You’re jet-lagged in a foreign hotel room, miles away from home. All you want to do is unwind with your favorite Prime Video series. You eagerly click on the title, only to be met with a gut-wrenching message: “This video is currently unavailable.” Sound familiar? If you’re an international traveler, you know the agony of geo-restrictions. Those invisible boundaries fragment Prime Video’s content library from one country to another.
We get it, and we’ve felt your pain. That’s why we’ve meticulously researched and rigorously tested various solutions to crack this digital barrier. Forget about trawling forums for half-baked advice or risking malware with sketchy software. We’ve got the definitive answer to your woes, backed by exhaustive research.
The simplest and most effective way to fool Amazon into thinking you’re back in your cozy living room is to utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This isn’t just tech talk; our tests show that using a VPN allows you to access your go-to movies and shows, no matter which corner of the globe you’re in. Stick around, and we’ll guide you through step-by-step how to get rid of: “This video is currently unavailable” from Amazon Prime.
How to resolve Amazon Prime errors with a VPN
VPNs can seem a little intimidating at first, but they’re much easier to use than you might think. Just follow the proven steps below to unblock Amazon Prime Video from anywhere in the world.
Here’s how to fix the Amazon Prime “this video is currently unavailable” error:
- First things first: you’ll have to register with a suitable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN but any of the services below will work great.
- Install the VPN app onto whichever device you use for streaming. Generally, five simultaneous connections are permitted, though the limit varies between providers.
- Log in and connect to a server in your home country. This will change your IP address, which is what Amazon Prime Video uses to determine your location.
- Clear your cookies if you’re watching in a browser or delete saved data if you’d prefer to use the mobile app. This forces Prime to forget your old location.
- Finally, try playing a video. In most cases, it should begin immediately. If you see a message saying “HTTP proxies and VPN connections not allowed. Your device is connected to the Internet using an HTTP proxy or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.”, we’d recommend contacting your VPN provider to find out which servers still work with Prime Video.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
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There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Which VPNs still work with Amazon Prime Video?
Most VPNs struggle to beat Prime Video’s strict geo-blocking, but the six below still work perfectly. From our real-world testing, here’s a brief overview of the best VPNs for resolving Prime Video errors:
- NordVPN: Our top VPN for using Amazon Prime Video abroad. Blends steady speeds, excellent streaming potential, and strong security tools to create a fantastic everyday service. Also includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Amazon Prime Video. - Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Prime Video. Boasts excellent set of security tools, a no-logs policy, and consistently high speeds. Connect all of your devices simultaneously.
- IPVanish: Works great with Amazon Prime Video and a host of other big-name streaming platforms. Allows unlimited device connections and works with routers. Connection speeds fast enough for 4K streaming.
- ExpressVPN: A strong performer with easy-to-use apps, a real security focus, and 24/7 support. Works well with Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu, to name but a few services.
- CyberGhost: Has specially optimized servers to help you access five popular Amazon libraries. Also offers pre-configured security features, a large network, and solid speeds.
- Hotspot Shield: A beginner-friendly service with streaming-optimized servers that unblock Prime Video US and UK. Hotspot Shield is private and secure, but doesn’t accept Bitcoin.
- PrivateVPN: This zero-logs VPN puts your privacy above all else, and comes with an effective stealth mode and static IP addresses. No problems with Prime Video, but could do with having 24/7 live chat.
Many VPNs claim to work with Amazon Prime Video but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Amazon Prime Video and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
How we chose the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video
It’s not enough to find a VPN that works well with Amazon Prime Video; we also have to ensure that it’s fast, secure, and versatile enough to handle any other task you throw at it. With this in mind, we tested providers in the following areas:
- Speed: As the US version of Amazon Prime Video is the most popular, we tested the speed of each VPN multiple times while connected to its US servers. If a service has too much of an impact on your connection, we simply don’t recommend it.
- Network features: We scored providers on the number of servers in their networks and the number of countries supported for streaming. We also took into consideration whether they enabled users to stream on VPN-incompatible devices like games consoles.
- Security and privacy: We test providers against 16 different security and privacy criteria. These include ensuring that each has 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
- Ease of use: Everyone should be able to protect themselves online, which is why we put such high stock into well-organized, novice-friendly apps. In all, we evaluate each VPN using 10 different metrics related to their overall user-friendliness.
- Streaming: The services we recommend must first-and-foremost be able to access Prime Video abroad. We also try them with platforms like HBO Max, Peacock, and YouTube TV, before evaluating them against six other streaming-related metrics.
The above is just a summary — you can read about the full testing process later in the article.
Our top VPNs for fixing Amazon Prime errors compared
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for fixing the Amazon Prime location error.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Hotspot Shield | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | Hotspotshield.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Amazon | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | US Servers | 16 locations | 22 locations | 19 locations | 15 locations | 11 locations | 27 locations | 12 locations | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 85% | 85% | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 77% off 2 year plans + 3 months free | $2.19 86% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.99 SAVE 77% ON THE 3 YEAR PLAN | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPN for fixing the Amazon Prime Video location error
Below and based on our experience, we’ll take a closer look at the best VPNs for accessing Prime Video abroad:
1. NordVPN
Mar 2025
works with Amazon Prime vidoeTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.6 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Network features: | 9.5 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
US speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our #1 choice for resolving Prime Video’s “video not available” error. It has more than 7,400 servers to choose from in 117 countries and is capable of unblocking just about any streaming service you’d care to use.

