For years, every Fire TV ran Fire OS, Amazon's version of Android. That meant thousands of Android-based apps, plus the ability to sideload apps from outside the Appstore.
Starting in 2025, some new Fire TV devices ship with Vega OS instead — a Linux-based system Amazon built from scratch. It looks familiar on the surface, but it changes what you can install. Here's what you need to know.
- Fire OS is Android-based; Vega OS is Amazon's newer Linux-based system with its own app catalog.
- Vega OS devices can't sideload Android APKs — apps come only from Amazon's store.
- Check yours at Settings → My Fire TV → About.
- Before buying a VPN app or code, confirm on the Amazon listing that it supports your device.
What is Fire OS?
Fire OS has powered Fire TV Sticks, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV smart TVs and Fire tablets for over a decade. Because it's built on Android, developers can adapt Android apps for it fairly easily, and the Amazon Appstore has a large catalog of streaming, utility and VPN apps.
Fire OS also lets you enable apps from unknown sources in developer options. That flexibility is why Fire Sticks became so popular — and also why Amazon warns users to be careful about what they install.
What is Vega OS?
Vega OS is Amazon's own operating system, based on Linux rather than Android. Amazon says it's designed to be faster and lighter on low-cost hardware. The first widely available model to use it was the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, and Amazon has signalled more devices will follow.
The key practical difference: Vega OS doesn't run Android apps. Developers have to build or port apps specifically for it, and there's no sideloading. Amazon added support for VPN apps on Vega OS in late 2025, but the selection depends on which developers have released Vega versions.
How to tell which one your Fire TV runs
- Press the Home button.
- Go to Settings → My Fire TV → About.
- Look at the software or OS information. Fire OS devices show a "Fire OS" version number.
Step-by-step screens and what each number means are in our guide on how to check your Fire TV software version.
Side-by-side comparison
| Fire OS | Vega OS | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Android | Linux (Amazon-built) |
| App source | Amazon Appstore (sideloading possible) | Amazon's store only |
| VPN apps | Wide selection | Smaller, growing selection |
| Typical devices | Most Fire TV Sticks, Cube, Fire TV smart TVs, tablets | Fire TV Stick 4K Select and some newer models |
Both systems get regular updates. Keeping your device current matters either way — see how to restart, reset and update Fire TV.
What this means for VPN apps
If your device runs Fire OS, you can install VPN apps from the Appstore as usual. Our step-by-step install guide covers the whole process.
If your device runs Vega OS, check before you buy. Open the app's Amazon listing and look for compatibility with your device in the Deliver to menu. If your device isn't listed, the app isn't available for it yet.
We'd rather you check first than buy something you can't use. If you've already bought a code and your device turns out to be incompatible, contact our support team — every case is reviewed individually under our refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Android apps on Vega OS?
No. Vega OS doesn't run Android apps, and sideloading APK files isn't supported. Apps must be built for Vega OS and installed from Amazon's store.
Which Fire TV devices run Vega OS?
The Fire TV Stick 4K Select was the first widely available model. Amazon may use Vega OS on more devices over time, so always check your device's About screen.
Do VPN apps work on Vega OS?
Amazon added VPN support to Vega OS in late 2025, but only apps whose developers have released a Vega version are available. Check each app's listing for compatibility.
Will my Fire OS device be upgraded to Vega OS?
Amazon hasn't announced upgrades for existing Fire OS devices. Current Fire OS devices continue to receive Fire OS updates.
Is Vega OS better than Fire OS?
It depends on your needs. Vega OS is designed to be fast on budget hardware, while Fire OS has a much larger app catalog today.
