Best free VPN for Firestick – How to use a free VPN on Firestick or Fire TV

Looking for the best free VPN for Firestick or Fire TV? Learn how to gain privacy, unlock regional TV services, and use Kodi without being tracked.

A VPN for Firestick is the best way to encrypt your internet connection, access regional services, and ensure complete privacy when streaming on Kodi. Many Firestick owners want a reliable VPN for privacy reasons and to access regional TV services, leading to a natural question: can they get a free VPN on Firestick?

The reality is that most free VPNs are unreliable. Studies show that many free VPNs advertised on app stores lack encryption and have invasive privacy policies. These free VPNs harvest and sell user data to create revenue. This makes using most free VPNs an enormous risk to the safety of your data and the health of your Firestick (or any other device you uninstall a free VPN on). Therefore, it's essential to take great care when choosing a free VPN.

The good news is that a few reputable premium VPNs offer a basic free VPN plan. These limited free VPN plans help advertise the service, allowing people to try the VPN without needing to provide payment. However, while the free plans offered by trustworthy VPN brands provide rock-solid security features, they come with deliberate limitations.

Free VPN plans only provide a few server locations, and those IP addresses purposefully block access to popular streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. This forces users to upgrade to a paid plan if they want to stream on vacation. Free plans also enforce bandwidth limits and download caps, which limits how much you can use the VPN each month. This data will run out quickly when streaming HD movies and TV shows on Firestick. 

Most people in need of a VPN for Firestick wish to stream regional services, meaning that a free VPN will be too restrictive. With that said, we understand that not everybody can afford a premium VPN. Newcomers to VPNs may also like to test the water using a free plan. For this reason, we've carefully compiled this list of the most secure and reliable free VPNs for Firestick.

The best free VPNs for Firestick:

1. Proton VPN: Best free VPN for Firestick. Proton VPN has a dedicated app for Firestick. It offers robust privacy features, though the free version has limitations such as slower speeds, three server locations, and fewer features. A trusted VPN that keeps no logs even when using the free plan.
2. Hide.me: A Malaysian VPN that has a free app that is available directly on the Amazon Appstore for Firestick. It provides strong encryption and privacy features, but its free version does not support streaming services like Netflix US​. It is also limited to just eight server locations and while you can use the free VPN on an unlimited basis, it is pretty slow compared to the paid version.
3. Windscribe: A Canadian VPN with a free version you can download from the Amazon Appstore for Firestick. It includes robust encryption and a no-logging policy but has a monthly data cap of 10 GB. Free servers in 11+ countries, but it deliberately blocks access to Netflix and other streaming services.
4. Hotspot Shield: Has a free version available on the Amazon Appstore for Firestick. However, it serves ads and has a daily download cap of 500 MB​ per day, which is pretty low. You will also need to upgrade to a paid plan to use it for streaming. On the plus side, it works to access a US IP address from anywhere in the world.
5. TunnelBear: Free version is available on the Amazon Appstore for Firestick. It allows users to download 2GB of data each month and has servers in several countries. However, the free plan does not support streaming services like Netflix US​.

You can use any of the VPNs listed above for free on your Firestick. These VPNs will safeguard your privacy without concerns over profiling or data sharing. However, free VPNs typically offer limited features and slower speeds compared to a reliable premium VPN.

If you want a VPN that has better performance, we recommend trying a top-tier VPN that offers faster speeds, unlimited data, and access to major streaming platforms. You can try the best VPN with faster speeds, unlimited data, and access to popular streaming services, completely free for 30 days. 

A premium service such as NordVPN gives you a much more reliable experience with unlimited bandwidth and servers tailored for torrenting and streaming. This includes the ability to access popular streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer on your Firestick.

If you're new to VPNs or have previously only used free versions, we strongly suggest taking advantage of NordVPN's risk-free trial. This will let you experience the difference between a free VPN plan and a paid version.

How to use a VPN on Firestick or Fire TV

As long as you stick to one of our recommendations, it is very easy to use a VPN on Firestick or Fire TV. We tested the market in search of reliable VPNs that have a custom Fire OS VPN app. This means that you can install the VPN directly onto your Firestick or Fire TV from the Amazon Appstore. 

