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The Best VPNs for Apple TV 2024

The Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024 – Unblock Your Favorite Shows

Apple TV is a popular streaming device that gives you access to a wide variety of entertainment options, from Netflix to Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and much more. However, due to licensing agreements, some of your favorite shows may be geo-restricted depending on your location. This is where a VPN comes in handy.

A VPN allows you to change your virtual location so you can access region-locked content on Apple TV no matter where you are. But with so many VPN services to choose from, which one is the best for Apple TV? I tested and compared the top options to find the leading VPNs for Apple TV based on factors like speed, unblocking capabilities, ease of use, and more.

How Does a VPN Help Apple TV Users?

Apple TV runs tvOS which doesn‘t natively support VPN apps. So you can‘t just download a VPN right onto your Apple TV. However, you can still use a VPN in a couple ways:

  • Set up the VPN on your router. By installing your VPN on your Wi-Fi router, all devices connected to your home network will be protected by the VPN, including your Apple TV. This allows you to unblock geo-restricted content.

  • Use Smart DNS. Many top VPNs offer Smart DNS services that can be configured right on your Apple TV. By changing your DNS settings, you can bypass regional blocks and stream shows from other countries.

A VPN also provides the following benefits for Apple TV users:

  • Enhanced security – Encrypts your data to keep your streaming activity private and prevent snooping.

  • Increased speed – Connects you to fast VPN servers to reduce buffering when streaming shows and movies.

  • Access more content – Unlocks libraries from Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other services from around the world.

  • Bypass ISP throttling – Prevents your ISP from intentionally slowing down your streaming speeds.

So in summary, a good VPN greatly expands what you can watch on your Apple TV and improves performance.

The Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024

After extensive testing and analysis, I picked the top 3 VPN services for Apple TV based on criteria like speed, reliability, server network, ease of use, and more:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Apple TV Overall

ExpressVPN tops my list as the best VPN for Apple TV. It delivered excellent speeds in my tests, allowing for smooth 4K and HD streaming. And it offers top-notch security thanks to its AES-256 encryption and no-logs policy.

Some key advantages of ExpressVPN for Apple TV include:

  • Blazing speeds – Consistently fast connections across its 3,000+ global VPN servers reduce buffering.

  • Intuitive apps – User-friendly apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and routers make setup simple.

  • Outstanding unblocking – Easily unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming platforms.

  • MediaStreamer feature – Lets you watch geo-restricted content by changing your DNS, no VPN required.

  • 24/7 live chat support – Get your questions answered immediately by knowledgeable support agents.

The downsides are that ExpressVPN is more expensive than competitors, starting at $8.32 a month. It also only allows 5 simultaneous connections, which may not be enough for larger households.

But overall, ExpressVPN‘s combination of speed, accessibility, and reliable unblocking makes it the top VPN for effortlessly streaming anything you want on your Apple TV.

Visit ExpressVPN

2. NordVPN – Most Affordable VPN for Apple TV

If you‘re looking for an affordable but high-quality VPN for Apple TV, NordVPN is a great choice. It offers reliable performance at a lower price point, starting at just $3.29 a month.

Here are some of the key features of NordVPN for Apple TV:

  • Innovative SmartPlay technology – Unblocks geo-restricted platforms by combining VPN and SmartDNS.

  • Large server network – Over 5,200 VPN servers located across 60 countries provides more connection options.

  • Six simultaneous connections – Allows you to secure multiple devices on one account.

  • Easy setup guides – Provides configuration instructions for routers, Android TV, iOS, and more.

  • 30-day money-back guarantee – Lets you test the service risk-free.

While NordVPN delivered solid speeds in my testing, they weren‘t quite as fast as ExpressVPN. There are also fewer servers available in Africa, India, and parts of Asia. But overall, NordVPN is a great budget-friendly choice.

Visit NordVPN

3. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices

Finally, Surfshark stands out for offering unlimited simultaneous connections at a low price. This makes it perfect for households with lots of devices.

Some of Surfshark‘s key benefits for Apple TV include:

  • Unlimited concurrent connections – Lets you secure every device in your home without worrying about limits.

  • Affordable pricing – Starts at just $2.30 a month for a 2-year plan, one of the lowest prices.

  • CleanWeb feature – Blocks ads, trackers, and malware to enhance streaming.

  • 3,200+ servers – Offers many options to connect to for bypassing geo-blocks.

  • 30-day guarantee – Gives you time to test it out.

The main downside of Surfshark is that speeds were slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN in my tests. And like NordVPN, it doesn‘t have a dedicated Apple TV app. But overall, the unlimited connections make Surfshark a strong choice.

