Best VPN Nvidia Shield

In today’s digital age, securing your online presence is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Enter the world of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). They fortify your internet connection with military-grade encryption and reroute it through a global maze of servers, effectively masking your identity and location.

Now, imagine coupling this protection with the power of Nvidia Shield. Suddenly, geo-restrictions vanish. While traveling overseas, you can access the vast American Netflix library or the exclusive UK’s BBC iPlayer.

For Kodi fans among you, we’ve put countless hours into rigorous testing to ensure every VPN provider we champion plays nicely with every Kodi addon you love.

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 good 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: Good 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. ExpressVPN: A premium VPN with fast servers in 94 countries. Has robust security, a strict no-logs policy, and is capable of securely accessing a wide range of popular streaming platforms.
  4. 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.
  5. PrivateVPN: Fast connections and great for streaming. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy make this a great VPN for secure internet traffic on Nvidia and other devices.
  6. IPVanish: Strong security, decent connection speeds, and works great with Kodi. Strict no-logs policy with military-grade encryption.
  7. AtlasVPN: WireGuard supports ultrafast gaming, robust privacy offering, and unlimited simultaneous device connections, including Nvidia Shield.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

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There are no hidden terms—just 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.

We’ve tested and curated the best VPNs for Nvidia Shield based on the following criteria:

  • Works with Nvidia Shield (Android TV)
  • Fast download speeds for HD streaming
  • Works with streaming sites like Netflix
  • Strong encryption
  • No online activity or connection logs
  • Money-back guarantee

Nvidia Shield runs on Android TV, so we’ll mainly look at VPNs with Android TV apps on Google Play. Our VPN ranking methodology for Nvidia Shield discusses this more below.

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 valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNIPVanishAtlasVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPrivateVPN.comIPVanish.comAtlasVPN.com
Ranking for Nvidia Shield1234567
Streaming ServicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
YouTube TV
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
YouTube TV
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Netflix
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps
Total number of servers6,000+3,200Undisclosed11,000+200+2,200+1000+
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Best VPNs for Nvidia Shield Streaming

By using a VPN like our recommended NordVPN or Surfshark, you can hide your IP address and connect through servers in the US, enabling you to access American Netflix without any problems. Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Nvidia Shield:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN 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.

NordVPN operates more than 6,200 servers in over 91 countries, and it’s great for securely accessing video streaming content like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. It offers download speeds fast enough to stream video in HD and strong encryption to keep your internet traffic private. NordVPN adheres to a strict zero-logs policy, so it doesn’t record any information about what you do while connected.

You may connect up to ten devices at a time on a standard subscription. NordVPN is also available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux.

Pros:

  • Android TV app available on Google Play
  • Leads the pack on speed
  • Strong security and zero logs
  • Works with a wide variety of streaming sites
  • 6 simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Automatic server selection isn’t that great

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR NVIDIA SHIELD:NordVPN is 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 Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has an Android app and currently operates roughly 1,000 servers in more than 60 countries. Its connections are fast enough to stream live HD video without any issues at all, which is perfect since this VPN works with streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Surfshark has no connection limit, meaning you can protect every connected device you own with a single account.

This VPN uses AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, maximum protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to protect you from prying eyes. There’s also automatic ad and malware blocking, and a NoBorders feature that lets you bypass country-wide internet restrictions. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information so your activities can’t be traced back to you. Customer support is available via 24/7 live chat and email.

Surfshark apps are available for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. It can be manually installed on your home router.

Pros:

  • Access a wide range of services
  • No connection limit
  • High-speed servers
  • Top-notch security and privacy
  • Keeps no logs

Cons:

  • Still has the occasional slow server
  • Fairly small network

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark 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. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

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.

ExpressVPN boasts fast connection speeds and robust security. You can safely stream content from dozens of countries including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Excellent access to live chat support is available 24/7 should you encounter any issues.

ExpressVPN allows subscribers to connect up to three connected devices at a time, so in addition to your Shield, you could make use of some of the apps available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wifi routers.

Pros:

  • Android TV app available on Google Play
  • Fast servers
  • Great security
  • Perfect for streaming

Cons:

  • A bit more expensive than rivals
  • Doesn’t offer many customizable options

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

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. You can either choose a server location or select from a list which content streaming service you want to use. That means there’s no trial and error, messaging customer service, or searching the web to figure out which servers work with a particular online streaming service.

CyberGhost scores high for both security and internet speed. It’s the fastest VPN of 2019 based on our tests and earned a perfect score in our annual privacy assessment. The company stores no logs of your activity or connections.

In addition to Android TV, apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. You can connect up to seven devices at a time.

Pros:

  • App for Android TV in Google Play
  • Great for Netflix and other content streaming sites
  • Very high speeds
  • Solid security

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work well from China
  • Less suitable for advanced users

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

GOOD FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is the fastest VPN we’ve tested this year, and it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

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.

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider than the others on this list, but it punches well above its weight class in terms of internet speed. It’s great for streaming and works with more international Netflix libraries than any other VPN we’ve tested. Security is what you’d expect from a veteran provider, and PrivateVPN doesn’t store any logs of your activity or connection.

You may connect up to six devices at the same time on a standard subscription. Apps are also available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.

