How to Change Country and Watch Amazon Prime Video US from Anywhere

Amazon Prime Video (also known as Prime Video) is a streaming video service offered by online mega-retailer Amazon. The service is included as a feature of the online retail giant’s Prime service, which also offers free one-day and two-day shipping.

The Prime Video service offers a large library of movies and television shows, ranging from classic films and shows to recent offerings. The service is available around the world, except in mainland China, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.

Why Amazon Restricts Access to its U.S. Content

While the service is available to most of the world, you’ll find that Prime Video does not offer the same American content around the world.

This is due to Amazon’s licensing agreements with film and television producers, which restrict access to the content on a country-by-country basis. So, shows you might enjoy while inside the United States may not be available to you while inside other countries, such as France or the United Kingdom.

Luckily, there is a way for Amazon Prime Video viewers who normally reside in the U.S. to still have access to their favorite shows and films while traveling or living abroad.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides users with the ability to access Amazon Prime Video content based in the U.S., while inside the borders of other countries. It does this by temporarily assigning your connected device a new IP address, making it appear as if you and your device are located somewhere inside the United States.

While this trick originally worked with numerous VPN providers, streaming services have over the years become good at detecting and blocking IP addresses that VPN providers issue to allow their users to access streaming content outside of licensed areas.

When this happens, it’s important that the VPN you subscribe to has both the resources and the willingness to quickly set up new IP addresses when the old addresses are blocked.

In this article, I’ll provide information about the seven best VPNs to unblock Amazon Prime Video’s U.S.-only content.

How to Watch U.S. Amazon Prime Video Using a VPN

Using a VPN to access U.S.-only Prime Video content is as simple as following a few easy steps.

How to watch U.S. Amazon Prime Video using a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a Prime Video-capable VPN provider. (My top choice is NordVPN.)
2. Install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a server located in the United States.
5. Grab your favorite movie candy and enjoy the show!

What is the Best VPN for Watching Amazon Prime Video?

Following rounds of testing, the following seven VPN providers have proven their worth for accessing U.S. Amazon Prime Video content. The Reader’s Digest condensed version is as follows.

Best VPNs for Watching Amazon Prime Video:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for watching Amazon Prime Video. This provider offers the best VPN protection and access to Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. Movie lovers will appreciate the provider’s excellent multi-platform app support, as well as its above-average customer support, all at a reasonable price. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Budget-priced pick. This budget-priced provider’s fast-growing server network delivers reliable access to Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. Fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections allowance make this an attractive option for large groups of movie lovers.
3. ExpressVPN: Excellent overall VPN service. This provider offers reliable access to Amazon Prime Video content housed in the U.S. The provider’s excellent global server network and fast download speeds make it an optimal choice for Prime Video and many other streaming services. Be warned, it is the most expensive provider on this list.
4. CyberGhost: Great VPN for beginners. This provider should make an attractive choice for novice VPN users who are looking for an easy-to-use, yet reliable VPN provider. CyberGhost’s apps offer one-click access to streaming-optimized servers stationed in the United States and numerous other parts of the world.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Improved streaming access. PIA has improved its users’ access to Amazon Prime and other streamers. The provider’s global server network, while not the largest on this list, certainly does the job.
6. PrivateVPN: Good overall protection. Despite a less-than-impressive global server network, the provider does a good job of accessing streaming services in the countries it does cover (the U.S. included). Fast speeds and good customer service are included in the price of admission.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited simultaneous connections. This provider’s global server network is small, but it offers reliable access to Amazon Prime Video streams from the U.S. You can connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers at one time on one account.

Each VPN provider has its own particular set of strengths and weaknesses. While some provide fast download speeds, their server network is lacking. Others may boast a huge server network, but their app support may be less than optimal.

When ranking the seven VPN providers below, I considered the following:

• Do they offer reliable access to Prime Video content in the U.S.?
• Does their global server coverage include servers inside the U.S.?
• How fast are their download speeds?
• Do they offer excellent security and privacy protection?
• How is their native app support?

For more information about the criteria I used, take a look at the testing methodology section further down this article.

Best VPNs for watching Amazon Prime Video – Summary table

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 Amazon Prime Video

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Here’s my list of the top seven best VPNs for watching U.S.-based Amazon Prime Video content.

1. NordVPN

Mar 2024

NordVPN is the best option on this list for Amazon Prime members that are also streaming movie lovers. The provider delivers reliable access to streaming services, as well as comprehensive online protection.

The provider’s 5,600+ servers are spread out among nearly 60 countries, and plenty of those are located inside U.S. borders, delivering reliable access to Prime Video and other streaming services. The provider owns and operates much of its global server network, meaning third-party operators are kept away from all server data.