Further, this is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so you shouldn’t have any problems — even during peak times. In our tests, the provider outperformed all of the other providers in this list, with an average download speed of 205.69 Mbps.
To put this into context, a speed of 200 Mbps will allow you to stream UHD Amazon Prime video on eight devices simultaneously.
This service uses 256-bit encryption to keep your activities private, but that’s far from all it offers. It also has a customizable kill switch, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and automatic tracker blocking.

NordVPN has twice verified its no-logs claims with independent auditors and recently switched to using diskless RAM servers, which ensures no data is stored locally. Live chat is available 24/7 in case of any issues.
NordVPN apps are available for Linux, iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Those looking to protect a whole network can manually install this service onto a supported wireless router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need the fastest speeds for 4K streaming (averaged 205.69 Mbps in testing)
- You value consistent streaming performance (unblocked 95% of tested streaming sites)
- You need a VPN with the most US server locations for reliable Prime Video access (16 locations)
- You want verified security for streaming abroad (a twice-verified no-logs policy with independent audits)
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You prefer a one-click desktop interface (requires two clicks to disconnect)
BEST VPN FOR FIXING PROXY ERRORS:NordVPN is our top choice. Not only is it great for streaming, it boasts a top-tier security offering and a verified no-logs policy. As if that wasn’t enough, this service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it risk-free.
Why not check out the full NordVPN review?
2. Surfshark
works with Amazon Prime VideoTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
Network features: | 9.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
US speed: | 9.8 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is the best budget VPN option for streaming Amazon Prime Video abroad. In fact, with more than 3,000 servers spread across 100 countries, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to stream, torrent, or browse the web privately.
Best of all, this low-cost provider offers exceptionally high speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Its users are also free to connect as many devices as they like, which is something very few other VPNs can say.
We connected to Surfshark’s US servers in our tests and measured our download speeds. You can see the results below.
Overall, the provider delivered an impressive average speed of 201.54 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for streaming Amazon Prime Video in 4K.

Users are protected with a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, but Surfshark also offers automatic tracker-blocking and a NoBorders mode for beating country-wide censorship.

Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs at all, and thanks to its newly-revamped privacy policy, it’s easier than ever to see what data is collected and why. Support staff man a 24/7 help desk that you can reach via email or live chat.
Surfshark has its own MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps. It also provides manual configuration instructions for routers to help you automatically secure any device on a given network.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to stream Prime Video on unlimited devices
- You need the most budget-friendly option (as low as $2.19/month)
- You want extensive US server coverage for Prime (22 locations)
- You need NoBorders mode for streaming in heavily censored countries
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need specialized streaming-optimized servers for Prime Video
- You prefer simple, intuitive menus (uses nested settings)
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our first pick for anyone on a budget. With exceptionally high speeds, impeccable security and privacy credentials, and no connection limit, there really isn’t much more you could ask for. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more info, read our complete Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Works with Amazon Prime VideoTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
Network features: | 5.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Streaming: | 8.8 / 10 |
US speed: | 8.9 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a US-based provider with servers in 20 US locations. This makes it a great choice for accessing the US version of Amazon Prime Video, which is widely held to have the largest regional content library. It also works with Netflix, Hulu, and others.

