Amazon Firestick is a great device for enjoying watching your favorite content on your TV without hassle; this tiny device allows you to access thousands of channels. However, the main limitation of Firestick is that you can’t watch everything you want. Because most channels and apps are geo-blocked, you might miss your favorite movies or shows if you are not living in the permitted region.
That is where a VPN helps you. Once you have it, you can unblock your favorite content on your Fire device and enjoy complete privacy and security from online threats.
Read along to find out the best VPN for Firestick, how to choose only the top-notch free provider, the caveats of using free VPNs, and more.
Quick list – Best free VPNs for Firestick
In a hurry to learn about the best free services supporting your streaming experience in detail? Here’s a quick list for you. Yet, if you wish to know more about them before subscribing, scroll down to find the details.
- NordVPN – High-quality VPN for streaming with the latest security and privacy features. While it isn’t completely free, the provider offers a risk-free trial via 30-day (no-questions-asked) money-back guarantee; hence, you can try it without any risk.
- Proton VPN – Unlimited data, decent security features, private logging policy, fast speeds on nearby servers.
- Windscribe – Reliable free VPN, 10 GB monthly free data, P2P allowed, unblock geo-blocked content.
Top free Firestick VPNs: Overall test ratings
The table below compares the performance of our top-rated free VPN for Fire TV in five main testing categories:
Test | NordVPN | Proton VPN Free | Windscribe Free |
---|---|---|---|
Free VPN for Firestick rating | 9.5 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
Firestick App | 9.3 | 8.2 | 7.9 |
Speed | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.9 |
Streaming | 9.9 | 1.0 | 8.6 |
Torrenting | 9.8 | 0.0 | 7.5 |
Security and technical tools | 9.7 | 9.1 | 8.0 |
Why you need a VPN for Firestick
Isn’t a VPN security tool? We hear you ask.
Well, a VPN is more than just security software. In fact, for avid streamers, a VPN is the most useful utility for facilitating streaming enthusiasts, especially when installed on your Firestick.
To answer your query more precisely, here is a quick list of all the good reasons you should equip your streaming device with a VPN.
Never miss out on your favorite shows
The biggest plus of using an Amazon Firestick is taking your favorite movies and shows anywhere with you. Regardless of where you travel, as long as you get an HDMI port, you can connect your Firestick to any TV set and start watching your favorite content.
However, it isn’t true if you travel abroad, given the location-based restrictions. Nonetheless, if you have a VPN, you can easily change your online location to your home country and enjoy streaming just as you did back home.
Stream geo-blocked content
The majority of Firestick streaming apps are geo-blocked. It means they are only available in particular regions, primarily the US. Or, even if they’re available, you might not watch your desired content due to regional restrictions on content availability.
That is where having a VPN on your Firestick comes in handy. It allows you to change your IP address and location online.
You need to connect to a VPN server in the country where the channel is available. Then, it will make you look like you are in that country. Hence, you can stream your favorite content freely.
Get robust online security
The most apparent reason why you should use a VPN is online security. Any activity you conduct will be encrypted and passed through a private tunnel when you connect to a VPN. As a result, it will protect your data and activities from your internet service provider (ISP), hackers, government agencies, and other online trackers.
Alongside security, the VPN’s data encryption and IP masking also save you from ad tracking.
Evade ISP throttling
The biggest plus (apart from gaining access to unrestricted media for streaming) of using a VPN app on your Fire TV Stick is bypassing internet throttling.
If you’re an avid streamer, you would have sometimes experienced your ISP deliberately slowing down your connection speeds. It is particularly annoying when you start facing long buffering in the middle of streaming. With a VPN, your ISP won’t know your streaming activities and can’t limit your bandwidth.
Best free Firestick VPNs comparison table
Features | Proton VPN | Windscribe | Hide.me |
---|---|---|---|
Server network | 2600 servers in 68 countries | 500 servers in 60 countries | 1800+ in 75 countries |
Average speed | 68Mbps | 55Mbps | 51Mbps |
Data caps | No monthly data cap | 10GB | 10GB |
Logging policy | No-logs | No-logs | No-logs |
Kill switch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Obfuscated servers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
P2P support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best free Amazon Firestick VPNs – Detailed list
All these providers are regularly checked (and updated in this list) to bring the most relevant recommendations to you.
1. Proton VPN
The only free Fire TV VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth. Download the dedicated Android TV app for Proton VPN to unblock 3 different streaming content libraries on your Firestick.
Pros
- Supports all major platforms
- Unblocks streaming sites
- Powerful apps
Cons
- Allows connection only to three locations for free users
While Proton VPN does not have a native app for Amazon Fire Stick, you can download the APK file or install it on your router. The best thing about Proton VPN is that it does not limit data usage for free users, unlike other free VPNs for Fire TV, such as Hide.me and Windscribe.
