As a music streaming enthusiast with years of experience testing services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more, I've often overlooked Amazon's offerings. Yet, the retail giant provides two solid options: Amazon Prime Music—included with Prime—and the premium Amazon Music Unlimited.
In this expert comparison, we'll break down the differences to help you decide which fits your listening habits.
Beyond pricing, the standout difference is catalog size. Amazon Prime Music offers over 2 million songs, while Amazon Music Unlimited unlocks tens of millions—putting it closer to Spotify's 30+ million tracks. This gap matters most for fans of niche or emerging artists.
Both services support unlimited skips, offline downloads via the app, and ad-free playback.
Start with a 30-day free trial. The entry-level plan is $3.99/month, but limited to Alexa-enabled devices like Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Spot.
Buying an Echo? Check our in-depth comparison: Which Amazon Echo Device is Right for You? We compare the Plus, Dot, Tap, Show, Spot, Look, and Fire TV Cube. Read more.
Students get a full-featured plan for $4.99/month with enrollment verification.
Prime members pay $7.99/month or $79/year; non-members $9.99/month. Family plans support up to six users at $14.99/month or $149/year for Prime members.
Amazon Prime Music? Completely free with any Prime subscription. Explore our guide to Prime payment options.
If you're a Prime member, upgrade to Unlimited only if 2 million songs feel limiting.
Stream via web player or the versatile Amazon Music app—available on iPhone, Android, PC, Mac, and even cars.
The web and desktop apps lag behind Spotify or Apple Music in polish, requiring a bit more navigation, but they deliver reliably.
With tens of millions of tracks, Unlimited's library dwarfs Prime Music's. In my tests, I discovered far more classic and contemporary favorites on Unlimited, though Prime covers mainstream hits well. Your mileage varies by taste—trial it first.
Prime Music's library is generous at 2 million songs, but Unlimited shines for diverse or heavy listeners. Skip if you're content with Spotify or Apple Music.
Curious about Prime overall? Our complete guide weighs if it's worth it: Is Amazon Prime Worth Your Money? Read more. Don't miss overlooked Prime perks like free shipping and more.
