Best VPNs for Apple TV

Whether you want on-demand video or live TV streams, you can’t go wrong with Apple TV, and the addition of a VPN allows you to unlock its full potential. In this article, we’ll look at the most compatible and best VPNs for Apple TV. We’ll also provide simple, clear instructions for how to set up a VPN on Apple TV.

One issue with Apple TV is that iTunes content varies widely from country to country. Plus, if you take your Apple TV out of the country where your iTunes account and payment method are registered, you could run into geographic restrictions on the content you’re allowed to access. Luckily, you can bypass these issues and unblock geo-restricted content from anywhere with a VPN.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for Apple TV, answer some common VPN questions, and provide a step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN on Apple TV. We’ll give detailed reviews of each of the providers we recommend later on, but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary of the top choices.

The best Apple TV VPNs:

  1. NordVPN The best VPN for Apple TV. Works with all kinds of services and streaming platforms and has plenty of security benefits. Great speeds make it a solid option for streaming, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Apple TV.
  2. Surfshark A great budget VPN for Apple TV with advanced functionality. Has apps for all types of streaming devices and allows unlimited connections. Works with Disney Plus, Netflix, and more.
  3. IPVanish Great for online privacy, with strong encryption and a no-logs policy. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Fast speeds, ideal for streaming.
  4. ExpressVPN High-speed servers in over 100 countries. Provides strong security and strong unblocking capabilities for Apple TV.
  5. CyberGhost A huge server network. Very fast speeds perfect for streaming and allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support.
  6. Private Internet Access Strong security and fast speeds. It has over 30,000 servers globally, has no connection limits, and includes 24/7 support.
  7. PrivateVPN Small but popular service with fast speeds and excellent unblocking abilities. Has plenty of advanced features that are great for Apple TV.
  8. PureVPN: Lets you stream safely, and works well to access geo-blocked platforms, including Apple TV, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others.
  9. ProtonVPN: Apps come with a kill switch, obfuscation, multi-hop, and AES encryption. Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, and it includes port forwarding.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for Apple TV
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Apple TV 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 Apple TV and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

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How we selected the top Apple TV VPNs

There are so many VPNs on the market that it can be tricky to separate the good ones from the pretenders. To take the guesswork out of it for you, we curated this list of the best VPNs for Apple TV 4, 3, and 1 based on the following criteria:

  • Wide range of servers located in most countries where Apple TV is supported
  • High speed and unlimited bandwidth for HD and 4K streams
  • Quick and competent customer support if you need help
  • Strong privacy policy and encryption suite
  • Bonus if a pre-flashed VPN router is available for purchase

This is just a glimpse into our rating process, but if you would like to know more about the criteria we used to put this list together, we explain it further in our methodology section below.

Best VPNs for Apple TV: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Apple TV.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivate Internet AccessPureVPNProton VPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPrivateInternetAccess.comPureVPN.comprotonvpn.com
Ranking for Apple TV12345678
Streaming servicesNetflix
Hulu
HBO
Sling TV
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Hulu
HBO
Sling TV
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Sling TV
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
Netflix
Hulu
HBO
Sling TV
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Hulu
HBO
Sling TV
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Hulu
Netflix
Hulu
Netflix
Hulu
Simultaneous Connections10UnlimitedUnlimited87Unlimited10Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, RoutersWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps400 Mbps100+ Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.99
74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months
$1.99
87% OFF + 4 months free
$6.49
Best MONTHLY deal
$4.99
SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!
$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free
$1.99
85% off the 5-yr standard plan
$4.49
SAVE 55% on a 2-year plan

The best Apple TV VPNs

At Comparitech, we aim to give you the most accurate and useful recommendations possible. To do that, our team personally uses every VPN and tests them for compatibility, performance, and ease of setup. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Apple TV:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Dec 2024 Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our number-one choice VPN for Apple TV. It has a strong track record with Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Go, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among many others. Just consult the online knowledge base to find out which servers work for which channels. You’ll get a whopping 10 simultaneous devices for streaming on a single subscription. Over 100 countries are available to connect to, and each server is guarded by strong 256-bit encryption.

NordVPN features an encrypted DNS proxy tool called SmartDNS, which assists in unblocking geo-locked content. This can be used separately from the main VPN service but does require using the VPN app, meaning it can’t be configured by itself on a router. You’ll still need to go through the full VPN setup on a router instead.

