Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video (a.k.a. Prime Video) has become one of the most popular sources of streaming video content in the world. It gives you unlimited streaming of the massive Amazon video library. This library contains Amazon Originals, popular movies, and some of the most popular TV shows.

With more people streaming content online at home, due to lockdowns and other factors, having consistent and reliable access is crucial. Getting easy access to things like Amazon Prime Video is a lifeline for hundreds of millions of people.

But what do you do if you are blocked from your Amazon Prime account due to travel or other reasons?

The best solution is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to defeat the block that is keeping you from accessing your account. But not just any VPN will do. Most VPN services are unable to defeat the blocks that Amazon puts up to keep you from your content.

Even if you aren’t blocked from Amazon Prime, your ISP (internet service provider) might be one of those throwbacks that throttles streaming traffic in order to reduce bandwidth usage. Or you might not like various groups and agencies targeting you for surveillance and data collection.

In this guide, we’re going to show you our top picks for the best VPNs for accessing the massive library of Amazon Prime Video content.

We’ve been testing VPNs for a long time now and have developed a set of criteria for finding those that can get the job done. We then applied these criteria to a collection of the best-regarded VPNs on the market.

The criteria for making our Best VPNs for Amazon Prime list

Here are the criteria to make the grade as one of the best VPNs for Amazon Prime:

1. The ability to unblock Amazon Prime and watch Prime Video in HD.
2. A network of fast, reliable VPN servers that will let you stream in HD without endless interruptions.
3. Quality apps for your PC and mobile devices as well as for streaming-oriented devices like Smart TVs.
4. Consistent performance regardless of the device or VPN server used to connect.
5. Excellent general-purpose VPN performance, beyond the ability to unblock Amazon Prime.
6. A technical support team that can help you unblock Amazon Prime fast, and can help with any other VPN issues as well.
7. Bonus points for unlocking other major streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Note: All of our winners have numerous VPN features that we won’t discuss in detail here. You can expect things like unlimited bandwidth, a kill switch, split tunneling (the ability to pass some traffic through the VPN while routing other internet traffic around it), streaming servers as well as optimized servers for things like multi-hop connections. To get the specifics for a particular VPN, you will want to see our full review, which is linked after each section here.

Now that you know how we ranked them, let’s take a closer look at the four winners.

Here are the best VPNs for Amazon Prime:

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Amazon Prime

NordVPN has taken first place as the best VPN for Amazon Prime. It does a great job unblocking Amazon Prime and quickly and reliably delivers streaming content from Amazon’s libraries to you.

NordVPN gives you access to an enormous network of 5,400 fast VPN servers, with locations in 59 countries. That network includes over 1,700 servers in the United States, meaning you should always be able to find a server that unblocks Amazon’s US libraries.

NordVPN offers great performance, allowing you to stream HD Amazon Prime videos without any buffering or interruptions. It is currently the fastest VPN we have tested. For example, with a NordVPN server in Seattle, we hit download speeds of 445 Mbps!

We have consistently found NordVPN to offer excellent performance for high-bandwidth activities, such as when using a VPN for torrenting. And the speeds with NordVPN have gotten a recent boost as they have added support for the NordLynx protocol that is built into all their apps. NordLynx is the company’s custom implementation of the WireGuard VPN protocol.

WireGuard uses the latest in strong encryption and is extremely fast and secure. NordLynx combines the benefits of WireGuard with privacy-protecting modifications by NordVPN engineers, giving users great speed, excellent security, and extreme privacy all in one protocol.

NordVPN has apps for a full range of systems. Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and iOS, of course. Also proxies for major web browsers and torrenting apps. Even apps for common routers and NAS (Network Addressable Storage) like Synology are available. They also support Android TV boxes and Smart TVs, even FireSticks and Fire TVs.

In the area of privacy, NordVPN comes out on top. It is based in Panama and keeps no logs of your online activities. Not long ago, they also completed the tough job of converting every all their servers to run on dedicated hardware in RAM-disk mode. This is the latest trend in VPN server security. With this approach, even if someone physically steals your servers, there won’t be any personal data on them to disclose.

Two audits, one by VerSprite (network security) and one by PWC AG (no-logs) confirmed NordVPN’s security and privacy claims. Speaking of security and privacy, NordVPN delivers with advanced features including:

• CyberSec – Blocks ads and malware domains while stopping trackers from spying on you.
• Double-VPN servers – Pass your traffic through two VPN servers one after the other, to make it far harder for anyone trying to discover your true identity (or IP address, as the case may be).
• Tor-over-VPN servers – Combine the Tor network’s anonymity features with NordVPN’s security and privacy.
• Obfuscated servers – Disguise your VPN traffic by making it look like HTTPS encrypted traffic. This can get you around blocks and restrictions placed by ISPs and governments (useful should you need a VPN for China).

