Best VPN Nvidia Shield

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, securing your online presence is no longer a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come in. They effectively conceal your identity and location with military-grade encryption and reroute you through a global network of servers.

Now, envision combining this security with the versatility of Nvidia Shield. Suddenly, geo-restrictions become a thing of the past. While journeying abroad, you can effortlessly access the extensive American Netflix library or the UK-exclusive BBC iPlayer, empowering you with unrestricted content access.

Too pressed for time? We get it. Jump straight to our expertly curated summary of the best VPN service providers tailored for Nvidia Shield:

  1. NordVPN Our top recommendation for Nvidia Shield! Tons of servers and excellent connection speeds. Zero logs and strong encryption. Works with Netflix and other content streaming sites. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP: In our testing, we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Nvidia Shield.
  2. Surfshark Great budget choice for Nvidia Shield. A fast and versatile VPN that keeps no logs and provides a wealth of online security features. Unlimited simultaneous connections are supported.
  3. Total VPN Works with big-name platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Speedy servers in 85+ countries and easy-to-use apps with built-in leak protection.
  4. ProtonVPN Advanced VPN that’s strong on security and privacy. Perfect for streaming Netflix US and many other platforms. Ideal for secure torrenting. 
  5. ExpressVPN A great VPN with fast servers in 105+ countries. Has robust security, a strict no-logs policy, and is capable of securely accessing a wide range of popular streaming platforms.
  6. IPVanish Strong security, impressive connection speeds, and works great with Kodi. Strict no-logs policy and unlimited device connections.
  7. CyberGhost Huge network of servers perfect for accessing geo-blocked content on Nvidia Shield. Works with Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and plenty of other streaming sites.
  8. PureVPN Servers in 65+ countries and a choice of IPs across the US. Works to watch international TV platforms on Nvidia Shield. Allows 10 connections. 
  9. PrivateVPN Great for streaming and torrenting. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy make this a great VPN for secure internet traffic on Nvidia and other devices.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Nvidia Shield
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Nvidia Shield but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Nvidia Shield and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. This lets you use the VPN rated #1 for Nvidia Shield with no restrictions for a month. This is ideal for anyone hoping to access their home country's content as they travel.

There are no hidden termsjust contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't a good fit and you'll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How we selected the top Nvidia Shield VPNs

There are many VPNs on the market, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. They aren’t all safe or secure, and won’t all have the ability to access the services you want. But don’t worry, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you.

Since Nvidia Shield runs on Android TV, we’ve mainly looked at VPNs with Android TV apps on Google Play. In addition, we tested providers in the following areas:

  • Speed: To find out which providers were most suitable for streaming in high resolution, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in the US.
  • Streaming ability: To gauge providers’ overall streaming prowess, we compared the number of countries they supported, the size of their network, and their ability to unblock Netflix and other popular platforms.
  • Value for money: We all like getting a good deal, but it doesn’t always pay to base decisions solely on subscription costs. To comprehensively judge ‘value’, we measure providers against eight different value-for-money metrics.
  • Security and privacy: We used 16 different criteria for calculating providers’ security and privacy scores. This is a key area of importance, so we rejected any VPNs with low scores.
  • Ease of use: We gauged how easy each service is to use by evaluating it using 10 individual metrics, including the helpfulness of its customer support and the simplicity of the sign-up and cancellation processes.

You can read more about this testing process — and the results of those tests — in the methodology section below. But first, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that impressed us.

Best VPNs for Nvidia Shield: Our hands-on review

We’ve researched and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Would you prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN — our #1 choice for Nvidia Shield.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPureVPNPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Nvidia Shield123456789
Streaming ServicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
YouTube TV
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
YouTube TV
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
YouTube TV
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Total number of servers7,4253,2001,80012,660Undisclosed2,4008,000+6,000+200+
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TVWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
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Best VPNs for Nvidia Shield Streaming

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Nvidia Shield:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Aug 2025 Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.3 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.7 / 10
US speed: 10.0 / 10
Value for Money: 7.9 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our number-one choice VPN for Nvidia Shield. This veteran provider makes an Android TV app available from the Google Play Store, along with the alternative option to download the Android APK directly from its website. It’s also available on the Amazon App Store if you happen to use that as an alternative.

