To really get your Surfshark VPN running smoothly on your Firestick, especially if it feels sluggish, you should focus on a few key areas: checking your internet speed, picking the right VPN server and protocol, and optimizing your Firestick’s own settings. While VPNs naturally add a bit of overhead to your connection because of encryption, it’s often your Firestick’s limited processing power or your network setup that’s the real bottleneck. Don’t worry, Surfshark is generally a fantastic and reliable VPN for Firestick, known for its speed and features, but even the best tools need a little tweaking sometimes. So, if you’re dealing with buffering or slow loading, we’re going to walk through practical steps to help you get that buttery-smooth streaming experience back.

It’s pretty common for people to notice a speed drop when they turn on their VPN, especially on devices like a Firestick. It’s not always a problem with Surfshark itself. often, it’s a mix of how VPNs work and what your Firestick can handle. Let’s break down the reasons why your Surfshark VPN might be slowing things down on your Firestick.

The Inherent VPN Overhead

Think of a VPN like adding an extra layer of security to your internet connection. When you connect to Surfshark, your internet traffic first gets encrypted, then it travels through a secure tunnel to a Surfshark server, and then it goes to its final destination online. This whole process, while vital for your privacy and accessing content, naturally takes a bit more time than a direct connection.

• Encryption and Decryption: Every piece of data going in and out of your Firestick has to be encrypted and then decrypted. This is a CPU-intensive task, and your Firestick’s processor might not be as powerful as, say, your laptop or phone. This “processing power” requirement is a big factor in why VPNs can feel slower on Firesticks.
• Server Distance: The further your data has to travel to a VPN server, and then from that server to your desired website or streaming service, the longer it takes. That extra physical distance translates to higher latency and slower speeds.
• Server Load: If you connect to a Surfshark server that’s super busy with a lot of other users, it can get congested, kind of like a highway during rush hour. This heavy traffic on the server can slow down everyone connected to it.

Your Firestick’s Limitations

Now, let’s talk about the Firestick itself. These little gadgets are amazing for streaming, but they’re not exactly powerhouses.

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• Limited Processing Power and RAM: This is probably the biggest culprit for slower VPN speeds on Firesticks. Devices like the Firestick, especially older models, have less robust CPUs and smaller amounts of RAM compared to other streaming devices or computers. When your Firestick has to juggle running apps, decoding video, and encrypting/decrypting VPN traffic all at once, it can get overwhelmed. One user on Reddit noted that even newer Fire TV Sticks are “horrible for vpn speeds,” often maxing out around 55-108 Mbps even with WireGuard, attributing it to Amazon saving “every cent on cpu and ram” which makes encryption a “giant task for these devices.”
• Too Many Apps and Clutter: Just like your phone or computer, if your Firestick has tons of apps installed, especially if many are running in the background, it can eat up memory and storage. This general sluggishness will make everything, including your VPN, feel slower.
• Outdated Software: If your Surfshark app or your Fire OS the Firestick’s operating system isn’t updated to the latest version, you might be missing out on performance improvements and bug fixes that could affect speed.

Your Home Network Environment

Sometimes the problem isn’t the VPN or the Firestick, but what’s happening between them.

• Wi-Fi Interference: The strength and stability of your Wi-Fi signal can make a huge difference. Walls, other electronic devices, and even neighboring Wi-Fi networks can cause interference, leading to slower speeds and buffering.
• Router Issues: An old router, one placed in a bad spot, or even specific settings on your router like IPv6 being enabled or certain firewalls can interfere with your VPN connection or overall internet speed.
• Internet Service Provider ISP Throttling: Some ISPs might intentionally slow down your internet speed if they detect you’re doing data-heavy activities, like streaming in high definition. This is where a VPN can actually help by masking your activity, but if your ISP isn’t throttling, the VPN simply adds its own overhead to an already good connection.

Understanding these factors is the first step. Now, let’s get into the practical solutions to fix that slow Surfshark VPN on your Firestick.

Hands-On Fixes to Speed Up Surfshark on Your Firestick

your Surfshark VPN is feeling a bit slow on your Firestick, and that’s just not going to fly when you’re trying to stream your favorite show. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into some practical steps you can take to boost those speeds. I’ve been there, staring at a buffering screen, and these are the tricks that usually get things moving again.

1. Test Your Baseline Internet Speed

Before you start messing with VPN settings, you need to know what kind of internet speed you’re actually getting without the VPN. This helps you figure out if the VPN is truly the problem or if your internet is just slow to begin with.

• How to do it: On your Firestick, you can download a speed test app like “Analiti” or “Speedtest by Ookla” from the Amazon Appstore. Run a test without Surfshark connected. Then, connect Surfshark and run the test again. This gives you a clear comparison.
• What to look for: Note down your download and upload speeds. For smooth 4K streaming, you generally need about 25 Mbps. If your speed without the VPN is already low, you might have a different problem altogether, like your Wi-Fi or ISP.