Customer support: NordVPN Customer Support features 24/7 live chat directly through the website. Fast support like this is ideal if you have technical issues or need help unblocking Amazon Prime with your VPN. Add in a 30 day money-back guarantee and you can test NordVPN for yourself risk-free.

Additional streaming services unblocked: Beyond Amazon Prime, NordVPN unblocks Netflix (US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Australia, India, Italy, and possibly other regions), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, and many more.

+ Pros

• Over 5,400 VPN servers in 59 countries
• Unblocks Amazon Prime without any issues
• Unblocks Netflix and many other streaming services
• User-friendly, high-quality apps for a vast range of devices and operating systems
• Currently the Fastest VPN we have ever tested when running WireGuard
• Third-party audits confirm key security and privacy claims
• Advanced VPN technologies including CyberSec, Double-VPN, and Tor-over-VPN
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30 day money-back guarantee

– Cons

• Best pricing only available with a two-year subscription

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Want to learn more? Check out our full NordVPN review.

2. ExpressVPN – Amazon Prime unblocking with general VPN excellence

If you want Amazon Prime unblocking capabilities along with an excellent all-around VPN, ExpressVPN could be the service you want.

These guys have a great reputation for unblocking websites and streaming services around the world. In total, ExpressVPN’s network includes over 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries. The network is consistently fast and reliable, and easily handles HD-quality streaming. This allows you to stream Amazon Prime Video from wherever you happen to be located in the world.

Another thing we really like about ExpressVPN is the apps. They have secure and user-friendly apps for all sorts of systems. Where a full VPN app isn’t appropriate, such as with Smart TVs, ExpressVPN offers support through their MediaStreamer smart DNS service. In the screenshot below, you can see all the different operating systems and devices supported by ExpressVPN:

ExpressVPN is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, and has completed multiple third-party audits confirming that its security is tight and they live up to their commitment to protect your privacy as a no-logs VPN.

We are also impressed with their great Customer Support. While we have never had a problem using ExpressVPN to connect to Amazon Prime, we did once need to contact their 24/7 live chat support about a problem connecting to a different streaming service. Within minutes the tech figured out the problem and had us connected.

You can give ExpressVPN a thorough workout without risk since they offer a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Streaming services unblocked: Beyond Amazon Prime, ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix (US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany, along with other non-English-speaking regions), BBC iPlayer, ESPN, HBO, Hulu, SlingTV, and more.

+ Pros

• Hundreds of VPN servers across the USA give you easy access to Amazon Prime
• Thousands of VPN servers spread across 94 countries
• Also unblocks Netflix and most other streaming services worldwide
• Consistent, high-quality VPN apps and MediaStreamer service
• Reliable network of VPN servers with excellent speeds
• Proven strong network security and encryption
• Third-party audits confirm no-logs status and solid security
• Provides 24/7 live chat with customer service
• 30 day money-back guarantee

– Cons

• Prices are a bit high without a discount coupon

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Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review.

3. Surfshark – A strong Amazon Prime unblocker with a low price tag

Since its launch in 2018, Surfshark has been busy making a name for itself in the VPN world. It is now a strong contender in many categories. Among its many talents is the ability to unblock Amazon Prime and other big-name streaming services.

Surfshark’s network includes more than 1,700 VPN servers located in 63 different countries. The Surfshark network isn’t quite as fast as those of NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but it is still fast enough and reliable enough to handle HD streaming media. We have also noticed some variability in speeds between server locations, but again the overall network can definitely get the job done for you.

Like our leaders, Surfshark has quality apps for many types of devices, from the core computer and smartphone operating systems, to browser extensions, Smart TVs, and game consoles. They even have a dedicated app in the Amazon store if you need a VPN for Firestick and Fire TV streaming. They also offer Trust DNS, which works with the rest of their server network to simplify switching DNS services.

Surfshark easily handles all the expected VPN tasks like securing your data and protecting your privacy. Their mobile device browser extensions recently scored well in a security audit by Cure53, a German cybersecurity firm that has also worked with ExpressVPN, Bitwarden, and other pro-privacy products. Surfshark has also recently converted their entire network to run in RAM-disk mode for an increased level of data security.

On the advanced VPN tech front, Surfshark offers some of the same tools as NordVPN:

• CleanWeb – comparable to NordVPN’s CyberSec
• MultiHop – comparable to NordVPN’s Double-VPN servers
• Camouflage mode – comparable to NordVPN’s Obfuscated servers

There are two additional Surfshark features you definitely want to know about. The first is their support for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections to their network. NordVPN offers six simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN supports 5 simultaneous connections.

In many households, it would be easy to exceed the supported number of simultaneous connections, particularly when using the VPN for streaming media in addition to regular internet access. For situations like these, Surfshark could be the best and only practical solution.

