Amazon Prime Video Canada Review: Features, Pros and Cons, Content

From e-commerce shopping to music streaming, an ebook library, and even shipping discounts, Amazon has proven itself to be a reliable one-stop go-to platform for all your needs. In 2006, Amazon ventured into the media streaming and video-on-demand business, pre-dating today’s most subscribed platform, Netflix. By 2016, Amazon’s streaming services had branched out in many parts of the globe, including Canada. Since then, Amazon Prime Video’s launch has given Canadians more access to an unlimited number of media entertainment options. Out of all the leading streaming platforms today, there is no doubt that Amazon Prime Video has the most services to offer.

Throughout the years, Prime Video has collected nearly 25,000 pieces of content. If you’re looking for blockbuster films, popular TV shows, live sports, premium channels, and exclusive programming, Prime Video ensures you will never run out of content to indulge in. Prime Video is home to some of the most unmissable shows these past few years, like “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Fleabag,” and “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” to name a few. 

In this review of Amazon Prime Video Canada, we will take a look at its features, content, and other exclusive benefits to help you decide if it’s the right streaming platform for you.

Amazon Prime Video at a Glance

Prime Video’s defining features include hassle-free access to Amazon’s e-commerce perks, video-on-demand services, exclusive streaming content, and a newly improved user interface.

Product Specs

• Access to all content
• Multiple personalized profiles
• Convenient integration with other Amazon devices and services
• Offline streaming
• HDR to 4K video resolution
• Compatibility with many devices
• Simultaneous streaming
• Video-on-demand feature

Residents of Canada, excluding those in Quebec, are eligible for Amazon Prime’s 30-day free trial service. The trial period gives new users a chance to navigate the platform’s features before committing to a paid membership. It gives them access to all of Prime Video’s exclusive content and additional benefits on Amazon’s online shopping platform.

Why Should You Get an Amazon Prime Video Canada Subscription

If you’re looking for an affordable platform that delivers more than just streaming, then Prime Video might just be the perfect app for you. Read on to learn about the many benefits you can get with a Prime Video membership that’s worth every penny.

Streaming library

Prime Video has nearly 25,000 shows and movies under its belt. From classic TV shows to the highest-grossing films, Prime Video has you covered. Over the years, it has also produced its own original programming that has gained widespread acclaim and recognition. TV series like “Fleabag,” “The Boys,” and “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” are some of the prime examples of the success and quality of Prime Video’s exclusive content. You can also enjoy bonus content from your favorite shows, such as behind-the-scenes clips, extra scenes, and exclusive photos. It is also known for its video-on-demand service, which lets subscribers rent or purchase a show or movie that is not included in their Prime Video membership.

Simultaneous screens

Prime Video only allows up to three simultaneous screens, which is not a lot compared to its competitors. Still, this allows different users to stream on various devices at the same time.

Device compatibility

Prime Video supports almost every device out there, such as smartphones, PCs, laptops, smart TVs, and game consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Xbox. It even has its own media player, the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Parental controls

Prime Video’s parental control settings let parents set up a PIN to restrict children and younger audiences from accessing content that may contain inappropriate themes.

Offline streaming

You can download shows and movies to your preferred devices whenever you want to stream offline. This feature is perfect for you, especially if you are always on the go.

Video resolution

You can enjoy your favorite shows at various video quality settings on Prime Video. The platform offers video in UHD, HDR, and 4K.

Exclusive Amazon perks

With a Prime Video subscription, you don’t just get to enjoy TV shows and movies. The Prime Video streaming app is seamlessly integrated with the Amazon online shopping platform. This gives users an opportunity to have exclusive access to Amazon’s e-commerce services and benefits, such as free shipping on selected orders, free same-day deliveries, discounted shopping deals, and many more. The merger between the two platforms creates a streamlined and convenient experience for users, which allows them to browse for and purchase merchandise while enjoying their favorite Prime Video content.

Apart from online shopping, Prime Video also comes with free music streaming through Amazon Prime Music. You can stream over one million songs and browse through thousands of playlists. While it’s no match for major music services like iTunes or Spotify, it’s still a cheaper and decent alternative. Lastly, all Prime Video members are eligible to access Amazon Prime Reading, which includes over 1,000 digital books and magazines that you can borrow for ten days.

Enhanced interface

Prime Video was notorious for its substandard, unorganized interface, where its content was all dumped into one horizontal list. This made it difficult for users to locate the titles they wanted to watch, leaving them with an underwhelming streaming experience. But the platform has recently redesigned its interface into a much more advanced and sleek layout quite similar to Netflix’s. Shows are now properly sorted into their respective genres and categories, while a top 10 list of the current most-watched shows are also on display. A “Continue Watching” tab is also available now, which lets you pick up where you left off in a show. However, the platform’s frequent buffering and delayed audio issues still need improvement.

