Sunday, April 13, 2025

The most effective Apple TV VPNs of 2025: Skilled examined and reviewed

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While you join Apple TV, utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) with the streaming service won’t be your first thought. Nonetheless, an Apple TV VPN can improve your expertise by enhancing your on-line privateness and disguising your IP tackle to entry content libraries outdoors your property area.

Now that many VPN suppliers have developed native Apple TV apps, it is simpler than ever to reap the benefits of VPN companies via Apple TV. Our present favorites embrace NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

What’s the greatest VPN for the Apple TV proper now?

The most effective VPN for Apple TV is NordVPN. NordVPN provides a local Apple TV app, eradicating the trouble of putting in a VPN immediately in your router. Moreover, this service gives wonderful speeds, efficiency, and an expansive server community. Costs start at $3.09 monthly.

Additionally: Best free VPNs of 2025

The ZDNET workforce has a long time of mixed expertise in testing VPN services, and we try to give you the best options on the market to make knowledgeable purchases. We have now examined over a dozen VPNs through the years. We perceive what features and options are crucial if you find yourself on the lookout for a brand new service. 


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The most effective VPNs for Apple TV in 2025

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NordVPN is among the greatest Apple TV VPNs obtainable as a consequence of its pace, stability, safety, and server community.

The NordVPN consumer interface is evident and engaging, and the service is straightforward to put in and arrange. Up to now, NordVPN restricted its prospects to 6 simultaneous connections however has since elevated the restrict to 10 units beneath one account. This provides you sufficient scope to make use of this VPN on units aside from your TV reminiscent of your PC, smartphone, or pill.

NordVPN has 111 international locations inside its server community, supplying you with loads of choices for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content material. It is among the finest streaming VPNs we have examined as nicely, and it demonstrates excessive success rates when accessing companies together with Netflix.

A current impartial audit carried out by Cure53 discovered that the VPN works as meant, though some vulnerabilities had been found and stuck. 

This VPN is appropriate with Apple TV and would not require any changes to the area identify service (DNS) settings to implement. The corporate operates NordVPN for tvOS, a native Apple TV app that you would be able to obtain here.

Evaluation: NordVPN

Costs begin from $3.09 monthly should you join two years of service, $5 monthly for a one-year plan, or a normal month-to-month subscription is available in at $13 for fundamental safety. Obtainable add-ons embrace looking safety, anti-malware scanners, ad-blockers, cloud storage, and a password supervisor.

Clients say they just like the VPN’s pace and stability in addition to the top-notch help. Throughout testing, we persistently discovered this VPN to be one of many quickest obtainable with wonderful streaming capabilities and stable connectivity.

NordVPN options: Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Good DNS: YesSimultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Hearth TV, tvOS, and routers | International locations: 111 | Kill change: Sure | Logging: Electronic mail tackle and billing data solely | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot score: 4.1 | Google Play score: 4.6 | App Retailer score: 4.7


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ExpressVPN is a well-liked VPN service that persistently gives sturdy stability and efficiency. This VPN is our prime choose for pace, having persistently supplied the least pace loss throughout our assessments.

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 international locations and provides as much as eight simultaneous connections, however we would prefer to see this grow to be limitless, contemplating the fee.

With the launch of tvOS 17, this VPN obtained a devoted app for Apple TV. The software program could be rapidly downloaded from the App Retailer and put in in your gadget. In case you have an older model of tvOS and can’t or don’t wish to replace, you should utilize ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service as a substitute.

Evaluation: ExpressVPN

Subscriptions normally start at $6.67 monthly, however ExpressVPN is at the moment operating a promotion for two-year contracts that brings down the fee to $5 monthly with 4 months of free entry added to the size of the contract. Different plans obtainable embrace $6.67 monthly on an annual plan with three months free, and one month of entry for $12.95.

ExpressVPN now additionally provides student deals, a promotion added in March. 

