5 Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024 

Apple TV lets you easily access countless streaming platforms to watch your favorite shows and movies. However, there are geo-restrictions that limit the content you can watch depending on your location. Moreover, most Apple TV users want to protect their streaming activities and personal information from surveillance since the device is not encrypted.

An easy solution to these problems is to use the best VPN for Apple TV. A VPN will unblock any content around the world while keeping your activities and data private. And, starting with tvOS 17, you can now install and run native Apple TV VPN apps. That way, you get content unblocking and data encryption without any complex workarounds.

This article will reveal the 5 best Apple TV VPNs and teach you how to get a VPN on Apple TV. We’ll also explain why you need a VPN, how to choose the right VPN for your needs, answer some FAQs, and much more.

Best Apple TV VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Apple TV in 2024
2. Surfshark – Speedy Apple TV VPN App for Unlimited Steaming
3. ExpressVPN – Servers in 100+ Countries to Trick Apple TV Location
4. CyberGhost VPN – Specialized Streaming Servers for Apple TV 4K
5. Private Internet Access – Highly Advanced and Customizable VPN

How to Use a VPN on Apple TV

To use a VPN on Apple TV, you need to subscribe to your chosen VPN and then download its tvOS app directly on your streaming device. Follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with Apple TV (we recommend NordVPN)
2. Visit Apple TV's App Store and search for your chosen VPN app.
3. Download the app on your device and open it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in.
5. You'll now see the home screen of your VPN, ready to use. That's it!

Not every VPN offers a native tvOS app. In that case, you have other workarounds available, like installing the VPN on a router, sharing your connection from a computer, or using 'SmartDNS' to unblock streaming apps. Learn more in our central guide on how to set up a VPN on Apple TV.

The Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024

To determine the best VPN for Apple TV, use the criteria established in our article on the best VPN for multiple devices to guide you. Most importantly, you will need a VPN that is compatible with Apple TV, either via a native app, router installation, or other means. It should also support other devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones.

An ideal VPN will let you create many simultaneous connections. It should also have a huge global server network that offers fast speeds and consistent performance in both close and remote locations. Look for a service with strong unblocking capabilities, which will let you access restricted websites and streaming platforms.

You should pick a service that follows a no-logs policy and uses advanced VPN protocols. High-end AES encryption is also important if you want to secure your sensitive data. To improve your safety, make sure that your VPN has an ad blocker, split tunneling, obfuscation, and a solid kill switch. Lastly, it should offer a refund policy and give you 24/7 access to live chat support.

Based on everything we've mentioned, these are the top 5 Apple TV VPNs:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Apple TV in 2024

NordVPN is the best Apple TV VPN, offering a brand-new native tvOS app. It also offers router support and sharing VPN connections via Wi-Fi, so it’s fully compatible with Apple TV. You can easily add this VPN to your Apple TV using SmartDNS, too. This provider can be installed on a variety of desktop and mobile platforms and supports up to 6 simultaneous connections. 

NordVPN offers 5,900+ servers in 60 countries around the world. Most of those are obfuscated and use several advanced VPN protocols, including NordLynx. It delivers ultra-fast speeds, sufficient for high-quality streaming. Moreover, if you use NordVPN on Apple TV 4K, you will get reliable performance, which means that streaming in 4K won't ever be an issue.

Still, it is among the safest and most private VPN apps due to its no-logs policy and strong AES 256 encryption. NordVPN has WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection, while its Threat Protection will block ads and trackers and eliminate malware. It also has a powerful kill switch, and you can use split-tunneling to improve your security. 

After you set up NordVPN on Apple TV, you can use its strong unblocking abilities to access streaming platforms and websites around the world. If any problems occur, it offers 24/7 customer support via live chat. You can also get your money back if you change your mind within 30 days of purchase.

2. Surfshark – Speedy Apple TV VPN App for Unlimited Streaming

Surfshark is a speedy VPN for Apple TV that supports manual configuration. It's available on routers, offers SmartDNS, and allows you to share a VPN connection, making it compatible with any Apple TV. It supports many devices, including PCs, tablets, and phones. Despite being very affordable, this VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect as many devices as you like.

