Many people buy streaming sticks so they can carry around their favorite shows everywhere. One of the best ones in the industry is undoubtedly the Amazon Firestick. However, there are a few difficulties with streaming sticks and streaming services in general. One big concern is that you can’t stream geo-restricted content freely on any kind of streaming stick. For that, you’re going to need a VPN. That’s probably why you’re here: you need a VPN for Firestick that’s both compatible and reliable. Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Why Do I Need a VPN for My Firestick?
First of all, what is a Firestick? The Amazon Fire Stick is similar to other streaming sticks that exist out there. It’s one of the main competitors of Google Chromecast and Roku. With the Firestick, you can access most of your favorite streaming services by connecting it to your TV. It’s a perfect solution for cord-cutters and is very portable, too. Of course, Amazon services are at the forefront of the device since it is an Amazon product. However, that doesn’t mean that other streaming services aren’t available.
So, if you bought a Firestick and some people tell you that you need a VPN, then this may have caught you off-guard. Also, why do you need to use a VPN for Firestick? Isn’t having the Firestick enough to stream freely?
While it is definitely true that you can get Firestick even without VPN, getting one for Firestick is certainly useful. Firstly, it can help you gain access to geo-restricted content. Let’s say you travel a lot and you want to watch your favorite shows outside the USA. However, many streaming services have limited libraries in different countries. You get around this problem by the help of VPNs: these services can mask your IP address so that your streaming service can detect a different location from the one you’re currently in. It also applies in reverse if you’re in the US and you want to access content from other countries.
Secondly, VPNs can enhance your digital privacy. When you’re out and about to use public Wi-Fi at a hotel, it’s best to keep your browsing private. With a VPN, you can keep your browsing and streaming data safe from pesky outsiders. Some of the people you don’t want snooping at your data include app developers, hackers, the government, and even your ISP.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Firestick?
Generally speaking, VPNs are not illegal services. However, this will vary based on which country you want to travel to. While VPNs are legal in most countries, they are illegal in a few others. If you’re going to travel and you want to use your VPN, make sure that the country you travel to doesn’t consider VPNs to be illegal.
Countries that criminalize VPN use include Russia, China, Belarus, Iraq, Oman, Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Moreover, even if you do travel to countries where a VPN is legal, using it for malicious purposes is illegal. This includes spreading viruses, selling illegal substances, and selling copyright content. In addition, VPN service providers need to follow country-specific governmental guidelines. That may or may not be good news to users, but it’s important to keep these in mind.
Will the Use of VPN Affect the Firestick Warranty?
According to Amazon’s website, the limited warranty only applies to devices that aren’t subject to certain things. That includes misuse or damage from external causes and alterations. If your VPN for Firestick employs any inkling, then it will categorize as misuse or damage to the device that should stop you from using it if you want to keep the warranty. However, there’s nothing in specific that says downloading a VPN will affect the warranty of the Firestick.
How to Choose a VPN for Firestick
Getting a VPN for Firestick is a good idea all around. However, how do you choose a VPN for Firestick that truly works? Not all VPNs are made equal when it comes to using them on your Firestick. Here are a few things to look for when you’re choosing a VPN for Firestick.
Native Firestick App
A good VPN for Firestick should have a native app among the Amazon Firestick apps. It means that you don’t have to install them manually like other VPNs. There are other good VPNs out there if you’re looking for a general VPN for your PC and phone. However, if you’re going to use it for the Firestick, it’s better to find something specific that has a native app on the device.
Servers
Even if you don’t travel a lot, having a VPN for Firestick with servers across many different countries is an advantage. Let’s say you want to access a show that’s only available in the UK. How can you access the show if your VPN of choice doesn’t have a server there? With that said, it’s important to find a VPN for Firestick that has other servers suitable in other countries.
Price
VPNs deter many people because of their high subscription prices. Of course, you can’t just hop into any VPN’s service without considering the price: it’s always the best if you can find a good deal. However, just because you want to keep the price down doesn’t mean you can use a free VPN for Firestick scot-free. There are drawbacks when using free VPNs, and that doesn’t only apply to the Firestick.
Free VPNs are notorious for data insecurity because they collect user data. You’re throwing the privacy and security benefits of a VPN out the window this way. Moreover, free VPNs have speed and data restrictions which means streaming with a free VPN might be more trouble than it’s worth.
How to Install VPN for Firestick
Installing a VPN for Firestick with a native app is easy. Here are the few easy steps you need to follow to download your VPN of choice:
- Register for a VPN account from your VPN of choice.
- Plug your Firestick and search for your VPN by clicking on the magnifying glass icon.
- Once you find your VPN, click on it and press the download button.
- Click open to launch the VPN application and sign in.
5 Best VPN For Firestick
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s check out the list of best Firestick apps that provide you a virtual private network.