Clients say they sometimes have a optimistic expertise with this VPN supplier and buyer help is great. Some, nevertheless, additionally report automated billing points. Throughout testing, we discovered ExpressVPN to be a speedy, stable service, though on uncommon events, we did run up in opposition to IP-based web site blocks.

ExpressVPN options: Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Good DNS: Yes  | Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill change: Sure | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Hearth TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | International locations: 105 | Logging: No looking logs, some connection logs | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot score: 4.2 | Google Play score: 4.4 | App Retailer score: 4.7


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Surfshark is the most suitable choice in order for you an affordable VPN to disguise your actions and make it easier to entry geo-restricted content material when utilizing Apple TV.

Surfshark gives 3,200 servers in 100 international locations with limitless connections. The corporate released a local Apple TV app final yr for tvOS 17 and up. Alternatively, you should utilize Surfshark’s Good DNS characteristic, however needless to say this feature is proscribed to a U.S. location and will not present the identical performance because the VPN itself.

Evaluation: Surfshark VPN

Surfshark prospects say the service is straightforward to make use of and buyer help is great. In our pace testing, we discovered Surfshark’s efficiency cheap, particularly contemplating the value level. We additionally just like the partaking consumer interface and the helpful pause operate, which lets you cease your VPN for 5 minutes or longer.

Surfshark is among the most affordable VPNs in the marketplace. Two-year plans begin at $2 monthly throughout the Surfshark birthday promotion and include three months of free entry. Yearly plans supply the identical variety of free months and start at $3.19 monthly. 

Month-to-month signups are costly, with pricing beginning at $15.45, however there’s a 30-day money-back assure that you could possibly reap the benefits of on a longer-term signup. 

Surfshark VPN options: Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Good DNS: YesSimultaneous connections: Limitless | Advert blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill change: Sure | International locations: 100 | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Hearth TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot score: 4.4 | Google Play score: 4.5 | App Retailer score: 4.7


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Proton VPN, developed by engineers devoted to on-line safety, makes use of strong protocols and powerful encryption to assist masks your on-line actions. 

Proton VPN provides a kill change, the good thing about open-source applied sciences, and a server community together with 91 international locations. Our assessments revealed no area identify service (DNS) leaks and cheap speeds. 

Proton VPN launched its Apple TV app in 2024, and extra streaming capabilities are on the agency’s 2025 product roadmap. As well as, the group intends to enhance its macOS and iOS apps to incorporate cut up tunneling, port forwarding, and visitor modes.

This VPN is protected by Swiss privateness legal guidelines and it’s independently audited. A strict no-logs coverage can also be in place, making it a best choice for security-conscious customers. 

Evaluation: Proton VPN

The most effective deal is $4.49 monthly on a two-year plan. Alternatively, Proton VPN’s plans embrace 12 months for $5 monthly, whereas one month of entry prices $10. 

A free plan can also be obtainable with restricted server entry. This selection is not appropriate for streaming, nevertheless, so you must go for a paid plan in case your major motive for utilizing a VPN is streaming, Apple TV use, or gaming. 

Proton VPN features: Apple TV compatibility: Yes | Good DNS: Smart Routing | Open-source | Simultaneous connections: One to 10, relying on the plan | International locations: 117 | Logging: No-logs coverage | Safety audits | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Hearth TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Free possibility | Trustpilot score: 2.3 | Google Play score: 4.6 | App Retailer score: 4.6


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IPVanish is a powerful contender within the VPN house and is a well-liked possibility for streaming and day-to-day VPN use.

IPVanish released an Apple TV-compatible app with the launch of tvOS 17. Throughout the board, it’s a extremely customizable possibility with quick connection speeds and stable transfers. The IKEv2 protocol is used to deal with Apple TV connections. Nonetheless, our frequent pace assessments point out this feature can lag behind a few of its rivals. 

Different options embrace a kill change, advert and tracker blocking, encrypted storage, and limitless simultaneous connections. Current updates to its server community, which now consists of 108 international locations, have put it on par with many rival companies. 

