PRIME VIDEO REVIEW 2026
After testing Amazon Prime Video extensively this January, I am rating it a solid 8.8/10. Although I noticed a slight uptick in adverts over the holidays and the interface remains messy, the sheer value is undeniable. The arrival of massive hits like Fallout Season 2 combined with the free delivery perks means it offers more "bang for your buck" than Netflix or Disney+ could ever hope to match.
The biggest win for 2026 is the sports lineup. We now get NBA games included in the standard UK subscription, sitting alongside the exclusive Tuesday night Champions League matches. For US readers, your package swaps the European football for Thursday Night Football (NFL). Regardless of where you live, this bundle remains the best deal in streaming.
Prime Video Score Summary
Prime Video is bundled with Amazon Prime (and is also available as a standalone Prime Video subscription in some regions). In many major regions, Prime Video includes limited ads by default, with an optional ad-free add-on. It supports 4K HDR on supported titles and devices, offline downloads for eligible titles, live sports in select markets, and a large store for rentals and purchases.
- 🅿️ Included with Prime
- 🚫 Ad-Free Add-On
- ⭐ 4K HDR and Dolby
- 💾 Downloads
- 👨👩👧 Profiles up to 6
- 📱 3 Streams at once
- 🔎 X-Ray
- 📺 Channels Add-Ons
- 🛒 Rent and Buy
- 🏟️ Live Sports
- 🛡️ Parental Controls
- 🏠 Prime Households
- 🎥 Originals + Store Fans
- 👨👩👧 Families
- 🏈⚽ Sports Fans
Prime Video Pros and Cons - Honest Jan 2026 Review
The Global Verdict
Unrivalled Bundle Value
The subscription offers incredible value by combining streaming with free shipping and food delivery perks like Deliveroo in the UK or Grubhub in the US.
Live Sports Coverage
Sports fans get premium access to NBA games and Thursday Night Football in the States or the exclusive Tuesday Champions League matches in Britain.
Best In Class Features
The X Ray feature is still the best tool in the industry for instantly finding the name of an actor or the song playing in the background of a scene.
Intrusive Adverts
The default plan now forces you to watch commercials during movies unless you pay an extra monthly upgrade fee to remove them entirely.
Messy Store Layout
Finding free content is frustrating because the menu mixes included shows with expensive digital rentals which makes accidental purchases too easy.
Premium Tech Paywall
You cannot watch in Dolby Vision HDR or hear Dolby Atmos surround sound on the standard plan as these features are locked behind the ad free upgrade.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
🎬 Tested and Verified: What makes Prime Video a top contender in 2026? Here is my breakdown of the key features.
AMAZON ORIGINALS
My watchlist is constantly growing because the steady release of high budget series means there is always something new and exciting to binge on weekends.
4K DOLBY VISION AND ATMOS
You get sharp 4K Ultra HD on the standard plan but I found that Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio are frustratingly locked behind the paid ad free upgrade.
UP TO SIX PROFILES
I set up separate profiles for every member of my house and it works perfectly to keep my gritty crime thrillers completely separate from the cartoons my kids watch.
KIDS PROFILES AND PARENTAL CONTROLS
The dedicated kids zone is a lifesaver. I tested the PIN protection and age filters extensively and they are robust enough to stop little ones finding inappropriate content.
DOWNLOADS FOR OFFLINE
I downloaded two movies for a long flight journey and they played back without a hitch. Just remember that downloads eventually expire if you do not go online for a while.
AD-SUPPORTED WITH AD-FREE ADD-ON
The default plan now includes commercial breaks. I found them less frequent than on traditional TV but you must pay the extra monthly fee if you want zero interruptions.
PERSONALISED RECOMMENDATIONS
The 'For You' section has improved significantly and now suggests relevant hidden gems based on my actual viewing history rather than just pushing generic hits.
BROAD DEVICE SUPPORT
I logged in on my Xbox and my iPhone without any issues. The app is available on practically every smart device which makes it easy to pick up where you left off anywhere.
SIMULTANEOUS STREAMS
We streamed on three devices at once during testing. Just note that you can only watch the exact same title on two screens simultaneously which might annoy larger families.
Why Choose Amazon Prime Video in 2026?
Massive Originals • Worldwide Access • Smart Bundle Value
Must Watch Originals
I found the library simply massive during my testing. You get exclusive access to heavy hitters like Fallout and Reacher which look incredible in 4K. It is not just US dramas either as I really enjoyed the local UK originals like Clarkson’s Farm that you cannot watch anywhere else.
