Pros
ConsThe details
When it comes to on-demand streaming service, Netflix takes the lead. However, as the market for these services mature, more competitors are entering the scene. One such compelling option is Amazon Prime Video, and it seems to give Netflix a run for their money. It has a strong selection of TV shows, and it’s cheaper. Here’s more about the streaming service.
Streaming speed
While the bandwidth speeds you need for uninterrupted streaming are the same, different services recommend different speeds for movies and TV shows. The average speed for streaming non-HD content on Amazon Prime Video is 0.9 Mbps.
However, if streaming HD videos, you’d need a speed of 3.5 Mbps and 25 Mbps for a Full HD experience. And if you plan on doing a lot of 4K streaming, consider adding some extra speed.
Ease of use
Its interface is pretty similar to that of Netflix. At the top are Search, Home, TV, Kids, Watchlist and Settings, Movies categories. And as you scroll, you’ll find personalized categories based on your viewing patterns.
The menu also operates like that on Netflix. A click on the title, and the description box appears, showing its IMBD score and if it’s available to watch. If the title isn’t part of Prime’s content, the page shows the cost of buying or renting it on the platform.
We found rather disturbing its use of a drop-down list for all its services instead of creating a site for its video services. It should improve on this feature if it wants to compete with Netflix.
Content
While the company can’t outdo Netflix’s massive catalog of hit shows, it’s doubling down on original programming. It has more than 200 Amazon Original Series with titles like Jack Ryan, The Boys, Good Omens, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Amazon airs a full season of these shows at a time, allowing you to binge-watch your favorite series. Amazon Prime Video will also be broadcasting the Lord of the Rings prequel, another popular series this year.
Another feature that makes the streaming service stand out is its selection of kids’ shows. You’ll find favorites like Shaun the Sheep, Sesame Street, Spongebob Squarepants, and originals like the Big Red Dog. It also has an extensive catalog of B-movies that are kid-friendly.
While Amazon Prime Video is an excellent streaming service that is great for original binge-watching shows, we realized one has to subscribe to one of the channels to keep up with current shows. This is a bummer, given other streaming services like Hulu hardly have this requirement.
Value
Amazon Prime Video gives you more bang for the buck. Its basic subscription plan costs $9 only and provides access to Amazon’s vast video library. If you want to access its video service (Prime Video), you’d have to pay more ($12.99 per month).
Wondering what the extra bucks offer. First, you can stream three titles simultaneously from one account. The subscription comes with a free two-day shipping service, a Twitch Prime membership, unlimited music streaming, and discounts at Whole Foods.
Like other video streaming services, Amazon Prime Video allows users to add subscriptions to different content providers for a monthly fee. Options include Cinemax, PBS, CBS All Access, and Cinemax. However, for Prime Channels, you must create a full Amazon Prime account.
Final verdict
Arguably Amazon Prime Video has lots of exciting originals at a fair price and continues to introduce new streaming features. Also, the service is available on many platforms and allows you to purchase and rent shows. However, its inability to stream high-quality shows makes it rank second after Netflix.
