Best VPN for Firestick and Fire TV in 2024
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick has rocked the streaming world with its compact design and great functionality, but you can get so much more mileage out of it with the right VPN. Today, we’ll cover the best providers for Firestick according to their security provisions, ability to access geo-blocked content, and overall performance.
If you love streaming on your Amazon Firestick, using a VPN can open up a whole new world of content while keeping your online activity private. Whether you’re trying to watch shows from other countries or just want some extra security, picking the right VPN makes a big difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best VPNs that work seamlessly with the Firestick, so you can enjoy your favorite content without any hassle.
Unleash the streaming power of your Fire TV Stick with these VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best for Firestick – NordVPN maximizes the potential of your Fire TV stick by unblocking an entire world of geo-blocked international content libraries. Smooth streams, private connections, zero-logging.
- Surfshark – Smart, lightweight app that automatically applies the best settings for optimal streams. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN – Turbo-charged server network with thousands of nodes all around the world.
- CyberGhost – Makes it easy to unblock streaming sites with a preconfigured profile.
- IPVanish – An excellent choice for heavy streamers, with good encryption and fast speeds.
- VyprVPN – Ideal for traveling to heavily censored countries thanks to their unique Chameleon protocol.
But fortunately, with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, there is a solution. Because with one simple setting change and one simple and affordable online tool, it is possible to fool Amazon into letting you use their TV content, and other streaming services which are available on the Amazon Fire TV Stick such as Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify to use theirs as well.
Editor's Pick October 2024
How we tested the VPNs for Firestick
People use VPNs for different reasons and whilst some are ideal for pretty much every task others are better at some things than others. This can make the task of choosing the right VPN for you a complicated one. In this article, we have drawn up our shortlist of the best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick based on some core criteria which we believe from our research are the essential facets of a VPN that will be needed by Amazon Fire TV Stick users.
Those core criteria are:
- Availability on the Amazon Fire TV Stick
- An established and reliable VPN provider with a track record of successfully unblocking regionally restricted sites
- Ability to unblock Amazon TV and other streaming services accessible on the Amazon Fire TV Stick from different countries around the world.
- Consistently fast connection speeds allow for smooth and uninterrupted streaming
- Strong encryption and security provisions
- Trustworthy and effective privacy policies
- A wide range of servers allowing access to content around the world.
Best VPNs that work with Amazon Fire Stick
See below for more details on each of the VPN providers that we recommend for you to use with the Fire TV stick:
1. NordVPN: Best Overall
NordVPN has been around for a long time and has built a fine reputation for itself over the years. Many consider them to be the very best at this point.
For an unbeatably low price, you get a service which is sometimes reputed to be slower than others, but which, in our view, competes with the very best on this front. Encryption-wise it cannot quite match ExpressVPN, but with 256-bit encryption on OpenVPN with 2,048-bit Diffie-Hellman keys, offers something more than secure enough for Amazon Fire TV Stick users.
As far as privacy is concerned, they are based in Panama which means they too can offer a no-user logs guarantee that users can trust.
With a total of more than 5,800 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN has an option for watching content in just about every country you could ever wish for. And they also boast of a technology called SmartPlay, which is built into all their connections and which they claim can unblock every geo-restricted service. This put together makes NordVPN an attractive, appealing, and affordable choice for Amazon Fire TV Stick users.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark: Best for Privacy
Like any good modern VPN, Surfshark has a dedicated app for Amazon’s Fire TV Stick–no sideloading necessary. As a rule, this provider has designed their app to be highly responsive and lightweight on any platform, which is especially a boon for the relatively weak processor of the Firestick.
Surfshark excels beyond its UI, however, delivering incredible utility heavy streamers will love. First, there’s the solid network running 800+ servers wide across 50 countries, with every one of them pre-configured to unblock Netflix without hassle. And should you run into surveillance or censorship on your network, Surfshark’s smart app automatically responds with either obfuscation to beat DPI, or the NoBorders method to smash through government firewalls.
Connection speeds are quite fast due to thoroughly modernized network infrastructure, plus the most efficient encryption and tunneling protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard with 256-AES-GCM). Zero logging means no one can spy on your Firestick spoofing with Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN: Best for Speed
ExpressVPN is one of the most well-known VPN providers on the market right now. They are a good bet for those looking for a VPN to use with the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Their app is available on the Amazon Fire TV Stick and is a very user-friendly and well-designed one too. They also have a long and proven track record of unblocking geo-restricted content in countries around the world, even those with complicated online freedom issues such as China.
Their speeds are superb, no matter which server you choose and their security is also top-notch too. Their entire network is SSL secured with 256-bit encryption which is as good as it gets right now. Privacy-wise they are also unsurpassed with their headquarters in the British Virgin Islands meaning they are not required to retain any user data. And they don’t.
