5 Best Prime Video VPNs: Stream Amazon Shows in 2024

Kate Hawkins
Last Updated by Kate Hawkins on February 21, 2024 Fact-checked by Justyn Newman Fact-checked by Justyn Newman

Amazon Prime Video has different content depending on your location. This is due to copyright and licensing regulations. It’s only possible to watch Amazon Prime Video content available in your country with a local IP address.

Theoretically, a VPN can be used to watch content that is available in other regions, but this goes against the Terms of Service and could be copyright infringement. My team and I don’t condone this.

To conform with licensing regulations, Amazon Prime Video blocks most VPNs even when you just want to secure your connection. Fortunately, some VPNs still work with Amazon Prime Video — after testing more than 40 services, our team found ExpressVPN is the #1 service with reliable connections and fast speeds for UHD streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Watch Prime Video in UHD

Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video in 2024

  1. ExpressVPN — top service with reliable and consistent connections, plus fast speeds for UHD streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
  2. CyberGhost — optimized Prime Video servers provide working connections, but not quite as fast as ExpressVPN.
  3. Private Internet Access — huge network to stream Amazon Prime Video without facing congestion issues, but not all servers work with the service.
  4. NordVPN — built-in Smart DNS alongside encryption means plenty of working servers for Amazon Prime Video, but not the most intuitive to use.
  5. Surfshark — impressive features help ensure stable connections to Amazon Prime Video, but initial connections can take upwards of 30 seconds to establish.

Important! My team and I don’t condone copyright infringement or breaking Amazon Prime Video’s terms of service. All of the recommended VPNs have strict zero-logs policies so they can’t keep track of or see your online activities. That means it’s up to you to use your VPN responsibly and follow all rules and regulations.

The Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video (Tested in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Best for Instant Connections to Amazon Prime Video

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
  • Refreshed IPs and Lightway protocol provide instant connections to Amazon
  • Watch Amazon Prime Video on 8 devices at once on 1 account
  • 24/7 customer support over email and live chat
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN’s high-quality feature set provides near-instant connections to Prime Video. During tests, my global team and I could connect to a local ExpressVPN server and immediately start streaming Amazon Prime Video content — we didn’t encounter any error messages or proxy blocks. Features include:

  • IP refreshing — ExpressVPN regularly refreshes and rotates its IP addresses to avoid detection and blocking by Amazon Prime Video.
  • Lightway protocol — this proprietary connection protocol typically takes less than 2 seconds to establish a connection, so you can start streaming immediately.
  • Shortcuts — You can add a shortcut to Prime Video to ExpressVPN’s home screen, so once you’re connected to your server, simply click the shortcut to open the service and start streaming.
  • Obfuscation — masking your VPN connection to look like a regular internet connection helps avoid streaming blocks on restrictive networks, like schools and workplaces.

With so many top-tier features, I expected my speeds to be slow, but ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Our team ran tests worldwide and found ExpressVPN’s speed reduction is minimal across its server network — it was like we weren’t using a VPN at all. Stream quality was UHD and connections were smooth for uninterrupted viewing.

Screenshot of ExpressVPN connecting to a US server and unblocking the show This Is Us on Amazon Prime Video
ExpressVPN’s fast speeds are ideal for UHD streaming on Amazon Prime Video

ExpressVPN is compatible with a range of popular operating systems, including native apps for Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire Tablet. This makes it easy to set up a VPN connection on any device. If you want to set up a connection on a smart TV or another platform that doesn’t support a VPN app, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is an easy way to do this.

The only issue is that ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than other VPNs. However, I think it’s well worth the additional cost for reliable streaming connections, plus a host of other features that secure and protect your data and devices. Plans start at $6.67/month for a 1-year + 3 months subscription.

All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free to test ExpressVPN for yourself. If you decide it’s not right for you, just contact customer service to arrange a refund. I did, and it was easy — it took less than 2 minutes to confirm my refund using the 24/7 live chat, and I had my money back within 5 days.

ExpressVPN works with: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Max, Kodi, Sky TV, Sling TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, DAZN, ESPN+, CBS All Access, SHOWTIME, Vudu, Roku, and more.

ExpressVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, routers, and more.

2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Amazon Prime Video in 7 Locations

Key Features:

  • 11,780+ servers in 100 countries
  • Optimized streaming servers ensure reliable connections to Amazon Prime Video
  • Connect 7 devices at once
  • 24/7 customer support over email and live chat
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost’s optimized Amazon Prime Video servers provide consistent connections for streaming. These servers are available for account holders in 7 locations — Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. Our international team tested these servers and found they all work with Amazon Prime Video, with no error messages.

Image of CyberGhost's Windows app, showing the optimized Amazon Prime Video server locations.

CyberGhost offers 1-click connections to Amazon Prime Video in 7 locations

Our team found many of CyberGhost’s regular servers also work with Amazon Prime Video, but connections are less reliable. You may have to disconnect and reconnect once or twice to establish a working connection. Fortunately, switching servers with CyberGhost is quick, taking just a couple of seconds.

To improve your Amazon Prime Video streaming, CyberGhost has the following features:

  • Smart DNS — configurable with devices that don’t support a VPN app to allow lag-free streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
  • App Rules — available in the Smart Rules menu, you can set up a rule that means CyberGhost will auto-connect to a specific server when you open the Amazon Prime Video app.
  • Leak protection — prevents accidental data leaks that could trigger Amazon’s proxy detection and cause a block.

In terms of speed, our tests showed CyberGhost is reliably fast on nearby servers, being only a little slower than ExpressVPN. These fast speeds are great for buffer-free streaming — on my local CyberGhost server, I didn’t notice any drops in quality, lag, or interruptions when streaming on Prime.

If you’re a beginner user, you’ll find CyberGhost’s apps are simple and intuitive to use. While it’s compatible with many popular devices (desktop, mobile, smart TVs, and more) CyberGhost also has a native app for Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire Tablet.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s short-term plans are expensive, so I can’t recommend it if you want a month-to-month subscription. However, long-term plans are very affordable, starting at just $2.03 per month.

Long-term plans are also backed by a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (more than any other VPN I’ve tested). If you change your mind about CyberGhost, you can get a full refund by speaking to customer service. I used the 24/7 live chat to arrange my refund, and had my money back in less than a week.

CyberGhost works with: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Max, Kodi, Sky TV, Sling TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, ESPN+, Vudu, and more.

CyberGhost works on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, and routers.

2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network for Consistent Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Key Features:

  • Enormous network of 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
  • Good speeds on nearby servers for smooth streaming
  • Connect unlimited devices simultaneously
  • 24/7 customer support over email and live chat
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a vast server network for streaming Amazon Prime Video. This extensive network ensures reliable connections by distributing the user load effectively, which reduces the chances of lag or interruptions during streaming. During tests, my team and I didn’t struggle with congested servers, even during peak connection times.

As a bonus, PIA has several optimized streaming servers for account holders in Denmark, Finland, Italy, Japan, Sweden, the UK, and the US. During tests, our international team found that these consistently worked with Amazon Prime Video and provided lag-free streaming.

PIA’s servers are reliable for UHD streaming

While it’s not the fastest option available, PIA delivers good speed performance for streaming. However, it’s possible to use PIA’s customizable options to enhance streaming speeds on slower connections. You can opt for AES-128 encryption and enable the ‘small packets’ option, which can make a noticeable difference to your streaming quality.

PIA provides dedicated applications for various platforms, including Fire TV Stick and Fire TV. Notably, PIA can also be sideloaded onto a Fire Tablet using its official .apk file, making it a versatile choice if you like to use different Amazon devices for streaming.

A minor drawback of PIA is that not all of its servers connect successfully on the first attempt when trying to stream Amazon Prime Video. You may need to spend some time finding a server that works. However, once a compatible server is located, the streaming experience is generally smooth and reliable.

As a plus, PIA is a very affordable option. While long-term plans are always more cost-effective, it’s one of the best month-to-month VPNs available if you want a short-term option. Longer subscriptions are available from just $2.03 per month.

