The following guide will provide you with an analysis of the Fastest Streaming Device for a VPN.
We receive thousands of questions on the TROYPOINT site regarding VPN Speed and how to improve it.
Running a VPN on any device will decrease the download speed for a couple of reasons.
All streaming machines perform differently when the VPN is on. I have tested the download speed of the most popular streaming devices on the market today, which you will see below.
This research has been conducted in an effort to find the fastest streaming device for a VPN.
Why do download speeds decrease when a VPN is being used?
The first reason is due to the fact that Internet traffic is being tunneled through the VPN server. You can think of the VPN server as the middle-man.
When this happens, a reduction in download speed is unavoidable.
Running a VPN on any device requires processing power due to the encryption that is being performed. This also diminishes download speed as well.
You will usually notice better Internet speed on streaming devices with strong processors.
Download Speed Overkill
People get too hung up on download speed. They may notice that their speed is 80 Mbps with VPN off but once it is turned on, they complain about getting 35 Mbps.
In theory, you only need 8 Mbps download speed to stream 1080p HD video. You would need 6 Mbps to stream 720p HD video.
If you would like to stream Ultra HD 4K video, that would require approximately 25 Mbps.
It is important to note that most servers aren’t capable of providing enough bandwidth for you to download at your max rate anyway.
When determining what type of Internet speed you would like to purchase from your ISP, also take into account how many people will be using it simultaneously.
If you have 3 people streaming a 1080p HD video simultaneously, approximately 24 Mbps will be used in that scenario. I highly recommend checking out our Internet Speed Guide for more reliable information on internet speed and network troubleshooting. For the device tests, I utilized IPVanish as the VPN on each device because of its fast download speeds.
When testing the top VPN providers, IPVanish excelled in download speed compared to others. The tests were conducted using the most recent IPVanish application on each device and the Speakeasy Internet test application.Various factors were kept constant during these tests, including using the fastest IPVanish server for the location and running the tests in the same location near the wireless router. The Asus AC3200 Router with stock firmware was used along with Mediacom Internet Service 150 Ultra Plus plan.
Fastest Streaming Device for VPN
The following devices were tested by TROYPOINT for speed while connected to a VPN.
Winner – NVIDIA Shield
TROYPOINT has declared the NVIDIA Shield as the top performer. The NVIDIA Shield offers lightning-fast performance even when connected to a VPN, though it comes in two versions – the NVIDIA Shield TV priced at $149 and the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro at $199. For those seeking power, speed, and efficiency in streaming with a VPN, the NVIDIA Shield is an excellent choice. However, there are budget-friendly alternatives that also provide a great streaming experience.
VPN Off
Wireless Download Speed: 166.6 Mbps
Ethernet Download Speed: 266.8 Mbps
VPN On
Wireless Download Speed: 98.6 Mbps
Ethernet Download Speed: 101.7 Mbps
Below, you will find the other streaming devices that were tested. This page will be regularly updated with new media boxes once they are released.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
The Fire TV Stick 4k is highly popular in the market today and works seamlessly with IPVanish VPN and other applications you may want to add. One of its main attractions is the affordable price point of the Amazon Firestick.The Fire TV Stick 4k is currently priced at $49.99 and can be easily found online or at various retail stores. Many individuals opt for the Firestick to “jailbreak” the device and install applications not found in the Amazon App Store. You can learn more about how to jailbreak Firestick and read a review of the Fire TV Stick 4k.
The Amazon Fire TV Cube is another device that works exceptionally well with a VPN. With Alexa integration, users can seamlessly connect and control numerous applications and devices through their Fire Cube. Even when tested with a VPN, the Fire TV Cube maintains sufficient speeds to stream high-definition content. Check out the Fire TV Cube review for more details.
The Mi Box S, an Android-powered streaming device, is popular among cord-cutters due to its 4k capabilities and compatibility with streaming apps and APKs. Even with a VPN activated, the Mi Box can efficiently stream 4k videos over a wireless connection. Currently, the Mi Box S is available for $49.99. Find out more about the Mi Box and how to install a VPN on it.
Overall, various top streaming devices work effectively with a VPN installed. For detailed information on VPNs, installation tips, and more, refer to our comprehensive guide. You can also explore our review of IPVanish VPN and take advantage of their offer to use one account on unlimited devices simultaneously with a 30-day money-back guarantee.