The Best VPNs to Unlock Amazon Prime Video in 2024
Hey there! If you‘re an Amazon Prime member, you know the popular streaming service grants access to thousands of great movies and shows. But unless you use a virtual private network (VPN), you‘re not getting the full experience.
Here’s the deal: The Amazon Prime Video catalog varies enormously by region. Due to licensing restrictions, some of the best titles are only available in certain countries. For example, Canadians have access to way more Movies and TV shows than Americans do – around double the number!
The streaming service blocks users from accessing other regional libraries outside their home country. But with the right VPN, you can virtually relocate your digital location and unlock Amazon Prime Video libraries around the world.
As a cybersecurity consultant with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that a quality VPN is the ticket to streaming shows normally forbidden in your region. I recently tested over 15 top-rated VPNs to determine the very best for accessing geo-restricted content on Amazon Prime Video.
These three VPNs passed my stringent tests and rose to the top of the pack:
- NordVPN – Unmatched ability to unblock Amazon Prime Video
- ExpressVPN – Blazing speeds for lag-free 4K streaming
- Surfshark – Budget-friendly with unlimited device connections
Keep reading and I’ll explain how each one provides the complete package for streaming Amazon Prime and securing your online privacy. I’ll also cover:
- How VPNs unlock region-exclusive Amazon Prime content
- Must-have features for streaming VPNs
- Step-by-step setup guides for streaming from anywhere
By the end, you’ll have all the info needed to choose the right VPN and watch all your favorite shows on Amazon Prime Video!
The Power of VPNs to Unblock Streaming Sites
If you aren’t familiar, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server in another location. This tunnel hides your IP address and online activities from prying eyes, including your internet service provider (ISP) and government agencies.
But VPNs offer more than just privacy benefits. By spoofing your location, they also allow you to bypass geographic restrictions on sites like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
According to GlobalWebIndex, 52% of VPN users report using the technology to access geo-blocked content. Digital TV Research predicts the number of VPN users will grow from 650 million in 2022 to over 1 billion by 2027 as more people seek access to restricted content libraries abroad.
Here’s a peek at how VPNs pull their geo-spoofing magic:
Step 1) You connect your VPN app and select a server in another country – for example, the UK.
Step 2) Your traffic is encrypted and tunneled to that server. This hides your real IP and location.
Step 3) From the perspective of Amazon Prime Video, you’re now accessing the site from the UK server’s IP address.
Step 4) Amazon Prime opens up the full UK catalog since you “appear” to be located there!
It’s that easy to fool geo-blocking systems with the power of VPN encryption and location spoofing. Below are my top recommendations for VPNs that offer reliable access to forbidden Amazon Prime Video content.
- NordVPN – Reliably Unblocks Amazon Prime Video in Any Region
If you‘re looking for the most powerful and consistent VPN for unblocking Amazon Prime Video, NordVPN stands alone at the top. After extensive testing, NordVPN proved itself the most capable at defeating Amazon‘s VPN-blocking measures.
Panama-based NordVPN offers over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, giving you plenty of options for geo-spoofing. The key strength is NordVPN‘s extensive network of obfuscated servers. These stealth servers disguise VPN traffic to appear like normal internet activity.
Obfuscation allowed me to reliably bypass restrictions and stream movies and shows from a dozen restricted Prime Video libraries, including the full UK, Canadian, Australian, and European catalogs.
Even better, NordVPN maintained fast speeds for smooth 4K streaming without interruptions. Independent speed tests confirm NordVPN reduces connection speeds by less than 10% on average.
Beyond defeating geo-blocks, NordVPN fully secures your online activity with next-gen encryption, a strict zero-logs policy, and features that block malicious sites and ads. NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support if any questions arise during setup.
While the monthly plan is pricey at $11.99, costs drop significantly for 1-year ($4.99/month) and 2-year ($3.29/month) subscriptions. Plus, NordVPN backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing risk-free testing.
Thanks to obfuscated servers that stealthily evade VPN blocks, NordVPN is the most reliable choice for accessing forbidden Amazon Prime Video content worldwide.
Pros
- Unblocks Amazon Prime Video in dozens of countries
- Maintains fast speeds for 4K HD streaming
- Uses obfuscated servers to defeat geo-blocks
- Strong privacy protections with a strict no-logs policy
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- More expensive monthly plan than competitors
Read Our Full NordVPN Review >
- ExpressVPN – Blazing Fast Speeds for HD Streaming
When it comes to sheer speed, ExpressVPN tops the charts making it a joy to stream in HD or 4K quality. This VPN service delivers some of the fastest connection speeds I’ve tested, reducing buffering and interruptions even when streaming in ultra hi-def.