The VPN supports all major platforms, including Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. It is also compatible with routers running AsusWRT, DD-WRT, or pfSense firmware, meaning you can use it on almost all devices.
Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden, all with friendly privacy laws. Unfortunately, you cannot access them on the free version as you can only connect to three US, Japan, and Netherlands servers.
Although Proton VPN on Firestick does not limit data usage on the free version, the speed is slower. It unblocks all the top streaming sites, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc. However, you might have to upgrade to the paid plans to watch videos without buffering.
2. Windscribe
It unblocks streaming content from 10 different regions, including USA and UK, for free users.
Pros
- Compatible with Amazon Firestick
- Strong encryption
- Does not keep logs
Cons
- Limited data usage
Windscribe has a 10GB free monthly data allowance, much more than its competitors. You will also get an extra 5GB if you tweet about the company. Unfortunately, even this 15GB combined is enough for only a few hours of streaming if you are an avid streamer.
You can also use Windscribe Firestick anonymously by not providing your email. However, you will only get 2GB of data per month for free.
During our tests, the VPN caused a slight dip in the internet speed while testing. Nevertheless, it improved using the Smart Location feature connected to the nearest server. So even though it may struggle initially, you can stream in standard definition.
If you upgrade to the paid plans, you will get features like optimized servers for streaming Netflix and access to its entire server network. While you will only access 10 servers on the free version, they are in countries like the US, Canada, and the UK.
Windscribe offers AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and activities from unauthorized access. Moreover, the kill switch and DNS leak protection prevent IP addresses and DNS requests from leaking.
3. Hide.me
This user-friendly VPN offers 5 server locations to free users, thus supporting streaming from 5 different libraries. Besides Firestick, you can also install it on other FireOS devices like FireTV.
Pros
- Zero-logs policy
- Works well with Firestick, Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, browsers
- Unblocks Hulu, Amazon Prime Videos, HBO Go, Netflix, ESPN
- 24/7 live chat
- High encryption level
Cons
- Allows only a single connection for free users
Hide.me is a reliable free VPN service for Firestick that offers 10GB of free monthly data. That is enough for around 10 hours of streaming content in standard definition.
The VPN app is easy to download and install on your Amazon Firestick. Fortunately, you can use Hide.me without providing your information or payment details.
Sadly, you are limited to servers in four countries: Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and the US. But you can use these servers to watch your favorite channels. In our tests, the VPN allowed accessing content on ESPN US, Amazon Prime Video US, Disney+, etc.
Since it offers limited servers, you cannot access services outside of the countries the provider offers on its network. So, for example, you cannot access Rai TV outside Italy (if you happen to be a fan of Italy’s TV shows or are traveling) as the VPN service does not offer an Italy server to its free users.
Hide.me uses cutting-edge security features and a kill switch to prevent your data from leaking. However, you will be dissatisfied knowing it only allows one connection at a time. Though that suffices if you only need a VPN for your Firestick, the service isn’t ideal if you want to connect more devices.
A pleasing thing about the provider is its strict no-logs policy. It will not gather or store identifiable information about you or your online activities. You can also expect a prompt response to any question, as it offers 24/7 live chat.
If you upgrade to the paid plans, you can test the services risk-free with the 30-day money back guarantee.
The paid version offers over 2,000 servers in 79+ locations and supports 10 simultaneous connections. It also provides impressive security features such as WireGuard protocol, IPv6 support, split tunneling, etc.
Factors to consider when choosing the best free Firestick VPN
Finding a free VPN that works well with Firestick is not easy. So, before subscribing to a service, keep the following things in view.
Native app for Firestick
First and foremost, the best free VPN should be compatible with Firestick and offer a dedicated app for quick installation. Two, if not all three, of the free VPNs recommended above have dedicated apps for Firestick that you can easily download from the Amazon App Store.
Privacy policy
There have been numerous reports of free VPN services collecting users’ data in the background to sell to advertising third parties. Therefore, your free VPN for Firestick should have a dependable logging policy if you are concerned with your online privacy.
Speed
A good free Firestick VPN should offer reliable speeds to stream content seamlessly and buffer-free.
While free VPNs cannot match premium vendors’ consistency in speed, the services recommended above are still better than others on the market.
Data limitation
The VPN you pick should offer generous or no data limitation to stream unrestrictedly.
Unblocks content restrictions
A free Amazon Firestick VPN must bypass geo-blocks and anti-VPN technology. It will enable you to access more content in as many regions as possible.
Customer support
Reliable customer support is crucial when using a VPN to assist you if you encounter a problem.
The catch with using free VPN services
However, free VPNs, like any other free service, appear lucrative because they don’t demand money. People believe such services are “risk-free” as they won’t ruin your budget.
