Best overall

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

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Best value for money

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• From $3.19/mo
• Limited-time deal on 2-year plan
• Too many confusing plans

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Best for multiple devices

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On Surfshark's website

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• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

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If you’re an avid watcher of popular TV shows or a sports fan hoping not to miss out on any action, it’s likely you’re using Apple TV. This platform offers a wide array of streaming services; however, users often suffer from not being able to access geo-restricted content. This is where a VPN can help.

A VPN encrypts your online traffic to ensure your data is kept private and secure. You can also use VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite shows.

Finding the best Apple TV VPN is vital for unblocking your device’s full potential and having no limits when it comes to streaming. After rigorous testing, we determined the top VPNs for Apple TV are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark due to their superior features, performance, and pricing.

The best VPNs for Apple TV in 2023

• ExpressVPN: Best overall
• NordVPN: Best value for money
• Surfshark: Best for multiple devices

Top 3 VPN services for Apple TV compared

VPN	ExpressVPN Our Pick	NordVPN	Surfshark
Starting price	Starts at $8.32/mo	Starts at $3.19/mo	Starts at $2.49/mo
Free version
Streaming support	Yes — Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Disney+, FuboTV, ITV, DAZN, Sky Go, and more	Yes — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more	Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, Hotstar, YLE Areena, AbemaTV, Apple TV+ and more
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

ExpressVPN: Best overall

ExpressVPN offers powerful performance and a range of features

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN is an ideal choice if you prioritize high-quality, uninterrupted streaming and robust online security. If you’re looking to watch movies in high definition, broadcast live sports without buffering, or are conscious of your privacy while connected to the internet, then ExpressVPN’s excellent encryption and high-speed servers are for you. It also provides a quick and easy guide on how to use ExpressVPN on your Apple TV, allowing you to get up and running as soon as possible.

What we liked

ExpressVPN's powerful performance and range of features make it a standout choice for Apple TV. ExpressVPN has a reputation for being one of the fastest VPNs. It provided consistent streaming speeds in our tests. This results in a high-quality streaming experience for users without buffering or lag issues. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re streaming 4K and live sports content on your smart TV.

We also like MediaStreamer. This function allows you to set up a DNS on your Apple TV to bypass geo-restrictions without the need for a direct connection to a VPN. This helps you unblock content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu on your Apple TV.

Here are the features that caught our attention:

• MediaStreamer DNS: Allows you to bypass geo-restrictions on Apple TV without a direct VPN connection
• High-speed servers: Ensures uninterrupted, buffer-free streaming of high-definition and 4K content
• Smart location feature: Selects the most suitable server depending on your location
• Wide server network: With 160 locations in around 94 countries, you can reliably connect to a less congested server

ExpressVPN's commitment to user privacy and security also supports our choice. You can browse the internet with little worry thanks to its AES-256 encryption and its proven no-logs policy. It also supports protocols like OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol.

What we didn’t like

Although ExpressVPN offers great server speed and performance, it has a relatively high price compared to other VPNs. Both Surfshark and NordVPN have starting prices that are a few dollars cheaper. Some users will be able to justify the expense with the quality of the service, but for others, it may be hard to justify the cost if they’re seeking a budget-friendly option.

And while ExpressVPN can handle up to five simultaneous connections, it’s limited compared to other VPN providers. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Having to use the MediaStreamer for SmartDNS may also be another con for ExpressVPN since there are other services available that offer a built-in SmartDNS feature.

ExpressVPN specs

NordVPN: Best value for money

NordVPN balances affordability and performance

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On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• From $3.19/mo
• Limited-time deal on 2-year plan
• Too many confusing plans

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is an excellent choice for Apple TV users who seek a balance between affordability and performance. It’s particularly suited to those who frequently stream international content. It offers a wide array of servers worldwide, which facilitates reliable access to a multitude of global streaming sites. NordVPN offers competitive pricing with a wide array of different plan options available, nine in total.

What we liked

What we like most about NordVPN is its combination of quality and price, making it a very attractive choice for Apple TV users. The SmartPlay technology is what really stands out, combining the attributes of a VPN with Smart DNS. You can enjoy fast and reliable access to geo-restricted content on Apple TVs while your connection remains secure.

NordVPN also offers an impressive and extensive array of servers. It has 5,000-plus servers spread across 60 countries. This ensures there are a large number of options for users to bypass restrictions and access the content of their choosing worldwide.

Here are some standout features of NordVPN.

• SmartPlay Technology: Combines VPN and Smart DNS benefits for seamless streaming
• Extensive server network: Over 5,000+ servers across 60 countries
• Automatic kill switch: Safeguards your data by blocking internet access when the VPN connection drops
• Threat Protection: Provides advanced protection against ads, malware, and other online threats

In regard to its security, NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols along with its proprietary NordLynx, all while maintaining its strict no-logs policy to ensure that your data remains private and secure.

