How to Safely and Anonymously Stream Content Using the Best VPNs for a Fire Stick

Imagine traveling back to the 1990s and explaining streaming services to someone. “Streaming is like cable, but so much better,” you might say,”Imagine having every TV show and movie you’d ever want to watch just a click away.” They might shake their heads or ask about flying cars, but they’d have a tough time believing you. Streaming would sound like a fantasy to ‘90s ears.

However, in the past decade, technology has made the world of entertainment vastly more accessible to all of us, in all corners of the world. And with a simple click, smart devices like the Amazon Fire Stick bring us endless hours of streaming content.

But is there a way to ensure cybersecurity protection when streaming content via the Fire Stick? Can you safely and anonymously access content without alerting cybercriminals lurking in dark corners and searching for unsuspecting targets?

By using a VPN with your Fire Stick, you can protect your personal data and binge-watch House of the Dragon in peace. Let’s take a closer look at how Fire Sticks and VPNs work, and the best VPNs to use with Fire Sticks to stream content safely and anonymously.   

What is a Fire Stick and how does it work?    

Released in 2014, the Amazon Fire Stick essentially transforms even a regular TV into a smart device. An excellent choice for people who want to stream TV shows and movies, and even for gamers, but who don’t have a smart TV. You can connect to any streaming platform via the Fire Stick, and have instant access to huge content libraries.

It’s easy to use a Fire Stick — just plug the USB into your TV’s HDMI port and get ready to stream. Fire Stick works by connecting your TV to your WiFi connection and gives you access to live TV, streaming platforms like Prime, Hulu, and Netflix, and an extensive library of classic movies and TV shows. 

For gamers, the Fire Stick provides games on the homescreen, games from the cloud via Amazon Luna, and connection to the Xbox app. Once you have everything plugged in, follow the quick setup instructions, and you’re ready to play.          

Does Fire Stick have built-in WiFi?

Fire Stick is able to connect to WiFi, but it doesn’t have an automatic WiFi channel. You’ll need to plug in your WiFi network and password in order to open any available streaming platforms. Nevertheless, with your pre-existing WiFi connection, the Fire Stick becomes a smart device.

Can you use a Fire Stick without the internet?  

Unfortunately, Fire Stick doesn’t work like Spotify or similar apps — you can’t download a movie to watch offline later or access content without the internet. Similarly, if you’re using a television without an HDMI port, you won’t be able to use Fire Stick. 

However, you can bring your Fire Stick with you when you travel, plug it into any TV, and seamlessly watch your content where you left off.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, provides a safe and anonymous way to connect to the internet. It’s an encrypted, secure channel between a smart device and the internet. Although you’ll need WiFi access to use a VPN, it can add an extra layer of protection for your cybersecurity. A VPN:

• Masks your IP address
• Prevents specific geotracking
• Bypasses geo restrictions 

How to safely and anonymously stream content via a Fire Stick

Despite Fire Stick’s convenience and easy access to streaming content, it can present device users with cybersecurity threats. When you spend endless hours connecting Fire Stick using your public IP address, hackers may track your location and activity, and target your device.

The best way to safely and anonymously stream content with a Fire Stick is to use a VPN. Let’s take a look at why and how to use a VPN with the device, and the cybersecurity threats a Fire Stick could present.

Why use a VPN with a Fire Stick?

Using a VPN with your Fire Stick can offer numerous benefits including:

• Added online protection: A VPN adds extra protection against computer viruses and hackers. 
• Anonymous and safe searching: When you use a VPN, your personal information isn’t associated with your online activity, and your searches are free from tracking cookies. A VPN offers layers of safety that you can’t experience through a public IP address.
• Bypass regional streaming restrictions: Some countries have restrictions on what streaming content you can access. A VPN can bypass many of these restrictions, which can come in handy if you’re traveling overseas and want to access your favorite shows, games, or movies. 
• Easy use: Adding your VPN to a Fire Stick is incredibly easy and isn’t time-consuming.
• Low costs: Although not all VPNs are created equal, many of the best VPNs to use with a Fire Stick are extremely affordable — some are even free.
• Prevention of bandwidth throttling: When you use your public IP address, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may slow down your internet connection and limit the processing of data — a method known as bandwidth throttling. A VPN prevents your ISP from knowing that you’re using data and reduces the chance of your connection speed slowing down.

