All our Firestick VPN reviews apply the same consistent scientific methodology. We do this to make sure our reviews are as objective as possible and offer a fair, clean slate to every VPN provider featured in this round-up.
We do this according to our standard 10 step review process, but also have special features we watch out for on Amazon Firestick:
- Native Fire TV & Fire TV Stick app
- Fast & reliable download speeds
- Hides your IP address & doesn’t keep user logs
- Kill switch to always keep you anonymous
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer & more
- Allows torrenting & P2P traffic (for Kodi)
Here’s a breakdown of our scoring process for VPNs on Amazon Fire TV Stick:
1. Fire TV Stick App: 25%
Minimum Requirement: Native app for Amazon Fire TV
We Recommend: User friendly app designed well for a smart TV
The most basic element a VPN needs for Firestick is an app.
For paid VPNs we consider a native app the minimum – sideloading is just not good enough for a premium product.
The very best apps are well designed and optimized to be used on a TV with the Firestick remote. They include easy, intuitive access to servers and advanced settings.
2. Streaming: 30%
Minimum Requirement: Streams US Netflix or BBC iPlayer
We Recommend: Unlocks both Netflix and BBC iPlayer, among other services
The Firestick is primarily a streaming device, so actually being compatible with streaming services is a core requirement of a good Firestick VPN.
As a bare minimum we expect paid VPN services to unlock either US Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
Middling services will unlock both US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, along with other Netflix libraries and other streaming services, e.g. DAZN, Hulu, Amazon Prime or Disney+.
The very best Firestick VPNs unlock all these streaming services, and offer access to multiple international libraries.
3. Speed: 25%
Minimum Requirement: Average download speeds over 70Mbps
We Recommend: Average download speeds of 80Mbps or faster
Speed affects your ability to stream smoothly. Faster VPNs offer a better quality of streaming experience.
For 4K or HD streaming on Firestick we recommend a VPN with a local download speed over 80Mbps. Below this, high definition streaming may not be possible, especially during periods of high demands, or if you have a slow internet connection.
We regularly test VPNs on a standard 100Mbps connection to offer fair comparisons between services.
4. Features: 10%
Minimum Requirement: VPN kill switch
We Recommend: Advanced leak protection, port options and VPN kill switch
Some VPN services include very little of their advertised advanced features on Firestick.
The very best apps include most of their features from other platforms in the Firestick app, and actively maintain and update it. We like to see a kill switch to prevent IP leaks along with any other additional features.
P2P & Kodi: 10%
Minimum Requirement: Allows P2P traffic
We Recommend: Optimized for P2P and Kodi
Running a VPN with both Firestick and Kodi is a popular combination. As a minimum, you’ll need a VPN which allows P2P traffic on its network in order to do this.
In the best case, you’ll have a well-optimized VPN for P2P, with plenty of server choices and a strong privacy policy.