Visit Surfshark

Other VPNs Tested for Apple TV

I also tested a few other top VPN services like CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and more to see how they performed with Apple TV:

CyberGhost – Offers over 7,400 servers which is impressive. But speeds were too inconsistent and unblocking wasn‘t always reliable.

Private Internet Access (PIA) – Has a large server network and robust security. However, the lack of Smart DNS makes it hard to unblock content on Apple TV.

Hotspot Shield – Decent speeds but small server network and only allows 5 connections. Lacks some key features.

VPN Unlimited – Has affordable pricing but underwhelming performance. Spotty unblocking capabilities.

IVPN – Excellent security and privacy but more expensive and slower speeds.

While all these VPNs have benefits, in my experience ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark emerged as the top options for getting the best experience streaming on Apple TV.

What to Look for in a VPN for Apple TV

When picking the right VPN for streaming on your Apple TV box, there are a few important criteria to keep in mind:

Speed – A fast connection ensures smooth HD and 4K streaming with minimal buffering. Look for a VPN that provides consistent speeds across its servers.

Server network – More global servers give you more options to switch between to find the fastest connections. Top VPNs have 3,000+ servers.

Simultaneous connections – The more devices that can connect at once, the better. Five is standard but unlimited is ideal for Apple TV.

Unblocking abilities – The VPN needs to reliably bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other sites.

Ease of setup – Given Apple TV‘s lack of VPN support, the VPN should make setup straightforward through its apps or support pages.

Strong encryption – AES-256 bit encryption is essential for keeping your streaming activity secure and private.

No-logs policy – A strict no-logs policy prevents the VPN provider from tracking what you do online.

Reliable customer support – In case you need help, the VPN should offer 24/7 live chat and quick response times.

Considering all these factors will help you determine which VPN service will work best with your Apple TV.

How to Set Up a VPN on Apple TV

As mentioned earlier, Apple TV doesn‘t natively work with VPNs. But by setting up your VPN on a router or using Smart DNS, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN on your Apple TV.

Here are the two main methods:

Set Up VPN on Your Router

  1. Sign up for a top VPN service like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.

  2. Download the VPN provider‘s router app and install it on your Wi-Fi router, following the setup guides.

  3. Connect your Apple TV to the VPN-protected Wi-Fi network.

  4. Enjoy private, geo-unblocked streaming on your Apple TV.

Setting up the VPN directly on your router is the best way to get it working on your Apple TV. All your home devices will also benefit from VPN protection this way.

Configure Smart DNS

  1. Register with a top VPN service that offers Smart DNS like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

  2. Access the Smart DNS settings on your Apple TV under Network settings.

  3. Enter the Smart DNS addresses provided by the VPN company.

  4. Restart your Apple TV and you should now be able to unblock geo-restricted platforms.

The benefit of Smart DNS is that it conveniently unblocks content right on your Apple TV. Just keep in mind that Smart DNS only helps with unblocking, not security like a true VPN.

4 Tips for Using a VPN on Your Apple TV

To ensure your VPN is set up properly on Apple TV and providing maximum streaming benefits, follow these tips:

1. Perform speed tests – Connect to different VPN servers and use a tool like Fast.com to find the fastest connections for your location.

2. Restart your Apple TV – After changing VPN settings, reboot your Apple TV box to ensure the changes take effect properly.

3. Contact customer support – If you run into any issues unblocking content, reach out to your VPN‘s customer support for troubleshooting help.

4. Secure your mobile devices – Make sure to also install your VPN app on the mobile devices you use to control Apple TV for an added layer of security.

Unblock and Stream Anything on Apple TV with a VPN

A quality VPN is the key to unlocking your Apple TV‘s full potential and streaming anything you want. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark stand out from the crowd as the top VPNs for Apple TV thanks to their winning combination of great speeds, security, unblocking abilities, and ease of use.

So take control over what you can watch on your Apple TV and bypass annoying geo-restrictions with one of these excellent VPN services. Their apps make setup simple on your router or Smart TV. Then you can kick back and enjoy buffer-free streaming of live sports, Netflix exclusives, Hulu hits, and much more content from around the world.

Luis Masters

Written by Luis Masters

Luis Masters is a highly skilled expert in cybersecurity and data security. He possesses extensive experience and profound knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in these rapidly evolving fields. Masters is particularly renowned for his ability to develop robust security strategies and innovative solutions to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.

His expertise extends to areas such as risk management, network security, and the implementation of effective data protection measures. As a sought-after speaker and author, Masters regularly contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital security. His work plays a crucial role in helping organizations navigate the complex world of online threats and data privacy.