Best VPNs for watching Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video can be accessed from anywhere with a VPN, including the United States, which has a vast library of content to choose from. Find out how in this guide.

Amazon Prime Video serves content based on the country or region you’re currently in. That catalog varies greatly from one country to the next. A VPN is the best method to bypass these geographical restrictions, allowing anybody to access regional versions of Amazon Prime from abroad. 

VPNs allow you to stream movies, shows, and sports that aren’t available in your current location. A reliable VPN also gives you watertight online privacy by encrypting all the data traveling from your device to the VPN server.

Amazon Prime Video has become extremely proficient at blocking VPNs, which is why only a handful of providers work. This means you have to pick a VPN very carefully. If you try streaming with a VPN not recommended in this guide, you will get the following error message:

“Your device is connected to the internet using a VPN or proxy service. Please disable it and try again. for more help, go to primevideo.com/vpn.’’

This article includes a round-up of the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video, including a step-by-step guide for getting started. If you don’t have time to check out the entire article, here’s a quick summary of our top picks.

Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video:

1. NordVPN: Our top recommendation for Amazon Prime Video. Works to access lots of streaming services, has unique features, custom protocol, and fast connection speeds. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget pick for Amazon Prime Video. Servers in 100+ countries, streaming support, unlimited device connections, no logs, and audited applications. 
3. ExpressVPN: Capable apps, Lightway protocol, and able to bypass the majority of geo-restrictions for streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video. 
4. Proton VPN: Powerful provider with fast speeds and strong security features. Limited free tier and supports streaming Amazon Prime Video via the Plus tier. 
5. CyberGhost: Streaming-optimized servers for Prime Video labeled within the app. Fast speeds and thousands of servers. 
6. Atlas VPN: US-based service that works with a range of platforms in the country. Simple apps for all devices and unlimited simultaneous connections. 
7. PrivateVPN: No logs, works with Amazon Prime Video, 24/7 chat support, and 10 device connections.  

Summary Table

Many providers attest to their abilities to access streaming services, but results will vary depending on the platform, and the VPN itself. 

We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Amazon Prime Video:

• Servers in the United States that can be used with Amazon Prime Video
• Connection speeds need to be fast enough for 4K streaming 
• Privacy and security are always important 
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is able to handle streaming Amazon Prime Video thanks to a selection of RAM-only servers found in 15 US cities. It has a network of 5,700+ servers in a total of 60+ countries. 

As well as Amazon Prime Video and US Netflix, it had no trouble accessing Peacock, HBO Max, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu during testing. SmartPlay (Smart DNS) is designed to work seamlessly in the background, so you don’t have to do anything aside from picking a server in the right location.  

NordLynx is a custom protocol that helps to improve speeds without impacting security. The average from a US server location was 267 Mbps, so it’s quick enough to stream 4K content from multiple tabs. 

You’ll find obfuscation, Double VPN, and unique features like Meshnet, which is a private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Threat Protection blocks malicious websites, prevents web tracking, and blocks adverts and malware. 

The service also scores well in terms of privacy, with a strong no-logs policy, as well as independently audited infrastructure and apps. 

THE BEST VPN FOR AMAZON PRIME VIDEO: NordVPN is a reliable solution if you’d like to stream Amazon Prime Video. Unique features, NordLynx, fast server speeds, and built-in Smart DNS. Audited infrastructure and apps, and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has plenty of servers in 100+ countries, with solid coverage in the United States for watching content via streaming platforms like Amazon. As well as Prime Video, it works with popular streaming services like Netflix, Peacock, HBO Max, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu in the United States. 

It’s not a bad start for a low-cost provider, especially as one account can be used to connect to an unlimited number of devices at the same time. Average download speeds of 205 Mbps from the US are impressive, and the VPN makes good use of the WireGuard protocol. 

The provider is based in the Netherlands, which is slightly off-putting given that the country works with the likes of the US and the UK as part of the Nine Eyes surveillance treaty. However, Surfshark has no user logs to hand over, and applications have been independently audited. Features include obfuscated servers, and protection from IPv6 leaks. 

The provider comes with apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. It can be installed manually on Linux and routers. It should be on your radar if you’re in the market for a capable budget option. 

