The Best VPNs for Apple TV 2024
Discover the top-performing VPNs for Apple TV based on speed, security, ease of setup, and ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming content.
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Last updated Aug 24, 2023
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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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.
In this article
The best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024ExpressVPN: Best overall
NordVPN: Best value for money
Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
VPNs that didn’t make the cut
Best VPNs for Apple TV FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Apple TV
How we tested the best VPNs for Apple TV
The best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024
- 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 $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) |
| 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 | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark |
Prices as of 06/14/2023.
ExpressVPN: Best overall
ExpressVPN
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
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Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
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
| Price range | $6.67/mo (billed annually) |
| Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | Servers in 94 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 5 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router app | Yes |
| Smart DNS tool | Yes |
| Unblocks Apple TV? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN |
Prices as of 06/14/2023.
NordVPN: Best value for money
NordVPN
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Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
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Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
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3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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
| Price range | $3.39–$15.99/mo |
| Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | 5,600+ in 60 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 6 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| VPN protocol | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Router app | No |
| Smart DNS tool | Yes |
| Unblocks Apple TV? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Prices as of 06/14/2023.
Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
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
| Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo |
| Free version | No, but it offers a seven-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs |
| Dedicated router app | No |
| Smart DNS tool | Yes |
| Unblocks Apple TV? | Yes |
| Torrenting support | Yes |
| Learn more | Get Surfshark |
Prices as of 06/14/2023.
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.
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
+
Can I put a VPN on my Apple TV?
Unfortunately, Apple TV does not allow you to directly install a VPN app on your device. However, there are several methods to use a VPN with your Apple TV, such as setting up a VPN on your router to allow all devices connected to your network to bypass restrictions.
+
How do I use a VPN on Apple TV?
The most effective way to use a VPN with Apple TV is to install the VPN on your router. This will automatically protect your Apple TV and all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.
+
Is there a free VPN for Apple TV?
Yes, there are free VPNs that offer services compatible with Apple TV, usually through router installations or Smart DNS services.
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 2024
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
ExpressVPN |
Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Best overall | Get ExpressVPN |
NordVPN |
Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) | Best value for money | Get NordVPN |
Surfshark |
Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | Best for multiple devices | Get Surfshark |
Prices as of 06/14/2023.
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.
ExpressVPN
-
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
-
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
-
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Author Details
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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.
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