At the moment I am using Stremio with just Torrentio and no VPN, I do plan on subscribing to Real Debrid when I get a chance to set it up. I’ve read that there is no need for a VPN if you are using Real Debrid.
I am also about to pay for a year of an IP TV service, is it recommended to use a VPN or is there no need?
Also I’m in the UK, if that makes any difference.
Using a VPN with your Firestick, even when using Real Debrid, adds crucial privacy and security layers. It helps mask your IP, encrypts your connection, and prevents ISP monitoring. This is important for streaming via Torrentio and when subscribing to an IPTV service. Even in the UK, a VPN ensures privacy, bypasses restrictions, and enhances your overall streaming experience.
[Here is the link to the blog for more details why do you need a VPN for firestick : https://firestickhacks.com/why-you-need-a-vpn-for-firestick
Absolutely. Take a look a Vpsters.
Use vpn for everything. I recommend Surfshark 
Real Debrid pre caches torrents and sends you the complete file encrypted. Your ISP does not see torrent files being passed back and forth. Unless you need a VPN to spoof your location in order to gain access to the BBC iPlayer (for example) there is no need for one in the US if using RD. I’ve been using RD for 5-6 years and probably stream close to 1Tb per month from RD and have never had a problem with Xfinity.
Yes you should have a VPN. Surfshark. I’m in Mississauga Ontario Canada and I started using Surfshark 8 months ago and it’s been fantastic. The cost is minimal and the result is maximum.
Not only for what your using , definitely, but In todays climate , yes, yes and yes. I am not sure if you now how torrenting actually works or apps torrentio, you are giving part of your identity away as you get your days , it’s a trade off . I know there will always be the ones that say I’ve never used one (a VPN) and don’t have a issue . That’s not the point of the VPN. In 2023 and they way vulnerabilities and exploits now coupled with AI and zero days exploit, malicious apk’s , A VPN should be at the very very least one of your many tools to use to protect your data , identity, basically your digital fingerprint in everything you do . Running your apks or files , through virus total or even better OPSWAT . A VPN is NOT a one stop deal , there are other tools you should hat if you take privacy seriously and want your data off broker sites & be safe in general , data is worth more than gold today.
Now for stuff like fire stick streaming , still yes 100%. Especially if you use services like real-debrid, the was a recent article on them through troypoint , which again is a perfect scenario for a VPN, depending on your ISP provider is another one, at the end of the day for where things are going in security, breaches , data loss, malware , and your general safety , it’s the least you can do.
A friendly tip don’t go with these influencers “sponsored” VPN’s that get paid to promote them , start looking at VPN’s within the 5,9,&14 eyes for your protection. ( there are maybe one or 2 of the “sponsored VPN’s that are ok ) I’d happily tell you a few that are well priced , unlimited connections and come along way in the last 2 years in terms of security, zero log policy & truly being anonymous by not time stamping when you activate the VPN which is the same as logging via your IP address. I can go on and on. Just get a good VPN, and look at this way, it’s a piece of mind for YOU , and remember anyone who may say different, that’s fine , I’m not making this post to argue what they do but give you facts and a unbiased opinion, take into account it’s your butt on the line and IF anything ever went wrong with a service, IpTV, etc, and they were audited by authorities, there a good chance it will come back to you.
I’ve been a reseller since 2016 android boxes , fire sticks , iptv, etc. I do not any more but I’ll say I’ve seen a lot of things behind the scenes and your data is out there regardless so why not try to keep it to a minimum with a simple tool, then if you want to get more serious about security and anonymity, you can . Best of luck !
Do you always keep the VPN running? Or only when you’re using side loaded apps/ trying to access content from a different country?
I’m very close to that area and I do have surfshark.
But as others mentioned: when using RD, there is really no need. (You’ll understand why when you look up how it works)
In my situation and have multiple people in the same house using RD. I would get flagged by RD if each device had a VPN running even though we are all in the same house under the same wifi.
WeVPN which was top notch merged ( members) into Windscribe which they have become very good .
So - in no particular order
•Windscribe
•ProtonVpN (pricey) can get a free account that’s safe
•Surfshark - really got on track last 2 years
•Cyberghost- again buckled down and in the (eyes)
•Atlas- great as a vpn and data breaches monitoring
•Nord I’m has gotten much better as well
•Mullvad , BUT does have some cons as of late so look into this one a bit more
No free vpns ever !!!
No -
•Express vpn
•Ipvanish vpn
•Ivacy vpn
•Private internet access vpn
•Hotspot shield vpn
Everyone will have their own opinions and that’s totally fine . The best advice I can give you if there is a trial. get it. See how it truly performs with your ISP provider , your speeds , the latency you may have , ping etc and of course the equipment you use before you go buy a year subscription.
Free VPNS, are NEVER free as they sell your data and IP logs
The other “no’s” I listed is strictly in my experience they were lack luster and had issues in general (at the time and I’m comfortable saying they are not great today as well but 2 of them are getting better ) a year and a half back they were behind the times in terms of security and business practices. Many of our firestick content creators or social content creators in general push these sponsored VPN’s and don’t even use them themselves or get a free trial or sub, which should tell you something. Do some research about expressVPN just a one example and the issues they had just a few years back, not to lick on them but it was a bad situation & what they were doing with user info. Next, if you pay attention to the cracked genre of VPN’s (if you know where to look) there is a reason you can get express, ipvanish tunnel bear, hotspot shield all cracked , modded , or stolen credentials to log in with ease , those aren’t services I personally want protecting me or routing my traffic through.
I’d start with those I listed (first 6) and decide how many connections you need , I always prefer unlimited or at least 10 , how many servers the service offers , what protocols they have in place (openvpn, wireguard, stealth , and features other than common split tunneling or kills witches but actually active monitoring etc )and if they are the newest standards , things like that . There is a lot to get into with VPN’s, more than I can write here . However start simple with what you are going to use it for and what’s best for you . Best of luck !
Side note:
if you really want to go free and secure , you can create your own VPN for free with a “AWS” account via Amazon and it’s your own server and you are in total control. There are step by step YT videos out there to set you up and you can pay to get premium features that are much cheaper than some of these services but the free will do you fine . AWS is the “ONLY” free exception when it comes to VPN’s.
I have plenty more good and bad recommendations I can share with you as I’ve reviewed or tested the majority of them. Some have changed for the better , some for the worse in the last year or so. I’m currently using 2 of the first part of the list, one for business other personal. Hopefully that’s a good start for you and gets you in a good direction. Sorry for the book of info and Best of luck !
Apologies this was written, spaced out and edited much nicer , it was lost in translation from desktop to mobile for some odd reason with Reddit at times.
Where do you see the surfshark and nord merger going?
I’d recommend surfshark . Www.surfshark.com