Crucial to Amazon Fire TV Stick users will be the number of countries in which servers are available and with more than 3,000+ servers in 94 countries worldwide, ExpressVPN ticks that box too.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost: Best User Interface
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and that’s precisely what CyberGhost strives for. Rather than bombarding you with more options than you know what to do with, CyberGhost’s slick UI is marked by a few plain-language options which will automatically configure your VPN connection. Whether you’re looking to unblock websites, torrent safely, stay hidden from hackers on public Wi-Fi, access popular streaming sites, or simply browse the web anonymously, you can become perfectly equipped for the task with a single click.
However, don’t mistake CyberGhost’s user-friendliness for a lack of utility. Each packet of your data gets shrouded in unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, while any data that might be used to identify is completely obliviated thanks to this provider’s incredible no-logging policy (seriously, they don’t even store the email you used to sign up!) Add to the mix over 6,300 servers in 89 countries, and you have ready access to a robust network fine-tuned to protect your privacy and unlock the free and open Internet. Firestick users are feeling the love as well, with a dedicated CyberGhost app easily downloadable via the Amazon Appstore.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish: Best Server Spread
IPVanish is often talked about as the only VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick users. They aren’t alone, but they are certainly one of the strongest, most competitive options. Connection speeds are again impressively quick and consistent with few complaints to be found from our reviewers. On security too, they impress with encryption that matches all of their key competitors. They have both L2TP and OpenVPN protocols using 256-bit encryption as standard, which is more than sufficient.
On privacy, being headquartered in the US means there will always be some question marks so long as leaders maintain a negative stance on online privacy, but for the moment, there is no specific law to make them hand over user information and no indication to suggest they do collect it.
They also offer a huge Server selection with more than 1,300 servers in over 60 countries. All of these make IPVanish a very serious contender and one worth real consideration by all Amazon Fire TV Stick users.
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. VyprVPN: Best Value
VyprVPN is the last entry on this list because, despite some doubts over their ability to protect privacy, they do deliver in every other criterion for Amazon Fire TV Stick users. They are affordable at just $4.98 a month for a regular package with a 50% discount, although their premium service is priced a little higher at $6.48 a month. Both of these are based on an annual subscription.
Connection speeds with VyprVPN are both fast and reliable and easily good enough for streaming media content, although our reviewers have suggested that if running multiple data-intensive tasks, VyprVPN can, at times, struggle. Their security provisions are good, with strong 256-bit encryption offered and their server range is also impressive, with more than 700 servers available at locations around the globe.
The privacy issue though is a big drawback because VyprVPN does keep user records. They store an array of data including the User’s home IP Address, the VyprVPN IP Address you connected to, the connection start and stop time, and the amount of data transferred. This is an issue with any VPN, but particularly with tasks like unblocking geo-restricted content, where anonymity online is strongly preferred.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
Free VPN Options for Firestick: Essential Tips and Recommendations
When it comes to using a VPN on your Firestick, opting for a completely free option might seem tempting. However, free VPNs often come with significant drawbacks that could put your privacy and security at risk. Many free VPNs have limitations, such as data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options. Worse yet, some might log your data or expose you to intrusive ads, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
That said, there are a couple of free VPN options that, while not perfect, are among the more reliable choices:
1. Windscribe: Best Server Availability
Windscribe offers a free plan with 10 GB of data per month and access to servers in 10 countries. It’s known for its strong encryption and no-logs policy, making it a decent option for light browsing and occasional streaming. However, the 10 GB data cap can be restrictive if you plan on using it extensively, especially for streaming from a Firestick.
2. ProtonVPN: Best for Unlimited Data
ProtonVPN is another solid choice, offering unlimited data on its free plan, though it restricts access to servers in just a few countries. While it might not be the fastest option out there, ProtonVPN is known for its strong security features and privacy-focused approach, which can provide peace of mind when using your Firestick.
How to Use a VPN with Fire TV and Amazon Prime
Once you’ve found the right VPN for you, it’s time to lock down your identity. VPNs have become much easier to use in recent years. They don’t require complicated installs or deep knowledge of terminal commands, just a mouse or a Fire TV remote!
Change Country Settings on Your Amazon Account
Firstly, you will need to make changes to the settings in your Amazon account. You can do this by using the following process:
- Sign in to your Amazon account.
- In your account go to Digital Content > Manage your Content and Devices > Settings and finally Country Settings.
- Once there, change your country on your account to the one where the service you want to watch is based.
Install the VPN on your Fire TV device
If you’re using a Fire TV device, your default VPN options are a bit limited. The choices above are the easiest to install on the platform, as they offer marketplace links that do all the hard work for you. If you use a different VPN, though, you may have to do what’s called sideloading to use it on your Fire TV. We’ve made an easy guide that walks you through the entire process. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, we promise!