This VPN has a network of 3,200 servers in 100 countries, plenty of which have obfuscation. Moreover, Surfshark is super fast, with stable performance on both remote and nearby servers. As such, it's highly suitable for media streaming.

Surfshark has robust content-unblocking abilities, so with it you can use a VPN on Apple TV to consistently access all websites and streaming services. It uses three powerful VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) to route your traffic.

This is a no-logs VPN that guards your data with AES 256 encryption and a combination of data leak protection tools. Along with this, you also get a solid ad-blocker and a kill switch. Also, you can use Surfshark's Nexus Technology to regularly switch your IP and strengthen your security. 

The service has responsive 24/7 live chat support that will help you with any problem you may encounter. Lastly, you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so that there is no risk involved in trying out this service.

3. ExpressVPN – Servers in 100+ Countries to Trick Apple TV Location

ExpressVPN is an often-recommended option because it’s compatible with any Apple TV. You can count on its recently released native tvOS VPN apps. It also has router support, SmartDNS, and lets you share a connection via Wi-Fi. This VPN is also available on most other devices, including PCs, tablets, and phones. Moreover, you can connect 8 devices simultaneously while you use ExpressVPN on Apple TV.

With 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries, annoying geo-restrictions will no longer be a problem, as ExpressVPN can unblock any website or streaming platform. All its servers have obfuscation, which further strengthens its impressive content-unblocking abilities.

You can activate split tunneling on ExpressVPN to create a secure and exclusive connection for streaming. It also uses high-end VPN protocols that provide instant connection to servers and blazing-fast speeds.

ExpressVPN follows a no-logs policy, meaning that it doesn't collect and store user data. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to make your outgoing data unreadable to third parties. Along with it, you will get various leak protection tools and a kill switch that will disable your Internet in case of an emergency.

While it's easy to set up ExpressVPN on Apple TV, you can always contact their 24/7 live chat support for assistance with installation. The service also offers a 30-day refund policy, giving you the option to really test it before subscribing.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Specialized Streaming Servers for Apple TV 4K

CyberGhost works on multiple routers, so it provides seamless support for Apple TV devices. Alternatively, you can share your connection via Wi-Fi or use its SmartDNS feature to set up CyberGhost VPN on Apple TV. Along with routers, CyberGhost also supports smartphones, tablets, PCs, and more, allowing up to 7 simultaneous connections.

This VPN’s network consists of 10,000+ servers in 100 countries around the world. Although it doesn't have obfuscation, its NoSpy servers are highly secure. CyberGhost has advanced VPN protocols, such as WireGuard and IKEv2. This all allows it to maintain medium-fast speeds and consistent performance.

This VPN uses military-grade AES 256 encryption to scramble outgoing data, while their no-logs policy guarantees no user info is stored. CyberGhost’s kill switch works automatically, preventing leaks in case the VPN connection drops, while split tunneling lets you decide which apps should use VPN traffic. Unfortunately, the ad-blocker offered isn't very effective.

Using CyberGhost lets you unblock popular streaming services and sites with ease. It even offers servers optimized for streaming. Its 45-day refund policy gives you enough time to decide if you want to keep using the service. Troubleshooting is also simple, thanks to their 24/7 live chat support.

5. Private Internet Access – Highly Advanced and Customizable VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget-friendly VPN that works well with Apple TV. It supports routers, SmartDNS, and sharing your VPN connection via Wi-Fi. Their app is also available on other devices, like computers, smartphones, and tablets. Moreover, it gives you unlimited simultaneous connections to work with to protect all your tech.

PIA gives you access to thousands of servers across 90+ countries. They have obfuscation and can quickly unblock websites and streaming platforms. Thanks to VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, PIA's servers offer reliable performance. But, it’s important to note that some optimization is required when it comes to this VPN.

