The Best VPNs for Amazon Fire Stick of 2024
- Proton VPN: Best overall
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Best for long-term commitment
- Surfshark: Best for limitless connections
- NordVPN: Best for streaming on multiple platforms
- ExpressVPN: Best for beginners
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Best Overall
ProtonVPN
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$2.99 per month (first two years)
Simultaneous connections
Six
Servers
5,600-plus servers in 59 countries
On ProtonVPNs Website
$2.99 per month (first two years)
Six
5,600-plus servers in 59 countries
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN offers a well-rounded VPN that is reliable, fast and safe. With its server network primarily based in military-grade shelters, ProtonVPN provides a physical added layer of security while giving you access to geoblocked content. Using Proton VPN, we accessed several streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Amazon Freevee, Tubi, Disney+ and All4.
Our average download speed was 178 Mbps, which was more than what we needed to stream content, but Proton could have given us a better speed. Also, we had to try out different servers before accessing the videos. Howeer, when we did, we had excellent video quality free of buffering.
You can choose Proton VPN’s monthly, yearly or two-year plan, but we recommend the two-year plan since you’ll get 57% off and pay $4.99 monthly. Users with per-month billing will pay $9.99 and those paying per year will pay $5.99 monthly.
Also, Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can check it out for yourself. However, Proton won’t refund payments completed by cash or bank transfers or those made outside Proton VPN’s website. The VPN also offers a free service, but you can’t stream on it, so it’s as good as none.
Learn more: Read our full Proton VPN review.
Who should use it:
Proton VPN is suitable for those who want to enjoy streaming on multiple platforms without sacrificing security, speed, performance or spending too much money.
Pros & Cons
- Easy installation process
- Great connection speeds
- Frequent promotional offers
- Transparent privacy policy
- VPN accelerator for better speed
- No dedicated IP server add-on
- Limited customer support
- Requires higher subscriptions for enhanced speeds
- Sometimes takes a while to connect
Best for Long-term Commitment
PIA
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$1.98 per month (three years)
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Servers
35,000 servers in 84 countries
On Private Internet Access' Website
$1.98 per month (three years)
Unlimited
35,000 servers in 84 countries
Why We Picked It
Known for its unrivaled wealth of servers—more than 35,000 spread across 84 countries—PIA allows users to stream as many platforms as they want, regardless of the location. While the company’s location in the United States, a Five-Eyes country, may concern users, PIA operates a strict zero-logs policy, assuring you of private streaming. We love that PIA allows users to customize their VPN settings, from changing their encryption levels between AES-128 and AES-256 to having multiple protocols.
PIA VPN granted us access to different categories of video content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, All4, 9Now and ITV Hub. PIA also promises users access to Crunchyroll U.S., Eurosport and Max, but we have yet to record success. However, PIA has asked users to reach the PIA support team available 24/7 in case of difficulties accessing content with the VPN. You can also switch between servers or use any of PIA VPN’s dedicated streaming servers. That’s how we accessed Hulu.
This VPN offers one of the Best Cheap VPNs with its three-year plan, but its yearly and monthly plans are costlier. However, you can jump on PIA VPN’s risk-free money-back guarantee, which allows you to purchase a plan to test it out for 30 days to determine if it’s worth your money.
Learn more: Read our full PIA review.
Who should use it:
If you’re looking for a VPN that allows you to customize its settings and offers a risk-free money-back guarantee that allows you to test its premium features on your Amazon Fire Stick, you’ll love PIA VPN, especially if you’re ready to commit to a few years.
Pros & Cons
- Massive server network
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Dedicated IP add-on available
- Unlimited device connections
- 24/7 technical support
- Headquartered in a Five Eyes country
- Transparency report is not detailed
- Month-to-month plan is pricey
Best for Limitless Connections
Surfshark
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$1.99 per month (two years)
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Servers
3,200 in 100 countries
On Surfshark's Website
$1.99 per month (two years)
Unlimited
3,200 in 100 countries
Why We Picked It
Surfshark has an impressive suite of privacy features, and its interface is easy to use. During our tests, this VPN had no issues unblocking content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Tubi, Amazon Freevee or Hulu. We had a few problems accessing other streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Disney+, FuboTV and SlingTV, having to test various servers before gaining access. However, we love that we retained over 80% of the original internet speed when we connected our Amazon Fire Stick with Surfshark VPN.
We enjoyed consistent speeds thanks to Surfshark’s next-gen WireGuard protocol, which provided lag-free streaming. We also love that Surfshark VPN allows users to connect to unlimited devices simultaneously, so others can connect to your VPN on various devices.
Learn more: Read our full Surfshark VPN review.
Who should use it:
Those on a budget but unwilling to sacrifice overall VPN quality will love this VPN. It’s also suitable for those looking for unlimited simultaneous connections and discounts for extended use.