The provider offers exceptional performance, making it well-suited to tasks like streaming. In our tests, it delivered an average speed of 204.45 Mbps – roughly eight times what you’d need to watch 4K video without interruption.

We noted a high degree of consistency too; there was only a 3 Mbps difference between NordVPN’s fastest and slowest results.

NordVPN operates more than 7,900 servers in 126 countries. Finding the available options is easy, thanks to a handy map. Alternatively, users can scroll through the country list or use the search bar.

NordVPN's US servers.
NordVPN has almost 2,000 servers in the US.

In addition to its regular servers, the provider also has specialty servers for even greater security and privacy (though at a cost to download speed). Users can access the Tor network in a single click, establish a multi-hop connection, or obfuscate their traffic.

NordVPN's specialty servers.
Dedicated IP addresses are available for an additional fee.

NordVPN is excellent at unblocking a wide range of streaming platforms. In our tests, it worked with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Its smart DNS feature means you can use it with VPN-incompatible devices, too (though your connection won’t be encrypted).

Streaming Hulu using NordVPN.
Streaming Hulu using NordVPN.

Split tunneling is available, which means you can stream geo-restricted content from another country while using other apps with a regular internet connection. Other features include an ad, tracker and malware blocker; a kill switch; public Wi-Fi protection; and leak protection.

IP leak test.
NordVPN didn’t leak our UK-based IP address while connected.

NordVPN has a few connection protocols to choose from — two of which are its own. NordLynx is the best for using with Nvidia Shield, as it’s the fastest. However, if you’re trying to connect from a restrictive country, NordWhisper will obfuscate your traffic so that it can bypass VPN blocks.

NordVPN Connection settings.
NordVPN has multiple options for customizing your connection.

The provider adheres to a strict zero-logs policy, so it doesn’t record any information about what you do while connected. It has had independent audits to back up its claims. Furthermore, all of its VPN servers are RAM-only, meaning they can’t store any information long-term.

NordVPN is also available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. Users can connect up to ten devices at a time on a standard subscription. Router configuration is possible, which means you can protect every device on your home network while only using one of your ten allocated connections.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need a lightweight VPN with a fast, secure Android app
  • You’re looking to access geo-blocked streaming services
  • You’d prefer to have a ton of server locations to choose from
  • You want a provider that’s had its no-logs policy independently audited

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want full functional parity on all versions of the app

BEST VPN FOR NVIDIA SHIELD:NordVPN is our number one VPN choice. It’s versatile, fast, and security-conscious, making it ideal for Nvidia Shield users. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.1 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.0 / 10
US speed: 9.8 / 10
Value for Money: 8.1 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has an Android TV app that you’ll be able to find in your Nvidia Shield’s Google Play Store. It’s easy to use and works like a charm for accessing a range of geo-restricted content. In our tests, it worked with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming Hulu using Surfshark.
Streaming Hulu using Surfshark.

The provider also has a smart DNS service, so you can change your virtual location on VPN-incompatible devices. There’s no device connection limit, so you can stream on as many devices as you want.

Surfshark currently operates more than 3,200 in 100+ countries. Users can scroll through the available options or simply enter a country or city name in the search bar.

Surfshark's server list.
Only select countries have servers in more than one location.

Surfshark also has static IP addresses available in six countries, and the option to create multi-hop connections by choosing entry and exit servers. Dedicated IP addresses can be purchased when taking out a subscription.

Plans start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month, which is very reasonable. Although Surfshark might be a lower-cost option, it’s absolutely capable of standing side by side with the other providers in this list in terms of performance.

After a full day of testing, its average speed was a remarkable 201.8 Mbps — very nearly matching NordVPN. Needless to say, this is more than enough for live streaming and is ideal for families who all tend to use the internet at the same time.

This VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks to keep your data safe from prying eyes.

WebRTC leak test.
Surfshark passed the WebRTC leak test.

There’s also automatic ad, tracker, and malware blocking, and a NoBorders feature that lets you bypass country-wide internet restrictions.