Even with the low, low pricing, Surfshark manages to provide 24/7 live chat support and a 30 day money-back guarantee. All in all, we remain impressed with Surfshark.

Streaming services unblocked: Beyond Amazon Prime, Surfshark unblocks Netflix (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Italy, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Norway and working on more), BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hulu, SlingTV, and more.

+ Pros

• Amazon Prime access through 24 server locations in the United States
• 1,700+ VPN servers spread across 63 countries
• Support for an Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Unblocks 10+ Netflix regional libraries, and most other popular streaming services
• VPN network offers good speeds and quality that support HD video viewing
• Quality apps for most any device or operating system you might care to use
• Advanced features are comparable to NordVPN
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30 day money-back guarantee

– Cons

• VPN server speeds can vary across the network

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4. VyprVPN – A reliable and affordable VPN for streaming Amazon Prime

The last VPN service to make our list of the best VPNs for Amazon Prime is VyprVPN. They offer 8 server locations within the United States that you can use for connecting to Amazon Prime’s US library (or other US-based streaming services, of course).

The VyprVPN server network is smaller than that of the other VPNs in our list. Aside from what servers they have at their US locations, the rest of the network is spread across 60+ countries. In other words, while the number of servers in the network is relatively small, the reach of the network is comparable to NordVPN or Surfshark.

We found consistent connection speeds across the network, which is extra important when you have relatively few servers. As with Surfshark, the VyprVPN network isn’t quite as fast as those of NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but it is fast enough to stream HD video.

As its presence on this list would suggest, VyprVPN also has no problems doing its job as a general-purpose VPN. They collect no personally identifiable information (PII), as confirmed by Leviathan Security. You’ll also find that VyprVPN has useful features such as their own DNS servers and a malicious sites filter. Lastly, they also offer the Chameleon protocol, which can help you bypass VPN blocks, for example if you need a VPN for UAE, where VPNs are often blocked.

In keeping with the rest of the VPN services in our list, VyprVPN offers 24/7 customer support and a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Streaming services unblocked: Beyond Amazon Prime, VyprVPN unblocks Netflix (US, UK, and Germany), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO.

+ Pros

• Can unblock Amazon Prime through its 8 US locations
• 700+ VPN servers hosted in more than 60 countries
• Unblocks three mahjor Netflix libraries and many other leading streaming services
• Connection speeds are consistent throughout the network
• Secure and reliable apps for key operating systems and devices
• Useful additional features such as the Chameleon protocol
• 24/7 customer support
• 30 day money-back guarantee

– Cons

• Supports fewer Netflix regions than the competition
• No cryptocurrency payment options

https://VyprVPN.com

Want to learn more? Check out our full VyprVPN review.

Amazon Prime VPN FAQs

Alright, so you want to use a VPN for streaming Amazon Prime Video, but perhaps you have some questions…

• Do you need a VPN for Amazon Prime?
• How Do I Access Amazon Prime Using a VPN?
• Can I use a free VPN to watch Amazon Prime video?
• Does Amazon Prime block VPNs?
• How fast does my VPN need to be for Amazon Prime?

Do you need a VPN for Amazon Prime?

The answer to this question depends on your location and travel plans. Will you be connecting to Amazon Prime from outside your normal geographic region? If the answer is yes, you will need a VPN. You will also need one if you want to prevent your ISP and other third parties from snooping on your online activity.

Then there are situations like this:

Some ISPs still throttle streaming content. To keep down the amount of traffic on their network, they actually cripple your streaming connection by limiting how fast you can download data. When you use a VPN to encrypt your connection, the ISP has no way to tell you are streaming a video, so can’t penalize you for it.

How Do I Access Amazon Prime Using a VPN?

While using a VPN to defeat internet blocks and get access to hidden information might sound like something out of a spy movie, it is actually easy to do. Just follow these instructions:

Step 1: Get a VPN that works well with streaming services

You already know which VPNs we selected as the best for Amazon Prime. But here they are again:

1. NordVPN
2. ExpressVPN
3. Surfshark
4. VyprVPN

Once you sign up for one of these services we will be ready to continue.

Step 2: Install your new VPN

Download and install the correct app(s) for the device(s) you will use to connect to Amazon Prime.

You can find the app(s) you need on the VPN’s website.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server

Launch (run) the VPN app you just installed. Select a location in the United States, since that is where the best Amazon Prime content is located. You always want to select a location in the country where the content is, not where you are. For this to work you need to convince Amazon Prime that you are located somewhere in the USA so it doesn’t block you. If you have the option, connect to the location in the USA that is closest to your present location. This will give you the best results.

Note: In some cases, you may need to connect to Amazon Prime through a specific server or location to get past the blocks that Amazon Prime and other streaming services put in front of you. If you can’t connect using the location you selected, hit the VPN’s 24/7 live chat line and ask for help.