Other VPNs (not recommended here) may require you to download the APK and sideload the application onto your device. You can do this using the Downloader app that is available in the Appstore. However, this will require you to accept apps from unknown sources and is more difficult than using a reliable VPN with a custom Fire TV app.

At BleepingComputer, we recommend sticking to recommended VPNs that have a custom app. This will make your VPN experience more reliable, secure, and all-round easier. 

Below, we have explained the entire process of how to use a VPN on Firestick:

1. Choose a VPN for Firestick. We recommend NordVPN because it is super secure, fast, and works with major streaming platforms. Alternatively, you can opt for cost-friendly Surfshark or IPVanish, which is an excellent all-rounder.
2. Navigate to the VPNs website and choose a subscription plan. Using our link will implement an automatic coupon code, which reduces the price to the lowest possible price.
3. Download the VPN app into your Firestick. Our recommendations have an app that you can download from the Amazon Appstore. Launch the Appstore and search for the name of your VPN. When you see the correct VPN app install it.
4. Launch the VPN app on your Firestick and log in using your credentials from sign-up.
5. Choose a server from the list and click Connect. If you need an IP address in a specific country, such as the US, remember to pick a server in that country.

That’s it! As soon as the VPN connects your data will be routed through the remote server location. This gives you privacy allowing you to use Kodi or surf the web without being tracked. You can also use your VPN to access regional TV services and apps, including Netflix USA.

How did we pick the best free VPNs for Firestick?

To make our recommendations, we meticulously reviewed VPN privacy policies and tested the free app for Firestick. The VPNs we settled on for this guide don’t store logs of your activities or the servers you use.

These VPNs offer robust protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard, coupled with strong encryption protocols like AES-256 or ChaCha20. This guarantees that your streaming activities remain secure and private; perfect for Kodi.

Later in this guide, we will provide additional info about our testing method. For now, here are some of the things we looked for:

• The VPN offers a truly free plan without the need for payment details, ensuring you can start using it on your Firestick immediately.
• Ensures complete privacy. We only recommend VPNs that promise never to store logs or sell user data.
• Provides a reliable and user-friendly app for Firestick, allowing for straightforward installation and setup.
• Includes at least one server location accessible for free, ideally with multiple server options across different countries.
• Uses secure VPN protocols, ensuring that your connection is protected against eavesdroppers.

Best free VPNs for Firestick: Detailed reviews

The free VPNs for Firestick highlighted in this guide offer robust online privacy protections. They effectively shield your activities from oversight by local network administrators and secure your data from prying eyes, such as ISP snooping. They hide your physical location from websites and allow for private streaming using Kodi.

Even the most reliable free VPNs come with certain restrictions. These limitations are imposed to encourage users to upgrade to an unlimited plan. 

We have included these limitations in the summaries below. This will give you a clear comparison of what you will be lacking compared to fully featured premium VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, or IPVanish.

Proton VPN is a highly reputable and trusted VPN brand that offers a basic free plan. The free version is available for Firestick, Android, Windows, iOS, and Mac – giving you plenty of options. The free tier limits you to just one connection per account. So, if you need a free VPN on multiple devices, you'll need to subscribe using multiple emails.

Proton VPN is one of the few reliable free VPNs available directly from the Amazon App Store, making it an excellent choice for Firestick users. The free servers are slower than the paid version and they block streaming and torrenting.

Proton's free plan has servers in the Netherlands, Japan, and the US. This allows users to bypass regional censorship and maintain privacy when searching the web and using Firestick apps, including social media apps. 

The free version does not support streaming on platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, or HBO Max. It lacks some premium features, including Tor over VPN, MultiHop connections, split tunneling, port forwarding, and ad-blocking. If you want these features, then you should consider a paid VPN.

Proton VPN includes robust encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch on both free and paid versions. It upholds a strict no-logging policy, ensuring it keeps no records of your server use or online activities. Unlike many free VPNs, Proton VPN does not display ads, which gives users a better experience.

