Best VPN for Firestick & Fire TV May 2024 (Quick Install)
Are you in search of the Best VPN for Firestick? This guide evaluates various options and illustrates how to easily set up our recommended VPN on an Amazon Firestick or Fire TV device.
The ideal VPN for Firestick should encompass qualities like being secure, rapid, cost-effective, capable of unblocking geo-restrictions, blocking ads, featuring a reliable kill switch, offering multiple protocols, providing unlimited device connections, and other essential functionalities we will delve into in this article.
Aside from being compatible with Amazon Firestick, these VPNs also perform excellently on a wide range of other devices including iOS, Android, Windows, and more.
Having tested numerous VPN services over the last decade, we have identified one that works exceptionally well across all models of the Fire TV – Surfshark VPN.
What sets Surfshark VPN apart is its distinction as the optimal VPN for Firestick/Fire TV due to various factors. Surfshark is purposefully crafted and optimized for all Fire TV devices, including the Amazon Firestick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV televisions.
Surfshark VPN App on Firestick
Before exploring the top choices, it is crucial to grasp the reasons for using a VPN with your Amazon Firestick or Fire TV.
Why Use a VPN for Firestick?
Ensure Online Security
Activating a VPN on Firestick guarantees that entities like your Internet service provider (ISP), app/addon developers, hackers, platform operators, and other parties cannot observe or record your streaming or downloading activities.
The VPN encrypts your Internet connection, establishing an anonymous link via a concealed IP address, safeguarding your identity and actions.
Enhance Connection Speeds
By utilizing a VPN, you may experience improved streaming speeds since many Internet providers enforce throttling techniques on various streaming apps such as Cinema HD and other sideload-required platforms.
This aspect also benefits Kodi users who opt for streaming with diverse Kodi Addons and Builds. A VPN effectively eliminates ISP throttling, enabling seamless connections that prevent buffering on the Firestick/Fire TV.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions
An additional incentive to employ a VPN with your Amazon Firestick or Fire TV is the ability to access websites or streams exclusive to specific geographic regions.
This capability, often termed as “unblocking websites,” is highly sought after by MMA and Sports enthusiasts frequently subjected to geo-blocks in certain areas. A top-tier VPN like Surfshark proves invaluable in evading censorship influenced by geographic boundaries.
A similar advantage applies to unblocking Netflix or other streaming services to enjoy content designated for different global regions. Surfshark VPN boasts an extensive network of over 3200 server locations across 95 countries worldwide, providing abundant connection choices.
SurfsharkVPN Servers
Block Ads & Malware
Many VPNs lack a built-in ad blocker, but Surfshark stands out with its “CleanWeb” feature on the Firestick application, effectively preventing ads, malware, and trackers.
Testing popular streaming websites on a Fire TV Stick revealed the efficiency of Surfshark’s ad-blocker. While not catching all ads, it still performed satisfactorily.
If you’re tired of intrusive ads on your Firestick or Fire TV, utilizing Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature can greatly enhance your browsing experience!
Prevent ISP Throttling & Censorship
Internet service providers (ISPs) who double as cable TV providers tend to lose revenue from cord-cutters. Using a VPN, especially with IPTV services, is common practice for avoiding throttling and censorship.
There’s a rising trend among ISPs to crack down on users accessing content through 3rd party apps and torrent sites, like the recent case involving the YTS torrent website.
By employing a VPN service, you safeguard your identity, preventing ISPs, hackers, or other third parties from monitoring your online activities on devices like Amazon Firestick.
Understanding the significance of using VPNs on Firestick, below are our recommended top VPNs in 2024 tailored for Fire TV devices, ensuring your privacy when streaming.
Surfshark earns the title of the best VPN for Firestick due to its exceptional VPN speeds, strict no-log policy, cost-effectiveness, and other noteworthy features.
The Surfhark App is equipped with various features and settings to enhance your streaming experience, including the Kill Switch and CleanWeb functions optimized for Firestick and Fire TV devices.
Setting it apart from competitors, Surfshark offers a built-in ad blocker and a functioning Kill Switch specifically for Firestick, ensuring continuous protection even in case of VPN disconnection.
Unlike many VPN providers, Surfshark allows Unlimited Device connections, eliminating the concern of running out of connections. Its affordability further solidifies its position as the top choice.
