4 Methods to Rip Amazon Prime Video With Customization on Computer
Summary: Amazon Prime Video's official download feature has many limitations: limited quantity, short validity period, and unavailable on PC. I've tested four methods for safely ripping Amazon videos. All tips are for personal and family use only.
Introduction: How I Rip Amazon Prime Videos to Local
I've been subscribing to Amazon Prime Video for a while now, and my biggest impression is that its library is really huge, covering almost every type of content from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Paramount, etc. However, a problem also arises - the Amazon Prime download limitations are too obvious!!
For example, limited titles and amount for downloading. So I try to find a more flexible way to rip Amazon Prime Video. I've identified four common methods: professional downloaders, open-source screen recorders, lightweight screen recorders, and commercial solutions. Their pros and cons are different, I will share my test details one by one.
Tool Overview: Compare 4 Methods to Rip Amazon Videos
In my opinion, there are 3 key criteria for choosing a tool: whether it can remove limitations, whether it has high clarity, and whether it is easy to use. I have organized four common methods into a table for your intuitive comparison:
Methods | Efficiency | Ratings (Personal Experience) | OS Support |
---|---|---|---|
StreamFab Amazon Downloader |
High - Powerful Downloading & Ripping Functions |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Windows/Mac/Android |
Open Broadcast Software (OBS) |
Moderate - Steep Learning Curve and Complicated Functions |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Windows, Mac, and Linux |
FonePaw Screen Recorder |
Moderate - Record Speed Up Option Unavailable |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Windows/Mac |
Audials Movie 2025 |
Moderate - Ripping process fails sometimes |
⭐⭐ |
Windows |
Safety and Legal Notice for Ripping Videos
I've scanned the installation package of these 4 methods mentioned here using VirusTotal, and the results are safe. I haven't encountered any unwanted plugins or pop-up ads during use, so I can be confident in its security.
- Prerequisites: You must have an active Amazon Prime Video subscription and valid account access to rip the videos.
- Personal Use Only: Videos ripped is for personal offline viewing only and may not be used for dissemination, commercial purposes, or copyright infringement.
- Compliance Recommendation: Please use these tools in compliance with local laws and Amazon's Terms of Use.
In other words, these solutions only helps me rip and archive the content that I have the right to watch, so that I can watch it when I am traveling or offline. It is not a replacement for subscription services.
Detailed Test and Reviews on 4 Methods to Rip Amazon Prime Videos
Method 1: Rip Prime Video as MP4 with StreamFab Amazon Downloader
Digest my conclusion here first: If you want a stable solution that delivers lossless quality, StreamFab Amazon Downloader is the most reliable one I've tested. Its advantage lies in not relying on screen recording, but directly parsing Amazon's streaming media and ripping Amazon Prime Video to MP4 or MKV format, essentially "moving" the video completely to your local computer.
In my experience, I tested a 2-hour movie, and StreamFab's download speed was close to the bandwidth limit, completing it in less than 10 minutes. In contrast, recording the screen with OBS takes a full 2 hours, and you can't shut down your computer or disconnect from the network in the middle.
I often queue up 4-5 episodes at a time, start them before bed, and have them all ready by the next morning. It also automatically detects new shows, like when a new season of The Boys is released.
Step 1: Open the StreamFab website and download the Windows or Mac version. I used Windows 11, and the installation process was smooth and the interface was simple. Open VIP Services on the left side of the app and click the Amazon icon. Log in with your account (you must have an active subscription to access this).
Step 2: Find the Amazon Prime Video website from the website list on the right-hand side. Next, locate the Amazon Prime video you like to enjoy offline.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, I can select the resolution (usually 1080p), audio track (English 5.1 or other languages), and subtitles (embedded or exported separately). Once I've made my selections, I can click Download or Add to Queue.
Step 4: The download progress will be shown in the "Task Queue". Once completed, you can see the video in the local folder. I used VLC to play it, and the subtitles and audio tracks were normal.
Method 2: Use OBS to Screen Record Prime Video
When I was looking for a solution, I immediately thought of OBS Studio. I often use it to record my game operation videos. It has very powerful functions, so I thought that maybe I could use it to rip Amazon videos. So I gave it a try.
Start with the conclusion: OBS Studio can indeed screen record Prime video, but it’s not very worry-free.
