Best Apple TV VPN in 2025: installation and set-up guides
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Apple TV is one of the most popular streaming devices on the market, offering seamless integration with other Apple products and a wide range of apps to enhance your viewing experience. With Apple TV, you can access multiple streaming services, giving you endless entertainment options right at your fingertips. However, despite its versatility, Apple TV isn’t immune to geo-restrictions that can prevent you from accessing certain content based on your location.
The best way to bypass these limitations is by using a VPN specifically compatible with Apple TV. A reliable Apple TV VPN can help you unlock geo-restricted content, allowing you to enjoy your favorite movies and shows from any streaming service, no matter where you are.
In this article, I'll explore the best VPNs for Apple TV, discuss their standout features, and guide you through the process of setting them up to maximize your streaming experience.
Best Apple TV VPNs in 2025
- NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Apple TV in 2025
- Surfshark – a budget-friendly Apple TV VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
- IPVanish – a highly-secure VPN with an Apple TV app
- ExpressVPN – a feature-rich VPN for Apple TV
- Proton VPN – easy-to-use Apple TV VPN
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2025: detailed list
We have reviewed 41 VPNs to determine which ones work best with Apple TV streaming devices and its streaming platforms. We tested their compatibility with Apple TV, speed, streaming unblocking, and more. Based on the results, I narrowed down the top contenders to the 5 best VPNs that can help you access Apple TV’s content libraries.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN with a dedicated Apple TV app
| Dedicated Apple TV VPN app: | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | 7100+ servers in 118 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
Apple TV VPN setup. There are two simple ways to set up NordVPN on your Apple TV. One is by simply subscribing to NordVPN and then downloading the Apple TV app, which is what I did. Then, you’ll need to log in, scan the QR code on your phone, enter the verification code, and click Quick Connect. A slightly longer option would be to set up a VPN on your Wi-Fi router.
Servers and streaming. With over 7100 servers worldwide, NordVPN covers the locations of most streaming services, including the ones available through Apple TV – Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and more.
Speed and security. Another great feature of NordVPN is its speed. With a speed retention rate of over 90%, you’re highly unlikely to experience lag or long loading times when streaming. And don’t worry – your entire experience with NordVPN will be thoroughly protected by its highly secure information encryption called 256-bit AES, effective IP address masking, and even malware-detecting Threat Protection.
Pricing. You can try NordVPN for free with its 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. After that, the subscription starts from just $3.39/month. Considering all the features that you’d be getting, it’s definitely worth investing in NordVPN for your Apple TV.
Surfshark – an affordable and server-rich Apple TV VPN
| Dedicated Apple TV VPN app: | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
Apple TV VPN setup. Surfshark has a dedicated Apple TV app called Surfshark VPN: Fast & Reliable. It has a solid 4.8/5 rating on the Apple App Store, and users can download it onto devices with tvOS, including Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K devices. However, older Apple TVs, including Apple TV 3rd Gen, Apple TV 2nd Gen, and Apple TV 1st Gen, may not support Surfshark’s app. In such cases, you can set up a VPN on your router, create a virtual router, or configure Smart DNS on the device.
Servers and streaming. Surfshark is available in 100 countries, so you’ll definitely find the one you need to watch your favorite content. We have tested Surfshark’s ability to unblock geo-restricted content, and it did not disappoint, working with Apple TV, Disney+, and many more of the main streaming platforms.
Speed and security. Surfshark is one of the leading VPNs in terms of speed. Our in-house testing has shown that Surfshark retains 86% of the original internet speed on average, ensuring a lag-free streaming experience. As for security, Surfshark is a very safe VPN. Just like NordVPN, it uses AES-256-GCM encryption – the best one there is. This type of encryption ensures that your personal information does not get leaked. Surfshark also includes a kill switch, which prevents data leaks in the event of a network crash, an ad blocker, and various other security protocols. During our tests, we found that Surfshark’s kill switch functioned flawlessly, with no leaks detected. This makes Surfshark one of the safest VPNs for Apple TV on the market.
