5 best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video [May 2022]
How can I unlock movies or shows from any country on Amazon Prime Video? How do I get around geo-blocking? Which VPNs best support streaming services? We'll answer these and more questions and provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up a VPN.
Table of contents:
Amazon Prime is the second most visited online streaming service in the world, second only to Netflix in the number of registered users. At the same time, it is the largest streaming site that offers a free trial. However, you won't have access to all the service's videos because, without a VPN, you can only watch content that is available in your region.
Getting around Prime Video's geo-restrictions is even harder than unblocking Netflix. This is because few VPNs can bypass APV’s protections.
We tested numerous VPNs and selected 5 that could successfully bypass Prime Video's geo-restrictions and guarantee a pleasant viewing experience.
Get NordVPN for Amazon Prime Video
- NordVPN: The best VPN for unblocking Amazon Prime Video. It's convenient and super-fast, with apps for all platforms that support Amazon Prime.
- Surfshark: The cheapest VPN that supports Amazon Prime. It works reliably, even on weak devices, thanks to the efficient WireGuard protocol.
- ProtonVPN: Multifunctional Swiss VPN that officially supports streaming sites at affordable pricing.
- ExpressVPN: Solid streaming VPN with good security features and expensive subscriptions.
- CyberGhost VPN: Cheap middle-ground VPN with special streaming servers for US content.
Read on to learn about the three ways to unblock Amazon Prime Video, how they work, and more details on each of the featured Amazon Prime VPNs.
Overview
By mid-2022, Amazon Prime Video had about 200 million users worldwide. Like any other modern video streaming service, it operates under laws that protect license agreements with content publishers in the territory in which it "broadcasts." Because of this, many movies and TV shows are unavailable in certain countries.
The most complete list of films is available to residents of the United States and Great Britain. There is also specific content that is broadcast only for Indian residents and so on.
Therefore, many users of Amazon's streaming site seek to expand the list of video material available to them by gaining access to content from other countries.
In addition, there are regions where Amazon Prime Video is not available at all. These are countries such as mainland China, North Korea, Iran, and Syria. If you are going to travel to these countries, then you simply must have a VPN.
Take a look at the map that shows VPN search activity for Prime Video by country:
As you can see, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates are the most active. In total, people in more than 30 countries around the world are searching for a VPN for Amazon Prime.
Are there effective VPNs that are suitable for all countries, including countries where VPN use is restricted by law?
Of course, there are!
Below, we’ll take a look at the VPNs for Amazon Prime that have proven to be effective.
But before we get into the descriptions of these providers, I suggest that you choose one of three ways to use them.
Three ways to set up and use a VPN for Prime Video streaming
I should note that the first way is suitable for all platforms. The second one is only for desktop computers and laptops running Windows or Mac. The third one has significant shortcomings.
VPN app installation
Regardless of the device and OS used, this method always works. The table shows the pros and cons of a VPN app installation.
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Pros
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Cons
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VPN add-on installation
If you watch Prime Video on your computer, the easiest way is to install an add-on on your web browser.
It is also effective for streaming but easier to install and use.
Pros and cons of using a VPN add-on for Amazon Prime
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Pros
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Cons
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Installing a VPN on the router
The last way is to install a VPN on the router. As a rule, this is done only when watching Amazon Prime Video on devices that don't support VPN software, for example, Roku, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Pros and cons of using a VPN on the router for Amazon Prime
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Pros
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Cons
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So, the easiest way to start a VPN in a web browser is the most universal and, at the same time, the simple and reliable way - install a VPN app. It makes sense to use the router if your device does not support the first two methods.
Below you will find a brief comparison and description of the main pros and cons of today's best VPN services that support Amazon Prime VIdeo. Also, at the end of the article, we've posted a clear guide on how to configure VPN software for different devices.
The Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video based on 3-Month Testing
NordVPN scored the most points in the study of more than 40 VPN services. It is also the best VPN for Chrome, Firefox, Android, iPhone, and some other platforms.
Read more about all 5 of the best VPNs for Prime Video.