I found a 2-hour documentary as a test subject. OBS was able to record the footage, but I encountered three very real problems along the way:
- Complex operaiton: You first need to set up "window capture," then adjust the resolution, bitrate, and audio input. Failure to master this method can result in a black screen. Amazon Prime's DRM protection can sometimes trigger a black screen, requiring you to manually disable hardware acceleration.
- Time-consuming: To record a 2-hour video, you need to keep OBS running for the entire 2 hours, without turning off your computer or disconnecting from the internet. Compared to StreamFab's 10-minute download time, this method is far too slow.
- The quality is average: Even though I set the resolution to 1080p, the recorded video still had slight frame drops in dynamic scenes, and there was a slight delay in audio and video synchronization.
- Free to use for budget limited users
- It is flexible and can add subtitles, picture-in-picture, and even overlay commentary, making it suitable for ripping Amazon videos for "secondary creation".
- High learning curve: My first time using it, it took me half an hour just to adjust the parameters.
- Not suitable for binge-watching: You have to record episodes one by one, and automation isn't possible.
- Black screen risk: Recording successfully isn't guaranteed for ripping DRM-encrypted videos.
Method 3: Rip Amazon Prime Video with FonePaw Screen Recorder
FonePaw Screen Recorder is a much simpler interface than OBS and is easier to use. The ripped video quality is pretty good, supporting up to 1080p and 60fps, and the picture is relatively stable. Compared with OBS, its advantage is that it is easy to use.
I used it to record a 20-minute episode of a US TV series. The operation was truly smooth:
- After opening the app, you can directly select the recording area (full screen or a custom window).
- You can record both system audio and microphone audio simultaneously, and even enable a webcam overlay.
- Click Start, and the video will be captured in real time.
- Record with system sound, your own voice & webcam
- Capture full screen or any particular area of the screen
- Rip Amazon Prime Video in your desired video quality with up to 1080p & 60 fps support
- The free version is limited: the recording time is only 3 minutes, which is basically unsuitable for daily use. You must pay to unlock the full functionality.
- No speed-up option: if you record for 20 minutes, you have to wait 20 minutes, and there is no fast recording function.
- It can only record, not download: Like OBS, it is essentially a "screen recording", so there is no way to rip Amazon DRM encryption or save episodes in batches.
Method 4: Rip Amazon Prime Video with Audials Movie 2025
While searching for an Amazon Prime Video ripping solution, I also tried Audials Movie 2025. This software claims to be able to automatically record streaming videos in batches and also intelligently add subtitles, which seems quite enticing.
I used it to record a 2h movie, and the overall experience is as follows:
- Straightforward process: After opening the software, select "Video Stream Recording," then log in to Amazon Prime in the built-in browser. Start playing a movie, and the video will be recorded instantly.
- Clear video and sound quality: the saved files are indeed clear, subtitles are captured, and the audio remains stable.
- Batch ripping: I even queued two episodes of a TV series, and it automatically ripped them one by one.
- High Failure Rate: I encountered several instances where the recording would freeze mid-record, with the video stopping mid-record while the audio continued, resulting in completely unusable files.
- Long Recording Time: Recording a 2-minute movie took two hours, a similar issue to OBS and FonePaw.
- Windows-Only Supported: I use it on both Mac and Windows, but discovered there's no Mac version.
FAQs
Based on my experience, OBS, FonePaw, and Audials can all rip Amazon videos, but they have significant drawbacks: they require real-time recording, are prone to failure, and the image and sound quality isn't perfect.
If you're looking to rip movies and TV series on a regular basis, I recommend StreamFab—it supports batch processing, removes ads, saves 1080p video with EAC3 5.1 audio, and automatically downloads new series updates, saving you a lot of trouble.
Conclusion
Summarize my experience on ripping Amazon videos: OBS is free but complex, FonePaw is lightweight but has many limitations, and Audials is comprehensive but unstable. They all have one thing in common—they all rely on screen recording to rip videos, which is inefficient and often results in a black screen.
What really makes me feel like I can use it long-term is StreamFab Amazon Downloader. It can directly parse and rip Amazon Prime streaming sources, and the picture and sound quality is faithful, 1080p + EAC3 5.1, which is a perfect match for my needs.