Your Fire Stick is a handy little gadget, but combining it with a trustworthy VPN (Virtual Private Network) will make your smart TV even smarter and help you check out streaming content from around the world. Plus, you don't need to be a technical wizard to make it happen.
The TechRadar team is always getting hands-on with today's best VPNs., and we, like many, are always getting caught up watching our favorite shows, so we take pride in thoroughly testing VPNs with Fire Sticks to ensure your favorite shows can be yours to stream wherever you are.
3 best VPNs: quick overview
| Header Cell - Column 0 | 1. NordVPN | 2. ExpressVPN | 3. PIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | from $2.99/month | from $5.32/month | from $2.03/month |
| Server countries | 111 | 106 | 91 |
| Server locations | 144 | 148 | 152 |
| Dedicated streaming servers? | No | No | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 8 | Unlimited |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, Fire Stick and more | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, Fire Stick and more | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, Fire Stick and more |
Recent updates
Since our last update, our top providers have gone through another round of our rigorous, proprietary testing to see who continues to hold firm and who has begun encountering new issues since last time. Most notably, if you're looking for a Fire Stick VPN, the biggest change is we saw some issues with ExpressVPN unblocking content. While it was still able to unblock everything, it encountered some hiccups with Netflix in certain regions.
The best Fire Stick VPNs in 2024
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The best Fire Stick VPN overall
✔️ You're an avid Netflix fan: NordVPN is my #1 pick for Netflix, capable of unblocking content from around the world in just a few clicks.
✔️ You want a balance of quality and cost: check out a stacked roster of security tools, awesome speeds, and advanced features for mid-range prices.
✔️ You want an all-in-one security suite: with NordVPN, you're getting built-in ad blocking and malware protection as standard.
❌ Simplicity is key: the NordVPN apps lack a little polish, and IPVanish's UI is easier to navigate.
🔒 NordVPN claims the top spot in my rankings thanks to its awesome unblocking power and easy-to-use apps. Check it out yourself, and access tons of content, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth NordVPN review for a closer look at this all-in-one security solution.
NordVPN has earned a lot of positive reviews from Fire Stick users – just take a peek at the app store. It's all thanks to NordVPN's mix of awesome unblocking power, reliable speeds, and prices that don't break the bank. Go with NordVPN, and you're getting a battle-tested industry veteran that'll work seamlessly with your Fire Stick.
I'm always blown away by how many streaming platforms NordVPN can access. That's great news for folks who are subscribed to multiple platforms and want to get their money's worth. During my testing, I was able to unblock BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Oh, and if you're a Netflix lover, you'll be glad to hear that the VPN can access libraries from the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, and even Turkey. As you'd expect from the best streaming VPN around, NordVPN also works with smaller regional services, like ITVX and 9Now.
▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Buffering, slow-loading pages, and low-quality streams can really kill the vibe when you're trying to check out what's new on your Fire Stick. Luckily, NordVPN aced our performance tests in our most recent round of VPN evaluations. Using the proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on super-speedy WireGuard), it clocked in at over 950 Mbps. You only need around 25 Mbps to stream in 4K – which gives you an idea of just how quick NordVPN is.
Generally, I enjoy the NordVPN apps. The design is clear and clean and not inundated with clutter – but some features can be a little tricky to find if you're using the mobile app. It takes a few extra taps to land on the settings menu than you'd expect, for example, and the map-based interface can be difficult to use on smaller screens.
NordVPN doesn't pull punches when it comes to security. Strong encryption and a rock-solid kill switch ensure that you don't leave an identifiable trail across the web, and the service has even invited independent auditors to comb through its no-logs policy. You might think this is all a bit overkill, especially if you only plan on using the VPN to unblock content, but everyone has a right to digital privacy – and NordVPN can help prevent ISP throttling that might otherwise impact your streaming sessions.
All in all, NordVPN is a sturdy solution for most Fire Stick owners. It has all the right tools to protect your digital security while unblocking a world's worth of content, and add-on features you can include in your plan (if they take your fancy). See for yourself how it works with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and if you decide to commit, the most affordable rate comes with a 2-year plan (but you should pay attention to hikes in costs when it auto-renews).
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Akin to its mobile app counterparts, it is simple and gets the job done | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | You can find everything you need quickly and with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of our fastest VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Every bit as strong as ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly, supportive, and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for the money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for beginners
✔️ You want a super fast VPN for streaming: Express VPN is a great choice for streaming 4K on Fire Stick comfortably.
✔️ You want a VPN you can set and forget: ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature means connecting once, and you're always protected.
✔️ You want to stream content everywhere: with over 148 locations worldwide to choose from, you'll be able to access local content no matter where you are.
❌ You're on a strict budget: ExpressVPN is an expensive choice in a cost-of-living crisis. If you can't afford its prices, we'd recommend looking towards NordVPN or PIA.