NordVPN sells pre-flashed DD-WRT routers that come pre-configured with all the servers you’ll need to unblock content on your Apple TV. The NordVPN knowledge base also has several detailed tutorials on how to manually set up an existing VPN-compatible router.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.99
74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months

Pros:

  • Works perfectly with Apple TV
  • Vast server network capable of unblocking most popular streaming content
  • Faster than any of its rivals
  • Trusted provider that doesn’t skimp on security or privacy features
  • Has 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes a little getting used to

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR APPLE TV:NordVPN is our first choice. A highly versatile service that works perfectly with Apple TV. Strong security features and allows up to 10 devices. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review here, or watch our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark offers both a VPN and a smart DNS service as part of its standard subscription. You can either configure the VPN on a router or change your Apple TV’s default DNS servers to those of Surfshark. Although this doesn’t provide the same level of security as the VPN, smart DNS will allow you to safely stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu from abroad.

To use the smart DNS service, you must verify your IP address on the Surfshark website while being connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices at once, which makes it a great budget option to share with family or roommates. 24/7 live chat support is available.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$1.99
87% OFF + 4 months free

Pros:

  • Includes a standalone smart DNS service
  • Unlimited connected devices
  • Generally high speeds
  • Plenty of security features
  • Great for streaming Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer

Cons:

  • Occasional slow server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is great value and lets you connect as many devices as you want. The standalone smart DNS service is compatible with Apple TV, no router setup is required! Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish offers sturdy and fast VPN connections to its owned and operated network of 2,000 servers spread across more than 90 locations. A favorite among the Kodi community, IPVanish will work with any Kodi add-on you can throw at it. IPVanish also works with an extremely varied catalog of streaming services, including Apple TV, the UK’s BBC iPlayer, Germany’s ARD Mediathek, and Max in the US.

IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections, uses military-grade encryption, and keeps zero logs of users’ online activity. It uses private DNS servers and has DNS leak protection built in.

If you prefer a router, IPVanish has detailed instructions on how to set up VPNs on common router firmware on its website. If your router isn’t compatible or you’re just not confident in your networking abilities, IPVanish sells pre-flashed DD-WRT routers that come with everything you need already in place.

IPVanish speed test data

No valueIPVanish
WebsiteIPVanish.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)277 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)237 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)352 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.49
Best MONTHLY deal

Pros:

  • Works great with Apple TV and other streaming platforms
  • Impressive server speeds
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Popular with Kodi users and Torrenters
  • Strong security and privacy protocols

Cons:

  • Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member
  • No split tunneling on Mac or iOS
  • Lacks some advanced features (multi-hop, Tor over VPN)

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

PROTECT ALL YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish is a great family choice as it allows unlimited connections. A favorite for Kodi users, it also works with a varied catalog of streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN can securely access pretty much anything. That includes US and UK Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and HBO Now/Go. Simply ask the 24/7 live chat support which VPN server to connect to for your preferred streaming channel. Over 3,000 servers are littered across 100+ countries. ExpressVPN always scores well in our speed tests and only uses the strongest encryption parameters, including perfect forward secrecy.

The provider allows its subscribers to utilize its smart DNS proxy service with or without connecting to a VPN. Called MediaStreamer, this service allows you to send DNS requests through a proxy service and unblock geo-locked content without actually connecting to a VPN. This is especially useful for Apple TV owners because the device does support changing the default DNS settings. More on how to set this up below.

If MediaStreamer isn’t enough and you want a full VPN to use with your Apple TV, ExpressVPN also makes its own custom router firmware. If you’ve got a compatible router, you can flash the firmware for free. Or you can purchase a pre-flashed router directly from ExpressVPN. The router firmware is already set up to be used with any ExpressVPN server, and it’s far simpler to operate than the competing DD-WRT and Tomato-based firmware.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$4.99
SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans

Pros:

  • Works seamlessly with Apple TV
  • Consistent high speeds for streaming in HD
  • Unblocks all major streaming services
  • Servers in 100+ countries
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Slightly pricier than other options on this list
  • Doesn’t offer much control over advanced functionality

Our score:

4 out of 5

GREAT FOR APPLE TV:ExpressVPN is fast and privacy-conscious. This makes it ideal for streaming Apple TV from abroad. It even includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a vast network of servers (over 10,000 in 100+ countries). As such, it’s ideally placed to help you access a wide range of region-locked content. We’ve successfully tested it with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs you can use, which means that any streaming you do on Apple TV will be seamless with little to no lag or buffering.