Some of the more interesting features include the option of rotating your IP address without breaking the VPN connection and creating an online persona using the ID Generator tool.

The Alternative ID tool.
The ID-generation tool has addresses available in six countries.

Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, so your activities can’t be traced back to you. Its no-logs claims have been checked out by independent auditors.

Apps are available for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux — all of which have a full GUI. Manual configuration is possible for select home routers. If you have any questions, customer support is available via 24/7 live chat and email.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a budget-friendly VPN with superfast speeds
  • You’d like to connect all of your devices at once
  • You’re hoping to access several popular streaming platforms
  • Strong security is a must-have

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You browse the internet on your Shield and don’t want to see CAPTCHAs

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is a great value VPN choice that offers high-speed connections, powerful security features, a no-logs policy, and exceptional versatility at a very reasonable price. Best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.6 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.4 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.1 / 10
Streaming ability: 7.6 / 10
US speed: 8.2 / 10
Value for Money: 8.5 / 10

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN works well with a range of popular streaming services. In addition to being able to access multiple Netflix libraries (including the US, UK, JP, and FR), we used it with Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer without issue.

Streaming US Netflix using Total VPN.
Streaming US Netflix using Total VPN.

We had no trouble streaming in UHD, suggesting that Total VPN wasn’t overly slowing our connection down. To find out exactly what speeds we were getting, we carried out several tests while connected to the provider’s US servers.

The provider performed consistently well, with a difference of just 6.92 Mbps between its slowest and fastest results. Overall, it achieved an average of 184.47 Mbps — which is more than fast enough to stream UHD video on seven devices at the same time.

Servers are available in 85+ countries overall. Although this is fewer than the above VPNs, it includes some countries they don’t — most notably, China and Russia.

Total VPN’s apps make it easy for new users to establish a connection, and automatically protect their traffic using 256-bit AES encryption. Leak protection is built in, and there’s a kill switch to cut off internet access if the VPN connection is lost.

IP leak test.
Total VPN didn’t leak our UK-based IP address while we were connected to one of its servers in the US.

Total VPN’s subscriptions are great value, which is good news for those on a tight budget. The provider’s one-year plans cost the equivalent of $1.59 a month and come with free ad-blocking and antivirus software.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want port forwarding for more efficient torrenting and seeding
  • You need a budget-friendly service with bundled antivirus and ad blocker
  • You’re a beginner and want a very simple, clutter-free VPN app
  • You want a VPN with consistently fast servers

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need more than five simultaneous device connections

SECURE CONNECTIONS:Total VPN uses strong 256-bit AES encryption as standard and its apps come with built-in leak protection. It’s great for streaming and offer low-cost subscriptions that include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.3 / 10
Streaming ability: 9.3 / 10
US speed: 6.1 / 10
Value for Money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN has one of the largest networks of any provider, with more than 13,000 servers available in 122 countries. Users can pick a server location from the map on the app’s dashboard. Alternatively, they can choose between individual servers by expanding the drop-down menu next to each country in the server list.

The ProtonVPN dashboard.
ProtonVPN makes it easy to find servers.

ProtonVPN was developed by the creators of ProtonMail in Switzerland. It is a highly trusted and robust VPN that is feature-rich and benefits from Swiss data protection laws.

True to its reputation, ProtonVPN upholds a rigorous no-logging policy, which has undergone comprehensive audits. In addition, users can connect to ProtonVPN’s self-owned Secure Core servers. These provide an additional stop for VPN traffic in privacy-friendly countries, and prevent users’ location details being exposed if the primary VPN server is compromised. ProtonVPN has more than 100 Secure Core servers available, though it’s worth mentioning that using them will slow your connection down.

Speeds when using the regular servers are well above what you’ll need to stream, play games, or video call without interruption. In our tests, the provider achieved an average speed of 160.65 Mbps.

The VPN provides advanced apps for a variety of platforms, including an Android TV app you can install from the Google app store directly on your Nvidia Shield TV. It also has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Linux.

Features include AES encryption, multiple protocol choices, a stealth VPN, a system-level kill switch, obfuscation, and split tunneling. ProtonVPN is one of the few VPNs that allow port forwarding, making it a great choice for torrenters.

