- What is DRM, and why does Amazon Prime use it?
- Is it legal to back up Amazon Prime Video DRM titles?
- Top three Amazon Prime DRM backup tools to try in 2025
- Comprehensive comparison of these backup tools
- Are these tools compatible with Amazon Prime rentals?
- Additional tips for regions with strict copyright restrictions
What Is DRM & Why Does Amazon Use It?
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management, a system designed to prevent unauthorized copying or distribution of digital content. Amazon Prime Video uses a DRM scheme to ensure every download is encrypted and playable only inside Amazon’s own apps or approved devices, and that's the origin of all other Prime Video download limits.
The reason is straightforward: to protect licensing agreements with studios and content creators. For example, many blockbuster films are only available for streaming because of studio contracts. DRM is the safeguard that makes these deals possible.
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The problem is that this also locks down legitimate users. For instance, if you download an episode to your phone and later want to play it on a different media player, the DRM will stop you. Even subtitles and audio tracks are tied to the DRM container, so they don’t transfer. Who doesn't want a buffer-less offline viewing experience on a 1080p screen on a PC, without being pissed off by the poor network?
Legal, Ethical & Account Safety Considerations
Whenever the topic of Amazon Prime DRM comes up, two questions dominate community threads: “Is it legal?” and “Will Amazon catch me?”
Is Back Up Prime Video Titles Legal?
That depends. In practice, users don't usually "remove" or "bypass" DRM(since we all know that was playing with fire); they just make personal copies for a time-shifted offline viewing of the content they already paid for. Nobody bypasses, and neither is allowed through the paywall at all. Someone says, “As long as you don’t share or sell the files, no one will come after you.” That's fair, but you should delete the downloaded personal-use offline copies after the subscription or the rental expires. And, of course, treat it as personal backup only and never upload or distribute the files.
Will Amazon Detect & Penalize You?
I got a few insights on this topic after spotting the trending post in r/StreamFab. First, Amazon can potentially detect unusual download activity. Some users reported warnings or playback errors after downloading too many titles too quickly. Although those specialized downloaders usually simulate normal streaming, high-volume or automated use may trigger suspicion. All in all, keep your usage moderate. Don’t download your entire Prime library in one night. Treat it like you would normal viewing.
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Never use software from unknown sources, or obtain risky software labeled with words like "DRM removal" or "paywall bypassing" from cracked software download sites. My personal advice is to only download legitimate and compliant software from the official website.
How to Back Up Prime Video Titles and Watch on More Devices?
After digging through user discussions and testing various tools myself, I’ve found that there are basically some practical methods for Amazon Prime DRM today. Each comes with pros and cons, depending on your needs.
1. StreamFab Amazon Video Downloader
StreamFab Amazon Video Downloader is a Prime Video toolkit that can download Amazon Prime Video to PC devices. It's able to batch copy titles from Amazon Prime output MP4/MKV format of all kinds of Prime videos for me to play on different devices via a local player. I checked the downloaded Prime videos and verified that this one can reach 1080p full HD output with EAC3 5.1 audio.
Dedicated downloaders are designed for personal Prime Video backups as MP4 or MKV files directly.
The most impressive function of it, I would say, is its scheduling function. Once you turn it on and have set the schedule, then StreamFab Amazon Downloader will automatically check if the latest episodes of the Amazon series are released and save them to your local drive, without extra manual operations.
Its built-in browser is pretty clear. So you won't feel difficulty while learning how to make a personal backup for Prime Video titles you've paid for. Here's a step-by-step guide for you.
Click on the Amazon Prime Video service. Log in with your account. Then find the titles you want.
Click on their cover image to enter the info page. StreamFab will now analyze it and soon give a window to let you adjust settings as you like.
Ensure that every status is adjusted, then click on "Download Now". you will get backup files for your personal offline viewing in a few minutes.
2. MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader
MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader works like a weaker alternative to StreamFab Amazon Downloader with fewer unique functions. For backups, it can rip Amazon Prime Video in common unencrypted video formats, MP4 and MKV, in 1080p for most time.
This one also supports multiple tasks. But due to its re-encoding mode instead of the direct-download mode like StreamFab, its download speed in the latter half of the tasks is terrible, and the video quality is also damaged to 960p, or even worse, because the download process may get stuck at 20%.
