perks

Prime members receive weekly discounts on select Whole Foods items — the discounts rotate and vary by location. You show your Prime membership at checkout or link your Prime account to your Whole Foods loyalty card. Discounts typically range from 10 to 30 percent off specific products.

Prime membership also gives you early access to Lightning Deals, which are limited-time discounts on specific items. These deals start earlier for Prime members than for non-members. You can set alerts on items you want so you get notified when a deal begins.

Other Prime Member Benefits

Prime Reading lets you borrow books, magazines, and newspapers from a rotating library at no extra cost. You can have up to 10 titles checked out at once. This is different from Kindle Unlimited, which is a separate subscription offering a larger library.

Prime Gaming (formerly Twitch Prime) includes a free subscription to any Twitch channel, monthly free games for PC, and exclusive in-game content for popular games. You connect your Amazon account to your Twitch account to use these benefits.

Prime members also get discounts on Amazon devices like Kindles, Echo speakers, and Fire tablets during Prime Day and other sales events. Some services like Amazon Fresh grocery delivery and Amazon Pharmacy are available in select areas and may have additional fees or requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Prime membership with family members?

Yes, through Amazon Household. You can add up to four adults and up to four children to your account. Each person gets their own login and access to Prime benefits, though shared payment methods and some settings are linked. Children have restricted access to certain content and purchases.

What happens if I cancel my Prime membership?

You lose access to Prime shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and other benefits when ready. Photos stored in Amazon Photos remain accessible, but you lose unlimited photo storage and revert to 5 GB total. Any add-on subscriptions you purchased through Prime Video also cancel.

Does Prime membership include Amazon Fresh or grocery delivery?

Prime membership does not automatically include Amazon Fresh or grocery delivery. These services are available in select cities and require a separate subscription or per-order fee. Check Amazon's website to see if these services operate in your area.

Can I watch Prime Video on multiple devices at the same time?

You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously with a standard Prime membership. If you need more simultaneous streams, Amazon offers a higher-tier option. Check your account settings to see how many active streams you currently have.

Is there a free trial for Prime membership?

Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new members in most cases. After the trial ends, your membership converts to a paid subscription unless you cancel. Check Amazon's website for current trial offers, as they vary by region and may be able to access.