While Smart TVs like Samsung and LG don’t support VPN apps, you can use CyberGhost VPN with Apple TV by setting it up on your router. Too complicated? You also have the option of purchasing a router that has CyberGhost pre-installed. Once connected, you’ll benefit from CyberGhost’s comprehensive security in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. It also operates a strict no-logs policy.

CyberGhost can be manually configured to work with compatible routers. Alternatively, it offers apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). Apps can also be downloaded for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV, while browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox.

CyberGhost speed test review

No valueCyberGhost
WebsiteCyberghost.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)449 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)269 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)167 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!

Pros:

  • Huge server network (more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries)
  • Very fast server speeds for seamless streaming
  • Works with Apple TV via a router connection
  • Strong security with encryption and a no-logs policy

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work well in China
  • No app for routers

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

IMPRESSIVE NETWORK:CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers in all and provides very fast speeds for streaming lag-free on Apple TV. Compatible with select Wi-Fi routers. No-logs service with 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access is a smart choice for Apple TV customers, with over 30,000 servers spanning 90+ countries, meaning you’ll always find a server nearby. Speeds with PIA are fantastic, and thanks to its WireGuard support, your streaming experience will be fast enough for HD viewing.

PIA includes many optional settings, including adjusting encryption levels for when you’re streaming – further increasing speeds. It has desktop, mobile, game consoles, and streaming apps. As with most modern VPNs, PIA uses AES encryption, but it also offers a built-in kill switch, an ad blocker, and a malware blocker. It uses DNS leak protection to keep your activities watertight and operates a zero-log policy.

Support is available 24/7 via live chat, and all plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access speed data test

No valuePrivate Internet Access
WebsitePrivateInternetAccess.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)93 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)58 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)200 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free

Pros:

  • Has no connection limits
  • Built-in blocker takes care of ads and trackers
  • Fast enough for HD streaming

Cons:

  • Easily detected by some streaming providers
  • It is subject to requests from the Five Eyes Alliance

Our score:

4 out of 5

ADJUSTABLE ENCRYPTION:Private Internet Access includes an unlimited connection limit, WireGuard support, and apps for all major platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is looking to make a name for itself in the crowded VPN market by offering a fast service that works well with US Netflix and a wide array of other streaming channels. The server selection is a bit more limited than others on this list, but it more than makes up for that in other ways. Connect up to ten devices at the same time on a single account, and enjoy top-of-the-line encryption whenever you connect. PrivateVPN does not log any information about how customers use its service.

PrivateVPN’s website posts tutorials on how to configure the service on a Tomato or DD-WRT router. The company recently switched over to using its own private DNS servers instead of public ones, which is a marked improvement, but they can’t be used separately from the VPN service.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • Decent streaming speeds work well with Apple TV
  • Works with popular streaming sites, including US Netflix
  • Privacy and security are top-notch

Cons:

  • Other providers have more server selection options
  • No live chat

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is easy to use. Allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Fast VPN connections but could do with having more servers to choose from. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN is extremely enticing for Apple TV users looking for a budget-friendly VPN. It is priced at just $1.96 per month and provides a lot of useful features for Apple TV. You can use it to access regional content across 65 countries, including popular international streaming services like BBC iPlayer or US streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube TV, and others.

The VPN’s ability to bypass regional restrictions also allowed us to access servcies in Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and the UK – proof that it works with a wide variety of services from around the globe. PureVPN’s integration of the WireGuard protocol makes it fast for streaming in HD on your Apple TV. It also makes it suitable for gaming and torrenting.

PureVPN has robust AES encryption, meaning it provides watertight privacy and protection against hackers on public wifi. The apps feature a no-logs policy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. These features mean you can use it to bypass blocks at work without being tracked.

Port forwarding is available for an extra cost, so if you need it for torrenting it’s available. Apple TV users can take advantage of the 31-day money-back guarantee to check that it works with any streaming services they want to use. The only real drawback is that the live chat support is a bit slow to respond.