As well as Amazon Prime Video, we successfully tested the service with Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max.

Speed-wise, IPVanish performs exceptionally well. Its fastest-tested speed was an impressive 213.17 Mbps. Overall, it averaged 187.91 Mbps, which was more than 59 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers.
The take-home message is that, provided you have a decent base connection speed, you’ll be able to stream Amazon’s 4K content without issue. IPVanish makes it easy to find the fastest servers by displaying their ping time and relative load.
IPVanish has plenty of security and privacy features available. Its obfuscation can help you access Amazon Prime Video in countries where internet use is restricted (though not China), and its split tunneling feature means you can watch geo-restricted content while using other apps with a regular internet connection. When tested, there was no evidence of IP, WebRTC, or DNS leaks. The provider says that it doesn’t keep any logs of user activity – a claim that’s been verified by third-party auditors.
Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Amazon Firestick/ FireTV. IPVanish places no limits on the number of simultaneous connections, which is great for those living in large households. IPVanish can be configured on a variety of routers, which will make it possible to stream geo-restricted Amazon Prime Video content on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need to connect unlimited streaming devices simultaneously
- You value easy server selection with visible ping time and server load indicators
- You want extensive US coverage with 19 server locations
- You need split tunneling to watch content while using other apps with a regular connection
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want specialized streaming servers for Prime Video
UNLIMITED DEVICE CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a solid choice for Amazon Prime Video and a range of other big-name platforms. It has a strong US presence and very fast servers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and unlimited device connections.
Read our comprehensive IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
works with Amazon Prime VideoTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
Network features: | 9.1 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
US speed: | 4.5 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a veteran provider that offers access to more than 3,000 servers in a whopping 105 countries. It’s known for its robust security and strong unblocking ability, which make it a natural choice for anyone looking to stream Amazon Prime Video on vacation.

Have other activities in mind? No problem: there are no bandwidth restrictions and torrenting is allowed on every server. Speeds are solid, with test results yielding an average result of 112.20 Mbps.
This is comfortably fast enough for streaming in high resolution, gaming, or torrenting.
This provider has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to security. For instance, it can block access to local devices on the network or let specific apps pass through the VPN entirely. There’s also 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (which it calls “Network Lock”), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks.

ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could lead back to you, but you can pay in Bitcoin if you’re concerned about anonymity. Additionally, 24/7 support is included in your subscription; just reach out over email or live chat. Subscriptions allow up to eight devices to be connected at the same time.
ExpressVPN offers apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Unlike its competitors, it also has custom firmware, making it much easier to install on routers. This actually just saw a major upgrade, resulting in higher speeds and a better overall user experience so there’s never been a better time to try it out.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want Prime Video access across the widest range of countries (105 countries)
- You need the most user-friendly router setup for streaming on devices like smart TVs
- You want a network lock feature that prevents accidental data exposure
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget (it’s more expensive than other options)
SPEEDY AND SECURE:ExpressVPN is a highly-versatile service that works well with Prime Video, Netflix, and HBO Max. It offers a solid set of security features and doesn’t compromise on speed. Additionally, this VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Still have questions? Find answers in the full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
works with Amazon Prime VideoTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Network features: | 9.7 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
US speed: | 5.8 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost makes it easy to regain access to your home Amazon library while traveling. It does this by providing specific servers designed to unblock the German, Italian, French, British, and American versions of Prime Video.

There are also 10,000+ general-usage servers in 100 countries as well. We tested the speeds of the US servers, and found that they were easily fast enough for HD streaming.
Across the three tests, CyberGhost averaged 134.24 Mbps. This makes it suitable for gaming, torrenting, and streaming.
This VPN simplifies things by automatically enabling most of its security features. These include a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

