What is a VPN or Virtual Private Network? What is the Best VPN?
These are frequently asked questions that we receive on a regular basis here at TROYPOINT.
The following guide will help you understand what a VPN is, how it works, why you should use one, and the best VPNs available.
We thoroughly test various providers to provide our top-rated VPN Services.
TROYPOINT’s Top Rated VPN Services
We have tested dozens of VPN Services over the years to find the best option for our readers and subscribers.
While all VPN Services serve the same purpose, not all VPNs are the same.
After thorough testing for different features such as price, speed, servers, connections, Real-Debrid compatibility, and more, we have chosen our top 5 recommended VPN Services.
Many of our visitors use a VPN for Firestick, which is why we included this device in our research to determine the best options.
1. Surfshark
Surfshark VPN is now our top-rated provider in the TROYPOINT VPN Rankings.
There are numerous factors, which we will describe below, that make this the best VPN option available today.
Price: $2.30/month for 2 years (Click Here for Discount)
*Price subject to change
Our exclusive Surfshark discount will help you save over 80% on a two-year plan.
If you are unhappy with the service for any reason, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Use the link below to get Surfshark VPN at a special discounted rate.
Get Surfshark with TROYPOINT Discount
Speed
When testing Surfshark VPN on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, we achieved the following speeds using WireGuard Protocol via a Wi-Fi Connection.
Servers:
Surfshark VPN offers over 3200 Servers in 65 Countries.
Some available locations include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Russia
- Germany
- France
- India
- Brazil
- and more
Connections:
Similar to IPVanish, Surfshark VPN offers UNLIMITED device connections simultaneously for full anonymity and privacy.
This is a crucial factor in selecting your preferred VPN Service to ensure constant protection.
Kill Switch:
One of the top features offered by Surfshark is the Kill Switch option on Firestick and Fire TV. Although many other VPN Services have this technology, most are unavailable for these streaming devices.
However, the Surfshark App on Firestick includes a Kill Switch feature that works exceptionally well.
No Log Policy:
Surfshark strictly adheres to a no-log policy, meaning they do not retain or save any data while connected to one of their VPN Providers.
Surfshark is located in the Netherlands, where local laws do not require VPN Services to store logs.
Real-Debrid:
Many individuals inquire if Surfshark works with Real-Debrid, and the answer is Yes!
Although they are categorized as a non-cooperative VPN on the Real-Debrid official site, over 3000 Surfshark IP Addresses are compatible with real-debrid for streaming high-quality media files.
Surfshark Resources:
- Surfshark VPN Discount
- Surfshark VPN Complete Review
- Install Surfshark on Firestick/Android
- Does Surfshark Work with Netflix?
- Surfshark vs IPVanish
2. IPVanish
IPVanish is TROYPOINT’s #2 recommended VPN provider for several reasons mentioned below. It has an easy-to-install application available for any device you prefer including Firestick, Fire TV, iOS, Android, and more.
Price: $3.99/month for 1 year (Click Here for Discount)
*price subject to change
Our special IPVanish discount will save you over 60% when you purchase a yearly subscription. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the service for any reason.
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Speed:
After testing IPVanish on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max we received the following speeds using OpenVPN Protocol via Wi-Fi Connection.
With an ethernet connection using the same VPN Server and Protocol, our speeds were a bit faster.
Servers:
IPVanish owns and operates over 2,000 servers in more than 75 VPN locations.
This includes:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- Mexico
- Canada
- Australia
- and more
Connections:
IPVanish supports UNLIMITED VPN connections simultaneously with one account. This means all of your internet-connected devices are protected without having to purchase a separate subscription.
Kill Switch:
IPVanish VPN has kill switch capabilities that will cut your internet connection if your VPN connection ever stops working. This is perfect for those downloading torrents.
No Log Policy:
IPVanish provides a strict no-log retention policy which means your data is not saved or stored for any reason.
Real-Debrid
Real-Debrid is used by thousands and thousands of cord-cutters to provide high-quality streaming links. IPVanish is on Real-Debrid’s Cooperative VPN Providers list so you can use this service with your IPVanish VPN.
IPVanish Resources:
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is likely the most popular VPN Service available today. Many choose NordVPN because it claims to be the fastest VPN Provider on the market. This is due to its large number of servers that are available for connection across the entire globe.
