Best VPN for Firestick in 2021: Access the Hottest Content
Amazon's Firestick is a great way to watch streaming services directly on your television. You're still restricted by geoblocking though, so installing the best VPN for Firestick will let you watch content from all over the world.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick (or Firestick) has changed the way we watch our favorite streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. While this device has been a game changer in this digital age, it’s still disappointing if you’re not able to access your favorite shows because of georestrictions. This is why we’ve taken the time to compile this best VPN for Firestick roundup.
Key Takeaways:
- Using a VPN on your Fire TV Stick lets you access popular streaming platforms like Netflix U.S., Amazon Prime, Hulu and more.
- None of the paid VPN providers on our list impose bandwidth limits for streaming your favorite shows on Fire TV Stick.
- ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Firestick due to its impressive speeds, powerful ability to bypass geoblocking and bulletproof security features.
Using a VPN such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN — our top two suggestions — will not only unblock various Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more, it will also secure your internet connection and offer a more seamless and faster streaming experience.
Many of the providers mentioned today have also made it to our best VPNs list. They offer a ton of servers to access georestricted content, impressive connection speeds and other handy features that we will cover today.
If you’re happy with the content you already have on your Amazon Firestick, then you can skip the VPN. However, if you want more access to georestricted sites — like BBC iPlayer, multiple Netflix libraries and more — then a VPN is a good way to go. With a trusted provider such as Surfshark, you’ll also have an extra layer of security while browsing or streaming on your Firestick.
Any VPN provider on our list is a good choice. However, we highly recommend both ExpressVPN and NordVPN for their wide network of servers, impressive speeds and privacy features.
ExpressVPN is the fastest and best VPN for Firestick. It performed really well during our speed tests and we were able to access all the popular streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer.
- 1
- Payment methods: PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, SOFORT, AliPay, UnionPay, iDeal, WebMoney
- Simultaneous connections: 5
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Can access Netflix US
- Allows torrenting
- No-logging policy
- 2
- Payment methods: Credit card, Google Pay, AmazonPay, ACH Transfer, UnionPay, Crypto Currencies
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Can access Netflix US
- Allows torrenting
- No-logging policy
- 3
- Payment methods: PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin
- Simultaneous connections: 7
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Can access Netflix US
- Allows torrenting
- No-logging policy
- 4
- Payment methods: PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Can access Netflix US
- Allows torrenting
- No-logging policy
- 5
- Payment methods: PayPal, Credit card
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Can access Netflix US
- Allows torrenting
- No-logging policy
What Makes the Best VPN for Firestick?
The VPN providers we’ve selected today are the best for a reason, which we will get into shortly. First, let’s check out our top five VPNs for the Amazon Firestick.
- ExpressVPN — The fastest VPN on this list, large server network
- NordVPN — Large number of servers available, easy to use
- CyberGhost — Dedicated servers for streaming, affordable plans
- Surfshark — Can access all major streaming platforms, unlimited connections
- IPVanish — Fast speeds, good user interface, kill switch
Every VPN should be able to bypass geoblocking, which allows you to access content that would otherwise be restricted in your country, such as HBO Max or BBC iPlayer. This is also where the number of servers factors in. Having access to plentiful servers lets you visit more streaming sites and enjoy faster speeds since the network isn’t oversaturated with users.
Privacy is another thing you should look for. Credible VPN providers like NordVPN often have a strict no-logs policy. This means that your data, such as session logs or personal info, remains private. While some providers claim to offer this, it’s important to scour through their privacy policy to see if there are some exceptions.
Fast speeds are another vital factor that can make or break a VPN. While your original speed will be compromised because of the VPN’s encryption process, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN will significantly reduce the impact of latency and allow you to enjoy content with minimal buffering and connection breaks.
1. ExpressVPN
More details about ExpressVPN:
- Pricing: $6.67 per month for 12 months, plus three months free
- Provider website: www.expressvpn.com
Pros:
- High-speed connections
- Secure connection & strict no-logs policy
- Offers 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t have an ad blocker
ExpressVPN is our number-one VPN for Firestick, thanks to its blazing-fast speed and strong ability to bypass geoblocks. It’s effective for unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN and more. You can learn about the process of installing ExpressVPN on your Firestick here. See our full ExpressVPN review for more.