The app can also connect via a random port, which might help you use it on public WiFi at airports or hotels, which tend to block anything other than HTTP traffic. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and provides 24/7 live chat in case you run into trouble.
CyberGhost supports Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, and Windows. Select routers are also supported, but you’ll have to configure the service for these manually.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need specialized servers optimized for regional Prime Video libraries (US, UK, Germany, France, Italy)
- You want the longest money-back guarantee period (45 days vs standard 30 days)
- You need a provider with 10,000+ servers for consistent streaming during peak times
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want Prime access in high-censorship countries (no specialized obfuscation)
IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost unblocks versions of Prime Video that most other VPNs can’t. Better still, because of its special streaming servers, there’s no trial and error involved. What’s more, it has lots of security tools, 24/7 support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our comprehensive CyberGhost review.
6. Hotspot Shield
works with Amazon Prime VideoTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.4 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Network features: | 5.2 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
Streaming: | 6.7 / 10 |
US speed: | 2.4 / 10 |
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor's Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Point Wild, Comparitech's parent company.
Hotspot Shield has over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, some specially configured to help you access British and American streaming services.

This includes both countries’ versions of Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, plus Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
The provider achieved steady speeds while we were connected to its US servers. These varied between 61.18 Mbps and 100.75 Mbps.
Hotspot Shield’s average of 77.22 Mbps might be slower than the previous providers, but it nevertheless exceeds the minimum speed requirements for streaming in 4K (typically 25 Mbps).
As well as 256-bit AES encryption, this service offers a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a feature that connects automatically whenever you use an unsecured network. There’s also a proprietary anti-censorship protocol named Catapult Hydra, though later versions support IKEv2 connections as well.

Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs beyond the duration of your session. Thanks to this provider’s 24/7 support desk, you’re never more than a few minutes away from getting help. Staff can be reached via email or live chat.
Hotspot Shield has apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It’s possible to manually install this VPN on a supported router instead if you’d prefer.
Buy this VPN if:
- You specifically need dedicated streaming servers for US and UK Prime Video libraries
- You want a proprietary protocol (Catapult Hydra) for bypassing VPN detection
- You need an extended 45-day money-back guarantee to test Prime Video compatibility
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want to sign up anonymously (doesn’t accept cryptocurrency)
- You need faster speeds for streaming
WATCH PRIME VIDEO ANYWHERE:Hotspot Shield has streaming-optimized servers that work flawlessly with Prime Video. Of course, it also offers steady speeds, a good set of security tools, and a no-logs policy. A generous 45-day money-back guarantee is included.
Why not read our in-depth Hotspot Shield review?
7. PrivateVPN
works with Amazon Prime VideoTested Mar 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
Network features: | 3.8 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
US speed: | 1.0 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has a smaller network of around 200 servers in 63 countries. However, this isn’t too much of an issue as it’s able to unblock just about every streaming platform we’ve tested it with, not just Amazon Prime Video.

There are no bandwidth limits and up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed at once, so it’s clear that this is a highly-versatile VPN that’s well worth your time.
Speed-wise, the provider averaged 42.27 Mbps in our tests. While this is still fast enough for smooth HD streaming, you may want to opt for a quicker provider if you have a slow base connection speed.
This provider’s security toolkit includes 256-bit encryption (with the option to drop this to 128-bits for higher speeds), a kill switch, and leak protection, as well as a stealth mode for bypassing online censorship.