Evaluation: IPVanish

In case you commit to 2 years, IPVanish provides a reduced plan for $2.19 monthly. This will increase to $3.33 monthly for a yearly plan and $13 for a month-to-month subscription. 

IPVanish delivers a stable consumer expertise total. In accordance with buyer suggestions, this VPN works nicely when streaming and whereas prospects are overseas. We have additionally discovered this VPN to be very dependable with cheap speeds. 

The corporate has additionally lately launched a brand new Trust Center and a brand new, impartial no-logs audit has verified IPVanish’s no-logs coverage. 

Notice: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s father or mother firm. For extra, see our Editorial Guidelines.

IPVanish VPN options: Apple TV compatibility: Native app | Good DNS: Sure | Simultaneous connections: Limitless | Kill change: Sure | Platforms: Home windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Hearth TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, besides billing knowledge | Areas: 108 international locations | Cash-back assure: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot score: 4.2 | Google Play score: 4.5 | App Retailer score: 4.6


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Additionally: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested

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Worth

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Native Apple TV app?

NordVPN

$3.09+ monthly

10

Sure

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$5+ monthly

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Surfshark

$2+ monthly

Limitless

Sure

Proton VPN

$4.49+ monthly

10

Sure

IPVanish

$2.19+ monthly

Limitless

Sure


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VPNs that present a local app for Apple TV can be utilized to disguise your authentic IP tackle, supplying you with a comparatively nameless connection and the power to entry geo-restricted content material. This would possibly embrace content material restricted to particular places — which might come in useful in case you are touring and you do not wish to miss your favourite TV present.

Your VPN may also assist disguise your actions out of your ISP. This may be particularly essential in case you are on a plan that throttles your pace or bandwidth when your ISP detects streaming.

See additionally: What is a VPN and why do you need one?


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The way to arrange an Apple TV VPN

There are alternative ways to make use of a VPN together with your Apple TV setup. After Apple introduced help for third-party VPNs with the discharge of tvOS 17 in 2023, many VPN suppliers started creating native apps to be used with the working system — however not all of them.

In case your chosen VPN supplier provides a local Apple TV app, the method is straightforward. Head to Apple’s App Retailer and choose the search operate to seek out your VPN app. Obtain the app, set up it, and supply the VPN with any requested gadget permissions. Open the app and log in to the service through your Apple TV distant together with your username, electronic mail, and password you created if you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs will let you log in via a QR code or entry code on one other gadget.

See additionally: How to set up a VPN on your router

You additionally want to make sure that your Apple TV is up-to-date. To replace your Apple TV, go to settings and discover the software program updates tab. As soon as your VPN has been put in, choose a rustic or select fast join, and you ought to be good to go. 

If there is no such thing as a native Apple TV app obtainable, you could have to arrange a VPN service in your router as an alternative. Most VPN suppliers have in depth FAQ sections on their websites detailing easy methods to full a guide setup. It is best to reference these directions for the precise VPN you are utilizing, and to contact help when you have any points.

Alternatively, you possibly can strive a Good DNS workaround. Good DNS makes an attempt to unblock geo-restricted content material and companies, even when there is no such thing as a native VPN help obtainable. Good DNS is a characteristic made obtainable by prime VPN suppliers, however enabling it to work together with your Apple TV will fluctuate by supplier.

For instance, if you wish to use NordVPN‘s Good DNS characteristic in your Apple TV reasonably than its native app, open the app, navigate to the Providers part, choose Good DNS, and hit Activate. Go into your Apple TV dashboard, head to community settings, and select Configure DNS, Handbook. Enter NordVPN’s good DNS server addresses and choose submit. The app will both generate Good DNS settings for you, otherwise you’ll should search for the addresses supplied by your VPN service.

Many suppliers really useful on this listing have been topic to in-depth testing and critiques by members of the ZDNET workforce. We have been speaking about VPNs for years, spoken with their administration and their customers, and developed a usually favorable impression.

ZDNET assessments VPN companies from a number of places, however we will not take a look at from all places. Each residence, group, native ISP, and nation has a special infrastructure. 