With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN makes sure you can always find a server close to you — no matter where you are. On top of that, you also have unlimited bandwidth to stream, torrent or download as much as you want, on up to five devices.
ExpressVPN is as secure as they come. With its OpenVPN protocol, paired with AES-256 encryption, you’re guaranteed that all your online activity and data (such as your IP address) remain private, away from prying eyes. You can read our article about different encryptions, if you want to learn more.
Lastly, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test out all its features before committing to it. Its best deal is the annual plan, which includes three extra months for free.
2. NordVPN
More details about NordVPN:
- Pricing: $3.71 per month for the first two years
- Provider website: www.nordvpn.com
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Over 5,700 worldwide servers
- AES-256, ChaCha20 encryption
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept PayPal
- Expensive monthly plans
NordVPN is our second choice for a couple of reasons. It’s great for streaming due to its impressive speeds, and it can unblock many popular platforms such as Hulu in the United States, HBO and more. It’s also very easy to find and download to your Firestickfrom the Amazon app store. Read our NordVPN review for more information.
Because NordVPN offers over 5,700 servers in 59 countries, you’re able to stream your favorite international or local content while traveling abroad. Having more server connections ensures that you can find one with an optimal load level for faster speeds and smoother streaming. NordVPN allows up to six device connections — to protect all your gadgets.
NordVPN also includes CyberSec, which acts as an ad and malware blocker. On top of that, it’s also very secure since it uses AES-256 encryption — which is nearly impossible to break into. You also have the option to enable NordLynx, which uses the ChaCha 20 encryption. This offers the same security as AES-256, but is slightly faster.
NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and responsive customer support if you aren’t happy with its performance. Currently, its best deal lies in its two-year plan. You’ll only have to pay $89 for the first two years, then $286.80 every 24 months thereafter.
3. CyberGhost
More details about CyberGhost:
- Pricing: $87.75 for three years, plus three months free
- Provider website: www.cyberghostvpn.com
Pros:
- One-day free trial
- Can access most popular streaming sites
- Very secure
Cons:
- Not very fast
- Monthly plan is expensive
CyberGhost is the third entry on our list and it comes with an impressive 6,100 server network worldwide. CyberGhost also allows you to give it a try for one-day, to see how you feel about it before you make a purchase. The VPN app itself can be easily found in the Amazon app store — check out this piece on how to install CyberGhost on your Firestick.
We like CyberGhost VPN for the reason that it can bypass the tough geoblocks to access popular streaming sites such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and many more. Additionally, it supports up to seven simultaneous connections to use the VPN on other streaming devices, too. While its speeds weren’t as impressive as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, it’s still decent enough to stream content on the Amazon Firestick without buffering.
Regarding security, CyberGhost comes with all the essential specs. It features tough 256 bit encryption that’s designed to protect your sensitive data, together with OpenVPN protocol that allows you to run secured VPN connections (though by default it uses IKEv2). CyberGhost VPN protects you from any unwanted ads or malicious sites. Now that Amazon has added the option to use Firefox and Amazon Silk browser via the Firestick, that can come in very handy.
CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee to try it out (except the monthly plan, which is limited to 14 days). Currently, CyberGhost VPN is offering a discounted rate of $87.75 for its three-year plan, with three extra months free. CyberGhost VPN accepts all forms of payment as well, including bitcoin. To learn more, take a look at our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review.
4. Surfshark
More details about Surfshark:
- Pricing: $2.49 per month for two years, billed as a one-time payment of $59.76
- Provider website: www.surfshark.com
Pros:
- Supports unlimited devices
- 7-day free trial
- Can access popular streaming sites
Cons:
- Streaming isn’t very fast, but good for Firestick
- No user forum
Surfshark is another favorite of ours. It comes with unlimited simultaneous connections — meaning that you can have all your devices protected while paying a single subscription fee — and offers compatibility with PC, Mac, IOS, Android and Linux. On top of that, it can access the most popular streaming sites which include Hulu, Netflix U.S. and Amazon Prime Video, making it a great Firestick VPN.
It also comes with multi-hop routing, which allows you to route your connection through several VPN servers for extra security and pairs nicely with its NoBorders function. NoBorders is a new addition to Surfshark VPN, which claims to allow access in highly restricted countries such as Russia or China (read our best VPN for Russia piece).