Overall, Proton VPN's free service is a decent option for anybody seeking privacy or accessibility on Firestick. Best of all? Proton VPN’s free tier does not impose download limits, so you can use it as much as you want to gain privacy on your Firestick.

PRIVATE AND SECURE: Proton VPN is a reputable VPN provider known for its commitment to privacy. The free version is slow compared to the paid plans. Can be used on an unlimited basis. Has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are kept confidential at all times. Firestick app is available in the Appstore.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Hide.me is a highly reputable Malaysian VPN service that offers a feature-rich premium option and a reliable free VPN you can use on Firestick without providing any personal data or payment information. This makes it an excellent choice for Firestick users seeking to access blocked content such as news or social media. Hide.me is available on the Amazon App Store, making it super easy to install on Firestick.

The free plan offers servers in seven key locations: Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. This is a decent amount of choice and makes it useful for overcoming geo-restrictions and blocks imposed by public WiFi hotspots, workplaces, and schools, as well as ISP-imposed restrictions. 

Free Hide.me users benefit from robust encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. More advanced features like static IPs, port forwarding, split tunneling, and MultiHop remain exclusive to paid plans. The free service does not support access to streaming platforms like Netflix.

Each account on the free plan is limited to one device at a time, but users can switch between different devices, such as laptops, phones, and tablets, as needed. Users can download an unlimited amount of data using the free Hide.me plan – and we found it to be pretty fast considering it is free. It even allows torrenting via the free servers and contains no ads.

EXCELLENT SPEEDS: Hide.me boasts an excellent reputation thanks to its strict no-logging policy. The free version includes a selection of protocols and a kill switch. It effectively shields users from online surveillance by ISPs and government entities. Decent choice of servers and provides unlimited free use with no data caps. Doesn’t work to access streaming platforms. 

Windscribe stands out among other free VPN services. It is available on the Amazon App Store, making it an excellent choice for Firestick users who want improved internet security and privacy at no cost. Known for its robust security measures, Windscribe features a strict no-logs policy and various tools to safeguard user safety and promote internet freedom. The service provides 10 GB of free data per month and access to servers in 10 locations, which is pretty generous. It’s completely ad-free. 

The free Windscribe plan allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it great for families. However, using the VPN on several devices can quickly use up your 10 GB data limit. 

Windscribe comes with its “ROBERT" feature on the free plan. This is a DNS-based tool that blocks malware, ads, and trackers, enhancing security, speeding up page load times, and conserving data, which makes it ideal when using a mobile data plan, for example. It also comes with reliable encryption protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.

The main drawback is that it is based in Canada, which enforces mandatory data retention laws and is a member of the FIVE EYES surveillance alliance. The free version also blocks popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, and blocks torrenting. Live chat support is limited to paying users, so if you need help we recommend sending an email.

FULLY FEATURED FREE PLAN: A reliable VPN with a basic free plan that comes with a strong no-logging policy and an integrated ad blocker. It allows you to access servers in 10+ different locations at no cost and provides 10 GB of data each month. Torrenting and streaming servers are available only with a paid account. The free plan will not work to stream Netflix US but can keep you secure when watching Kodi. Speeds are a bit slow, so expect some buffering. 

Read our full review of Windscribe.

Hotspot Shield is a well-known free VPN used by people worldwide to combat overreaching surveillance and censorship. For example, the VPN was used by tens of thousands of people during the 2016 military coup in Turkey and the Arab Spring. 

The free VPN is readily accessible for various platforms. These include a Fire OS app for Firestick and FireTV that you can download directly from the Amazon Appstore.

The VPN uses a proprietary protocol called Hydra, which gives users pretty decent speeds even on the free plan. The free version is limited to just 500 MB of data per day, which is very limited and rules the VPN out for data-intensive tasks such as torrenting, making video calls, gaming, and streaming. 

One key drawback of this free VPN is that it is limited to one server in America, and this server blocks access to streaming platforms like Netflix US and Hulu. If you want a VPN to unblock streams on vacation, we recommend a paid VPN for Firestick instead. 

