Aside from getting frequent discounts and free shipping, Amazon Prime subscribers also get to access a whole slate of digital services. Using these, you can stream music, read e-books, and of course - watch movies and TV shows. And trust us, there's a good reason why Amazon Prime Video has 26 million subscribers in the USA alone. With thousands of titles available on the platform, you'll get an endless library of content. However, if you're outside of the USA, the situation is a bit different (as you'll encounter a limited content library). In this case, you need a VPN to access the US version of Prime Video - and we're going to help you pick the best one. Learn more in detail from this guide.
Any VPN application will allow you to hide your IP address and replace it with a new IP that can be associated with a different country. This is why VPNs are the solution to accessing Prime Video and its US library, as you'll find thousands of titles available in that library only. However, keep in mind that you need to be very picky when choosing a VPN for Amazon Prime Video, as only a handful can still successfully access this media streaming platform. Using a less-than-powerful VPN will force Prime Video to show you the "Error 4601" message, preventing you access due to "geographical licensing restrictions." You might also see the "Error 1042," saying that you need to disable your HTTP proxy. All those errors become the thing of the past once you find a VPN that can unblock anything online.
Before we proceed, we'd like to let you know that we've spent hundreds of hours testing VPN services. And of course, we tested their capability of accessing Amazon Prime Video. Any of the following recommendations will do the job of media streaming, and they'll also protect your privacy online. We made sure to find only truly the best VPNs available right now, and there's plenty to go through.
To make this guide as helpful as possible, we'll be taking you through several segments. More precisely, we'll teach you about VPN services, what they can do, how to find the best one, and more - as displayed below.
How to Find The Best VPN to Watch Prime Video?
Considering that you'll find hundreds of VPNs online, you need to know how to navigate your way through. So, here's what to look for when searching for the best VPN for Amazon Prime.
- A Selection of VPN Protocols: Today's VPNs come equipped with multiple protocols. For media streaming and online privacy, we recommend going with an OpenVPN-based VPN service. Other reliable protocols include WireGuard as well as IKEv2/IPSec. VPNs that only offer PPTP and SSTP should be avoided.
- Plenty of US-based Servers: To access the US version of Prime Video, you must connect to a secure server in the USA. However, if you go for a VPN with plenty of servers in this country, you'll increase your chances of getting the best possible performance. Check out more about the best VPNs for the USA.
- Specialized Servers for Media Streaming: Some VPNs tend to bring servers that are optimized for media streaming. Furthermore, there are VPNs with servers optimizing for accessing a single streaming platform, including Prime Video. It means that you'll always find a fully working server with optimized performance to watch movies and TV shows whenever you want.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: On how many devices do you plan to access Amazon Prime Video? Do you have the Prime Video app on your gaming console or a media streaming device? Well, pay attention to how many simultaneous connections you get. Lucky for you, today's VPNs are pretty generous when it comes to parallel connections and native software.
- Money-Back Guarantees: Buying a VPN has become a risk-free investment. However, make sure to know what kind of money-back guarantees you'll get so that you can try your chosen VPN properly before committing in the long term.
Best Amazon Prime Video VPN in 2021
Finally, let's get to the point. After plenty of testing, we present you the 7 best VPN that works with Amazon Prime Video in 2021.
- ExpressVPN – #1 Rated VPN Overall
- CyberGhost VPN – Best for Media Streaming
- NordVPN – The Best-Designed VPN Solution
- Ivacy VPN – Best VPN for Average (Home) Users
- Surfshark – Best for First-Time VPN Users
- ProtonVPN – Best for Total Digital Anonymity
- PrivateVPN – Best User-Friendly VPN
1. ExpressVPN - #1 Rated VPN Overall
Without a doubt, the best VPN you can use to stream Amazon Prime Video is none other than ExpressVPN. We've spent quite some time testing this VPN's capabilities, and felt greatly impressed by it. This is perhaps the only VPN that fulfills all of its promises without a hitch.
