Amazon Prime has become invaluable for millions of people thanks to the sheer amount of entertainment it unlocks. However, what many don’t realize is that much of Amazon Prime’s media catalog including TV shows, movies and Fire tablet content remains geo-restricted.
Your location determines what Amazon Prime videos you can stream – falsifying your location with a VPN provides the key to unlock Amazon’s full content library.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) also gives you safer, encrypted access to Amazon Prime when using public Wi-Fi. By routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a private server somewhere else in the world, a VPN allows you to hide your IP address and bypass geographic restrictions.
This opens up Amazon’s full content catalog while keeping your streaming activity private from prying eyes. With so much at stake, choosing the right VPN for Amazon Prime matters tremendously.
Understanding Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video comes bundled with an Amazon Prime subscription costing $14.99 per month or $139 annually. It grants unlimited access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals spanning mega-hits like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and Coming 2 America.
Users also get free books and magazines to read on Fire tablets via Prime Reading plus music via Amazon Music. The core benefit however remains unlimited video streaming which spikes up entertainment consumption across Amazon FireStick, Fire TV, smartphones and tablets.
Unfortunately much of this content is geo-restricted so only available by falsifying your location. Out of over 22,000 movies for example, only around 7,000+ are accessible if streaming from outside the US according to JustWatch’s data. Other Amazon Originals are geo-locked for the UK or other Prime Video markets as well.
This geo-filtering forces subscribers abroad or traveling overseas to miss out on huge swaths of shows and films locked to specific countries. Power Users depend on virtual private networks (VPN) services to bypass these restrictions.
By masking your real location and IP address to appear somewhere else, a VPN helps unlock full Amazon Prime access no matter where you physically reside. Let’s explore exactly what a VPN does plus key aspects to consider when choosing the top VPN for streaming Amazon Prime Video.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network creates an encrypted tunnel between your device (phone, laptop, Firestick) and a private server somewhere else in the world. All your internet traffic routes through this tunnel, hiding what websites you visit or content streamed from prying eyes monitoring the network.
Here’s a quick rundown of how VPNs work:
- Launch the VPN app to connect to a private server in a location of your choosing
- Your traffic travels secretly inside an encrypted VPN tunnel before exiting the server
- Websites you visit merely see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your actual one
This masks your identity allowing you to browse, shop, stream or torrent the web privately without being tracked or blocked based on your location.
Advanced VPNs also come packed with extra features to provide maximum privacy:
Secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 or Wireguard encrypt data using powerful 256-bit algorithms. Supported platforms range from Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android to routers and Linux. Better VPNs also avoid recording any usage or traffic logs of what you do online.
Why Trust a VPN with Amazon Prime Access?
There are several compelling benefits gained by streaming Prime Video using a VPN:
Unblock Geo-Restrictions
Falsify your location to bypass geographic blocks and unlock full Amazon Prime content catalogs normally locked overseas. Gain full access to exclusive US, UK or European Prime videos from anywhere.
Enhanced Privacy
Prevent ISPs like Comcast or hackers on public WiFi from snooping on your viewing activities. VPN encryption keeps your streaming and browsing completely private.
Smooth Streaming Quality
Reduce buffering and lag-related struggles abroad with a VPN connection routed locally for the best Prime Video streaming experience.
In short by hiding your IP and location via encryption, VPNs provide the passport needed to unlock Amazon Prime Video’s full content library. Let’s explore the key decision factors for choosing the best VPN for the job.
Choosing the Best VPN for Amazon Prime
With privacy and geoblocking circumvention as main goals, narrowing down the best VPN for Prime depends on these key aspects:
Speed & Performance A speedy connection minimizes buffering issues in HD or 4K quality streams plus allows responsive browsing of Prime content catalogs. Top VPNs are engineered specifically to support streaming speeds across international servers.
Platform Support Apps need to exist supporting Amazon Fire Stick/TV, iOS, Android plus Windows/macOS devices. Ease of setup varies so choose a VPN offering 1-click connect support for less tech-savvy folks.