Comparison of the main features of VPN services that support Prime Video
| Service | Speed, Mbps | Country selection | Number of servers |
Price (monthly |
| NordVPN | >100 | 60 | 5400+ | $3.29-11.95 |
| Surfshark | >80 | 65 | 3200+ | $2.49-12.95 |
| ProtonVPN | >60 | 61 | 1700+ | $4.99-7.49 |
| ExpressVPN | >60 | 94 | 3000+ | $6.67-12.95 |
| CyberGhost VPN | 40-70 | 90 | 6000+ | $2.25-12.99 |
1. NordVPN
Main advantages
- 5400+ servers in 60 countries
- Visualized selection of locations
- Obfuscation (works in UAE and other countries with censorship)
- Progressive WireGuard protocol
Overview
With its proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, NordVPN is the ultimate VPN for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Ultra HD.
At the same time, the provider has additional advantages. For starters, Threat Protection ensures top-notch security against viruses, ads, and even malware. Meanwhile, obfuscated servers allow you to enjoy unrestricted internet access in the most oppressive countries with severe censorship measures. Plus, the VPN is compatible with a wide array of devices, such as Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and even routers.
Price:
The table lists the NordVPN pricing plans.
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $11.95 | $4.92 | $3.29 (2022 Winter promotion) |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Read also:
2. Surfshark
Main advantages
- The best combination of price and quality
- Large selection of countries (65)
- Unlimited devices per subscription
- NoBorders mode (Obfuscation)
Overview
With Surfshark, you can significantly save money and, at the same time, gain access to the most popular regions of Amazon Prime Video. Plus, you can enjoy a risk-free stint by claiming the 7-day free trial and making use of the 30-day money-back guarantee as well.
I have been following the work of this provider for about two years since its appearance in 2018, and during this time, there have been no cases where it did not support streaming. It's extremely fast and packed with excellent security features against censorship, surveillance, ads, and much more.
It works on all major platforms, including web browsers and routers.
Price:
The table lists Surfshark VPN plans.
| 1 month | 6 months | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.95 | $6.49 | $2.49 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Read also:
3. ProtonVPN
Main advantages
- Super high speed: over 1 Gbps
- Stable support for streaming sites
- VPN Accelerator (speed boost up to 400%)
- Powerful software for all platforms
- 60+ countries
Overview
You'll like ProtonVPN for three reasons:
- This service has a special subscription plan with support for streaming services.
- It always offered high speeds, but now it is even faster thanks to VPN Accelerator technology and the addition of WireGuard to the tunneling protocol roster.
- The provider specializes in security and uses modern encryption methods.
We tested Amazon Prime for 5 regions. The results were positive in all cases.
ProtonVPN is also suitable for anyone looking for ultimate online privacy. On the same pricing plan that supports streaming, it also provides protected locations in a bunker in the Swiss mountains and support for Tor over VPN.
Price:
The table lists the streaming-optimized pricing plans.
| 1 month | 1 year (monthly) | 2 years (monthly) | |
| Cost | $7.49 | $5.99 | $4.99 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
ProtonVPN gained popularity primarily due to its free plan, which is the best among the free VPNs. But the free plan doesn't work for Amazon Prime Video. When trying to visit any popular streaming site, a warning appears that this is only possible on a paid plan.
Read also:
4. ExpressVPN
Main advantages
- High speed
- Perfect stability
- All regions available (20+ tested out of 94)
- Excellent device support
Overview
ExpressVPN is a solid but rather expensive option for comfortable video streaming in the best quality on any device. Testing showed the speed on European servers to be above 150Mbps. Even on the usually overloaded American servers, the provider showed a speed higher than most competitors.
The service provides software for all OSs and platforms, so it can be launched in all three ways that I talked about above.
Analysis of Reddit reviews confirms the results of my research. Most of Amazon's video unblocking posts and comments are positively colored.
Price:
The table lists the ExpressVPN tariff plans.
| 1 month | 6 months | 1 year | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.95 | $9.99 | $6.67 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Read also:
5. CyberGhost VPN
Main advantages:
- 6200+ servers
- American Amazon Prime
- Dedicated IP
- Split tunneling
Overview
The VPN with an expansive server fleet, CyberGhost VPN also offers the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. For this, it has a special list of “For streaming” servers, among which you will find many supported video services and TV channels. As for Prime Video, CyberGhost VPN has 1 server in the US.