The privacy policy is consistent across both the free and premium versions of Hotspot Shield. However, the free plan includes ads, which many users will find annoying. These ads are not personalized. 

Hotspot Shield does gather some personal information like wireless network details and approximate location, which may put some privacy advocates off the service. The free version is also limited to one device and free users do not receive 24/7 customer support, which is available only to premium subscribers. It is still a reliable free VPN that can provide access to restricted news or other crucial services. 

FREE US VPN SERVER: Works to get a free American IP address, making it a convenient way to use US-based social media platforms and applications on your Firestick. Compatible with YouTube and various other popular services. Lets you use Kodi with added privacy. Doesn’t work with Netflix or other streaming platforms. The free version comes with a daily data limit of 500 MB.

Read our full review of Hotspot Shield.

TunnelBear offers a free plan that is accessible directly from the Amazon App Store, making it a straightforward choice for Firestick users. This plan allows connections to servers in 20+ different countries, providing a wide choice of IPs. The data allowance is limited to 500 MB per month, which is significantly less than our other recommendations.

You can increase your data limit by an additional 1 GB by promoting TunnelBear on Twitter, but this bonus is a one-time offer. The free plan remains unsuitable for data-heavy activities such as streaming, downloading, or gaming on Firestick.

Security-wise, TunnelBear does not compromise despite being free. It offers the same robust 256-bit encryption to both free and premium users. The company’s commitment to privacy is reinforced by its clear no-logs policy and independent security audits that confirm the integrity of its data practices.

Besides being slow, Tunnelbear restricts customer support to paying subscribers. In addition, the free Tunnelbear servers will not work for streaming or torrenting, so if you want to access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc, then you’ll need a paid subscription. 

MANY LOCATIONS: The TunnelBear free plan lets you connect to servers in 20+ countries. Works to bypass blocks and gain online privacy with strong encryption and a trustworthy no-logs policy. Easy to use on Firestick and other devices. Highly restrictive data caps will result in frustration. 

Free Firestick VPN – testing methodology

We conducted rigorous testing to find secure free VPNs for Firestick users. Our recommendations have trusted privacy policies and robust encryption. These free VPNs work to shield your online activities from online platforms, government surveillance, ISPs, and local networks.

Our evaluation process to pinpoint the best VPNs for Firestick includes leak tests, encryption analysis, and detailed reviews of their privacy policies to confirm that no user activities are recorded, even using the free plans.

Although trusted free VPNs include certain limitations—like data limits, a smaller selection of server locations, and a lack of more sophisticated features found in premium services—they can still provide significant privacy and security enhancements for your Firestick.

If you need MultiHop, Tor over VPN, obfuscation, port forwarding, split tunneling, or other advanced features, then these things are unlikely to be available using the free plan. The VPNs on this page will give you the privacy features you need to stream Kodi on Firestick without being monitored.

Below we have included some of the criteria each free VPN had to meet to be considered for our list:

• Strict no-logs policy: Ensures user activities are never tracked or recorded.
• Robust encryption: Uses strong encryption to protect data.
• Essential security features: Includes kill switch and DNS leak protection.
• Reasonable speed and performance: Offers decent speeds suitable for general use.
• User-friendly apps: Available on multiple devices for ease of use, including Firestick.
• Free plan: You can use the VPN without providing payment details.

Free VPNs for Firestick – FAQs

Is a free VPN for Firestick private and secure?

The privacy and security of a free VPN for Firestick largely depends on the VPN you choose. Studies have shown that most free VPNs are problematic, often harvesting user data for profiling. These free VPNs frequently lack proper encryption, misrepresent their protection levels, hide spyware in their apps, and have policies that permit selling user data to advertisers and data brokers, making their use extremely risky.

However, some well-known VPN brands offer limited free VPN services that are secure and private. These basic free VPN plans allow users to try out the service risk-free and maintain online privacy during emergencies, such as social media blackouts during elections and protests. The best aspect of these basic free VPNs is their strong encryption, ensuring that online activities remain private.