Price: $3.29/month for 2 years (Click Here for Discount)
*Price subject to change
Our special NordVPN discount will save you over 60% when purchasing the 2-year plan. Best of all, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like the service for any reason.
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Speed:
We tested NordVPN’s speeds using a Fire TV Stick 4K Max with OpenVPN Protocol via Wi-Fi and received the following results:
Servers:
NordVPN features over 5,400 servers in 6o countries around the world.
Best of all, NordVPN uses obfuscated servers. This feature ensures that websites cannot detect your VPN connection.
Sometimes, users encounter websites that block VPN traffic. However, this can be bypassed by connecting to a NordVPN server.
Some locations offered by NordVPN include the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Costa Rica, Sweden, Switzerland, and more.
Connections:
Unlike IPVanish and Surfshark, which allow unlimited connections, NordVPN currently offers 6 simultaneous VPN connections.
Considering that most households have 10 or more internet-connected devices simultaneously, it would be beneficial to see NordVPN increase this number in the future.
Kill Switch:
NordVPN includes a Kill Switch feature that operates on various devices, including PCs. Unfortunately, this option is not available on Firestick or Android TV devices.
No Log Policy:
NordVPN, like many other VPN providers, enforces a strict no-log policy. This means that your data is not stored when connected to a server. Since NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, they are not obligated to adhere to data retention laws.
Real-Debrid:
NordVPN is acknowledged as a Cooperative VPN Provider by Real-Debrid. This allows you to seamlessly use this service alongside NordVPN while streaming media files.
NordVPN Resources:
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is well-known among streamers and cord-cutters as a popular VPN provider. It offers high-speed connections and is compatible with various devices such as Firestick, Android, Windows, iOS, and more.
Price: $6.67/month for 12 months (Click Here for 3 Months Free)
*Price subject to change
ExpressVPN is currently providing 3 months free when you subscribe to a 12-month plan, which equates to a 49% discount off the regular price. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service.
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Speed:
We tested ExpressVPN speeds on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max using a wi-fi connection and received positive results.
Servers:
ExpressVPN boasts 160 VPN Server Locations across 94 countries. Some locations include the United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Peru, and more.
Connections:
ExpressVPN allows users to have 5 simultaneous connections. If you require more than 5 connections at once, you may want to consider another VPN provider.
Network Lock is a feature provided by ExpressVPN that works as a VPN Kill Switch.
When using Network Lock within ExpressVPN, your internet connection will end if you are ever disconnected from the server.
This feature is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. For Firestick devices, there is a “Network Protection” feature that works similarly.
No Log Policy:
ExpressVPN does not log IP Addresses, browsing history, traffic destination, or DNS queries.
However, they do collect data such as apps successfully activated, dates when connected to the VPN, choice of VPN Server, and the total amount of MB transferred per day.
Real-Debrid:
Similar to most trusted VPN Services, ExpressVPN is recognized as a Cooperative VPN Provider by real-debrid.
This recognition allows you to easily use this service alongside any ExpressVPN server.
ExpressVPN Resources:
5. StrongVPN
StrongVPN is widely recognized for its implementation of the WireGuard® protocol.
They were the pioneers in offering WireGuard as a commercial VPN Provider, which brings numerous advantages when connected to a VPN Server.
Price: $2.47/month for 1 year (Click Here for Discount)
*Price subject to change
This promotion will save you over $100 when you purchase a year’s subscription. Additionally, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with StrongVPN for any reason.
Get StrongVPN with TROYPOINT Discount
Speed:
Below are the speeds we received on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max when using WireGuard® Protocol via a Wi-Fi connection.
Servers:
StrongVPN offers 950 VPN Server connection options spanning over 30 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, China, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and more.
Connections:
With StrongVPN, you can have up to 12 simultaneous connections for your internet-connected devices, ensuring flexibility in connectivity.
It’s worth noting that various VPN Services provide unlimited connections, which aligns better with the current technologically advanced landscape.
Kill Switch:
StrongVPN offers Kill Switch capabilities, although this feature does not extend to Firestick or Android TV devices. PCs, however, have this feature, particularly useful for activities like torrenting.
