Amazon is continuing its push into online streaming video with the addition of two new Channel add-ons for Prime video members: HBO and Cinemax. The HBO package is $14.99 per month for unlimited streaming access to its TV shows and full movie library, which is the same price as an HBO now subscription, while Cinemax is a bit cheaper at $9.99 per month.
Amazon Channels was launched in late 2015 and currently lets Prime members select from more than 70 video subscriptions to add them to their existing membership. Current partners include Showtime, Starz, Acorn TV, NBCUniversal's Seeso, Machinima, Warner Bros.' DramaFever, Tribeca Shortlist, Comedy Central's Stand-Up Plus, and the service recently added PBS Kids and Fandor.
Having yet another way to get HBO may seem unnecessary when you can already get it directly through HBO's own streaming app for the same price, and other over-the-top streaming services. However, if you are a heavy Prime ecosystem user, adding HBO through Prime will let you stay within that ecosystem when flipping between channels rather than having to cycle through multiple apps.
Amazon offers free 30-day trials with all Amazon Channels subscriptions.
Amazon has been positioning itself as a capable competitor to Netflix. The service was previously only available to annual Prime subscribers for $99 per year, but the company began offering a monthly $8.99 Prime subscription back in April, and has been putting more money into original programming too.