But what about streaming? During testing, the VPN provided access to multiple Netflix regions, British TV services, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. It undoubtedly works with many others too.

Streaming Hulu using ProtonVPN
Streaming Hulu using a ProtonVPN server in the US.

ProtonVPN is perhaps best known for its free offering, but if you’re looking to get the fastest speeds and full range of servers, you’ll want to upgrade to a paid plan. Longer-term subscriptions aren’t the cheapest. The rolling monthly contract, however, costs less than many other competing providers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like a VPN with a clean privacy record and proven zero-logs policy
  • You’re interested in accessing region-locked content abroad
  • You want high speeds, but also a powerful security toolkit
  • You want a choice of advanced features and customizable options

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for the cheapest VPN around

HIGHLY SECURE:ProtonVPN is an impressively secure and advanced VPN. Based in Switzerland, it has a no-logs policy, robust AES encryption, a kill switch, and obfuscation. Works to get an IP address in 122+ countries. Perfect for streaming Netflix US and many other platforms. Ideal for secure torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.2 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.0 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.2 / 10
Streaming ability: 8.9 / 10
US speed: 6.9 / 10
Value for Money: 7.0 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN makes an Android TV app that can be installed on Nvidia Shield right from the Google Play Store. If that’s not an option for some reason, you can download the APK installer file directly from the ExpressVPN website.

The provider has robust security and allows users to choose between the AES and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers when using its homegrown connection protocol, Lightway.

ExpressVPN protocol options
ExpressVPN uses the Lightway and OpenVPN protocols.

Other features include a kill switch and protection against ads, trackers, malicious sites, and adult sites. App-based split tunneling is available if you want to stream content from abroad while using other apps on your device with a normal internet connection.

The provider obfuscates traffic by default, making it a great option if you’re connecting from China, the UAE, or any other similarly restrictive countries. Leak protection is also enabled by default.

WebRTC leak test.
ExpressVPN passed the WebRTC leak test.

The provider has thousands of RAM-only servers available across 105 countries. While connected, users can safely stream content from dozens of countries, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Streaming Hulu using ExpressVPN.
Streaming Hulu using ExpressVPN.

According to our latest testing, this service boasted an average speed of 169.5 Mbps with less than 10 Mbps of variance across multiple tests.

Simply put, you’re not going to struggle when it comes to streaming, gaming, or browsing the web, no matter the time of day.

Apps are incredibly user-friendly, with a simple layout and intuitive design. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Unusually, the provider has an app for routers.

Subscriptions aren’t the cheapest, but you do get what you pay for — quick, stable connections and consistent access to geo-restricted content. Plans allow up to eight simultaneous device connections.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like a quick, reliable VPN that takes care of security for you
  • You want a provider with a large network
  • Your VPN has to work virtually anywhere in the world
  • You want knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You were hoping to bundle your VPN with other digital privacy software

FLAWLESS STREAMING:ExpressVPN boasts high speeds and strong security, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Works great with popular streaming platforms.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.1 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming ability: 8.5 / 10
US speed: 8.1 / 10
Value for Money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish’s Android TV app is available on Google Play, and an APK file is available as a backup option directly from IPVanish’s website.

This provider offers robust security and doesn’t keep any logs of what you do while connected to its servers. It has had third-party audits to verify its no-logs claims.

IPVanish has more than 2,400 servers in over 140 locations. Users can choose a location straight from the map on the app’s dashboard. For greater control, it’s best to use the country list. Here, it’s possible to choose between cities and then between individual servers based on their ping time and relative load.

IPVanish's US servers.
IPVanish has more than 1,000 servers in the US.

IPVanish has long been a favorite of Android and Shield users thanks to its sleek, remote-friendly app and steady performance. In our tests, the provider worked with all of the major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Hulu.

Streaming Hulu with IPVanish.
Streaming Hulu with IPVanish.

Speed-wise, the VPN was fast. In our tests, it delivered an average speed of 183.19 Mbps. This means that you’re not going to notice any issues while watching TV or streaming games from the cloud.