PrivateVPN follows a true no-logs policy and clearly values your privacy, having recently become its own ISP and server host with the express goal of preventing any third party from ever having access to your traffic. You can get help via email or live chat, and while this isn’t quite 24/7, it is available most hours of the day.
PrivateVPN comes with apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Manual setup guides for Linux systems and supported routers can be found in the support section of the service’s website.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need stealth mode specifically designed to bypass streaming geo-restrictions
- You want the option to switch to 128-bit encryption for faster streaming speeds when security is less critical
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need 24/7 support for urgent streaming issues
- You require the fastest speeds (42.27 Mbps average was the lowest we tested)
FLAWLESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN is a particularly fast VPN with no bandwidth limit, no logs, and no problem unblocking popular streaming services abroad. It’s one of the best around for security and even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To learn more, check out our full review of PrivateVPN.
Our Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for fixing Prime Video errors
Some VPNs are a better choice for unblocking Prime Video than others. In fact, a great many services will simply be caught up in Amazon’s VPN-detection filter and won’t let you watch at all. To make sure we only recommend the best-available services, we make sure they work with Amazon as well as performing well in the following key testing areas:
Speed
We tested each providers US servers to find out what sort of speeds users might expect when accessing Amazon Prime Video’s US content library. We rate-limited our connection to 250 Mbps, and used the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app for measurements.
Once we’d gathered the results, they were averaged and normalized relative to one another, allowing you to more easily see which VPNs were the fastest.
NordVPN scored the highest, suggesting it was the fastest provider overall for US connections. Surfshark was a very close second, with IPVanish also performing notably well. All three providers are great options if you care about preserving your base connection speed.
Network features
We first scored each VPN on the number of countries they supported — this gives us an idea of the different Amazon Prime Video content libraries it’s possible to access. We then scored them on the number of servers in their networks — too few and there’s the risk of congestion. These scores were combined and converted to an overall score out of 10 for ease of comparison.
CyberGhost scored highest this time, though NordVPN and Surfshark weren’t far behind.
Security and privacy
To find which providers were best able to keep you safe online, we only recommend providers that perform well against the following comprehensive list of security and privacy metrics.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Hotspot Shield | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit | 2048-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Some platforms | Some platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | None | One |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
If you find the above confusing, we simplify comparison by scoring each metrics and then combining the scores to generate an overall score out of 10.
NordVPN and Surfshark tied for first place, with scores of 9.5. Both providers are particularly well placed to protect your online activities.
Ease of use
We like streamlined services that make life easier for their users. Rather than just give our potentially biased impressions of which these are, we evaluate each VPN against the criteria in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Hotspot Shield | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Generally works |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised |
Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
Each of these criteria is given a score, which we combine to create an overall score out of 10.
Again, NordVPN received the highest score. IPVanish and ExpressVPN also provide notably hassle-free experiences for users.
Streaming
Most people who use a VPN for streaming use more than just one service, which is why we test providers with multiple platforms. We also look for other pro-streaming features, as outlined in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Hotspot Shield | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of locations in relevant country | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations | 5+ locations |
Regional speed test results | 300-500 Mbps | 500+ Mbps | 300-500 Mbps | 300-500 Mbps | 100-299 Mbps | 100-299 Mbps | <100 Mbps |
Includes ad-blocker? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Works in high-censorship countries | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Offers a smart DNS service | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Streaming device apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 2+ apps | 1 app | 2+ apps |
Can Unblock Tier 1 Streaming | Reliably | Reliably | Reliably | Reliably | Reliably | Unreliably | Reliably |
Can Unblock Tier 2 Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can Unblock Tier 3 Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
To better give users an overall idea of each provider’s streaming prowess, we score each of the metrics shown in the table above, combine them and convert them to a score out of 10.
The highest scorers were NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. All three can unblock practically anything — including multiple Amazon Prime Video content libraries.
Read more Prime Video articles here:
Streaming Amazon Prime Video with a VPN: FAQs
Will Amazon ban my account for using a VPN?
Although Amazon tries to prevent you from using Prime Video while connected to a VPN, it won’t actually ban you for doing so. After all, these are legitimate privacy tools used by millions around the world. Instead, you’ll simply see an error message asking you to disconnect from your VPN or proxy service before trying to stream.
Of course, given that several major VPN providers are able to reliably evade Amazon’s detection, there’s a solid chance things won’t even get this far.
Can I create a US Amazon account from abroad?
Amazon has a couple of different types of geo-blocking. To begin with, it checks your IP address to see which country’s version of the store to direct you to. You’ll also notice that accounts are region-specific; in other words, you can’t sign into Amazon US with an Amazon UK account.
If you connect to an American VPN server, you can bypass Amazon’s first layer of region-locking and create a US Amazon account from abroad. However, this is a whole lot of work since it’s a multi-step process where you have to provide lots of information including a valid US address and phone number.
Really, the potential uses for this are few and far between. Americans traveling in other countries could use this method to sign up for Amazon immediately rather than waiting until they return home. It’s theoretically possible to access another country’s library this way too, but there are almost certainly easier ways to watch whatever show you’re looking for.
Do any free VPNs work with Amazon Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video has particularly powerful VPN-detection features, and as a result, many paid providers have difficulty accessing it abroad. As you might expect, this means that the chances of a free VPN successfully unblocking Prime Video are near zero. To date, we have yet to find a wholly free VPN that works reliably with this service. On the plus side, many paid VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, which effectively lets you try them for free.