How to Watch Amazon Prime Video From Anywhere in 2024
- Quick Guide: How to Watch Amazon Prime Video With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- How to Watch Amazon Prime Video With a VPN: The Ultimate Guide
- Where Can I Watch Amazon Prime Video Online?
- Best VPNs to Watch Prime Video in 2024
- Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Amazon Prime Video
- Can I Watch Amazon Prime Video if I Move to Another Region?
- Prime Video VPN Not Working? Try These Fixes
- FAQs on Watching Prime Video With a VPN
A VPN can significantly enhance your streaming experience on Amazon Prime Video. Not only does it prevent ISPs from throttling your connection but it also secures your streaming sessions. This means you can watch your favorite shows in HD from anywhere, even on restrictive networks.
Amazon Prime Video offers a vast selection of content, but the available shows and movies vary depending on the region. With a VPN offering a global network, it’s possible to safely access Prime Video from anywhere. However, not all VPNs work with Prime Video since the platform actively blocks VPN connections, so it’s important to choose a reliable VPN.
My top recommendation for watching Prime Video in HD is ExpressVPN. It offers fast speeds for uninterrupted HD streaming and works reliably with all major Prime Video libraries. You can test it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, it’s easy to get a refund. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Quick Guide: How to Watch Amazon Prime Video With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because it offers fast speeds and a reliable server network, including multiple servers in popular Prime Video regions.
- Connect to a server. Nearby servers usually deliver the best speeds.
- Start watching Amazon Prime Video. Log in to your Prime Video account, and start streaming in HD.
How to Watch Amazon Prime Video With a VPN: The Ultimate Guide
Using a VPN to watch Amazon Prime Video is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Choose a Reliable VPN
Amazon Prime Video actively blocks many VPN connections. You need a reliable VPN with a large server network that can safely access the platform from anywhere. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN because it’s the most reliable VPN we tested with Prime Video. Plus, its fast speeds let you stream in HD and 4K without slowdowns.
2. Select a Subscription Plan
Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget. Longer-term plans often offer better value. First-time users can usually find special deals or discounts.
Tip: Look for a VPN with a money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.
3. Download and Install the VPN
Get the VPN app from the official website or your device's app store. Select your device type, download the app, and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.
4. Connect to a VPN Server
Open the VPN app and choose a server to connect to. I recommend choosing a server that’s close to your physical location for optimal speeds for streaming. Once connected, your internet traffic is encrypted and secure.
5. Start Streaming Amazon Prime Video
Open Amazon Prime Video in your browser or app and start watching. With the VPN connected, you can stream your favorite Prime shows in HD from anywhere.
This method works for devices that support VPN applications, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Fire TV Stick. However, some streaming devices like Roku, smart TVs, and gaming consoles don't natively support VPNs. For these, you can install a VPN on your router to cover all connected devices.
Alternatively, you can set up a virtual router on your computer or use the smart DNS feature offered by some VPN services. The method for setting up smart DNS varies, but VPNs that offer this will usually provide an IP address for the smart DNS that you manually enter into your smart TV settings.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Where Can I Watch Amazon Prime Video Online?
Amazon Prime Video is available worldwide, with a few exceptions. The service is unavailable in Mainland China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, Syria, Iran, Sudan, and Belarus.
The URL you use to access Prime Video depends on which library you're trying to watch. Some libraries, such as those for the US and UK, are available through the regular Amazon site. However, for many other libraries around the world, you'll need to go to primevideo.com. These are the only official sources for Prime Video content, including Prime Video and Freevee Originals.
It's important to note that Prime Video’s pricing and content availability varies by region. Amazon Prime Video determines your location in two ways: your regular location is based on the main delivery address in your Amazon account, while your current location is determined by your IP address.
If these don't match, Prime Video adjusts your library to include only titles available for streaming outside your regular location. In such cases, you'll still have access to a limited selection of Amazon and Freevee Originals.
“Based outside the U.S.? Some titles might be unavailable in your current location. Go to amazon.co.uk to see the video catalog available in United Kingdom.”
You might also see a shorter, more succinct error message when you try to watch content that isn’t licensed for your location:
“This video is currently unavailable to watch in your location”
Best VPNs to Watch Prime Video in 2024
By choosing the right VPN, you can enhance your Amazon Prime Video experience without compromising on streaming quality. The VPNs I’ve shortlisted consistently deliver fast speeds and reliable connections for HD streaming from anywhere. These VPNs are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and streaming sticks, which ensures that you can enjoy Prime Video on your preferred device.
1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds to Watch Prime Video in HD Without Lag
Tested November 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
ExpressVPN is the fastest Prime Video VPN we tested. During our tests on its nearby servers, we only recorded a 4% speed drop. This meant we could stream content in 4K without any buffering. This is largely due to ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed to deliver fast speeds and stable connections.
It also works seamlessly with the platform — we could access all major Prime Video libraries in HD and UHD, including the US, UK, Germany, and Japan. With other VPNs, we often had to waste time finding working connections, but ExpressVPN proved consistent with Prime Video in our tests. You can stream your favorite shows in HD from anywhere.
ExpressVPN comes at a slightly higher price point compared to other VPNs on the list. However, it offers generous discounts throughout the year to it more budget-friendly — for instance, you can save 48% with a long-term plan. Plus, all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Easily Find the Right Connection for Prime Video
CyberGhost offers servers optimized for Prime Video, making it easy to find a reliable connection for the platform. They are conveniently organized in their own For streaming tab and available for several popular libraries, including the US, UK, Japan, Germany, and France. In our tests, CyberGhost’s specialized servers generally worked as intended. We did encounter occasional difficulties getting it to work with the German library, though, which wasn't the case with ExpressVPN.
