Amazon Prime is available almost worldwide, but the series and films differ from country to country. In the article, we reveal how you access the US catalog of Amazon Prime Video from Germany.
The best VPN for Amazon Prime Video
If you have German Amazon Prime Video access, you will see the German content in Germany. If you are on vacation in the USA and access Amazon with the same access, you will notice that you cannot watch their German films and series. You will then see the US catalog of the streaming service.
We have already explained to you in the linked guide how you can continue watching your German Amazon Prime series while on vacation. We use the same thing in this article and access the US catalog of Amazon Prime Video from Germany with a VPN.
Access Amazon Prime Video’s US Catalog – Here’s How!
Many streaming services have so-called geoblocks in order to offer their content in accordance with the licenses. That’s why you see the German content in Germany and the US catalog in the US. You can circumvent this country block with a VPN service, which disguises your IP and lets you move digitally to almost any location.
1
cyberghost.com
cyberghost.com
9.6
9.6 out of 10 points
With a huge selection of servers and good speeds, CyberGhost is a convincing VPN service provider. Its use guarantees maximum security and anonymity on the web. Positive…
- Number of countries: 91
- Available Servers: 9200+
- Number of devices: 7
- Streaming in 4k possible?: ✔ Yes
- Streaming in HD possible?: ✔ Yes
You are also dealing with a country block at Amazon, you have to take this hurdle. Fortunately, it stays that way, unlike most other services, you don’t need an additional US account. You can use your Amazon account worldwide, the decisive factor for Amazon is which IP address you use to access the streaming service. The service uses this to decide which content you see.
Nevertheless, it is a hurdle that needs to be cleared first, because streaming services and VPN providers have been playing a cat and mouse game for years. Amazon and Netflix, in particular, invest a lot of money in discovering IP address spoofing and preventing its use. With good reason, after all, the streaming services acquire licenses for film and series catalogs for individual countries and have to ensure their partners that the content can only be accessed there.
We go into the legal aspect again later in the article and highlight the use of a VPN for Amazon Prime Video. But first, let’s focus on the technical features.
Use the right VPN provider for Amazon Prime Video
Streaming poses a major challenge for VPNs. On the one hand, the services must provide servers in the respective regions, but on the other hand, these servers must also have sufficient computing power and bandwidth. Some services fail because of the latter, more than a shaky SD stream is not possible.
We tested access to Amazon Prime Video in the US with various VPNs. CyberGhost scored best in our test, also because – similar to Surfshark – it offers solid performance at a low price. The other two services NordVPN and ExpressVPN are just as strong, with the latter making a big difference.
Surfshark VPN
- Number of countries: 65
- Available Servers: 3200+
- Number of devices: Unlimited
- Streaming in 4k possible?: ✘ No
- Streaming in HD possible?: ✔ Yes
to offer
ExpressVPN
- Number of countries: 94+
- Available Servers: 3000+
- Number of devices: 5
- Streaming in 4k possible?: ✔ Yes
- Streaming in HD possible?: ✔ Yes
to offer
CyberGhost
- Number of countries: 91
- Available Servers: 9200+
- Number of devices: 7
- Streaming in 4k possible?: ✔ Yes
- Streaming in HD possible?: ✔ Yes
to offer
NordVPN
- Number of countries: 60
- Available Servers: 5297+
- Number of devices: 6
- Streaming in 4k possible?: ✘ No
- Streaming in HD possible?: ✔ Yes
to offer
Tip! In our guide to streaming with VPN, we go into detail about the most important key points that you should consider when choosing a VPN.
In fact, once you’ve decided on a service, you’re ready to access the US catalogue.
- Activate your VPN service and connect to a server in the USA.
- Log in to Amazon with your data.
- Goes to Amazon Prime Video. Complete.
Of course, this also works with other countries, you just have to set your VPN client accordingly.
Are VPNs legal for using Amazon Prime Video?
In principle, VPNs are legal. However, streaming services have to set up and enforce geographical restrictions – this also applies to Amazon Prime Video, of course. This is due to the licenses for movies and series and it is also the reason why most streaming services prohibit the use of a VPN. The Amazon Originals are an exception, for which Amazon has the rights worldwide.
In the terms and conditions, Amazon explicitly prohibits the use of technologies that disguise or hide the location. In the text it says:
Due to technical and other restrictions imposed by the content providers, this service is only available in certain locations. Digital Content (including closed captioned and dubbed audio versions of Digital Content) and how we offer that content to you will vary by time and location. Amazon determines your geographic location using appropriate technologies. You may not use any technology or technical method to cover or disguise your whereabouts.
Amazon Prime Video Terms and Conditions – §3 Geographical Differences
A VPN does just that, masking your location. Of course, there are good reasons why you would want to use a VPN. Not only on vacation to be able to access the German content, but also to increase the security of your end devices. Amazon cannot prohibit you from using a VPN either, but you are violating the terms and conditions. In the worst case, you have to expect Amazon to block your account.
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!