Best VPN for Fire TV Stick in 2024 [Including a Setup Guide] (original) (raw)

Best Vpn Firestick

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A VPN installed on your Firestick is a major upgrade. We all know how powerful this tiny USB flash-drive-like device is. You plug it into any device with an HDMI port and turn it into a proper Smart TV with access to tons of streaming platforms. Sounds like a fairy tale! Well, in reality, it’s not like that. While a Fire TV Stick lets you watch Hulu, MAX, Netflix, and other services, it’s not always the case. These platforms are region-locked, so they won’t work just anywhere. This is where the best VPN for Firestick comes into play.

Most people install a VPN on their Amazon Fire TV Stick for streaming purposes. It lets you change your IP address, unblock the desired streaming services, and watch plentiful content. However, we must warn you that not all providers are optimized for streaming (these are).

Worse yet, many of them don’t even work on Amazon’s little device. This list will circumvent such VPNs and focus on the cream of the crop. Don’t worry. We tested them all, so we’re not babbling nonsense based on someone else’s experiences.

The 5 Best VPN Services for Amazon Fire TV Stick

Our list contains 5 amazing options with features like:

We’ve focused on premium options to ensure we really give you the best-rated picks that you can enjoy without any limits. A separate list covers the best free VPNs for Firestick, but this one focuses on popular and capable providers, such as:

6300 servers

111 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

10 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

9.4 /10

SEE MORE

1

3000 servers

105 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

8 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

9.1 /10

SEE MORE

2

6500 servers

112 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

10 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

8.8 /10

SEE MORE

3

3000 servers

100 covered countries

30 days money-back guarantee

Unlimited connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

8.7 /10

SEE MORE

4

12000 servers

100 covered countries

45 days money-back guarantee

7 simultaneous connections

Mac Windows Android iOS Linux Router

8.4 /10

SEE MORE

5

1. NordVPN

Nordvpn Firestick Presentation

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Pros

Cons

Won’t settle for nothing but the #1-rated Firestick VPN? Here you go. NordVPN offers top-tier support for the Amazon Fire TV Stick, with a native app available for free through the Amazon Store. Once installed, you have access to over 6,400 servers in 111 countries!

Having tested this provider a thousand times, we can only sing praises about its performance. It works with a myriad of streaming services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, MAX, Hotstar, and at least 20 or 30 more. Another perk is speed.

NordVPN performs like a champ on all servers, with the speeds reaching well over 300 Mbps in our tests. This is more than enough to watch 4K movies and series without a hitch. NordVPN hits the speed mark thanks to NordLynx, a NordVPN-made VPN protocol.

It’s a combination of WireGuard and NordVPN’s technical prowess that resulted in the fastest man-made protocol in 2024. This VPN even includes Smart DNS, which can be set up for streaming on US-based platforms on older generations of Firestick.

As our favorite Fire Stick VPN, NordVPN is also unlimited. This means uncapped bandwidth on all devices. We appreciate its Meshnet support, which is often used for remote file sharing or even getting over the Netflix password-sharing ban. Handy for Firestick users!

NordVPN’s other features make this VPN worth your money. It includes Double VPN servers, a no-log policy, malware protection, AES-256 encryption, 10 simultaneous connections, and much more. See how to try NordVPN for free and obtain a 30-day free trial on our site.

Visit NordVPN

2. ExpressVPN

Expressvpn Firestick Presentation

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Pros

Cons

ExpressVPN is a leading choice on this list, bearing the title of the best VPN for Firestick along with NordVPN. We must commend its 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, all ready for the ultimate 10 Gbps performance. It’s almost on the level of NordVPN performance-wise.

Its average speeds were way over 250 Mbps in our tests, indicating a smooth streaming experience. Speaking of which, installing this provider’s native VPN app on Firestick lets you access over 15 Netflix catalogs and foreign TV channels before you can say “BBC.”