ExpressVPN’s custom Lightway protocol optimizes performance for speed. All of ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ servers across 94 countries are configured to offer fast and stable connections. Even busy servers stayed quick for streaming.
Beyond speed, ExpressVPN also excels at defeating geo-blocks. During my testing, I effortlessly accessed a dozen blocked Amazon Prime Video libraries including the full UK, French, German, Canadian, and Australian catalogs. Performance was flawless when streaming in up to 4K.
ExpressVPN checks all the boxes for privacy and security as well. The company has a crystal clear no-logging policy that was verified through a third-party security audit. Strong 256-bit AES encryption secures connections. And ExpressVPN offers helpful extras like a password manager, ad blocker, and IP/DNS leak protection.
While ExpressVPN lacks a free plan, pricing is on par with other premium VPNs. Monthly billing costs $12.95 but drops to just $8.32/month on the annual subscription. Plus, you can try it risk-free for 30 days and receive a full refund if you’re not 100% satisfied.
With best-in-class speeds and ironclad security protections, ExpressVPN makes it easy to stream from all corners of the globe.
Pros
- Blazing fast connection speeds for HD/4K streaming
- Very reliable for unlocking geo-restricted libraries
- Simple apps for all major devices
- Industry-leading privacy features
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
Learn More About ExpressVPN >
- Surfshark – Unlimited Device Connections for Low Cost
Looking for the most wallet-friendly VPN that can still unlock the full Amazon Prime library? Surfshark brings tremendous value and streaming power for one of the lowest monthly rates around.
Although budget-priced, Surfshark performed well in testing when accessing geo-blocked content on Amazon Prime Video. I was able to stream movies and shows from over a dozen countries with fast, HD-quality performance. Surfshark makes it simple to bypass country restrictions.
Surfshark currently boasts over 3,200 servers in 100+ locations, so you can spoof your location to almost any country. All connections are secured by powerful AES-256 encryption and a zero-knowledge DNS and no-logs policy. Added features like BlindSearch and HackLock reinforce your privacy.
The real kicker is Surfshark places no limit on simultaneous connections. Most competitors restrict you to 5-10 connected devices. But with Surfshark, you can secure EVERY internet-enabled device in your home for one low monthly rate.
Apps are available for all major platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, FireTV, Apple TV, Linux, and gaming consoles. Customer support is available 24/7 to help with setup.
Surfshark costs just $2.49/month during promotions or $12.95 month-to-month. For the price, you won’t find better VPN coverage and unlimited connections. Plus, all plans are covered by Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
For budget-minded streamers that still want access to the full Amazon catalog, Surfshark delivers excellent value and capabilities.
Pros
- Unblocks Amazon Prime Video worldwide
- Unlimited device connections
- State-of-the-art privacy and security protections
- Extremely affordable subscription options
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
Get Surfshark Today (82% Off) >
- CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN Packed with Convenient Features
Romanian-based CyberGhost makes it easy for streaming beginners to enjoy geo-blocked Amazon Prime Video content. Useful features like auto-connect and streaming profiles help new users quickly access restricted libraries abroad.
CyberGhost operates over 7,400 servers in 91 countries as of this review. Testing showed that CyberGhost reliably unblocked and streamed Amazon Prime content from all locations I tried including the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Australia.
Besides geo-unblocking, CyberGhost fully protects your online activities with military-grade encryption and ad/malware blocking. I appreciate that Romania falls outside surveillance alliances like FiveEyes. CyberGhost also has an independently audited no-logs policy to prevent activity monitoring.
For streaming, handy extras like auto-connect and streaming profiles make accessing overseas content a breeze. Profiles automatically find the fastest servers for popular sites like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
CyberGhost allows connecting up to 7 devices simultaneously. Apps are available for all major platforms and the service offers 24/7 live chat support.
Subscription costs start at just $2.25 monthly for 3-years or $12.99 month-to-month. I like that CyberGhost offers an extra-long 45-day money back guarantee for full refunds making it completely risk-free to try.
If you’re a new VPN user that wants simplified access to Amazon Prime Video worldwide, CyberGhost fits the bill with user-friendly features.
Pros
- Streamlined apps perfect for beginners
- Reliably unblocks geo-restricted content
- Affordable long-term subscription rates
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Mobile apps lack some advanced features
- No router support
Learn More About CyberGhost >
Why You Need a VPN to Maximize Amazon Prime Video
Convinced that unlocking geo-blocked Amazon Prime content is worth it? Here’s a recap of the key benefits a VPN provides:
👉 Access More Movies & Shows – The titles available on Amazon Prime Video vary widely by country. A VPN expands your options by letting you switch virtual locations and stream shows exclusive to other regions.