All plans are backed by a money-back guarantee, so you have up to 30 days to test PIA and decide if it’s good for you. If not, get in touch with customer support to arrange a full refund. When I tested the money-back guarantee, I found it simple, and had my refund in a week.

PIA works with: Netflix, Disney+, Max, Kodi, Sky Go, Showtime, YouTube TV, and more.

PIA works on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, Firefox, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and routers.

2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

4. NordVPN — SmartPlay Feature Chooses the Best Connection for Amazon Prime Video

Key Features:

  • 6,320+ servers in 110 countries
  • SmartPlay Smart DNS works reliably with Amazon Prime Video
  • Protect up to 10 devices
  • 24/7 live chat, email, and online support site
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

NordVPN stands out for Amazon Prime Video with its SmartPlay Smart DNS feature. This combines the robust security of a VPN with the efficiency of Smart DNS, automatically selecting the best connection for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You get a seamless streaming experience with the added benefit of encryption for enhanced privacy.

To further enhance your streaming experience, NordVPN also has:

  • Leak protection — stops sensitive information from being exposed to Amazon Prime Video, causing a data conflict that results in your connection being blocked.
  • Dedicated IP addresses — for a small additional fee, you can get a unique IP address exclusive for your use, which helps avoid IP blocks and user congestion.

The speeds offered by NordVPN are impressive, thanks to its NordLynx protocol. In my testing, NordLynx consistently delivered high-speed connections, which is crucial for uninterrupted, high-quality streaming. This makes NordVPN an excellent choice if you prioritize a buffer-free viewing experience on Amazon Prime Video.

NordVPN provides native applications for a wide range of devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire Tablet. This compatibility extends to desktops, mobiles, other tablets, and more, so you can decide which platform is most convenient for you when streaming.

A slight downside to NordVPN is its user interface, which can be less intuitive, especially on mobile or tablet devices. The map-based interface, while visually appealing, could pose some navigational challenges for beginner users. I found it an inconvenience as I prefer straightforward, more traditional user interfaces.

If you’d like to try NordVPN with Amazon Prime Video, its plans start at $3.09 per month for a 2-year + 3 months subscription. Plus, each plan has a 30-day guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you change your mind.

NordVPN works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Vudu, SkyTV, Max, Sky, SHOWTIME, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube TV, and more

NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV

5. Surfshark — Premium Features Help With Reliable Connections to Amazon Prime Video

Key Features:

  • 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Quality features help provide consistent streaming on Amazon Prime Video
  • Connect unlimited devices at once
  • 24/7 live chat and email support, plus online help website
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark has a suite of unique features that ensure reliable connections to Amazon Prime Video. These include the following:

  • Split tunneling — allows specific apps to route through the VPN (like Amazon Prime Video) while the rest of your traffic travels on your regular network, optimizing connection speeds.
  • Built-in speed test — lets you find the fastest server for streaming in your location.
  • CleanWeb — specifically the CleanWeb feature in the browser extension, which effectively blocks ads during streaming sessions.

When it comes to streaming speeds, Surfshark performed well. In my tests, my team and I noticed only minor slowdowns, ensuring that video quality remained in UHD. Even during prime streaming times, like evenings and weekends, there was no noticeable slowdown in connections.

Surfshark’s native applications are user-friendly and widely available across various platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire Tablet, and other popular devices. This broad compatibility, combined with the ease of use, makes Surfshark a convenient option for streaming on whichever platform you want.

A minor drawback of Surfshark is that the initial server connection time can exceed 30 seconds. While I found this was a slight inconvenience, it’s important to note that once a connection is established, it tends to be stable and reliable. This ensures that after the initial wait, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Overall, Surfshark is a reliable option for Amazon Prime Video. Its plans are reasonably priced, starting at $2.29/month for a 2-year + 2 months subscription. Surfshark also has a 30-day guarantee, so you can get a refund if you’re not fully satisfied.