PureVPN speed test data

Pros:

  • Fast connections to stream on Apple TV
  • Works with HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and many others
  • Servers in 65+ countries

Cons:

  • Support is a bit slow
  • Port forwarding costs extra

Our score:

4 out of 5

LOW COST:PureVPN lets you bypass blocks, torrent safely, and access foreign TV streams with your Apple TV. It works to watch Netflix, ABC, ESPN, Hulu, HBO Max, and many other US services on vacation. Protects you against hackers on public wifi. The VPN is low-cost and offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN Works with Apple TVTested Dec 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.protonvpn.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and upholds a robust no-logging policy. The VPN is fast and has servers in 85 countries, making it an ideal choice for Apple TV users seeking to access a wide range of international streaming services. Its US servers are particularly useful for Apple TV users wanting to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Sling TV, ESPN, and other popular platforms from abroad.

The VPN is versatile, supporting major operating systems like Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. You can also set it up to work with your Apple TV using a virtual hotspot or a router-installed VPN connection.

ProtonVPN’s apps include AES encryption, a kill switch, and multiple protocol options, providing secure streaming on Apple TV. The inclusion of advanced features such as obfuscation and split tunneling enhances its usefulness for torrenting – making it an excellent all-rounder.

Its robust security works to protect against ISP snooping, government surveillance, and public wifi vulnerabilities, making it a safe choice for Apple TV users in restrictive countries.

With the WireGuard protocol, ProtonVPN promises high-speed connections, ensuring smooth streaming and gaming, and you can test its performance risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

ProtonVPN speed test data

No valueProton VPN
Websiteprotonvpn.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)390 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)306 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)295 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$4.49
SAVE 55% on a 2-year plan

Pros:

  • Excellent speeds for streaming on Apple TV
  • Works to access US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
  • Strong encryption and a no-logs policy

Cons:

  • A touch expensive
  • Might not be the best for beginners

Our score:

4 out of 5

STRONG PRIVACY:ProtonVPN is a fast VPN ideal for streaming on Apple TV. It has a choice of US servers to stream Netflix. Hulu, and HBO Max. Also works with international streaming platforms. Apps come with a kill switch, obfuscation, multi-hop, and AES encryption. Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, and it includes port forwarding. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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How we found the best VPNs for Apple TV: our methodology

We test each VPN for ourselves to get a better understanding of what is and isn’t offered. Our methodology for finding the best VPNs for Apple TV involves looking into the following features:

  • Servers worldwide: A quality VPN offers servers in dozens of countries globally. This ensures that whatever your location, you’ll be able to find a fast server close to your physical location. It also makes it that much easier to connect to a server in the country in which specific Apple TV content is available.
  • Speed: Of course, streaming content on Apple TV requires a VPN with good server speeds. To ensure we found the fastest VPNs for Apple TV, we carried out speed tests. All of those selected are more than fast enough for streaming in high definition and, in most cases, 4K. Each VPN also includes unlimited bandwidth.
  • Unblocking: Apple TV content varies from country to country. Indeed, there are many geo-restricted websites and services you’re likely to come across. We’ve looked for those VPNs that not only work with Apple TV but a wide range of popular streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max.
  • Security: One of the main benefits of a VPN is security. This should come in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The best VPNs for Apple TV tick all of these boxes. However, some offer even more comprehensive protection with an ad blocker or Double VPN servers.
  • Privacy: Having looked at over 140 VPN logging policies, we’ve found those that best protect your privacy. This means not keeping any logs by which you can be identified. With some VPNs, you even have the option of signing up anonymously (using a burner email account) and paying in Bitcoin.
  • Ease of use: Not every VPN makes it easy for you to connect to a server or configure your settings. Of course, this becomes all the more complicated when you’re manually installing your Apple TV VPN on your Wi-Fi router. We’ve looked for user-friendly VPNs with 24/7 support and plenty of setup and troubleshooting guides.
  • Value for money: Some VPNs that fail to offer some of the above actually work out to be more expensive than those we’ve recommended. Indeed, we feel that the best VPNs for Apple TV are particularly good value with their money-back guarantees. In fact, you can save even more by making use of our VPN discount coupons.

In order to find out if a VPN offers the above, we spend extensive time with it. As part of our VPN testing methodology, each VPN is tested in areas such as server speed, security, and even customer support.

