Amazon Prime Video Review & Guide
As one of the biggest streaming services to hit Australian shores, Amazon Prime comes with a big reputation. But is the hype justified? Find out how you can get Amazon Prime Video, what you can watch, how much it costs, and how it compares to Netflix and Stan in this Canstar Blue review.
What is Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video – or just ‘Prime Video’ – is a streaming video on demand (SVOD) service that is run by Amazon, the massive online retailer. The service has actually been around in some form since 2006, but only in 2016 did Prime Video start to take off when it acquired rights to The Grand Tour, a show featuring former Top Gear hosts James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson. Now it has many shows and films to watch, and competes with the other big-name streaming services in Australia such as Netflix and Stan. Amazon Prime Video has a range of features including:
- Stream content on up to three devices at once
- Download content to your iPhone, iPad, tablet or Android device to watch on the go
- Data-saver feature, which controls data usage while downloading and streaming on select devices
- 30-day free trial, cancel anytime
- Add up to six profiles to one account so every member of your household can personalise their viewing experience
How much does Amazon Prime Video cost in Australia?
Amazon Prime Video costs $9.99 per month, or is available as $79 if you sign up for an annual subscription, which equates to $6.58 per month.
If you’re a regular Amazon shopper, you might find an Amazon Prime subscription could be more value. At the same price as the Prime Video subscription, you’ll also get the free and fast delivery on orders, along with subscriptions to Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Music and Prime Gaming.
Does Amazon Prime Video have a free trial?
There is a 30-day free trial for new customers for Amazon Prime, the online store and delivery service, which includes free access to Amazon Prime Video. You’ll have to create an account and provide your details, but there aren’t many streaming services that offer a 30-day free trial anymore, giving it a few bonus points amongst streamers.
Sign up to Disney+ Australia
Keen for some animated classics? Why note check out Disney+? There are two plan options to choose from – a monthly subscription, or prepay for a year. Both plans include the same features, with unlimited downloads and the ability to stream on up to four screens at the same time. This table includes links to a referral partner.
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month or year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $13.99 over one month |
4 | $13.99 |
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ * |
|
min. cost $139.99 over one year |
4 | $139.99 |
Get DealCanstar Blue receives a commission for sign-ups through Disney+ * |
 |
^^View important information | |||
How can I watch Amazon Prime Video?
Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video is web-based and is able to be watched on pretty much any device that can access the internet. In addition to watching on your web browser, there are a range of compatible devices including:
- Certain smart TVs (brands include Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Hisense, Sharp, TCL, Haier and Philips)
- Amazon Devices (FireTV/Fire TV Stick, Echo devices with a screen, Fire Tablet)
- Gaming consoles such as the Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and PlayStation 4
- Select Blu-Ray players (brands include LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony)
- Android and iOS (Apple) devices including phones and tablets (download to app from the Apple App store or Google Play store)
- Set-top boxes and media players (including Google Chromecast, Telstra TV and Apple TV)
What shows are on Amazon Prime Video Australia?
Prime Video includes a wide range of shows and movies, but perhaps, much like Netflix, its draw card for many viewers is its selection of Amazon Originals. As somewhat of a reflection of its cost, Prime’s library is much smaller than what you’ll get with Netflix. However, there are some exciting shows on Prime Video that may tickle your fancy, here is a selection of Amazon Originals you can stream on Prime Video:
- Star Trek: Picard
- Reacher
- Jack Ryan
- The Boys
- The Legend of Vox Machina
- American Gods
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- Modern Love
- Mozart in the Jungle
- The Tick
- Good Omens
- Hanna
- Jonas Brothers Chasing Happiness
- Carnival Row
- The Grand Tour
- Le Mans
- Patriot
- Goliath
- Fleabag
- Sneaky Pete
- ‘I Love Dick’
- The Man in the High Castle
If you’re keen for more, check out our guide on the best shows on Amazon Prime Video. And if you get bored of the shows, why not check out what sports docos Amazon Prime Video has?
Much like with Netflix in Australia, licences for other non-original shows and movies differs from other countries. Certain shows might be on Prime Video in other countries, but on Netflix or Stan in Australia. Much of this is due to the fact that many studios, particularly in the US, have their own streaming platforms in the US, but need to reach an agreement with a provider in Australia for streaming rights.
Sign up to BINGE!
Are you looking for something binge-worthy? Why not check out BINGE? With multiple subscription plans available, you can choose a plan that suits you (or your family) and settle in for a night on the couch with a wide range of movies and shows!
| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $10 over one month |
1 | $10 |
Go To Site |
|
min. cost $16 over one month |
2 | $16 |
Go To Site |
|
min. cost $18 over one month |
4 | $18 |
Go To Site |
|
^^View important information | |||
What movies are on Amazon Prime Video Australia?
Amazon Prime Video has a large catalogue of movies on offer, including some of the newest releases. Here is a small selection of movies currently streaming on Prime Video:
- Coming 2 America
- Coming To America
- Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
- Jumanji
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
- Jumanji: the Next Level
- Hustlers
- Joker
- Knives Out
- Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood
- Late Night
- Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture
- The Lighthouse
- Love Actually
- Transformers: The Last Knight
- Forrest Gump
- Mission Impossible
If you’re looking for something for movie night, check out our guide on the best movies on Amazon Prime Video.
Test your NBN speed
Got Amazon Prime Video lined up but aren’t sure if your internet can handle it? Test your NBN Speed below!
How does Prime Video compare to Netflix and Stan?
As is becoming a theme for Australia, US streaming services frequently water down their products for the Australian market – Netflix and Prime Video included. Prime is comparable, starting at $9.99 a month, while Netflix and Stan start at AUD $6.99 and $10 respectively, although the cheapest Netflix plan comes with ads.
While slow to catch up, Amazon Prime Video has a range of similar features and titles for viewers to get excited about, making it arguably one of the go-to options in the Australian streaming market. Add in you can get some additional benefits if you’re already an Amazon customer, and Prime Video may just have the inside edge.
You may also be interested in:
- The best shows and movies to watch on Stan
- The best movies to watch on Netflix Australia
- The best shows to watch on Netflix Australia
Is Amazon Prime Video worth it in Australia?
Considering how competitive the streaming market has become, it’s almost worth checking out each platform, even just for a little bit. And with Amazon Primer Video offering a free trial and cheap price, it could be be worth a go.
It’s hard to argue against Netflix, Stan or even Disney+, but Amazon Prime Video does offer enough to keep you entertained. And if you’re still not sure, why not check out our Pay TV and streaming services ratings to see what else is on offer, and how they stack up against each other.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.