It’s no secret that streaming and gaming dominate our lives in the digital age. We bet everyone you know has a Netflix account or plays online multiplayer games. As we continue streaming and gaming daily, the need for seamless and secure browsing grows. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play.
But did you know that VPNs do more than keep your IP address changed and secure? Whether you’re bingeing the latest season of House of The Dragon, or rocking out in a high-octane gaming session with your friends over Discord, a VPN can make night-and-day improvements to your digital life.
Here are 7 reasons to use a VPN for streaming and gaming in 2024.
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Access To Geo-Restricted Content
Encountering geo-restrictions is a frustrating experience for all streamers and gamers. These are restrictions placed by streaming services and game developers to block access depending on where you live. For example, a series might be available in the US Netflix catalogue but may not appear on Aussie screens. Likewise, certain games or content might be locked to a region as well.
Using a VPN for your PC or streaming devices can help surpass geo-restrictions. For instance, a VPN for Firestick can bypass these restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear like you’re browsing from a different location. This means you can stream an endless supply of TV shows and movies or enjoy every game imaginable, regardless of where you are. With a VPN, you’ll never miss important episodes of your favourite shows, wherever you are. The same goes for gamers who want to access their home game servers for better performance and familiarity.
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Improve Your Online Security
Security is the top priority in the digital world. If you boil it down to the basics, your gaming or streaming sends data back and forth (downloading and uploading). Unfortunately, this data becomes a potential jackpot for hackers if no security measures are in place. Particularly if you use public Wi-Fi networks. The good news is that a VPN encrypts your internet connection, reducing the risks of your data being intercepted.
For streamers, a VPN can prevent unauthorised access to your personal information. When you’re streaming, your device communicates with multiple servers, and each of these interactions could expose your data. A VPN adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and misuse your information. This lets you enjoy your favourite activities with peace of mind and without worrying about annoying cyber threats.
When it comes to gaming, the same thing applies. A ton of data transmissions occur when you’re slaying bad guys in your favourite multi-player game. This data, if unprotected, can be a prime target for hackers. Thankfully, a VPN can encrypt your connection and protect you from various threats while gaming.
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Enhanced Privacy
Privacy is a growing concern today. The truth is that your online activities – be it binge-watching your favourite TV shows or sweating it out in the gaming arena – are all under constant scrutiny by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), websites, and even governments. Having your every move tracked can be annoying and intruding when all you want is to relax and enjoy being online.
So, you guessed it — one solution is to use a VPN, which masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic. This means that your online activity becomes invisible to snooping eyes. Whether browsing, online shopping, streaming, or playing a game, your activities remain private and secure.
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Reduce Lag and Improve Your Gaming Experience
How many times have you been in the midst of a competitive gaming session only to be completely crushed by lag or slow responses? Lag can significantly impact gameplay, affecting your ability to react and stay competitive. More importantly, lag is annoying and can also spoil your gaming experience.
The good news is that VPNs rectify this ordeal, as they help you connect to servers that neighbour game servers. By decreasing the distance data must travel, you’re rewarded with improved latency and faster response times. Less lag = a much more pleasant gaming experience.
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Bypass ISP Throttling
Did you know that certain ISPs ‘throttle’ internet speeds to keep network congestion in check? This means that when your ISP detects high bandwidth usage, it slows down your connection to manage network traffic. This can be frustrating and impact your streaming or gaming experience.
The good news is that a VPN can help you bypass ISP throttling. Since a VPN encrypts your traffic, your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online. If they don’t know that you’re streaming in 4K or playing a game, they can’t interfere with your connection speed. It’s that simple. Now, you can enjoy the latest blockbuster or engage in an intense gaming session without worry.
Bypassing throttling can also improve your online experience, whether you’re surfing the net, online shopping, or downloading files. Many users report that their internet speeds are faster when using a VPN, ensuring you get the most out of your internet connection.
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Secure Public Wi-Fi Connections
We all know the dangers of using public Wi-Fi connections. Sure, they’re convenient in a pinch, but this convenience comes at great risk. Public Wi-Fi networks have become (in)famous for their poor security, making them a target for hackers. If you connect to a public network to get your daily dose of Candy Crush, you’re putting your personal information at risk.
Luckily, a VPN offers a good solution by encrypting your internet traffic — even on public Wi-Fi networks. The encryption hides your data and prevents hackers from intercepting it, keeping your browsing and gaming activities private and protected. This way, you can play your favourite mobile game on the train, or enjoy the latest episode of your favourite show from anywhere. All without worrying about hackers and cybercriminals getting hold of your sensitive data.
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Protect Against DDoS Attacks
This one’s for the gamers, so listen up! Online gaming comes with its share of challenges beyond honing your gameplay skills. And one of the biggest challenges is the risk of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These flood your network connection and disrupt or disconnect you completely from a game.
Using a VPN can help defend you against DDoS attacks. VPNs mask your IP address and reroute your connection through secure servers when connecting to a game. Doing so adds a layer of defence against DDoS attacks.
As it becomes less likely for you to face a disruption through DDoS, you can now concentrate on more important stuff! Like mastering your favourite game and becoming a formidable name on all the leaderboards.
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And there you have it — 7 compelling reasons to start using a VPN for streaming and gaming today. Whether you’re a total movie buff who’s always looking for a new blockbuster to enjoy, or a gaming addict striving for uninterrupted gameplay, a VPN offers a host of benefits that will take your online experience to the next level.
So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the freedom, access, and upgraded enjoyment of using VPNs to secure your connections while streaming and gaming.
