Amazon Prime members often wonder about what’s included with their subscription, and Wondery’s relationship with Amazon Prime is a topic that frequently comes up. Let me break this down for you in a way that’s clear and helpful.
The Wondery and Amazon Prime Connection
As of 2025, Wondery isn’t completely free with Amazon Prime, but there’s more to the story. When Amazon acquired Wondery back in 2020, they integrated it into their audio entertainment ecosystem, but they maintained it as a separate premium service called Wondery+.
What Prime Members Actually Get
Here’s what you actually get as a Prime member: access to select Wondery shows through Amazon Music, which is included with your Prime membership. Think of it like getting the appetizers but not the full meal. You can listen to many popular Wondery podcasts, but you won’t get everything.
Understanding Wondery+ Premium
I often explain to friends that Wondery+ is like the VIP pass to the Wondery universe. For about $8 per month (as of 2025), you get:
– Ad-free listening
– Early access to new episodes
– Exclusive bonus content
– Access to the complete Wondery catalog
Making the Most of Your Prime Benefits
If you’re a Prime member, I’d recommend starting with the Wondery content available through Amazon Music. I’ve found that for many casual podcast listeners, this basic access is more than enough. You can always upgrade to Wondery+ later if you find yourself wanting more.
A Money-Saving Tip
Here’s something I always tell my friends: before subscribing to Wondery+, explore the Wondery shows available through your Prime membership first. Many popular shows like “Dr. Death” and “Business Wars” have episodes available through the basic Prime access, though you might have to listen with ads.
The Bottom Line
While Wondery isn’t completely free with Amazon Prime, you do get significant access to their content through Amazon Music. Think of it as Amazon giving you a taste of what Wondery offers, hoping you’ll love it enough to upgrade to Wondery+. In my experience helping people navigate streaming services, this hybrid model actually works well for most listeners – you get enough content to enjoy through Prime, with the option to upgrade if you become a super fan.
Remember, streaming services and their offerings change regularly, so it’s worth checking Amazon’s current offerings to see exactly what Wondery content is included with your Prime membership.
