Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is a popular streaming device that gives users access to a swath of entertainment content. However, these useful dongles also come with caveats: you are limited to content libraries available in your home region. In addition, without proper protection, your viewing and streaming habits may be exposed to internet service providers (ISPs) that may throttle your data and companies that use your data for marketing or advertising purposes.
Thankfully, installing a VPN can mask your activities and potentially open up new regions for streaming. With the exception of devices operating on Amazon’s new operating system, Vega OS, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select and Fire TV Stick HD, one-click installation and a quick sign-in are all you will need to do. Amazon Fire TV Stick VPNs are not all equal, however. Some VPNs excel in speed and stability, while others focus on country and server selection, security features, or affordability; now, compatibility with Vega OS is also a considerable advantage.
In ZDNET’s April update, we conducted a thorough editorial review of our guide and chose to highlight NordVPN and IPVanish as our favorites for their compatibility with Amazon’s new Vega operating system.
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What is the best VPN for the Amazon Fire TV Stick right now?
NordVPN is my choice for the best VPN to use with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, given its consistently strong performance in speed, stability, and streaming service access. It’s one of the fastest VPNs around, and it supports the new Amazon Vega operating system. Prices start at $3.09 per month on a two-year plan.
Another of my favorites is Surfshark, a budget-friendly alternative at only $1.78 per month. Surfshark is user-friendly, provides unlimited simultaneous connections, and works well in the Fire TV ecosystem. If you sign up, you will also be given three months of access for free.
Also: The best Apple TV VPNs: Expert tested
I’ve been testing VPNs for years, comparing dozens of services on their speed, security, mobile interface usability, and server networks offered. While compiling my list of the best Amazon Fire TV Stick VPNs, I conducted extensive tests on each VPN and frequently repeat speed and security tests to back up my recommendations.
The best VPNs for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2026
Charlie Osborne/ZDNET
NordVPN is one of the best Fire TV Stick VPNs on the market. It supports Vega OS and doesn’t drastically reduce your streaming speed.
Why we like it: According to my recent tests, this VPN is one of the best on the market for reducing speed loss. This includes use with the Amazon Fire TV Stick. In my Feb. 2026 VPN testing, NordVPN had a download speed of 704.11 Mbps and an upload speed of 101.14 Mbps, compared to a starting download speed of 776.47 Mbps and a starting upload speed of 108.11 Mbps, making it one of the fastest options on this list.
While ExpressVPN is marginally quicker, you may not notice the difference, especially if your starting speeds are high — and its support for Vega OS, Amazon’s homebrew Linux-based operating system that all future Fire TV Sticks will run on, has secured its top spot.
In addition to being easy to set up and use, NordVPN offers 10 simultaneous connections per account and, thanks to recent upgrades, a server network spanning 135 countries. This VPN is compatible with all second-generation Fire TV Stick models and above.
NordVPN is one of my favorite VPNs due to its multi-platform compatibility, security, speed, and recently expanded server network. I particularly like this VPN’s mobile app and found the Fire TV Stick app to have an attractive user interface.
In recent news, NordVPN also expanded its aggregate global capacity to over 100 Tbps, which should help the network manage peak loads.
Review: NordVPN
Add-ons are available, including a dedicated IP address, password manager, and data breach scanner, but many advanced features are exclusive to premium subscribers.
In 2025, NordVPN introduced NordWhisper, a new protocol for managing network restriction challenges. These improvements are welcome, but I would also like to see unlimited simultaneous connections offered in the future.
Who it’s for: This VPN is for you if you want minimal speed loss in a reasonably priced package for streaming, especially given how customers appreciate the VPN’s speed, stability, and top-notch customer support.
During testing, NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the best overall VPNs, with excellent speeds, server availability, and streaming capabilities.
Who should look elsewhere: While it can be expensive with plans ranging from $3.09 – $7 per month, ExpressVPN is still ahead of its competitors when it comes to fast Amazon Fire TV Stick streaming. If you’d prefer to pay less, Surfshark is for you.