The provider’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in this lineup and offer more than enough horsepower to stream your favorite movies and shows in HD and 4K. No data caps or bandwidth limitations are ever forced upon your usage.

Online security is never an issue thanks to the provider’s use of military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6 and DNS leak prevention.

Added protection is available via the provider’s Double VPN connections (which routes your connection through two VPN servers) and obfuscated servers (which disguise your VPN traffic as normal browser traffic).

NordVPN also protects your privacy well thanks to a total no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run exclusively from RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. What this means is that all data is totally wiped from a NordVPN server any time it is rebooted.

App support from NordVPN includes offerings for iOS, Android, Android TV, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Linux, and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

The provider also offers excellent compatibility with a large number of routers. Up to six simultaneous connections are allowed under one set of credentials.

BEST AMAZON PRIME VIDEO U.S. VPN OPTION:NordVPN is the best VPN for Prime Video subscribers looking to access U.S. content from around the globe. The provider offers reliable access to Prime Video while providing optimal protection for your online activities, all at a reasonable price. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark squeaked into this lineup thanks to its bargain pricing, as well as its quickly-growing server network’s proven ability to access Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The provider’s global server network continues to grow at a fast pace. With 3,200+ servers stationed in 100+ countries, their server count has doubled in the last six months. That server network includes plenty of U.S.-based servers, which do a great job of accessing Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and other services located stateside. (The provider says it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.)

The provider’s download speeds, while not the fastest in this lineup, are certainly up to handling HD and 4K content from popular streaming services. No data caps are ever imposed on your use of the VPN service.

Those connections are protected with government-level encryption, and the provider’s apps offer kill switch and ad-blocking protection. Camouflage Mode is available on some servers, which hides your VPN activity. The provider keeps no server logs of any kind and happily accepts Bitcoin as payment.

Native app support includes offerings for Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, macOS (with native support for Apple Silicon), and Amazon Fire TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available. Router support is also available.

Surfshark also offers antivirus protection, truly private search, and data breach alerts when your personal information is involved.

Surfshark offers a somewhat unusual unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, meaning as many users as you want to allow to use your account can connect to Surfshark servers at once.

BEST BUDGET VPN PICK:Surfshark is a fast-growing VPN provider that offers fast, reliable access to Amazon Prime original content. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy should prove to be attractive to big families, small businesses, and island kingdoms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers reliable access to Amazon Prime Video content housed in the United States, albeit at a rather expensive tariff.

The provider’s global server network is made up of 3,000+ servers, stationed in close to 95 countries around the globe, with many of those well distributed throughout the U.S. Those U.S. servers offer reliable access to Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming video services in the U.S. and around the globe.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds are some of the best in the industry, and they can easily keep up with the HD and 4K streams that Prime Video and other streaming services provide. Plus, there are never any daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling to spoil your video binges.

Those speedy connections are well-protected thanks to the provider’s bank-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS/IP leak prevention. Plus, ExpressVPN’s Lightway connection protocol is designed for improved protection and performance.

The provider’s strict no-server-logs policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option keep the privacy side of things covered.

Amazon Prime Video is available on most popular device platforms, and ExpressVPN has them covered. Apps for iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromebook, and Linux platforms are available.

Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions protect your in-browser viewing, and recently updated router protection is also available. Up to five devices can connect at once on a single set of user credentials.

For devices such as Apple TV, Xbox, PS4, and smart TVs, ExpressVPN offers their MediaStreamer DNS service. While MediaStreamer offers access to Prime Video, it does not encrypt your connection like the company’s VPN offering does.

A HIGHLY VERSATILE VPN:ExpressVPN offers reliable access to Amazon Prime Video and other U.S.-based film libraries. The provider’s reliable connections offer plenty of speed, and also provide excellent security and privacy protections. Although the provider’s asking price is a bit expensive, a 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

The #4 provider on this list, CyberGhost, is an excellent choice for movie lovers without much VPN experience.

The provider has 9,000+ servers in over 90 countries, and plenty of those servers are located in the U.S. Many of those servers are streaming-optimized, providing access to Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and other countries, as well as Hulu, Netflix, and numerous other streaming services around the globe.

It doesn’t matter if your favorite Prime Video content is available in HD or 4K, as CyberGhost’s connection speeds can handle it. No data caps or bandwidth limitations are ever imposed.

The provider protects its connections with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Plus, it offers ad, malware, and online tracking blocking, and can force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages, if available.

Privacy protections are also top-notch thanks to a strict no-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option.

CyberGhost’s native app support is some of the best in the industry, with apps for Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

Router features are available as well. You can make up to seven simultaneous connections to the service using the same login credentials.