However, free VPNs come with more risks. These include threats to your data security, privacy, and money. (The latter may be an eventual outcome as you would have to spend more on recovering from all the damages from free VPNs.)
If you’re wondering what the underlying risks with free VPNs are, check out some obvious ones below.
Compromised privacy and security
One of the main reasons for using a VPN is to guard against unauthorized access to your data.
Therefore, you’ll be shocked to find out that most free VPNs contain malware that can cause a security breach to your device. Moreover, free VPNs do not have strong encryption and other necessary security measures to keep you safe.
Bandwidth and data limitation
The most significant disadvantage of free VPNs against paid ones is bandwidth and data limitation. The most you can get is 10GB of free monthly data, limiting your streaming activities. Some providers even cap data intentionally to compel you to sign up for paid subscriptions.
Fewer server locations
Compared to premium services such as NordVPN, many free VPNs have few server locations. Therefore, it will hinder you from surpassing geo-restriction and accessing blocked content from different parts of the world.
Some of these services don’t even offer free users the liberty to connect to a chosen server. As a free user, you must bear with the location offered by your provider (regardless of whether it’s helpful).
How to install VPN on Firestick
Now that you have selected a VPN for your Firestick, the next step is configuring it on your device.
If you have a compatible (rather a newer) Fire device (not the 1st generation), installing the VPN only takes a few minutes.
Here’s how you’ll proceed:
- Search your Firestick or any other Fire device for your subscribed VPN app.
- Then, download and install the app on your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to the server in your preferred location.
- Without disconnecting the VPN, leave the app and stream your favorite movie or TV show.
If you can’t find the relevant VPN app on the Amazon App Store, or your provider doesn’t offer a native FireOS client, you can download the Android VPN app.
Since FireOS is a fork of Android and most free VPN services support dedicated Android apps, you won’t have trouble at this step. Though, this requires sideloading the app on your device. You can learn about this method in detail in this thorough guide on installing a VPN on Firestick.
Whereas, if you have an older device and are facing trouble installing the VPN, then using a VPN-enabled router is a quick workaround. You can install the compatible VPN app on your router (if your provider supports one) and then connect your Fire device.
3 best premium VPNs for Firestick
Jailbreaking Firestick helps take your Amazon-powered entertainment device’s experience to the next level. Then, enter it using a paid VPN.
There are many benefits of using a paid Firestick VPN instead of a free one, such as reliability, workability, and other unique features of Amazon Fire Stick.
Here are our recommendations on some of the most reliable premium VPNs in the market.
1. NordVPN
This widely-loved VPN offers dedicated Firestick VPN apps for users. With a huge network, it lets you stream your favorite movie or TV show from any region.
Pros
- Super-fast servers
- Unblocks all major streaming sites
- Brilliant security
Cons
- Desktop app is a bit tricky for naive users
During our tests, NordVPN performed consistently, even over longer distances. It also offers a massive network of over 5400 servers in 60 countries, enabling you to access more content from different regions.
The VPN has a dedicated Amazon Fire Stick app that you can download easily from the Amazon App Store. There are also tutorials on installing it on your router if you want to cover more devices.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for bypassing even the toughest geo-blocks. You can watch your favorite movies and TV shows on streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and all the big names.
Unlike free VPNs, NordVPN offers high-level security, including AES-256 encryption, double VPN, automatic kill switch, etc. Additionally, it does not keep logs, is based in a privacy-friendly country, and is audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Apart from offering a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. You will get a 68% discount and 3 months free if you subscribe to the two-year plan.
To provide more information about this provider, here is an in-depth review of NordVPN.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A budget-friendly alternative for streaming fans to transform their Firestick into a home theatre. Leverage its 65+ server locations to stream your favorite content anywhere.
Pros
- Friendly pricing scheme
- Impressive unblocking capabilities
- Attractive apps
Cons
- Some distant servers are slow
PIA is another reliable VPN for Amazon Fire Stick. The provider recently expanded its server network to improve performance. So now you can get consistent and dependable connections even when streaming.
One of its striking features is unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can cover your entire network with a single plan. There is also a SmartDNS feature to connect devices that don’t usually work with VPNs, such as PlayStation Consoles.
Curious to learn more about this service? Head over to our full PIA VPN review.
3. ExpressVPN
A trusted VPN service that evades VPN bans, unblocks Netflix and other resilient streaming services, and offers dedicated Firestick apps for streaming enthusiasts.
Pros
- Great speeds
- Expansive server network
- Reliable customer service
Cons
- High at price
ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs and the very best VPN for Firestick. It also offers a dedicated app for the Amazon App Store. With a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you will always get a reliable connection to stream your favorite content.