Pros & Cons
- Unblocks many streaming platforms
- Quick connection to servers
- Easy-to-use interface
- Excellent speed retention
- Low pricing on long-term plans
- Strict no-logs policy
- 24/7 support
- A few servers are not working
- Month-to-month plan is quite pricey
- No dedicated internet protocol (IP) address add-on
- Based in the Netherlands and subject to government data-sharing policies
Best for Streaming Multiple Platforms
NordVPN
3.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$2.99 per month (first two years)
Simultaneous connections
Six
Servers
5,600-plus servers in 59 countries
On NordVPN's Website
$2.99 per month (first two years)
Six
5,600-plus servers in 59 countries
Why We Picked It
NordVPN offers a dedicated Fire TV app on the Amazon app store, so manual configuration is unnecessary. The VPN’s Fire Stick app has a different setup, so don’t expect it to look similar to other interfaces you’re used to. However, you’ll enjoy smooth streaming using this VPN. We accessed videos on free and paid streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Freevee and Tubi.
We also accessed Australian platforms, 9Now and 10Play and the United Kingdom’s ITV Hub and All4, which are less popular. Other users have accessed Peloton and Apple TV+ using NordVPN with their Fire Stick. This is not so surprising, though, since Nord’s SmartPlay feature is available to bypass geoblocks and provide faster streaming whether you’re using a high-definition (HD) TV or one with 4K capacity. We saw peak speeds of around 200 Mbps during our tests, but that was with nearby servers. Expect slowdowns when connecting to remote NordVPN servers.
NordVPN offers discounts for multiyear plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee, but there’s no guarantee if you purchased the VPN via a third party, and that includes the Amazon app store.
Learn more: Read our full NordVPN review.
Who should use it:
NordVPN shines for its superior unblocking abilities and compatibility with plenty of streaming platforms, making it suitable for those who want to stream content from different platforms worldwide.
Pros & Cons
- Native app makes installation quick and easy
- Excellent speed provides lag-free streaming
- Split tunneling available on Fire Stick
- Cheaper when you choose long-term commitments
- No kill switch feature for Fire Stick
- Discounts only available for longer terms
Best for Beginners
ExpressVPN
3.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price:
$8.32 per month (one year)
Simultaneous connections
Eight
Servers
3,000-plus servers in 94 countries
On ExpressVPN's Website
$8.32 per month (one year)
Eight
3,000-plus servers in 94 countries
Why We Picked It
With over 3,000 servers across more than 160 locations, ExpressVPN gives users plenty of connection options. This VPN has a native app optimized for the Fire TV Stick, with the privacy and content-unblocking features you need. Plus, it’s easy to navigate. For instance, ExpressVPN allows you to create shortcuts for five streaming platforms. You can launch any of them directly whenever you connect to the VPN.
We streamed content from different countries, especially those in the U.S., U.K. and Australia. We were also able to access Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Discovery Plus, 10Play, All4, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Freevee and Paramount+. These streaming channels loaded up fast like we weren’t using a VPN.
ExpressVPN’s offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll get a refund if it doesn’t work well with your preferred platforms.
Learn more: Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Who should use it:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Fire Stick users who want a VPN that’s both customizable and easy to navigate.
Pros & Cons
- Native app available
- Top-notch security without leaks
- Excellent for streaming
- A 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 live chat support
- Unmatched transparency
- Lowest cost is pricier than competitors’
- No dedicated IP option
How To Choose the Best VPN for Amazon Fire Stick
When considering the best VPN for Fire Stick, Dave Shackleford from Voodoo Security recommends that you “look for services offering multiple simultaneous connections, excellent streaming performance, scalable and geographically diverse connectivity options and strong security.”
Essential Features
Make sure your chosen VPN provider has these features:
- Streaming capabilities: Not all VPNs are suitable for Fire Sticks. So, choose a VPN that unblocks the streaming apps or platforms you intend to use with your Amazon Fire Stick.
- Multiple server locations: Choose a VPN with vast server locations across several countries for better speed and performance. Also, confirm that the VPN provider has servers where your streaming platforms are located and can unblock new platforms further. Why? “When a VPN provider has several servers in different countries, it increases the versatility, accessibility and performance of a VPN. It also allows users to enjoy a broader range of content, improves connection speeds and provides options for bypassing censorship and restrictions,” says Harold Li, Vice President of ExpressVPN.
- Money-back guarantee: Some VPNs don’t offer free trials or free versions. Plus, the typical free versions are often limited, and they hardly provide streaming services, so you’ll need to part with your money to access a
- VPN’s premium features. However, a money-back guarantee allows you to explore the VPN to verify that it can unblock restricted content without sacrificing privacy or speed.