No Log Policy:
Similar to many top VPN Providers, StrongVPN upholds a strict zero-log retention policy for all its subscribers.
StrongVPN maintains ownership and operation of its servers, ensuring that your data is always kept secure and private.
Real-Debrid:
Recognized as a Cooperative VPN Provider by real-debrid, StrongVPN is a great choice for users who pair this service with Streaming Apps & APKs.
StrongVPN Resources:
TROYPOINT VPN Tutorials
Aside from guides for our top recommended VPN services, TROYPOINT has developed several VPN tutorials for popular devices like Amazon Firestick/Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast, Android TV Boxes, routers, Windows PC, Mac, iOS, LibreELEC, and more.
VPN on Firestick/Fire TV
Installing a VPN on any Amazon Firestick or Fire TV device is crucial for ensuring your security and privacy while streaming content.
Running a VPN on a Firestick or any Fire TV device securely encrypts your internet connection.
A device that shields you online from various threats such as hackers, developers, website operators, ISPs, and other malicious entities. It’s crucial to safeguard your online identity on devices like Amazon Firestick, Android TV Boxes, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, Windows PC, routers, Mac computers, and iOS devices. Protecting your privacy while streaming, downloading, or accessing restricted content is essential for all users.
How to Install VPN on Firestick/Fire TV
VPN on Android TV Boxes
Similar to the Amazon Firestick, using a VPN on Android TV Boxes is also important for protecting your online identity.
Instructions for setting up a VPN on devices like MECOOL, X96 Max, BuzzTV, Mi Box, as well as Android phones and tablets are provided.
We have compiled a comprehensive guide below on how to set up a VPN on any iOS device.
How to Install VPN on iOS Devices
VPN on LibreELEC
Although LibreELEC isn’t a streaming device, it’s a widely used software that runs on Linux-based Kodi fork. Many individuals pair LibreELEC with a Raspberry Pi.
Given that LibreELEC is based on the Linux Operating System, setting up a VPN for added security while streaming is simple.
For more details, refer to our comprehensive VPN on LibreELEC guide below.
How to Install VPN on LibreELEC
VPN on Chromebook
In recent years, many individuals have opted for Google Chromebooks due to their user-friendly nature and economical price point.
Just like any other computer, safeguarding your online activities by using a VPN on a Chromebook is imperative.
Discover the link below for instructions on installing a VPN on any Chromebook.
How to Install VPN on Chromebook
What is a VPN?
A VPN enables you to privately and securely browse the Internet.
Essentially, a VPN encrypts your connection, rendering any data transferred from your Firestick, Fire TV, Android Box, computer, etc., unintelligible.
Subsequently, your traffic is directed through a VPN server, altering your external IP address to ensure complete anonymity.
Often, individuals don’t realize their Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns an external IP address linked back to them.
Think of an IP address as a unique phone number for your Internet connection.
All your online actions directly trace back to YOU through your IP address.
117.55.202.159
Your real IP Address (above) will be masked with a different anonymous number once you activate a VPN.
By utilizing a VPN, entities like your Internet Service Provider, app/add-on developers, government, hackers, etc., are unable to monitor or log your streaming or downloading activities.
VPNs not only safeguard us while streaming or downloading content via free apps or add-ons.
For many years, organizations have leveraged VPNs to allow their employees to work remotely without exposing sensitive information to the public internet.
If you frequent public Wi-Fi networks, travel frequently, or work remotely, using a VPN is essential.
Many top-tier companies utilize VPNs to secure their data, and you should too.
A Virtual Private Network has garnered increased popularity not only for its primary purpose of thwarting unauthorized access.
VPNs provide access to all online content while concealing your activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), app/addon developers, government, and potential hackers.
Moreover, utilizing a VPN enables you to modify your “geo-location,” allowing access to apps, websites, and content unavailable in your region or country.
How Does a VPN Work?
Before delving into VPN operation, it’s crucial to understand the privacy risks of not employing a VPN.
In scenarios like waiting at the airport or using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or library, connecting via unsecured networks could compromise your data.
When utilizing hotspots, all your data flows through an unencrypted network, making it vulnerable to interception.
Prevent unauthorized access.