❌ You want to tap into your US or UK Netflix account: ExpressVPN isn't consistent when unblocking these libraries, though it's perfect for watching in Japan or Australia.
🔒 ExpressVPN strikes the perfect balance between security, usability, performance, and unblocking capability, all while offering exceptional customization. Try for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's our top VPN pick for 2023.
ExpressVPN is a top pick thanks to its easy-to-use and reliable Fire TV app and strong unblocking capabilities always giving us a smooth streaming experience.
An extensive server network of 148 locations over 106 countries (more than almost any other provider) makes getting an IP from the US, UK, Canada, or other countries super simple. This means you can access all popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video, no matter where you are.
The interface has a clear and straightforward design, making ExpressVPN an excellent choice for beginners. Our latest speed tests saw ExpressVPN clock in at 898 Mbps.
Admittedly that's not as fast as NordVPN, which maxed out our gigabit testing lines at 950 Mbps, but at 898 Mbps, ExpressVPN is more than 30 times faster than what you need for ultra-high definition. It provides solid overall performance and good streaming quality, enabling you to enjoy Full HD without buffering and slowdowns.
In our latest deep-dive stream unblocking tests, ExpressVPN was able to access every streaming service we threw at it, and in every region, too. That includes Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, ITVX, All 4, 9Now, and 10Play. However, in our everyday usage, we find ExpressVPN is outperformed by NordVPN, which we found to be more consistent with its unblocking and ran into fewer hiccups, even if both did eventually unblock the service.
ExpressVPN may seem like it comes with a higher price tag than other top picks like Surfshark or NordVPN. However, the service more than makes up for it by offering a built-in password manager, a year of cloud storage, and even a built-in threat manager to help block ads and malicious sites – all for free. Plus, if you compare the 1-year plans of NordVPN and ExpressVPN, they're about the same, so it's an even better deal than it appears on the surface.
Supporting eight simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN is a great option for tech-loving households, and installing it on your router will protect every device on your network. You'll find plenty of helpful guides on its site, and there is 24/7 live chat and email support at your disposal if you need additional help.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Intuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than leading competitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best budget Fire Stick VPN
✔️ You want to stream on unlimited devices: You can stream in 4K on unlimited devices 24/7 – whatever you want to watch on Fire TV, PIA has got you covered.
✔️ You want a VPN that's proven its claims: PIA is one of the only VPN services that can say it's proven its no-logs policy in court – not once, but twice.
❌ You want the easiest VPN to use: PIA's orientation towards technical users means that it isn't the best for absolute beginners.
❌ You want the fastest VPN: PIA offers good torrenting speeds comparable to ExpressVPN, but it is nowhere near the speeds on offer with NordVPN.
🔒 Private Internet Access is an industry veteran and a long-standing favorite of privacy purists. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Private Internet Access VPN review and see why this industry veteran is a popular choice among privacy purists.
Private Internet Access (or PIA to its friends) claims a top spot in my rankings thanks to its feature-packed apps and budget-friendly prices. It's an awesome privacy package that you can nab for around $2.19 a month if you go for the 2-year plan. In return, you'll get access to a massive network of tens of thousands of servers, dotted all over the world, which makes unblocking all of your favorite shows and movies a breeze.
PIA has had trouble accessing BBC iPlayer in the past (which isn't unusual – a lot of VPNs struggle with the platform), but achieved top marks in our most recent round of testing. I was able to unblock all of today's most in-demand platforms (including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and iPlayer) without a hitch, as well as smaller regional services like 9Now and 10 Play.
▶ Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices
PIA packs a hefty punch when it comes to privacy, too, offering today's top VPN protocols – OpenVPN and WireGuard. You'll also get a kill switch and PIA's MACE tool, which blocks ads, malware, and other digital nasties that'd otherwise spoil your browsing experience.
In terms of speed, PIA's WireGuard performance jumped from 330 Mbps to 436 Mbps – which is encouraging. These are the speeds you'll need to enjoy smooth HD streaming, online gaming, and crystal-clear video and voice calls.
Despite the immense customization on offer and an excellent array of security tools, the interface generally needs a more intuitive feel. It can be confusing for beginners and anyone who doesn't know to look for it in the hidden icons tray of their system tray. However, PIA's engineers assured us that a new app interface is on its way in 2024.
Overall, PIA is great value for money. Unlike most of the competitors, it supports unlimited devices. Combine that with being affordable in the first place – it's a decent alternative for an Amazon Fire Stick VPN.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lots of customization, but could do with some attention to detail | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Not the best for beginners, but great for advanced users | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Good speeds, but generally average compared to industry leaders | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Dedicated streaming servers and tens of thousands of servers to help you unblock anything and everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The latest and greatest in VPN tech and a proven | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | A mass of knowledge online and expert support on-hand at all times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget-friendly and offering plenty of value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You don't want to break the bank: Surfshark proves that a premium provider doesn't have to come with a premium price tag.