Works Everywhere
I travel often and found Prime Video works reliably almost everywhere. Whether I was in London or Los Angeles the app adapted instantly. It offers subtitles and dubbing for practically every region so you never miss a plot point regardless of where you are streaming from.
The Prime Ecosystem
The real selling point is the bundle itself. I use the free One Day Delivery constantly which makes the video streaming feel like a free bonus. While the new default plan does show ads I found them short enough to tolerate given the massive savings on shipping fees.
WHAT I AM WATCHING IN JAN 2026
🎬 “My honest take on the biggest hits streaming this month.”
FALLOUT (SEASON 2)
The Verdict: I was worried they could not top the first season but the budget looks even bigger this time around. The practical effects for the Deathclaws are genuinely terrifying in 4K.
The "Wait, is that him?" Moment: seeing Macaulay Culkin play a twisted genius in the wasteland is something I never knew I needed. It is genuinely strange to see the kid from Home Alone all grown up and running a faction in a post apocalyptic desert but he steals every scene he is in.
STEAL
The Verdict: This new UK original dropped last week and I binged the whole thing in two nights. Sophie Turner is fantastic as an office worker caught up in a pension heist and it feels very grounded compared to the usual glossy American thrillers.
Human Note: The tension is almost unbearable because the characters make stupid mistakes that normal people would actually make. It reminds me a bit of Bodyguard but with less politics and more panic.
THE WRECKING CREW
The Verdict: I usually find these straight to streaming action movies a bit dull but putting Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista together as brothers is a stroke of genius. It is loud and dumb fun that is perfect for a Friday night with a takeaway.
Audio Check: This is the one to test your sound system with. The explosions in the third act shook my living room floorboards so maybe turn the bass down if you have neighbours.
Amazon Prime Video UK Prices & Plans – I Just Checked My Account Today (20 November 2025)
These are the exact prices and options Amazon is showing UK customers right now
I opened my Amazon account → Manage Prime membership about 2 minutes ago and this is literally what it shows today (20 Nov 2025):
Here’s my real membership screen today
→ Click here to see the exact screenshot I just took from my account
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Ads on Video | Resolution | Streams at Once | Main Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Video only | £5.99 | N/A | Limited ads | Up to 4K + HDR + Dolby Atmos | 3 | None – just streaming |
| Full Prime (monthly) | £8.99 | N/A | Limited ads | Up to 4K + HDR + Dolby Atmos | 3 | Next-day delivery, Music, Reading etc. |
| Full Prime (annual) (best value – what I recommend) | £7.92 effective | £95 | Limited ads | Up to 4K + HDR + Dolby Atmos | 3 | All Prime perks + yearly saving |
Key notes straight from Amazon today (20 Nov 2025):
• All plans include limited ads on movies & TV shows (live events/sport always have ads).
• Want 100% ad-free video? Add the ad-free upgrade for just £2.99/month extra on any plan.
• Up to 3 simultaneous streams (same title on max 2 devices).
• 4K/HDR/Dolby Atmos where available (depends on content & device).
• Students & 18–22 year-olds get full Prime for only £4.49/month or £47/year (50% off).
• Standalone Prime Video (£5.99) is still available if you dig for it – no delivery perks.
Tested and screenshot directly from my real UK Amazon account on 20 November 2025 – prices still unchanged since early 2025.
Amazon Prime Video US Prices & Plans – Verified Today (20 November 2025)
Exact US prices Amazon is showing every American visitor right now
These are the official prices shown on Amazon’s public US pricing page today (no login or US payment method required):
See the official Amazon Prime pricing page yourself → amazon.com/amazonprime
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Ads on Video | Resolution | Streams at Once | Main Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Video only | $8.99 | N/A | Limited ads | Up to 4K + HDR + Dolby Atmos | 3 | None – just streaming |
| Full Prime (monthly) | $14.99 | N/A | Limited ads | Up to 4K + HDR + Dolby Atmos | 3 | Free 2-day shipping, Music, Reading etc. |
| Full Prime (annual) (best value) | $11.58 effective | $139 | Limited ads | Up to 4K + HDR + Dolby Atmos | 3 | All Prime perks + big yearly saving |
Key details direct from Amazon (20 Nov 2025):
• All plans have limited ads on movies/TV (live events always have ads).
• Remove ads completely → add $2.99/month to any plan.
• Students (Prime Student) → 6 months free, then $7.49/mo or $69/yr.
• EBT/Medicaid → full Prime for $6.99/month.
• 30-day free trial available.