Everything you do, from entering passwords to interacting on social media, becomes vulnerable to hackers who can intercept data transmissions.
This vulnerability is known as a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack, a common threat nowadays.
During a MitM attack, the attacker manipulates your communication with a website or app to spy on your activities or impersonate you for personal gain.
You also face risks like malware distribution, Wi-Fi snooping, connections to rogue hotspots by cybercriminals.
Experts emphasize the dangers of connecting to unsecured networks, entering credentials on websites, sharing personal data, and not using a VPN.
Without a VPN, your Wi-Fi network is at risk of compromising security and being vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Using a VPN significantly reduces these risks by encrypting your internet connection on your device, ensuring your activities are hidden and secure from prying eyes.
When connected to a VPN server, your IP address changes, masking your actual location from websites and preventing them from tracking your precise “geo-location.”
After securely accessing the internet, VPNs tunnel your data through a separate network, ensuring encrypted online traffic, preventing bandwidth throttling, enabling online anonymity, and bypassing geo-restrictions.
For more on geo-restrictions, you can check out our article: Smart DNS vs VPN – What’s the Better Option to Protect Your Privacy
Why Should I Use A VPN?
Utilizing a VPN is the most effective way to safeguard your online privacy across all devices.
Here are 10 reasons why a VPN can benefit anyone.
1. Hide Your IP Address
One key feature of a VPN is hiding your computer’s IP address.
This action allows manipulation of your computer or device’s location information to provide anonymity.
Your IP address can be relocated to a specific area of your choice, granting freedom from location-based restrictions.
Many users find this valuable when accessing geo-restricted content while traveling abroad.
For example, if you are in the UAE with restricted access to certain websites, connecting to a VPN server in Canada can make it appear as though you’re browsing from Toronto, enabling access to the restricted content.
2. Online Anonymity
While using incognito browsing seems secure, sharing sensitive information like passwords, financial data, and personal details without proper protection can be risky.
Utilizing a VPN obscures your original IP address, safeguarding your online activities from prying eyes.
Even if your connection is intercepted, tracing your activities or data becomes challenging due to the protection provided by the VPN server.
Services
For those interested in using Kodi, APKs, IPTV, Torrents, or other free media streaming services, many of these are now blocked in various countries.
With a VPN in place, you will be able to use such apps and services freely by changing your computer’s IP address.
Some paid streaming services are now starting to block those who are using VPNs. To overcome this, try connecting from a different server until you establish a successful connection.
4. Prevent Throttling
Most ISPs control your bandwidth speed. This means any streaming devices you may be using could take longer to load which means more buffering and less enjoyment.
With a VPN in place, your activity is hidden from the ISP so your bandwidth will not be throttled down while streaming.
5. Block Ads
VPNs provide a few extra benefits as well to go along with the added security. Some VPN services can block unwanted ads, trackers, and even targeted ads.
You will be able to browse freely without being sold on previous search items with the proper network.
6. Prevent ISPs from Keeping Logs
Many service providers will not keep logs or data on your user and browser history.
Without this type of information, it is nearly impossible for somebody to recover exactly what you have been doing on the internet.
When searching for a provider, be sure to research which ones do keep logs and which ones do not.
7. Access Torrents
Torrenting is one of the most used purposes of a VPN. Your traffic will appear to be coming from a different location, keeping you anonymous with a VPN running on your torrent device.
Not all VPN services allow torrenting, so find one specifically designed for such activity.
If you are new to torrenting, TROYPOINT has created a list of Best Torrent Sites and Best Torrent Search Engines to get you started.
See Also: Best VPN For Torrenting
8. Use Public Wi-Fi Securely
Do you have a habit of using Wi-Fi at the airport or in cafes? Think about the other users connected to the same network that are ready to lurk into your system.
Compromising all your private information on social media or online banking is the last thing you’d want to do.
A concealed IP address through a VPN server is what you need so that you can still use public Wi-Fi securely.
9. Secure VoIP Calls
Voice-over-IP or VoIP calls have become popular due to their low costs, accessibility, flexible network layout, and improved audio quality over the years.
The most common type is a software-based VOIP service such as Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and Zoom.
Secure your voice calls with a VPN to guarantee the utmost privacy.
