About Apple TV
Apple TV, a set-top video streaming device, is home to a wide range of on-demand videos including TV shows and movies. Apple TV users can stream videos, play games, and use other types of apps to even order a pizza using their Apple TVs. It is a great device that can be used to stream media content from Hulu, iTunes, Pandora, Netflix, etc. Though Apple TV has a huge collection of shows and movies, most of the content is not available in all regions.
There is one way to avoid geo-restrictions and access all the channels. You can do so with a VPN and it is the best way to get around all kinds of geo-restrictions as it will make you appear as if you are in a different location. A VPN will give you a new temporary IP address and hide your original IP. This way, a VPN will help you access content that is unavailable in your location. For example, if you are not in the US, but you wish to access Netflix US or HBO GO, using a VPN, you can connect to a server in the US and access it. This way the VPN will make it appear like you are accessing the blocked streaming services from the US. In addition to allowing you to access such blocked services, a VPN will also protect such online activities and no one including your ISP can find out what you are doing online.
The same applies to Apple TV, as well. You just need a VPN with good global server coverage and that also offers fast connection speeds and unbreakable security. However, you cannot run a VPN directly on Apple TV as this device does not offer a method to configure a VPN. But there is a workaround and there are different ways to use a VPN with your Apple TV.
Top Streaming Channels Available on Apple TV
- Netflix
- Hulu
- YouTube
- Showtime
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Now
- Sling TV
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- Epix
- Spectrum
- The CW
- Cartoon Network
- Movies Anywhere
- Starz
- Britbox
- Shudder
- Acorn TV
Can I Install a VPN on My Apple TV?
No. You cannot install a VPN on your Apple TV. But you can install it on your router and connect your Apple TV to the internet through that router. To do so, you will need a router that allows users to run a VPN on it as not all routers can be configured with a VPN.
You can get a VPN-compatible router or get a router that is pre-configured with a VPN of your choice. Any device including your Apple TV you connect to the router with a VPN will be protected.
Not for just Apple TV, but in general, this is one of the best ways to use a VPN to protect all devices you use in your household. When your router is configured with a VPN, you do not have to set up the VPN on every device you use. You can conveniently secure all your devices by just securing your router.
Best VPNs for Apple TV
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark VPN
- VyprVPN
- HMA VPN
1. NordVPN
One of the most popular all-rounder VPNs, NordVPN comes packed with all high-end security and privacy features. NordVPN is one of our top choices for Apple TV. NordVPN’s obfuscated and speedy servers are ideal for HD streaming. It also offers first-class privacy and security so that you can browse the web without fear of being tracked. It allows Bitcoin payment for additional security and privacy.
NordVPN has a huge server network with over 5000 servers across 60 countries and you can access all its servers across the globe to unblock any streaming service like Hulu, Netflix, and more. NordVPN does not impose any limit on the data or the bandwidth you can use.
Using NordVPN’s Smart Play DNS feature, you can access blocked content but this service does not offer all the security and privacy benefits the VPN offers.
- 5200+ servers in 62 countries
- Use up to 6 devices
- Next-generation Encryption
- Double VPN Feature
- Strict no-logs policy
NordVPN has apps for most popular platforms like iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and Android TV but there is no Apple TV VPN app, just like other VPN services. But it is compatible with routers so that you can secure all the devices you connect to the internet through the router. This applies to Apple TV, as well. To enjoy full VPN benefits, you can go for a router pre-configured with NordVPN and connect your Apple TV to the internet through it.
Read our NordVPN review to know more about its specifications.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of our top choices for Apple TV. ExpressVPN offers super-fast speeds and top-notch security. It has a huge server network worldwide, optimized for speed. With ExpressVPN’s strong unblocking capabilities, quick and easy unblocking of streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and more are guaranteed.
With ExpressVPN’s unbreakable encryption, you can keep your internet connection secure and no one can see what you are doing online. There are no loopholes and no logs are kept so that you can be assured that you can achieve complete anonymity.
You can stream HD videos without buffering back to back as there is no limit on the speed and bandwidth. This applies to services available on Apple TV, as well. While you stream shows online on your Apple TV, you can also stay protected.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
There is no native ExpressVPN Apple TV app but using the MediaStreamer DNS service of ExpressVPN, you can unblock blocked content on devices like Apple TV on which a VPN cannot be installed. However, ExpressVPN apps are available for Amazon Fire TV, Android, Linux, Windows, iOS, and macOS. It can be installed on routers too.
With ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service, you can experience an enhanced streaming experience irrespective of where you are in the world. ExpressVPN offers guides following which you can set up the VPN on your Apple TV. Remember, MediaStreamer can unblock blocked content and change your device’s location but it does not offer features that are offered by a VPN, for example, encryption.
You can go for a VPN enabled router through which you can connect your Apple TV to the internet. This way, you can enjoy all the privacy benefits of a VPN. Not just Apple TV, but you can secure all other devices on which you cannot install a VPN and secure them by connecting them to the internet through a router pre-configured with ExpressVPN.