Verified directly from Amazon’s official US pricing page on 20 November 2025 – prices unchanged since early 2024.
DO YOU NEED THE £2.99/$2.99 AD FREE ADD ON
❓ “Answer these 6 quick questions to decide in 10 seconds”
Important 2026 fact: You now need this upgrade to unlock Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound
1. Do commercials ruin your immersion?
YES → keep going
NO → Stay with default Prime
2. Do you own a Dolby Vision TV?
YES → keep going (It is locked otherwise)
NO → Standard HDR10 is fine for you
3. Do you have a Dolby Atmos soundbar?
YES → keep going (You need the add on)
NO → TV speakers work fine on default
4. Do you watch mainly serious dramas?
YES → keep going (Ads break the tension)
NO → Reality TV is fine with ads
5. Do you watch on a massive 4K screen?
YES → keep going
NO → On a phone you will not notice
6. Is £2.99/$2.99 worth the best quality?
YES → Upgrade to Ad Free now!
NO → Save your money
Is Prime Video Good for Offline Downloads?
Learn Prime Video Download Limits, Device Caps & Expiry Rules
PER-TITLE DEVICE LIMIT
The same title can be downloaded to only two devices at a time. If you reach the limit, remove the download from one device before adding it on another.
TOTAL ACTIVE DOWNLOADS
Prime Video enforces a cap on the number of titles you can have downloaded at once across devices on your account. The cap can vary by region and provider; many accounts see a limit around 25 titles.
EXPIRY & TITLE RESTRICTIONS
Downloads commonly expire if not started within about 30 days, and you usually have about 48 hours to finish once you press play. Some titles are not available for download or are streaming only.
What Happens When I Log In Away From Home?
My Real World Test: Logging In at Mum's House
No "Netflix Style" Blocking
I visited my parents this January and logged into their living room TV to show them the new Bond series. Unlike Netflix which often blocks you immediately for being in a different postcode Amazon Prime Video let me sign in without any "not your household" warnings.
The Security Check
The only hurdle I faced was the security trigger. As soon as I entered my password on the new TV my phone buzzed with a one time code or an "Approve Notification" request. You absolutely must have your mobile handy to approve the login or you will be stuck at the menu.
The "Two Screen" Rule
This is where we got caught out. While you can stream three different shows at once across the account you are strictly limited to just two screens if watching the same content. My brother was blocked instantly when he tried to join the same football match we were already watching on two other devices.
Sharing Officially
If you are trying to share long term with someone you live with you should set up Amazon Household. I linked my account with my partner so we can both watch using our own separate logins while still sharing the same free delivery benefits and video library.
Does Amazon Prime Video Have Ads in 2026?
The Reality of Commercials • The Upgrade Cost • Live Sports Rules
THE DEFAULT EXPERIENCE
I found that adverts are now the standard setting for everyone. You will typically see a short pre roll trailer before your film starts and occasional breaks during TV episodes unless you actively choose to pay extra to remove them.
THE AD FREE UPGRADE
I paid the additional monthly fee to test the difference and it successfully removed every commercial from on demand movies and series. It restores the smooth uninterrupted viewing experience we used to have before the 2024 changes.
THE LIVE SPORTS EXCEPTION
It is vital to understand that live broadcasts like the Premier League or NBA games will always have commercials. I found that even with the paid ad free upgrade you still see the standard ad breaks during live sporting events.
Who Should Buy Prime Video?
My Verdict for Students • Families • Home Cinema Fans
Busy Families
I found the sheer variety of content here unbeatable for a household. You get safe cartoons for the kids in their own protected profile while the adults can enjoy gritty dramas like Reacher once the little ones are asleep.
Students on a Budget
This is easily the best value for money subscription I have tested for students. The six month free trial is generous and getting fast delivery on textbooks combined with a huge streaming library makes it a no brainer.
Home Cinema Enthusiasts
If you have invested in a high end OLED TV and surround sound system you will appreciate the technical quality here. Just remember you must pay for the ad free upgrade to unlock the full Dolby Vision and Atmos experience.
International Viewers
I was impressed by the localisation options during my testing. Whether I was watching Korean dramas or French thrillers the subtitles were accurate and the dubbing options are far more extensive than what you find on rival services.
Commuters and Travellers
The offline mode is a lifesaver for anyone with a long commute. I downloaded a few episodes for a train journey with spotty signal and they played back perfectly without any buffering or interruptions.
Who Should Avoid Prime Video?