NordVPN features: Fire TV Stick compatibility: Fire TV: All versions, Fire TV Stick: Second-generation and above, including Vega OS | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 135 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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IPVanish is a solid VPN contender that excels at fast connection speeds, stable transfers, and provides unlimited simultaneous connections.
Why we like it: In my testing on the Amazon Fire TV Stick platform, I liked how the settings were clearly displayed and easy to understand.
IPVanish features a variety of protocols and server options. There are extensive settings for configuring the app itself, like switching between VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It’s compatible with second-generation or later Fire TV products. Threat protection features are also available for Amazon TV.
If you’re not a fan of NordVPN but plan to buy a Fire TV Stick from Amazon’s latest product line, I would seriously consider IPVanish as the best alternative. Why? Because IPVanish is one of the only VPN providers that has released an app compatible with Vega OS, the Linux-based operating system that all new Fire TV Sticks will run on.
Review: IPVanish
Who it’s for: Those who want an affordable, Vega-ready VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. Overall, IPVanish delivers a solid user experience and VPN service compared to many others on the market, but I would like to see more login options added in future updates.
Speeds are reasonable, making it a fair option for most users. You can also join the firm’s beta program to test out upcoming versions of the software.
If you commit to two years, IPVanish offers a plan for $2.19 per month. This increases to $3.23 per month for a yearly plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Who should look elsewhere: Users applaud IPVanish’s reliable service and customer support, and a recent independent audit confirmed IPVanish’s no-logs policy. But if you want more advanced features, go for NordVPN.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company. For more, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish VPN features: Fire TV Stick compatibility: Fire TV: Second-generation and above, Fire TV Stick: Second-generation and above, including Vega OS | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6
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ZDNET
ExpressVPN is a popular service that consistently provides great speeds, stability, and performance, making it one of my favorite VPNs for the Amazon Fire TV Stick, especially for streaming when speed loss could be an issue.
Why we like it: ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries and offers up to eight simultaneous connections. When testing it on a Fire TV Stick, I detected no noticeable speed loss beyond a drop of around 16% drop, which is less than you’d typically expect from a VPN server network.
In addition to supporting all versions of Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick — second-generation and above — ExpressVPN works with a variety of platforms and browser extensions, including Apple TV, Chrome, Android, and iOS. However, ExpressVPN has lost its former top spot because it currently offers no support for Vega, Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick operating system.
Review: ExpressVPN
Still, due to its speed and ease of use, it consistently ranks as one of my favorite VPNs. While this service should offer unlimited simultaneous connections at its price point, ExpressVPN is beginner-friendly, quick to connect, and a set-and-forget VPN that can be launched at startup and forgotten about.
ExpressVPN’s mobile apps were also
Who it’s for: If you’re considering ExpressVPN, speed is likely your top priority. Customers report an overall positive experience with this VPN provider, with excellent customer support, but some have encountered automatic billing issues.
You can also take advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee or
Who should look elsewhere: There are cheaper VPNs around than ExpressVPN. While it does offer excellent speeds and features, if $5 per month on a two-year contract is a bit more than you want to budget for, check out Surfshark or NordVPN.
ExpressVPN features: Fire TV Stick compatibility: Fire TV: All versions,
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Surfshark is the best option if you want a budget-friendly VPN to conceal your online activity and safeguard your privacy on an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Why we like it: Surfshark offers users 3,200 servers across 100 countries and unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s compatible with Fire TV products, including the Stick, Cube, and tablets — first-generation and Vega OS products excluded.
In my speed testing, I found Surfshark’s performance reasonable, and it has a wealth of useful features: a kill switch to protect your connection, a beginner-friendly user interface on desktop, mobile, and Fire TV Stick, unlimited simultaneous connections, and split tunneling.
Review: Surfshark VPN
Last year, the company also introduced Nexus, a technology that aims to speed up your VPN and allow your internet protocol (IP) address to change within the Surfshark network without disconnecting. Surfshark has recently debuted Dausos, a new VPN protocol that aims to improve speed and security.
