Best Apple TV VPN in 2024: installation and set-up guides
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Aurelija Tomkevičiūtė
Writer
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 2024
- NordVPN – the best overall VPN for Apple TV in 2024
- 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
- CyberGhost – streaming-oriented 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.
How to choose the best Apple TV VPN
When choosing a VPN for your Apple TV, the first and most important factor to consider is compatibility with streaming platforms, especially Apple TV. If a VPN isn’t optimized for streaming or gets detected by Apple TV’s location trackers, it won’t be effective for bypassing geo-restrictions.
The best VPNs for Apple TV are those that offer a dedicated app or support for direct home router connectivity, ensuring a smooth connection between your Apple TV and the VPN servers. This minimizes the risk of detection and helps maintain your network speed, providing a seamless streaming experience.
Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the VPN you choose has servers in the countries where you want to access content. Without servers in the desired regions, the VPN won’t be able to unblock the shows or movies you want to watch, rendering it ineffective for your needs.
Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2024: a detailed list
We have reviewed 41 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, we narrowed it down to 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 |
| Servers/countries: | 6300 servers in 111 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 10 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 72% OFF + free travel data! |
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 6300 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 $3.09/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 |
| Servers/countries: | 3200 servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 86% OFF + 3 months FREE |
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: in terms of 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 would 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. Best of all is that none of these features impact Surfshark’s speed, so you’ll be able to enjoy streaming with no lags or buffering.
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 |
| Servers/countries: | 2400 servers in 55 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
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 us, 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, we found out that IPVanish can easily access most streaming platforms, including the ones on Apple TV. It also helps that IPVanish has 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. Additionally, IPVanish offers all you need to protect your data.
Its 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 |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 8 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 49% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
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, 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.
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 $6.67/month. You can also try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see how well it works for yourself.
5. CyberGhost – a streaming-optimized Apple TV VPN
| Dedicated Apple TV VPN app: | ❌ No |
| Servers/countries: | 11500 servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections: | 7 |
| Current deal: | Now up to 84% OFF + 4 months FREE! |
Apple TV VPN setup: since CyberGhost does not yet have an Apple TV app, I set it up with Smart DNS instead. It’s a bit lengthier process than with NordVPN or others that have a dedicated app, but it wasn’t difficult. After a CyberGhost account was set up, it was just a matter of going into Smart DNS settings and activating them. But there’s also a way to install CyberGhost directly to your router.
Servers and streaming: CyberGhost has a truly impressive 11500 number of servers, but the country count is quite similar to others, like Surfshark. Since you’ll be picking countries and not specific servers on Apple TV, you won’t notice much of a difference. On the plus side, CyberGhost is really good at unblocking streaming services, so you’ll get to watch everything both on Apple TV or any other platform you own.
Speed and security: a large server fleet can slow down the connection and cause lag, so be mindful of that. As for security, CyberGhost 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 CyberGhost for $2.19/month and enjoy up to 7 simultaneous connections. Additionally, test this provider with an extra-long 45-day money-back guarantee.
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 tested, five excelled in our testing 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 tested the following things:
- Setup process: this process was completed by simply setting up a VPN on Apple TV. Whether we downloaded the complementary app or had to install it with Smart DNS, the simpler the process was, the higher we rated the VPNs. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and Surfshark conveniently, had the Apple TV apps, while we set up CyberGhost using the Smart DNS. 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, we prioritized those VPNs that can access foreign content libraries of all the Apple TV streaming platforms. We 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.
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 | 6300+ servers in 111 countries | $3.09/month | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 3200+ servers in 100 countries | $2.19/month | |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 2400+ servers in 55 countries | $2.19/month | |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 3000+ servers in 105 countries | $6.67/month | |
| CyberGhost | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 11500+ servers in 100 countries | $2.19/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 only get to watch only if you access libraries in other countries or subscribe 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:
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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 wifi 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.
- Go to your VPN provider’s website and log into your account.
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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 wifi 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 wifi hotspot. After that, simply connect your Apple TV to the wifi 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 wifi hotspot:
- On your Windows PC, go to Settings.
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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 and right-click on it. 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 Mac 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:
Mac:
- Choose a fast VPN that’s good at unblocking content. I recommend NordVPN.
- 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 wifi 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.
- Download and install the VPN app on your iOS device.
- Launch the app and log in.
- Connect to a VPN server.
- Makes sure your iOS device and Apple TV are connected to the same wifi 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 already has an Apple TV app, while, for example, CyberGhost still doesn’t.
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 a 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, 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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