A minor drawback is that CyberGhost's long-distance connections can sometimes be slower, which can cause slowdowns while streaming. However, this won’t be a problem if you have a fast baseline connection. You can put CyberGhost through its paces thanks to its 45-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, simply ask for a refund.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Unlimited Connections to Watch Prime Video on Any Device
PIA offers unlimited device connections, so you can watch Prime Video on any device without kicking off an existing connection. We put this to the test by connecting 9 different devices to the VPN. Despite having multiple active connections, PIA let us stream in HD from anywhere. Plus, it works well with Prime Video — we could safely access libraries from the US, UK, Japan, and Germany.
I like that PIA offers tons of customization options, but it can be a bit overwhelming for VPN beginners. Fortunately, it comes pre-configured for immediate use, so you can use it for streaming right away. Similarly to ExpressVPN, all PIA plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it doesn't suit your needs, you can easily request a refund.
Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Amazon Prime Video
We rigorously test VPNs for Amazon Prime Video using strict criteria. Our team evaluates each VPN's ability to safely access various Prime Video libraries from anywhere. We conduct speed tests across different servers and times to ensure smooth 4K streaming. We also assess server network size, security features like encryption and kill switches and overall ease of use.
You can find more details about our testing process on our VPN testing methodology page. We encourage you to use these criteria when testing VPNs for Prime Video yourself.
Can I Watch Amazon Prime Video if I Move to Another Region?
If you move to another region, you can still enjoy content on Prime Video in most locations. Since you can’t watch content from 2 regions at once, you’ll need to change your Amazon delivery address to that of your new home. Otherwise, Prime Video will only show you the content that’s licensed for viewing while traveling, which is a very limited list.
On the Amazon homepage, simply click your delivery address in the header to update your details. You can do it in under a minute.
A VPN with a global service network makes it possible to safely access Prime Video content from anywhere. Just be sure to connect to the VPN before accessing your account to secure your connection before streaming.
Prime Video VPN Not Working? Try These Fixes
If you're experiencing problems accessing Prime Video with your VPN, don't worry — there are several troubleshooting steps you can try. Let’s take a look:
- Switch servers. Connect to a different server in the same country. Prime Video may have blocked some IP addresses but not others. Try a few different servers, particularly those optimized for streaming, if your VPN offers them.
- Clear browser cache and cookies. Prime Video stores location data in your browser. Clearing this data can help reset your location from the site's perspective. Make sure to clear all browsing data related to Amazon and Prime Video.
- Try a different protocol. If your VPN offers multiple protocols (like OpenVPN, Lightway, or WireGuard), experiment with different options. Some protocols may be more effective at bypassing Prime Video's VPN detection.
- Update your VPN app. Ensure you're using the latest version of your VPN software. VPN providers often release updates to counter new blocking measures from streaming services.
- Use obfuscated servers. If your VPN offers obfuscated or stealth servers, try these. They're designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making them ideal for watching Prime Video on restrictive networks.
- Check for DNS leaks. Use a DNS leak test tool to ensure your DNS requests aren't exposed. If they are, adjust your VPN's DNS settings or contact their support for assistance.
- Use a VPN browser extension. If you're streaming Prime Video on your computer, try using your VPN's browser extension instead of the desktop app. Browser extensions often use different protocols and can safely access the platform. Many top VPNs offer extensions for Chrome and other popular browsers.
- Contact customer support. If none of these steps work, reach out to your VPN's customer support. They may have specific advice for getting the VPN to work with Prime Video or could offer server recommendations.
FAQs on Watching Prime Video With a VPN
Can I use a VPN to watch Prime Video on a Fire Stick or Fire TV?
Yes — many VPNs offer native apps for Fire devices. To install them, it’s as simple as going to the Amazon Appstore on your Fire device and downloading the app. If your VPN doesn’t have a native app for Fire devices, then a workaround is to connect your Fire Stick or Fire TV to a VPN-enabled hotspot. Simply connect your VPN on your computer, create a WiFi hotspot, and connect the Fire device to that.
How do I watch Amazon Prime Video ad-free?
Amazon Prime Video includes limited advertisements in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These ads run before and during playback of movies and TV shows. However, there are ways to minimize or eliminate ads:
- Upgrade to Prime Video Ad Free. Amazon offers an ad-free tier for an additional fee. You can subscribe to this through the Amazon website and watch Prime video in HD without ads.
- Be selective with content. Some Prime Video content may still be ad-free.
- Purchase or rent individual titles. Bought or rented content is typically ad-free, even for standard Prime members.
- Avoid Freevee content. Amazon's Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) is a separate ad-supported service integrated with Prime Video.
- Check your settings. Disabling Interest-based ads in your Amazon account settings might affect the types of ads you see, though it won't eliminate them entirely.
Can I change region on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes, you can change your Amazon Prime Video region by updating your country or region in your Amazon account settings. This is typically done when you move to a new country permanently. Note that changing your region will affect your available content library and may impact your existing subscriptions.
It's also possible to access Prime Video safely from anywhere with a VPN. Most reputable VPNs offer global server networks, allowing them to work with multiple Prime Video libraries.
Is it legal to watch Amazon Prime Video from another country?
Yes, it is legal to watch Amazon Prime Video from another country. Amazon allows its subscribers to access the service while traveling abroad, though the available content may differ from your home country's library.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Prime Video?
You can try to use a free VPN to watch Prime Video, but I don’t recommend it. Free VPNs often have limited server options and bandwidth, causing slower streaming speeds and lag. Moreover, free VPNs are more likely to be detected and blocked because they don’t have the technology to invest in keeping up with Amazon’s blocks. For a more reliable experience, it's better to invest in a low-cost premium VPN for Prime Video instead.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Prime Video…
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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