Pros:

  • Android app works with Nvidia Shield
  • Very fast servers
  • Ideal for streaming abroad
  • Strong security and no logs

Cons:

  • Smaller server network
  • Live chat is not 24/7

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

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 IPV’s website.

This provider offers robust security and doesn’t keep any logs of what you do while connected to its servers. It operates a vast server network spanning more than 54 countries. Connection speeds are decent, and connections are stable. IPVanish is easy to use but comes with a fair amount of customization if you want to delve into the settings options.

This service isn’t as capable as some competitors when it comes to securely accessing streaming sites, but it’s a favorite among Kodi users. It works with all the Kodi add-ons we’ve tested.

You can connect up to 10 devices at a time, more than any other VPN on this list. Apps are also available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.

Pros:

  • Android TV app available in Google Play
  • Strong security
  • High-speed servers
  • Great for Kodi

Cons:

  • Struggles with some streaming sites
  • Based in the US

Our score:

4 out of 5

COMBINE WITH KODI:IPVanish works great with Kodi addons and offers robust security on every connection. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN Works with Nvidia ShieldTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

AtlasVPN is a safe option for Nvidia Shield users as it combines lightning-fast speeds with robust security. For Nvidia Shield users that stream content, AtlasVPN has servers in 40+ locations capable of unblocking services like HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Prime Video, and Netflix from anywhere. For gamers, AtlasVPN offers a breach monitor to notify you if data like your Gamertag is involved in a breach and includes AES encryption to prevent DDoS attempts and other attacks by hackers.

Whether you use Nvidia Shield for streaming or gaming, AtlasVPN includes WireGuard support. That means your streams and gaming sessions will benefit from the most rapid speeds available, resulting in zero buffering and lag-free games.

AtlasVPN has apps for all platforms, including Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows, and doesn’t limit your device connections. Try AtlasVPN for a month risk-free and see how great it is for yourself.

Pros:

  • WireGuard support
  • Includes a breach monitor
  • Very easy to use
  • Servers in 40+ countries

Cons:

  • Makes canceling difficult
  • Could offer more customization

Our score:

4 out of 5

WIREGUARD SUPPORT:AtlasVPN includes a built-in breach tracker, servers in 40+ locations, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

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Our testing methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Nvidia

Comparitech strives to publish the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date VPN reviews and recommendations on the web. We never recommend a VPN without testing and trying it out ourselves first. Our evaluations are based on first-hand experience, expert analysis, and a battery of tests. When it comes to Nvidia Shield VPNs, we specifically look at:

  • Speed: The VPN should offer enough download bandwidth to stream high-quality video without buffering. For each VPN, we test connection speeds to multiple servers around the world.
  • Streaming: Nvidia Shields are mainly used for streaming video. With that in mind, we check whether each VPN can securely access popular streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
  • Privacy: Every VPN we recommend has a no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect any personally identifiable information that could identify a VPN user. We read through each VPN’s privacy policy for any language or lack thereof that could indicate the collection of PII.
  • Security: We only recommend VPNs that meet our security and encryption standards. The VPN must use adequate and up-to-date encryption and be free of any DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, among others.
  • AndroidTV support: We prefer VPNs that specifically make AndroidTV apps that work well with the Shield’s remote-control interface.
  • Customer support: Our reviewers contact each VPN’s customer support department as secret shoppers to gauge response times and quality.

You can read more about how Comparitech tests and rates VPNs on our methodology page.

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.

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

How do I stop buffering on my 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. You can update apps through the Google Play Store if they aren’t set to update automatically. 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.

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, fast speeds, better privacy, and ready customer support when needed.

Is there a web browser on Nvidia Shield?

The Nvidia Shield does not come preloaded with any web browsers, but it is possible to install one yourself. You can either get a browser from Google Play or sideload one using the instructions we used for VPNs. Firefox, Chrome, and Opera are all popular choices but bear in mind that navigating these without a keyboard can be troublesome. Puffin is a popular choice if you only have the remote, though we can’t vouch for its privacy.

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.

What Internet speed do I need for Nvidia Shield?

Most streaming services require a minimum of 3 Mbps download bandwidth to stream video without buffering. For HD and 4K quality, you’ll need at least 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps, respectively. Note that a VPN will slow speeds by about five to 10 percent on average, so you might require a bit of extra bandwidth to compensate.

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. The one you choose 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’ll need to 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.

Are all VPNs compatible with Nvidia Shield?

Not all VPNs, including the best VPNs for Nvidia Shield TV, are compatible with Nvidia Shield due to not offering an Android TV app (Nvidia Shield runs on Android TV). The best VPNs for Nvidia Shield TV offer Android TV apps or, at the very least, an Android APK for you to download. Whatever the case, we provide step-by-step instructions further above in this post to help you get set up. With a VPN for Nvidia Shield TV. Besides, even if you find another VPN that is compatible with Nvidia Shield TV, it may lack sufficient speed for streaming.

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.

Does Nvidia Shield require a Google account?

Yes, you will need a Google account to set up your Nvidia Shield. This is because the Nvidia Shield uses Google Play and similar services requiring authentication via a Google Account. In addition, with a Google account, you get access to all kinds of content from the Play Store, including games, apps, movies, and more.

However, if you don’t want to use your main Google account, you can create a new one for your Nvidia Shield.

See also: Best VPNs for Kodi