Who it’s for: Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, and so it’s great if you want a cheap VPN for the long term. Furthermore, Surfshark is ZDNET’s pick for one of the best iPad VPNs in 2026.
Two-year plans start at only $1.78 per month, plus three months of free access. Yearly plans offer the same free period and begin at $3 per month.
Customers appreciate how cheap this VPN is and consider the service to be excellent value for money. As I found during testing, initial connections can be slow, but overall service is good.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re willing to spend a bit more on your VPN subscription for better speeds or additional features, consider ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Surfshark VPN features: Fire TV Stick compatibility: Fire TV: Second-generation and above, Fire TV Stick: Second generation and above, Fire TV Cube, most Amazon Fire tablets, but no Vega OS | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Proton VPN, developed by the minds behind the encrypted email service Proton Mail, is an open-source VPN with a free option compatible with the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Why we like it: Proton VPN uses strong encryption protocols, and my recent tests revealed no domain name service (DNS) leaks — an error that limits the protection of VPN encryption and may expose your browsing activities.
Other features include a kill switch to protect your connection, a server network now offering up to 145 countries due to recent upgrades, and a no-logs policy. Servers in 10 countries are available on the free plan.
According to Proton VPN’s latest product roadmap and recap, the company is actively working on improvements to existing VPN protocols, including WireGuard.
Also: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
Who it’s for: Someone who wants a free VPN to explore how a VPN works and its benefits.
The free plan doesn’t cap bandwidth, but depending on the server load on Proton VPN’s free server selection, you might not enjoy the true speeds and reliability of Proton VPN’s paid server network. You are also limited to a server selection of 10 countries.
There is also another caveat: You can only use the free plan to protect one device, so you won’t be able to use Proton VPN on more than your Amazon Fire TV Stick, unless you sign up for another account and juggle them.
Who should look elsewhere: Someone who doesn’t like speed to be impacted by server selection, and who is willing to sign up for a paid subscription. Explore my other recommendations or check out Proton VPN’s paid options starting at $3 per month on two-year plans.
Proton VPN features: Fire TV Stick compatibility:
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Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested
|
VPN |
Best price |
Simultaneous connections |
Countries, servers |
|
NordVPN |
$3.09 per month on a two-year plan |
10 |
135 |
|
IPVanish |
$2.19 per month |
Unlimited |
108 |
|
Express VPN |
$2.44 per month on a two-year plan |
10-14 |
105 |
|
Surfshark |
$1.78 per month on a two-year plan |
Unlimited |
100 |
|
Proton VPN |
Free or $3 per month on a two-year contract |
1-10, varies by plan |
145 |
A VPN service encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides an anonymous, secure connection when using your TV or other devices. You can use many of these services with an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
With the right VPN, you can browse the internet anonymously, access geo-restricted content, and avoid being tracked by advertisers, hackers, and government surveillance. Bolt this VPN onto your Fire TV Stick and enjoy the same privileges while focusing on disguising your activity from your internet service provider (ISP). This can be especially important if your internet plan throttles your traffic when it detects streaming.
See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
Rumors first circulated in 2023 that Amazon was considering moving to a native, in-house operating system for its Fire TV Stick range, cutting Android out of the equation.
Fast forward to 2026, and Vega OS is the result. It’s an operating system specifically designed to prevent sideloading; a feature Android allows.
Two Fire TV products, Fire TV Stick Select and Fire TV HD, use Vega OS rather than Android. More are likely to come, as Amazon appears to have confirmed that all future products will run on Vega OS.
The issue is that VPN providers must now work to create apps compatible with the new operating system, as all VPNs were originally unable to function with Vega OS. At the moment, only NordVPN and IPVanish have released compatible apps.
How to set up an Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN
Once you’ve chosen the VPN you want to install, head to the native app store in your Fire TV Stick’s dashboard or use the search function to find your VPN app. For this example, I will download and install ExpressVPN on a Samsung TV.
After the app is downloaded, you can install it, but you may have to provide the VPN with specific device permissions. Open it and log in to the service with your username, email, and password you created when you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs will allow you to log in through a QR code or access code on another device.
Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or choose quick connect, and you’re done.
If there is no native Amazon Fire TV Stick app available, you may have to set up a VPN service on your router instead. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites detailing how to complete a manual setup. It’s best to reference those instructions for the specific VPN you’re using, and to contact support if you have any issues.
If you’re looking for a router with a VPN preinstalled, consider the Privacy Hero 2 or Aircove.
See also: How to set up a VPN on your router | VPN-ready routers may be the smartest way to connect to Wi-Fi now. I put one to the test
|
Choose this Amazon Fire Stick VPN… |
If you want… |
|
NordVPN |
A do-it-all secure VPN for your Amazon Fire TV Stick and other devices overall. NordVPN is a versatile and reliable VPN service that offers high-speed connections, a robust server network, and advanced security features. It’s compatible with Vega OS, too. If you have network restriction issues, its new protocol, NordWhisper, will help. |
|
IPVanish |
A configurable VPN service with support for Vega OS. IPVanish is designed to be easy to set up and use, with unlimited and fast connection speeds for streaming and downloading. and It’s incredibly easy to tweak settings such as the VPN protocol. |
|
ExpressVPN |
The best Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN for speed. ExpressVPN provides a user-friendly app and interface, alongside stable connectivity, excellent speeds, and an expansive server network. The price might be a problem for some, as it is one of the more expensive VPNs on the market, although it has recently dropped in price. |
|
Surfshark |
To pay less for your Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN service. Surfshark is an extremely affordable VPN option that provides a range of useful features, including unlimited simultaneous connections and reasonable speeds that won’t impact your streaming too much. |
|
Proton VPN |
A free VPN for use with your Amazon Fire TV Stick. While paid options do provide a vast server network of over 100 countries, you can still access 10 countries through a free plan, which gives you some flexibility while streaming. However, you are limited to support for one device, so it will only cover your Amazon Fire TV Stick. |
When you are selecting your new VPN to work with your Amazon Fire TV Stick, you need to consider the following factors:
- Country, server selection: On average, a VPN server network spans between 45 and over 100 countries, but this varies widely. If you want a VPN with a range of server locations, check out a VPN provider’s list (always available on their website), and factor this in when you make your choice. Keep in mind that, aside from specialized VPNs, most will not work well in censorship-heavy countries like China, or may only offer virtual servers in certain locations.
- Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN suitable for your Amazon Fire TV Stick, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a TV, desktop, laptop, and smartphone. The number of devices connected to your VPN can add up quickly, so I recommend signing up for a plan supporting at least six to eight devices. Thankfully, many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.
- No-logs policies: While we can’t explore the inner workings and internal infrastructure of VPN providers, it’s important that these companies operate no-logs policies and are, preferably, independently audited on a frequent basis. This can help ensure your data is not stored or sold.
- Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it first to ensure you like its accompanying Amazon Fire TV Stick app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but are less intuitive in the smart TV app department. Also, with the debut of Vega OS, only NordVPN and IPVanish are currently compatible with this new operating system.
- Price: Assess the overall price of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers. They’re typically just marketing tools, especially outside of sales events. While specialized VPNs, such as those suitable for use in China, can cost upwards of $10 per month, many VPNs are available for only a few dollars per month.
- Contract length: You must also decide how long you want to use a VPN. A two-year term tends to secure the best prices, but other options are available, ranging from one month to five years.
- MBG, free trials: After you’ve chosen a VPN plan, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to cancel a contract with a VPN you are not happy with. Ensure you cancel within this time period, or you may be charged for the entire contract length. Many VPN providers offer free, limited mobile app trials, usually for up to seven days.
- Free services: I recommend that you avoid free VPNs — with a few exceptions — as they may sell your data or bombard you with ads. There are some trustworthy options out there, such as Proton VPN and Windscribe, but they’re typically too restrictive to use well with streaming devices.
Many providers on this list have undergone in-depth testing and reviews by members of the ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression of their service, infrastructure, approach to security, and communication with customers.
ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.
We analyzed the best VPNs for Amazon Fire TV Stick below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:
- Performance: My top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming on an Amazon Fire TV Stick if your connection continually drops or lags.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV that you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that supports at least 5 or 6 simultaneous connections, though we much prefer to see VPNs offer unlimited connections.
- Security: There’s no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs. Transparency reports are important, too.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop. We won’t feature any VPN without this feature.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well, given these factors, and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our Amazon Fire TV VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware, and preferably, also cater to Amazon’s new Vega operating system.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
- Trial length & price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
Latest news in the VPN space
- The Tor Project revealed the results of an independent audit conducted by Cure53 on the security of TorVPN.
- Windscribe VPN reported law enforcement in Europe confiscated one of its VPN servers without a warrant. The company told customers it doesn’t expect the server to contain any user information, citing its “no identifying logs policy.”
- Windscribe debuted a new integration for OpenClaw AI builds.
Latest updates on our recommended VPNs
- Surshark launched a new VPN protocol, Dausos, in beta for macOS users.
- NordVPN rolled out call protection features for Android users.
- Proton VPN usage increased in Turkey due to tightening control and legislation concerning VPN licensing.
- ExpressVPN recently launched ExpressKeys, ExpressMailGuard, and ExpressAI.
- Questions remain concerning whether ExpressVPN intends to support third-party router integration in the future.
While VPN usage is legal, not every VPN provider offers a dedicated Amazon Fire TV Stick app. Amazon doesn’t outright ban VPNs, but if you’re using these services to bypass geo-blocked content, your VPN’s IP address might be blocked. It’s also possible that, in the same way that Netflix handles VPN usage, you may be limited to film and TV libraries that only show content available under universal licenses.
Your best bet is a reputable VPN that can handle the demands of streaming services via native apps and won’t cause buffering or connection issues.
However, with the introduction of Amazon’s new Vega operating system, sideloading is no longer permitted, and this means that VPN support is minimal at present if you purchase a Fire TV Stick from the Vega OS range.
Also: The best Netflix VPNs: Expert tested
If you’re having connectivity issues with your VPN and your Amazon Fire TV Stick, there are several possible solutions you can try. One of the most common problems is that your TV stick might be too old, as many VPNs won’t be fully compatible with earlier models. It may also be possible that your internet connection is not stable or quick enough to handle the demands of a VPN.
Sometimes, a simple setting change can be enough to improve your connection. Try switching protocols, such as opting for WireGuard, picking a transmission control protocol (TCP) or a user datagram protocol (UDP), or selecting a different country server.
Also, do not forget to keep the firmware of your Amazon TV Stick and VPN up-to-date. Try resetting them after an update and see if that resolves the problem.
Probably not. Unless you’re playing a cat-and-mouse game and want a VPN to access geo-blocked content libraries on a daily basis, paying for a VPN service just for your Amazon Fire TV Stick might not be worth your money.
Although, there’s nothing stopping you from opting for a free VPN if you don’t mind potential speed restrictions. If you installed Proton VPN, for example, you could use the one-device limit on free accounts purely for your TV and streaming needs.
If you’re going to use a VPN across other devices — such as a laptop or smartphone — alongside your TV, it’s well worth investing in this type of software.
Also: Best VPN services: I’ve tested countless VPNs to find the fastest and most secure services for your security, streaming, and travel needs
While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, most come with heavy restrictions on speed and server selection, and some providers may display ads or sell your information.
Considering that you will likely want to access TV shows or films, a VPN without speed limits is best — but these are typically only available with paid subscriptions. Proton VPN is an exception, but as with most free services, server access is limited — and so the load on them might mean you won’t experience the true speeds of a paid VPN service on the same network.
Also: The best free VPNs: Expert tested
When it comes to VPN safety, it’s crucial to choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.
Next, check that your VPN is working properly by comparing your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device’s settings — typically under Wi-Fi — or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly.
You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any domain name system (DNS) leaks have been detected while you are using a VPN. If so, it could be a sign that your information isn’t secure.