Free plans come with limitations, such as fewer server locations, slower speeds, and data caps. They also block access to popular services like Netflix. These restrictions mean that while users can gain some online privacy, upgrading to a paid plan is necessary for unlimited VPN access and specialized services like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Can I unlock Netflix US on Firestick with a free VPN?

No. We have never been able to find a reliable, trustworthy, and secure VPN that works to watch Netflix US on vacation. Free VPNs have very few server locations, which makes it easy for streaming services like Netflix to block them. In addition, reliable free VPNs deliberately block access to streams like Netflix. This keeps streaming as a premium feature that users must upgrade their account to access. 

You are free to use any of the VPNs in this guide to gain online privacy and to use Kodi without being monitored. However, our recommendations will not work to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services. If you want to watch more regional TV services, we recommend opting for one of our recommended streaming VPNs.

Can I use Kodi securely with a free VPN for Firestick?

Yes, you can use Kodi securely with a free VPN on your Firestick, with a few considerations. Many free VPNs impose data caps, which could significantly limit your streaming, especially when using data-intensive applications like Kodi. Speeds are much slower on free VPNs due to server limitations, higher user traffic, and bandwidth limits. This causes buffering, poor video quality, and longer loading time – all of which cause frustration.

Privacy and security are another concern. If you’re considering a free VPN, it is crucial to select a service that offers strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Free VPNs typically have fewer security features, and some even falsely advertise the level of protection they provide. This makes it essential to do a lot of research before using a free VPN to gain confidentiality using Kodi.

Additionally, not all free VPNs have apps available in the Amazon App Store, which is necessary for straightforward installation on a Firestick. Check compatibility before picking a VPN for Kodi on Firestick.

Some free VPNs, such as Windscribe or Proton VPN, offer decent security and performance, but their limitations could impact your streaming experience. If you want consistent performance and more comprehensive security features for streaming Kodi, then we would recommend upgrading to a reputable premium VPN that has fast speeds and streaming-optimized servers.

Are free VPNs dangerous?

If you choose a free VPN at random from an app store like Google Play, Samsung Apps, Amazon Appstore, or Apple App Store, you could end up with a dangerous VPN that harvests user data and infects your device with spyware.

Studies have revealed that many free VPNs have poor privacy policies that allow them to log your browsing activities and personal information. These VPNs often sell this data to third parties, such as advertisers or data brokers, creating a revenue stream at the expense of your privacy. Most free VPNs spread your data rather than provide privacy.

Additionally, free VPNs often lack essential security features and may contain malware or harmful software, exposing users to potential cyber threats. These VPNs suffer from leaks and inadequate encryption, so they don't prevent your ISP from detecting your activities. This vulnerability can leave you exposed to various online dangers.

To ensure your data remains secure, it is vital to stick to reputable and trusted VPNs like the ones recommended in this guide. Using any free VPN that isn't listed here could be dangerous. There are many dodgy free VPNs, especially those based in places like China, that are specifically designed to steal your data. 

To be safe on your Firestick, please do your research and ensure that the free VPN you choose is completely safe. Avoiding dangerous free VPNs requires careful consideration, but is super-simple if you stick to our recommendations.

What makes a free VPN safe to use on Firestick?

A secure free VPN for Firestick must prioritize data privacy. At BleepingComputer, we only recommend VPNs that shield your online activities from local networks, ISPs, and other unwanted third parties. To make it onto this list, VPNs must include robust privacy features and policies.

Unfortunately, finding a reliable free VPN for Firestick can be challenging. Many free VPNs advertised in app stores fail to meet our strict security standards – they lack robust encryption, suffer from app or server vulnerabilities, and may even include spyware or tracking libraries.

Consumers are often unaware of these shortcomings and leave positive reviews, which causes other users to install these dangerous VPNs. This makes it essential to be extremely careful when considering free VPNs.

We understand that some people can't afford a premium VPN. For these users, a free VPN can be a lifeline that provides access to restricted news, educational resources, communication apps, and social media platforms like Facebook.

To help these users, we’ve rigorously tested the market and found a few free VPNs that are safe for Firestick users. These VPNs ensure robust protection for streaming Kodi or searching the web privately.