It utilizes a built-in browser with a search function only to let newbies like me not be confused on how to use it to back up DRM content from Amazon Prime Video.
Install MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader on your device. Then launch it, and click on the Amazon icon on its homepage.
Adjust the video status by clicking on the burger menu beside the download arrow. Then click OK to proceed.
Wait for a while, and you can get unencrypted backup files from MovPilot stored on your PC.
- I really want to say that the sorting logic of the search results with its built-in browser is sometimes a mess. If you type in "Reacher", it gives you 5 random results first.
3. StreamByte for Video
This Prime Video DRM tool is new here, released this year. Don't be pranked by that 8k sign. That's for video-sharing sites like YouTube. It supports Prime Video backup in 1080p in MP4, MKV, or MOV format. One thing that makes it different is, StreamByte offers variable options on bitrate, providing a more flexible place to choose the quality to watch Amazon Prime Video offline.
Output quality is verified on Windows. It has a Mac version as well to let users download Amazon movies on Mac devices. But the other aspects are pretty suffering. I found nowhere to know the highest audio quality it supported. Besides, its download speed is very unstable. I guess it's because it actually uses the same re-encoding download mode as MovPilot, which costs more time on coding, but not downloading.
Its built-in browser is rather clearer than MovPilot, though. But I kinda of dislike where the download button is located. You can refer to the step-by-step guide below to quickly learn how to use this new product.
Install and launch StreamByte for Video on your PC. Click on the Amazon Prime Video option and log in to it.
Search for the Amazon titles that you want an unencrypted copy of. Click to enter their info page.
Now you can see a tiny download button besides the address bar. Click on it, then adjust the options to your preference.
Proceed by clicking on download. StreamByte will finish downloads and finally output unencrypted backup Amazon videos in a few minutes.
If a downloader fails due to new DRM updates, screen recording is the fallback. Tools like Audials Movie or even free OBS can record and playback in real time.
- Quality: Depends on your screen and system power—usually stuck around 720p or 1080p.
- Time Cost: You’ll need to sit through the whole video since the recording runs in real time.
- Accuracy: Subtitles or alternate audio tracks might not always make it through cleanly.
- Legality: Technically still skirts DRM, though it’s less likely to trigger detection since you’re just “screen capturing.”
Some folks on Reddit admit they only record when they really want a video, and every downloader fails. It’s a backup plan, not the go-to option. Please ensure it is for personal use only and not for distribution or commercial purposes.
Overall Comparison: Which Prime Video DRM Backup Tool Wins?
They look and function so much alike. How can I figure out which one is the master of Amazon Prime Video backup? That's easy. Check this sheet and you will know which one exactly satisfies your needs.
| Downloaders | StreamFab | MovPilot | StreamByte for Video |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Backup success rate (10 titles test) |
100% success |
80% success |
80% success |
|
Processing speed |
7-9mb/s |
3-5mb/s |
3-4mb/s |
|
Resolution |
Lossless 1080p |
960p-1080p |
1080p |
|
Audio |
EAC3 5.1 |
AAC 2.0 |
AAC 2.0 |
|
Format |
MPV/MKV |
MPV/MKV |
MPV/MKV/MOV |
|
Batch tasks |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Schedule tasks |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
Free trial |
3 copies for full-length |
Infinite 5-minute clips |
Infinite 5-minute clips |
FAQs
Yes. All these 3 tools mentioned are available to download rented movies on Amazon, as well as purchased, free, and subscription-required Prime videos. But be sure to promptly delete local backup files after the membership or rental rights expire.
A dedicated downloader remains the most effective method in 2025. It allows you to save in FHD (1080p) with subtitles and multiple audio tracks. Recording is still an option, but it usually caps at a lower quality and takes more time.
Wrap-up
The truth is simple: Amazon Prime DRM exists to protect content, but it also frustrates paying users who just want flexibility. If your goal is to build a personal video library or keep shows for travel and offline use, using a dedicated backup tool is the only practical option in 2025.
From everything I’ve seen in the community and tested myself, the key is to use these methods responsibly. Think of it as a way to extend the value of your subscription for personal enjoyment — not as a loophole for distribution.