When it comes to media streaming, ExpressVPN can be your perfect companion. It comes with plenty of native applications for different platforms, and it also offers a large number of servers (especially in the USA). Aside from Prime Video, you can use it to stream Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, HBO's streaming platforms, and more. Moreover, keep in mind that ExpressVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs. Thanks to powerful protocols coupled with AES-256 encryption, and without logging any of your data, this VPN makes you invisible online.
We could spend hours talking about this VPN. However, if you'd like to learn more about it, make sure to read our ExpressVPN review.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS and Android TV natively; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 30 days.
2. CyberGhost VPN - Best for Media Streaming
Next, we have a Romanian-based VPN called CyberGhost. One of the best things about this VPN is its server selection. If you check our article on the VPNs with the biggest number of servers, you'll see CyberGhost VPN displayed prominently there.
It's not only the size of its server network that's impressive. CyberGhost comes with servers optimized for different online activities as well. For example, there are servers for Internet browsing, torrenting, and media streaming. Furthermore, you'll find servers optimized for individual streaming platforms, with Amazon Prime Video being one of those as well. When it comes to other features, you get native applications across the board, a no-logging policy, and a whole slate of advanced features.
To make sure you have the latest information about this VPN service, we made sure to update our CyberGhost VPN review. Take a look.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS and Android TV natively; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, IPSec.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 45 days.
3. NordVPN - The Best-Designed VPN Solution
NordVPN comes with a user-friendly persona that really works wonders when it comes to its ease of use. This VPN is known for its highly intuitive interface, sticking to its uniform design on all the platforms it supports - and believe us, it supports pretty much any popular platform out there, including dedicated media streaming services.
This is one of the best Prime Video VPNs because (obviously) it unblocks this platform with ease. However, it also unblocks other worldwide-popular and regional platforms. If unblocking new types of online content is your goal, your search ends with NordVPN. Thanks to its special obfuscated servers, even the most rigorous restrictions aren't something that'll concern you in the future. You get a huge network of servers, a no-logs policy, continuously evolving features, and plenty more.
If you'd like to know why we believe that investing in NordVPN is a good idea, make sure your next Web destination to be our NordVPN review.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS and Android TV natively; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 30 days.
4. Ivacy VPN - Best VPN for Average (Home) Users
Ivacy is a highly reputable VPN service focusing on two (rather large) areas. It allows you to protect your digital presence and to access foreign content globally. After testing Ivacy hands-on, we have to admit that it's doing a marvelous job of fulfilling its mission.
In terms of media streaming, you'd have to try really hard to find a platform that Ivacy can't unblock. Of course, Amazon Prime Video is on this list, along with regional versions of Netflix, Hulu, and iPlayer. For this purpose, you need to use servers specialized for media streaming. Aside from those, there are servers for Internet browsing, downloading files, and more. Ivacy is capable of erasing your online tracks, preventing digital trackers from following you around, and it even blocks malware along the way.
If you'd like to dive into the pros and cons of picking this VPN, you can consult our Ivacy VPN review.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS and Android TV natively; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKEv2.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 30 days.
5. Surfshark - Best for First-Time VPN Users
Generally, going for a relatively new VPN wouldn't seem like a good idea. However, there are always certain exceptions to this rule. Even though we didn't expect much of this newcomer, we have to say that Surfshark has managed to impress our editorial team. This VPN checks all the right boxes, while also managing to offer an affordable price.
Know that Surfshark brings all of the standard features you would expect out of a capable VPN application. However, its true value is found in the high-end features that you can find here. We're talking about sophisticated ad-blockers and anti-tracking technologies. You can also fine-tune which of your applications use the VPN tunnel, and which ones don't. It means that you can stream Amazon Prime Video by unlocking its US-based library and using your regular Internet connection to access other websites and services. All of this is available via a highly intuitive interface, just as you would expect from one of the best Amazon Prime Video VPN services.
We made sure to test this VPN from the inside out, and you can find all that information in our Surfshark review.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS and Android TV natively; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, IKEv2.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 30 days.
