Amazon has revealed a new ‘Prime Video Ultra’ streaming package set to launch next month, which replaces the existing ad-free tier and introduces additional features, albeit at a higher cost.
### Prime Video Ultra will be the sole ad-free streaming choice from Amazon and will be priced at $4.99/month
If you are currently subscribed to ad-free Prime Video streaming, be prepared for a rate increase. This is due to the introduction of the new ‘Prime Video Ultra’ tier arriving next month, which will take the place of the existing ad-free option.
Prime Video Ultra will be available for $4.99/month starting April 10 for US users. This fee is in addition to the regular Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99/month or $139/year). It represents a significant hike from the current $2.99/month ad-free plan.
In addition to the increased price, Amazon is adding extra features to its Ultra plan:
– Up to five simultaneous streams (up from three)
– Up to 100 downloads (up from 25)
– Exclusive access to 4K/UHD streaming
This last feature could drive a new wave of upgrades from the basic Prime Video plan.
What prompted these changes? According to Amazon’s statement:
> Providing ad-free streaming with deluxe features necessitates substantial investment, and this framework aligns with other leading streaming platforms while ensuring customers retain the choice in how they wish to view content. Prime members will still benefit from the fundamental Prime Video offerings, including HD/HDR and now Dolby Vision, at no extra cost included in their Prime membership.
Currently, Prime Video Ultra is only debuting in the US, but if it proves successful, similar launches may occur globally in the future.
For those wanting ad-free streaming, the costs just keep climbing.