IPVanish is a fantastic streaming VPN for people who like to enjoy home TV on vacation or who want to access regional content to enjoy added online freedom. It’s also a favorite among Kodi users and works with all the Kodi add-ons we’ve tested.

Apps are easy to use but come with a fair amount of customization if you delve into the settings options. There’s a kill switch, public wi-fi and threat protection, split tunneling for apps and domains, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

DNS leak test.
IPVanish didn’t leak our DNS queries while connected.

Users can choose between the WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 connection protocols. WireGuard is the fastest, though the Scramble function — which obfuscates traffic — is only available when using OpenVPN.

IPVanish protocol options.
The Scramble function doesn’t work in China.

Users can connect an unlimited number of devices at a time, making IPVanish a good call for larger households. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Subscriptions start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month for a two-year plan.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a speedy, newcomer-friendly VPN that just works
  • You’d like to connect lots of devices simultaneously
  • Privacy and streaming are two of your top concerns

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for customizable security tools

COMBINE WITH KODI:IPVanish works great with Kodi addons and offers robust security on every connection. No connection or bandwidth limits. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.1 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.9 / 10
Streaming ability: 8.5 / 10
US speed: 6.8 / 10
Value for Money: 7.2 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost makes an app for Android TV that allows you to securely stream favorites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The provider has a dedicated streaming server list, which displays the platforms each server works with.

CyberGhost streaming servers.
CyberGhost has streaming servers for a huge number of US-based platforms.

These servers mean that there’s no need for trial-and-error experiments, messaging customer service, or searching the web to figure out which servers work with a particular online streaming service. We tried several of them, and they worked without fail.

Streaming Hulu with CyberGhost
Streaming Hulu using a CyberGhost server in the US.

In addition to its streaming servers, CyberGhost has a vast network of regular servers — more than 10,000 in 100+ countries. It also has servers for gaming and torrenting.

CyberGhost's server list.
A selection of CyberGhost’s regular servers.

We tested CyberGhost’s US servers three times and recorded an average speed of 168.46 Mbps. For context, that’s quick enough to comfortably stream six 4K videos at the same time.

It was also one of the more consistent services we saw, with all three tests within 5.07 Mbps of each other.

Users can choose between three connection protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is the best option for streaming, in our experience. Other features include a kill switch, public wi-fi protection, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection.

IP leak test.
CyberGhost didn’t leak our IP address in the UK while connected.

One of the provider’s more interesting features allows users to choose what happens when the app is launched. They can either select apps that cause CyberGhost to launch and connect (such as the Netflix app), or choose an app (such as a favored browser) to open when CyberGhost is launched.

CyberGhost's app rules.
CyberGhost can help ensure you don’t unwittingly connect to a streaming app without first being connected to a VPN server.

CyberGhost stores no logs of your activity or connections, and has had independent audits to prove it.

Users concerned about security and privacy can make use of CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers. These are housed in a Romanian data centre that’s owned and operated by CyberGhost. They offer increased bandwidth, a dedicated uplink, and are free from third-party interference.

CyberGhost's NoSpy servers.
NoSpy servers offer increased security and privacy.

In addition to Android TV, apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Users can connect up to seven devices at a time, which is a little below the average.

Subscriptions are competitively priced, with a two-year plan costing the equivalent of $2.19 a month. If you want to test the service out, plans include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like strong security and exceptional streaming ability
  • Lots of people share your connection, so speed is important to you
  • You’re looking for a general-purpose VPN with a robust Android app

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need your VPN to work in places like China

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is great for streaming, and it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.7 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.7 / 10
Streaming ability: 8.3 / 10
US speed: 5.9 / 10
Value for Money: 6.4 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is a low-cost VPN that is based in the British Virgin Islands. This ensures it is outside the jurisdiction of countries like the US, the UK, and the EU. Furthermore, it has a fully audited no-logs policy, meaning it won’t keep track of what you’re doing online.

The VPN service boasts a vast network of over 6,000 servers across more than 65 countries. Whichever server you choose, the provider will automatically obfuscate your traffic so that it can bypass VPN blocks — even in countries such as China.

