Best VPNs for AppleTV You Can Purchase

Rumors are swirling that Apple might be releasing a long-awaited update to their AppleTV box unit in 2024. 

Whether you are using an older generation model or plan to get a new one, you likely enjoy streaming the latest shows, movies, and sports on your AppleTV. You also probably know how frustrating it is when certain content gets blocked or blacked out due to geo-restrictions. 

How great would it be to take your AppleTV with you when you travel in order to access the content you enjoy at home? 

Streaming services like Netflix provide different libraries to their users, based on what country a user is in. Other platforms, like MLB TV or BBC iPlayer, may completely restrict access from outside select regions. 

Fortunately, VPNs offer an easy way around those limitations! A reliable VPN for AppleTV can provide you with global server access, allowing you to bypass geo-blocks and access restricted content from any catalog.  

Access wider content selections

One of the main perks of a VPN is tunneling into streaming catalogs you couldn’t normally view. For example, by routing through servers in the UK, Australia, Canada, or elsewhere, you can significantly expand what movies, series, and programs are available through your Apple TV apps and subscriptions. A VPN lifts the geo-barriers placed on content. 

Enjoy enhanced streaming reliability

In addition to wider content libraries, connecting through a VPN provides more consistent and reliable streams. By masking your real location and IP address, you avoid issues like blackout restrictions which may interrupt or lag streams from your true geography. Using a VPN for AppleTV setup means always having access.

3 of the Best VPNs for AppleTV

Although there are plenty of VPNs that will work, we have three favorites: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. 

We’ve based our recommendations on VPNs that are known for reliability, speed, value for money, and security. 

NordVPN

NordVPN is regularly ranked #1 by users for performance and ease of use. This is thanks to its wide platform support and its ability to unblock popular streaming services. It is based in Panama and has over 5,600 servers in 59 countries. Its security includes AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It doesn’t log your browser data or IP address, and it is known for causing a minimum reduction in speed.  

NordVPN is also known for having an extensive online knowledge base that you can use to make set-up as easy as possible. 

NordVPN’s SmartDNS is an encrypted DNS proxy service included to help bypass geo-restricted content. To use the SmartDNS, you have to have to go through the NordVPN app, therefore it cannot be set up as a standalone on a router. You would still need to fully install the standard NordVPN router setup even when utilizing SmartDNS. 

The benefit provided by SmartDNS is the ability to unblock regionally restricted content, however it can work separately from NordVPN’s core VPN once configured through the app. Basically, SmartDNS needs the app to work, but operates independently of the VPN itself for unlocking geo-restricted platforms and sites after setup.

Strengths:

• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
• Extremely fast server speeds for streaming
• Allows 6 simultaneous connections
• Strong security and privacy
• Fast speeds with an average of just 13% speed reduction
• Specialty servers include Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P servers

Weaknesses:

• Corporate structure is opaque 
• No transparency reports on government requests
• Session data may be logged (such as timestamps)
• Only available in 3 subscription lengths
• Desktop app takes some getting used to 

Pricing: Monthly – $12.99/month; 1 Year – $4.49/month; 2 Years – $2.99/month

ExpressVPN

When it comes to delivering a fast, flexible, and secure VPN experience tailored for AppleTV, ExpressVPN ticks all the boxes. Its combination of swift connection speeds, easy-to-use smart DNS service, and dedicated router support make it our top choice for AppleTV VPN usage both at home and while traveling.

ExpressVPN operates a global network of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries. Speed tests repeatedly confirm the blazing speeds, with minimal latency and buffering. This allows for smooth HD and even 4K content streams. For AppleTV, consistency and speed are vital, and ExpressVPN does not disappoint.

The MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy service included with every ExpressVPN account makes bypassing geo-restrictions straightforward as well. By redirecting your DNS requests through ExpressVPN’s servers, you can access regionally blocked platforms no matter where you connect from. You can simply point your AppleTV DNS to MediaStreamer for fast unblocking. Of course, installing and connecting ExpressVPN’s custom router firmware will enable VPN protection across all devices.

Benefits:

• MediaStreamer smart DNS to easily unblock content
• Fast server speeds for interruption-free HD/4K
• Strong security and privacy protections
• Dedicated router firmware for Apple TV
• Reliable connections and minimal latency

Weaknesses:

• Relatively expensive subscription plans
• Few advanced technical features

Pricing: $13/month, $60 for 6 months, or $100 per year

Surfshark

Surfshark is a Netherlands-based VPN and has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. Like other high-performing VPNs, Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption. Its features include split tunneling, malware protection, and split tunneling, and auditors have verified that it follows the no-logs policy. Surfshark is a good budget-friendly option for streaming with unlimited device connections. 

For your AppleTV usage, Surfshark provides both a VPN and a smart DNS service as standard options. For either, you can either configure the VPN on your router or change the default DNS on your AppleTV to one of Surfshark’s servers. This offers slightly less security than a fully-optimized VPN, but it allows you to avoid geoblocking and safely stream your favorite platforms while traveling abroad. 

Note: if you want to use the smart DNS option, you’ll need to confirm your IP address on the Surfshark website at the same time that you are using the Wi-Fi network that your AppleTV is connected to. 

Strengths:

• Works well with all your major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
• Offers unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Very affordable longer-term subscription pricing
• Performed well in speed tests with fast downloads

Weaknesses:

• Had some trouble fully hiding VPN usage in restrictive countries
• Privacy policy and logging specifics could use clarification

Pricing: $12.95 per month, $47.88 annually, or $59.76 for 2 years ($2.49/month)

Choosing the ideal VPN for your AppleTV

With countless VPNs on the market promising access to geo-blocked content, it is important to decide which one will truly work best with your AppleTV. Follow this guidance when evaluating options:

1. Prioritize speed and reliability
2. Verify platform customization
3. Check for tutorials and a thorough knowledge base
4. Verify the VPN’s ability to unblock everything
5. Review privacy policies and security safeguards 

A reliable VPN is the key to getting the most out of your AppleTV streaming, whether you want to access more content abroad or have consistent streams without geo-blocks. 

Of the many options, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark stand out as top choices thanks to their performance, features, security protections, and knowledge resources to simplify AppleTV VPN setup. 

By selecting amongst these three providers based on your priorities like speed, price, or unblocking abilities, you will be able to sit back and enjoy more content reliably streamed right to your AppleTV.