✔️ You need an all-in-one tool: similar to NordVPN, Surfshark has its very own ad-blocking and malware protection tools (and then some).
❌ Communication is key: I noticed that, unlike ExpressVPN, Surfshark won't let you know if the VPN connection drops at any point, meaning you could be browsing without protection.
🔒 Surfshark is one of my favorite low-cost providers, and a great Fire Stick companion, that offers real value for money with unlimited simultaneous connections. Check it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Head on over to our Surfshark VPN review to see why Surfshark is such a solid all-rounder.
If you're a real bargain hunter, and want to get the most value for the least amount of money, you'll want to check out Surfshark. It's the cheapest VPN on the market and one of the best – in fact, you can often pick up a plan for as little as $1.99. That's an awesomely teeny-tiny fee, especially compared to the likes of ExpressVPN.
Surfshark is one of my go-to services when it comes to unblocking streaming platforms, too, and it's never let me down when it comes to checking out what's new on Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney Plus. It'll also help you stay up to date with local services (including 9Now, BBC iPlayer, and C4) without a fuss.
▶ Try Surfshark today with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark ticks all the right boxes when it comes to safety – which is what you'd expect from one of our top-rated services. Your browsing habits will be covered by rock-solid encryption, handy ad-blocking tools ensure your streaming sessions aren't interrupted by those annoying popups, and I'm also glad to see that Surfshark has invested in an audit of its no-logs policy, so you can rest assured it isn't keeping tabs on your day-to-day digital adventures.
Speed is a top priority for any avid streamer and, good news, Surfshark is currently the fastest VPN on the market. It can handle HD and 4K content without slowing you down, whether you're tuning in at home via your Fire Stick or taking your shows on the go with your mobile or tablet.
I particularly like the Surfshark user interface. It's not quite as sleek as ExpressVPN's artisan apps, but you won't be waylaid by a ton of clutter or settings, which is great news for VPN newbies who just want to connect to a server and start streaming. Advanced tools are there if you want to dig into them, however, and it's easy to configure your experience on desktop and mobile
All in all, Surfshark is the full package, and with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can cover all of your gadgets with a single subscription. So, if you want to share the love with friends or family, you can. Be sure to take advantage of the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial run.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, clean, and clutter-free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | A great pick for newbies on par with NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the quickest VPNs I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Surfshark knocked it out of the park, unblocking every platform I threw at it | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | The Windows app needs some TLC, but otherwise solid with cool antivirus features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Surfshark's support site has come on leaps and bounds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Few VPNs offer so much value for such a tiny price tag | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You have a lot of devices to protect: much like PIA, IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
✔️ You want fast blazing speed: with staggering peaks of 950+ Mbps, IPVanish matched the likes of Surfshark in our latest round of speed testing
❌ You want to stream Disney+: IPVanish has pretty reliable unblocking capabilities, but it struggled to unblock Disney+ in our latest round of testing.
❌ You want a reliable Netflix VPN: Despite unlocking the UK, US and Japan catalogs, it failed to do so with the Australia and Canada libraries.
🔒 IPVanish is a budget-friendly provider with plenty of great features and unlimited simultaneous connections. It's come a long way since our last deep-dive.
IPVanish comes with a stylish dark-style app together with an easy-to-use map interface. I found this to be way more intuitive than NordVPN's, despite the provider offering a smaller network of 2,400+ servers dotted across a bit over 130 locations worldwide. The difference here, though, is that the company actually owns all its servers.
IPVanish reveals some serious improvements during our last round of testing, too, placing itself among the quickest VPNs out there alongside the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark, and Hide.me.
▶ Try IPVanish with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
However, IPVanish can't quite claim the title of the most reliable streaming VPN. We had mixed results last time we put it to the test. The service brilliantly unlocked US, UK, and Japan Netflix, for example, but it failed to do the same with its Australian and Canadian libraries. We also managed to access Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and 9Now with ease, but we were not equally lucky with Disney Plus and 10Paly.
The privacy front is where the provider really shines, though. IPVanish offers a wealth of security features and customization right within its apps. It also boasts an independently audited no-log privacy policy.