For added security, Surfshark supports the near-unbreakable AES-256 encryption and opts for OpenVPN (including IKEv2 & Shadowsocks) protocol, so you can keep your online activity to yourself.
Surfshark’s 1,040 servers in 63 countries aren’t as impressive as CyberGhost’s, but it breaks through the tough georestrictions surrounding Netflix. However, you might need to switch around the servers a bit if you’re unable to access it on the first try. If you wish to see our speed test results, check out our review of Surfshark.
Right now Surshark is offering a two-year discount that ends up being $2.49 per month for a one-time payment of $59.76. If you’re still unsure, this plan is refundable for up to 30 days.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth,Unlimited devices
- Bandwidth: Unlimited GB
- Included Devices: Unlimited
- Bitcoin
5. IPVanish
More details about IPVanish:
- Pricing: $4.99 for the first month, $9.99 per month thereafter
- Provider website: www.ipvanish.com
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Good speeds for streaming
- 30-day refund policy
Cons:
- Can’t access Hulu or Amazon Prime
- Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency
While IPVanish may be last on our list, it still comes with a wide array of features that make it a good VPN for Firestick. However, keep in mind that it’s only compatible with the second-generation Fire TV stick (or newer). Other than that, it’s easy to download — simply locate it in the app store to install on the Firestick. IPVanish is also compatible with Amazon Fire TV, and it allows split-tunneling on it as well.
With IPVanish you have the freedom of using it on up to 10 devices, which is pretty generous. It comes with a user-friendly interface that’s simple to navigate, even for beginners. IPVanish is also pretty secure since it includes 256-bit AES encryption (the strongest one out there) and the OpenVPN protocol, which is the most reliable one.
IPVanish performed quite well during our speed testing, and while it couldn’t unblock Hulu or BBC iPlayer, we could still stream Netflix U.S. with decent quality. Additionally, it comes with 1,400 servers across 59 countries — not as many as ExpressVPN (see our ExpressVPN vs IPVanish comparison), but it’s a good start. Find out more in our IPVanish review.
IPVanish’s best plan starts at $4.99 for the first month, but the price increases to $9.99 per month after that. You can try it out risk-free for 30 days when opting for its annual plan, which is $39.99 for the first year and $79.99 per year thereafter.
- $4.99 for the first month
- Bandwidth: Unlimited GB
- Included Devices: 10
- $39.99 for the first year
- Bandwidth: Unlimited GB
- Included Devices: 10
What’s the Best Free VPN for Amazon Firestick?
Usually, we recommend that users steer clear of free VPNs such as Hola VPN, as they are a minefield for malware, fraud or other malfeasance. Not only that, they’re unable to bypass georestrictions or offer decent streaming speeds like a premium VPN provider such as ExpressVPN does.
However, there are always exceptions to the rule. From our list of the top free VPNs, Windscribe offers a free plan, as well as affordable paid plans, and is even compatible with Firestick. While its free plan has a 2GB limit (that can be increased to 10GB when you confirm your email address), it’s just enough data for giving it a try before you decide whether it’s something you want to invest in.
Why Use a VPN With Amazon Fire TV Stick?
Using a VPN with an Amazon Fire TV Stick enables you to access various Netflix libraries and other georestricted content from your own country or while abroad. Not only that, but a trusted VPN service also keeps all your online activities secure and private with its powerful encryption capabilities and protocols.
Is Using a VPN for Firestick Safe?
Yes, it’s safe to use premium VPN services such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN on your Amazon Firestick. Not only are the providers on our list reputable, but they can all be accessed and downloaded straight from the Amazon app store for added convenience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, using a VPN on Firestick is a great way to enjoy your favorite shows with no restrictions. They also secure your privacy while online, and often VPN providers come with other perks such as multiple simultaneous connections or even a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Of the five best VPNs on our list, ExpressVPN is our favorite, closely followed by NordVPN. Their fast speeds speak for themselves, as do their impressive security features, powerful geoblocking bypass abilities and large server networks. If you want to see how these two measure up against each other, check out our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN piece.
That being said, we’d love to hear your input on this, so be sure to let us know in the comments below. Also, why not check out our best VPN for IPTV piece? Thanks for reading.