Best VPNs for Android TV Boxes: Seamless streaming solutions

Android TV boxes are popular alternatives to media center software like Kodi or Plex and are ideal for people who don’t have the confidence, skills, or time to set up a traditional digital media hub. However, Android TV boxes often come with numerous video apps installed, and these apps are often geo-locked, meaning they’re only accessible from a particular country or region. For instance, if you live in the US, you won’t be able to watch TV shows on the BBC iPlayer app. You can resolve this problem by connecting to a VPN, which is why this article lists the best VPNs for Android TV boxes and explains in detail how to set them up.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your network traffic and route it through a server in a different location. To any outside observers, your traffic now appears to be coming from the region the server is in. Better still, your encrypted data cannot be read by anyone without the decryption key. This prevents your ISP from seeing the sites you visit, the content you stream, and selling details of your online activities or using them to justify throttling your internet connection speeds.

We’ll go into more detail about the best VPNs for Android TV boxes further down, but if you don’t have time to hang around, we’ll start with a summary of our top picks.

We found these to be the best VPNs for Android TV boxes:

1. NordVPN: Our top recommendation for Android TV boxes. Strong security and fast servers. Works with Netflix as well as most other major streaming sites. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Android TV boxes.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Android TV. Works with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer and allows an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast with solid security, plus it works with tons of streaming sites like Netflix. Includes router support and a smart DNS service if your Android device doesn’t support VPNs.
4. CyberGhost: Strict no-logs policy VPN with great security and super-fast streaming servers. Perfect for streaming. Vast network of global servers.
5. IPVanish: Perfect for Android TV users who need a lightweight, remote-control-friendly solution. Strong security and decent speeds. Allows unlimited connections.
6. PrivateVPN: An up-and-comer that’s great for streaming while providing strong security and good connection speeds.

Our criteria for finding the top Android TV box VPNs

There are dozens of VPNs available, but not all of them are best suited to Android TV box users. Below, we highlight the best VPNs for streaming, explore their functionality, and explain which platforms they’re available for. After all, there’s no reason to limit your VPN usage to your Android TV box. To decide which services were the best for Android TV boxes, we looked for VPNs that offered:

• Fast streaming speeds and stable connections
• A dedicated Android app as well as a separate APK file for manual installations
• The ability to securely access popular streaming services
• Minimal logging of your data to keep your browsing truly private
• Knowledgeable customer support should you need it

I you want to know more, you can learn about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. 

The best VPNs for Android TV Boxes: 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 Android TV Boxes.

Best VPNs for Android TV Boxes

Here at Comparitech, we put all the VPNs through their paces personally before we recommend them to you. These reviews are based on our first-hand findings.

Here is our list of the best VPNs for Android TV boxes:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is our number-one choice VPN for Android TV boxes. Offers several different types of servers, including some optimized for ultra-fast streaming. If you’re interested in watching 4K content on your TV box (assuming your hardware supports it), this is a huge plus. Better yet, NordVPN allows six simultaneous device connections on a single account, which is far more generous than most other VPN providers. There’s even live chat customer support in case you run into any problems.

It’s no slouch when it comes to security to protect your internet activities either. NordVPN uses military-grade encryption that (as of the time of writing) cannot be broken. It doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, and its kill switch allows you to block specific applications’ internet access when the connection to the VPN server is lost.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, Linux, and iOS, with browser plugins for Firefox and Chrome. It can be manually installed on a decent selection of WiFi routers.

NordVPN speed test results

BEST VPN FOR ANDROID TV:NordVPN is our top choice for Android TV Incredible HD streaming speeds. Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices to be connected. Keeps no logs. Provides a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review here, or check out our video review below.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a young VPN provider that allows you to connect as many devices as you want for a low price. An Android TV app is available from Google Play, and it works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

The apps employ strong encryption and a kill switch that halts internet traffic should the VPN connection drop. This is key in protecting your online activities. Live chat support is available around the clock. It’s not the fastest VPN, and its server list is on the short side, but it should be more than enough for most cord-cutters.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test results

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is inexpensive yet highly versatile. Allows an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections. Works with many streaming sites while keeping you safe and private. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is among the best VPNs for streaming HD content thanks to its fast speeds and lack of bandwidth restrictions. It offers over 3,000 servers in more than 100+ countries. It can securely access the most popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and BBC iPlayer, despite their best efforts to block VPN users from accessing restricted content.

It’s also one of the most secure VPNs because it uses 256-bit AES encryption (which would take billions of years to brute force) and doesn’t log your IP address or the sites you visit. There’s even a network lock that stops all internet traffic when the connection to the VPN is dropped. ExpressVPN is constantly improving and upgrading its technology and recently added new features, such as the ability to block ads, trackers, malicious sites, and adult sites.

This VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain routers. It can also be manually configured to work with Chrome OS, Apple TV, Playstations, and Xbox One. In addition, you can connect up to eight devices with one account.

ExpressVPN speed test results

GREAT ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN can handle almost anything. A blazing-fast service that works with all major video streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Great digital privacy features and top security. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is one of the most security-conscious VPNs available. They don’t keep logs of your browsing history, fast connection times, or your real IP address. All traffic is secured with 256-bit encryption. It even includes extra features like a built-in ad-blocker, forced HTTPS redirection, and malware protection so you can ensure you’re protected from the internet’s most common threats and annoyances at all times.

The CyberGhost app has specific servers you can select based on what you’d like to achieve. For instance, there are streaming-optimized servers, as well as those designed for safe torrenting. While CyberGhost offers fewer locations to choose from than some of its rivals, it has a high number of servers in its global network, including Europe and the US. This is where the majority of popular streaming platforms are based.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It can be manually configured to work with some WiFi routers.

CyberGhost speed test results

GREAT FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is easy to use with a custom app for Android TV. Unblocks popular streaming content. Has fewer server choices than its nearest rivals. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is a top-rated VPN among Kodi users because of its low cost and negligible impact on connection speeds. It owns and maintains most of its servers, allowing it to control every aspect of the network and resolve problems faster than most of its competitors. IPVanish uses 256-bit AES encryption. It also offers a selection of additional security options, including a kill switch, regular IP address changes, and OpenVPN obfuscation.

IPVanish doesn’t work with certain streaming platforms but excels at keeping you protected while using P2P networks and Kodi. It’s perfect for TV box users thanks to its lightweight, easy-to-use Android app. Further, IPVanish works with every Kodi addon we’ve tested.

IPVanish is one of the simplest VPNs to install, thanks to its excellent multi-platform support. There are apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire Stick. It can be manually configured to work on Linux and Linux-based devices like the Raspberry Pi.

IPVanish speed test data

EASY TO USE:IPVanish is great for families that want to connect multiple devices with a good choice of apps. A favorite with Kodi users that also works well with most Android TV boxes. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN isn’t as well-known as some of the other VPNs we’ve covered, but it punches well above its weight in terms of usability. PrivateVPN is completely log-less, uses 256-bit encryption, and has no bandwidth limits whatsoever. While it has around 200 servers spread across 60 countries in its global network, it offers above-average streaming speeds and has no noticeable buffering when streaming 1080p content.

PrivateVPN is capable of securely accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, however, it can’t bypass China’s Great Firewall. The company offers a live chat service during business hours with longer response times at the weekends. With your approval, the support staff can also remotely control your device to solve more difficult problems if necessary.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Android, Windows, and iOS. It can be manually installed on macOS, Linux, and some internet access routers. Security helps to protect your online activities, so you are free to get on and enjoy your internet freedom.

PrivateVPN speed test data

Great Speeds:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Works fine with Android TV boxes. Good for general-purpose use and Torrenting. Streaming speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology: How we find the best VPNs for Android TV boxes

You can’t be expected to try every VPN that offers an app for Android TV! We’ve attempted to save you some time by searching for the best VPNs for Android TV boxes. Below, we go through our methodology, which helped us identify them:

• Android TV-compatible: Of course, we started by looking for those VPNs that offer apps for Android TV (not all VPNs do!). Also, so that you have the flexibility to protect all your gadgets with one VPN, we look for providers that work with a wide variety of devices. We look for providers that support major operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS at a minimum. But we also look for them to work with other platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and Wi-Fi routers. We also like providers that offer browser extensions.
• Servers worldwide: It’s important that your VPN offers servers in a wide range of locations. This allows you greater flexibility in the content you can unblock as well as in terms of finding a fast server close to your physical location. We’ve identified VPNs with thousands of servers across dozens of countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
• Speed: Our speed tests helped us identify the fastest VPNs for Android TV. All of these services are highly suitable for streaming, particularly because they all offer unlimited bandwidth. This means that you can stream your favorite apps on Android TV in high resolution without having to contend with lag or buffering.
• Unblocking: Not all VPNs are consistent unblockers of content, particularly when it comes to streaming services. Having tested each VPN against a wide range of geo-restricted websites and services, we believe them to be the most reliable options available. This makes them all highly suitable when you’re traveling abroad.
• Security: Whether you’re using your VPN with Android TV or your Android phone, you should expect high-end encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. This ensures your data is safe even if you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots. Some of the VPNs even include extras, such as Double VPN servers for encrypting your data twice.
• Privacy: While many VPNs claim to operate no-logs policies, this isn’t always the case. We have examined more than 140 VPN logging policies in total, identifying those that do and don’t keep identifying logs of users. That way, you can be sure that the VPNs we’re recommending ensure the protection of your privacy.
• Ease of use: A VPN app for Android TV should be quick and easy to use, like any other VPN app. You should be able to connect to a server in seconds, and chances are, you won’t encounter issues all too often. Just in case, live chat and email support are available 24 hours a day should you require any assistance.
• Value for money: Some VPNs that lack an Android TV app are actually more expensive than the best VPNs for Android TV. It helps that we provide discount coupons for the VPNs listed in this post. Better still, all of them even come with a free trial or a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days, so you can try them out risk-free and request a refund if unsatisfied.

