Is Amazon Prime worth it? Our honest take
Trial, best membership option, benefits, pros and cons, and who should skip it. Everything you need to decide, in plain English.
New members only. Renews at the regular price unless you cancel before the trial ends.
At a glance
The key facts
How it works
From sign-up to first delivery in four steps
Start the free trial
Sign in or create an Amazon account and join. New members get 30 days to try the benefits.
Shop eligible items
Look for the Prime badge on products to get the fastest delivery options available in your area.
Stream, listen and read
Open Prime Video, music and reading in the Amazon apps on your phone, tablet or TV.
Keep or cancel
Do nothing and the membership continues at the regular price. Cancel before the trial ends and you are not charged.
Options
Monthly vs Annual: which is best?
Both options start with a free trial for new members. After that, they renew until you cancel.
Monthly
- Free trial for new members
- All core Prime benefits
- Pay month to month
- Cancel any time
Annual
- Free trial for new members
- All core Prime benefits
- One payment for the full year
- Ideal if you shop and stream often
Options, benefits and pricing vary by country and can change, so check the current details on Amazon before you join.
What you get
Why people use Prime
Fast delivery
Quick delivery on a huge range of eligible items, often in one to two days.
Prime Video
Stream popular films, series and Amazon Originals on phones, tablets and TVs.
Prime Music
Ad-free listening to songs, playlists and stations.
Prime Reading
Borrow a rotating selection of books, magazines and comics at no extra cost.
Early deal access
Exclusive offers and early access to selected deals during big sales events.
Gaming and photos
Free games and in-game content, plus secure photo storage across your devices.
Compare
Prime vs a regular account
| Feature | Prime | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| Fast delivery on eligible items | ✓ | ✕ |
| Prime Video streaming | ✓ | ✕ |
| Prime Music and Reading | ✓ | ✕ |
| Early access to selected deals | ✓ | ✕ |
| Free trial for new members | 30 days | N/A |
Our verdict
The good and the not-so-good
What we like
- Free trial lets you test it risk-free
- Fast delivery on a huge range of items
- Streaming, music and reading in one place
- Cancel any time
What to watch
- Auto-renews, so set a reminder before the trial ends
- Benefits vary by country
- Not every item is Prime eligible
- Less useful if you rarely order online
Best for
Frequent shoppers, streaming fans, busy households and anyone who wants fast, reliable delivery.
Maybe skip if
You rarely shop online, don’t stream, or already pay for similar services you use daily.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is the Amazon Prime free trial really free?
New members can try Prime free for 30 days. If you do not cancel before it ends, the membership renews at its regular price. Cancel in time and you are not charged.
What do you get with Amazon Prime?
Benefits typically include fast delivery on eligible items, Prime Video, music, reading, gaming perks and early access to deals. Exact benefits vary by country.
Which Prime option is best?
Monthly is best if you want flexibility. Annual is best if you plan to stay for the year. Check Amazon for current options and offers.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes. Cancel from your Amazon account settings. Check Amazon for how your final period is handled.
Can I share Prime with my household?
Some benefits can be shared with members of your household. Rules vary by region, so check the current terms on Amazon.
Ready to try Amazon Prime?
Start the 30-day free trial and decide for yourself. Cancel before it ends and you pay nothing.
Start 30-day free trialAffiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Our opinions are our own. See our Privacy Policy.