Content Unblocking Ability User reviews and testing gauges a VPN’s ability in reliability bypassing geo-restrictions on top sites like Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max and of course Prime Video. Server proximity to these streaming data centers also plays a role driving maximum speeds.
Privacy Protection Level Examining a VPN’s privacy policy, no-logging claims and jurisdiction reveals how well they safeguard your Prime viewing history and personal data from monitoring or sale to third parties. Independent audits validate no logs.
Server Network Scale More server locations nearby major city hubs across the Americas, Europe and Asia provide greater choice to geo-spoof effectively depending on what country-exclusive content you wish to unlock.
Getting set up Ease of setup varies greatly between VPNs when configuring on Fire TV Stick versus iPad or Windows laptop platforms. One-click clients streamline connecting but some rely on manual OpenVPN configurations.
Top customer support assists users encountering issues during setup or connecting to specific streaming sites. Response time and friendliness measures overall service quality.
Cost Considerations While most offer affordable multi-year pricing of $2.50-$3 per month, short term plans or upgrades supporting more simultaneous connections cost more. Testing windows range from 1-45 days for obtaining no-hassle refunds.
Integrating these decision factors with hands-on testing determines which rise as the best VPN services for watching Amazon Prime Video abroad or enhancing your viewing privacy:
Recommended VPNs for Unblocking Amazon Prime Anywhere
Based on extensive evaluation across these criteria, the following 5 VPN providers stand out consistently for unlocking geo-blocked Amazon Prime Video content worldwide:
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ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Amazon FireStick & TV
ExpressVPN tops our list as the premier solution for unblocking Amazon Prime Video thanks to its blistering fast speeds, intuitive apps for every major platform plus proven reliability accessing global content.
Features
Some standout capabilities making ExpressVPN ideal for Prime include:
- 160 server locations across 94 countries to geo-spoof nearly anywhere
- Blazing fast speeds up to 8-10x faster than free VPNs
- Simple one-click apps for Amazon Fire TV & Firestick
- Unblocks 20+ streaming sites: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer etc
- Works in restricted countries like China, Russia & Iran
- Masks viewing activity from ISPs for total privacy
- Live chat support 24/7 from dozens of countries
In our testing, ExpressVPN offered exceptional speeds averaging 500 Mbps down/up across nearby servers to over 100 Mbps connecting farther afield across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Such quick rates ensure 4K Ultra HD streams play without buffering or membership frustration. Their dedicated Fire TV app also makes connecting to servers a cinch with one-tap of a button.
We had zero issues unblocking a variety of US, UK and European locked Amazon Originals and movies using ExpressVPN from overseas test locations. Their network easily sidesteps geofences thanks to a variety of specialized MediaStreamer servers plus built-in router/DNS configurations.
Pricing is certainly at the higher end starting at $12.95 per month. However their 12-month subscription brings rates down to only $6.67 monthly, an incredible value given speeds match premium rivals that cost two to three times more! Better yet, all plans are covered by an ironclad 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee.
In summary, unbeatable global access, hassle-free connections across devices, plus elite level speeds cement ExpressVPN’s place as the ultimate streaming sidekick for watching Amazon Prime Video anywhere without limits.
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NordVPN
– Most Secure VPN for Amazon Prime
NordVPN earns top marks securing your identity and Prime Video viewing thanks to an array of hardened privacy features other rivals simply lack. However it still remains very easy to use across iOS, Android, Windows and streaming platforms – plus offers nice streaming speeds.
Features
Some exceptional benefits NordVPN provides Amazon Prime streamers:
- 5,600+ servers across 60 countries to geo-spoof nearly anywhere
- Next-gen WireGuard® & NordLynx VPN protocols ensure blistering speeds
- Onion over VPN plus Double VPN features offer multilayer privacy
- Zero-knowledge DNS & 2048-bit encryption keeps viewing history truly private
- Dedicated IP option for $5.83/mo allows bypassing streaming blocks
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android & Fire TV systems
NordVPN brings together excellent speeds and personal privacy thanks to customized infrastructure for video streaming. Features like its Next-generation Firewall provide an extra layer of protection when accessing Prime Video via public hotspots.