VPNs to avoid with Apple TV

VPN Book

VPN Book is a free VPN service that offers free OpenVPN configuration files for its network of servers. The company is extremely opaque in its privacy policy, and it’s not clear who is behind the service. Not long ago, hacking collective Anonymous warned that VPN Book is a honeypot for law enforcement. At any rate, the VPN servers you find here aren’t going to be fast or reliable enough to use with an Apple TV.

Hola

Hola is a peer-to-peer proxy service that uses the idle bandwidth on users’ devices to power its network. So, instead of connecting to a VPN server owned by the company, you connect to other Hola users’ computers. Likewise, other users connect to your computer when you’re not using it. This has serious privacy and security implications, and Hola itself exploited its users in the past. It once hijacked every user on its network to create a massive botnet and used it to carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on websites. If that’s not an abuse of user trust, we’re not sure what is.

How to set up a VPN with Apple TV

Because Apple TVs don’t natively support VPN connections, the next best thing is to install the VPN on your home router and then connect the Apple TV to that router’s Wi-Fi network. How you do this depends on your router’s firmware and level of expertise. You have two main options: a physical router and a virtual router.

Setting up an Apple TV VPN on a physical router

Some routers support VPN connections, and some don’t. You can log into your router dashboard by opening a web browser, typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and entering your user credentials. If you’re not sure what your credentials are, consult your ISP, router manual or Google the default username and password for your particular router model.

Once you make it to the dashboard, look around for a way to set up a VPN connection. If none exists, you can potentially replace the firmware with an open-source alternative that does support VPNs. Our two recommendations are DD-WRT and Tomato. We’ve got setup instructions for DD-WRT here. But be warned: you must use the correct version of firmware that is compatible with your specific router. If done improperly or with incompatible firmware, you could permanently damage the router.

If that sounds intimidating or your router isn’t compatible with Tomato or DD-WRT, consider purchasing a pre-flashed router from your VPN service provider. Pre-flashed VPN routers come configured with all of your VPN providers’ servers right out of the box. From our list above, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and IPVanish all sell pre-configured routers, and NordVPN is probably the best.

Setting up an Apple TV VPN on a virtual router

Setting up a VPN on a virtual router is much less daunting than doing so on a physical router, but you will need a spare laptop lying around to get it working. A virtual router uses your laptop’s existing hardware to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for other nearby devices. By connecting to a VPN and then broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal, your Apple TV can share the laptop’s VPN-protected internet connection.

We’ve got tutorials on how to set up a VPN-enabled virtual router on Windows and MacOS.

A third option: DNS proxy

Another option for Apple TV users who want to unblock geo-locked content is a DNS proxy, or smart DNS. This doesn’t provide the security or online privacy of an encrypted VPN tunnel, but it does work if you just want to unblock certain streaming video content services.

DNS, or domain name system, translates the domain names for apps and websites into server IP addresses. Whenever you open a website in your browser, for example, a DNS request is sent to a DNS server, and that DNS server finds the appropriate IP address for the web server hosting the site. By default, DNS requests are usually sent to your ISP’s servers, which are located in your home country. Many video streaming websites check where DNS requests come from to identify a user’s location.

By forcing your Apple TV to send DNS requests to a different server in another country, the content on these websites can be unblocked. It won’t slow down your connection like a full-on VPN, but it’s not quite as private or foolproof as a VPN, either.

Apple TVs come with built-in support for users who want to hardcode their own DNS servers. NordVPN’s SmartDNS or ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature is perfect for this, as it lets you use the VPN service’s DNS servers separately from the VPN itself.

Here’s how to set DNS servers on Apple TV 4 and later:

  1. On the Main menu, click Settings > Network
  2. Find your current network. Select Configure DNS > Manual
  3. Enter the DNS address from MediaStreamer or whatever DNS provider you’re using. It should be a string of numbers and decimals.
  4. Select Done
  5. Restart Apple TV

And that’s it! This method works particularly well for bigger players that use CDNs to provide content. But how successful it is depends on your DNS provider. We recommend SmartDNS, which comes at no extra charge with every NordVPN subscription.

Smart DNS proxy on Apple TV 3rd gen or older

Setting up a smart DNS proxy on older models of Apple TV is slightly different than newer models. First, you may need to change your location settings.