How to use a VPN with a Fire Stick

Before you select a VPN to use with a Fire Stick, it’s important to research VPNs that are compatible with the device. Most of the leading VPNs can be used with Fire Stick Generation 2 products and all subsequent versions. However, some Generation 1 products may not work with VPNs.

Once you’ve selected the right VPN for you, follow these steps:

• Connect your Fire Stick and use the search bar to find your VPN
• Download your VPN
• Log in and connect to the VPN via Fire Stick
• Start streaming content safely and anonymously

Cons of using a Fire Stick

Millions of people use Fire Stick and assume it’s a way to safely stream content. However, cybercriminals may expose device vulnerabilities and see the Fire Stick as a prime gateway to steal users’ personal data. 

Amazon has equipped the device with encryption protocols and layers of safeguards. However, it’s important to consistently update your Fire Stick software — even if you use a VPN.

Some of the ways hackers might target your device include:

• Data breaches
• Malicious apps
• Malware attacks
• Phishing scams
• Spyware

Best VPNs for Fire Stick

There are some excellent VPNs for normal online use that may not be a great fit for Fire Stick. Thankfully, some of the top VPN providers have ensured that they offer versatile VPNs that allow you to stream safely and anonymously with Fire Stick and other devices.

Here are the best VPNs to use with your Fire Stick and gain access to endless content and entertainment.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for Fire Stick as it reduces the need for any buffering. CyberGhost offers VPN server locations in 100 countries, secure streaming access, and a 45 day money-back guarantee.

This VPN allows you instant connection with 30 streaming platforms via your Fire Stick, and provides extremely easy installation. If you have any troubleshooting questions, the CyberGhost customer support team is available 24/7. 

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another fantastic VPN option to stream safely and anonymously while using Fire Stick. Compatible with all versions of the Amazon Fire TV and 2nd Generation and above Fire Sticks, ExpressVPN can be downloaded directly from the Amazon store, or the VPN provider’s website.

Great connection and streaming speeds, easy-to-use, and featuring a 30 day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN has over 105 server locations spread across four geographic regions and can block ads and tracking cookies. 

NordVPN

NordVPN easily unblocks streaming content, offers lightning fast connection and download speeds, thousands of accessible VPN servers, and layers of cybersecurity features. This top VPN for Fire Stick is also super easy to install — even for the least tech savvy among us.

With NordVPN, you can stream content from any country, enjoy next-generation encryption, and protect yourself and your family from cybercriminal attacks. Affordable and compatible with all of your Amazon devices, NordVPN remains cemented in the “best VPNs” list for any of your VPN needs.   

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is extremely affordable, offers extensive cybersecurity protection, and over 3200 servers in 100 locations. Surfshark allows you to see how many people are simultaneously accessing specific servers, which gives you the ability to choose to connect to a server that will allow seamless streaming over one that may be temporarily overloaded. 

This VPN is one of the best for Fire Stick as it allows you to select a Static Hop (you’ll be given the same IP address every time you connect to Surfshark) or Multi Hop (a VPN connection through two different servers–your designated IP will switch). Surfshark also features Clean Web, which you can enable to block all ads, malware, tracking cookies, and phishing attempts.

Protect your online life with What Is My IP Address    

The best VPNs for Fire Stick allow you to stream content safely and anonymously, and can protect your online life. For more VPN and cybersecurity tips, check out the Easy Prey podcast,and be sure to visit the What Is My IP Address website for free online privacy tools,