If you’ve had Amazon Prime for years and never really crunched the numbers, now might be a good time to ask the big question: is Amazon Prime worth it in 2025? 

With the annual membership now priced at $139, the answer depends on how often you shop and whether you’re taking advantage of all the perks. 

It seems that, to break even on an Amazon Prime membership, you have to spend around $527 per year. But, there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s take a closer look.

Is Amazon Prime Worth It? How Much You Need to Spend on Amazon for Prime to Pay Off

Beyond fast shipping, Amazon Prime is packed with extras. And, while Amazon free shipping savings are the most popular perk, members also get free two-day delivery on tons of items.

But, the benefits don’t stop there. You also get access to Prime Video, Amazon Music Prime, Prime Reading, exclusive member-only deals, and early access to Prime Day discounts.

If you use even a few of those perks regularly, the Amazon Prime membership value adds up. But, if you signed up just for the shipping and haven’t clicked on Prime Video once this year, it might be time to reevaluate.

How Much You Need to Spend for Prime to Pay Off

Now, let’s talk numbers. The Amazon Prime cost in 2025 is $139 annually. Standard shipping on Amazon usually runs about $6.50 per order. 

That means you’d need to place about 21 or 22 orders a year to cover the cost of Prime through shipping savings alone. In other words, if you place two Amazon orders per month, you’re probably breaking even, or even coming out ahead.

But there’s a catch. These days, non-Prime members can still get free shipping on many items, as long as the total order is $35 or more. So, if you’re someone who bundles items into larger purchases, you might be getting free shipping anyway, without needing Prime at all.

Are You Getting the Most Out of the Extras?

Here’s where the decision gets a little more personal. If you’re an avid user of Prime Video, for example, you’re probably already making your membership worthwhile. That alone can replace a separate streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, which could cost you $15 - $20 per month on their own.

Amazon Music Prime and Prime Reading are also nice to have, especially if you’re paying for music or ebooks elsewhere. But, if you’ve never opened the Prime Reading tab or queued up a Prime-exclusive playlist, these perks aren’t really doing anything for you. Think of it this way: if you're paying for features you’re not using, the value starts to shrink.

Do the Math Before You Renew

Are you wondering how much to spend for Prime to be worth it for you, specifically? Here’s a simple trick: 

• Go back through your Amazon order history from the last year. 

• Count how many orders would’ve required shipping fees without Prime.

• Multiply that number by $6.50. 

Then ask yourself: did I watch enough Prime Video, listen to music, or read through Prime Reading enough to justify the rest of the fee?

If the savings and usage total more than $139, then you’re in good shape. If not, you may want to reconsider your subscription.

When You Might Want to Skip Prime

Let’s say you only place a few Amazon orders each year and you’re not that into streaming shows or music. In that case, a Prime membership might not be worth it. You could probably save more by grouping your orders to hit the $35 minimum for free shipping and paying as you go.

Another option? Switch to the monthly Prime plan ($14.99/month) and only sign up during months when you’re planning a shopping spree, like during the holidays or Prime Day. That way, you’re only paying for what you actually use.

Should You Keep, Cancel, or Just Hit Pause on Prime?

So, is Amazon Prime worth it? For many people, yes, but not for everyone. If you’re placing regular orders, streaming shows, and taking advantage of all the perks, then $139 a year is probably a solid deal. 

But, if you’re not making the most of your membership, you could be better off skipping it or switching to a monthly plan. In the end, Amazon Prime is all about convenience and extras, but only you can decide if that convenience is worth the cost.