Security Features
Before choosing a VPN for Fire Stick, Dave Shackleford, Principal Consultant of Voodoo Security advises to “weigh the security capabilities of VPN providers. You want to be sure that they have the latest encryption technology and security features, and that they’re providing timely patches and upgrades to their service.”
Speed and Performance
You need fast VPNs for a smooth streaming experience, but don’t rely on VPN providers’ promise of ultrafast speeds. Choose a VPN provider with multiple protocols that allow you to choose any to reach faster speeds, whether you’re watching videos in HD or 4K. Our recommended VPNs for Fire Sticks have the technology and features you need for optimum speed.
Ease of Use and Support
Choose a VPN provider that is both easy to set up and use. That way, you can focus on exploring different streaming platforms instead of spending too much time setting up the VPN. Go for one of these best VPNs with native Fire Stick apps, providing direct installation and easy-to-use interfaces, especially if you’re a first-time VPN user or newly setting up a Fire Stick. Also, make sure the VPN offers technical support to users.
Methodology
To determine the best VPN for Fire Stick, the Forbes Advisor tested 20 VPNs and scored them based on privacy and security features, streaming capability, speed and performance and server availability. We also examined their costs, users’ experience with them, how well they support users needing help, what experts say about them and the option to connect to other devices simultaneously. We weighted these metrics to score each Amazon Fire Stick VPN.
Here’s how we determined the best VPN for Fire Stick:
- Pricing and fees (15%): We examined each VPN’s pricing plans and the discounts available for new users and those who choose long-term options. We also considered extra costs related to their streaming services. Then we compared the availability of a free version, free trial or money-back guarantee allowing users to explore a VPN before paying for it. This factor accounted for 15% of our weighted scoring.
- General features (47.5%): We examined the VPN providers’ security, performance and compatibility with the Amazon Fire Stick. We also checked how robust their security provision is, whether they offer must-have features, such as multiple security protocols and reliable streaming servers and nice-to-have features, including dedicated IPs or streaming servers. We also considered whether they provide dedicated apps available on Amazon’s app store, which provides users with a quick and easy installation process. We also considered how fast they are, since a smooth streaming experience requires optimum speed. Our recommended VPNs proved to have adequate download speeds. These factors account for 47.5% of the total score.
- Additional features (17.5%): We also considered the presence of VPN qualities that enhance streaming on Netflix. For example, we recommend only VPNs with more than 400 servers across at least 50 countries. We also considered their logging policies, independent audits and the number of simultaneous connections allowed. Another feature was the availability of support, including live chat, knowledge base, phone support and round-the-clock customer service. These features account for 17.5%.
- Reviews and ratings (10%): Our team further considered the experiences of other Fire Stick users using these VPNs. We turned to third-party review sites, including Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra. Also, we interviewed some users to form 10% of our scoring.
- Expert score (10%): We tested the recommended VPNs for Fire Sticks to get hands-on experience. We also interviewed cybersecurity and information technology (IT) experts to tell us about their experiences with the VPNs. Our experts considered criteria, such as their standout features, ease of use, popularity and value for money. The expert analysis makes up 10% of the total score.
How To Set Up VPN on Fire Stick
First, even the best VPN for Fire Stick won’t work with a first-generation Fire Stick, so ensure you get one that’s at least second generation. Also, if your TV is a 4K, buy a Fire Stick that supports 4K TVs, whether yours is a smart or Fire TV, because a Fire Stick that’s not made for such high-end TVs will tone down your video quality.
There are two ways to install a VPN app on the Amazon Fire Stick. You’ll need to perform a direct installation or manual setup via Android Application Package (APK) for VPNs, which lack dedicated Fire Stick apps. The first requires you to search for your preferred VPN provider’s app on the Amazon app store and then install it. This step takes a minute or two.
Thankfully, our recommended Amazon Fire Sticks are available on the Amazon store. All you need to do is:
- Search for the VPN you want to use.
- Click on “Download.”
- Log in with your credentials (email address/username and password).
- Connect to the VPN.
- Choose a server and start streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Fire Stick work better with VPN?
Because Fire Stick gives you access to Amazon’s app store, you’ll find more streaming apps using your Fire Stick. But with a VPN, you’ll find even more video content, including georestricted content, from streaming apps in foreign countries. That means Fire Stick works better connected to a VPN to give you more content alongside privacy protection.
Should you have a VPN for Fire Stick?
You don’t need a VPN to use your Fire Stick. However, with a VPN connected to your Fire Stick, you’ll protect your online privacy, gain access to georestricted content and improve your overall streaming experience.
How do I hide my VPN on Fire Stick for free?
The best VPNs for Fire Stick are designed to hide themselves. They’ll allow you to connect to the internet through obfuscated VPN servers, so nobody knows you’re using a VPN. That helps you bypass VPN blockers from your government, ISP and any other institution and grants you free access to your favorite content, regardless of location.
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