Pricing. Surfshark is one of the most affordable Apple TV VPNs, costing from just $2.19/month. But you can also make use of its 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out with no strings attached.
3. IPVanish – a security-oriented VPN for Apple TV
| Dedicated Apple TV VPN app: | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | 2400+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
Apple TV VPN setup. IPVanish launched an app that works with Apple TV versions as old as 2015. It’s pretty easy to set up, too, as you would only need to follow the directions on screen. For me, the process was simply to install the app, log in, and connect to any of the available countries. If you don’t want to download the Apple TV app, there are other ways to use IPVanish, like connecting it directly to your home Wi-Fi router.
Servers and streaming. During our in-house tests, I found that IPVanish can easily access most streaming platforms, including the ones on Apple TV. It also helps that IPVanish has over 2400 servers to pick from, so you’ll be able to access all the content libraries.
Speed and security. With the speedy WireGuard or OpenVPN tunneling protocols, IPVanish provides stable and reliable connection speeds for a smooth and lag-free streaming experience. Our in-house testing has also shown great results – IPVanish retains around 80% of the normal internet speed. Additionally, IPVanish offers all you need to protect your data. IPVanish security features include strong data encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, and more. During our tests, IPVanish’s kill switch functioned effectively, maintaining the VPN connection with IKEv2 even if the app was closed, but it interrupted with OpenVPN. The kill switch successfully blocked data leaks during connection drops, although it didn’t notify users of reconnection attempts.
Pricing. This Apple TV VPN is quite affordable, as you can get it for just $2.19/month. And if you’re not willing to commit, you can try it out for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee.
4. ExpressVPN – an Apple TV VPN with extensive feature list
| Dedicated Apple TV VPN app: | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 8 |
Apple TV VPN setup. ExpressVPN has an Apple TV app, so it’s very simple to set up. All I had to do was download the app and log in, and it was ready to use. But if you were to have issues connecting with an app, there are options to connect ExpressVPN to your home Wi-Fi router or use a DNS.
Servers and streaming. ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, all accessible through the Apple TV VPN app. So you’ll have no issue connecting to the one that has movies and shows you want to watch. And with impressive download speeds of 226Mbps (against 500Mbps baseline), you’re unlikely to experience any lag. This is handy since ExpressVPN can unlock most streaming services, including all the ones on Apple TV.
Speed and security. ExpressVPN covers all security bases needed to protect your data online. It has AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, an independently audited no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch to prevent accidental data leaks. During our tests, we found no leaks, confirming that ExpressVPN takes all the necessary precautions that modern technology allows to keep your IP address and other personal data secure and hidden. As for speed, ExpressVPN retained 77% of the original internet speed, which is an excellent result, proving you will experience little to no speed drops with ExpressVPN.
Pricing. While it’s not the cheapest VPN on our list, ExpressVPN offers a lot of handy features for Apple TV that justify its starting price of $4.99/month. You can also try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see how well it works for yourself.
5. Proton VPN – an easy-to-use Apple TV VPN
| Dedicated Apple TV VPN app: | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS: | ❌ No |
| Servers/countries: | 9900+ servers in 117 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
Apple TV VPN setup. Proton VPN recently launched an Apple TV VPN app designed with ease of use in mind. To download it, go to the app store on your Apple TV. Once installed, go to protonvpn.com/appletv where you’ll find a verification code to complete the setup process. Please note that it’s only available for subscribers, so if you’re using the free version, you’ll have to get more creative. For instance, you can set up Proton VPN on your router; Proton VPN provides step-by-step guides to make the process as smooth as possible.
Servers and streaming. With over 9900 servers in 117 countries, Proton VPN will gain access to any geo-restricted content without a problem. Our testing has shown that Proton VPN easily unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+.
