How to Convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4: Safe & Legal Usage
Summary: I tested 2 metods to find real ways to convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4. Discover how to save Prime shows in MP4, and how should we do it within reasonable boundaries.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Amazon Prime Video Format
When I download Amazon Prime videos, I found that what I actually get isn’t a simple .mp4 file. Instead, the system downloads a set of DRM-encrypted multimedia files.
This encryption method essentially breaks the video into multiple short segments — each just a few seconds long — and uses a manifest file to control their playback sequence and parameters. In other words, it’s a protected streaming cache rather than a complete MP4 file.
Amazon Prime Video Format vs. MP4: What's the Difference?
Compared to regular MP4 format, Prime video download limits are impossible to bypass when we playing online nor watching Prime video offlines.
To give you a clearer understanding of this difference, I've compared the two in terms of format principles and user experience. Please see the table below for details:
| Comparison | Amazon Prime Video File | MP4 File |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Multiple files (MPD + M4S + DFXP) | Single container file (.mp4) |
| Encryption | Protected by Amazon DRM | Usually unencrypted or user-defined encryption |
| Playback | Only within Amazon Prime App or authorized devices | Playable on any media player |
| Ownership | Viewing license only, not permanent ownership | User owns the file; editable and transferable |
| Convertibility | Cannot be directly converted or exported | Freely editable and convertible |
| Offline Use | Cache expires or tied to account/device | Permanent offline access, no limits |
Amazon Prime Video files are a form of protected streaming cache, whereas MP4 is an open, editable, and permanently accessible format.
Why Are Amazon Videos Not in MP4?
MP4 format clearly offers a more convenient experience when we watch Amazon offline, so why doesn't Amazon Prime Video use MP4 format?
Officially, Amazon claims this encryption exists to “prevent content from being copied or illegally distributed.”
Technically, that’s true — but from a business perspective, the underneath truth is stark: it's all about securing continued subscriptions.
The DRM system isn’t just about protecting artists, it’s about protecting recurring revenue.
By locking videos inside its own ecosystem, Amazon ensures that your access depends on your subscription. You don’t really own the shows you watch — you’re renting access, indefinitely.
Legal and Ethical Considerations about Converting Amazon Video to MP4
At this point, a question arises: if Amazon doesn’t provide MP4 files, is it even reasonable for me to look for ways to get MP4?
From my perspective, yes — reasons are explained as follows.
1. From the aspects of my intention
I prefer the MP4 format simply because it’s more flexible. It plays smoothly on any device, supports offline playback, and makes screen casting much easier. My intention isn’t to redistribute Amazon’s content; it’s to watch what I already paid for in a more convenient way.
As a paying subscriber or renter, I’ve already compensated Amazon for access to that content. When the platform doesn’t offer a format that fits my personal viewing needs, finding a feasible method — for my own use — feels like a reasonable extension of that purchase, not a violation of it.
2. From the aspects of Amazon Prime Video rules
Amazon’s Terms of Service are clear that any attempt to crack or remove DRM for the purpose of distribution, resale, or public sharing is prohibited.
However, what I’m doing here is different. I’m not redistributing or uploading anything — I’m simply enabling playback for personal, offline enjoyment.
Two Reliable Ways to Convert Amazon Prime Videos to MP4
Before recommending any software, I always make sure to test it myself — not just to see if it works, but also to check whether it’s safe, stable, and practical.
I picked 2 solutions, both are trustworthy and clean to use, but they serve slightly different purposes:
- StreamFab is ideal when you want lossless MP4 quality, faster downloads, and full subtitle or audio options — perfect for long-term offline viewing.
- RecordFab, on the other hand, works better when certain titles can’t be downloaded directly, such as Amazon Live streams. However, the quality will be a bit of lower than StreamFab downloads.
Here’s a quick overview comparing how StreamFab and RecordFab perform when saving a 50-minute Amazon Prime episode to MP4 (according to my test).
| Time | Video Quality | Audio |
Ratings |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StreamFab Amazon Downloader | 7mins 12s | 1080p | EAC3 5.1 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| RecordFab | 25mins (2x speed) | 1080p | AAC 2.0 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
For a detailed review of both tools and how they work to grab MP4 Amazon prime videos, please see below.
1. [Lossless] Save Amazon Video to MP4 in 1080P with StreamFab
StreamFab Amazon Downloader is ideal for users who prioritize quality, such as original 1080p resolution and Dolby 5.1 surround sound.
Not only can you obtain Amazon videos in MP4 format, but also preserve the original lossless 1080p resolution and Dolby 5.1 surround sound, that made a noticeable difference — especially when watching movies on a big screen or transferring them to my TV.
