Dedicated Fire Stick App
A VPN for Fire Stick must have a dedicated Fire Stick app. After you install and set up your VPN, go to your Fire Stick Home Screen and select “Settings.” Go to “Applications” and then “Manage.” Find and select the app for your VPN and install the app. Log into your VPN, select a server, and start streaming.
Fast Speed
Using a VPN will result in a slower speed, sometimes by as much as 50 percent. However, the best VPNs for Fire Stick will minimize the slowdown and buffering. Look for a VPN that drops speed by 20 to 30 percent or less, especially if you are streaming 4K or ultra-high definition.
Privacy and Security Features
Your Fire Stick VPN should protect your online privacy and security. Robust security features are especially important if you plan to use your VPN for other online activities such as online banking or browsing the internet. A Fire Stick VPN should offer at least the following security and privacy features:
- Industry standard encryption: top-tier encryption such as AES-265, the preferred encryption for government and military organizations.
- No-logs policy: the VPN provider does not store records of user activity or location.
- Kill switch: internet access automatically shuts down when VPN connection is lost.
- Private DNS: your internet traffic goes through the VPN’s own encrypted DNS instead of a DNS provided by your ISP.
Device Compatibility
Besides streaming with Fire Stick, you should be able to use your VPN with your other devices, such as computers and smartphones. Most VPNs for Fire Stick are compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Many can also be used with home routers.
Consider how many devices are in your household. Look for a Fire Stick VPN that can connect with all your devices on a single account.
Surfshark and NordVPN: Our Recommendations for Best VPNs for Fire Stick
From server locations to security features, we have researched and reviewed many leading Fire Stick VPNs. We will now share the reasons why NordVPN and Surfshark VPN are our picks for best VPNs for Fire Stick.
Easy Fire Stick App Installation
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are easy to install and connect to Fire Stick. Each brand has a straightforward VPN installation process that takes a few minutes. Once you have installed and set up your chosen VPN, log into Fire Stick and find the Surfshark or NordVPN app.
Next, log into your VPN and connect to a server. Both NordVPN and Surfshark can choose a server for you, or you can manually select the server that will work best for your streaming needs.
Wide Selection of Servers
Speaking of servers, NordVPN and Surfshark offer thousands of servers in many locations in most continents and regions. Surfshark has more than 3200 servers in more than 100 countries. NordVPN has more than 6000 servers in 61 countries, and lets you choose servers in specific cities in the following countries:
Industry-Standard Security Features
We’re impressed with the top-notch security features of Surfshark and NordVPN. Both providers use AES-256 encryption, which is considered the industry standard for encryption. Surfshark and NordVPN also use the widely respected OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
Surfshark uses the fast WireGuard® VPN protocol. Fire Stick users will appreciate the option to use NordVPN’s NordLynx, which is NordVPN’s version of WireGuard® and helps maintain high speed. Both brands state on their websites that their products can cause speeds drops of 20 to 30 percent, which should result in minimal delays and buffering.
Security features offered by Surfshark and NordVPN include:
- No-logs policy: Surfshark and NordVPN maintain independently verified no-logs policies. We like the fact that both brands are based in countries that do not require VPN providers to keep records of user activity. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands and NordVPN is based in Panama.
- Kill switch: NordVPN and Surfshark both include a kill switch feature that blocks internet access when you lose your VPN connection.
- Private DNS: offered by both brands, this extra layer of security sends your internet traffic through an encrypted DNS instead of the DNS provided by your ISP.
- Split tunneling: lets you choose which online activity to send through your VPN and which to send directly online. This feature is offered by NordVPN and Surfshark (VPN Tunnel Bypasser). Note that NordVPN’s split tunneling is only available for Windows and Android devices.
- Obfuscated servers: both brands provide obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, which is helpful for bypassing firewalls and restricted networks such as hotels or schools. Surfshark’s obfuscated server feature is called Camouflage Mode.
Each brand offers additional security features, such as NordVPN’s Meshnet, which is an encrypted network that can accommodate up to 60 devices. Surfshark offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Both providers offer protection against malware and other malicious attacks.
Compatible with Most Platforms and Devices
Surfshark and NordVPN both work with Fire Stick, but they are also compatible with many other devices. Both can be used with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as with home routers.
You can connect up to 6 devices with a single NordVPN account. A single Surfshark account can be used with an unlimited number of devices.
Ease of Use
NordVPN and Surfshark have interfaces that are easy to use. We think that beginners will find both brands simple and straightforward to install and connect. Fire Stick users will also appreciate NordVPN’s Security Score, which helps you choose the best features for your needs.
Both providers give you the option of using “Quick Connect” to automatically connect to a server that the provider chooses. You can also manually choose the server that best suits your needs, which is especially helpful when streaming international content.
Customer Support
Whether you’re using Fire Stick to watch a foreign film in the US or stream an American TV show while traveling overseas, you want access to customer support when you need it. We like the 24/7 live chat feature — with a live human — offered by both Surfshark and NordVPN. Plus, both providers offer support by email or ticketed message, as well as detailed help guides on their websites.
Subscription Plans
As with most top VPNs for Fire Stick, NordVPN and Surfshark offer a variety of subscription plans. NordVPN offers Standard, Plus, and Ultimate Plans. Surfshark users can choose from Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+.
Subscribers to both providers can choose from monthly, annual, and two-year plans. The monthly subscription cost is lowest with the longest plans.
Money-Back Guarantees
Even the best VPN for Fire Stick may not be a good fit for everyone. That’s why we like the 30-day money-back guarantee offered by both NordVPN and Surfshark. Fire Stick users who are not satisfied with either VPN provider can get a refund within 30 days of purchase.
Final Thoughts on the Best VPNs for Fire Stick
Our team has researched and reviewed Surfshark and NordVPN, and we believe that both brands offer value to Fire Stick users. Both providers have dedicated Fire Stick apps that are easy to install, as well as simple and uncluttered user interfaces. Users can manually choose their server location or let Surfshark or NordVPN connect automatically.
We’re impressed with the comprehensive lineup of security features offered by Surfshark and NordVPN. Fire Stick users can have peace of mind knowing that both providers have no-logs policies. We also like that customer support from an actual human is always available, day or night. Both providers offer multiple subscription levels and plans, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. For these reasons, our team recommends Surfshark and NordVPN as top picks in the search for best VPN for Fire Stick.