2. Pick a Different Surfshark Server

This is often one of the quickest and most effective fixes. Remember that whole “server distance” and “server load” thing we talked about? This step tackles both.

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• Choose a Closer Server: When you first connect, Surfshark might automatically pick a “Fastest location.” But sometimes, what it thinks is fastest isn’t always the closest or least congested. Manually go through the list of countries and pick a server location that’s physically closer to where you are. Less distance usually means better speed. For example, if you’re in the UK, connecting to a London server is generally better than a US server for speed.
• Try Different Servers in the Same Country: Even within the same country, different servers can have varying loads. If one server is slow, disconnect and try another one in the same region. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, so you’ve got options! You can even “favorite” the fastest ones you find for easy access later.

3. Experiment with VPN Protocols

VPN protocols are basically the rules that determine how your encrypted tunnel is built. Different protocols balance speed and security differently, and one might work better for your specific Firestick and network.

• Access Protocol Settings: Open the Surfshark app on your Firestick, go to Settings, then VPN settings, and look for Protocol.
• Try WireGuard First: Surfshark often defaults to WireGuard, and for good reason—it’s generally considered one of the fastest and most secure protocols. Many users find WireGuard to offer increased speeds.
• Switch to OpenVPN UDP/TCP: If WireGuard isn’t cutting it, try OpenVPN UDP next. UDP is usually faster than TCP because it prioritizes speed over guaranteed delivery, which is often fine for streaming. If UDP is still problematic, give OpenVPN TCP a shot. TCP is more reliable but can be a bit slower.
• Don’t Forget IKEv2: While less common on Firestick apps, some VPNs offer IKEv2. If available, it’s worth a try.

Pro Tip: After changing a protocol, run a speed test again to see if it made a difference. It’s all about finding what works best for your setup.

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4. Clear Cache and Data on Firestick Apps

Your Firestick, much like your phone, collects temporary files cache and data from apps to speed things up. But over time, this can pile up and actually slow down your device, impacting everything, including Surfshark.

• For Surfshark:
  1. Go to your Firestick’s Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
  2. Find Surfshark VPN in the list and select it.
  3. Choose Clear cache, then Clear data. Clearing data will log you out of Surfshark, so have your login details ready.
• For Streaming Apps: Do the same for any streaming apps that are buffering, like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. This can free up resources.

5. Update Surfshark and Fire OS

Running outdated software is a classic reason for performance issues. Updates often include bug fixes and performance enhancements.

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• Update Surfshark:
  1. Go to your Firestick’s Apps section.
  2. Find the Surfshark app and see if there’s an update available. If not, you can try searching for “Surfshark” in the Amazon Appstore to ensure you have the latest version.
• Update Fire OS:
  1. Go to Settings > My Fire TV or Device > About.
  2. Select Check for Updates. Install any available updates.

6. Disable Unnecessary Apps and Features

Your Firestick has limited resources, so every app running in the background uses up some of that precious CPU and RAM.

• Close Background Apps: While Fire OS tries to manage this, you can manually force-stop apps you’re not using. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select an app, and choose Force stop.
• Use Surfshark’s Bypasser Split Tunneling: This is a fantastic feature. Surfshark’s “Bypasser” lets you choose which apps go through the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. If an app doesn’t need VPN protection like a local news app or even Amazon Prime Video if you’re not geo-unblocking, exclude it. This reduces the load on the VPN and your Firestick, potentially speeding up your streaming apps. You’ll find it in Surfshark’s settings under Features or VPN settings.
• Temporarily Disable CleanWeb: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware. While great for security, in rare cases, it might interfere with certain sites or add a tiny bit of processing overhead. If you’re really struggling with speed, try turning it off temporarily in Surfshark’s Features settings to see if it helps.
• Avoid the Kill Switch for Troubleshooting Temporarily: The Kill Switch is an excellent security feature that cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops. However, for troubleshooting connection issues not necessarily speed issues, some suggest temporarily disabling it to see if it’s interfering. Generally, keep it on for privacy.

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7. Restart Everything

The classic IT solution! Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear up all sorts of glitches and refresh your network connections.

• Restart your Firestick: Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart.
• Restart your Router and Modem: Unplug both your internet modem and Wi-Fi router from the power outlet. Wait about 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in. Once it’s fully booted up all lights are steady, plug your router back in. This often resolves minor network issues.

8. Consider an Ethernet Connection

While many Firesticks are Wi-Fi only, some models and adapters allow for a wired Ethernet connection. This can be a must for speed and stability. Surfshark VPN: The Real Talk from Reddit – Is It Worth Your Money in 2025?