Launch the VPN
If you’re using Amazon Prime with a smartphone or PC, launching your VPN and starting a stream is pretty easy. Things are a little more awkward with Fire TV Sticks and set top boxes, however. Once you’ve installed the app, navigate to the Fire TV’s main menu, then scroll the top menu to the right until you see the apps section. Click here, then look for your VPN’s icon. You’ll need to enter your login details to connect to the servers the first time you launch it, but after that you’ll be able to connect with just a few clicks.
Run the VPN in the Background
After successfully connecting to your VPN, you’re ready to go. The program needs to stay running in the background in order to keep your data safe. This means you shouldn’t exit or sign out once you’re done logging in. Simply press your Fire TV remote’s home button to go back to the main menu. Your VPN will quietly sit in the background, encrypting your data and protecting your privacy. You can launch other apps and stream whatever videos you like!
Disconnect from the VPN
If your connection gets sluggish or if you can’t access a service because it’s blocking your VPN, you’ll need to disconnect from the servers and try going straight through your ISP instead. The process will vary slightly depending on which VPN you use, but the basics are pretty simple. All you need to do is launch the VPN, just like when you signed in before. The “connect” button should say “disconnect”. Click it, wait a few moments, then return to your video stream. You’ll need to reconnect the VPN afterwards, so don’t forget!
Why is Amazon Fire TV Stick content geo-restricted?
Geo-restricted content is the scourge of all those people who like to access their media content online. It is the term used to describe online content which is only accessible to users in a specific country or region. Many online streaming services, including almost all of the ones you are likely to use with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, use geo-blocking to restrict access to their content.
The reason for geo-blocking is almost invariably one of the rights. Streaming services buy up the rights to stream the content that is available on their service. These rights are usually sold on a country-by-country or regional basis, which means that more often than not, a streaming service will only hold the rights to make that content available in certain areas.
Because the rights holders make their money by selling their content in this way, they are very protective of it and it becomes beholden to the streaming service to ensure that the content is not available outside the area they hold the rights to.
How do geo-blocks work?
They do this using geo-restriction technology. This sounds very technical but is remarkably simple because all they have to do is look at one piece of data which is transmitted with everything everyone does online. That is called an Internet Protocol (or IP) Address.
Every Internet connection transmits an IP Address to every website or service that it communicates with. This small numerical code gives important information about the connection including, crucially, its exact location. So, using the information in your IP address, a streaming service can determine where in the world you are and, therefore, whether you are allowed to access their service or not. If you are not, they will pop up a polite message and deny you access to their content in line with their rights requirements.
Some services, such as Netflix, claim to be available globally, but the reality is that they provide different content to different parts of the world depending again on the rights that they hold.
Invariably, their US offering is far superior to what is available elsewhere, and most people would, given the choice opt to use that service. But the only way to do that is to fool them into thinking you are based in the USA, which sounds difficult. But that is exactly where a VPN comes in.
Final Verdict on the Best VPNs for Firestick
As you can see, there’s tremendous potential for your Fire TV stick to become the ultimate streaming device when paired with a VPN. Not every provider is well-suited for this task, however, as you need powerful encryption, fast speeds, compatible software, and a lightweight interface to run properly on Amazon’s slim device.
Each of our recommended providers has been thoroughly tested for use with Firestick and will allow you to spoof your IP and change your region to access foreign content. What’s more, VPN encryption blocks out snoops and copyright trolls from viewing your data stream, allowing you to watch movies and TV series in total privacy.
If you’re interested in specific VPN services, we have detailed guides on how to install PureVPN, VyprVPN, IPVanish, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN on your Firestick TV.
Explore our PureVPN Firestick TV Installation Guide, VyprVPN Fire Stick Installation Guide, IPVanish Firestick Installation Guide, NordVPN Firestick Installation Guide, and CyberGhost VPN Fire Stick Installation Guide for more information.
And if you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your Amazon Fire TV Stick, don’t miss our Jailbreak Amazon Fire TV Stick Guide.
Each guide is packed with useful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Amazon Fire TV Stick. Happy streaming!
Do you have any questions or comments about how to use a VPN with your Firestick? Leave us a note below, and we’ll try to answer quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a VPN for Firestick? It’s not necessary but can be useful for accessing geo-restricted content and enhancing privacy. A Firestick VPN also helps maintain anonymity while streaming.
Does Amazon Firestick have a built-in VPN? No, but you can install a VPN app from the Amazon Appstore. Many popular VPN services offer dedicated apps for Firestick.
Can I use a free VPN for Firestick? Yes, but free VPNs often have limited features, slower speeds, and may not be as secure as paid options. It’s essential to choose a reputable free VPN if you decide to use one.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
Express didn’t work at all for me and Nord worked for me for US server for a bit but then needed to bug support constantly because it stopped working several times. I download Privacy Hero VPN on FireTV which worked for US, UK and France Netflix. The free trial just worked for the first week after downloading without any credit card or registration.
Express vpn and ivacy are the two best services that i have used. Completely satisfied with the service and offers they provide for the fire stick.
For fire stick i recently purchased a vpn named ivacy. Its working fine up till now, cheap and fast..