10. Prevent Google Tracking
Google’s free services log your searches, movement, and online activities. Prevent it from tracking you by hiding your IP address with a VPN.
Other Uses Of A VPN
Along with using …Install a VPN for your personal computer, you can also install one on your many other applications. This will block all unknown parties from accessing what you are streaming or downloading. Below are step-by-step guides on setting up a VPN with the most popular electronic devices available. Many people think that you must install something onto your router to use a VPN, this is not true. It is possible to install a VPN on your router and you will find the tutorial below for that.
When you install a VPN onto your router, all network traffic is protected by the VPN. By doing this, you don’t need to run a VPN application on each device. You can set up a VPN on your router by following the guide provided in the link. It is important to always connect to your VPN while streaming or accessing 3rd party applications, especially in countries where VPNs are illegal. As of now, VPNs are legal in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, countries like China, Russia, Belarus, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iraq have deemed VPNs illegal. When choosing between free and paid VPN services, it’s essential to consider the drawbacks of free providers.
Most free VPN services may sell your data or have limitations such as slow speeds and fewer servers available. Paid VPN services offer better value in terms of connection speed, customer service, and privacy. Look for a VPN service that offers reliable connections, compatible apps for various operating systems, faster speeds, no traffic logs, and many servers in global locations. Additionally, ensure the VPN has features like unlimited peer-to-peer traffic, server switching, and simultaneous connections. Download speed and user-friendly interface are crucial factors to consider when selecting a VPN service. It is recommended to choose a VPN that provides applications for different devices and allows multiple simultaneous connections. The VPN outlined below offers fast download speeds and user-friendly interfaces across all devices.
1. Does a VPN Cause a Decrease in Internet Connection?
Connecting to a VPN naturally decreases the speed of the internet connection because of the encryption process of your internet data that is implemented by a VPN. Moreover, the VPN application is routing your Internet traffic through a VPN server.
I have also prepared a comprehensive guide on How To Improve VPN Speed complete with a video tutorial.
2. How Many Devices can a VPN Support?
This depends on your VPN service provider. While you may think you’ve saved money using a free VPN service, this would only provide you a very limited number of connections.
3. How Safe is Using a VPN?
This depends on the kind of VPN service that you have subscribed to. It should offer anonymous torrenting, at least 256-bit AES encryption, and won’t record traffic logs. In addition, it should have future-proofed privacy and IP-masking on many server locations worldwide.
4. How Many Connection Types Should a VPN use?
Multiple connection types must be offered by your VPN service provider to provide better security association, various types of authentication, and faster access speeds.
5. Why should a VPN Service Provider Need to Have Many Servers?
If a VPN service provider has only a few servers available, this would result in overcrowding and could drastically reduce speeds.
If you happen to live in a location far away from the few servers being offered, it could also result in the same issue. A global presence of servers should be available for more options. This is especially useful in areas like Ukraine, Russia, and other parts of the world.
6. Is YouTube Blocked or Restricted because of a User’s Location?
Depending on your location, YouTube can be blocked (such as in China) or have some videos disallowed for streaming when it displays the message, “This video is not available in your country.”. You can unblock YouTube with a VPN and alter your geo-location. This is the best way to avert any restrictions you encounter, including other blocked sites. I’ve written an article on how to unblock YouTube including configuring it on a Firestick or Fire TV.
7. Why Do you Need a VPN when Torrenting?
A VPN masks your IP address and protects your identity when downloading torrents. It prevents you from publicly broadcasting your IP address so you will remain anonymous.
8. How can you Bypass Restrictions on the Amazon App Store?
Some of the apps that you would want to download are restricted by the Amazon App Store since they are unverified.
However.You can side-load applications into your device without using the official app-distribution method by using a VPN.
Some VPN service providers offer affordable rates, but may have limited simultaneous connections, slower speeds, and activity logging. It is preferable to choose a high-quality VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections on multiple devices, anonymous torrenting, zero traffic logs, and unlimited bandwidth at an affordable price.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that allows you to privately and securely browse the internet. To maintain anonymity online, it is advisable to use a VPN on all your internet-accessing devices. After testing various VPN services, the experts at TROYPOINT rank the best VPNs as Surfshark, IPVanish, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and StrongVPN among others.