
Let’s start with a small description of Firestick. On April 12, 2014, Amazon released its first streaming device – Fire TV with Fire OS 5, which is equal to Android 5.1. Since then, Amazon released new streaming devices with new upgrades and advanced features. The latest streaming device is the Fire TV Cube on 10th October 2019. The newer Fire TV Stick has Fire OS 6 & 7 which is equal to Android 7.1 and 9 respectively.


By using Firestick, you can convert your standard TV into a smart TV. The pricing starts at $35. The Fire TV Stick 4K is priced at $49.99. With a mere $50 dollars, you can watch 4K content on your TV. You can use the Fire TV Stick for purposes like to watch movies and TV shows from streaming platforms, surf the internet, play games, download movies from torrenting sites, and more. You can do all things on Firestick that you can do on your smartphone.
Streaming devices like Firestick, Roku, and even Smart TVs won’t have strong encryption features as they have in smartphones. The built-in encryptions and security measures are very minimal. When you surf the internet on your Firestick, it can be easily hacked. To avoid being hacked, VPNs are used. Some VPN providers will have a dedicated app for Firestick to protect your personal information.
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How VPN Works

As the name says (Virtual Private Network) will create a virtual location for you. For instance, you are in your home, New York, USA. Without the VPN, your location can be traced by routing your IP address. Every device that has internet access will have a unique IP address. If anyone (hacker or government) wants to track your internet records and wants to find your location, it can be easily done with your internet traffic. But if you use a VPN, it will create a different IP address in a different location.
If you choose a server from Germany, all your internet traffic will be routed to German locations. When traced, the VPN protects your real IP address & real location and shows the virtual German location with a different IP address. This is the basic working of a VPN. Some high-level VPNs will have strong encryption protocols and provide double virtual locations. In those VPNs, you will get maximum protection but with slower download speeds. The internet you use will be virtually routed to a different location and then it reaches your devices, so you will experience slower speeds.
Types of VPN
Now, let’s see the different types of VPN available for Firestick. There are three levels of VPN based on how powerful the VPN is and how it can be used.
Premium VPN
Premium VPNs are the VPNs that can be used for any internet-related tasks and on any devices like smartphones, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and routers. The encryption protocols in the premium VPNs are the best and will protect your information with the utmost security. VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish VPN, CyberGhost VPN are some of the premium level VPNs.
List of Top Premium VPN’s

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User Review
NordVPN
NordVPN is the most used and the best VPN. It has 5027 servers in 59 countries. In the US alone, the VPN has 2174 servers. The subscription starts at $11.95 per month, if you choose long term plans, you can minimize the subscription up to $3.49 per month. With one subscription, you can use the VPN on 6 devices. It can be used for torrenting, bypass geo-restriction on streaming platforms. With AES-256 bit encryption, your data will be secured. With the six device access, you can use the VPN on all of your smart devices. It can be easily installed on any routers to give a secured internet connection.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a VPN with servers in many countries. It has more than 3000 servers in 94 countries. With the 94 country access, you can watch international contents easily. Like NordVPN, it can also be used for torrenting and to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms. With one subscription, you can use the VPN on 5 devices. ExpressVPN can be installed on the router easily. The subscription starts at $12.95 per month. If you choose long term plans, you can minimize the subscription up to $8.32 per month. By comparing NordVPN, ExpressVPN is a bit costly.

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IPvanishVPN
IPVanish VPN is a bit less secured VPN when compared to NordPVN and ExpressVPN. It has 1400 servers in 75+ countries. The best thing in IPVanish VPN is that with one subscription, you can use the VPN on 10 devices. You can get additional things like SugarSync (250GB Encrypted Cloud Storage) and more in IPVanish VPN. The subscription starts at $10.00 per month and goes as minimum as $6.49 per month for long term plans. The encryption protocols are the same as the NordVPN.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is one of the best premium VPNs for Firestick. The VPN has 6486 servers in more than 90 countries. On Servers count, CyberGhost VPN has the most number of servers. With these huge numbers of servers, you will never get the server overloading issue. In the CyberGhost VPN, you can unblock geo-restrictions on most of the streaming platforms. With one subscription, you can connect up to 7 devices. The subscription cost starts at $12.99 per month.