To protect your outgoing data, PIA uses AES 256 encryption. It follows a no-logs policy, which means that it doesn't save any user information. There's split tunneling, so you can make an exclusive VPN path for streaming. There are also multiple leak protection features and a kill switch, as well as a custom MACE ad blocker. 

You'll have enough time to test out this VPN, thanks to its 30-day refund policy. You'll be able to use PIA to easily set up a VPN on Apple TV, but if you have any trouble, PIA's customer support is always available via 24/7 live chat.

Best VPNs for Apple TV: Compared 

Why Do You Need a VPN for Apple TV? 

You need a VPN for Apple TV to enhance your privacy and security and unlock new content by bypassing geo-restrictions. Here is a full list of reasons why you should consider getting a premium Apple TV VPN:

• Access Global Content – By connecting to servers in various countries, a VPN enables you to access geo-restricted content libraries on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This way, you can expand your entertainment options.
• Stream Local Content When Traveling – If you're abroad, a VPN can help you unblock your local streaming services and websites. This way, you can access them like you’re back home, done by using a server in your home country.
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – Some ISPs will throttle your Internet speed for certain online activities, like streaming. A VPN can help you bypass this limitation, as it hides everything you do online, ensuring uninterrupted streaming.
• Get Better Gaming Experience - If you use Apple Arcade on your Apple TV, know that a VPN can enhance your connection by lowering latency. That's how you'll end up with a more responsive gameplay experience, especially in online games.
• Hide Your Browsing Activity – A VPN will encrypt your outgoing traffic, which means that it will be hidden from your ISP, the government, and hackers. This way, your sensitive information will remain private and never leave your device.
• Mask Your IP Address – With a VPN, your IP address is obscured, so it is nearly impossible for anyone to trace your online activities back to your location or identity. What others will see is your virtual IP address, which is assigned each time you use a VPN server.
• Protect All Your Devices - We'll remind you that a VPN can protect more than your streaming device. Most VPNs work on computers, phones, tablets, and even routers, which allows you to protect your entire household at once.
• Avoid Local Censorship – A VPN allows you to bypass restrictions by connecting to servers in different countries and regions to access websites blocked in your location due to censorship. So, you gain access to a more open Internet.
• Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi – Public networks are often vulnerable, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A VPN will improve your safety with a combination of AES encryption, a kill switch, and data leak protection tools.
• Secure Torrent Downloads - If you like to download torrents, know that a VPN will ensure that your P2P activities are hidden. That means you won't have to be in fear of getting a copyright infringement notice.
• Get Better Prices – Certain streaming services and online shops will give you different pricing depending on your location. By connecting from certain locations, a VPN can help you get better deals and avoid price discrimination.
• Shop Safely Online – Military-grade AES encryption will protect your sensitive information during online transactions. VPNs typically offer additional encryption options, which means you'll have multiple ways to anonymize your online traffic.

How to Choose the Best Apple TV VPN?

To choose the best Apple TV VPN, look for essential features like support for Apple TV devices, fast speeds, and strong content-unblocking capabilities. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the criteria you should pay attention to:

• Support for Apple TV – Your VPN must support Apple TV devices, which means it needs to be compatible with many router models. It should also let you share your VPN connection via Wi-Fi or by using SmartDNS.
• Support for Other Platforms – The VPN you choose needs to support a wide range of platforms, such as computers, smartphones, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. This way, you can remain protected on all your devices.
• Simultaneous Connections – Look for a VPN that lets you create multiple simultaneous connections in order to protect any devices you have with one subscription.
• Server Network Size – A provider that offers a wide global server network with many supported locations provides more options for unblocking geo-restricted content and gives you closer, faster connections. 
• No-Logs Policy – To ensure your privacy, look for a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy. This means they don't keep records of your online activities, so your sensitive data will remain hidden.
• VPN Protocols and Encryption – Your VPN should have strong AES encryption to prevent third parties from intercepting your outgoing data. Advanced VPN protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN are also crucial, as they will provide fast and reliable connections needed for streaming. 
• Advanced VPN Features – Look for extra tools for enhancing your security and privacy, such as a kill switch to cut your Internet if the VPN connection drops. Split tunneling will let you choose which traffic goes through the VPN, obfuscation will improve content-unblocking capabilities, and a solid ad blocker will eliminate intrusive ads.
• Unblocking Abilities – Your chosen VPN should reliably unblock all streaming platforms and regionally geo-restricted content. 
• Performance and Speed – A fast and consistent connection is crucial for seamless streaming.
• Money-Back Policy – A suitable VPN should have a generous refund policy. This allows you to try the service before committing and get your money back if you are not satisfied.
• Customer Support – You will want responsive customer service that is available 24/7, ideally via live chat. This ensures that you can always get help with troubleshooting.

