Four Hidden Amazon Prime Video Features to Save You Money

As streaming services get more expensive, make the most of hidden Amazon Prime Video features like Prime Video Dialogue Boost, Prime Video ‘Free to Me’ feature and more.

Phone displaying the Amazon Prime Video logo in front of the Prime Video interface on a monitor
(Image credit: Getty Images)

With streaming services getting more and more expensive, here's a look at four Amazon Prime Video features that many subscribers don't know about, including a special Prime Video download feature.

Streaming services of all kinds have seen an increase in use in the past decade, and for many consumers, have become part of their everyday life. But over the past several years, streaming platforms, photo editors, AI chatbots, music and video subscriptions have all raised prices, or are planning to do so. Now people are beginning to question if they are worth it. 

On the heels of multiple price hikes to its ad-free plans in recent years, analysts at UBS Securities (reported by Variety) suggest that Netflix will once again increase the price of its streaming plans in 2024 in order to “accelerate its revenue and earnings growth.”  

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On a positive note, Amazon Prime subscribers might be surprised to learn that they can save money while still enjoying great entertainment with these four hidden Amazon Prime Video features. 

1. Prime Video Dialogue Boost 

In early 2023, Amazon launched Prime Video Dialogue Boost that used AI technology to adjust volume levels when someone is speaking so you can hear exactly what they are saying. While Dialogue Boost was originally conceived with the needs of customers who are hard of hearing in mind, anyone can use the feature to suit their personal listening preferences.

Dialogue Boost can be used anywhere you experience Prime Video. Plus, Dialogue Boost complements additional accessibility features available to customers including Closed Captions and Audio Descriptions. 

During playback, you can view and choose which level of Dialogue Boost you’d like to use from the audio and subtitles drop down menu. The audio tracks are labeled “English Dialogue Boost: Medium” and “English Dialogue Boost: High.” This feature is available across all devices that support the Prime Video experience, including streaming Amazon originals. 

2. Prime Video download feature 

Prime Video has a download feature that enables you to watch TV shows or movies on your phone or tablet without using your mobile data or when you don't have access to the internet. 

The best way to use it is to download a selection of movies and shows while you're connected to Wi-Fi, saving you from using movible data. Whether you’re on a road trip, flight, or during your everyday commute, now you can watch anywhere. 

Jusst download the Prime Video app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. Fire tablet owners, tap Prime Video on the home screen or go to the Video tab. Also, Windows 10 users can download the Prime Video app to their PC from the Microsoft Store.

3. Prime Video ‘Free to Me’ 

When you're an Amazon Prime user, it can be super frustrating to find a really good movie on Amazon Prime Video, and then find you have to pay to rent or buy it. This is one of the disadvantages of Prime Video compared to other big streamers like Netflix and Disney Plus — not all shows and movies are free to watch and those costs can mount up if you regularly choose to pay extra.

To save money by watching “free to me” shows, start with these five steps to find titles that are free with Prime membership:

Then again, you can view the "Included with Prime" search results here, or filter your results further by making a selection in the filter menu on the left of the screen.

4. Pay less for Prime Video

While technically not a Prime Video feature, you can still save money if all you use your Prime membership for is to watch prime video. In fact, there is a subscription option solely for Prime Video users, priced at only $8.99 per month, or $107 and change annually. 

That means, you’ll be able to purchase or rent a wide selection of titles and Pay-Per-View events from the Prime Video catalog, without needing an Amazon Prime or Prime Video membership. Amazon recently added ads when you watch content, but  if you want to sign up for an ad-free plan, it'll cost you $17.98/month for Prime members You can make changes to your membership directly in the settings menu.

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Vaishali Varu
Contributor

Vaishali graduated in journalism from Leeds University, UK. She has worked for her local news outlet, the Leicester Mercury as well as writing personal finance stories for digital publications, The Money Edit, MoneyWeek and GoodToKnow. When she is not writing about money-saving, deals, finance hacks and other personal finance topics, Vaishali likes to travel and she's a foodie.