The VPN offers refined apps, a remarkable range of functions, and stellar performance. Plus, it provides users with excellent privacy and security features such as AES 256-bit encryption, Network Lock, split tunneling, and Tor compatibility.
For a more detailed look, please read this extensive ExpressVPN review.
VPNs to avoid using on a Firestick
You now know which VPNs support Firestick streaming, both free and premium ones. However, not every VPN boasts seamless streaming capabilities despite offering top-notch features.
That’s because many providers aren’t resilient enough to handle the high traffic generated during streaming. Consequently, you face speed lags. That is in addition to failing to bypass regional restrictions and bandwidth limitations.
Besides, poor online security is another issue, as discussed above.
Keeping all this in view, here are some VPN services you should always avoid using on Firestick.
HolaVPN
If you care about your safety and privacy while streaming, steer clear of HolaVPN. Despite being free, using this service costs you indirectly by drawing your bandwidth and making your device part of a botnet. Also, HolaVPN isn’t strong enough to unblock streaming apps.
Tunnelbear
Tunnelbear is a nice-to-have free VPN for online privacy. But this isn’t an option for streaming fanatics owing to its limited data and fewer locations. Moreover, Tunnelbear isn’t robust enough to bypass VPM bans.
Speedify
While this service offers a relatively better free data limit of 2GB per month, it isn’t sufficient for streaming. Besides, you don’t have the liberty to choose your desired server location with this VPN. That means you can’t unblock location-specific media libraries.
Free VPN vs premium VPN: Which’s better for your Firestick?
Unfortunately, using free VPNs on a Fire TV device has many drawbacks, including poor speed connections and security and privacy threats. Most secure free VPNs have bandwidth caps, limited server networks, and slow speeds. Moreover, even highly rated free VPNs fail to function with popular streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Netflix.
On the other hand, most premium Firestick VPNs provide seamless streaming with enhanced security and privacy.
The main features of premium Firestick TV VPNs are:
- Blazing-fast connection speed.
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Excellent unblocking capabilities
- Extensive server networks
- Compatibility across multiple devices
- Advanced security and privacy features
You can test a paid FireStick VPN’s services before committing to a long-term subscription by taking advantage of its free trial or the risk-free money-back guarantee.
VPN not working with Fire Stick – troubleshooting tips
Facing glitches when streaming Firestick with a VPN is common. It frequently happens with free VPNs since they can be tracked down and blocked. Nonetheless, premium VPNs sometimes fail to work with Firestick. In either case, here are a few tips to fix the glitch.
- Change your VPN server. Your streaming service may detect and block your VPN server, breaking your access. So, connect to another server from the exact location and start streaming again.
- Check for IP leaks on your Firestick. Though most premium VPNs offer robust IP leak protection, streaming services sometimes detect your actual IP address and block your access. So, if changing your VPN server doesn’t fix the issue, go to your device settings and ensure that your VPN assigns the IP address you see. You need to tweak your VPN configuration to fix the glitch if you see a different IP.
- Update the VPN app. Using older apps is always problematic — VPNs are no different. If your VPN suddenly fails to work on your Firestick, check for any updates and reconnect after updating the service.
- Contact the VPN customer support. It is the last resort to fix the glitch when you find it impossible to solve the VPN failure with your Firestick from your side.
Tips to unblock geo-restricted content on FireTV
- To watch your desired content on Amazon Prime Video, change your Amazon account location to the country from where you need to access the content.
- Change your Firestick device’s time zone to the country from where you wish to unblock the content. This change also helps in preventing IP leaks when using a VPN.
- Change the DNS settings of your router if changing the Firestick location isn’t possible.
FAQs
Many premium VPNs use military-grade encryption and security measures, such as automatic kill switches and DNS leak protection, to safeguard traffic and data. Sadly, most free VPNs cannot offer such features and may expose you to many risks online.
Yes. Most free VPNs don’t support Amazon Fire Stick. So, even if hundreds of free VPNs are available, only a few work well with the platform. Also, using a VPN with Amazon Firestick is problematic if the provider does not offer a native app or APK file. Unfortunately, most free services don’t have such offers.
Not really. In fact, due to data and bandwidth limitations, free VPNs are not ideal for streaming on Fire TV. The average data offered is 500MB. However, a few providers like Windscribe offer 10GB of free monthly data, enough for 10 hours of standard definition streaming or 3 hours of HD streaming.
If you want to enjoy a safe Firestick streaming experience on your jailbroken device, then you definitely need a VPN. That’s because the third-party apps you may use on your jailbroken Firestick, such as the third-party Kodi add-ons or IPTV, may be risky. Besides malware threats, such apps may have sneaky online trackers to log your activities. Therefore, using a robust Firestick VPN is wise to protect your privacy.