Unlock Unlimited Streaming: Discover the Ultimate VPN-Friendly Streaming Sticks!

A VPN service is often the ideal solution when you wish to stream content that is restricted to certain regions or access sports events that are not available in your market. Contrary to popular belief, a VPN can be used on more than just phones and computers, which have smaller screens. In fact, many streaming sticks are compatible with popular VPN apps such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN. This article on Cybersecurity Awareness Week is presented in partnership with Incogni.

Why Use a VPN on Your Streaming Stick?

There are significant restrictions on streaming content based on geographical regions. For instance, the BBC iPlayer is only accessible within the UK, and Netflix provides varying sets of shows and movies depending on the country. Additionally, regional limitations also apply to sports programming. While you can opt for Paramount+ or YouTube TV to access NFL games, blackout rules may still apply, limiting your viewing options.

Regional restrictions are typically imposed by distribution agreements. For instance, if Netflix obtains the distribution rights for a movie in Japan, it is only permitted to distribute the movie within Japan. However, as a customer in the streaming era's second decade, regional restrictions seem absurd. Fortunately, you can bypass this issue by utilizing a VPN.

By installing a VPN on your streaming device, you can effectively disguise your location and access content that is restricted to specific regions. This enables you to explore foreign versions of your preferred streaming platforms or enjoy games that are not available in your market without much trouble. All you need to do is activate the VPN, choose a server in the desired location you wish to "visit," and commence streaming.

Most Streaming Sticks Support VPNs

Streaming services do not impose bans on users who utilize a VPN. However, well-known VPN connections are often blocked by platforms like Netflix. A reliable VPN provider will exert significant effort to overcome any barriers, although occasional obstacles may arise. Regrettably, employing a VPN on your streaming device will not significantly enhance your privacy. Your identity and activities can still be traced and monitored based on the accounts you log into. The sole notable privacy advantage is that your internet service provider will be unable to observe your online actions.

Hannah Stryker

If you're using a streaming stick that runs Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, or Apple TV software, you're in luck! These devices typically come with built-in VPN support. All you need to do is head over to your device's app store, download your preferred VPN service, and you're good to go. This applies to smart TVs as well, as long as they're operating on one of the aforementioned software platforms. Just remember to steer clear of any unfamiliar VPN services and never rely on free VPNs.

If you use Fire TV, you can access the app store by selecting the "Find" tab on your home screen. On Android TV and Google TV devices, the Play Store can be found in the "Apps" tab at the top. For Apple TV, the App Store is located in the toolbar on the home screen. It is important to note that Apple TV devices must have tvOS 17 or a more recent version to use VPN apps.

Interestingly, Roku streaming sticks and smart TVs do not support VPNs. Some individuals work around this limitation by configuring their VPN at a network level, which involves setting up an expensive VPN router. From a financial perspective, it is more cost-effective to purchase a budget-friendly Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV instead of using Roku. Additionally, if you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can utilize AirPlay to mirror your screen to a Roku device and access geo-restricted content without any additional expenses.

Very Few VPN Services Have a Streaming Stick App

A limited number of VPNs provide a specially designed app for streaming sticks. Additionally, numerous VPNs featured on the app store lack value. To simplify matters, the following are several reputable VPN services that offer apps compatible with Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, or Apple TV.

NordVPN (Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV)

ExpressVPN (Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV)

PureVPN (Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, Apple TV)

Proton VPN (Google TV, Android TV)

Surfshark (Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV)

Regrettably, the availability of native VPN support for Apple TV is relatively recent, causing a limited selection of renowned VPN services on the Apple TV App Store. To utilize NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark on your Apple TV, you will need to configure smart DNS routing. It's worth mentioning that you can avoid using a VPN on Apple TV by mirroring the screen of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac through AirPlay.

Apple TV Users: Try Smart DNS Routing or AirPlay

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Only a few VPN services offer a dedicated streaming app, but it is possible that your preferred VPN service enables you to establish smart DNS routing on your streaming stick. Smart DNS routing allows you to fake your location and access content from outside your region. However, it is important to note that DNS routing does not offer the same level of security and privacy protections, which may be a concern for some individuals. Additionally, the process of setting up smart DNS routing can be frustrating as it varies slightly for each VPN provider and requires navigating through different menus.

Given the lack of VPN apps specifically designed for the Apple TV platform, smart DNS routing primarily benefits Apple TV users. Below are a few VPN services that support smart DNS routing on Apple TV. Click on the following links to access each VPN provider's setup guide for Apple TV.

NordVPN

ExpressVPN

If you are using a VPN provider not mentioned here, please visit their website to find out if they offer smart DNS routing. Alternatively, as mentioned earlier, you can bypass using a VPN on your Apple TV by mirroring the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using AirPlay.