Which Prime Plan Is Cheapest for You? Four Smart Options
Which Prime Plan Is Cheapest for You

Choosing the right Amazon Prime plan in the U.S. is less about “what’s included” and more about what you actually use. Many people overpay simply because Amazon defaults them into the most expensive option.

This guide is designed to help you pay the lowest possible price for Prime Video, based on real usage patterns in the U.S. — not marketing bundles.

All information below reflects current U.S. pricing and policies from Amazon’s official sources and major consumer guides.

First: Know Your Real Options (U.S.)

Amazon currently offers three core ways to access Prime Video in the U.S.:

  1. Prime Video standalone

  2. Amazon Prime (monthly or annual)

  3. Prime Student (discounted Prime)

Source (official):

Understanding the difference between these is where most savings happen.

Read more:

- How to Download Movies and TV Series from Amazon Prime Video for Offline Watching

- Top 10+ Free Sites to Watch Amazon Prime Video Shows and Movies

Option 1: Prime Video Standalone — Cheapest for Streaming Only

Price: $8.99/month
Official page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/storefront

This plan gives you:

  • Full access to Prime Video’s catalog

  • Amazon Originals and licensed movies

  • Live sports included with Prime Video

What you don’t get:

  • Free shipping

  • Amazon Prime shopping benefits

Who should choose this

  • You only want movies and TV

  • You rarely shop on Amazon

  • You rotate streaming services month to month

Reality check:
If Prime Video is your only reason for subscribing, this is the cheapest paid option. Paying $14.99/month for full Prime in this case is unnecessary.

Option 2: Amazon Prime Free Trial — Best Short-Term Value

Cost: $0
Length: 30 days
Official page: https://www.amazon.com/prime/free-trial

New U.S. users can start a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, which includes:

  • Prime Video

  • Free shipping

  • Prime Music (limited)

Best use case

  • Catching up on multiple shows or movies

  • Testing Prime Video without paying

Practical tip:
Set a reminder and cancel before day 30. You keep access until the trial expires.

Consumer guidance source:

Option 3: Prime Student — Cheapest Long-Term Deal (If Eligible)

Price: ~$7.49/month or ~$69/year
Official page: https://www.amazon.com/joinstudent

Prime Student includes:

  • Prime Video

  • Free shipping

  • Extended free trial (often up to 6 months)

Eligibility

  • Valid .edu email

  • Student verification

Why this is the best deal

Prime Student is 50% cheaper than regular Amazon Prime and often cheaper than Prime Video standalone when billed annually.

If you qualify, this is the lowest-cost way to get full Prime benefits.

Option 4: Amazon Prime Annual Plan — Best for Heavy Amazon Users

Price: $139/year (~$11.58/month)
Official page: https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime

This makes sense only if:

  • You order from Amazon regularly

  • You value free shipping and returns

  • You watch Prime Video year-round

If you don’t shop often, this is not the cheapest option.

Reference:

Read more: How to Watch Apple TV+ for Free or Cheap? Without Apple Devices

Decision Guide: Which Plan Is Cheapest for You?

Step 1: Do you only want streaming?

  • Yes → Prime Video standalone ($8.99/month)

  • No → Go to Step 2

Step 2: Are you a student?

  • Yes → Prime Student (cheapest overall)

  • No → Go to Step 3

Step 3: Do you shop on Amazon at least twice a month?

  • Yes → Annual Amazon Prime

  • No → Prime Video standalone

Step 4: Are you willing to cancel and re-subscribe?

  • Yes → Free trial + short-term subscriptions (lowest possible cost)

  • No → Choose based on steps above

Household Sharing: Lower the Cost Further

Amazon allows multiple profiles on Prime Video and household sharing in many cases.

Example:

  • $139/year split between 2 adults = ~$5.80/month each

  • Split with more users = even cheaper

Official reference:

About Ads on Prime Video

Prime Video has introduced limited ads on some plans.

Key points:

  • Ads are lighter than cable TV

  • Ad-free options may require an add-on fee

  • Free trials still apply

Always review the plan summary before confirming payment.

Smart Money-Saving Strategy

Prime Video works well with on-and-off subscribing because:

  • Many shows release in batches

  • Seasons are often short

  • Cancellation is easy

Best approach for budget users:

  1. Use a free trial

  2. Watch what you want

  3. Cancel

  4. Re-subscribe later

This strategy can reduce annual cost dramatically.

Quick Comparison Table

Comparison Table
Comparison Table

Common (Costly) Mistakes to Avoid

  • Paying $14.99/month when you only stream

  • Forgetting Prime Video has a standalone plan

  • Ignoring student eligibility

  • Not using free trials strategically

Amazon optimizes for convenience. Saving money requires intention.

Final Recommendation

  • Cheapest free option: Amazon Prime free trial

  • Cheapest paid option: Prime Video standalone

  • Best overall deal: Prime Student (if eligible)

  • Best household value: Annual Prime + sharing

Most U.S. viewers should not default to the $14.99/month Prime plan.

With the right choice, Prime Video can be one of the most affordable major streaming services in the U.S. — without sacrificing access to its biggest originals.