Amazon Prime Video for Mac

Amazon Prime Video for Mac is Amazon’s official way to stream Prime Video on macOS—either through the dedicated Mac app (available in the Mac App Store) or directly in a supported web browser.

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It combines Amazon Originals, licensed movies and series, live programming, and sports, plus the option to rent or buy titles that aren’t included with your subscription.

On Mac, the experience is designed to feel like a modern streaming “hub”: you can pick up where you left off across devices, maintain multiple profiles, and explore recommendations that adapt to your viewing habits.

What makes Prime Video especially compelling on macOS is the flexibility: casual viewers can stay fully browser-based, while frequent travelers and commuters can use the Mac app for offline downloads (where available for a title).

Add Amazon’s X-Ray overlay (powered by IMDb) for cast, trivia, and music cues, and you get a service that’s not just about pressing play—it’s about discovering what you’re watching while you watch it.



Features

Multiple profiles: Personalized recommendations and watchlists for each household member.

Offline downloads (Mac app): Save eligible movies/episodes to watch without internet.

X-Ray (IMDb-powered): On-screen cast info, trivia, and extras while viewing.

Rent & Buy store access: Pay-per-title options beyond what’s included in Prime Video.

“Free to Me” filtering: Quickly show what’s included with your plan (vs. paid add-ons).

Continue Watching across devices: Resume a show or movie on Mac after starting elsewhere.

Subtitles and accessibility options: Captions/subtitles and playback controls depending on title/device.

Optional ad-free upgrade: In some regions, you can pay extra to remove “limited ads” from shows/movies.

User Interface

The Mac experience is clean and familiar if you’ve used Prime Video on a TV or phone: Home-based browsing, big artwork tiles, clear category rails, and a strong recommendation engine.

In the Mac app, navigation is fluid with trackpad gestures and keyboard shortcuts, and the “My Stuff” area is where downloads, watchlist items, and settings tend to live.

X-Ray is the standout UI layer—it’s subtle when off, but instantly useful when you want to identify an actor, song, or character without pausing your session.

Installation and Setup

If you prefer an app: install Amazon Prime Video from the Mac App Store and sign in with your Amazon account.

The App Store listing notes the Mac version requires macOS Big Sur 11.4 or later.

If you prefer browser-only: go to Prime Video in a supported browser (keep it updated).

Amazon’s help pages list modern desktop browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge as supported.

How to Use

1. Sign in with your Amazon account (or create one if you don’t have it).
2. Choose or create a profile to keep recommendations and history separate.
3. Use Search to find a title, actor, or genre, then open the title page.
4. Press Play and adjust subtitles/audio options from the player controls (availability varies by title).
5. Open X-Ray during playback to see cast, trivia, and music cues for the current scene.
6. Turn on “Free to Me” to focus on what’s included with your subscription.
7. Download eligible titles in the Mac app for offline viewing when traveling.
8. Rent or buy a title when it’s not included, then find it in your library to watch.

FAQs

Is there a real Amazon Prime Video app for Mac, or only a website?
There is an official Mac app available via the Mac App Store, and you can also stream via browser.

What macOS version do I need for the Mac app?
The App Store listing indicates macOS Big Sur 11.4 or later is required.

Can I download shows and movies on Mac for offline viewing?
Yes, the Mac app supports downloads for offline viewing for eligible titles.

Does Prime Video include ads now?
Amazon announced “limited advertisements” for Prime Video shows and movies in some regions, with an optional ad-free add-on (pricing varies by country).

Can I rent or buy titles that aren’t included with my subscription?
Yes—Prime Video also offers rentals and purchases (availability varies by marketplace).

Alternatives

Netflix: Strong originals and broad global catalog with multiple plan tiers.

Disney+: Best for Disney/Marvel/Star Wars/Pixar fans with a family-friendly focus.

Max: Premium HBO-style series plus Warner Bros. films (region availability varies).

Apple TV+: Smaller library, high-quality originals, deep Apple ecosystem integration on Mac.

Hulu: Popular next-day TV and bundles (mostly US-focused availability).

Pricing

Amazon Prime (includes Prime Video): In the U.S., Amazon lists $14.99/month or $139/year (other countries differ).

Prime Video standalone: Amazon lists $8.99/month in the U.S.

Ad-free add-on: Amazon announced an additional $2.99/month option in the U.S. (country pricing may vary).

Rent/Buy: Pricing varies by title and region, and sits outside the subscription catalog.

System Requirements

macOS app: macOS Big Sur 11.4 or later.

Browser streaming: Latest version of a supported browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).

Internet: Stable broadband recommended for HD streaming; faster connections help with higher quality playback.

Account: Amazon account with an active Prime/Prime Video subscription (or rental/purchase access).

PROS

• Official Mac app plus browser flexibility.
• Offline downloads in the Mac app for eligible titles.
• X-Ray is genuinely useful and unique.
• Rent/buy expands the catalog beyond subscription content.

CONS

• Catalog and features vary noticeably by region.
• Ads may appear on shows/movies unless you pay extra (where offered).
• Some titles may not be downloadable or may have viewing limits depending on licensing.

Conclusion

Amazon Prime Video for Mac is a polished, full-featured streaming option that works well whether you prefer a native Mac app or a browser workflow. Offline downloads and X-Ray help it stand out, while rentals/purchases broaden choice.

The FileHorse review team recommends it for Mac users who want flexible, cross-device streaming with strong Originals.

Also Available: Download Amazon Prime Video for Windows