ExpressVPN is widely recognized as a leading VPN provider, particularly ideal for Firestick devices.
Its reputation for speed and seamless streaming experience is unmatched, thanks to its vast network of over 3,000 servers across 90+ global locations.
The ExpressVPN App is optimized for various platforms, including Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV Box, iPhone, and iPad, ensuring versatile connectivity options.
Moreover, ExpressVPN has recently introduced a Kill Switch feature for Firestick & Android TV, bolstering user privacy during streaming sessions.
While it supports up to 5 devices simultaneously, households with numerous internet-connected devices may find this limitation slightly restrictive.
IPVanish is another quality VPN service that is well-known for Firestick devices and much more. With over 40,000 IP addresses in 75+ locations, you will have access to content anywhere in the world.
We touted IPVanish as the best VPN for torrenting since it has the SOCKS5 proxy server and IPv6 Protocol. They also have a strict no-log policy so your data will never be released.
IPVanish is another fast VPN for Firestick with a sleek user interface that works on any device including Android, iOS, Mac, and more.
It also offers unlimited device connections to protect your privacy on as many devices as you want simultaneously.
2. From the home-screen, hover over the search tab and click on the search bar.
3. Search for and select IPVanish.
4. Choose the IPVanish VPN Application.
5. Click Get or Install.
6. Wait for the app to download.
7. You will then come across the message: "IPVanish VPN Ready to Launch!" Click to Open.
8. Log-In with your IPVanish Account and connect to your preferred VPN Server.
Why Surfshark Stands Out as the Top VPN for Firestick
One essential aspect to consider when evaluating VPN services is download and streaming speed.
It's common to experience a decrease in download speed with any VPN service since your traffic is rerouted through a different server and connections are encrypted.
Surfshark boasts superior download speeds compared to its competitors and prioritizes user privacy by not storing any logs of your online activities.
Surfshark's VPN application is specifically designed for Firestick, Fire TV, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Television, offering seamless compatibility with the device's remote control.
The user-friendly interface simplifies the VPN usage on your Fire TV device, a feature lacking in most VPN services that don't offer dedicated Fire TV or Fire TV Stick applications, making Surfshark the preferred choice for simplicity.
Another standout feature of Surfshark is its included Kill Switch, a rarity in VPN apps for Firestick or Fire TV devices.
Surfshark's commitment to zero traffic logs ensures your streaming history remains private, contributing to its reputation as the Best VPN for Streaming among cord-cutters.
It's crucial to employ a VPN on all your connected devices at home and while traveling – especially when using public Wi-Fi hotspots. Surfshark allows simultaneous use on unlimited devices under one account, catering to users with multiple devices like computers, phones, and Firesticks or Fire TVs.
Surfshark also offers applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, including exceptional mobile apps for Android and iOS.
With their broad range of supported operating systems, you can easily use your account across various devices.
Surfshark supports a selection of VPN protocols on Fire TV devices, such as OpenVPN (TCP) and OpenVPN (UDP), with a recommendation for the faster OpenVPN (UDP) protocol.
The default and most effective protocol for Firestick/Fire TV is OpenVPN, ensuring a straightforward installation process.
For a more comprehensive understanding of VPNs, we recommend exploring our detailed VPN Guide below.
If you frequently connect to public WiFi hotspots when traveling, it's essential to always use a VPN service. With Surfshark, you can utilize the same account on multiple devices, offering great convenience.
Best Firestick VPN Settings
The Surfshark App offers numerous features that make it the top choice for Firestick, with detailed settings and features available to enhance your VPN experience.
Upon launching, you can quickly connect to the fastest server option within the Surfshark App.
CleanWeb is a standout feature of Surfshark that effectively blocks ads, malware, trackers, and more, offering a unique advantage not commonly found in other VPN apps for Firestick and Fire TV.
To discover more about utilizing CleanWeb on Firestick and other devices, refer to our provided resource guide.
Bypass VPN is a feature that enables you to select apps that will connect to the internet without encryption via Surfshark VPN.
This is Surfshark's Split Tunneling option that seamlessly works on your preferred device.
The Route via VPN option operates similarly to Bypass, but exclusively launches these applications through a VPN connection.
Auto-connect is the optimal method for using Surfshark on Firestick, automatically connecting you to your preferred server choice.
You can opt for the Fastest location to ensure the best connection for faster download speeds, especially crucial for high-definition media streaming on Firestick devices.
