Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video in 2026 (Tested)
Amazon Prime Video is one of the biggest streaming platforms on the planet, but its content library varies wildly depending on where you are. A movie available in the US might be completely missing in the UK or Australia — and vice versa. That’s where a reliable VPN comes in.
Our team spent over three weeks testing more than 15 VPN services specifically with Amazon Prime Video. We checked connection reliability, streaming speeds, video quality, and how consistently each VPN could bypass Prime Video’s increasingly aggressive VPN detection. Here are the results.
Quick Overview: Top VPNs for Amazon Prime Video
| VPN | Rating | Speed | Prime Video Access | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 9.5/10 | 850+ Mbps | ✅ US, UK, JP, DE, AU | $3.39/mo |
| ExpressVPN | 9.3/10 | 780+ Mbps | ✅ US, UK, JP, CA | $6.67/mo |
| Surfshark | 9.1/10 | 810+ Mbps | ✅ US, UK, AU, DE | $2.19/mo |
| CyberGhost | 8.6/10 | 720+ Mbps | ✅ US, UK, DE | $2.19/mo |
| Private Internet Access | 8.2/10 | 680+ Mbps | ⚠️ US, UK (inconsistent) | $2.03/mo |
Why You Need a VPN for Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video uses geo-restrictions to control which content appears in each region. This is driven by licensing agreements — studios sell streaming rights on a country-by-country basis.
For example, a thriller that’s included free with Prime in the US might require a separate rental in Germany, or might not appear at all in Japan. If you travel frequently, this is particularly frustrating since your home library disappears the moment you cross a border.
A VPN routes your internet traffic through a server in another country, making it appear as if you’re browsing from that location. Connect to a US server, and Prime Video shows you the American library. Simple in theory — but Amazon has invested heavily in detecting and blocking VPN connections, which is why most VPNs fail.
1. NordVPN — Best Overall for Amazon Prime Video
NordVPN consistently topped our tests for Amazon Prime Video access. Out of 30 test sessions across two weeks, NordVPN successfully connected to the US Prime Video library 29 times — a 97% success rate that no other VPN matched.
What makes NordVPN stand out:
- Massive server network: 6,400+ servers in 111 countries give you plenty of options when one server gets flagged
- NordLynx protocol: Built on WireGuard, this proprietary protocol delivered average speeds of 850 Mbps in our tests — more than enough for 4K streaming
- SmartPlay technology: NordVPN’s built-in DNS solution is specifically designed to bypass streaming restrictions without manual configuration
- Obfuscated servers: If Amazon blocks standard VPN traffic, obfuscated servers disguise your connection as regular HTTPS traffic
Speed test results with Prime Video:
| Server Location | Download Speed | Video Quality | Buffer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| US (New York) | 872 Mbps | 4K UHD | 0.8s |
| US (Los Angeles) | 841 Mbps | 4K UHD | 1.1s |
| UK (London) | 815 Mbps | 4K UHD | 1.3s |
| Japan (Tokyo) | 789 Mbps | 4K UHD | 1.5s |
| Germany (Frankfurt) | 831 Mbps | 4K UHD | 1.0s |
NordVPN works on up to 10 devices simultaneously, so the whole household can stream different Prime Video libraries at once.
Pricing: Starting at $3.39/month on the 2-year plan. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN — Fastest Speeds for Buffer-Free Streaming
ExpressVPN has long been considered the gold standard for streaming VPNs, and it still holds up in 2026. While slightly more expensive than the competition, it delivers an exceptionally smooth Prime Video experience.
Key highlights:
- Lightway protocol: ExpressVPN’s custom protocol achieved 780+ Mbps in our tests, with impressively low latency
- MediaStreamer DNS: Works on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like older smart TVs and gaming consoles
- Server rotation: ExpressVPN aggressively rotates IP addresses, staying ahead of Amazon’s blocklist
- 3,000+ servers across 105 countries
We successfully accessed Prime Video libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and Canada during all test sessions. The only occasional hiccup was with the Australian library, where we needed to switch servers once or twice.
Pricing: Starting at $6.67/month on the annual plan. 30-day money-back guarantee included.
3. Surfshark — Best Budget Option With Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is the clear winner for families and households that need to cover multiple devices. With unlimited simultaneous connections, everyone can stream Prime Video at the same time without buying extra subscriptions.
Why Surfshark works well with Prime Video:
- CleanWeb 2.0: Blocks ads and trackers that can interfere with streaming
- NoBorders mode: Automatically activates when it detects network restrictions
- Dynamic MultiHop: Route through two countries for added reliability when standard connections get blocked
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
In our testing, Surfshark unlocked US, UK, Australian, and German Prime Video libraries with a 91% success rate. Speeds averaged 810 Mbps, which kept 4K streams running smoothly.
Pricing: Starting at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan. 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost — Best Dedicated Streaming Servers
CyberGhost takes a unique approach by offering dedicated streaming-optimized servers that are specifically maintained for platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Instead of guessing which server works, you simply pick the one labeled for Prime Video.
Standout features:
- Streaming-optimized servers: Clearly labeled servers for Prime Video US, Prime Video UK, and Prime Video DE
- 11,500+ servers across 100 countries — the largest network on this list
- Automatic kill switch: Prevents your real IP from leaking if the connection drops mid-stream
- NoSpy servers: Romania-based servers managed entirely in-house for maximum privacy
The dedicated servers worked reliably in our tests, though the selection was limited to US, UK, and Germany. If you need Prime Video access in Japan or Australia, one of the other options on this list is a better fit.