Helpfully, the provider has a list of shortcuts, which provide easy access to a range of streaming platforms — an open the platform’s website at the same time.

PureVPN's shortcuts.
PureVPN makes it easy to find the right server for your favorite streaming platform.

During testing, we had no issues accessing BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Nvidia Shield users will be able to download PureVPN’s Android TV app from the Google Play store.

Streaming Hulu with IPVanish
Streaming Hulu while connected to an IPVanish server in the US.

In our tests, PureVPN’s average speed was 158.19 Mbps. While this doesn’t make it the fastest VPN on the market, it’s still head and shoulders above the majority of other services. Even if your whole family wants to watch TV at the same time, PureVPN can handle it. Here’s how well it performed at three times of day:

Despite being a highly affordable premium VPN, PureVPN does not compromise on privacy and security. It provides robust protection against government censorship, online surveillance, and security risks on public Wi-Fi networks.

Its features include strong AES encryption, various protocol options, a kill switch, a tracker blocker, split tunneling, and leak protection.

IP leak test.
PureVPN didn’t leak our IP address in the UK while connected.

Users can also choose to have the provider monitor the dark web for evidence of their personal details being leaked — though this is only available with the Max plan.

Torrenting is supported across PureVPN’s network, and it offers port forwarding as an optional paid feature. Subscription options include an impressive five-year deal, which costs the equivalent of $2.16 a month. If you’d like to test the VPN with your Nvidia Shield, take advantage of the provider’s 31-day money-back guarantee.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want high speeds and the ability to access lots of streaming apps safely
  • You demand first-class security at an affordable price
  • You need a simple, novice-friendly app and 24/7 customer support

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • Doesn’t include a built-in ad-blocker

UNBEATABLE VALUE:PureVPN has servers in 65+ countries to let you get an IP address on any continent. A choice of IPs across the US makes it great for bypassing blackout games or watching US services abroad. Strong AES encryption and a kill switch. Works to watch international TV platforms on Nvidia Shield. Fully audited, no logging policy. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

PureVPN Coupon
83% off + 6 months free on 2 year Max plan
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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.1 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.2 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.6 / 10
Streaming ability: 6.3 / 10
US speed: 1.0 / 10
Value for Money: 6.5 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN’s Android TV app is the same as the phone app, but it works fine on both big and small screens. An APK file is available from the website in case Google Play is not available for some reason.

The provider has a great reputation for streaming and works with numerous international Netflix libraries, as well as other big-name platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming Hulu using PrivateVPN.
Streaming Hulu using PrivateVPN.

PrivateVPN is also a good call if you do a lot of torrenting, as it allows port forwarding (most VPNs don’t). It also has static IP addresses available in 15 countries. Most VPNs don’t offer this service, which can be useful for those hosting game servers.

The provider has a relatively small server network, though its presence in 63 countries means you should be able to connect to your country of choice.

PrivateVPN's server list.
Some countries may occasionally become unavailable if their servers go down.

The software includes a kill switch, a Stealth mode that obfuscates traffic, and IPv6 and DNS leak protection.

IP leak test.
PrivateVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 address while connected.

PrivateVPN doesn’t store any logs of your activity or connection. It uses robust AES-256 encryption, though it allows users to switch to a 128-bit key if they want a fast connection speed. This option is only available while using the Advanced View of the app.

PrivateVPN's Advanced View.
Users can choose between connection protocols while in the Advanced View of the app.

Those new to VPN software will want to stick with the Simple view, which contains all you need to quickly establish a connection.

PrivateVPN's Simple View.
The Simple View of the PrivateVPN app is great for those with no VPN experience.

