VPN for IPTV: Do you really need it? (2024)

What is an IPTV VPN?

An IPTV VPN is a virtual private network used to protect you while using IPTV (internet protocol television). IPTV is a term for any kind of TV accessed via the internet.

Originally, the IPTV abbreviation referred to traditional television broadcasts streamed over an internet connection. For example, a live TV news broadcast watched on any device using online data. Over time, the term has widened in scope to include TV-adjacent media, like streaming services. For the purposes of this article, we’ll stick to the traditional definition of IPTV — TV content delivered via the internet, rather than satellite or cable. We won’t be including streaming options like Amazon Firestick or Netflix. This content could be a Youtube TV news stream, a live broadcast delivered to your TV set on Wi-Fi, or any other television content transmitted through an internet connection.

A VPN (virtual private network) is an online security tool that encrypts data as it travels between your device or network and the wider internet. VPNs can be used to protect your privacy, guard against hackers, and even enhance broadband speeds. Of course, an IPTV VPN is just a VPN used specifically to protect IPTV users.

Why do you need a VPN for IPTV?

Using a VPN while enjoying your favorite IPTV services makes sense for several reasons.

1. Privacy. When you turn on a VPN, your online data starts to flow through an encrypted tunnel, protecting your privacy. If you watch IPTV with a VPN enabled, your ISP (internet service provider) won’t be able to monitor your activity. ISPs often track what you do online so they can target you with ads or sell that information to marketers and data brokers. With a VPN, you can prevent this.
2. Security. By encrypting your internet connection, you can stream IPTV with a greater level of cybersecurity. Hackers can use an unprotected internet connection to spy on your network, but if your data is encrypted with a VPN, all they’ll be able to view is scrambled code.
3. Improved speeds. ISPs sometimes engage in bandwidth throttling if they notice you engaging in bandwidth-heavy activities. IPTV services typically use a lot of bandwidth, so your ISP might decide to artificially restrict your internet speeds if they can see what sites or apps you’re using. However, if your data is encrypted, you’re less likely to be targeted by ISP throttling based on your activity.
4. IP address protection. When you connect to the internet, websites can see your IP address. A VPN will prevent this, allowing you to appear online with the IP address of your VPN server, rather than your own network. This adds an extra layer of privacy, and also gives you the opportunity to change your virtual browsing location. If you’re on holiday or traveling for work and you want to stay up to date with news back home, you could choose a VPN server in your home country and connect with your local IPTV providers securely.

How does an IPTV VPN work?

An IPTV VPN works like any other VPN, creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN provider’s server.

Once you have installed a VPN application, or client, on the device you plan to use for watching IPTV, you can just turn the VPN on and connect to a server. The client will use a VPN protocol (a collection of preprogrammed rules for encrypting, decrypting, and transferring data) to establish an encrypted tunnel between itself and your chosen server.

Data entering the tunnel is encrypted, scrambled into a jumble of randomized code. It is then transmitted to the other side of the tunnel, where it is decrypted. The encryption and decryption process depends on encryption keys, generated by the VPN protocol.

With a good, reliable VPN, this process will take place so quickly that you won’t notice any significant decrease in internet speed, so you can continue safely streaming content without buffering or lag.

Are there any risks associated with using an IPTV VPN?

The risks arising from an IPTV VPN really come down to the kind of VPN you use. With a powerful, premium VPN, your data will be protected and your privacy enhanced.

However, using certain free VPNs could have drawbacks. Free VPN services may try to make money in other ways, selling your data or spamming you with adverts. These apps are also likely to offer slow and unstable connections, with fewer servers to choose from. You’re much more likely to run into VPN streaming issues with a free VPN.

To make sure you’re staying safe while enjoying IPTV streaming, use a trusted, premium VPN.

How to choose the right IPTV VPN provider

To choose the right VPN for streaming IPTV content, look for the following:

• A premium VPN. The best VPN for IPTV will almost certainly be a premium VPN. VPNs with premium subscription models can invest in better infrastructure, and are not incentivised to monetize your data in any way. In general, they tend to be more transparent and accountable because they have to earn the trust of their customers to keep them.
• A secure VPN. Turning on a VPN while using an IPTV service won’t do you much good if the VPN isn’t secure and private. Look for a VPN that prioritizes security, provides DNS leak protection, and uses strong encryption protocols. NordVPN, for example, employs NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol that offers powerful security without compromising on speed.
• A VPN with useful features. A good VPN is likely to offer you extra features that can enhance your online experience. For example, NordVPN offers an additional feature called Threat Protection Pro, a system that can block pop up ads and trackers and prevent you from accidentally loading a webpage known to spread malware.
• A well-reviewed VPN. To find a VPN with a track record of delivering for its users, look at review sites as well as customer reviews. Trusted VPNs will have reviews from their users, as well as tech publications and cybersecurity experts.

How to set up an IPTV VPN

Setting up an IPTV VPN is a simple process. Follow the steps below to get started.

1. Download a VPN application to the device you’re going to watch IPTV on. If your device doesn’t support VPN apps, you can configure your router to use a VPN server instead.
2. Log into your chosen VPN service or create an account if you haven’t already.
3. Select the server you want to connect to or, if like NordVPN the VPN you are using has a Quick Connect feature, use it to find the best available server.
4. Start watching IPTV! Your connection is now secured with a VPN.