Speed test results:
| Server | Download Speed | Video Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video US | 735 Mbps | 4K UHD |
| Prime Video UK | 710 Mbps | 4K UHD |
| Prime Video DE | 698 Mbps | 4K UHD |
Pricing: Starting at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Most Customizable
PIA offers the most granular control over your VPN connection. Power users who want to fine-tune encryption levels, protocols, and DNS settings will appreciate the flexibility. However, Prime Video access was less consistent compared to our top picks.
What PIA offers:
- Adjustable encryption: Switch between AES-128 and AES-256 to balance speed and security
- MACE ad-blocker: Built-in tracker and ad blocking
- Port forwarding support: Useful if you also use the VPN for torrenting
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
PIA successfully accessed US and UK Prime Video libraries about 80% of the time. We occasionally needed to try multiple servers or switch ports to get through. It’s a solid VPN overall, but not the most reliable for streaming specifically.
Pricing: Starting at $2.03/month on the 3-year plan. 30-day money-back guarantee.
How We Tested VPNs With Amazon Prime Video
Our testing methodology was designed to reflect real-world usage:
- Connection testing: We attempted to access Prime Video libraries in 8 different countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, India) using each VPN
- Speed measurement: We ran speed tests before and after connecting to measure the impact on download speeds and latency
- Streaming quality: We monitored actual video resolution during playback using browser developer tools
- Consistency: Each VPN was tested over a 14-day period, with at least 3 connection attempts per country per VPN
- Device coverage: Tests were conducted on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV Stick
- Buffer analysis: We measured initial load time and tracked mid-stream buffering events during 2-hour viewing sessions
Tips for Streaming Amazon Prime Video With a VPN
Getting the best experience requires a few adjustments:
Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
Amazon stores location data in cookies. Before connecting to a VPN server, clear your browser’s cookies and cache — or use a private/incognito window. This prevents Amazon from detecting a mismatch between your stored location and your VPN server’s location.
Use the Desktop App or Browser
While mobile apps work, the Amazon Prime Video desktop app and web browser tend to be less aggressive about VPN detection. On mobile, Amazon can use GPS data and other device signals that might reveal your actual location.
Choose Nearby Server Locations
If you’re in Europe and want to access the US library, choose a US East Coast server rather than one on the West Coast. The shorter physical distance means lower latency and faster load times.
Try Different Protocols
If a standard WireGuard or OpenVPN connection gets blocked, try switching protocols. Many VPNs offer obfuscation or stealth modes that disguise VPN traffic as regular web browsing.
Keep Your VPN App Updated
VPN providers constantly update their apps to counter new blocking techniques. Running an outdated version significantly increases the chance of being detected.
Amazon Prime Video Libraries Worth Accessing
Not sure which country’s library to explore? Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes each region interesting:
- US: Largest overall library with the most Amazon Originals and licensed content
- UK: Strong selection of British shows and BBC content not available elsewhere
- Japan: Exclusive anime titles and Japanese dramas
- India: Bollywood films and cricket coverage at significantly lower subscription prices
- Germany: European films and German-language content
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
“This video isn’t available in your location” error: Switch to a different server in the same country. If that doesn’t work, clear cookies and try again.
Slow buffering or low quality: Switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard (or the VPN’s proprietary protocol). Also try a server that’s geographically closer to you.
VPN works on PC but not on Fire TV Stick: Make sure you’re using the VPN’s official app from the Amazon Appstore, not a sideloaded APK. Some sideloaded versions lack streaming optimization features.
Connection drops during streaming: Enable the kill switch in your VPN settings to prevent your real IP from being exposed. Also check if your internet connection itself is stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN with Amazon Prime Video?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, Amazon’s Terms of Service technically prohibit circumventing geo-restrictions. In practice, Amazon may block VPN connections but has never been known to terminate accounts for VPN usage. The risk is minimal.
Can Amazon detect all VPNs?
No. While Amazon has sophisticated VPN detection, premium VPN providers invest heavily in rotating IP addresses and using advanced obfuscation techniques. The VPNs on this list are specifically chosen because they consistently bypass Amazon’s detection.
Will a free VPN work with Amazon Prime Video?
Almost certainly not. Free VPNs use a limited pool of IP addresses that are quickly identified and blocked by Amazon. They also impose speed and data caps that make streaming impractical. Our guide on free vs. paid VPNs covers this in more detail.
Do I need a separate Prime Video subscription for each country?
No. Your existing Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription gives you access to any region’s library — the content just changes based on your apparent location. However, some content may still require an additional rental or purchase fee.
Which VPN is best for Prime Video on Fire TV Stick?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN both offer excellent Fire TV Stick apps with dedicated streaming modes. NordVPN is our top recommendation due to its higher success rate and lower price point. Check our best VPN for Firestick guide for a deeper comparison.
Final Verdict
For reliable Amazon Prime Video streaming in 2026, NordVPN is our top recommendation. It combines the highest success rate (97%), fast speeds for 4K streaming, and a competitive price of $3.39/month. If budget is the priority, Surfshark at $2.19/month with unlimited devices is hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, stick with one of the tested options above. Amazon’s VPN detection is getting more sophisticated each year, and only premium VPNs with active server management can keep up.
Last updated: February 22, 2026. We re-test all VPN recommendations monthly to ensure accuracy.