In our tests for this article, PrivateVPN delivered an average speed of 95.57 Mbps. This is impressive when compared to most other providers but quite a bit lower than the rest of our top picks. All the same, it’s up to the task of streaming video and games, so Nvidia Shield users don’t have anything to worry about. The full speed test results are shown below:

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time on a standard subscription. These start at the equivalent of $2 a month, which is great value — particularly as there are three-year plans available.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like a beginner-friendly service that does everything reasonably well
  • You’re mostly using a VPN to hide your online activities from snoopers
  • You’d like inexpensive long-term protection

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to thousands of servers around the world
  • Speed is your top concern

KEEP IT SIMPLE:PrivateVPN offers an intuitive and straightforward app with all the powerful features you would expect from a much larger provider. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

PrivateVPN Coupon
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
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Recent VPN Product Updates

Staying current with VPN developments helps us provide accurate recommendations. Here are the most important recent changes:

NordVPN

  • Connection reliability strengthened through intelligent reconnection (June 2025)
  • Team productivity boosted with Meshnet’s drag-and-drop file sharing (June 2025)
  • Personal security expanded with 50-email Dark Web monitoring (June 2025)
  • Malware protection elevated via Threat Protection Pro upgrade (May 2025)
  • Linux usability enhanced with graphical user interface release (May 2025)

Surfshark

  • Next-generation Nexus technology unveiled with SDN foundation (February 2025)
  • Split-tunneling freedom delivered through universal Bypasser deployment (April 2025)
  • Geographic flexibility increased with seven new dedicated IP cities, including Istanbul, Warsaw, and Las Vegas (April 2025)
  • Linux integration streamlined through Flatpak distribution (October 2024)
  • iOS functionality expanded with Bypasser feature addition (October 2024)

Total VPN

  • Apple ecosystem completed with tvOS app availability
  • Android reliability maximized through “always on” killswitch
  • Apple device automation via “connect on demand” functionality
  • Speed optimization achieved through WireGuard universal deployment

Proton VPN

  • Big-screen privacy delivered through Apple TV app development (October 2024)
  • Internet protocol advancement via IPv6 support in extensions and Linux (2024)
  • Online safety strengthened through NetShield anti-phishing upgrade (Spring 2025)
  • Entertainment options multiplied with support for nearly 100 streaming services (Spring 2025)

ExpressVPN

  • Cutting-edge hardware compatibility via Windows Copilot+ support (September 2024)
  • American privacy protection enhanced with Identity Defender launch (November 2024)
  • Account management streamlined with deletion process improvements (March 2025)

IPVanish

  • Premium offerings expanded through Advanced plan with browser and storage solutions (October 2024)
  • User feedback streamlined via dedicated suggestions and ideas section (February 2025)
  • Security awareness improved with QR code link verification tool (April 2025)

How to download and set up a VPN on Nvidia Shield

Nvidia Shield runs on Android TV, which is a TV-compatible version of the Android operating system used on many of today’s smartphones. Android TV has its own partitioned section of the Google Play Store, which means a smaller selection of apps than you’d get for a phone.

Some of the VPNs we recommend have apps specifically for Android TV that you can use on Nvidia Shield. Others will allow you to download an APK installer file directly from the VPN provider’s website. We’ll show you how to install both below:

If your VPN app is available on Google Play for Android TV:

  1. On your Shield, open the Google Play Store from the Apps section of the home screen.
  2. Search for the name of your VPN. It should show up in the search results.
  3. Select your VPN from the list to open its app page. If there are multiple VPNs with the same name, make sure to check which is the official version.
  4. Select Install.
  5. Accept the app permissions to complete the installation.

You can now open the app from the home screen and sign in. Just select a location and hit Connect to get started.

If your VPN doesn’t make an Android TV app, or Google Play is not an option, grab a USB flash drive and follow these instructions:

  1. On a PC or Macbook, open a web browser and go to your VPN provider’s website.
  2. Download the Android APK file for your VPN app onto a USB flash drive. If you cannot find the download page, consult your provider’s customer service.
  3. Safely eject the flash drive from your computer once the download is complete.
  4. On your Shield, go to Settings > Security and Restrictions.
  5. Toggle on Unknown sources. Press OK when a warning appears.
  6. From the home screen, open Google Play (or whatever alternative app store you have access to, e.g. Amazon).
  7. Search for and select ES File Explorer or FX File Explorer. Either one should work.
  8. On the app page, select Install and Accept the app permissions.
  9. Insert your USB flash drive into the Shield.
  10. Open the file explorer app you just installed and navigate to your USB drive or media card.
  11. Open the APK file you downloaded from your VPN provider’s website.
  12. When the installation finishes, select Open.