Step 4: Enjoy your access to Amazon Prime

You should now be ready to roll. Log in to Amazon Prime as normal. The service should see you as just another local user and not try to block you.

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

Free VPNs do not work well for Amazon Prime because the speeds will be slow, which results in poor streaming quality. And because free VPN services are limited, you probably won’t be able to unblock Amazon Prime with one. And because many free VPNs gather and sell information about you, it makes sense to avoid them anyway.

For more reasons why it is a bad idea to use a free VPN for anything, check out our discussion on free VPNs here.

Does Amazon Prime block VPNs?

Amazon Prime and many other streaming services try hard to block VPN users from getting at their content.

To you and me, this seems crazy. You are paying good money for your Amazon Prime account, so why shouldn’t you be able to use it unless you are sitting in a particular country?

Long story short, copyright holders force Amazon Prime and other streaming services to block you. Copyright holders can maximize their profits by licensing content to each region based on its value in that region.

But that plan doesn’t work if people can see content from any region they wish. So streaming services end up signing contracts that require them to block access from outside each licensed region.

While that works out great for the copyright owners, it harms legitimate users like you by artificially keeping you from viewing the content you are paying for.

Either way, there are solutions. Whether you need a VPN for Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Netflix, you will still be able to stream your favorite content with the right service.

How fast does my VPN need to be for Amazon Prime?

The speed of your VPN is important, but what is really important is the ability to stream HD content without hiccups or other problems.

That means that results depend on the speed of your internet connection, where you are located, where your VPN server is and where the Amazon Prime servers are located. Let’s start at the beginning, by looking at the overall speeds you need for different video qualities. After that, we’ll look at what you can do to improve speed, given your location and so on.

Speed and quality

The following table shows the overall speed you need to stream video from Amazon Primer or anywhere else to get a particular image quality:

500 Kbps = Minimum quality

1,500 Kbps [1.5 Mbps] = Normal quality (less than 480p)

3,000 Kbps [3 Mbps] = SD quality (480p or better)

5,000 Kbps [5 Mbps] = HD quality (720p or better)

25,000 Kbps [25 Mbps] = Ultra HD quality (1080p or better)

Optimizing the speed of your connection

Assuming you can’t change your physical location, and Amazon Prime refuses to move their servers closer to you, what can you change?

1. The speed of your VPN
2. The speed of your internet connection
3. The VPN server you connect to

As you might expect, a faster VPN that can also unblock Amazon Prime will give you a faster overall connection. Right now, the fastest VPNs we have seen that can also unblock Amazon Prime are NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Going with one of them is the best you can do for item #1 in our list.

As you might also expect, a faster internet connection will generally result in a faster connection. If your Internet Service Provider offers a plan of faster than 5 Mbps, upgrading to that should take care of item #2 in our list.

Item #3 might not be so obvious. But it becomes much clearer when you realize that it does take a finite amount of time for messages to travel through the internet, and the further a message has to go, the longer it takes. Connecting to a VPN server instead of directly to Amazon Prime always make the signal travel farther.

But the question is, How much farther? Here’s an example we have used before to illustrate the problem:

Say you are located in Monterrey, Mexico and you want to connect to a streaming service in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

You can reach the streaming service in New Orleans using any VPN server located in the United States. You could, for example, use a VPN server located in San Antonio, Texas (green circle). That server is almost directly between Monterrey and New Orleans, which means connecting to it doesn’t force messages to travel much further than if you had a direct connection to New Orleans.

You can also reach the streaming service in New Orleans using a VPN server located in Miami, Florida (blue circle). But this connection could be slower since messages between you and the streaming service have to travel thousands of kilometers out of the way to reach the VPN server in Miami. But there are many factors at play here and how data packets are getting routed.

Generally speaking, to get the best speed and reliability, choose a closer VPN server that is located within the geographic region the streaming service supports (the United States in our example). If there is more than one VPN server available in the region, choose the one that is physically closest to you. Doing this will minimize the latency (delays) in the connection and should give you the best streaming performance possible in your circumstances.

Best VPNs for Amazon Prime conclusion

Finding the best VPN for Amazon Prime will give you the best viewing results, wherever you happen to be. And with the Amazon Prime Video library continuing to grow with great content, you’ll want a VPN to ensure you have access at all times. A VPN also provides you with the added security and privacy that is crucial in today’s digital world.

Another benefit worth mentioning is that these VPNs also work well for other streaming services. Perhaps you need a VPN for BBC iPlayer to get access to UK media, then our top three choices have you covered. Or maybe you are a Netflix fan and want the best VPN to unblock Netflix during your global travels. Either way, you’ll be able to stream your content with a reliable VPN service.