We analyzed one of the best VPNs for Apple TV utilizing the next standards that will help you make an knowledgeable determination:

  • Efficiency: Our prime VPNs should have a minimal stage of efficiency. In any case, there is not any level in utilizing a VPN whereas streaming in case your connection regularly drops or lags.
  • Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs restrict the variety of units you possibly can hook up with a service on the similar time. In case you have a cellphone, pill, laptop computer, desktop, or good TV you wish to hook up with a VPN, you want a service that permits at the very least 5 or 6 simultaneous connections.
  • Safety: There isn’t any level in utilizing a VPN except its safety protocols and encryption ranges are as much as scratch. We additionally ensured the event workforce behind every really useful VPN cares about making safety enhancements over time and patching reported bugs.
  • Kill change: A kill change prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is a vital characteristic for a VPN, because it protects you by stopping a return to a default Wi-Fi connection ought to your web connection unexpectedly drop.
  • Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs could be key to accessing native content material and companies whilst you’re away from residence. We ensured that our prime suggestions carried out nicely given these elements and are unlikely to decelerate your connection whereas streaming. 
  • Platforms: What techniques and units are you able to run the VPN on? Our Apple TV VPN suggestions have to supply easy-to-use and intuitive apps appropriate for this {hardware}.
  • International locations and servers: In what number of completely different international locations does the VPN have servers? This may embrace bodily and digital servers and whether or not there are sufficient — at the very least 50 or so — to offer selection.
  • Trial size and value: Nearly all of VPNs we suggest have a stable money-back assure of at the very least 30 days. Some VPN suppliers, like CyberGhost, give you even longer. We wish to see money-back ensures that give prospects the choice to bow out if they’re sad with the service. 

For a extra in depth breakdown, try our complete VPN testing methodology page.


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Select this Apple TV VPN…

If you’d like…

NordVPN

A do-it-all safe VPN with Apple TV compatibility. NordVPN is a really quick and dependable VPN service that provides loads of simultaneous connections and over 100 international locations in its server community. General, it provides every thing that the majority customers will want or need.

ExpressVPN

An exceptionally quick service. ExpressVPN provides a local tvOS app and gives you with a easy interface, secure connectivity, and an expansive server community. Whereas it is costly and you do not get limitless simultaneous connections, its a superb VPN.

Surfshark

To pay much less. Surfshark is an inexpensive VPN possibility that gives a variety of helpful options, together with a devoted tvOS app. You too can get pleasure from limitless simultaneous connections. Surfshark provides some fo one of the best worth for cash. 

Proton VPN

To place safety first. The open supply Proton VPN service now has a local app obtainable for Apple TV and you may profit from its big selection of safety features whereas streaming. There’s a free possibility, too.

IPVanish

A configurable VPN service. IPVanish is designed to be straightforward to arrange and use, with limitless connections — which we at all times prefer to see — and quick connection speeds. A local app can also be obtainable for Apple TV.


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When you’re choosing your new Apple TV VPN, you must take into account the next elements:

  • Worth: Probably the most vital elements in selecting a brand new VPN is the value. You are inclined to get one of the best offers on longer contracts, however you possibly can nonetheless join a month or so to check out a service should you favor. We suggest avoiding free VPNs — with a number of exceptions — as they might promote your knowledge or bombard you with advertisements. Plans from respected VPNs can usually be as little as a number of {dollars} monthly, though you might need to pay tax on prime.
  • Simultaneous connections: In case you’re paying for a VPN appropriate on your Apple TV, you would possibly nonetheless wish to use it throughout a number of units, reminiscent of a desktop PC or laptop computer. We suggest you join a plan supporting at the very least six units. Fortunately, many paid VPN plans now supply limitless connections. 
  • Contract size: It’s essential to additionally resolve how lengthy you desire a VPN. A two-year time period tends to safe one of the best costs, however different choices can be found, together with month-to-month plans, one-year phrases, or, generally, even five-year contracts or lifetime subscriptions. After you have made a variety, there’s sometimes a 30-day money-back assure.
  • Apps: When choosing a VPN, strive it first to make sure you like its accompanying app. Some VPNs, for instance, have nice desktop software program however won’t have a local Apple TV app obtainable. If potential, choose a VPN with a local Apple TV app to save lots of you discovering a workaround.
  • Servers: When you’re on the lookout for a VPN to make use of together with your Apple TV, it might be that the principle motive is to entry completely different libraries. So, verify that the VPN you wish to use has servers within the nation or location you need earlier than signing up.


