When you subscribe to Prime Video, Amazon’s video streaming service that offers movies, TV shows, and original content. Also known as Amazon Prime Video, it's designed to work across many screens—but not all devices handle it equally. Some let you stream 4K with Dolby Atmos, others struggle with HD. Some let you download shows for offline viewing, others don’t even have the app. This isn’t about brand loyalty—it’s about knowing what hardware actually delivers the experience you paid for.
Smart TVs, televisions with built-in apps and internet connectivity. Also known as connected TVs, it's the most common way people watch Prime Video at home. Brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL all have the Prime Video app built-in, but older models (pre-2018) often lack updates, missing features like HDR or 4K. Then there’s streaming sticks, small devices that plug into your TV’s HDMI port to turn it into a smart TV. Also known as streaming dongles, it's the cheapest upgrade you can make. Roku, Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV all support Prime Video, but Fire TV Stick is the only one fully integrated with Alexa voice control and Amazon’s ecosystem. If you use Alexa to turn on your TV or search for shows, Fire TV is the obvious pick. But if you care about app variety and clean menus, Roku often wins.
On mobile, iOS and Android phones, smartphones running Apple’s or Google’s operating systems. Also known as mobile streaming devices, they’re your go-to for watching on the go. Both platforms support downloads, parental controls, and offline playback—but Android tablets sometimes lag behind in app updates. And don’t assume your gaming console works perfectly: Xbox and PlayStation both have the app, but they’re clunky for casual browsing. If you’re using your TV as a monitor for your PC, Windows 10/11 supports Prime Video through the Microsoft Store app—but it’s not optimized for remote control use.
What’s missing? A lot of older smart TVs from brands like Vizio or Hisense don’t get app updates, so they freeze or crash. Some set-top boxes from cable companies (like Comcast Xfinity) have limited Prime Video access—you can’t download, can’t skip ads on free content, and sometimes can’t even find the app. And while Chromecast supports casting from your phone, it doesn’t have its own interface, so you’re stuck controlling everything from your device.
If you’re trying to set up a family room, remember: Prime Video doesn’t support simultaneous streams on all devices. You can watch on two screens at once with a standard subscription, but if one person is using a Fire TV Stick and another is on a phone, they’ll both need to be logged into the same Amazon account. Shared accounts mean shared watch history and recommendations—something you might not want if your teenager is bingeing horror flicks while you’re trying to relax with a documentary.
There’s no single best device for everyone. But there is a best device for your setup. Whether you’re upgrading an old TV, buying your first streaming stick, or just wondering why your Roku won’t play the new season of The Boys, the answer lies in matching your hardware to your habits. Below, you’ll find real-world tests of devices that actually work with Prime Video—no fluff, no marketing spin. Just what to buy, what to avoid, and how to fix the most common problems.
Discover all the devices you can use to stream Prime Video, from smart TVs and phones to game consoles and streaming sticks. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the best experience.
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