Surfshark works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Hotstar, DAZN, and more

Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video

VPN Apps for Amazon Fire OS Speed Smart DNS Server Network Lowest Price Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN Very Fast 3,000+ servers in 105 countries $6.67/month 30 days
CyberGhost Very Fast 11,780+ servers in 100 countries $2.03/month 45 days
PIA Fast  35,000+ servers in 91 countries $2.03/month 30 days
NordVPN Fast  6,320+ servers in 110 countries $3.09/month 30 days
Surfshark Fast  3,200+ servers in 100 countries $2.29/month 30 days

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video

My team and I tested the top VPNs in 2024 against the following criteria to find the best services for privacy protection that won’t cause errors while streaming Amazon Prime Video:

  • Works with Amazon Prime Video — our international team tested each VPN with Amazon Prime Video to ensure there are working connections in countries around the world.
  • Fast streaming speeds — each VPN is capable of speeds fast enough for UHD streaming (minimum 25 Mbps).
  • Compatible with popular streaming devices — I tested native VPN apps for Amazon Fire OS devices (Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire Tablet), as well as desktop and mobile apps, smart TVs, and more.
  • Global server network — a large server network means you can easily find a working connection for Amazon Prime Video, plus keep speeds fast and user congestion low.
  • Robust security and privacy features — all VPNs have AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, data leak protection, and a zero-log policy to keep your data and devices secure when streaming.
  • 24/7 customer support — I tested customer support to look for prompt responses from live chat and email ticketing, and checked support sites for online knowledge bases, step-by-step guides, and FAQs.
  • Good value for money — these VPNs have a range of plans to suit your budget and streaming needs, and they’re all backed by a money-back guarantee if you change your mind.

3 Easy Steps to Watch Amazon Prime Video With a VPN

  1. Get a VPN that works with Amazon Prime Video. For the most reliable connections and best streaming speeds, I recommend you try ExpressVPN.
    Image of ExpressVPN's website, highlighting the
  2. Connect to a server in your country. Choose the nearest physical server for fast speeds, or let your VPN connect you automatically.
    Image of ExpressVPN's Windows app showing the UK server selection and highlighting the Smart Location connection option.
  3. Sign in to Amazon Prime Video and start watching. Stay connected to the VPN server to enjoy smooth, lag-free streaming.
    image of Amazon Prime Video streaming "Everything Everywhere All At Once" with ExpressVPN connected to a UK server.

Amazon Prime Video VPN Isn’t Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Even the best VPNs can occasionally have issues connecting to Amazon Prime Video. You may see error messages like:

Error 1042 – Your device’s Internet connection is using an HTTP proxy which prevents playing your video. Please close or disable any proxy programs and try again

or

Error 1044 – 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.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to remedy this error so you can start streaming on Amazon Prime Video quickly.

  • Switch to a different server — if one VPN server isn’t working, simply disconnect and reconnect to a different option in your location — it could be the case that one IP is blocked or the server is down for maintenance, so it isn’t working.
  • Clear your cache and cookies — data can be stored in your browser that triggers Amazon’s proxy detection, as it conflicts with your VPN connection. Clearing this data can resolve the issue.
  • Update your VPN app — an outdated VPN app may need patching, or isn’t compatible with Amazon Prime Video. Check if you can manually update the app to get it working again.
  • Try a different protocol — some, like OpenVPN, are more likely to trigger proxy detection blocks because they’re easier to spot. Choosing WireGuard or a proprietary protocol (like Lightway) can make connections easier.
  • Contact customer service — your VPN’s customer support agents will be able to walk you through troubleshooting steps or recommend working server connections for you to try.

FAQs: VPNs and Amazon Prime Video

Will a VPN slow down my speeds on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, a VPN will slow your streaming speeds a little, but the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video won’t make a noticeable impact. These VPNs are able to mitigate the speed loss caused by additional encryption and data travel time, so you shouldn’t even notice the minor drop in speed since it won’t cause lagging or buffering when you want to stream.

In some cases, a VPN can even help to boost your speeds. Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) will throttle your connection if they detect high-bandwidth activities like streaming to preserve bandwidth across the network. A VPN hides your activity so your ISP can’t tell that you’re streaming, so you can watch Amazon Prime Video without any speed loss caused by throttling.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Amazon Prime Video?

