Amazon is increasing the price of its ad-free Prime Video subscription with the introduction of a new tier called Prime Video Ultra, which will take effect on April 10 for US customers. The cost will rise from $3 to $5 per month. This new plan will include enhanced features such as a download capacity increase from 25 to 100 and the ability to run five concurrent streams instead of three.
This change is significant for current Prime members who enjoy Prime Video as part of their membership, as the 4K UHD streaming option will now only be available under the new Ultra tier. Those already paying $15 per month for Amazon Prime will be limited to 1080p content unless they upgrade, potentially impacting their viewing experience, particularly for those who appreciate higher-resolution content.
In a competitive streaming landscape, this price hike aligns with recent increases from other platforms like Apple TV, Disney+, and HBO Max. While the new Ultra tier enhances convenience and quality for heavy users, customers might find it worthwhile to compare options. Alternatives include Netflix’s Standard plan at around $15.49, which provides concurrent streams for several devices and also supports UHD content without additional fees. Hulu offers a similarly priced plan with ad-free viewing, though with a more restricted library compared to Amazon. Each of these services has different content libraries and streaming policies, so customer preferences play a big role in their choice.
This new Ultra subscription may appeal to those who actively use multiple devices or travel frequently and require additional downloads for offline viewing. However, if someone primarily watches content casually and does not require UHD resolution, sticking with the standard Amazon Prime offer or exploring budget-friendly alternatives could be more economical. The increase in fee for the streaming tier may not justify the additional benefits for less frequent users, making it essential to assess individual viewing habits before deciding on the upgrade.
Source:
www.engadget.com