ExpressVPN comes with tons of features to make you feel like a king. You’ll enjoy its MediaStreamer, which consequently works on the 1st gen of Firestick. Moreover, there’s a great ad blocker that also prevents trackers and malicious sites from doing you bad.

This great Amazon Fire TV VPN also offers Parental Control, which helps with blocking porn sites if you have children in your household. Above all, there’s the Lightway protocol made by ExpressVPN to further accentuate raw performance and unrelenting speed.

It’s worth noting that ExpressVPN has obfuscation, making it work in China. If you find yourself there, it’s good to know you’ll also enjoy added security in the form of a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, reliable DNS protection, and a no-log policy with multiple audits.

ExpressVPN is nearly ideal but it’s a bit expensive compared to other best-rated VPNs for Fire TV Stick. Fortunately, you can drop the price additionally with 3 free months for the annual plan, thanks to which, the price slides down by 49% for superb savings.

Visit ExpressVPN

3. Proton VPN

Proton Vpn Firestick Presentation

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Pros

Cons

Proton VPN is in many ways a powerhouse. For one, it’s a VPN fully compatible with all Firestick generations (except the first). Second, it’s very fast and offers over 6,600 servers in almost 115 countries. Third, its app is rich with streaming-optimized servers.

Like CyberGhost, it can unblock Netflix and many other streaming portals, so you have ample performance for streaming. Proton VPN fares well against NordVPN security-wise but its speed is a tad slower even when using WireGuard. Still, it will be more than enough.

This VPN’s Firestick app looks nice and there’s a free version with limited streaming and only a handful of servers. Proton VPN also supports Onion Over VPN connections, which you can use outside this device if you want to get on the dark web through Tor.

The provider is based in Switzerland, so you also get security features like Secure Core and NetShield. The former ensures several encryption layers and untraceable connections. NetShield removes ads and trackers to aid your privacy and browsing quality.

While it’s one of the top-rated VPNs that work on Firestick, Proton VPN isn’t flawless. Its lack of Smart DNS hurts compatibility with older Fire TV Stick generations – the first one, specifically. It can also be slightly expensive if you want other Proton’s apps.

Its 2-year plan, which should be the most affordable, is around $3.6 a month. The silver lining is its free plan with unlimited traffic and 8 server locations. Using it won’t yield any streaming because of slow speed and a lack of streaming optimization, so don’t jump in excitement.

Visit Proton VPN

4. Surfshark

Surfshark Firestick Presentation

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Pros

Cons

Surfshark is perhaps the cheapest premium VPN for Fire TV in 2024. At the price of around $2.2 a month, its price-to-performance ratio is almost unbeatable. Best of all, it has a native Firestick VPN app downloadable for free on Amazon’s website for good measure.

We found this provider to be one of the best for Netflix, as it can unblock over 30 libraries. Not only that but Surfshark’s excellent performance is a pleasant surprise, with download speeds rivaling those of ExpressVPN – almost. Let’s not forget how simple it is to use.

A single click is all you need to connect to one of its 3,200 servers, all optimized for streaming. Surfshark takes pride in its NoBorders mode, which masks the VPN traffic and allows you to get over firewalls. If that’s not enough, wait till you hear this!

You get unlimited simultaneous connections! This means you can protect ALL your devices and not pay a dime more. Surfshark’s security is almost unbeatable, thanks to features like MultiHop, dedicated IP addresses, Private DNS, and even RAM servers.

The provider uses WireGuard for almost all connections, with the option to switch to OpenVPN if needed. A great add-on is its Antivirus, which works on computers and phones and cleans unwanted software to keep everything running smoothly.

Fire Stick VPN users prefer Surfshark’s cheap price and easy-going 30-day refund policy that makes the provider risk-free. Surfshark is another safe provider with no logs, unlimited traffic, and all the other quirks we’ve come to expect from serious premium VPNs for Fire TV.

Visit Surfshark

5. CyberGhost

Cyberghost Firestick Presentation

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Pros

Cons

CyberGhost delivers dedicated streaming servers across all supported platforms. Rest assured, you’ll find them in this exquisite Firestick VPN app as well. From here, you can promptly access Netflix US, ABC, Hotstar, or any other platform you want.