In my own test, StreamFab took about 7 minutes to download a 50-minute episode in full HD (1080p) MP4 with English audio tracks (other language available for options). The output files are MP4, which are successfully played smoothly on VLC, Plex, and even my smart TV via USB.
My Test procedures are as follows:
All of them can be downloaded as MP4 files, in the same consistent quality as regular titles.
We’ve also published a in-depth review of StreamFab Amazon Downloader, where I tested its performance across multiple platforms and compared download speeds and quality in detail. This article focus on how to get MP4 Amazon video files, if you have concerns about StreamFab Amazon Downloader, that content may help you.
And if you’d like to explore more similar options to archive MP4 Amazon videos, check out our comprehensive guide on the best Amazon video downloaders review — it’s a good reference before you decide which tool fits you best.
2. Screen Record Amazon Live Streams to MP4 with RecordFab
RecordFab is ideal for users who want to save Amazon Prime Live streams to MP4 format.
While StreamFab handles most Amazon videos flawlessly, there are still a few situations where direct downloading isn’t possible, for example, Amazon Prime Live videos, in such cases, screen recording Amazon Prime to MP4 is a practical fallback. Although it cannot match the original file’s quality and efficiency, it allows you to capture videos in real time.
It works by mirroring the playback window in real time and saving the content as a standard MP4 file afterward.
With superior stability and output quality compared to typical screen recorders. It effectively reduces black screen errors and maintains audio-video synchronization, recording Amazon videos to MP4 in up to 1080p resolution.
However, when you choose this way to convert Amazon Prime videos to MP4, parts of the limits are impossible to avoid:
- Time-consuming: you need to wait for the whole video to be played so that you can get the recorded file
- It offers a relatively lower output quality than direct downloads: recorded 1080p Amazon videos in general, not original 1080p lossless resolution
In my test, recording a 50-minute episode at 2× speed took about 25 minutes. The output file played smoothly with no noticeable lag or desync, and while the quality wasn’t completely lossless, it was more than enough for casual offline viewing.
Below are the step-by-step instructions on how to use RecordFab to record Amazon Prime videos to MP4:
RecordFab is suitable for users who want a universal solution to record anything playable on Amazon Prime Video, especially when direct downloading isn’t allowed. It’s slower than StreamFab, but it guarantees results when every other method fails.
No matter you use recording or downloading, the archived Prime video will be universal MP4 format, which is compatible to be transferred to SD Card, and for chrome cast watching.
FAQs
1. Can I Share or Export The MP4 Amazon Videos I Purchased?
No. Even if you’ve purchased or rented a title, Amazon’s Terms of Service make it clear that the content is for personal viewing only. It’s perfectly fine to keep your MP4 downloads for personal use, but not to share them publicly or commercially.
2. Can I Copy Amazon Prime Videos to a USB drive or other devices?
No matter you use recording or downloading, the archived Prime video will be universal MP4 format, which is compatible to be transferred to SD Card, and for chrome cast watching.
Just remember: that freedom applies only to personal use. Once the ripped Amazon Prime videos leaves your Amazon account ecosystem, you’re responsible for ensuring it’s not redistributed or shared.
3. Can I Convert Amazon Prime Videos on my phone (Android or iPhone)?
You cannot do it directly. The Amazon Prime Video app doesn’t allow conversion or exporting of downloaded titles. The simplest way is to save MP4 Amazon videos on PC with StreamFab or RecordFab first and then transfer the MP4 files to your mobile device manually — via cable, cloud, or AirDrop.
By doing so, you keep compatibility without relying on third-party mobile apps that often fail due to DRM tech.
4. Which method should I use: StreamFab or RecordFab?
It depends on your situation:
- Choose StreamFab if you want high-quality, fast Amazon Video MP4 downloads.
- Choose RecordFab if you need to capture Amazon live streams, which can’t be downloaded directly.
I use StreamFab for almost everything — and switch to RecordFab for Amazon Live streams.
Conclusion
After spending time testing, comparing, and reflecting on how Amazon Prime Video handles its content, I’ve figuer out that: wanting convenience doesn’t make you wrong.
Amazon has right to protect its content via DRM, but as paying users, we also have a fair reason to want flexibility and ownership in how we watch what we’ve already paid for. That’s why tools like StreamFab and RecordFab make sense for personal use. They don’t encourage piracy, instead, they are — giving users the ability to watch, store, and enjoy Amazon videos freely without crossing legal or ethical lines.
For me, StreamFab remains the first solution for high-quality MP4 downloads, while RecordFab fills the blank when direct downloads are impossible.
My opinion is clear: as long as we respect creators and use these tools responsibly, converting Amazon Prime Video to MP4 is a fair and practical choice.
