How much data does Prime Video use?

Prime Video approximately uses 1 to 7GB of data in an hour. But the data usage varies depending on the video resolution. If your data runs out unexpectedly before the time, it may be due to streaming at Amazon Prime Video with full HD or ultra HD quality. 

You can minimise this excessive data consumption by following some tips and tricks. In this article, I will explain how much data Prime Video uses.

Moreover, I will provide you with several essential tips that will effectively help to control your mobile phone's data usage. 

Understanding Prime Video Usage

While streaming on Prime Video, it automatically delivers the best resolution depending on your connection. The adaptive streaming technology is used, which adjusts the resolution according to the WiFi or cellular data connection. 

If you're streaming on a slow network, the video quality turns lower to avoid buffering while streaming. In such a case, it consumes less data per hour. In contrast, if your connection is premium, you will experience the high-resolution video with excessive data usage. 

Does Prime Video Use a Lot of Data?

Of course, like Netflix, it uses a lot of data if you are streaming daily. Prime Video appromately uses 1GB to 7GB of data every hour. However, the data consumption varies depending on the following factors. 

• Your device network strength.
• Video quality.
• Data usage settings. 

If you are watching a two-hour movie, here is the breakdown of the data usage based on different video qualities. 

• SD: It uses 1.4 GB to 2 GB of data.
• HD: Consumes 3 to 6GB of data.
• Ultra-HD: Approximately 11.6 to 14GB of cellular data. 

The Prime Video data consumption depends on the time you spend on the app. With the limited cellular data plan, you should avoid streaming. 

Note: The perfect option to stream without any fear of early data runout is an eSIM card. Buy the eSIM unlimited plans, and you can enjoy a seamless data connection without any data roaming charges. 

You can buy an eSIM online from the international carriers. Phonico is the reliable carrier that offers USA eSIMs with data plans and unlimited talk and text services. The carrier ensures to provide services according to users' preferences. 

Prime Video Data Usage by Video Quality

Here is the breakdown of how much data Prime Video uses in an hour with different video qualities. 

Standard Definition (SD)

• Data usage: Uses approximately 0.7GB to 1GB per hour. 
• Best for: Ideal for saving cellular data. 

High Definition (HD)

• Data usage: Consumes approximately 1.5GB to 3GB per hour.
• Best for: Balanced clarity and data usage. 

Ultra High-Definition (4K)

• Data usage: Takes approximately 5.8GB to 7GB of data per hour.
• Best for: Ideal for large screens. 

How to Check Amazon Prime Video Data Consumption?

An idea about how much data Prime Video is using lets you go through the steps to manage the data usage. You can follow the given steps on your devices to confirm the data usage. 

For iPhone Devices

• Go to the Settings app and click Cellular.
• Scroll to find the Cellular data, and locate the apps list.
• Select Prime Video.
• Scroll to the Cellular menu and click the Reset Statistics for a refresh. 

For Android Devices

• Open the Settings and click the Apps. 
• Select Prime Video, under the usage section, and you can check the amount of data used. 

Wi-Fi vs Mobile Data: How Your Network Affects Data Caps?

Networks play an essential part in data usage. Compared to the mobile data plans, WiFi doesn’t have strict data caps. It is the perfect option for streaming at 4K without any hassle. The cellular plans have limited data, which depletes your data quickly. 

How to Control and Reduce Prime Video Data Usage?

Here are a few steps you can follow to control your data consumption. 

• Use Prime Video Over WiFi: When you do the heavy things, like streaming on Prime Video, use the WiFi connection. It lets you enjoy more without any additional cost or the early data run out. 
• Download the Content: The app lets you download your favourite content. Ensure to do this when connected to WiFi. It helps you enjoy in free time or on flights during travel. It is a perfect way to watch the offline videos without buffering. 
• Disable the background data Usage: Turning off the background app refresh can reduce data usage. The apps use the data in the background to push the updated notifications. 
• Adjust the Prime Video app Settings: Adjust the video quality in the app to reduce excessive data usage. You can download the movies and shows and watch them offline. 
• Buy the eSIM Card for Cost-effective Data: eSIM technology is the ideal option for travellers and digital nomads to access seamless connections. Compared to local SIM cards and portable WiFi routers, eSIM offers affordable data plans without any hidden costs. 

Conclusion

Amazon Prime Video data consumption depends on the streaming video quality and your network. Compared to the standard quality of what you are streaming in Ultra HD, it will use lots of data. 

In this article, I have discussed how much data the app uses in an hour. Moreover, you should not miss reading the tips to control the high data usage. 

FAQs

Does Prime Video use more data than Netflix?

Both Netflix and Prime Video use the same amount of data, depending on the video quality and the network. While streaming at 4K, both platforms use 7 GB of data per hour.

How to stream without using too much data?

Adjust the Video quality to HD or SD to reduce the data usage. The drains data faster when you stream at the Ultra HD level. 

What internet speed is recommended for Prime Video?

For the playback, Amazon recommends 1Mbps at SD, 5Mbps at HD, and 15 to 25 Mbps at Ultra HD quality.