Amazon Fire TV Stick is the most popular streaming device in the world—and one of the trickiest to set up with a VPN. Not every VPN has a native Fire TV app, and the ones that do vary wildly in usability.
We tested 10+ VPNs directly on Fire TV Stick 4K Max, evaluating:
- Native app availability — Is it in the Amazon Appstore or do you need to sideload?
- Remote-friendly interface — Can you actually navigate with a Fire TV remote?
- Streaming performance — Speed, buffering, and content unblocking
- Setup difficulty — How long from download to connected?
Top 5 VPNs for Fire TV Stick (2025)
NordVPN
Native Fire TV app with the best balance of speed, features, and remote-friendly design.
Surfshark
Cheapest option with unlimited connections—protect your Firestick and every other device.
ExpressVPN
Most reliable for unblocking geo-restricted content. Premium price, premium results.
CyberGhost
Streaming-optimized servers labeled by service (Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, etc.).
IPVanish
Best integration with Kodi and third-party Fire TV apps.
How to Install a VPN on Fire TV Stick
Good news: if you choose a VPN with a native Fire TV app (all our top picks), installation takes under 3 minutes.
📱 Method 1: Amazon Appstore (Easiest)
- 1 On your Fire TV, go to Find → Search and type your VPN name (e.g., "NordVPN")
- 2 Select the app and click Download (it's free to download)
- 3 Open the app and sign in with your VPN account
- 4 Tap Quick Connect or choose a specific server location
- 5 Accept the connection request when prompted. Done!
💡 Pro Tips
- • Use voice search: Press the microphone button and say "NordVPN" — faster than typing with the remote
- • Enable auto-connect: Most VPN apps can connect automatically when Fire TV starts
- • Pick nearby servers: For best speed, choose servers close to your actual location (unless you need a specific country)
- • Test before committing: Use the 30-day money-back guarantee to verify it works with your streaming services
Fire TV VPN Comparison Table
| VPN | Fire TV App | Speed | Netflix | Price | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✓ Native | 94% | ✓ | $2.99/mo | 10 |
| Surfshark | ✓ Native | 89% | ✓ | $1.99/mo | Unlimited |
| ExpressVPN | ✓ Native | 93% | ✓ | $3.49/mo | 8 |
| CyberGhost | ✓ Native | 85% | ✓ | $2.19/mo | 7 |
| IPVanish | ✓ Native | 84% | ~ | $2.19/mo | Unlimited |
| Mullvad | ✗ No App | 91% | ✗ | $5.60/mo | 5 |
| ProtonVPN | ⚠ Sideload | 90% | ✓ | $3.59/mo | 10 |
Note on Mullvad & ProtonVPN
Mullvad has no Fire TV app and doesn't prioritize streaming. ProtonVPN requires sideloading (manual APK installation). Both are excellent for privacy but not ideal for Fire TV use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VPN for Fire TV Stick?
You need a VPN if you want to: access geo-restricted content (US Netflix from abroad), protect your streaming activity from your ISP, or use Kodi/third-party apps safely. If you only watch local content, a VPN is optional.
Will a VPN slow down my Fire TV?
Slightly. Expect 5-15% speed reduction with top VPNs. This is usually unnoticeable for streaming—even 4K requires only 25 Mbps, and most VPNs easily exceed that. Budget VPNs may cause more buffering.
Can I use a free VPN on Fire TV?
We don't recommend it. Free VPNs typically have data caps (not enough for streaming), slow speeds (buffering), and may sell your data. ProtonVPN's free tier is the only safe option, but it doesn't support streaming and has no Fire TV app.
Which VPN works best with Netflix?
ExpressVPN is most reliable for unblocking Netflix libraries worldwide. NordVPN is a close second and better value. Both work consistently with US, UK, Japan, and other Netflix regions.
The Bottom Line
For most Fire TV users, NordVPN is the best choice—fast speeds, native app, excellent streaming support, and reasonable pricing. If budget is your priority, Surfshark's unlimited devices at $1.99/month is unbeatable for households with multiple Firesticks.
Avoid VPNs without native Fire TV apps unless you're comfortable with sideloading. The convenience of Amazon Appstore installation is worth it.