  1. Go to Settings > iTunes Store > Location
  2. Select the United States or whatever country you want to unblock content from

Once that’s done, it’s time to set up the DNS servers.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Network
  2. Select your current network interface: Wi-Fi or Ethernet
  3. Select Configure DNS > Manual
  4. Enter the DNS address from MediaStreamer or whatever DNS provider you’re using. It should be a string of numbers and decimals. Confirm with Done.
  5. A restart is required for changes to take effect. Go to Settings > General > Restart.

Note that the smart DNS proxy service you use may require additional steps to register your device’s IP address with the service. The exact setup process varies from service to service but is generally not that difficult; just follow the instructions on your VPN provider’s website.

What to do if your Apple TV VPN isn’t working

Having trouble getting your VPN to work on your Apple TV? No problem: there are a few simple steps you can take to resolve the most common issues. The guide below will explain how to troubleshoot your VPN and get up and running as soon as possible.

  1. First, it’s a good idea to ensure your VPN is working properly. Begin by visiting our IP address checker with the VPN turned off. Then, connect to a server in a different country and refresh the page. You should find that your location has changed. If not, try a different server or reinstall the VPN. 
  2. If you’re sharing your VPN connection from another device using a virtual router, ensure your Apple TV is connected to the newly created network, not your regular one.
  3. Your Smart DNS service may also cause your problem. These usually only work with US streaming services and won’t help you access platforms from other countries. If that’s what you want, you’ll have to use one of the other methods discussed earlier in this post.
  4. Sometimes, settings won’t fully take effect until you restart the device. Just turn your Apple TV off and on, then check again to see if this fixes the issue.
  5. If none of the above steps have helped, we’d recommend contacting your VPN’s support team directly. Staff will be able to walk you through the installation process from start to finish over live chat.

Installing Kodi on Apple TV

Kodi can be installed on Apple TVs 2, 3, and 4. The free and open-source home theater software requires a bit of work to get up and running, but it can be done. We’ll show you a few different ways to do it in our tutorial on how to install Kodi on Apple TV.

We strongly recommend the use of a VPN whenever using Kodi on any device, be it an Apple TV or some other set-top box. This will prevent your ISP from snooping on your activity and throttling bandwidth. A VPN will also help prevent hackers from carrying out common attacks on the Kodi platform.

Apple TV countries

Apple TV offers the most features and functionality to US users by far. The search function, for instance, will scan about 98 content providers in the US. When in Canada, a distant second, it only scans 36.

Apple TV+ is available in the following countries, but available content varies from country to country:

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia. Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan,
Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

Siri is also limited to the following countries and languages:

  • Australia (English)
  • Austria (German)
  • Brazil (Portuguese)
  • Canada (English, French)
  • Germany (German)
  • France (French)
  • Ireland (English)
  • Japan (Japanese)
  • Mexico (Spanish)
  • Netherlands (Dutch)
  • New Zealand (English)
  • Norway (Norwegian Bokmål)
  • Japan (Japanese)
  • Spain (Spanish)
  • Sweden (Swedish)
  • UK (English)
  • US (English, Spanish)

You can find out what apps, features, and content providers are available in your country on the official Apple website.

See also:

VPNs for Apple TV: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Apple TV?

We recommend against using any so-called free VPN for Apple TV. First of all, most free VPN services require you use their apps, so setting one up on a physical router is already out of the question. While you can find configuration files for free OpenVPN servers lying around, they are probably too congested with other free users to use for streaming video. There’s quite likely a bandwidth limit or data cap, meaning you’ll be spending a lot of time buffering and could get cut off in the middle of a show.

On top of that, free VPN services are notorious for mining users’ personal data as it passes through their servers, then selling that information to third-party advertisers. Some inject tracking cookies or advertisements into your web browsers, while others download malware onto your device. Free VPN providers are still out to make a profit, and they do so by selling your privacy to the highest bidder.

Can I have two Apple IDs for different countries?

Yes, you can sign out of your Apple ID and create a new one in another country. You can choose any country when setting up the new account. Note that you’ll need a local billing address and form of payment if you want to make any purchases through Apple. Otherwise, you can choose any address in your desired country. You won’t have access to anything stored in your other account’s iCloud.

Can I use Airplay with a VPN on my Apple TV?