Looking for the above is part of our VPN testing methodology. This involves testing each VPN extensively for ourselves in order to find out more about its speed, security, streaming, and more.

How to set up a VPN on Android TV Box

It’s simple to download and set up your VPN app, but if you’re not sure how to get started, just follow our simple step-by-step instructions below.

Here’s how to set up a VPN on Android TV Box:

1. Choose an appropriate VPN provider, we recommend NordVPN.
2. Navigate to the Google Play Store on your device.
3. Find the app for your chosen VPN provider.
4. Download the VPN app to your device.
5. Open the app and select any server, or choose the relevant country if you are trying to access region-specific content.
6. Wait for the connection to be established, and you’re good to go!

How to manually set up a VPN on an Android TV box

You don’t have to worry if you can’t access the app store on your device interface. Android also allows you to manually install and configure a VPN. Below, we’ll explain how to do this step-by-step.

How to install an APK file manually on Android TV Box

Essentially, the app store is just a more natural way to find and install APK files. If you find the relevant file somewhere else and transfer it to your device, it will be installed in exactly the same way. Bypassing the app store in this way is called “sideloading”. First, go to your VPN provider’s website. On the page where you select your platform, look for a direct link to the APK file under the Android heading. Tap it to begin the download.

Before you can install the software, you’ll have to enable installation from unauthorized sources. This feature is intended to protect you from potentially sketchy apps, but since we know that this one is safe, there’s no risk. Go to your Settings menu and select the Lock screen and security option. About halfway down the page, you’ll see the Unknown sources setting — tap it to turn it on.

Next, open your device’s file manager app. Navigate to the downloads folder and click on the APK file you just downloaded. After being asked to confirm, the VPN app will begin to install, after which you can use it.

Using Android’s built-in VPN settings

Begin by going to your Settings menu. Now, depending on which version of Android you’re running, the following menu options may be phrased slightly differently, but it’s usually fairly easy to tell which you need. In my case, I tapped the More option under the Wireless and networks heading, then chose the VPN option.

Tap the + icon in the top-right of the screen. If you haven’t set up a lock screen PIN or password, you’ll be prompted to do this now. Once that’s taken care of, give your VPN connection a name (in this case, I’ve used “IPVanish” but you might want to name it based on the location of the server you’re connecting to).

The next step is to enter your VPN’s details. This differs from one provider to another but the relevant information is usually available on the website under their Android setup guide. For streaming video, IPVanish recommends using PPTP, so select that from the list. Next, you’ll need to enter the address of the server location you’d like to connect to. Again, you’ll find these on your provider’s site. If you’re struggling to locate the server address list, consider looking at the Linux setup guides since this step is required on that platform as well.

Finally, enter your login details in the boxes at the bottom and hit Save. If you’d prefer not to log in manually every time, check the Always-on VPN option first. From here, just tap the connection, and if everything has worked, you’ll be connected to the server of your choosing. You can verify that your VPN is working by using an IP address checker to see what region your IP address is linked to.

How to sideload a VPN on an Android TV Box

If your VPN doesn’t already have an app in the Google Play Store, you can sideload it the same way you would any other app:

1. First, go into Android TV’s settings menu and enable the installation of apps from unknown sources. You’ll find this under Security & Restrictions. 
2. Find the .APK file of the app you’d like to sideload. 
3. Upload this to your preferred cloud storage platform.
4. Create a shareable URL link for this file and enter it into your Android TV’s file explorer app. 
5. You should now be given the option to download and install the .APK file. Once installed, you should be able to connect as normal.

Using a VPN with an Android TV Box: FAQs

See also:

Best VPNs for Kodi

How to install a VPN on Kodi