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No. Since 2023, Apple has supplied help for third-party VPN suppliers, permitting these companies to develop native functions appropriate with its set-top field. 

Apple mentioned the help was made obtainable “to learn enterprise and schooling customers eager to entry content material on their non-public networks, permitting Apple TV to be an excellent workplace and convention room resolution in much more locations.” It was additionally excellent news for customers who need the extra options and safety of a VPN with out having to make use of workarounds to mix their VPN service with an Apple TV subscription.


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On their very own, Good DNS companies supplied by VPNs don’t present the identical safety or safety as a VPN. A VPN lets you change your location and IP tackle whereas creating an encrypted tunnel to masks your on-line actions and enhance your on-line safety. By comparability, Good DNS solely modifications your IP tackle to hopefully unblock geo-restricted content material.


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Most likely not. Except you desire a VPN to entry geo-blocked content material libraries, paying for a VPN service simply on your Apple TV won’t be value your cash. That mentioned, the vast majority of VPN suppliers gives you multiple connection at a time. This implies you should utilize your VPN to guard your PC, smartphone, and different units concurrently. 


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Whereas there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, the bulk will include pace, server, or gadget connection restrictions. To your Apple TV, we suggest that you just join a paid VPN plan so you do not have points with Good DNS performance, pace, or safety.


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First, select a good VPN vendor with a powerful safety background. Then, to verify that your VPN is working correctly, evaluate your IP tackle earlier than and after enabling a VPN connection. You will discover this in your gadget’s settings — sometimes beneath Wi-Fi — or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. In case you see the identical IP tackle, your VPN might be not working correctly, as a VPN ought to assign you a brand new IP tackle.

You too can go to dnsleaktest.com to see if any area identify service (DNS) leaks have been detected whereas utilizing a VPN, which may very well be an indication that your data is being leaked. 

Lastly, watch out with free VPNs supplied by unknown or shady firms, particularly if they’re outdoors of official app repositories. This might open your gadget as much as surveillance or malware. 


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Apple TV VPN companies are authorized within the U.S., however service legality varies from nation to nation.

Some international locations, together with North Korea, Belarus, and Iraq, ban VPNs outright, whereas others, reminiscent of Russia and China, don’t approve of using non-state-controlled VPNs.

Often, it is not the legality of a VPN that could be a core problem however reasonably what you employ it for. For instance, utilizing a VPN to entry geolocked content material outdoors of your contract with a streaming service supplier could break its phrases of service. 

Nonetheless, should you intend to make use of a VPN in a foreign country and are uncertain of its legality, you possibly can try NordVPN’s guide.


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Sure, it’s potential. VPNs are just one technique to enhance your on-line privateness and safety, however no single software program resolution will shield you fully. Whereas many VPN suppliers function no-logs insurance policies and use sturdy encryption, you might be nonetheless be tracked by your web service supplier (ISP), cookies, monitoring scripts, and due to area identify service (DNS) leaks.


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You’ll be able to, however free VPNs will normally limit pace, bandwidth, and nation server choice. You may also be restricted to choose servers, growing load and doubtlessly impacting service. 

We would not suggest utilizing free VPNs for frequent streaming, however should you’d nonetheless prefer to check out a free VPN for Apple TV first, we recommend you try Proton VPN or Windscribe. Alternatively, join a plan with considered one of our really useful VPNs and reap the benefits of their money-back ensures.


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Different VPNs to contemplate





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