1. Cyberghost
The first VPN for Firestick that makes our list is Cyberghost. It’s a simple and easy-to-use VPN with a native Firestick app that delivers an excellent service. Cyberghost checks all the boxes with ultra-fast streaming speeds and over 6,200+ servers all over the world. It has an edge over other VPNs because it supports seven devices, which means you’ll get a bit more for your money.
Unblocking streaming sites with Cyberghost is also fairly easy. You can unblock sites like Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, and more. If you’re concerned about security, you’ll be happy to know that Cyberghost covered it for you. They have all the standard protocols in place and a no-logs policy to put your mind at ease. While Cyberghost might not be as well-known as its competition, it offers very competitive features. If you’re not sure about getting a subscription, they provide a whopping 45-days trial with a money-back guarantee. You can opt-out any time you deem necessary.
Perhaps the only bad thing about Cyberghost is its interface. It has a few bugs, but these won’t lead you to too much trouble. Apart from this, installation is easy and seamless even for non-tech savvy users. If you do ever face technical difficulties, Cyberghost also provides in-depth guides on their website.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a frontrunner in the VPN industry, and this fact still rings true in the world of streaming sticks. It has a native app on the Firestick, so you won’t encounter any installation problems. Moreover, it’s very reliable and well-known for its high-quality services. You get fast speeds with over 3,000 servers across the world, making geo-restricted content comfortably accessible on five different devices.
By using ExpressVPN, you can unblock services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu, and more. The VPN also provides you DNS services that can help you unblock content even when ExpressVPN isn’t connected. Moreover, ExpressVPN gives an excellent technical support if you get stuck or experience technical problems. You can view their troubleshooting guides or even contact them directly via email or their round-the-clock live chat. To top it all off, ExpressVPN has a no-log policy which means they don’t keep a record of your personal data.
The only downside to ExpressVPN is that it’s pretty expensive. However, they do have a money-back guarantee that allows you to try it out free for 30 days. No fine print, no schemes — it’s the full service. You’ll have plenty of time to test it and see if you’ll change your mind.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish may not be the most well-known VPN, but it certainly has many features that can compete with the best. For one, IPVanish has excellent performance that rivals the biggest VPNs in the industry. Over short distances, it can deliver speeds up to 5x faster than the competition. Long-distance connections also perform well because they’ve bumped up download speeds by 15%.
Apart from excellent performance, IPVanish has many cards up its sleeve. Firstly, while the number of servers may not be as much as some of the bigger VPNs, their coverage is still massive. They have over 1,400 servers in countries all over the world. Secondly, you can connect up to 10 devices with one subscription which is more than enough for most people. Also, the device also has convenient features like connection optimization so you can connect to the fastest server. IPVanish also has a no-log policy which is of the utmost importance when it comes to VPNs. Lastly, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee to trial the service to see if it suits your tastes.
However, IPVanish does lack in some ways compared to its rivals. IPVanish can unblock many streaming services but some big ones are left out. Although you can stream Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, and Netflix with IPVanish, you cannot access BBC iPlayer. It’s a big drawback if you want access to as many streaming services as possible.
4. NordVPN
Another big name in the industry is NordVPN. If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll be happy to know that NordVPN has a native Firestick application. For new subscribers, the installation will be quick and painless by using NordVPN.
With NordVPN, you get access to a whopping 5,100+ servers in countries all around the globe. The maximum number of supported devices is a little lower than some of its competitors, though. However, it makes up for it with its fast streaming speeds and its ability to unblock content from major streaming services.
NordVPN is a breeze to install with Firestick’s native app. However, if you want a step-by-step process, NordVPN does have online tutorials to help you set it up. These tutorials include how to set up your VPN on your router, too.
In terms of security, NordVPN offers double encryption and supports major security protocols. It also has a no-log policy which is crucial for virtual privacy. If you want to dip your toes into the service, they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. You’ll have no problems backing out if you so choose.
5. Surfshark
The last (but certainly not the least) VPN on our list is Surfshark. It has many benefits including fast streaming connections even with long-distance servers. You can pick and choose from the 1,700+ servers all across the globe after your easy installation of the native app. Just set it up, select a server, and you can unblock all your favorite streaming services straight away. It’s simple without many bells or whistles; instead, it provides you what you need.
Moreover, Surfshark’s main competitive advantage is the number of supported devices. If you could take a guess, you might think it would be 15 or 20 given its rivals’ capabilities. However, you’d be surprised to know that your subscription can support an unlimited number of devices. It’s certainly the best bang for your buck considering you can share your subscription with friends and family. Just split the bill and you’re gold.
Conclusion
Using a VPN is a must considering all the privacy controversies many big tech companies suffered in recent years. Your data is not secure and can be abused or misused by third parties. While most of the data will be used for arguably harmless (yet pesky) advertising, not everyone is willing to make that compromise. Nonetheless, it’s best to protect your digital privacy because who knows what it might be used for down the line? Moreover, a VPN is extremely convenient because you can access geo-restricted content. There’s no real downside to having a VPN if you can afford it.
