As one of Apple’s most popular streaming devices, Apple TV boasts powerful performance. However, despite its excellent capabilities, Apple TV cannot provide access to global streaming content. This is where an Apple TV VPN proves its value.
Choosing a VPN with comprehensive features, top-notch speed, and strong security is crucial as it directly impacts your streaming experience.
This article introduces some of the best VPNs for Apple TV and provides a detailed setup guide.
Why Use a VPN on Apple TV?
Apple TV doesn’t include a native browser, but streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Disney+ can still track your viewing activity and IP address. In such a case, a VPN helps you:
- Unlock geo-restricted content: Access region-locked movies, shows, and apps. For example, Netflix libraries vary by country, while a VPN lets you watch content from other regions with ease.
- Protect your privacy: A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data when you stream on Apple TV.
A Brief Comparison Table of the 4 Best Apple TV VPNs
The number of server locations and the price of the VPNs on Apple TV are listed here.
| VPN provider | Monthly Price | Server locations | Smart DNS setup | App for Apple TV (tvOS 17) |
| LightningX VPN | $9.99 | 70+ countries | Yes | Yes |
| NordVPN Basic | $12.99 | 118 countries | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | $15.45 | 100 countries | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 | 105 countries | Yes | Yes |
By checking the brief list above, you may find that LightningX VPN has the cheapest monthly price range, while it still has the key features for watching films and dramas on Apple TV.
1. LightningX VPN – Free nodes for Apple TV users
LightningX VPN is one of the best VPNs for Apple TV, offering blazing-fast speeds and top-tier encryption protocols while providing free nodes on Apple TV. Here are its core features.
- tvOS 17: Supported. Also supports Windows/macOS/Android/iOS/Android TV/Linux.
- Simultaneous connections: 3
- Free + Paid Server Nodes: Covers over 70 countries/regions with more than 2,000 servers, including the US, Australia, Japan, India, and more. Includes 3 free nodes in the US and Japan. All nodes are accessible on Apple TV with unlimited data, smooth connection speeds, and seamless 4K video streaming.
- Streaming Unblocking Capabilities: Effortlessly unlocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Popcornflix, and more.
- Top-Tier Security: LightningX VPN employs encryption protocols including Shadowsocks, Vless, and WireGuard, utilizing robust encryption algorithms like AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305. These protect your browsing data and IP address from tracking by your ISP and visited websites.
2. NordVPN – Apple TV VPN Combining Speed and Security
As a renowned VPN brand, NordVPN is undoubtedly another excellent VPN choice for Apple TV. Its standout features include:
- Blazing-Fast Speeds: NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth for your internet connection. You can stream Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max smoothly on your Apple TV without buffering.
- Multiple Server Options: NordVPN operates over 6,000 ultra-fast servers across 118 countries. This ample coverage meets your needs for accessing geo-restricted content from other regions.
- Strong Encryption: NordVPN utilizes its proprietary VPN protocol, NordLynx. This helps conceal your IP address and browsing data. You can stream securely even on public Wi-Fi networks.
- tvOS 17 App: Supported. Also compatible with PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android TV, and more.
- Simultaneous Device Connections: NordVPN supports 10 devices connected at once. This is ample for personal use.
3. Surfshark – Unlimited Connections for TV Users
Surfshark is another excellent VPN for Apple TV. Its key features are as follows.
- Fast Network Connections: Surfshark offers a single 1 Gbps port on each server, ensuring smooth video streaming and online gaming.
- Multiple Server Locations: Surfshark covers 100 countries with over 3,200 servers, including locations in the US, Albania, Andorra, and more. Access unlimited content from different countries.
- Reliable Encryption Protocols: Surfshark supports protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. These protocols help conceal your browsing data and mask your IP address.
- tvOS 17 App: Supported. Also compatible with Windows/macOS/iOS/Android platforms.
- Simultaneous Device Connections: Surfshark allows unlimited device connections. However, connecting too many devices simultaneously may impact performance.
4. ExpressVPN – A Powerful Apple TV VPN
ExpressVPN delivers blazing speeds, reliable security, and robust features, making it an excellent VPN choice for Apple TV.
- Speed and Security: ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and a kill switch to safeguard your data and privacy. It supports multiple encryption protocols like IKEv2, PPTP, and SSTP, ensuring smooth and secure video streaming and online gaming on your Apple TV.
- Global Server Network: With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN lets you freely switch IP addresses to bypass geo-restrictions and access global content.
- tvOS 17 Compatibility: Designed specifically for Apple TV, ExpressVPN supports the tvOS 17 operating system, ensuring seamless compatibility and smooth performance.
- Simultaneous Device Connections: You can connect ExpressVPN to multiple devices at once, supporting up to 8 devices while keeping all of them secure.
Features to Look for When Choosing an Apple TV VPN
Before setting up a VPN for Apple TV, check for these essential features.
- Native Apple TV App Support: For easy setup, we recommend VPNs with apps available for download on Apple TV.
- High-Speed Performance: Avoid buffering and ensure smooth streaming.
- Multiple Server Locations: The more server locations a VPN offers, the broader your access to global content libraries.
- Smart DNS: This is an easier way to use a VPN on Apple TV.
- Strong Encryption: A VPN with robust encryption protects your data from access by your ISP and third parties.
How to Set Up a VPN on Apple TV?
Here are five ways to download and use a VPN on Apple TV. You can also read our article for detailed setup steps: How to Use VPN on Apple TV? 4 Methods You Should Know.
- Method 1. Download a VPN app directly from the App Store. This is the simplest approach. However, the App Store offers a limited selection of VPN brands.
- Method 2. Set up a VPN router. If you own a dedicated VPN router, install the VPN on it and share the VPN connection via Wi-Fi to all your devices.
- Method 3. Use the VPN’s “Smart DNS” feature. Smart DNS allows you to use a VPN on Apple TV without installing an app.
- Method 4. Share a VPN-protected connection via Wi-Fi hotspot (Windows).
- Method 5. Mirror or screen mirror streaming content from a Mac or iOS device. You can first use a VPN on your Mac or iOS device to unlock streaming content, then screen mirror the stream to Apple TV.
What Are the Benefits of Using a VPN on Apple TV?
Apple TV doesn’t include a native browser, but streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Disney+ can still track your viewing activity and IP address. In this scenario, a VPN helps you:
- Unlock geo-restricted content: Access region-locked movies, shows, and apps. For example, Netflix’s library varies by country, and a VPN lets you easily watch content from other regions.
- Protect your privacy: A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data while streaming on Apple TV.
Conclusion
Apple TV is the key to unlocking unlimited streaming resources. However, we recommend using a VPN with strong unblocking capabilities, a large server network, and an Apple TV app.