BEST BUDGET OPTION: Surfshark packs a serious punch considering the low asking price. Servers in 100+ countries, works with multiple streaming services, unlimited simultaneous device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol to great effect, recording average speeds of 253 Mbps while connected to New York. A provider that has reliable apps for all major devices, it’s also the only VPN that offers custom router firmware.

It’s a superb option for accessing geo-blocked streaming platforms, whether it’s Amazon Prime Video or a service like BBC iPlayer. For example, it can access 24 Netflix catalogs, making it one of the more comprehensive options on the market. You'll find server locations in 105+ countries, making it easy to access your favorite content from anywhere in the world. 

ExpressVPN comes with Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), which can access American streaming platforms on game consoles, smart TVs, routers, or any device that doesn’t have VPN support. 

Once again, apps and infrastructure have been audited, and it comes with a strict no-logs policy. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, so there are no jurisdictional issues to speak of. 

It is on the upper end of the pricing scale, and the provider is missing out on a few features like MultiHop and ad-blocking. Otherwise, it’s another great choice for Amazon Prime. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY SERVICE: ExpressVPN is an industry-leading service that accesses most streaming platforms with ease from abroad. Lightway protocol, fast speeds in the US, simple apps, and strong security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN is a capable service released by the team behind ProtonMail. As well as Netflix US, the VPN worked with Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime during testing. 

A feature-laden provider, it comes with everything from port forwarding to ad-blocking. It’s based in Switzerland, benefiting from robust consumer data laws in the country. Secure Core servers work as a form of MultiHop, and it has servers in 14+ US cities.   

Proton comes with a free tier, but it doesn’t provide access to streaming services. You’ll see diminished speeds and fewer servers, so it’s not a viable solution in this instance. Paid users will see average speeds of 303 Mbps in the US. It hit 620 Mbps at the upper end, so the provider is a powerful solution if you're in need of the fastest speeds possible.  

A lack of live chat is a little disappointing. It’s also slightly more expensive than the average provider; so it’s worth considering whether you’re in need of the various advanced features on offer. 

SOLID PRIVACY AND STREAMING: Proton VPN doesn’t disregard streaming support, while improving security and privacy for the average user. Fast speeds, Secure Core servers, free tier, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

CyberGhost has over 9,000 servers to pick from, with optimized options that make it easy to stream with your favorite services from anywhere. Speeds are also impressive, averaging out at 392 Mbps when connected to New York. 

CyberGhost works to access content via servers that are labeled for each service within the app. For example, you’ll find options for Netflix US, YouTube, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, NBC, Fox, Sling TV, Comedy Central, ESPN+, Crunchyroll, Peacock, Disney+, Paramount+, NFL+, and more. 

The same is true for other regions, including the UK and Australia. This makes CyberGhost one of the best options for streaming. The provider doesn’t log the user’s VPN activity, so it's ideal for accessing geo-restricted content from a wide range of locations. 

It is missing out on a few advanced features, such as MultiHop and obfuscation. However, it’s a brilliant choice if you just want to stream Amazon Prime Video content with the least amount of hassle. Everything is clearly labeled within the app, and it comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

OPTIMIZED STREAMING SERVERS: CyberGhost is one of the few providers to make a major effort when it comes to streaming and torrenting. Stable internet connections, massive server network. Excellent speeds via US servers and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Atlas VPN is built around the WireGuard protocol, helping to boost average download speeds to 258 Mbps. Along with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, it works with US services like Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, ABC, and NBC. 

The provider allows the user to connect with unlimited simultaneous devices, and it has a network of 1,000+ servers in 42+ countries. Being based in the United States, it has great coverage within the region. However, a US HQ does cause some jurisdictional headaches, even if it does come with a watertight no-logging policy. 

Features include ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware filtering, as well as rotating IPs. It comes with MultiHop, and offers a limited free tier with a trio of locations. These are found in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and New York. 

You’ll probably be interested to hear that these free locations can be used for streaming, but there is a 5 GB monthly data limit. As such, it’s not a viable long-term solution unless you pay for a premium subscription. 

There’s a collection of apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 

GREAT FOR US STREAMING: Atlas VPN is based in the United States, and speeds are fast enough for watching Amazon Prime Video. Unlimited simultaneous device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

PrivateVPN is the final provider to make the list. An impressive service in most respects, it has 200+ server locations in 63+ countries. US servers worked with Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, and NBC, as well as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney Plus during testing. 