Another big plus is IPVanish unlimited device allowance, meaning that you can secure all your other devices as well as those of all your family members with just one subscription. The 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a risk-free way to find out more, but beware, it's for annual plans only – monthly billed users aren't covered.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dark and edgy, but generally complicated | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Some usability issues and a complex interface | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Incredibly fast WireGuard speeds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Decent unblocking with a couple of hiccups | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Thoroughly audited and reliable encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support articles aren't as helpful as they should be and generally say the same thing | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Generally cheap, but renewal prices are quite a sting to users that get caught out | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose an Amazon Fire Stick VPN
There are a lot of VPNs on the market – but not all of them work well with Amazon Fire Stick (or unblock the shows and movies you want to watch). So, with that in mind, here are the key factors to keep in mind when shopping around:
- Dedicated Fire TV VPN app: this one's a no-brainer, but you'll want a VPN that's compatible with your Amazon Fire Stick. Choosing a VPN that offers an app directly on the Amazon App Store makes installation a breeze.
- Unblocking power: some VPNs fail miserably when it comes to accessing international streaming libraries. So, make sure your VPN can unlock all of your Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu favorites.
- Speed: picking a VPN with a quick and reliable performance ensures that you won't have to sit and watch the dreaded buffering circle instead of the movie you're trying to stream.
How we test Fire Stick VPNs
Our experts use the best VPNs every day, so we know we've always got a finger on the pulse of the industry. However, we conduct a comprehensive technical analysis of the top 30 services every 6 months, so we always know which services lead the pack.
TechRadar's VPN reviews begin at the service's website, but our regular practical testing includes looking at the features on offer, how they work in a real-world setting, and how fast the VPN is on a standard home network. This gives us a better overview of what you can really expect from the service, as well as what it's wholly capable of.
We install each service on a variety of Apple products and check to see whether there are any differences between what is on offer for Mac users and for other devices. You'd be surprised by how many VPN providers offer a reduced toolkit for Mac and iOS.
Last but not least, we start cracking away at streaming services and torrenting sites. Testing whether the service actually supports P2P file sharing and streaming unblocking, or just says it does.
Once we've completed these tests, our VPN experts compare the results of the top services, and the end result is this page. You can learn more about our testing on our VPN review methodology page.
Amazon Fire Stick VPN FAQs
What VPN should I use for Fire Stick?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Fire Stick – and my personal favorite service overall. It's a great balance of speed, unblocking power, and prices that don't break the bank, and getting it set up with your Fire Stick is a piece of cake, too. Plus, if you run into trouble and need a helping hand, NordVPN's live chat support is available 24/7.
What is a Fire stick?
Considering you've found yourself here, we assume you likely already know what an Amazon Fire TV Stick is, but just in case...
The Fire TV Stick is Amazon's answer to Chromecast and Roku, first introduced in 2014. Essentially allowing you to smart-ify your TV, the device plugs into the HDMI port on the back of your TV and allows you to stream content over Wi-Fi. From here you can access your favorite streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max. Also super portable, you can unplug and take it with you, and watch content from anywhere with the help of the best Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN.
How to install and use a VPN on Fire TV
As long as you opt for a VPN provider that has its very own Fire TV app (which all the services on this list do), installing your VPN onto an Amazon Fire TV device is very, very easy.
Sign up for your chosen service (preferably from the above options), then head to the Amazon Appstore on your Fire Stick. Install the corresponding app, sign in, and the rest should be relatively self-explanatory. Voila!
You can also read a more comprehensive step-by-step on how to install ExpressVPN on Fire Stick, or how to get NordVPN on Fire Stick with our dedicated guides.
Is a free VPN enough for watching Amazon Fire TV?
Short answer: no. While you won't have to part with your cash, there are obviously a number of drawbacks and limitations to a lot of free VPN providers, including data that streaming uses a lot of! On top of a daily or monthly allowance, many VPN providers hold back premium features in order to encourage users to upgrade.
From a user experience perspective, you'll likely also be bombarded with lots of ads, and there always remains a question of security on some more suspicious free services. What's more, you'll have to tinker with more complex workarounds like setting up a router VPN, as they don't tend to have a Fire TV app.
There's also no free VPN on Fire Stick readily available, either.
What happens if I don't use a VPN on my Fire Stick?
Using a VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick isn't a must – but I'd definitely recommend it if you're invested in your digital privacy. Plus, you won't want to miss out on their awesome content-unblocking powers.
In short, it'll better protect your private, sensitive information and allow you to watch even more content, as well as tune into your usual on-demand platforms and native broadcasters if you end up taking your Fire Stick abroad.
Will a VPN work on every Fire Stick generation?
VPNs don't usually have their own dedicated Fire Stick apps – so, you'll need to make sure the provider you pick actually works with your Fire Stick. Fortunately, all of the VPNs I've listed above are perfectly compatible with any Fire Stick generation, so you don't need to worry about whether you're using the latest version.
Having graduated with a degree in Computer Science and worked for years as a Lead Software Developer, Mike uses his skills to create his own VPN speed testing tools, ransomware simulators, and other smaller tools. These tools, plus Mike's keen eye for security tech and its flaws, make Mike a reliable guide to discovering the right VPN for your Amazon Fire Stick.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