• Why Ethernet? A wired connection eliminates Wi-Fi interference and provides a more consistent, often faster, internet connection. This can significantly improve VPN speeds, as your Firestick isn’t fighting a weak Wi-Fi signal on top of the VPN overhead.
• How to do it: You’ll need an Ethernet adapter specifically designed for Firestick check your Firestick model for compatibility and an Ethernet cable connecting it to your router. You might see speeds jump from 30-40 Mbps on Wi-Fi to 200-300 Mbps with a wired connection, depending on your Firestick model.

9. Optimize Router Settings and Wi-Fi

Sometimes your Wi-Fi network itself is the bottleneck.

• Router Placement: Make sure your Wi-Fi router is in a central, open location, away from obstacles and other electronics that can cause interference.
• Channel Interference: If you’re tech-savvy, you can check your router’s settings to see if your Wi-Fi is on a congested channel. Switching to a less used channel can improve performance.
• Disable IPv6 on your router: Some users report that disabling IPv6 on their router, especially if their ISP doesn’t fully support it or if it causes conflicts with the VPN, can help with connection stability and speed. You’d typically find this in your router’s admin settings.
• Enable Small Packets in Surfshark: In Surfshark’s VPN settings, there’s an option for “Small packets.” This feature aims to improve compatibility with some routers and mobile networks by using smaller data packets, which could potentially help with speed on slower or less stable networks.

10. Change DNS Addresses Advanced

This is a bit more advanced, but it can sometimes resolve speed or connection issues, especially if your ISP is restrictive. Surfshark VPN Ranking: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

• How to do it briefly: You’d typically need to go into your Firestick’s network settings, “forget” your Wi-Fi network, then reconnect manually and change the DNS settings from automatic to custom, using public DNS servers like Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or OpenDNS. Make sure to note down your current IP address, gateway, and subnet mask before you start. This forces your Firestick to use different “phone books” for internet addresses, which can sometimes be faster or bypass ISP-level filtering.

11. Contact Surfshark Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and your Surfshark VPN is still annoyingly slow on your Firestick, it’s time to reach out to the pros.

• 24/7 Support: Surfshark has a great 24/7 customer support team. They can help diagnose specific issues and might even recommend particular servers that are performing well.
• Send Diagnostics: In the Surfshark app, you can usually find an option to “Send diagnostics” in the settings. This sends anonymous data to their team, helping them troubleshoot your specific problem.

By systematically working through these solutions, you should be able to pinpoint what’s causing the slowdown and get your Surfshark VPN purring along nicely on your Firestick.

Is Surfshark a Good Match for Your Firestick?

When you’re looking for a VPN for your Firestick, you really want something that’s reliable, secure, and, most importantly, fast enough for streaming. So, is Surfshark a good choice? The short answer is yes, absolutely. Surfshark generally gets a lot of praise for Firestick users, but it’s important to set realistic expectations for performance, especially when it comes to the Firestick’s hardware. Surfshark VPN on Roku TV: Your Ultimate Streaming Upgrade Guide

Why Surfshark Shines on Firestick

• Dedicated Firestick App: This is a big one. Surfshark has a native app available directly in the Amazon Appstore. This means no complicated sideloading or workarounds. you just download and go, making the setup super simple, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
• Strong Security and Privacy: Surfshark offers robust security features like AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy meaning they don’t track your online activities, and features like a Kill Switch and CleanWeb. These are crucial for protecting your privacy and staying secure while streaming.
• Good for Streaming: People frequently use Surfshark to access geo-restricted content on popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Many users report smooth streaming experiences without buffering, making it a solid choice for unlocking content from different regions.
• WireGuard Protocol: Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, which is a major plus for speed. It’s often touted as one of the fastest and most efficient VPN protocols, which is vital for streaming high-quality video.
• Unlimited Device Connections: One of Surfshark’s standout features is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect your Firestick, phone, laptop, and every other device in your home with just one subscription.
• Affordable: Compared to some other premium VPNs, Surfshark is often seen as a very budget-friendly option, offering a great price-to-feature ratio.

Realistic Speed Expectations for Firestick

While Surfshark is known for its speed, it’s crucial to understand that a Firestick isn’t a high-powered computer.