Speed and security. During our in-house tests, Proton VPN performed well and retained 85% of the original internet speed. This means that you will hardly feel a difference in speed when browsing or streaming. As for security, Proton VPN has the same highly secure encryption type as other VPNs on our list, an independently audited no-logs policy that protects your privacy, a robust kill switch to prevent data leaks, an ad blocker, and more.
Pricing: You can get Proton VPN for $3.59/month and enjoy up to 10 simultaneous connections. Proton VPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to test out the service risk-free.
How we tested and selected VPNs for Apple TV
Our research team considered several things when researching which VPNs would work best with Apple TV. Out of 41 VPNs that we originally reviewed, only the top providers made it to the in-house testing stage. In the end, 5 top Apple TV VPNs excelled in all categories. The main category, naturally, was VPN compatibility with Apple TV, either through a dedicated app or a Smart DNS. So, our research team can confirm that all providers listed can be paired with your Apple TV and work well. Now, as for determining which ones are truly the best, our research team and I tested the following aspects:
- Setup process. An effective Apple TV app was my main criterion when choosing the best VPNs for Apple TV. This made the setup process easy and straightforward. I also looked for router compatibility and Smart DNS for alternative setup methods. In all cases, the process was straightforward, well explained on the official VPN websites, and took little to no time to complete.
- Unblocking streaming services. Apple TV shows not only Apple-produced shows and films but also incorporates Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Hulu, and others. So, I prioritized those VPNs that can access foreign content libraries of all the Apple TV streaming platforms. Our team tested this by connecting to various countries and then attempting to watch different streaming service content. If it worked, then we knew that a VPN is suitable for Apple TV streaming.
- Speed. The best VPNs are usually those that have a high speed retention of 80% or more. It means that your network speed won’t reduce much, if at all when using a VPN. We tested the speed by using a network speed test before and after we turned on a VPN. We also got to see first-hand if using a VPN caused lag when trying to watch Apple TV content.
- Server network. Whether the VPN has an Apple TV app or not won’t matter if it doesn’t have a large server network. Generally, the bigger the network the better, as this means that servers are not overloaded and you won’t suffer speed drops. Most importantly, servers in more countries allow you to unblock content that’s available only in specific countries.
Best Apple TV VPNs compared
For your convenience, I did a brief comparison of all providers included in our list. There are also individual reviews that you can read to learn more details about each VPN, including information about speed, security, streaming unblocking, and more.
| Brand | Rating | Dedicated Apple TV VPN app | Virtual router setup | Smart DNS setup | VPN router setup | Servers | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 7100+ servers in 118 countries | $3.39/month | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | $2.19/month | |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 2400+ servers in 100 countries | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Servers in 105 countries | $4.99/month | |
| Proton VPN | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 9900+ servers in 117 countries | $3.59/month |
Do I really need a VPN for Apple TV
Apple TV works fine without a VPN, but if you want to access geo-blocked content libraries, then a VPN is a must-have. There are so many TV series or movie options that you would get to watch only if you accessed libraries in other countries or subscribed to multiple streaming services. Naturally, having a VPN is a cheaper option here.
Another reason is network safety. While Apple products tend to be quite secure, a VPN could protect you from data leaks and DDoS attacks. As far as Apple TV is concerned, a VPN would ensure that the streaming services are not able to collect data about you. While it won’t affect your viewing preferences, not having your data shared with third parties is essential for maintaining privacy.
How to set up a VPN on Apple TV
Setting up an Apple TV VPN can require a bit more effort than a regular Smart TV, but it’s worth it if you want to access all of those geo-restricted shows. Below, I provide multiple methods and step-by-step instructions on how to set up a VPN on your Apple TV.
- Set up an Apple TV VPN app
- Set up a VPN on your router
- Set up a VPN with SmartDNS
- Connect Apple TV to VPN via wifi hotspot (Windows)
- Mirror or cast from Mac or iOS
Set up an Apple TV VPN app
Downloading an Apple TV VPN app is the easiest way to install the service. While the details vary depending on which VPN service provider you have, the basics are usually the same. First and foremost, you’ll need a subscription to a VPN that has an Apple TV app. Then, it’s just three simple steps. Here’s an example with NordVPN:
-
Find a NordVPN app on Apple TV
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Download the app
- Once you have logged in, connect to a country of your choice
Now every time you want to watch geo-restricted content, you just need to change the country on the app and start watching. It doesn’t get more simple than that.