6. ProtonVPN - Best for Total Digital Anonymity
If you check ProtonVPN's website, you'll see plenty of promises about achieving the ultimate level of online anonymity. And we have to admit -this VPN is doing an incredible job of offering ultra-secure infrastructure. However, this also might make you believe that ProtonVPN is only made for those obsessed about their privacy, which isn't the case.
Despite its aggressive and something overly technical marketing, ProtonVPN is actually an incredibly user-friendly VPN service. It comes equipped with everything you need to secure your Web connection, without overcomplicating the matter. Also, ProtonVPN is great for media streaming, even though this aspect isn't as heavily advertised. Using this VPN, you can easily unblock Amazon Prime Video and enjoy streaming in HD and 4K. It also works with Netflix and Hulu.
If you'd like to take a peek behind the scenes, our ProtonVPN review will meet your needs. Make sure to check it out.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS and Android TV via sideloading; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 30 days.
7. PrivateVPN - Best User-Friendly VPN
We are going to end our search for the best VPN for Amazon Prime Video with PrivateVPN. Based in Sweden, this VPN takes great pride in its transparency. This is something you should really care about when choosing a VPN, as you need to trust a third-party not to collect your personal information.
After having tested PrivateVPN, we can say that this is a rather simple VPN service. However, it offers more than what the majority of home users will ever need. You get a simple UI, friendly towards beginners, and won't have too many protocols at your disposal - but you'll get a small set of incredibly secure ones. And it takes just one click of your mouse to connect to any server that PrivateVPN offers. Once again, there aren't too many servers, but each of those is really capable. Connect to any of those in the USA, and you're one click away from streaming Amazon Prime Video.
It's true that you don't have to spend much to get a capable VPN. As our PrivateVPN review will tell you, there's plenty to like about this VPN service.
- Unblocks Prime Video Online (USA-Based Version): YES (any browser).
- Unblocks Prime Video Apps (USA-Based Version): YES (any native app).
- Support for Media Streaming Devices: Supports Fire OS natively; Works on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV via routers.
- Encryption & VPN Protocols: AES-256; OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2.
- Money-Back Guarantees: 30 days.
Are VPNs The Only Way to Unblock Prime Video?
Upon accessing any media streaming website or app, your geographic location is always checked. This is done based on your IP address, in the majority of cases. Depending on which country your IP belongs to, you will either see a regional version of the streaming service you're trying to access, or your access will be blocked.
This applies to Amazon Prime Video as well. Even though this streaming service is available worldwide, you'll want to access Prime Video outside the US - by connecting to its US-based library, which has the highest number of exclusive movies and TV shows. You will also get to access Amazon Prime Channels, which is a feature not available worldwide.
Right now, VPN applications are truly the most effective way to access services such as Prime Video. They don't only change your IP address, as they also use a series of VPN protocols to encrypt your Web connection. It means that all your data will be kept inside a secure tunnel, not visible to anyone else online. And on top of that, you'll want a VPN with servers optimized for media streaming, as these tend to bring the fastest possible Internet speed, with minimal throttling. There's really no alternative to VPNs when it comes to unblocking online content.
Can You Use Free VPN to Unblock Amazon Prime Video?
We understand that many of you would like to keep your monthly expenses at a minimum. This is precisely why free-of-charge VPN services might look like a good idea. They promise to meet your every need, without you having to pay anything. So, you can already see how sketchy that offer looks, right? If you don't pay with money, you will pay with something else. So, let's take a closer look.
First of all, know that free VPNs will never allow you to stream Amazon Prime Video. They simply aren't capable of accessing media streaming platforms. And also, all of them impose strict limitations in terms of their data caps and bandwidth. In the best possible case, you could use a free VPN for really quick Web browsing sessions, and that's about it.
Let's not forget that free VPN apps often leak your personal information. Due to this reason (and several other), we believe that free VPNs aren't safe to use. If you'd like to limit your budget, check out the best cheap VPNs (still powerful, though), and it's always a good idea to check for VPN deals as well.
So, you've finally reached the end of our guide to the best Prime Video VPN services. In case you have any questions, make sure to use the comments section below to contact us, and we'll respond as soon as possible.