Finally, be careful with free VPNs offered by unknown or shady companies, especially if they are outside of official app repositories. This could open your device to surveillance or malware.
The idea of there being the “safest” VPN for use with an Amazon Fire TV stick is debatable. All of my recommended VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN, uphold a certain level of security and conduct frequent audits to patch out new security issues.
No software is completely protected against cyberattacks. If I were to select a few options, consider NordVPN, Proton VPN, or Mullvad.
While both technologies are intended to protect you and your device, they provide different layers of protection. VPNs protect data in motion, sent to and from the internet. VPN protection is generally provided by encryption, so hackers can’t spy on the data while it moves. Some VPN providers will also bolt on malware scanners, data breach monitors, and more.
Antivirus software protects against malicious software executing on your device. These apps scan data, monitor running software processes and downloads, and may intercept suspicious activities or downloads. They may also include checking permissions and ensuring apps don’t have more control over your device than they need.
A VPN is not a one-size-fits-all security solution, but it’s an important part of overall security hygiene and data protection.
Also: Best free antivirus software
Yes, Amazon Fire TV Stick VPN services are legal in the U.S., but the legality of using VPNs varies by country.
It is important to check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries ban their use outright such as North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq. Other countries including Russia and China, frown upon using any non-state-controlled VPN.
For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN’s guide.
As VPNs encrypt and route your traffic through their own networks, there will be some speed loss. The best VPNs shouldn’t noticeably slow down your connection or result in buffering and lag. This might also depend on the server you have chosen.
For example, if you are in England and have chosen an Australian server, the distance is likely to result in a more noticeable speed loss.
If you are relying on a free VPN, even if it doesn’t restrict the speed or bandwidth of users, you may experience lag, as free servers could be experiencing heavy loads.
Many router brands now support VPN usage, or they include a VPN as an additional feature. Brands include Asus and TP-Link. Alternatively, some VPN providers have partnered with manufacturers to offer routers with their VPNs preinstalled, resulting in models including the ExpressVPN Aircove, and the NordVPN-enabled Privacy Hero 2.
The answer depends on your needs. While NordVPN typically provides better speeds, stability, and a larger server network, it restricts the number of simultaneous connections. In comparison, Surfshark speeds are mid-range, but it is more affordable and provides unlimited connections.
Latest updates
- April 2026: In ZDNET’s April update, we conducted a thorough editorial review of our guide and opted to showcase NordVPN and IPVanish as our favorites due to their compatibility with Amazon’s new Vega operating system.
- February 2026: In ZDNET’s February update, we added our most recent speed test results to each product’s description, as well as in our comparison visualization chart. We also updated the latest VPN news section.
- August 2025: In ZDNET’s August update, we performed editorial and layout changes. We also added more information on our favorite options and alternatives to consider.
- July 2025: In ZDNET’s July update, we performed editorial changes, updated the latest news on our top choices, and ensured all pricing and deals are up to date.
Other VPNs we’ve tested
CyberGhost
If you’re looking for an alternative VPN that is perfect for overall streaming purposes, CyberGhost is for you. CyberGhost is one of my favorite streaming VPNs, not in small part due to its optimized servers for streaming and gaming. Prices begin at $1.75 per month with two months free, the cheapest I’ve seen it for years.
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PIA
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great option if you want an affordable VPN with consistent pricing for the long term. The company also offers a native app for Amazon Fire TV. Three-year contracts start at $1.59 with three months free, or you can opt for a one-year deal at $3.33 per month.
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Mullvad
Mullvad VPN isn’t the cheapest VPN around, but it’s an excellent alternative if you want a privacy-focused VPN service with security at its core. Mullvad’s simple pricing structure is €5 ($5.88) per month, and you are not tied into a long-term contract.
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We hope our recommendations have provided you with the right VPN for your Amazon Fire TV Stick. If you’re keen on exploring more of what VPNs can offer, check out our guides on the best VPNs, the best free and trustworthy VPN solutions, and the best VPNs for travel.