Set up a VPN on your router
Setting up a VPN on a router protects the whole local network, which means that all devices connected to Wi-Fi will also be connected to a VPN server. This is a great way to use a VPN with devices that don’t support VPN apps.
To get the best results, check out our article on how to set up a VPN on your router – there are also some helpful tips and a troubleshooting guide.
Set up a VPN with SmartDNS
SmartDNS is a useful technology that provides access to streaming content that otherwise might be blocked in your region. You can manually set up SmartDNS with your Apple TV and watch all the shows you’ve been missing out on.
Follow the steps below to configure your Apple TV’s DNS settings:
- Choose a reliable VPN provider that offers SmartDNS. I recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF
- Go to your VPN provider’s website and log into your account
-
In the settings, enable the SmartDNS feature and whitelist your IP address. You can find your IP address by typing “what’s my IP” into your browser
- On your Apple TV, go to General and choose Network
- Click on Wi-Fi and select the same network as your whitelisted IP
- Select Configure DNS, and then choose Manual
- Enter the SmartDNS server address of your VPN provider. You can find it somewhere on the VPN provider’s website. For example, NordVPN’s SmartDNS server addresses are here
Connect Apple TV to VPN via Wi-Fi hotspot (Windows)
If you can’t set up a VPN on your router, or the VPN provider doesn’t offer SmartDNS, you can also share the VPN-protected connection via a Wi-Fi hotspot. After that, simply connect your Apple TV to the Wi-Fi network and get access to all geo-restricted content. Note that this method only works with Windows devices.
Follow the guide below to share a VPN connection via Wi-Fi hotspot:
- On your Windows PC, go to Settings
-
Choose Network & Internet and click on Mobile Hotspot
- Select Wi-Fi and enable the hotspot
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Go back to Network & Internet and choose Advanced network settings
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Scroll down and click on More network adapter options
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Find your VPN adapter, right-click on it, and select Properties
- Select the Sharing tab
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Check the box near the Allow network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection
- Click OK
- Connect your Apple TV to the mobile hotspot
Mirror or cast from Mac or iOS
This option allows you to only connect your macOS or iOS device to a VPN, and then simply mirror or cast your stream through Apple TV. That way, you don’t need to connect the TV itself to a VPN.
To try this method, follow the steps below:
macOS:
- Choose a fast VPN that’s good at unblocking content. I recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF
- Download and install the VPN app on your Mac
- Launch the VPN app and log in
- Connect to a VPN server
- Connect your Mac and Apple TV to the same Wi-Fi network
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You will see a mirroring icon appear on your Mac screen. Tap it and choose your Apple TV
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If you can’t see this icon, go to System Preferences on your Mac, and then Display
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Choose the Display tab
- In the AirPlay Display drop-down menu, choose Apple TV
- Check the box near Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available
- Wait for your Mac’s screen to appear on your Apple TV
iOS:
- Get a reliable VPN that unblocks your favorite streaming services. I recommend NordVPN, now 72% OFF
- Download and install the VPN app on your iOS device
- Launch the app and log in
- Connect to a VPN server
- Make sure your iOS device and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
- Choose a video you want to stream
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You will see a mirroring icon appear on your iPhone screen
- Tap the icon and choose your Apple TV from the list
How the new tvOS 17 version affects your Apple TV VPN
Apple TV only started permitting VPN apps fairly recently with its tvOS 17 version. So, there’s definitely a clear shift towards more VPN-friendly TV. Some VPN services are catching on faster than others, hence why NordVPN has had an Apple TV app since late 2023, while Proton VPN launched its Apple TV app just recently, in October 2024.