It’s unlikely a free VPN will work with Amazon Prime Video, and if it does, it might not for long. Only the top VPNs for Amazon Prime Video work reliably and consistently as they have the resources available to regularly refresh IP addresses and avoid Amazon’s proxy blocks to provide you top quality online privacy. Free VPNs simply don’t have these resources.

Even the best free VPNs in 2024 aren’t ideal for streaming Amazon Prime Video, with only a handful of connection options, reduced speeds, and data caps. I recommend using a premium VPN to ensure you get a connection that works with Amazon Prime Video, and so you can stream in UHD without lag, buffering, or annoying interruptions to your content.

Will Amazon Prime ban me for using a VPN?

It’s unlikely. If Amazon detects a VPN, it simply blocks your access to its content — it won’t necessarily block your entire account. This is why you need to use a VPN that’s proven to be compatible with Amazon Prime Video, as these are less likely to be detected so you can stream with ease.

You’ll only potentially face a block or account termination if you’re using a VPN to watch content that isn’t available in your region, which goes against the Terms of Service. My team and I don’t condone this behavior, as it could infringe on copyright agreements.

Is it legal to stream Amazon Prime Video with a VPN?

Mostly yes, but it’s a gray area. In most countries, it’s legal to use a VPN to watch Amazon Prime Video and protect your connection while streaming. You must make sure to only use a VPN to stream content available in your region, otherwise, you could face blocks or account termination if you break Amazon’s Terms of Service.

However, there are some countries that restrict or ban the use of VPNs altogether, and you could land in legal trouble if you use a VPN for any purpose. I recommend always looking into the most up-to-date laws and regulations surrounding VPN use, especially if you are located somewhere the internet is censored for political reasons.

Can I watch Amazon Prime on mobile, Fire Stick, and other devices?

Yes — Amazon Prime Video has native apps for a variety of devices, and you can also stream in your browser. Plus, the top VPNs for Amazon Prime Video also have compatible apps for mobile, Amazon Fire Stick, and other devices.

Do VPNs work with Amazon Prime Video in other countries like the UK, the US, and Japan?

Yes, the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video work with the service to stream available content on local accounts in countries like the UK, US, and Japan. Amazon Prime Video is available in most countries worldwide, with a few exceptions (like Mainland China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Syria).

How does Amazon Prime Video recognize my VPN?

Amazon Prime Video uses sophisticated proxy detection technology to recognize VPN connections. This is why it’s so important to use a top-quality VPN known to work with Amazon Prime Video — only these VPNs have the security and privacy features necessary to allow you to stream while protected, without facing streaming blocks.

Some methods Prime Video uses include:

  • IP address blocking — Amazon has a list of known IP addresses that belong to VPN services. If one of these tries to connect, it’s immediately blocked from viewing content.
  • Browser fingerprinting — Amazon collects information about you through your browser, including your device type and OS, stored cookies, and other data. If the data here conflicts with your IP address, it could trigger Amazon’s proxy detection and block your connection.
  • DNS detection — while your DNS requests should route through your VPN server, if a leak happens Amazon will detect a discrepancy between your ISP DNS and the VPN DNS, and you’ll face a block.

Watch Amazon Prime Video With a VPN

Amazon Prime Video offers a huge amount of quality content, but if you’d never stream online without the protection of a VPN, you could have trouble finding a working connection. This is because Amazon Prime Video actively blocks VPNs so that subscribers can’t use them to circumvent its geo-blocks, meant to protect its licensing agreements.

After testing more than 40 services, my global team and I found several VPNs that still work. The #1 pick for Amazon Prime Video is ExpressVPN. It works reliably and consistently for streaming, and its fast speeds mean you get UHD video quality. If you aren’t fully satisfied, you can get a full refund within 30 days of subscribing.


Summary — Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video in 2024

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$6.67 / month Save 49%
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%
NordVPN
$3.09 / month Save 76%
Surfshark
$2.29 / month Save 85%
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