Average speeds from PrivateVPN's New York servers amount to 50 Mbps, which is quick enough for streaming, even if it’s not the fastest option by any means. A Virtual Private Network with the ability to access various types of geo-restricted content, it also comes with DNS leak protection, and allows for torrenting throughout its network. 

A capable low-cost VPN, it has a solid no-logs policy, and it’s based in Sweden. PrivateVPN offers features like port forwarding and obfuscation, and you’ll be able to get in contact with the support team at any time via live chat. 

It comes with apps for all major platforms, including Firesticks and FireTV. You can connect up to 10 simultaneous devices with a single account.  

AFFORDABLE US STREAMING: PrivateVPN works with multiple US streaming platforms, and is a great budget alternative to the premium providers seen above. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video 

• Servers: Servers in the United States are a good starting point. If you’d also like to connect to different regions, we’ve factored in the strength of the entire network.
• Speeds and performance: Fast connection speeds are especially important for streaming content with no lag or buffering. 
• Privacy and security: Privacy and security shouldn’t be disregarded, even if you only plan to use the VPN for streaming from abroad.
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on Bleeping Computer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to access Amazon Prime Video with a VPN

If you’re not sure what to do, we’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide to help you get started with Amazon Prime Video and a VPN. For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to assume that you’ll want to connect to the US version of the service. 

1. Pick one of the providers we’ve listed above. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN app to the device you want to stream from. 
3. Open the VPN app, and log in. 
4. Select a server in the US, or elsewhere if you want to access a different catalog. 
5. Wait to be connected. You should now be able to stream Amazon Prime Video. 

If you run into any issues, make sure to clear your device's cache and cookies. Switching to another server in the US is another potential solution. 

Watch Amazon Prime from anywhere on any device

The VPNs recommended in this guide have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some also have apps for Amazon Firestick, and a smart DNS service that will let you stream US Amazon Prime on consoles, Apple TV, and other devices that won't let you install a VPN directly.

This is one of the key advantages of using the VPNs in this guide; they are compatible with a wide range of devices to let you stream Prime Video at home, at work, and on the move.

Whether you're on a laptop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or gaming console, our recommendations offer dedicated apps and setup guides to ensure smooth integration. And these VPN services support various VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and the faster and more efficient WireGuard. These protocols help optimize VPN performance for different devices, ensuring that you can watch Amazon Prime without interruptions or buffering.

Access a wide variety of Prime catalogs

The VPNs in this guide have servers in over 50 countries, many which are compatible with Amazon Prime. This allows you to access Prime Video content from different regions depending on the location of the VPN server you connect to.

If you want to access content available in the United States, make sure to choose a VPN server located in the US. Alternatively, you can connect to a server back home to watch your usual catalog on vacation.

If you have any issues, check with your VPN provider to confirm that it can unblock Amazon Prime Video for your desired region.

VPNs that don’t access Prime Video

Amazon Prime detects VPN usage with decent accuracy. Here are some of the providers that have had issues with the platform in the past:

• Zenmate 
• PureVPN 
• LiquidVPN 
• Hola VyprVPN 
• Tunnelbear 
• CactusVPN 
• Private Internet Access (PIA) 
• Buffered 
• HideMyAss 
• Windscribe 
• Hide.me 
• Turbo VPN 
• Avast VPN 
• Opera VPN

Amazon Prime VPN: FAQs

Will a free VPN work with Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon is stringent when it comes to blocking VPNs, and the majority of free services will struggle. Free providers have been known to leak or sell user data, while some even contain malware. 

Performance is also likely to be an issue. Many free VPNs hide streaming support behind a paywall, or will cap speeds and bandwidth to make content unwatchable. 

Will a VPN work with Amazon Prime Video in other countries?

Some VPNs will be able to access Amazon Prime Video content from regions other than the United States. Prime Video is available in over 200 countries, although the catalog differs depending on your location. The US has the most content overall. 

Can Amazon Prime Video detect VPN usage?

Yes, Amazon Prime Video can detect VPN usage, going so far as to ban the VPN IP address to stop users from accessing shows from other regions. If your VPN is detected, you’ll see an error message when you try to play a video. 

What is the minimum internet speed for Amazon Prime Video to run 4K content?