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Surfshark VPN
Based on the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark VPN is one of the secured VPN to use. The VPN has 1040 servers in more than 60 countries. The VPN has the built-in ad blocker and Kill Switch option. The standout thing about Surfshark VPN is that with one subscription you can use the VPN on any number on devices. The VPN has a feature called MultiHop, to connect to multiple countries at once. MultiHop is mostly used for torrenting purposes. With the multiple country switching, you will get slower download speeds.
Accounts
Free Trial
Projects
SSL
Storage
Domains
Sub-domains
Your Text
Your Text
Your Text
Servers
Countries
Jurisdiction
Simultaneous Servers
Netflix
Works in China
Subscription Per Month
Long Term Plans
Free Trial
Money-Back Policy
NordVPN
5027
59
Panama (Not under 14-eye)
6
Yes
Yes
$11.99 Per Month
Up To 3 Years
No
30 Days
IPVanish VPN
1400
75+
USA (Member of 14-eye)
10
Yes
No
$10.00
Up To One Year
No
30 Days
ExpressVPN
3000+
94 (The most by any VPN)
British Virgin Islands (Not under 14-eye)
5
Yes
Yes
$12.95
$Up to 12 Months
No
30 Days
CyberGhost
6486
(The most by any VPN)
90
Romania (Not under 14-eye)
7
Yes
Yes
$12.99
Up to 3 Years
One-Day
45 Days
(The most by any VPN)
PrivateVPN
150+
60+
Hong Kong (Not under 14-eye)
10
Yes
Yes
$5.83
Up to 2 Years
7-Days
31-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Freemium VPN
The next category is the freemium VPNs, In this type of VPN, you can use the VPN for free but with server and data limitation. By subscribing to any of its plans, you can use the VPN without any limitations. VPNs like Hotspot Shield VPN, TunnelBear VPN, Hola VPN, hide.me VPN are the examples. These VPNs are best for streaming platform usage and normal browsing. These VPNs will bypass geo-restrictions on selected streaming platforms.
List of Top Freemium VPN’s

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User Review
Hotspot Shield VPN
The Hotspot Shield VPN has a server in 80 countries and with one subscription you can use the VPN on 5 devices. You will also get a password manager (1Passowrd) to secure all your usernames and passwords. in the free plan, you can use the VPN for up to 500 MB per day, only one US server, and download speed of to 2 MBPS. The subscription starts at $95.99 for one year. With the subscription, you can get access to all the servers and use the VPN without any data limitations.
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN is the most trusted VPN in the freemium category. In the free plan, you will get 500 MB of data. The free plan is used to check the VPN’s speed and encryption protocols. Once you used the 500 MB of free data, it won’t be renewed. You need to get the subscription to use the VPN. The subscription starts at $9.99 per month. Like the Premium VPNs, if you choose long term plans, you will get a lower subscription rate per month.

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Hola VPN
Hola VPN has the most number, around 1500 servers around the world. In the free service, you will get access to only 500 servers and simultaneous connections up to 3 devices. The subscription starts at $14.99 per month. With the subscription, you will get access to all the servers and simultaneous connections up to 10 devices.
Free VPN
Free VPN is the last category of the VPNs. In the free VPNs, you will have a minimum number of servers with weak encryption protocols. VPNs like iON VPN, Iron Shield VPN, Melon VPN, and Turbo VPN are the examples. In these VPNs, you will have one server (faster server) and low-level encryption protocols. These VPNs are used for basic protection and normal browsing. It is not recommended for torrenting and to bypass geo-restrictions. Choose the VPN based on how you use your Firestick. Go for Premium VPNs if you want torrenting and high-level internet usage. Go for Freemium VPNs if you are a binge-watcher and have accounts on more than one streaming platform. Use the free VPNs only for basic protection.

Is Free VPN enough for Firestick?
The answer to this question depends on the individual. If you are using your Firestick for browsing alone and don’t want to stream geo-restricted contents, you can go for the free VPN. But some free VPNs will have ads. If you are okay with those annoying ads, you can use the Free VPN.
Need for VPN on Firestick
Now, you get a basic understanding of Firestick and the working of a VPN. Let’s get into the need for a VPN on Firestick.
- Online Surveillance
- Geo-restriction
- ISP Throttling
- Secured connection on Public Network
- Torrenting
Online Surveillance

The major importance of using a VPN is your location. By using a VPN, you can spoof your location to anywhere in the world. You can hide your internet activity so that no one will access it. Some premium VPNs will have servers all over the world. In those VPNs, you can choose any particular country’s server to be your location. As mentioned above, if someone tries to hack or monitor your internet traffic, they will get the virtual IP address and the virtual location on created by the VPN. It is impossible to decode the VPN’s security protocols. Based on the VPN you choose, the encryption and security protocols may vary.
Geo-restriction

The thing you can benefit from VPN is access over restricted content. A popular streaming platform like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ is available all over the world. But the availability of the contents on those platforms will vary according to the country. The title available in the USA can’t be accessed in the UK. If you are a UK resident, you can switch to the USA server and access the content. Some streaming platforms will be available for specific countries only like Hulu, YouTube TV, HBO MAX. If you are a USA resident, the chances are higher that you have a subscription to any of those platforms. But when you are on a vacation or trip to another country, you can’t access those streaming platforms. In those situations, you can use a VPN.
ISP Throttling