One of Prime Video’s standout features is its X-Ray tab. The X-Ray option is an interactive feature that gives viewers an in-depth overview of a specific show’s cast, soundtrack, and other production details. To experience Prime Video’s X-Ray feature, simply hit the pause button on the content you’re watching, and a pop-up will appear containing comprehensive information about the current show on your screen.

Amazon Prime Video’s Streaming Library

Prime Video’s catalog showcases a diverse selection of original content, TV shows, and movies encompassing many genres, such as romance, drama, comedy, thrillers, horror, sci-fi, and more. Here are some of must-see TV series and movies you can binge-watch on Prime Video:

Prime Video Originals

• The Boys
• The Lord of the Rings: Ring of Power
• Fleabag
• Daisy Jones and the Six
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Air
• Swarm
• Good Omens
• Dead Ringers
• Homecoming

Popular Movies

• Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Triangle of Sadness
• The Hunger Games
• Pulp Fiction
• Pearl

Popular TV Shows

• The Handmaid’s Tale
• Mr. Robot
• The Great
• The Office
• Mad Men

Documentaries

• Freddie Mercury: The King of Queen
• All or Nothing: Manchester City
• Bowie: The Man Who Changed the World
• American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story
• Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime

How To Sign Up for an Amazon Prime Video’s Free Trial in Canada?

You can sign up for Prime Video’s free trial on your mobile phone or through a web browser. Only users without pre-existing Amazon accounts are eligible to avail themselves of the 30-day trial period. Do take note that residents of Quebec are excluded from availing themselves of the free trial. Here are the different ways to register for a free trial.

On the Web:

1. Visit the Prime Video website on your browser. www.primevideo.com
2. Click on the “Start Your Free Trial” tab.
3. Select “Create Your Amazon Account.”
4. Enter your name, email address, and password.
5. An OTP will be sent to your email address for verification.
6. Enter the OTP and click “Start Your Free Trial” to confirm your registration.

On your mobile phone:

1. Install the Amazon Prime Video app on your phone from the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Open the app and tap “Create Your Amazon Account.”
3. Enter your name, email address, and password.
4. Wait for an OTP that will be sent to your email address. 
5. Enter the OTP and tap “Start Your Free Trial” to confirm your registration.

What Makes Amazon Prime Video Different From Other Streaming Services?

While Amazon Prime Video may seem like it has everything you need, it’s still worth checking out other prominent streaming services that may suit your preferences better than Prime Video. Here’s how Prime Video compares to other streaming giants.

Netflix

Despite having the priciest membership plans, Netflix still reigns as today’s biggest streaming platform, mainly because of its investment in high-quality original content. While Prime Video has the most content, Netflix’s exclusive programming continues to supersede the success and recognition of the shows of its competitors. It also has the most sophisticated user interface, which creates a smooth streaming experience for its subscribers.

Disney Plus

If you’re a big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, or Pixar films, then Disney Plus might just be the platform you’re looking for. Almost every film and TV show from the aforementioned studios can be found at Disney Plus. Currently, Disney Plus does not have a lot in its catalog compared to other services, but it will soon merge with Hulu, so its library is about to expand. Unlike Prime Video, Disney Plus does not support a lot of devices.

HBO Max

HBO Max is not available in a lot of countries, including Canada, unlike Prime Video. However, if you want a taste of high-caliber content, then HBO Max is the perfect platform for you. The streaming service is the home of some of the most coveted TV shows of all time, like “Game of Thrones,” “The Last of Us,” and “Succession.” Its membership plans are also in the same price range as Prime Video.

Paramount Plus

For CAD$9.99, Paramount Plus offers access to exclusive content from productions like Paramount Pictures, MTV, CBS, Comedy Central, and more. Paramount Plus also has live sports content, like NFL games and NCAA basketball, which is perfect for sports enthusiasts. 

How Much Will Amazon Prime Video Cost After the Trial Period?

When signing up for the trial, Prime Video automatically sets your plan to its regular rate of CAD$9.99. You can subscribe to any of the following Prime Video membership plans if you decide to continue with your subscription:

Plan	Price	Free Trial	Simultaneous screens	Video Resolution
Monthly	CAD$9.99	30 days	3 devices	UHD to 4K
Annual	CAD$99.99	30 days	3 devices	UHD to 4K

Pros

• Integration with Amazon
• Video-on-demand feature
• Amazon Music and Ebook 
• Discounts on Amazon
• High-quality original programming
• Bonus content
• Long period trial
• Affordable membership plans
• Video-on-demand feature
• Up to 4K video resolution 
• Compatible with various devices

Cons

• Recurrent buffering and delayed audio issues
• Few simultaneous screens
• Regional restrictions
• Frequent content rotations
• No free trial for Quebec residents

Your One-stop Platform For Entertainment

With its affordable plans that come with a massive library of content and various Amazon benefits, Prime Video is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for all your entertainment needs. Prime Video gives its users a subscription worth their money where they can enjoy thousands of content from blockbuster hits to popular TV series, along with its key features of high-quality video resolution, simultaneous screens, and the convenience of offline streaming, which creates a convenient and immersive viewing experience.