Our verdict: Amazon Music for Windows makes most sense if you already pay for Prime or Music Unlimited. The free tier lets you listen with ads, while on-demand, ad-free HD streaming needs the paid Unlimited plan.
About Amazon Music
Amazon Music is Amazon's streaming service for music, podcasts and audiobooks. The Windows app plays your library and playlists, lets you buy and download purchased music, and syncs with the Amazon Music apps on phones, Alexa devices and the web.
There is a free ad-supported tier and a music selection included with Prime. Amazon Music Unlimited costs $12.99 per month ($11.99 for Prime members) after a 30-day free trial for new subscribers, and adds 100 million songs on demand without ads, HD and spatial audio, and one Audible audiobook per month.
What it does well
- Free tier. Ad-supported music and podcasts with an Amazon account.
- Music Unlimited. 100 million songs on demand without ads on the paid plan.
- HD and spatial audio. Lossless HD and spatial audio with Unlimited.
- Purchased music. Plays and downloads music bought from Amazon.
- Audiobooks. Unlimited includes one Audible audiobook per month.
Who it is for
Good fit
Prime members and Music Unlimited subscribers who want a desktop player.
Look elsewhere
Listeners who want free on-demand music without ads, or who avoid Amazon accounts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free tier available
- HD and spatial audio with Unlimited
- Plays your purchased Amazon music
- Cheaper Unlimited for Prime members
Cons
- Free tier has ads and is not fully on demand
- Amazon account required
- Unlimited is a separate subscription from Prime
How to install Amazon Music
The official download page starts the Windows installer automatically. Sign in with your Amazon account. In Settings you can turn off launching the app at Windows startup and choose the download folder.
Questions about Amazon Music
Is Amazon Music free?
Yes, there is a free ad-supported tier. Music Unlimited costs $12.99 per month, or $11.99 for Prime members, after a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
Is Amazon Music Unlimited included with Prime?
No. Prime includes a smaller music selection; Unlimited is a separate paid plan with a discount for Prime members.
Can I play my own music files?
The app focuses on Amazon's catalog and music you bought from Amazon.