However, I can definitely predict that it’s only a matter of time before most VPN providers will have a tvOS app. There’s definitely a demand for it, considering how many benefits a tvOS VPN has compared to any other connectivity types. For example, a designated app has significantly lower buffering, lagging, and IP detection rate than other means of linking Apple TV with a VPN.
Apple TV not working with VPN – what to do
Common issues with Apple TV not working with VPN
- VPN not configured correctly. Incorrect setup on your router or device can cause connectivity issues.
- Geo-blocked content still unavailable. Streaming services may detect and block the VPN, preventing access to certain content.
- Slow connection speeds. VPN servers may be overloaded or located too far from your physical location.
- IP or DNS leaks. Leaks can expose your real location, rendering the VPN ineffective.
- Incompatible VPN. Not all VPNs work well with Apple TV, especially those without Smart DNS or router support.
How to solve these issues
- Double-check your VPN setup. Ensure your VPN is properly configured on your router or the device connected to your Apple TV.
- Switch VPN servers. Try connecting to a different server to bypass geo-blocks and improve speed.
- Enable smart DNS. If available, configure Smart DNS on your Apple TV for better streaming performance.
- Run a leak test. Use an IP/DNS leak test to check for issues and switch servers or enable a kill switch if leaks are detected.
- Update or change your VPN. Make sure your VPN software is up to date, or consider switching to a VPN that is known to work well with Apple TV.
Final thoughts
There are many reasons why NordVPN deserves the top spot in the list of best VPNs for Apple TV. For starters, it’s one of the first VPN providers to have an Apple TV app and is compatible with the latest version of tvOS. Because of this, NordVPN is extremely easy to set up on Apple TV.
NordVPN has also proved time and again that it is able to unblock pretty much all streaming services. Even when testing its performance on Apple TV, I noticed that it worked effortlessly with the main streaming platforms, providing a lag-free viewing experience. So, while you may be inclined to look for more affordable options, note that NordVPN still offers the best value for money.
FAQ
Which VPNs have dedicated Apple TV VPN apps?
NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN all offer dedicated Apple TV apps, making it simple to secure your streaming activities directly on the device. These apps allow for easy setup and ensure seamless access to geo-restricted content. However, CyberGhost does not offer a dedicated Apple TV app, relying instead on Smart DNS and router-based configurations.
Can you get a free VPN for Apple TV?
No. Free VPNs tend not to have an app or other connectivity options that would be compatible with Apple TV. The advanced ones that do work through a virtual VPN connection either sell your data to third parties or get easily spotted by tvOS location trackers.
Is there a VPN app for Apple TV?
Yes, NordVPN and some other premium VPNs already have tvOS 17 compatible apps. Also, a VPN app can access foreign content libraries that you wouldn’t be able to watch without one.
Can I use a VPN with Apple TV?
Yes, a recent update of tvOS allows you to download VPN apps, such as NordVPN, making the process of changing your virtual location much easier. All you have to do is subscribe to your favorite VPN service, download the app on Apple TV, and log in.
How do I change my VPN country on Apple TV?
To change your VPN country on Apple TV, simply connect to a VPN server in a different location. If you set up a VPN on your router, you will need to change the VPN settings on your router interface. To change your Apple TV region, choose a reliable VPN like NordVPN and use it to change the location settings on your Apple TV.
Why doesn't Apple TV allow a VPN?
Unfortunately, not all Apple TV versions support VPN apps (only with tvOS 17, VPN apps can now be installed on the Apple TV directly). But you don't need to worry – even if you can't install a VPN app with one click, there are other ways to configure a secure VPN connection on your Apple TV.
How do I watch Netflix on Apple TV with VPN?
Install a dedicated NordVPN or Surfshark app to watch Netflix on Apple TV without any additional configurations. Alternatively, set up a VPN on your router and connect to a server. You can also configure your TV’s DNS settings to use the SmartDNS address of your VPN provider. Then go to Apple TV’s app store, install the Netflix app, log in or create an account, and start watching.
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