Introduction
Using a VPN, or virtual private network, with your Amazon Fire Stick is highly recommended to enhance both security and unlock more content.
Fire Stick devices are designed to be flexible media streaming gadgets. However, they have limited default privacy and geo-restriction capabilities built-in. A VPN allows you to encrypt all traffic leaving your Fire Stick to keep your streaming activities private. At the same time, bypassing geo-blocks to access more shows and movies from around the world.
This guide will cover the main factors to consider when picking a Fire Stick VPN. As well as provide an overview of the top-rated services compatible with Amazon’s streaming platform.
Factors For Picking A Fire Stick VPN
There are a few key criteria to evaluate when selecting a virtual private network for your Fire Stick device:
Speed – needs to provide fast and stable connections for buffer-free 4K/HD streaming. Slow VPNs lead to constant loading issues.
Streaming Unblocking – ability to reliably bypass geo-restrictions on popular apps like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video internationally.
Security Features – uses strong 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, and extra features like an internet kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to keep your data safe.
Amazon App Store – the VPN needs to have an official app available for easy installation through the Amazon App Store on Fire OS.
Multiple Device Connections – allows connecting multiple devices like phones, laptops, and Fire TV under a single account for better value.
Based on these criteria, below are the top-rated VPNs to use with an Amazon Fire Stick in 2023:
Best Fire Stick VPNs
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN tops our list as the best VPN specially optimized for Firestick. It offers blazing fast speeds for HD and 4K streaming. Huge server network across 94 countries. And MediaStreamer DNS unblocks sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video internationally.
Other features that make ExpressVPN the best VPN for Firestick are:
- Simple native Fire OS app.
- 256-bit encryption & no-logs policy.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another highly capable streaming VPN designed for Firestick usage. It delivers excellent speeds using next-gen WireGuard protocol. Offers CyberSec ad-blocking plus dedicated IP addresses for streaming sites. And has a wide server network with VPN servers in 59 countries.
Some other NordVPN benefits includes:
- Fire TV app supports 4K streaming.
- Strict no-logs policy.
- 30 day money-back policy.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a fast-rising streaming VPN known for its low monthly pricing. It reliably unblocks Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and 20 other streaming sites. Provides an Amazon Fire TV app for direct installation. Has unlimited device support and a 30 day refund policy.
Additional Surfshark perks:
- RAM-only servers enhance privacy.
- AES-256 encryption & kill switch.
- Affordable pricing plans.
IPVanish
IPVanish is another good Fire Stick VPN choice focused on streaming performance. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime abroad. Offers great download speeds using WireGuard protocol. Includes encrypted DNS / IPv6 protection. Has a 7 day money back guarantee.
Some other positives:
- Simple native Firestick app.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Tier 1 network for fast speeds.
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a privacy-centric VPN platform with proven Firestick compatibility. It uses AES-256 encryption plus supports secure OpenVPN and IPSec protocols. Has built-in IPv6 and DNS leak protection. Allows 6 simultaneous connections and Bitpay anonymous payments.
Other PrivateVPN features include:
- Dedicated IP options.
- RAM disk servers.
- Port forwarding available.
The rest of the VPN providers covered below are all reliable options too. They satisfy the essential criteria like good speeds, Fire OS support, and unlimited connections. Each caters to slightly different priorities whether affordability, steaming, or security.
Hotspot Shield
Owned by Aura coalition (formerly AnchorFree). Hotspot Shield is a fast VPN focused on unblocking streaming sites like US Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu from abroad. It uses proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol and offers a free version.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost owned by Kape Technologies, is known for server variety with 7000+ VPN servers in 90 countries. It also has good speeds and allows connecting 7 devices simultaneously under one plan for great value.
Encrypt.me
Encrypt.me developed by StackPath utilizes WireGuard protocol for blazing speeds and enhanced privacy. Also supports OpenVPN, IKEv2 protocols across servers in 45 countries. Based in Switzerland with trusted data security standards.
Ivacy VPN
Ivacy is a budget VPN platform with Firestick support across servers in 100+ locations. Unblocks Netflix US plus BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc and offers secure P2P filesharing with port forwarding available. Has Ivacy Shield apps for added malware protection too.
KeepSolid VPN Unlimited:
Unlimited VPN from KeepSolid offers lifetime subscription deals for affordable long-term access. Uses top VPN protocols like IKEv2 and WireGuard for speed. Keeps no connection logs and protects DNS requests via Private DNS. Has NAT firewall for extra malware blocking as well.
Perfect Privacy:
Switzerland based provider focused on high-end encryption including RSA-4096, AES-256, SHA-512 and more. Uses proprietary VPN protocol with stealth VPN features plus Tor over VPN. Keeps absolutely no logs and accepts crypto payments.
PureVPN:
Hong Kong based provider with self-managed VPN network supporting 10 devices per account. Offers dedicated streaming IPs to unblock sites Plus split tunneling features. 31-day refund policy and accepts Bitcoin payments.
StrongVPN:
US-based VPN provider with 12 VPN gateways and 650+ VPN servers globally. Known for reliable access to US Netflix And sports content. Provides a StrongDNS app For encrypted DNS queries. Uses Cross-platform 256-bit AES encryption.
VyprVPN:
VyprVPN developed by GoldenFrog offers proprietary Chameleon 2.0 protocol for IP spoofing and VPN unblocking. Features free trial of 3 days on annual plans. Zero knowledge DNS solution included. NAT firewall provides open-source anti malware protection.
Windscribe:
Canada based VPN provider Known for generous 10GB monthly free VPN plan. Also has low-cost pro plans and allows unlimited devices. Reliably unblocks top streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu. Uses AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
Conclusion
Installing and using a high-quality VPN dramatically enhances both streaming content options and privacy on your Fire TV Stick device. VPNs encrypt all Firestick traffic keeping your viewing activities safe from snooping by ISPs or WiFi owners. Tunneling through foreign servers also bypasses geo-restrictions to open up more shows and movies abroad.
To recap, the best VPNs for Amazon Firestick in 2023 are:
- ExpressVPN – Simple to setup and blazing speeds ideal for Firestick streaming in HD or 4K. MediaStreamer unblocks Netflix, Prime Video, etc around the world.
- NordVPN – Very reliable and secure VPN for Firestick with nice extra features like CyberSec ad-blocking.
- Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN option great for Firestick streaming due to unlimited device connections and fast speeds.
- IPVanish – Another very capable Firestick VPN focused on delivering reliable video streaming performance at a fair price point.
We recommend ExpressVPN as the top choice and NordVPN as the best premium alternative. Surfshark is the cheap VPN option, while IPVanish balances capabilities against lower rates.
Whichever Firestick VPN provider you choose from those covered, make sure to take advantage of any money-back guarantee period to test streaming site access in your region. Using a suitable VPN greatly expands what content you can enjoy on your Firestick no matter where you are located globally. It will also keep your entire viewing experience far more private and secure from end to end.