Assessing the Value of Amazon Prime Membership

Evaluate whether an Amazon Prime membership is worth the investment, considering the array of benefits it offers.


Amazon Prime is a subscription service offered by Amazon that provides a range of benefits and features. The value of an Amazon Prime membership can vary from person to person depending on individual needs and usage patterns. Here are some factors to consider when assessing the value of Amazon Prime:

1. Free Two-Day Shipping:

  • Amazon Prime members receive free two-day shipping on eligible items, which can be a significant cost saver for frequent online shoppers. If you make regular purchases on Amazon, the shipping savings alone can make the membership worthwhile.

2. Amazon Prime Video:

  • Amazon Prime includes access to Prime Video, which offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and original content. If you stream content often and enjoy Prime Video's offerings, this can be a valuable feature.

3. Prime Music:

  • Prime Music provides ad-free music streaming with access to a catalog of over two million songs. If you're an occasional music listener, this can be a nice perk.

4. Kindle Owners' Lending Library:

  • Amazon Prime members with a Kindle e-reader can borrow e-books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library. If you're an avid reader with a Kindle, this can add value.

5. Amazon Family:

  • Amazon Family offers family-oriented benefits, including exclusive family-oriented offers, 20% off diaper subscriptions, and more. This is valuable for parents and caregivers.

6. Prime Wardrobe:

  • Prime Wardrobe allows you to try on clothing and shoes before you buy them. This can be beneficial for those who like to shop for apparel online.

7. Whole Foods Discounts:

  • Amazon Prime members are eligible for discounts and exclusive deals at Whole Foods Market. If you frequently shop at Whole Foods, this can result in savings.

8. Amazon Photos:

  • Amazon Prime members get access to unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos. If you need a secure place to store and back up your photos, this can be valuable.

9. Early Access to Deals:

  • Prime members often receive early access to Amazon's Lightning Deals and special promotions, which can be advantageous during events like Amazon Prime Day.

10. Twitch Prime:

  • Gamers may find value in Twitch Prime, which includes free in-game loot, a Twitch channel subscription, and other gaming-related perks.

11. Household Sharing:

  • Amazon Prime allows you to share your membership with one other adult in your household. This can extend the value to other family members.

To assess the value of Amazon Prime for your specific situation, consider your online shopping habits, entertainment preferences, and usage of Amazon's various services. Calculate how much you would spend on shipping fees, streaming services, and other benefits without Amazon Prime and compare it to the annual cost of the membership. If the membership costs less than the combined value of its features for your lifestyle, it may be a worthwhile investment.

Keep in mind that Amazon Prime's features and benefits may evolve over time, so it's a good idea to regularly review the membership to ensure it aligns with your changing needs and preferences.

Is Amazon Prime Worth It?.

Whether or not Amazon Prime is worth it depends on your individual needs and shopping habits. Here are some of the benefits of Amazon Prime to consider:

  • Free two-day shipping on eligible items. This can be a huge perk, especially if you shop online frequently.
  • Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows to stream, including Amazon Originals such as Jack Ryan, The Boys, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
  • Prime Music. Amazon Prime Music offers a streaming library of over 2 million songs, ad-free.
  • Prime Reading. Amazon Prime Reading offers a rotating selection of over 1,000 e-books, magazines, and comics to read for free.
  • Prime Gaming. Amazon Prime Gaming offers a variety of free games to download and play each month, as well as in-game items and discounts.
  • Other benefits. Amazon Prime members also get early access to Lightning Deals, exclusive discounts on select items, and free grocery delivery from Whole Foods Market.

The annual cost of Amazon Prime is $139. However, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial to see if it's right for you.

If you shop online frequently and take advantage of all of the benefits that Amazon Prime has to offer, then it can be worth the cost. However, if you don't shop online that often or don't care about the extra benefits, then you may be able to save money by not having a Prime membership.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not Amazon Prime is worth it for you:

  • How often do you shop online? If you shop online frequently, then Amazon Prime can save you money on shipping costs.
  • Do you take advantage of the other benefits of Amazon Prime? If you watch Prime Video, listen to Prime Music, or read Prime Reading, then you're already getting value from your Prime membership.
  • Can you afford the annual cost of Amazon Prime? If you're on a tight budget, then you may want to consider other options, such as signing up for a free trial or using a different online retailer.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get Amazon Prime is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons and decide what's best for you.