Prime Video subscribers can access 4K Ultra HD content. Amazon says:

“To watch 4K Ultra HD on Your Fire TV, you need a high-speed internet connection of at least 15 Mbps. Some video apps (for example, Netflix) recommend at least 20 Mbps.”

Slow VPNs aren’t going to be helpful for streaming. We’ve made a note of the average speed test results for each provider above. 

Will using a VPN slow speeds while using Amazon Prime Video?

VPNs tend to slow speeds to an extent, unless you’re being throttled by your ISP. As of 2023, any noticeable difference in speeds is negligible if you stick with a premium provider. 

Will my Prime Video membership work in other countries?

Your Prime membership will work in other countries. However, content will differ depending on the region you’re in. The VPNs listed above may work with other versions of Prime Video, but we’ve only tested the US servers. 

Note that outside of the USA, you might need to access Prime Video through primevideo.com, rather than the Amazon marketplace.

Does Amazon block accounts for using a VPN?

Amazon and other streaming services do have the right to block your account if you use a VPN to connect to the platform. However, Amazon is more likely to go after the VPN, rather than the user. We’ve seen no precedent of Amazon penalizing VPN users.

What can I do if my VPN isn't working with Amazon Prime?

There are a number of steps you can take if your VPN doesn’t work with Amazon Prime Video. The easiest method to get things working is to switch to a different server, or to see if the VPN has any optimized options that work in the region you'd like to connect to. 

Otherwise, it’s a good idea to switch to a desktop device, or clear your cache and cookies. You could also get in contact with the support team via live chat to see if they can point you in the right direction. 

Why does Amazon Prime Video block VPNs?

Amazon Prime Video is obliged to block the use of VPNs, in an effort to protect the broadcasting agreements it has signed that only allow for content to be shown in specific countries or regions. 

For example, some shows are only available in locations like the US or the UK. Live sport is an example, as well as additional content that Amazon has licensed from others. 

Is it legal to stream Amazon Prime Video from abroad?

Yes, it’s legal to stream Prime Video if it’s not available in a specific country. However, it does go against Amazon’s terms of use. In a section entitled ‘Geographic Variability’, Amazon says:

“Due to technical and other restrictions imposed by content providers, the Service is available only in certain locations. The Digital Content (including subtitled and dubbed audio versions of Digital Content) and how we offer Digital Content to you will vary over time and by location. Amazon will use technologies to verify your geographic location. You may not use any technology or technique to obscure or disguise your location.”

There’s no mention of banning or blocking users. Streaming services tend to focus on VPN providers rather than users.

Can I watch other streaming services with a VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server, you get a valid IP address in the location you choose. This allows you to bypass any region locks to watch services on vacation. Not all VPNs work with all streaming services, so you should check our full provider reviews to find out which VPN works with yours. You can also test the VPN risk-free with any TV network or streaming platform by making use of the VPN's money-back guarantee.

To watch your streaming account abroad, simply connect to a server back home and then load the website. You should now be able to login and stream videos as if you were back home.

What can I watch on Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video allows you to watch both live TV and on-demand content from numerous networks and providers. You can also rent movies directly from Prime, or watch any content that has been licensed to Amazon Prime directly as part of the streaming service.

The content that is available, as well as the optional extras you can get (such as watching Hulu, ESPN, or any other network that interests you), differs depending on where you are located. This is why some people want to use a VPN to gain access to movies or TV shows when they are on vacation.

Below, we have included a list of Amazon Prime Originals that are available exclusively on Amazon Prime. These originals should theoretically be available in all regions.

Amazon Prime Original TV Shows

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
2. Transparent
3. Mozart in the Jungle
4. Bosch
5. The Man in the High Castle
6. Jack Ryan
7. The Boys
8. Hanna
9. Carnival Row
10. Upload
11. Hunters
12. Tales from the Loop
13. Good Omens
14. Homecoming
15. Undone
16. Invincible
17. Modern Love
18. Panic
19. Them
20. The Underground Railroad

Amazon Prime Original Movies

1. Manchester by the Sea
2. The Big Sick
3. Beautiful Boy
4. Suspiria
5. Late Night
6. The Report
7. The Aeronauts
8. Blow the Man Down
9. Chemical Hearts
10. Radioactive
11. Troop Zero
12. Sound of Metal
13. Uncle Frank
14. One Night in Miami...
15. Bliss
16. Coming 2 America
17. Without Remorse