Amazon Prime Remains a Great Value: In 2025, Amazon Prime continues to prove its worth, even as changes roll out that include advertisements on Prime Video and an optional ad-free add-on. Starting June 17, 2025, viewers in India will see limited ads during their Prime Video experience unless they subscribe to the new ad-free tier. While this may come as a surprise, the overall value of Amazon Prime still stands strong compared to its competitors. Let’s dive into why Amazon Prime remains a compelling deal, even with the added cost.
Amazon Prime Remains a Great Value
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ad Rollout Date | June 17, 2025 |
| Prime Membership Cost | ₹1,499/year |
| Ad-Free Add-On | ₹699/year (limited-time discount); Regular: ₹999/year |
| Total Cost for Ad-Free Experience | ₹2,198/year |
| Competitor Pricing | Netflix (Basic w/ads): ₹1,499/year; Disney+ Hotstar Premium: ₹1,499/year |
| Additional Benefits | Free shipping, Prime Music, Prime Reading, exclusive deals |
| Official Source | Amazon India |
While no one enjoys ads during their favorite shows, Amazon’s approach provides flexibility and value. By offering an optional ad-free upgrade, Amazon ensures that customers can choose what works best for them. When you factor in all the extras — from shopping perks to music and reading — Amazon Prime is still an excellent deal in 2025.
Why Amazon Introduced Ads on Prime Video
Amazon announced that to “continue investing in compelling content,” they would introduce limited advertisements to Prime Video. This is part of a larger trend across the streaming industry, with Netflix and Disney+ already incorporating ad-supported tiers. By doing so, Amazon can manage rising content production costs without a blanket increase in subscription prices for all users.
What Is the Ad-Free Add-On?
Subscribers who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience can opt for an ad-free add-on:
- Introductory Price: ₹129/month or ₹699/year (limited offer)
- Standard Price: ₹999/year post-offer This allows users to customize their subscription based on their preferences—a flexibility that many streaming services don’t offer.
Comparing Amazon Prime to Other Streaming Services
Let’s take a quick look at what other platforms offer:
Netflix India
- Basic Plan (with ads): ₹1,499/year
- Standard (ad-free): ₹2,988/year
- Premium (ad-free, 4 screens): ₹5,988/year
Disney+ Hotstar India
- Premium (ad-free): ₹1,499/year
- Super (ads included): ₹899/year
Amazon Prime Total Cost (Ad-Free)
- Prime Membership: ₹1,499/year
- Ad-Free Add-On: ₹699/year (discounted)
- Total: ₹2,198/year When comparing services holistically, Amazon offers broader value by bundling:
- Free One-Day Delivery
- Prime Music
- Prime Reading
- Exclusive Shopping Deals
- Prime Gaming Access
Practical Advice: Should You Get the Add-On?
If you watch Prime Video frequently and dislike interruptions, the ad-free add-on is a smart investment. However, if you primarily use Amazon for shopping and occasionally watch videos, the regular plan without the add-on might still suit you. Consider the following:
- Do you binge-watch shows regularly?
- Are you sensitive to ad interruptions?
- Do you use Prime Music, Reading, and delivery benefits? Answering these questions will help you decide if the extra ₹699/year is worth it.
The Bigger Picture: Total Ecosystem Value
Amazon Prime is more than just a video streaming platform. With a single subscription, you tap into a comprehensive lifestyle service. Here are some notable perks:
Shopping Benefits
- Free One-Day & Two-Day Shipping
- Lightning Deals
- Early Access to Sales (like Prime Day)
Entertainment
- Prime Video: Movies, Originals, Regional Content
- Prime Music: Ad-free music streaming
- Prime Reading: Free eBooks, comics, and more
- Amazon Gaming: Free in-game content and games When viewed as a complete package, Amazon Prime offers significantly more value than standalone streaming subscriptions.
FAQs on Amazon Prime Remains a Great Value
1. When will ads appear on Amazon Prime Video in India?
Ads will begin showing on Prime Video starting June 17, 2025.
2. How much does the ad-free add-on cost?
It is currently available for a limited time at ₹699/year. The standard cost will be ₹999/year.
3. Is the ad-free add-on mandatory?
No. Ads will only appear on Prime Video content. If you want to skip ads, you can choose to buy the add-on.
4. Do other services also show ads now?
Yes. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar have ad-supported plans as part of their pricing model.
5. Where can I subscribe to the ad-free add-on?
You can subscribe via the Amazon India Prime portal under your account settings.