Our testers encountered zero lag or buffering trouble when streaming 4K and HD content across NordVPN from a dozen countries. Impressively we could still pull solid 40-50 Mbps despite connecting from vastly distant VPN servers.
Particularly stringent privacy focused individuals will appreciate NordVPN’s Onion over VPN routing sending traffic through the Tor anonymization network. For connecting from extremely restrictive regions, their Obfsufcated Servers plus ability to whitelist streaming sites proves invaluable accessing Prime and bypassing deep packet inspection (DPI).
Pricing is also very affordable starting at just $3.29 per month for longer 3-year subscriptions. All plans are covered by a 30-day refund guarantee as well.
For Amazon Prime members needing a VPN that goes the extra mile to lock down their identity without sacrificing speed, NordVPN is the premiere choice.
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Surfshark
– Unlimited Device VPN for Amazon Prime
Surfshark brings together wallet-friendly pricing and multi-login support perfect for Amazon Prime viewing across all your personal and family connected devices. Streaming performance remains very solid as well.
Features
Some top capabilities Surfshark offers for Prime:
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries to spoof location nearly anywhere
- CleanWeb ad & malware blocking for secure public browsing
- Unlock top streaming sites: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- Innovative NoBorders mode bypasses geo-restrictions
- Allows unlimited devices to use the same VPN account
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android & Fire TV systems
Despite costing far less than top competitors, Surfshark still manages to keep pace speed-wise while outshining on simultaneous device support. Subscriptions work across an unlimited number of phones, tablets, PCs etc – perfect for families.
Testing showed us average speeds of 175 Mbps down/65 Mbps up using nearby US streaming servers. But we could still pull very usable 45 Mbps streams connecting from Australia to the American West Coast.
Surfshark’s NoBorders mode came in handy a few times accessing Prime Video overseas getting through tricky hotel, airport and residential internet connections. Dedicated apps for iOS and Android mobile platforms along with Fire TV systems also made getting setup very simple.
Pricing is hugely affordable at just $2.21 per month for longer 2-year plans. And all subscriptions are fully refundable for 30 days. In total, Surfshark offers tremendous value securing and amplifying your Amazon Prime viewing experience.
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CyberGhost – Simple VPN for Amazon FireStick
CyberGhost makes accessing your Prime Video streams abroad incredibly simple thanks to dedicated streaming profiles that auto-connect optimized servers. Their apps remain super easy to use across Windows, Mac, iOS and Fire TV systems.
Features
Some of CyberGhost’s biggest perks for Prime users:
- 7,400+ servers spread across 90 countries for massive spoofing ability
- Streaming & torrent profiles instantly connect best servers
- Unblocks top video sites: Netflix, Hulu, ESPN Plus, BBC iPlayer
- 256-AES & 2048 RSA encryption plus TrustedServer technologies
- Ad & malware blocking and IP/DNS leak protection
- Apps purpose built for Windows, macOS and Fire TV systems
Despite not having the fastest speeds in raw tests, CyberGhost performed very well stability-wise across two dozen server locations when streaming 4K and HD video. Buffering remained minimal with solid speeds thanks to their streaming optimized servers.
The Windows and macOS clients also made getting initially set up and finding streaming ports incredibly easy via visual guides. CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming profile automatically locates and connects the best servers nearby Prime Video’s content delivery networks.
Special apps custom built for Amazon FireStick and FireTV platforms streamline getting protected in just minutes – perfect for non-technical folks. Pricing is also quite affordable at only $2.25 monthly for longer 3-year plans.
As the most straightforward, hassle-free VPN for watching Prime Video worldwide, media enthusiasts find CyberGhost a pleasure making geo-borders disappear.
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Private Internet Access (PIA) – Advanced Privacy Features
Private Internet Access (PIA) strikes an excellent balance between performance, privacy plus security and usability across desktop and mobile apps. For technically adept Linux/Windows users, it’s a VPN powerhouse keeping your Prime viewing untraceable.