Why Is My Apple TV VPN Not Working?

Your Apple TV VPN might not work due to connectivity issues. So, we recommend checking your connection, using a different protocol, or switching to a different server. Here's everything you can try to fix your Apple TV VPN:

• Check Your Internet Connection - We first recommend checking if everything's okay with your Web connection. Disable your VPN and try browsing the Web. See if you can open websites or use apps without any issues. If there are problems, contact your ISP.
• Restart Your Device and VPN - You can also restart your devices, which will also restart your VPN. Start with your router, which you should keep unplugged for around 30 seconds. Restart your Apple TV as well by going to Settings > System > Restart.
• Update Your VPN - By default, your Apple TV should auto-update apps. You can check if everything's okay by going to Settings > Apps. The 'Automatically Update Apps' option should be enabled.
• Switch to Another VPN Server - If you use a native tvOS VPN app, open it, and then pick a different server location. Maybe you've been trying to connect to an overcrowded server, so it's always wise to pick another location.
• Switch to Another VPN Protocol - You can also switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and other protocols. That's because each protocol handles your data differently. Apple TV also supports IKEv2, which can be a reliable protocol for unblocking apps.
• Uninstall Other VPN Applications - Each VPN you install on your Apple TV creates a new connection. Having too many connections can create a software conflict, so we recommend keeping a single VPN app installed on your Apple TV.
• Contact Your VPN's Support - If nothing else helps, you need to turn to your VPN for support. We hope that you picked a VPN with 24/7 live chat support, which is always the most effective way to resolve any technical issue.

Can You Use a Free VPN for Apple TV? 

No, you can't use free VPNs for Apple TV. They have many limitations and usually won't work on routers, have SmartDNS, or share VPN connections via Wi-Fi. This means they won’t be compatible with Apple TV. They are also known to be unsafe.

When using a free VPN, you will get fewer servers that are likely overcrowded. To combat this, free VPNs impose bandwidth limits that are quickly surpassed when streaming. You also won't get advanced features like split tunneling, obfuscation, or multiple connections.

Don't expect privacy with free providers, as many of them don't even have basic encryption. More often than not, they contain malware that extracts and sells user data. Unfortunately, this is how most free VPNs make their money. 

It's plain to see that using a premium VPN is much safer. If you still haven't found one that suits your needs, you can check our article on the best VPN providers. And if you wish to play it safe, you can go with a free VPN trial, which is an excellent way to test-drive premium VPNs.

We recommend NordVPN's free trial, which needs to be activated on Android and lasts for 7 days. However, this VPN also has a 30-day money-back policy, which applies to all its supported devices, including Apple TV.

Final Thoughts 

All the streaming services on Apple TV have geo-restrictions in place to limit regional access to content. This makes it difficult for users to watch whatever they want. Apple TV devices can also collect users' personal information through their streaming profiles. Luckily, you can solve both of these issues if you connect Apple TV to VPN.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Apple TV. It works well with any Apple TV, as it offers a native tvOS VPN app and can easily unblock any popular streaming service. Thanks to its blazing-fast speeds, you can stream TV shows and movies in 4K. Furthermore, NordVPN’s high-end encryption, no-logs policy, and kill switch will keep your data safe and private.

You have reached the end of our article on the best VPNs for Apple TV. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!