Amazon Prime Video: Channels, Prices, Packages, & Why It's Still a Streaming Giant

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For years now, Amazon Prime Video has been one of the top contenders in the so-called "Streaming Wars." Thanks to hits like The Boys, Fallout, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and the global phenomenon Étoile, the service keeps evolving — and so does its pricing, add-ons, and bundled channel options.

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So what does an Amazon Prime Video subscription actually get you? How much does it cost? And how do all those extra Prime Video channels work? If you're thinking about streaming with Prime Video, here's a full breakdown of what to expect in 2025.

How Does Amazon Prime Video Work?

Amazon Prime Video is a streaming platform that gives subscribers access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and exclusive original content. It comes included with an Amazon Prime membership or can be purchased as a standalone service, and it's available on plenty of devices — from smart TVs and game consoles to smartphones, tablets, and web browsers.

What sets Prime Video apart is its wide-ranging catalog that includes everything from buzzy new series to timeless classics. Subscribers can stream critically acclaimed Amazon Original shows and movies like Reacher and The Idea of You, as well as recent blockbusters, indie gems, and older titles that rotate in and out of the library. The platform is also home to international hits like Étoile and fan favorites like The Summer I Turned Pretty and The Boys.

In addition to its streaming library, Prime Video offers a robust selection of movies and shows available for rent or purchase — ideal for when a new release isn't included in your subscription or you want to build your digital collection. Whether you're looking for fresh episodes, past seasons, or hard-to-find titles, Prime Video makes it easy to customize your viewing experience without needing a separate cable plan.

How Much Does Amazon Prime Video Cost in 2025?

Here's the current pricing breakdown for a Prime Video subscription:

• Amazon Prime + Prime Video: $14.99/month or $139/year
• Prime Video Only: $8.99/month

Looking for ad-free streaming? That's an additional $2.99/month. Not too shabby when it comes to a solid streaming service.

What Prime Video Channels Can You Add?

Prime Video gives you access to over 100 channel add-ons, offering both big-name streamers and niche services you can't find everywhere. Some of the most popular include:

• Max
• Apple TV+
• Paramount+
• Starz
• Discovery+
• BBC Select
• PBS Masterpiece
• AMC+
• Shudder
• MGM+
• BET+
• Cinemax
• Acorn TV
• Crunchyroll

Many channels come with a free 7-day Prime Video trial, so you can explore before committing.

Are There Commercials on Amazon Prime Video?

As of April 2025, Prime Video is no longer ad-free by default. All subscribers — whether part of an Amazon Prime membership or using Prime Video as a standalone service — will see ads unless they choose to pay for the ad-free upgrade. That upgrade costs an additional $2.99/month, bringing the total to $17.98/month for Prime members and $11.98/month for standalone Prime Video users. This policy applies to all accounts, with no exceptions currently available for students, families, or long-time subscribers.

Does Amazon Prime Video Have Live Sports?

Absolutely. Prime Video has plenty of options for watching live sports. Prime Video is the exclusive home of NFL Thursday Night Football, offering regular season games you won't find anywhere else. It also carries select NFL Wild Card Games during the postseason. 

Baseball fans can stream their favorite teams all season long with the MLB.TV add-on, which is a very convenient ways to stay connected to every pitch and highlight. You can also catch live soccer matches, NCAA games, and NFL broadcasts by bundling Paramount+ into your plan. And if you're into Friday Night Baseball, the Apple TV+ add-on brings even more live sports into the mix. If you're a baseball fan in particular, MLB.TV through Prime Video is a must-have during the MLB season.

Should You Bundle Your Streaming Services With Prime Video?

Bundling your streaming subscriptions through Prime Video can be incredibly convenient. While pricing may not always be cheaper than subscribing directly to each platform, having all your shows, sports, and channels in one place makes it easier to manage — especially when using the Fire TV interface. Typically we do see that the prices are the same. 

Plus, Prime Video works on so many devices. But if you're deep into the Amazon ecosystem already, using a Fire Stick TV or Fire TV Cube keeps things seamless.

Our Final Take

Amazon Prime Video continues to offer one of the most customizable streaming experiences out there. While it doesn't fully replace cable for sports fans or network show junkies, it holds its own with live NFL games, MLB.TV, hit Amazon Originals, and over 100 channel add-ons.

If you're looking for a centralized streaming hub that plays well with others — and gives you access to The Summer I Turned Pretty, Fallout, Étoile, and The Boys — Prime Video is more than worth a test drive.

How to Cancel Amazon Prime Video

If you're thinking about canceling Prime Video, here's how to do it:

1. Go to Amazon.com and sign into your account.

2. Head to "Your Memberships & Subscriptions" under Account Settings.

3. Find Prime Video (or Amazon Prime if bundled) and click "Manage Subscription."

4. Select "Cancel" and follow the prompts.

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