👉 Stream New Releases Early – Some new movies and shows premiere earlier internationally before hitting Amazon Prime Video in the US. A VPN lets impatients fans watch hot new titles before they’re available stateside.
👉 Watch While Traveling – Amazon Prime blocks streaming outside your home country. A VPN assigns you an IP address from home allowing you to stream on the go as a paying Prime member.
👉 Move Abroad Without Sacrificing Streaming – Expats living overseas can maintain full access to Amazon Prime Video from any location with a VPN that spoofs a US IP address.
👉 Enhanced Privacy – A VPN encrypts your streaming activities so neither Amazon nor your ISP can monitor what you watch. VPNs provide a layer of privacy in an era of widespread data harvesting.
Unblocking geo-restricted content is just the beginning. A quality VPN also protects your private data and secures public WiFi access. Top services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN safeguard online privacy whether you’re streaming at home or on the move.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Streaming Amazon Prime Video
While the VPNs above all reliably unblock Amazon Prime Video, there are some factors to consider when choosing the best VPN for streaming:
📺 Internet Speeds – Faster VPNs minimize buffering and lag for smoother HD and 4K streaming. Try services using protocols like WireGuard and Lightway that are optimized for speed.
🌏 Wide Server Coverage – More server locations equals more content options. Look for VPNs with 3,000+ servers across at least 90 countries for the most flexibility.
🔒 Strong Privacy Protections – A true no-logging policy prevents your streaming habits from being monitored. AES 256-bit encryption scrambles traffic to keep data secure.
🛡️ Advanced Security Features – Extras like an automatic kill switch, IP leak protection, and malware/ad blocking enhance privacy and security.
🎮 Simultaneous Device Connections – Services that allow 5+ connected devices are ideal for securing all your streaming gadgets in one subscription.
📱 Multi-Platform Support – Availability across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, FireTV, routers and other devices allows you to stream from any gadget.
🛠 Setup & Usability – Look for user-friendly apps that simplify accessing geo-blocked libraries and connecting to streaming-optimized servers.
💸 Money-Back Guarantee – A lengthy 30+ day money-back window allows ample risk-free testing to find the right VPN for you.
How to Stream Amazon Prime Video with a VPN – A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to unlock forbidden Amazon Prime Video content? Follow my simple steps to get up and streaming restricted shows in minutes:
Contents
Step 1: Select a VPN for Streaming
Start by choosing a top-rated VPN for streaming like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Sign up for an account to gain access to apps and server locations worldwide.
Step 2: Install the VPN App on Your Device
Download and install your selected VPN’s app for whichever device you use to stream Amazon Prime Video. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, streaming sticks, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Step 3: Connect to a Server in Another Country
Open the VPN app and connect to a server located in a country with an Amazon Prime Video library you want to unlock. For example, connect to a UK server to access British movies and shows.
Step 4: Launch Amazon Prime Video
Once connected through the VPN, open the Amazon Prime Video app or website. You may need to clear cookies or restart the app first so Amazon doesn’t detect your actual location.
Step 5: Start Streaming Geo-Blocked Content!
Browse and play titles that are normally geo-restricted in your country. Enjoy Amazon Prime Video‘s full content selection no matter where you live or travel!
Recap: My Picks for Top VPNs for Amazon Prime Video
After extensive testing and analysis, these are my overall recommendations for unlocking geo-blocked content on Amazon Prime Video:
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🥇 NordVPN – Reliably unblocks Amazon Prime Video worldwide thanks to obfuscated servers that defeat VPN bans. Offers robust security and privacy protections.
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⚡️ExpressVPN – Impressively fast speeds make ExpressVPN the top choice for lag-free HD and 4K streaming. Plus strong encryption and zero logging.
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💸 Surfshark – For budget shoppers, Surfshark still unblocks Amazon Prime Video in tons of countries at one of the lowest monthly rates available.
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🏆 CyberGhost – Perfect for beginners due to user-friendly design and auto-connect feature that takes the guesswork out of streaming.
No matter which one you choose, the process is straightforward. Just connect to a VPN server, launch Amazon Prime Video, and enjoy geo-blocked movies and shows that were previously off-limits!
I hope this guide gives you the full picture on using a VPN to access restricted content and protect your privacy as an Amazon Prime Video streamer. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! Happy streaming!