• Hardware Limitations: The biggest factor influencing VPN speed on a Firestick is the device’s own processing power and RAM. As we discussed, Firesticks especially older ones have less powerful hardware, which means the encryption process takes a toll on their performance. One Reddit user, after comparing speeds on a PC and Firestick, found that a Firestick 4K would drop from 300 Mbps without VPN to 50 Mbps with Surfshark, and concluded it was due to the Firestick’s hardware, not Surfshark. Another user also concluded that “Firestick is just not strong enough to support VPN.”
• Still Good Enough for Streaming: Even with a noticeable speed drop, Surfshark on a Firestick can still provide more than enough bandwidth for high-quality streaming. For example, while your desktop might get 900 Mbps and your Firestick might only get 50-100 Mbps with a VPN, 25 Mbps is generally all you need for 4K streaming. So, even if the raw numbers seem lower than on your PC, it’s usually perfectly adequate for a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience.
• Potential for ISP Throttling Bypass: If your Internet Service Provider ISP is throttling your connection based on your activities like streaming, a VPN like Surfshark can actually help you bypass that throttling, potentially leading to improved speeds for certain activities compared to your un-VPN’d, throttled connection.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent choice for a Firestick, offering a great balance of features, security, ease of use, and generally good performance, especially when optimized. Just remember that the Firestick’s hardware means you might not see the same blazing-fast speeds you get on a high-end computer, but it will certainly handle your streaming needs.

Quick Guide to Setting Up Surfshark on Firestick

Getting Surfshark onto your Firestick is a pretty straightforward process, especially since it has a dedicated app in the Amazon Appstore. If you’re wondering how to set up Surfshark VPN on Firestick quickly, here’s the rundown.

1. Subscribe to Surfshark: First things first, you’ll need an active Surfshark account. You can sign up on their website using a computer or phone.
2. Open Your Firestick: Turn on your Firestick and navigate to the home screen.
3. Search for Surfshark:
   • Go to the “Find” icon it looks like a magnifying glass on your Firestick’s home screen.
   • Select “Search”.
   • Type “Surfshark” into the search bar. You’ll usually see it appear in the suggestions as you type.
4. Download and Install the App:
   • Click on the Surfshark VPN app icon in the search results.
   • Select “Get” or “Download” to start the installation. It usually takes just a few seconds.
   • Once installed, click “Open”.
5. Log In to Surfshark:
   • When the Surfshark app opens, you’ll see options to log in. Enter the email and password you used when you signed up for your Surfshark account.
   • The app might ask for permission to set up VPN configurations. Just click “OK” to allow it.
6. Connect to a Server:
   • You’ll see the Surfshark home screen with a big “Connect” button. You can press this to connect to the fastest available server automatically.
   • Alternatively, you can scroll through the list of countries to choose a specific server location if you want to access content from a particular region like a UK server for BBC iPlayer.
7. Verify Your Connection Optional but Recommended:
   • To double-check that your VPN is working, open the Silk browser on your Firestick.
   • Go to a website like “whatismyipaddress.com.” You should see that your IP address has changed to one in the country you selected, confirming that Surfshark is active.

That’s it! You now have Surfshark VPN installed and running on your Firestick, ready to protect your privacy and unblock content. Boost Your Remote Desktop (RDP) Security with Surfshark VPN

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a VPN slow down my Firestick?

A VPN slows down your Firestick mainly because of two things: encryption overhead and device processing power. When you use a VPN, your data gets encrypted, sent through a VPN server, and then decrypted, which takes extra time and computational effort. Firesticks have limited processing power and RAM, making this encryption task more demanding on their hardware compared to a powerful computer.

Is Surfshark a good VPN for Firestick?

Yes, Surfshark is generally considered a very good VPN for Firestick. It offers a dedicated app in the Amazon Appstore, strong security features, good speeds especially with WireGuard, and the ability to unblock many streaming services. Its unlimited device connections also make it a cost-effective choice for many households.

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How much speed will I lose on my Firestick with Surfshark VPN?

The amount of speed you lose can vary a lot, but it’s common to see a significant drop compared to your raw internet speed without a VPN, especially on a Firestick. For example, if you get 300 Mbps without a VPN, you might see speeds in the 30-100 Mbps range with Surfshark active on a Firestick. However, even these speeds are usually more than enough for smooth 4K streaming, which typically only requires about 25 Mbps.

What Surfshark protocol is best for speed on Firestick?

For the best speed on your Firestick, you should generally start with the WireGuard protocol in Surfshark’s settings. It’s often the fastest and most efficient option. If WireGuard isn’t performing well for some reason, try switching to OpenVPN UDP, which prioritizes speed for streaming. OpenVPN TCP is more stable but usually slower.

How do I stop buffering on my Firestick when using Surfshark?

To stop buffering, first, try connecting to a closer or less congested Surfshark server. Next, switch your VPN protocol to WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP. You should also clear the cache of both the Surfshark app and your streaming apps on the Firestick, and restart your Firestick, router, and modem. Using split tunneling Bypasser to exclude non-VPN-essential apps can also help free up resources.

Can my Firestick hardware affect VPN speed?

Absolutely! Your Firestick’s hardware, especially its limited processing power and RAM, plays a huge role in VPN speed. Encryption and decryption are demanding tasks, and a less powerful CPU on your Firestick can struggle to handle them efficiently, leading to slower speeds compared to a more powerful device like a PC or high-end smartphone.

Should I use “Quick Connect” or manually select a server in Surfshark for my Firestick?

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