In addition to its VPN services, the provider also offers a password manager, an alert if your email address is included in a data breach. Also, antivirus/anti-malware protection, privacy management, and other helpful utilities are available for Windows machines.

EASY-TO-USE APPS FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is the easy-to-use VPN that provides excellent access to numerous streaming services thanks to their extensive global network, which includes streaming-optimized servers. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable access to Amazon Prime Video and numerous other streaming services. While PIA lacked access to streamers in the past, the provider has worked to improve that access.

The provider’s 3,300+ servers stationed in more than 80 countries should be sufficient for most users’ needs.

While PIA’s connection speeds were not among the fastest in my most recent testing, they provide more than enough speed for an enjoyable streaming experience. The provider never spoils your viewing binges with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

Government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch protect your PIA-provided connections. The service can also block ads, trackers, malware, and malicious sites.

The provider keeps no logs of any kind, and accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, keeping your privacy undercover.

Native app support from PIA includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with compatibility with various makes and models of routers.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices per account.

PIA has your support needs covered thanks to its live support chat option, a trouble ticket tracking form, and a searchable support database.

RELIABLE ACCESS TO AMAZON PRIME VIDEO:Private Internet Access delivers reliable access to many popular streaming sites, Prime Video included. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections are more than up to handling all of your devices’ needs. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN snagged the #5 spot in this roundup due to its fast connections and reliable access to U.S.-based streaming services, like Prime Video.

Although PrivateVPN’s server network is spread thin, with only 200+ servers spread out through 63+ countries around the globe, it does a good job of unblocking streaming services in the countries where it is available.

The provider’s U.S. servers offer reliable access to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services.

This provider’s download speeds can easily handle the streaming needs of Prime Video, with plenty of bandwidth to stream both HD and 4K content. No bandwidth limitations or data caps will ever interrupt your video binges.

Kill switch protection, DNS/IPv6 leak prevention, and more protect your online activities. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” option keeps your VPN-related activities out of sight by disguising them as normal browser activity.

A strict no-server-logs policy means there are no records of your online antics, and a Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription info incognito.

App support is limited to Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. (The Amazon Fire app is only available through Amazon.) Router support is also available. Up to 10 devices can connect simultaneously on a single set of login credentials.

GREAT CONNECTION SPEEDS:Despite its limited server network, PrivateVPN does an admirable job of accessing Prime Video and other streaming services. The provider’s connection speeds are excellent for streaming HD and 4K video. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN users will appreciate the provider’s reliable access to Prime Video and other streaming services.

The provider’s global server count could be better, with just 750+ servers in 42+ countries. That said, the provider delivers reliable access to content in the locations that it covers.

Atlas VPN provides well-above-average download speeds, ranking in the top 10, and is able to handle your favorite online activities. Data caps or bandwidth limitations are not to be found.

The provider’s use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and other protective measures keep your online activities incognito. The provider’s proprietary Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features protect you from online browsing hazards while also blocking ads.

No server logs of any kind are ever saved, meaning there is no evidence of any of your online travels. Users who prefer to pay using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency will need to look elsewhere.

Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV users can download native apps for their devices. However, browser extensions and support for routers are not available from the provider (although the provider says that both are on the way).

There is no limit on the number of devices that users can simultaneously connect to Atlas VPN servers.

Live agent chat is available for subscribers, along with email, a contact form, and a support library for when you have a few questions.

UNLIMITED PROTECTED ACCESS:Atlas VPN’s reliable access to Amazon Prime Video, along with other streaming sites, will be welcome to film and TV fans. The provider also provides excellent online protection and enhancement on an unlimited number of simultaneous devices. Improvement in the global server area is needed. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Watching U.S. Amazon Prime

Not all VPN service providers are even capable of accessing Amazon Prime Video, let alone offering the features necessary for making it an enjoyable experience.

These are the factors that I assessed in order to discover which VPNs to recommend for unblocking Amazon Prime Video in the U.S.:

• Connection speed: When watching Prime Video, you want a clear picture and to be able to watch in as high of a resolution as possible. All of the VPNs on my list offer speeds that are not only optimal for Amazon Prime, but also above-average generally.
• Server network: You need a VPN service provider with servers in the U.S. to watch U.S. Amazon Prime. Still, a large global server network is vital in order to watch other video streaming services from other countries. Each VPN I recommended offers solid global server coverage.
• Value: It’s important to consider the price of a VPN and figure out whether it’s really worth what it’s asking for. The features and functionality of the VPN should be proportional to the price it asks. All VPN service providers on my list offer a great deal when you consider what they offer.
• Ease of use: Don’t forget to consider whether or not a VPN will be easy to use. You don’t want to have to deal with bells and whistles just to be able to connect to a U.S. server and watch Amazon Prime. That’s why I made sure each VPN on my list offers simple apps.
• Security and privacy: You’re focused on streaming, I get it. But never forget the perils that await you on the internet. You want a VPN that will offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection, and preferably more, which all VPNs on my list offer. In addition, none of them save any logs of your online activities.
• Streaming: Amazon Prime is an attractive video streaming service, but it’s not the only one out there. That’s why I made sure that each VPN I reviewed offers the ability to unblock all kinds of streaming services, such as Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

