Surfshark has released a native app for Vega OS, bringing its virtual private network service to the latest generation of Amazon Fire TV devices powered by the company's new Linux-based platform. The update restores functionality lost when Amazon moved away from its Android-based Fire OS in late 2025.

When Vega OS replaced Fire OS as Amazon's underlying software for Fire TV streaming hardware in October, it broke support for Android apps, meaning existing apps didn't carry over. This created a gap for those who relied on VPNs for streaming and required developers to rebuild apps for the new environment. Surfshark's new app closes that gap, offering what the company describes as "core VPN capabilities" on Vega OS devices.

The practical benefits remain the same: A VPN encrypts internet and streaming activity, masks IP addresses and can help avoid ISP throttling during high-bandwidth use. The tech is also commonly used to access region-specific libraries on services like Netflix and HBO Max -- a use case that had effectively been sidelined on newer Fire TV devices until this new wave of native apps began arriving. Surfshark notes its Vega OS app currently focuses on core features and supports the WireGuard protocol. Broader support is expected to come later, as the app and platform mature.

For now, this is less about new features and more about restoring parity for people upgrading to newer Fire TV hardware. Surfshark joins other providers, including NordVPN and IPVanish, in building dedicated apps for Amazon's Vega OS ecosystem. As more developers follow suit, Vega OS moves closer to matching the app ecosystem it replaces. 

For more context, check out CNET's coverage of Surfshark VPN, our roundup of the best VPN services and our guide to the best VPNs for Fire TV Stick.