Unlike Private Internet Access reviewed not long ago, CyberGhost has a native app for Fire OS. Another advantage is the WireGuard protocol whose implementation made CyberGhost much faster overall, fully utilizing the power of the 10 Gbps servers in 100 countries.

We like CyberGhost’s many improvements that make the experience awesome. For instance, it offers Smart DNS but not with only US DNS addresses. Instead, you’ll find them in Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan to further help you access their local TV channels.

The VPN offers the Security Suite, which works well on a computer. It includes a mighty antivirus and a tool used for updating your apps and keeping them invulnerable to threats. CyberGhost also offers torrenting servers, alas, only on Windows and macOS.

Being one of the best Firestick VPNs, the VPN sports unlimited bandwidth. You’ll also find its security features impressive if that’s your concern. CyberGhost’s no-log policy has been audited by Deloitte and it uses RAM-based servers to prevent further data accumulation.

CyberGhost’s low price is accompanied by a 45-day money-back guarantee for users’ satisfaction. However, you must know it lacks things like obfuscation and MultiHop, plus, it comes with just 7 simultaneous connections, which won’t suffice for some users.

Visit CyberGhost

How to Set Up a VPN on Firestick?

The beauty of Fire TV Stick is its simplicity. Once you plug it into your monitor or TV, you can start downloading apps from the Amazon Store and extending your Firestick’s capabilities. Let’s see how to set up a VPN on Fire TV Stick and connect to it.

Getting a Subscription

You’ll first want to subscribe to a service from our list. We have 5 of them – all are great, so pick one and go with it. We recommend NordVPN as one of the most affordable premium providers for Firestick, with a 60% to 70% discount for 2-year plans.

Click the button above, visit its site, and select the plan that suits you the most. After that, enter your email address and provide a payment method you’ll use. With the payment done, go to your mail client, open NordVPN’s email, and confirm your account.

During this step, you’ll also create a secure password to be able to use the app later on. This step is the easiest on either your phone or computer, so you don’t necessarily need to perform it on the Firestick device.

Get the best NordVPN deal

Installing a VPN

Before using the service, you must download it. Don’t forget to plug your Firestick into the TV/monitor. Now boot it up and go to the Amazon Store.

Search for the provider you’ve subscribed to. It’s NordVPN in our case. It should be at the top of search results.

Nordvpn Firestick Setup 1

© Amazon

Select that provider and then press “Download.” After a minute or two, it’ll be ready to use and you can find it in your apps or simply run it directly from the Amazon Store. Open the app and sign in with your email and password.

Connecting to a Server

All that’s left is to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Whether you want a VPN for BBC, Netflix, or something else, you need to connect to a server. Open the server list, select the country, and use the connection button to connect. You’ll see a clear signal when you’re connected.

Nordvpn Firestick Setup 2

© NordVPN

After that, you can go online, watch Netflix movies, or even stream MotoGP races on numerous free channels. We’ll let you do your thing.

Is a VPN for Firestick Necessary? Why Use It?

Openly speaking, we don’t think it’s necessary if you’re in a, let’s say “streaming-friendly” region. What does that mean? A good example is the USA, in which you’ll find the majority of popular streaming services that offer the best content.

However, you must know that geo-blocks are all around us, which means even US residents can be denied access to certain websites. Geo-blocks are easily remedied by one of our best VPNs for Firestick thanks to their ability to change the user’s IP address to another country.

Some users will find it almost necessary to use a VPN on their Fire TV device. If you live in the Balkans like some of our members, you’ll find it impossible to watch Hulu, MAX, ABC, ESPN, and many other streaming platforms. The only solution is – you guessed it – a VPN.

Apart from streaming, you’ll find many other VPN-related advantages. These providers offer additional security and privacy so that you’re untrackable by your ISP. As they also work on other devices, you can use them to play games online and avoid DDoS, for example.

