We test every free Firestick VPN following our bespoke, extensive and scientific methodology.
Each VPN is tested in six key performance categories. These ratings are then combined to calculate an overall rating.
For free Firestick VPNs specifically, we test for:
- Native apps for Fire TV & Fire TV Stick
- No payment details required
- Fast speeds on free servers
- No activity logs & no IP or DNS leaks
- Works with popular streaming apps
- Generous (or no) bandwidth cap
Here is a more detailed breakdown of exactly how we test the best free VPNs for Firestick:
1. Firestick App: 20%
Minimum Requirement: The VPN works on Amazon Firestick.
We Recommend: A user-friendly native application for Firestick.
Having a native app for Firestick is an important attribute for a top Firestick VPN. Most free VPN services simply do not have this feature.
Many free VPNs that do work on Firestick need to be side-loaded, which is a complicated process for adding third party apps onto the device.
Thankfully, there are a few free VPNs that include native apps for the device. We reward the apps that are well designed, user-friendly, and custom-built for the TV.
2. Data Cap: 25%
Minimum Requirement: 500MB per month.
We Recommend: 10GB per month.
Streaming or running Kodi can be very data-intensive, so a generous data cap is necessary on Firestick.
Less generous free VPNs only offer around 500MB per month, which isn’t enough to stream for more than a few hours.
The best free VPNs offer 10GB a month, or 500MB a day for free. This adds up to enough for light streaming throughout the month, or a shorter high-intensity period of streaming.
3. Streaming: 15%
Minimum Requirement: Works to access YouTube.
We Recommend: Streams Netflix, BBC iPlayer and other streaming services.
Free VPNs can be limited in their ability to access streaming services. We test whether popular streaming services work with free VPNs on the Firestick itself.
The absolute minimum requirement is that a VPN works with YouTube, which almost every VPN is capable of.
Top-rated VPNs are able to stream multiple international Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and other services such as Hulu, Disney+ and DAZN.
4. Speed: 20%
Minimum Requirement: Average download speeds above 50Mbps.
We Recommend: Average download speeds above 70Mbps.
A fast free VPN for Firestick should offer average download speed of 50Mbps or faster on local connections. This is enough for smooth streaming on most internet connections, but may not be enough for HD video.
You’re unlikely to be able to stream in 4K on most free VPNs, but it is possible on the best ones.
We regularly test every VPN on a standard 100Mbps connection to achieve fair, unbiased speed comparisons between providers.
5. Features: 10%
Minimum Requirement: IP and DNS leak protection.
We Recommend: IP and DNS leak protection and a VPN kill switch.
Free VPNs often have very few features on Firestick, if they have an app at all.
We test the apps in-depth and explore their feature menus, then compare the offering to what is available on other platforms.
IP leak protection is an absolute minimum, which keeps your true IP and DNS information from being exposed. The most secure Firestick VPNs will have a full kill switch to avoid leaks.
6. P2P & Kodi: 10%
Minimum Requirement: Supports P2P traffic.
We Recommend: Fully-optimised for P2P and Kodi.
Lots of users combine Kodi with Firestick, so we specifically test free Firestick VPN apps for their compatibility with Kodi.
As the bare minimum, you’ll need P2P support to get Kodi add-ons working. Our tests ensure every VPN we recommend offers support for P2P traffic and Kodi.
Additional research by Luke Williams