How Amazon’s Restrictions Work

As I’ve mentioned previously, Amazon restricts access to its film and TV content on a country-by-country basis. This is because the licensing agreements it signs with TV and movie content providers require them to agree to such restrictions. Meaning your favorite movie may be available in the U.S. but not if you cross the U.S./Canadian border.

The provider restricts access to its content by checking either your device’s IP address or its GPS-based location.

Since IP addresses are assigned on a country-by-country basis, Amazon can detect your location by reading your device’s IP address. If that IP address falls outside of the range assigned for that country, you’ll be prevented from viewing Amazon Prime content. Luckily, a VPN allows your device to get an IP address in various countries, opening up access to the content once more.

If you have a navigation system in your car, or if you’ve ever used Google Maps or Apple Maps, you know that GPS can reveal your location within just a few yards. By reading your device’s GPS location, Amazon can restrict access to its content. This is a bit tougher to get around, although you can restrict the app’s access to your device’s GPS radio.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch Amazon Prime Video?

“No.” Next question?

There are numerous reasons why you shouldn’t (and probably couldn’t) use a “free” VPN to watch Amazon Prime Video or any other popular streaming service for that matter.

Prime Video and other streaming providers keep a lookout for viewers who are using a VPN to access their streaming libraries. When they detect viewers are using an IP address that belongs to a VPN service, they block that address from accessing their streaming service.

Amazon does this because their content contracts with TV and movie producers require them to actively work to limit access to the content to specific areas of the world.

This leads to a vicious cycle of streaming providers blocking IPs, then VPNs setting up new servers with fresh, unblocked IP addresses. Then the streamer blocks those, and the cycle begins anew.

It takes a VPN with deep pockets to keep up in this game of virtual whack-a-mole. “Free” VPNs are usually run on a shoestring, meaning they simply don’t have the resources to play this game.

Another reason a freebie VPN isn’t a good idea is the inconvenience factor. High-speed internet has led to an online society of folks who expect immediate gratification. But when you connect to a free VPN, you may be forced to wait in a queue with other users until a slot opens up on the provider’s limited selection of servers.

Once you’re allowed to connect, you may find that you’re faced with a limited number of servers to choose from, if you get to choose at all. So, you may not have access to the Amazon Prime Video content you’re looking for.

Even if you do get lucky and get the right server, you may still find that the freebie VPN will throttle your connection speeds. Plus, they may also put daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage. There’s nothing like being disconnected during the big climactic reveal of the murderer, am I right?

Last, but by no means least, free VPNs are not good at protecting your privacy. Many sans-charge VPN providers keep the lights on by collecting information about your online travels and then selling the information to advertisers and other Nosy Nellies.

Other freebie VPNs will inject unwanted ads or tracking cookies into your browser sessions. (P.S. Those tracking cookies stick around, even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN server.)

If, after learning all of this, you’re still considering a free VPN, I wish you luck. As for me, I’ll spring a few bucks a month for quality VPN service.

What Other Advantages Does a VPN Offer?

In addition to unblocking your favorite stateside-based Amazon Prime Video content, a VPN offers numerous other advantages.

A quality VPN offers unfettered access to American content from around the globe, including streaming video and music, gaming content, banking and financial services, and numerous other sites and services.

A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, which offers numerous protections and advantages. Encryption prevents your Internet Service Provider, the government, or the hacker at the next table over down at the coffee shop from monitoring your online activities.

That same encryption prevents your ISP from throttling your connection speeds simply because you’re sharing files via P2P or streaming video from “unapproved” services.

Amazon Prime Video VPN FAQs

Conclusion

One of the biggest advantages of an Amazon Prime membership is access to thousands of movies and television shows via Prime Video. Don’t let a little thing like your geographic location get in the way of enjoying your favorite videos.

A VPN keeps your entertainment options wide open, while also protecting and enhancing all of your favorite online activities.

A VPN – like my top choice, NordVPN – provides plenty of online advantages. It opens up access to content from nearly anywhere around the world, encrypts your internet connection to keep prying eyes from monitoring your online activities and possibly stealing your valuable info, and prevents your connection from being throttled or limited in other ways.

For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit their website.