A notable benefit is torrenting, which is extremely unsafe without hiding your IP. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and other providers can conceal your IP address and prevent snoopers from interfering. Changing your IP unblocks other sites – not just streaming ones.

This is why many people manage to access foreign gambling sites or even bypass censorship in China. If you need a VPN on Firestick only, advantages like streaming, security, privacy, and ISP throttling prevention will be more than evident in the first hour of use.

Do VPNs Work on Older Generations of Firestick?

The initial Fire TV Stick was released in 2014 and it’s the only VPN-unfriendly one. The second generation from late 2015 and the third from 2017 will work perfectly fine. Of course, using the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (released in 2021) with a VPN is also possible.

If you’re stuck with the first generation from 2014, you might be wondering if there’s a way to set up some of our recommended VPNs for Fire TV Stick. Well, there’s surely no direct way because of how “weak” its hardware is and its lack of VPN support.

You can, however, go for a workaround in the form of Smart DNS.

Smart DNS Implementation

Smart DNS is available in 4 out of 5 providers on our list – the last one being the exception. It’s a streaming addon that lets you unblock services like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and a few more without setting up a Virtual Private Network.

The reason it works on most devices is because it relies on DNS addresses. Every internet-capable device can take advantage of different DNS settings, which is what we want in this case. Smart DNS isn’t as effective as a reputable VPN for Firestick.

While it will unblock plenty of content, it usually doesn’t offer many locations outside the USA. If you already have one of our top picks – NordVPN, for example – you can use its Smart DNS addresses. Here’s how to do it.

  1. Go to NordVPN’s website and log in.
  2. Under “Services“, select “NordVPN.”
  3. Find “SmartDNS” and press “Enable.”
  4. When prompted again, press “Activate SmartDNS” and wait for around 10 minutes for the process to complete.
  5. Once it’s activated, go back to the same page and you’ll see two Smart DNS addresses.
  6. Write them down on a piece of paper or screenshot them.

Nordvpn Smartdns

© NordVPN

From here, boot up your 1st gen Fire TV Stick and do the following:

  1. Go to Settings and press Network.
  2. Find your network and open its properties.
  3. Navigate to DNS settings and type in the addresses from above.
  4. Confirm your settings and exit.

With Smart DNS from NordVPN, you can access the majority of American streaming services, including Fox Now, HBO Now, Peacock TV, Netflix US, Amazon Prime US, ABC Go, and a few more. The process is pretty much identical for other providers on this list.

Using a Router

Another option is to install a VPN on a router. It’s a good idea if you have a VPN-compatible router, in which case, the setup is a 5-minute process. If not, you’ll have to flash your router firmware, install the new one, and then set up a VPN for Firestick.

The problem with this method is that most people have never tried it. This yields the risk factor of bricking your router and losing your warranty. VPNs have done a tremendous job of simplifying the process thanks to step-by-step instructions on their sites.

Since they support different models and firmware, it’s hard to give a definitive guide on how to do this. The best course of action is to visit the provider’s website, look for its router support, and find a guide for your router model if it’s supported.

Following the steps is simple after that, and once it’s done, connecting your old Firestick to the router is even simpler. This will let you directly take advantage of a VPN and stream ample geo-restricted content without buying a newer generation of this device.

Conclusion

We’ve laid out our ranking of the best and most trusted VPNs for Firestick in 2024. If you’ve been too lazy to read everything, we crowned NordVPN as the #1-rated option, with ExpressVPN following closely. These two should be your go-to choices.

After that, we put Surfshark as an affordable provider with plentiful servers and unlimited simultaneous connections on a budget. CyberGhost’s budget nature is more than welcome too, especially with its streaming-optimized servers usable on Firestick.

Proton VPN took the fifth spot. A remarkable Fire TV VPN but with expensive prices and the lack of Smart DNS. The choice is obvious to us. However, we’ll let you decide based on your preferences and needs. Don’t say 5 top-tier options are insufficient.

Try NordVPN today