Read our ExpressVPN review to know more.
3. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is one of our top five recommendations for Apple TV. Surfshark VPN possesses great unblocking capabilities and offers speedy well-protected connections. Surfshark VPN has a good server network and all its servers are good at unblocking streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO GO, Netflix, etc that are available on Apple TV.
Not only can you use Surfshark VPN to stream shows on your Apple TV but you can use it on all other devices you have too as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. You can stream shows and movies in HD at any time from anywhere.
Surfshark VPN’s strong military-grade encryption will keep your data secure so you need not worry about anyone snooping into your online activities.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
In addition, as it follows a strict no-logs policy, your online activity cannot be tracked back. For complete anonymity, Surfshark VPN allows users to pay for their subscriptions using Bitcoin.
Surfshark VPN has apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android, Linux, macOS, Windows, and iOS but not for Apple TV. But it offers the Smart DNS feature, using which you can use certain VPN features on Apple TV and other devices on which VPNs cannot be installed. But the Smart DNS feature lacks certain VPN features like encryption. You can instead configure Surfshark VPN on your router or get a pre-flashed router using which you can connect your Apple TV to the internet.
Read our extensive Surfshark VPN review to know more.
4. VyprVPN
Well-known for its fast speeds and unblocking capabilities, VyprVPN is one of our top choices for Apple TV. VyprVPN has a strong track record of beating geo-restrictions and unblocking Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and more. VyprVPN features best-in-class encryption and offers strong security.
Just like other VPNs, though it is not possible to run VyprVPN directly on your Apple TV, you can still use the VPN with your Apple TV by using the VyprVPN router app, by sharing your Mac’s internet connection to your Apple TV or by setting up VyprVPN on your Tomato or DD-WRT routers.
VyprVPN routers will not just secure your Apple TV but all other devices you connect to the internet through the router.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock Kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
VyprVPN has detailed guides on how to set up the VPN on your DD-WRT router. In addition, there are routers pre-configured with VyprVPN. You can use such routers to connect your Apple TV to the internet to enjoy all the benefits VyprVPN offers.
Most of all, VyprVPN operates its own private DNS service, VyprDNS that will keep your data safe while helping you unblock blocked services. This is a reason why it is fast and secure. VyprVPN is one of our top choices for this reason and also because it offers all other privacy and security features like DNS leak protection, kill switch, shared IPs, and stealth mode.
If you would like to know more about VyprVPN and the services it offers, check out our complete VyprVPN review.
5. HMA VPN
One of our top recommendations for Apple TV, HideMyAss, commonly known as HMA VPN is a reliable VPN service. It features some of the toughest security features like 256-bit encryption, smart kill switch, IP shuffle, and it offers protection against all kinds of DNS and IP leaks.
It has around 1000 servers across the globe using which you can unblock any streaming service available anywhere in the world. Likewise, its high-speed streaming servers and unlimited bandwidth are ideal for streaming as many movies and show you wish in HD. You can use the HMA VPN on five different devices at a time. HMA VPN has apps for major platforms like Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android but not for Apple TV.
Just like the other VPN services, the VPN router method is available with HMA VPN, as well. You can either set up the VPN on your router or get a pre-flashed router through which you can connect your Apple TV to the internet.
Read our full HMA VPN review to know more.
- Military-grade encryption
- Fully encrypted servers
- DDoS protection
- No logging
- P2P-optimized servers
- 20 Gbps connection speeds
- Use up to 5 devices
How to Use Apple TV With a VPN?
- Start by subscribing to a VPN. Check if the VPN is compatible with your router or go for a router compatible with the VPN. You can instead go for a router pre-configured with NordVPN or Surfshark VPN. These are the two VPNs we recommend for Apple TV.
- If you are looking for encryption and security, you can select any server and connect to it.
- But if you are looking to unblock a streaming service, you must connect to a VPN server located in the region where the streaming service is available.
- Connect your Apple TV to the router on which the VPN is configured.
- Now you are all set to stream your favorite shows on Apple TV from anywhere in the world.
Free VPN for Apple TV
We do not recommend free VPNs for Apple TV. While you will need a VPN that works with routers, free VPNs may not be compatible with routers. They may have apps for other devices but when it comes to Apple TV where you cannot use a VPN app, a free VPN may not be helpful. Even if you come across a free VPN that can be configured on a router, you cannot expect good connection speeds as free VPNs do not have a good server network. You may end up connecting to a congested server which will result in you experiencing lags while binge-watching your favorite content online.
Free VPNs also have to make money to run their services, so many make money by selling their users’ privacy. Also, most of them run on ads and you will end up watching unwanted annoying ads. Some also inject tracking cookies thereby jeopardizing their users’ privacy online. In addition, they do not offer unlimited data and bandwidth which makes such free VPNs a bad choice for any service which includes Apple TV, as well.