ISP throttling is one of the common issues in the streaming platform. Every streaming platform will have a basic plan (cheaper subscription per month). If you are a basic user, you will get buffering more frequently. This is due to the ISP throttling. Generally, on-demand titles will have more users. In that time, to provide a smooth experience to a premium user, some streaming platform will downgrade your internet speed. By using a VPN, the streaming platform won’t get your real location and real IP. So, they can’t control your internet speed. You can watch on-demand and live titles without any buffering issues.
Secured connection on Public Network

We tend to use free WiFi in public places like metro stations and cafes. Firestick is the portable device and can be connected to any TV that has an HDMI port, When you are on a vacation, you have your Firestick with you. If you want to use it, you need to connect to free WiFi that is available at the hotel. But those public WiFis are easy to hack. By using VPNs, you can protect your Firestick even from those public networks. Not all VPN will have this feature. Only the premium VPNs and high priced VPNs will have this feature.
Torrenting

This is based on user preference. If you are not a fan of Netflix and other streaming platforms, then you are one who downloads movies from torrent movies and watches them. Though torrenting is legal, the contents and tiles in the torrenting sites are not completely legal. Having said that, you need to protect your identity while torrenting. Every VPN will protect your location and IP. But not all the VPNs are the same. If you want a VPN for torrenting, you need to be more careful with the selection of a VPN. Only the premium level VPN will have the protection for torrenting. In some VPNs, for torrenting alone, it will have specialized servers.
How to Use VPN on Firestick
Now, you know the difference between the VPNs and their usage. Using a VPN on Firestick is a simple process just like you connect a VPN on your smartphone.
- Choose a VPN
- Install the VPN on your Firestick
- Set up the VPN
Choose a VPN
Choose a VPN that suits your requirements from Premium, Freemium, or Free VPNs category. While choosing the VPN, check the encryption protocols and the server count. These two factors are the most important while choosing a VPN.
Install the VPN on your Firestick
Now, you need to install the chosen VPN on your Firestick, Most of the Premium and Freemium VPNs will be available on the Amazon App Store. You can install those VPNs without any fuss. If you choose a VPN that is not available in the Amazon App Store, you have to use third-party installers like the Downloader app. Get the VPN download link from the websites like APKPure and APKMirror. With the link, install the VPN using the Downloader app.
Set up the VPN
For a free VPN, there is no setup process. Just open the VPN on your Firestick and click the Connect button. The VPN connection will be established. For Premium and Freemium VPNs, it will ask for account information. Enter the username and password associated with the VPN’s subscription. Based on your location, it will suggest the fastest server. You can choose the faster server or choose any server from the desired country. Click the Connect button and the VPN will be connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my download speed decrease when using a VPN?
Generally, all the VPN will affect your download and upload speed. When using a VPN, all your internet traffic is routed to the virtual location and then reached your real location. During this process, you will experience some slow speeds. No VPN will give you the exact speed of your internet connection.
2. What does a VPN do?
A VPN will change your location and IP address so that no one will know what you are doing on the internet. You can stay anonymous while browsing. A VPN will protect your private information.
3. What is the best VPN for Firestick?
The best VPN for Firestick is based on your requirements. If you want a VPN for torrenting, Premium VPN is the best choice. If you want secured browsing, freemium VPN is the best. For basic protection, you can use a free VPN.
4. Should I use a free VPN on Firestick?
If you want to protect your private information while browsing, you need to use a VPN. The level of protection varies with the VPNs. In the free VPN, you will get basic protection. If you are okay with the protection provided by the free VPNs, you can use any of the free VPN on your Firestick.
5. Do I need to buy different VPNs for all my devices?
This depends on the VPN you are choosing. In some VPNs, you will get 5 simultaneous connections. In other VPNs, you will get 10 simultaneous connections. Choose a VPN based on how many devices you are having.
6. How to Check if VPN is working on Firestick
This is an important thing to consider. How do you know if the VPN is working on Firestick? To check this, you need the Mozilla Firefox browser. Install the Firefox browser on your Firestick. Without connecting to the VPN, go to https://iplookup.flagfox.net/. This will display your current location and your real IP address. After that, connect to the VPN and go to the website. Now, it should show the location corresponding to the VPN’s server and a spoof IP address.
By this, you can know if the VPN on your Firestick is working or not. If your VPN fails in this test, you need to change your VPN to some stronger ones.
7. How to install VPN on First Gen Fire TV
There are certain limitations to the First Generation Fire TV model. You can’t use a virtual network on the device. The 1st Gen Fire TV is not compatible with the VPN and its changing location feature. So, you can’t use a VPN on the 1st gen Fire TV model. Instead, you can choose a VPN that can be installed on routers, so that you will get a secure internet connection.