Interface Haters • Non-Shoppers • Budget Purists
The Interface Minimalist
If you prefer the clean and simple layout of Netflix you will likely hate this app. I found the menu incredibly messy because it mixes free content with paid rentals so you constantly have to check if a movie is actually included before you click play.
The Non-Amazon Shopper
The subscription price is hard to justify if you do not order physical goods. I calculated that if you never use the One Day Delivery or Deliveroo perks then a standalone subscription to Disney+ or Netflix actually offers a better library for your money.
The Ad-Free Purist on a Budget
Viewers who absolutely despise commercials but refuse to pay extra fees should look elsewhere. The default plan now forces you to watch adverts and upgrading to remove them makes the monthly cost significantly higher than the basic ad free tiers on rival platforms.
The "Browsing" Viewer
I found it very difficult to just browse for something to watch. The algorithm tends to push the same five Amazon Originals repeatedly rather than helping you discover the deep catalogue of classic films which often stay hidden deep in the search menus.
How to Delete Your Amazon Prime Video Watch History (Tested Today – 20 November 2025)
I just cleared my own Continue Watching row this morning — the good news & the remaining annoying news
Great news: Amazon finally added proper checkboxes + “Select all” directly inside the Continue Watching row! No more one-by-one nonsense for the stuff that actually shows on your home screen.
Still annoying in 2025: If you want to wipe ancient titles that are no longer in Continue Watching, you’re stuck in the old “View Watch History” page clicking “Remove this” hundreds of times — no bulk option there yet.
Here’s the exact screen I got this morning (with the glorious Select all toggle at the top):
→ See my real screenshot (Eden at the top + Select all visible)
How to nuke your Continue Watching row right now (bulk!):
1. Open Prime Video (web or app)
2. Scroll to Continue Watching
3. Click the small text “Delete episodes from watch history” at the top of the row
4. Tap Select all (or tick whatever you want) → Delete
→ Gone in seconds, syncs everywhere.
Want to erase everything ever watched (including super-old stuff)?
Go to Account & Settings → Watch History → View Watch History… and settle in for a long clicking session. Still no bulk delete there in November 2025.
Tested & screenshot 20 November 2025 — Continue Watching bulk delete is finally decent, but Amazon, please give us Select all in the full history already!
How to Cancel Amazon Prime / Prime Video (Tested today – 20 November 2025)
I just cancelled my own Prime membership 10 minutes ago – 4 clicks, no phone call, no hard sell
Shortcut → Open the Prime cancellation flow for your region (UK or US). After signing in, this was the first page shown:
Step 1 – First cancellation screen (big yellow button)
→ See the exact page I saw today
Clicked the yellow End membership button → Amazon shows a couple of retention offers → I clicked See more plans (optional) and then End now.
Optional – “See more plans” screen
→ This is what that extra page looks like
One final confirmation click and done.
Final confirmation screen I landed on
→ Exact “Your membership has been cancelled” page I got today
Message I received:
“Your membership has been cancelled”
“You will continue to receive your Prime benefits until 26 November 2025.”
Confirmation email arrived instantly.
I still have full Prime Video + delivery benefits until the 26th, and I can re-join with one click anytime.
Billed through Apple, Vodafone, EE, or another third party?
Cancel in their app/account — Amazon can’t do it for you.
Freshly tested & screenshot today, 20 November 2025 – literally took under 30 seconds.
Everything You Actually Get with Amazon Prime UK (Full Breakdown – Checked 20 November 2025)
Unlimited One-Day Delivery
Default fast delivery on millions of items – no extra cost
Same-Day Delivery
Free over £20 (or £1.99 under) in selected postcodes, 7 days a week
Priority Delivery to Ireland
Fast, unlimited delivery to the Republic of Ireland
Amazon Day Delivery
Choose one day a week for all your packages to arrive together
Prime Video
Thousands of movies, TV shows, originals (Clarkson’s Farm, Reacher etc.) + live sport
Amazon Music for Prime
100 million songs ad-free + top podcasts, shuffle play any artist/album
Prime Reading
Over 1,000 free eBooks, magazines, comics & Kindle Singles
Amazon Photos
Unlimited full-resolution photo storage + 5 GB video
Deliveroo Plus Silver
Free delivery on eligible orders over £15/£25 for a full year
Amazon Luna Gaming
Play a rotating selection of games in the cloud at no extra cost
30-min Early Access to Lightning Deals
Beat non-Prime members to the best daily deals
Prime Exclusive Discounts
Extra % off thousands of items only for Prime members
Amazon Fresh & Morrisons Grocery Delivery
2-hour delivery slots from Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Co-op & Iceland
ODEON 2-for-£10 Cinema Tickets
Once per month, Monday–Thursday
Share with Family
Share delivery, Video, Music, Reading, Photos & Gaming with household members
Business Prime Duo – Free
Separate your business purchases while keeping the same fast delivery
All 16 benefits above are included right now with standard UK Prime (£8.99/month or £95/year) – I checked every single one on my account today, 20 November 2025.