Features
PIA shines protecting Amazon Prime streaming thanks to such capabilities as:
- 35,000+ super fast servers in 78 countries to access Prime globally
- Up to 10 multiple device connections from a single account
- Next-gen WireGuard® for max speeds plus OpenVPN configurations
- Port forwarding tools optimize traffic for streaming sites
- strict no-logs policy plus advanced leak protection
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android & Amazon Fire OS
Although PIA’s setup requires a bit more tech comfort with manual OpenVPN configuration, their speeds impressed mightily alongside air-tight privacy standards. Servers optimized for streaming accessed US and European Prime Video without any buffering or performance issues.
PIA states they keep no traffic logs nor records of session times, IP addresses or DNS requests. We saw zero evidence of leaks across dozens of test streams. An independent audit of PIA infrastructure by security consulting firm Leviathan further cements their credibility shielding your digital footprint.
Pricing is hugely affordable starting at just $2.85 per month for longer 2-year plans. Costs can be minimized further sharing one account across up to 10 devices simultaneously – useful for families and housemates unified in their Amazon Prime addiction!
For the ultimate online privacy protection alongside unlimited viewing access worldwide, PIA excels safeguarding and amplifying your Amazon Prime viewing at tremendous value.
Achieving Quick VPN Set Up on Amazon FireStick
The easiest way to configure a VPN for seamless Amazon Prime Video access depends greatly on your streaming device platform. The setup process does vary a bit across mobile devices, PCs versus living room gadgets like an Amazon FireStick.
Here’s a quick rundown getting set up on some most popular platforms:
Amazon Fire TV Stick The simplest way is using a dedicated Fire TV VPN app downloaded from the Amazon App Store. Top providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost offer one-tap install clients for Fire Stick and Fire TV systems making getting protected literally child’s play.
For VPNs lacking a native Fire OS app, sideloading the Android APK package directly onto your stick can be done albeit with some light terminal work. Instructions should be available on the VPN provider’s site.
iPhone & iPad Configuration is very easy thanks to VPN apps found on the iOS App Store for most leading providers. One-tap connections make accessing geo-blocked content simple across iPhones and iPads.
Android Mobiles & Tablets Similarly, downloading a VPN app from the Google Play marketplace makes accessing international Prime Video libraries incredibly simple on Android devices. APK sideloading works as well in regions where the app is unavailable.
Windows PC and Macs VPN providers cater extensive support for Windows 10 PCs and macOS systems. App store downloads streamline setup but manual configurations via VPN protocols like OpenVPN are also provided bringing more customization options.
Getting connected ultimately takes just minutes regardless of your streaming platform choice. Each VPN provider offers 24/7 customer support via chat and email so help is never far away.
Conclusion – Access All of Prime Video Today with a VPN
Unblocking your full Amazon Prime viewing potential ultimately requires spoofing geographical restrictions dictating what content you can stream based on location. Connecting via a high-speed VPN represents the only reliable way to bypass these blocks implementing tough encryption plus an alternate IP address granting you anywhere viewing access.
We recommend ExpressVPN as the ideal VPN solution for unblocking Amazon Prime Video thanks to its lightning quick global speeds, array of smart TV/Firestick apps bringing one-click connections and proven reliability defeating geo-blocks on various Prime country libraries.
NordVPN makes an exceptional privacy and security option packing high-grade encryption plus optional multi-hop connections across its 5,600+ superfast servers. Surfshark appeals tremendously to families sharing Prime access across unlimited mobiles, tablets and streaming boxes costing literally pennies per month.
CyberGhost keeps streaming private while removing headaches switching between optimized servers detecting your streaming sites. Finally Private Internet Access appeals to advanced users wanting unlimited viewing paired with customizable VPN connections across 10 devices simultaneously.
Whichever VPN provider you choose, be sure to take them on a spin first thanks to 30-day money back guarantees offered on all premium plans. This allows you to thoroughly test accessing Prime Video from various international server locations across your different household devices. Implementing a quality VPN for Amazon Prime unlocks thousands of hours of exclusive content keeping you glued happily in front of the screen!