Is Prime still worth it now that free shipping thresholds are everywhere?
Probably, but only if you use the extras.
Free shipping alone no longer justifies it, since most retailers now match the threshold. What settles it: whether you actually use Prime Video, Music, or the other perks.
Checked Sep 9
How often do you use the non-shipping perks?
Why?
Shipping alone is now free Most big retailers have free shipping thresholds, so Prime's delivery perk is no longer unique.
The extras carry the value Video, Music, and photo storage are where the real money is, and they only matter if you use them.
The price keeps climbing Annual fees have gone up repeatedly, so the bar for what you need to get out of it is higher.
If you order a lot of small, urgent items, the shipping speed alone might still justify it.
If your situation is different
How often do you use the non-shipping perks: Weekly. Yes, keep it. If you watch Prime Video or listen to Prime Music most weeks, the subscription pays for itself.
How often do you use the non-shipping perks: Monthly. Probably keep it. A few uses a month plus the occasional fast delivery still tips it to worth it.
How often do you use the non-shipping perks: Rarely. Drop it. If the perks sit unused, you're paying for shipping you could get free elsewhere.
Who is an Amazon Prime membership right for?
Right for
- Households that watch Prime Video weekly
- Shoppers who order from Amazon more than twice a month
- Families using Amazon Photos for unlimited storage
- People who use Prime Music or Gaming regularly
Wrong for
- Rare Amazon shoppers who only buy once a month
- People who already pay for Netflix and Spotify
- Those who live near a Whole Foods but never shop there
- Anyone who only wants free shipping
What does an Amazon Prime membership cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Annual membership fee | $139 a year, 2026 | The price has risen repeatedly, so this is the current baseline to beat. |
| Monthly membership fee | $14.99 a month, 2026 | Paying monthly costs about $40 more per year than annual. |
| Prime Video standalone price | $8.99 a month, 2026 | If you only watch occasionally, a standalone subscription may be cheaper. |
| Free shipping threshold at other retailers | $35 on average, 2026 | Most stores now match or beat Amazon's old free-shipping perk. |
What's the biggest Amazon Prime mistake?
The biggest mistake is keeping Prime for the shipping and ignoring the extras. People pay $139 a year just to avoid a $35 minimum, which rarely adds up. Instead, tally what you'd actually pay for Prime Video, Music, and Photos separately, and compare that to the membership fee.
How do you decide if an Amazon Prime membership is worth it?
- List the non-shipping perks you used in the last month.
- Estimate the monthly value of those perks, like $8.99 for video or $10 for music.
- Multiply that monthly value by 12 and compare it to $139.
- If the annual value is under $139, cancel Prime and use free-shipping thresholds.
People also ask
What's the current annual price?
$139 a year, and it just went up. Amazon raised the annual Prime price to $139 in 2025. That's the current number unless they've moved it again since.
How much is the free shipping threshold elsewhere?
Usually $35, but it varies by store. Most big retailers set it around $35, though some are $25 or $50. Check the specific store's checkout page, since it changes often.
Which perks do people actually use most?
Video and music, then shipping. Prime Video and Music are the perks people actually lean on. Free shipping matters less now that most stores match the threshold.
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