It depends on the VPN. In many cases, you can use Airplay with a VPN on Apple TV without issues. If it doesn’t work, check your VPN’s settings for an option to allow local networking. Assuming your Apple TV and iPhone/iPad are on the same wi-fi network, this will prevent the VPN from blocking access to local devices like printers, wearables, and, yes, your Apple TV. Some VPNs allow this by default, some make it an option in the settings, and others simply don’t allow local network traffic.

Will Netflix work on my Apple TV with a VPN?

Yes, assuming the VPN can also unblock Netflix. Check out our list of the best VPNs for Netflix.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Apple TV?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN with Apple TV.

Some streaming services frown upon using VPNs to bypass location restrictions. Doing so might be against their terms of service due to content licensing restrictions, but it’s not against the law. Most streaming services don’t penalize VPN users, though a rare few might suspend or terminate your account if you get caught using a VPN to change your location.

Is AppleTV+ the same as Apple TV?

No. Apple TV is the physical hardware device made by Apple, similar to a Roku, Chromecast, or Firestick.

Apple TV+ is the subscription streaming service offered by Apple, similar to Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu.

You do not need an Apple TV to use Apple TV+, nor do you need Apple TV+ to use an Apple TV. A VPN can be used with either or both.

Does NordVPN work on all generations of Apple TV?

Apple TV does not support the NordVPN app or any other VPN. Instead, you’ll need to set it up another way:

  • Set up NordVPN on your wi-fi router. You’ll need router firmware that supports VPN connections, such as TomatoUSB or DD-WRT. This can be a bit tedious to setup and will require some tech savvy.
  • Share another device’s VPN connection with the Apple TV. You can connect your Apple TV to another device, such as a laptop or phone, that does support VPNs. Most laptops can broadcast their own wi-fi signal and most phones support tethering.
  • Opt for NordVPN’s smart DNS service instead. You can change your Apple TV’s DNS servers under General > Network > Wi-Fi > Configure DNS > Manual. Smart DNS won’t give you the same security as a VPN, but it does unblock region-locked content.

Does 4K stream without buffering on an Apple TV with a VPN?

Yes, all of the VPNs we recommend should have sufficient bandwidth to stream 4K video. You’ll need at least 25 Mbps of download bandwidth to stream in 4K UHD. Note, however, that your VPN speed might be slower if you’re connecting to a distant or congested server. The Apple TV should be powerful enough to decrypt the video in real-time without stopping to buffer.

Can you fake a location on an Apple TV?

Yes, using a VPN allows you to fake a location on an Apple TV. That’s because connecting to a server changes your IP address, making it appear as if you’re accessing Apple TV from elsewhere. Aside from using a VPN, you can use a DNS proxy or Smart DNS to fake your location on Apple TV. While this also allows you to access geo-restricted content, it doesn’t provide the same security benefits of a VPN service (such as encryption of internet traffic).

Can an Apple TV be tracked when I use a VPN?

With the help of a VPN, you can protect your privacy while using Apple TV. That’s because the VPN encrypts your data so that third parties, such as your ISP, can no longer see your online activity. Furthermore, the best VPNs for Apple TV operate no-logs policies so that even if data was requested by authorities, there shouldn’t be any identifying data to provide. As such, a VPN is a great way to avoid your activity being tracked while using Apple TV.

Can I get around my ISP throttling my Apple TV connection with a VPN?

If you’re suffering from ISP throttling, a VPN can certainly help. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it to its own servers so that your ISP can no longer see what you’re doing online. Furthermore, the VPNs we recommend all offer unlimited bandwidth. This means that you can stream Apple TV content as much as you like. Better still, you should be able to stream in high resolution without having to contend with buffering or lag.

Does Apple TV work internationally?

Yes, you can use an Apple TV anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection. However, some features, such as content from specific countries’ iTunes Stores and Apple TV+ channels, might not be available in all areas.

Will Apple block my account for using a VPN on Apple TV?

Apple TV doesn’t natively support VPN connections but it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN with it. Furthermore, Apple TV isn’t going to block your VPN or your account for using a VPN either. What you may find is that certain streaming services that you access via Apple TV may seek to prevent VPN use. However, instead of blocking your account, it’s more likely that the streaming platform in question will block the VPN IP address (in which case you’d simply change your IP address by switching to a different server).