During the tests, I repeatedly had problems with access to amazon.com:
At the same time, with a successful connection, it was possible to change the region.
In addition to this problem, I want to note a more significant load on the processor when used on Windows.
Price:
The table lists the CyberGhost VPN pricing plans.
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.99 | $3.99 | $2.25 |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 | 45 | 45 |
Dedicated IP connectivity is available for an extra charge of $5 per month.
Read also:
Free VPN for Amazon Prime: Possible, But With Big Limitations
In 2022, there are no completely free VPNs without restrictions. And for streaming, finding a suitable service has become practically impossible. That's because the majority of reliable free options are just no-cost alternatives to premium plans. That means that effective geo-block circumvention is reserved for paying users. Regardless, there's no harm in trying if you're desperate for video content and are willing to deal with far-from-perfect streaming quality.
Look at the example that clearly demonstrates the difference between paid and free services:
You see a screenshot taken using the hide.me VPN app. This is a provider with a good free plan, but when you use it (I'm connected to a VPN server in the US), watching the selected movie is possible only with a bonus fee.
And in the following screenshot, I also connect to the US, but already using NordVPN:
This shows that premium VPNs are more effective at altering your virtual location and tricking online services.
I found similar problems with most free providers.
Read on to find out about 5 services that work for free with Prime Video (some of them are free trial VPN).
VyprVPN
Main advantages:
- 3-day free trial
- Average speed
- Router support with a dedicated app
VyprVPN is a typical representative of free trial services. With it, you can unblock streaming video during the first three days of use. It supports Netflix, Prime Video, and countless other services.
Read also:
Free Hide.me
Main advantages
- US streaming support
- Sufficient speed
- 10 GB per month
- Applications for all operating systems
I was able to access US locations while testing Hide.me. The connection speed was sufficient for streaming high-quality video, but from time to time, the playback would stop for buffering.
The provider is the best of the free VPNs that include bandwidth limiting.
Read also:
Free TunnelBear
Main advantages:
- High speed
- 20+ countries
- 500MB traffic per month
- Good Premium Subscription
TunnelBear helps circumvent geo-restrictions, but its 500MB traffic limit is only for single use. I note that at the same time, you will not be able to watch the video in the best quality, since with Full HD and Ultra HD you need more than 6GB for a movie lasting 1.5 hours:
TunnelBear doesn’t support routers, so it is not suitable for TV platforms that aren’t compatible with Android.
Free SaferVPN
Main advantages:
- Monthly trial period available
- Used as an add-on for browsers
- Average speed
SaferVPN is suitable as a free solution only if you plan to use it one day or no more than 500MB monthly.
HMA (HideMyAss)
Main advantages:
- 7-day free trial
- Unblock US content
- High speed
HMA is notable for its high speed during the trial period and the high price of a paid subscription. When streaming, it's most successful when dealing with the US region.
How to set up a VPN
Here's a look at the easiest yet most effective ways to set up a VPN on the main types of devices you might use to watch Amazon Prime. Make sure you are subscribed to one of the VPN services before starting the installation.
And don't forget to change the region in your Prime settings!
Desktop or laptop
- Download and install the app for your PC or Mac. In the case of a Mac, we recommend installing the VPN from a .deb file. This is usually the more effective version.
- Run it and log in.
- Select the desired location from the list of countries.
- Connect. Done.
Smartphone or tablet
- Click the link from your VPN site page in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Install the app.
- Launch it and log in.
- Select the desired location from the list of countries.
- Connect. Done.
TV or set-top box
To install a VPN on a TV platform, refer to our following articles:
https://cooltechzone.com/vpn-for-firestick
https://cooltechzone.com/android-tv-vpn
https://cooltechzone.com/apple-tv-vpn
https://cooltechzone.com/roku-vpn
https://cooltechzone.com/vpn-for-routers
So, we've discussed the basic ways to unblock Amazon Prime content, which is too expensive or inaccessible in the user's main region. If you have comments or your personal experience in this matter, share them by leaving a comment. They help me to provide useful and up-to-date information regarding VPN usage.
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