You can now use the Android app on your Shield. Note that this version of the app is probably made for phones and not TVs, so navigating the interface might not be so intuitive. You should be able to sign in and connect to a server, though.

How to stop buffering on Nvidia Shield

Several things can cause buffering on an Nvidia Shield. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to help you find and solve the problem:

  • Check your internet speed. You’ll need at least 5 Mbps of download bandwidth to stream video from many services. VPNs can also slow down your internet, so if you find that buffering increases while connected to the VPN, try a different server or provider. An Ethernet connection will usually offer faster and more reliable speeds than Wi-Fi. If you’re using an ethernet connection, be sure to toggle the Ethernet switch on in the settings.
  • Update your Nvidia Shield and applications. Older versions of streaming apps and the Nvidia Shield operating system (Android) might struggle to stream efficiently. Be sure your OS and apps are all up to date. If apps aren’t set to update automatically, you can update them through the Google Play Store. Some users have found success in reinstalling troublesome apps.
  • Disable or modify apps that affect internet routing. VPNs, pi-hole, custom DNS servers, ad blockers, and other apps that affect your internet connection can interfere with playback. Try turning them off and on again, one by one, to narrow down the culprit.
  • Reboot. Completely reboot the Nvidia Shield; don’t just put it into sleep mode. Likewise, you can reboot your wi-fi router and internet modem.
  • Reset the Shield. When all else fails, perform a factory reboot on the shield.

Shield TV versus standard NVIDIA Shield

The Shield TV is a newer, more compact version of the NVIDIA Shield. It’s sort of like the Amazon Fire TV stick compared to the Fire TV Cube—a more compact unit at the cost of performance.

Any VPN that works on Nvidia SHIELD should work just the same on Shield TV. But note that the Shield TV’s lower specs could mean it could struggle to encrypt and decrypt data in transit. That could result in more buffering when using a VPN.

VPNs for Nvidia Shield FAQ

Can I use a free VPN with Nvidia Shield?

You might find a few free VPN apps in the Google Play Store, but we don’t recommend them. Free VPNs tend to have congested servers that are too slow for streaming video, and data caps and bandwidth limits lead to interrupted videos.

Free VPNs often make money by harvesting your data and selling it to third-party advertisers, which contradicts the privacy that a good VPN should provide. Some, particularly on Android, even carry malware.

Stick with a paid VPN for a more seamless experience, faster speeds, better privacy, and ready customer support.

Can I install apps on Nvidia Shield?

Yes! You can install Android TV apps from Google Play or sideload apps yourself using the same instructions listed above for VPNs.

Which Nvidia Shield should I buy?

The Nvidia Shield comes in two flavors: standard and Pro. They are the same, save for a few upgrades built into the Pro version, including more RAM and internal storage. The Pro version also has two USB ports, which the standard version lacks. Your chosen one depends on your needs, but both should work equally well with VPN apps.

What should I do if my VPN isn’t working with NVIDIA Shield?

There could be several reasons that a VPN might not function properly on NVIDIA Shield.

Some third-party software, such as the ad-blocker Blokada, has been known to block VPN connections. You might need to disable or uninstall conflicting apps.

If you got your Vapp from a source besides Google Play, you might be using an outdated version, which can cause connection issues. You must sideload the latest version or switch to the Google Play version.

Updates to apps or the Shield itself could cause slow or dropped connections. In such a scenario, we recommend you alert your VPN’s customer service and wait for a fix.

What if my VPN provider doesn't have an Android app?

If your VPN provider doesn’t have an Android app, don’t worry; you still have options.

First, you can manually set up the VPN on your Android device. Just go to your settings, find the VPN section, and input your VPN provider’s server data and login details. However, this might only support some protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party app like OpenVPN or WireGuard. You’ll need to download some configuration files from your VPN provider and import them into the app.

Lastly, Android’s built-in VPN client supports PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPSec protocols. You can manually set up a connection if your VPN provider supports these.

Remember, the best method depends on your VPN provider and the protocols they support. Always follow their instructions for a secure, stable connection.

See also: Best VPNs for Kodi