What we didn’t like

While NordVPN offers high-quality service, there are a few points we feel could be improved. For instance, although NordVPN has a strong server presence worldwide, its distribution is uneven. Some regions, like Asia and Africa, have fewer servers compared to Europe and North America, which could impact connection speeds and performance for users in those areas.

NordVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated app for Apple TV. You have to manually configure the VPN on your router or use Smart DNS to unblock content. Although NordVPN provides guides for these processes, they may be technically challenging for some.

NordVPN specs

Surfshark: Best for multiple devices

Surfshark is a perfect choice if you have numerous devices

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On Surfshark's website

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• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is a perfect choice if you have numerous devices that require a VPN, including an Apple TV. Whether you’re part of a large family or simply have an abundance of devices to connect simultaneously, Surfshark is the choice for you. And despite offering unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s the most affordable VPN on our list.

What we liked

The key feature we liked is the ability for an unlimited number of devices to be connected to the VPN with a single subscription. That way, you can connect and secure your Apple TV while also connecting all smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices​​ in your household without having to worry about reaching a limit.

Another feature we liked was the Smart DNS. You can set up the Smart DNS on your Apple TV to unblock geo-restricted content. Surfshark even provides a step-by-step guide to help you set it up correctly.

Key features that make Surfshark a top choice:

• Unlimited device connections: One subscription covers every device in the household and beyond
• Smart DNS service: Allows you to access geo-restricted content on devices like Apple TV
• CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
• Whitelister: Allows specific sites and apps to bypass the VPN while others are left off

Surfshark, like the other two, also uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption. It supports WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN protocols. Finally, it boasts a strict no-logs policy to keep online activities private and secure.

What we didn’t like

While Surfshark offers impressive features, it lacks a dedicated Apple TV app. Similar to NordVPN, you will need to manually set up the VPN on your router or use Smart DNS to access the geo-restricted content on your Apple TV. Although they offer a step-by-step guide, this could still be challenging for less tech-savvy users.

While Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, it’s worth noting that this could potentially slow down connection speeds if too many devices are connected simultaneously, especially on networks that have limited bandwidth.

Surfshark specs

VPNs that didn’t make the cut

While the above VPNs stood out in our testing, several other services showed promise but didn't quite make it into our top three. These include CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA).

CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN is well-known for its user-friendly design and large network of servers. It appeals to many new users as it is generally easy to set up, offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, and has competitive pricing.

However, we found that it lacked connection speed when compared with our top picks. That’s not to say the speeds were terrible; they were simply a bit slower, which could lead to reduced streaming quality when using Apple TV.

The Smart DNS feature also displayed some inconsistency. For the most part, it successfully bypassed geo-restrictions, but it struggled on occasion to unblock content.

Read Our CyberGhost Review

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is another popular VPN provider and is on our list of best VPNs. It is known for its vast server network and robust security features. PIA provides an abundance of server choices spread across the world while also making sure your privacy and data are kept secure.

However, PIA lacks a Smart DNS feature, which is critical for Apple TV streaming. This would make it difficult to access content outside of your region on your Apple TV. These limitations ​​hamper PIA’s chance of making our top three.

Read Our Private Internet Access Review

Best VPNs for Apple TV FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for Apple TV

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark stand out as the top VPN choices for Apple TV users. ExpressVPN excels with its fast speeds, vast server network, and top-notch privacy features. NordVPN matches up closely with ExpressVPN, offering high speed, a large VPN server count, and strong security features. On the other hand, Surfshark stands out for providing unlimited device connections.

CyberGhost and Private Internet Access were also strong contenders but fell slightly short in areas such as speed performance, Smart DNS reliability, and ease of setup on Apple TV. Despite not making our top three, they could still be valuable options depending on your specific requirements.

3 best VPNs for Apple TV in 2023

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
ExpressVPN	Starts at $8.32/mo	Best overall	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review
NordVPN	Starts at $3.19/mo	Best value for money	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review
Surfshark	Starts at $2.49/mo	Best for multiple devices	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

How we tested the best VPNs for Apple TV

To select the top three VPNs for Apple TV, we tested them in a variety of ways.

• Speed: We conducted speed tests across different servers and locations to ensure limited buffering and lag.
• Server count: We considered each VPN’s number and spread of servers for accessing geo-restricted content from various locations.
• Security and privacy: We looked at the security protocols, encryption standards, and privacy policies of each VPN.
• Unblocking capabilities: We tested each VPN's ability to unblock popular streaming services and the consistency of their Smart DNS tools.
• Ease of use: Given that Apple TV does not support VPNs directly, the ease of setting up the VPN through other methods (like a router or Smart DNS) was a crucial factor in our evaluation.
• Customer support: We looked at the quality and availability of customer service for each VPN.

To select the top three VPNs for Apple TV, our process involved extensive testing and analysis of each. We looked at the above features so that we could ensure a smooth, safe, and versatile streaming experience for Apple TV users.

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On ExpressVPN's website

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• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.