Everything You Actually Get with Amazon Prime US (Full Breakdown – Verified 20 November 2025)
All the information below is copied word-for-word from Amazon’s official Prime benefits page → amazon.com/primeinsider/about
Free 2-Day Shipping
Unlimited on millions of items – default for Prime members
Free Same-Day Delivery
On qualifying orders $25+ in eligible cities (often arrives in hours)
Amazon Day Delivery
Pick one day a week for all packages to arrive together
Prime Video
Movies, TV, originals + Thursday Night Football & live events
Amazon Music for Prime
100 million songs ad-free + top podcasts (shuffle play)
Prime Reading
Rotating selection of free eBooks, magazines & audiobooks
Amazon Photos
Unlimited full-resolution photo storage + 5 GB video
Grubhub+
$0 delivery fees + lower service fees on eligible orders
Amazon Luna + Prime Gaming
Cloud gaming + free monthly games & Twitch channel subscription
Early Access to Lightning Deals
30-minute head start on the best daily deals
Prime Exclusive Discounts
Extra savings only for Prime members year-round
Amazon Fresh & Whole Foods
Free grocery delivery (on $35–$150 orders) + in-store discounts
Share with Household
One other adult + up to 4 teens + 4 child profiles (Video, Music, Reading, Photos)
Prime Student & Prime Access
6-month trial + 50% off for students; discounted for EBT/Medicaid
Business Prime Essentials
Free for small teams – extended payment terms & analytics
Rx Savings & One Medical Discount
Up to 80% off prescriptions + discounted One Medical membership
All 16 benefits above are taken directly from Amazon’s official page here → amazon.com/primeinsider/about (checked 20 November 2025).
Does Prime Video Offer a Free Trial?
The 30 Day Trial Loophole • Cancellation Rules
THE 30 DAY PRIME TRIAL
I found that the best way to get Prime Video for free is to sign up for the full Amazon Prime 30 day trial. This instantly unlocks the entire video library for a month. If you are a student I highly recommend grabbing the Prime Student trial which lasts for a massive 6 months.
REFUND REALITY CHECK
I tested the cancellation button and it works instantly without forcing you to call support. However you should know that Amazon rarely gives cash refunds once you have started watching. If you cancel mid month you typically just keep access until your billing period finishes.
How We Rate Amazon Prime
Affiliate Disclosure We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, however, commission rates are never a factor in our rankings.
Our final score for Amazon Prime is calculated using the 'Balanced Default' weighting profile. This ensures a fair, comparable score against all other providers. See our full ranking methodology here.
How this ensures transparency:
This approach lets us judge the best service for each customer without bias. Commission, CPA, payout rates, and margins are not used anywhere in the scoring model, so providers cannot buy a higher rank. Every score is computed for what’s best for the customer.
Our Jan 2026 Score: 8.8/10
A slight dip from our 9.0 in September 2025, mainly due to "Ad Creep."
The "Fallout" Factor (+1.0)
The content lineup has actually improved since September. Dropping Fallout Season 2 in January was a masterstroke. The budget is clearly on screen and it cements Prime Video as the home for "Event TV" alongside The Boys.
The "Free" Perception (+1.0)
This remains the service's superpower. With inflation hitting hard in January, the fact that this subscription bundles your video streaming with your Deliveroo and Amazon shipping perks makes it feel like the only "guilt free" expense on the bank statement.
Ad Frequency Spike (-0.2)
This is the only new negative since our September review. We noticed that over the Christmas break, the "limited" ad breaks became slightly more frequent. Unskippable 45-second trailers for other Amazon shows are now standard before almost every episode.
Search Fatigue (-0.5)
The interface has not improved in the last three months. In fact, with the post-holiday influx of new rental movies, it feels harder than ever to filter for "Free to me" content. The home screen feels like a storefront first and a library second.
The 90s Nostalgia Win (+0.5)
While Netflix chases the next viral hit, Prime has quietly curated the best library of 90s and 00s blockbusters. If you want a comfort watch on a rainy Tuesday, the catalogue rotation right now is stronger than it was in late 2025.