Kill switch is a feature within the Surfshark App that sets it apart from the rest. Enabling this will disable your internet connection if your VPN is ever interrupted for any reason.
This is one of the main reasons we have chosen Surfshark as the best VPN for Firestick to ensure you are always protected on this device.
There are numerous Protocol options available to choose from within the app including:
WireGuard
IKEv2
OpenVPN/UDP
OpenVPN/TCP
Firestick VPN Speed Tests
We tested Surfshark speeds on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max to determine overall VPN speed. During the test, we used the WireGuard Protocol as it was deemed the fastest option in our evaluation.
How To Test VPN is Working on Your Firestick
After installing and activating a VPN on your Firestick or Android Box, you might want to verify that the service is functioning correctly. This can be done by following these simple steps:
1. Connect to a Surfshark Server in your preferred location.
2. Download and install the Amazon Silk Browser for free from the Amazon App Store on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick.
3. Open the Silk Browser.
4. Click on the search bar at the top.
5. In the browser's address bar, type the address dnsleaktest.com and then click Go
6. That’s it! Once connected to Surfshark VPN, you will notice your IP Address has changed.
Free VPNs for Firestick & Fire TV
There are free VPNs for Firestick, Fire TV, or Android TV Box, but they have limitations. These free VPNs may offer slow download speeds and later push for upgrades to their "faster plan," showcasing persuasive sales tactics. It is essential to opt for a VPN with fast download speeds for the smooth delivery of large video files to your Firestick or Fire TV.
While free VPN services exist, they may compromise your privacy by selling your user data to third parties, defeating the original purpose of using a VPN.
Explore the detailed guide below for insights on free VPNs and the reasons to avoid them when streaming or downloading content.
Surfshark VPN is renowned for its unblemished reputation, making it a reliable choice for safeguarding your identity and privacy.
Firestick VPN Troubleshooting Tips
Most users might not encounter issues, but in case you do, TROYPOINT offers comprehensive troubleshooting solutions.
If your Surfshark VPN application on Firestick/Fire TV/Fire TV Cube fails to connect, access Settings / VPN Protocol, and switch to OpenVPN (TCP) or OpenVPN (UDP) if the current one isn't active.
To address connection issues, restart both your Fire TV/Stick and router by unplugging them, waiting for a minute, and then reconnecting them.
If you notice slow download speeds or buffering, consider selecting a different server close to your location within the VPN application. Experiment with multiple servers in each location to determine the one providing optimal performance.
If you face difficulties logging into Surfshark VPN, double-check for any spaces in your email address used for login, especially following the @ symbol.
To resolve problems with Surfshark VPN, uninstall the app on Fire TV or Fire TV Stick by accessing Settings / Applications / Manage Applications / Surfshark and choose uninstall. Then, reinstall the VPN following the provided instructions.
In case you forget your Surfshark password, initiate a password reset by clicking on the "Forgot Password" link in the login section on the Surfshark Website.
Note that the 1st Generation Firestick (released in 2014) lacks the processing power to support any VPN.
Surfshark VPN 24/7 Live Support
For any inquiries regarding your account, pricing, or technical support, Surfshark offers 24/7 live support through its Website.
You will find the Support button in the navigation bar at the bottom of the Surfshark VPN Website. Give it a click!
FAQs
What is the Best VPN for Firestick?
The top choice for Firestick VPN is Surfshark due to its exceptional speeds and strict zero-logging policy. Fast VPN performance is crucial for streaming HD content using Firestick.
Is there a Free VPN for Firestick or Fire TV?
Free VPN options exist, but they typically offer slow speeds and do not support HD streaming. Furthermore, most free VPNs sell user data to third parties as a means of revenue.
Why does my Download Speed Decrease when Using a VPN?
VPN usage can lead to a decrease in download speed because it routes your traffic through a third-party server and encrypts your connection. Nevertheless, the download speed remains sufficient for streaming HD content.
Does Surfshark VPN Work with Netflix?
Yes, Surfshark VPN integrates seamlessly with Netflix, ensuring smooth access, unlike many other VPN services.
What Does a VPN for Firestick do?
Utilizing a VPN for Firestick encrypts your internet connection and conceals your IP address, preventing tracking by your ISP, government, hackers, or app/addon developers while you browse online.
