5 Best VPNs for Apple TV & How to Use VPN on Apple TV

Best VPNs for Apple TV & How to Use VPN on Apple TV

In its industry, Apple undoubtedly occupies the front seat, and the company is miles ahead of its competitors.

Apple TV is one product that is slowly gaining popularity in the market. The security of this device and many other Apple products is impressive, but it poses a problem in disguise; the incompatibility with many third-party apps.

Therefore, to really enjoy using Apple TV, you need Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

VPNs mask your original IP address, providing you with that of its server. This allows access to content you otherwise wouldn’t have gotten.

The best VPN services to use with Apple TV

Having established the tight security that Apple devices boast of, not all VPNs will be compatible with Apple TV. Here are the top 5 VPNs in the market for Apple TV.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN devices

Features

  • Number of servers: More than 3,000
  • Speeds: Unlimited
  • Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
  • Maximum devices supported: 5
  • 24 live chat: Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes

Pros/Cons

  • Fastest VPN out there
  • Strict no logs policy
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Few discounts
Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has been around for a pretty long time. Founded in 2009, the VPN has garnered an impressive influence across as many as 160 locations across the globe. ExpressVPN’s positive response to industry changes since its inception has been one of the reasons that have kept them standing.

With 3000+ VPN servers in 160 server locations and 94 countries, ExpressVPN grants its users access to geo-restricted content in a breeze. It doesn’t matter where you are around the world; there is an ExpressVPN server that is close to you. But you don’t have to pick one by yourself. You’re automatically connected to the nearest server in the country the desired service exists.

Such a wealthy server base also implies that slow servers will not be a problem for you. Live streaming has never been smoother. With the removal of annoying buffers, content almost seems pre-recorded with this VPN. And unlike many other VPNs, there’s a server test to determine its speed.

You should use a VPN that guarantees you top-notch security features, and ExpressVPN is one of the leaders in terms of security and privacy. The VPN operates the AES 256-bit encryption system. This is military-grade and the most secure form of protection a VPN can have. So, you can rest easy knowing that you are safe from hackers, annoying ads, and malware when accessing the internet through ExpressVPN.

To use ExpressVPN on Apple TV, you either install it on a router or use the provider’s MediaStreamer device. In each case, ExpressVPN walks you through the process. It also provides steps for installing ExpressVPN on Apple TV 4K, 4th gen Apple TV. 3rd gen Apple TV, 2nd gen Apple TV, and 1st gen Apple TV.

On a final note, ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to 5 devices to a single subscription plan. The VPN also has active customer support to walk you through whatever problems you may face.

  • Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $6.67

NordVPN

NordVPN devices

Features

  • Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 6
  • Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
  • Servers: 5342 in 58 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Lots of pricing options
  • Netflix support kept up to date
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Slow app
Visit NordVPN

With over 5847 servers in 140+ server locations in 59 countries, NordVPN is another VPN you can use with Apple TV. An intelligent algorithm automatically selects the server that’s closest to you, so you do not need to worry about handpicking one.

NordVPN has different server types, which include Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated, and P2P servers. DoubleVPN, for instance, links your connection through two servers, affording you double encryption.

NordVPN has a KillSwitch feature, and it kicks in at worst-case scenarios. This means once it detects a breach in privacy, the whole connection is disrupted, and you lose access to the internet. In other words, you’re better safe than sorry. With measures like this and the AES 256-bit encryption system this VPN runs, you’ll not need to worry about hackers, your ISP, or the government.

Still, on its impressive security details, NordVPN operates a strict and credible no-logging policy. With this in place, know for sure that no records whatsoever of your internet activities are monitored or stored.

You can enjoy uninterrupted video streaming with NordVPN on your Apple TV. If you are dissatisfied with the service, you can always get a refund if you request one within 30-days of using the service. NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth to stream content on Apple TV.

Setting up NordVPN on your Apple TV is pretty straightforward. The provider shows you how to install its app for your router to secure your Apple TV further. In addition, you can share a connection with your NordVPN-protected device such as a laptop. Finally, you can also choose to explore Smart DNS on Apple TV. NordVPN supports the Smart DNS feature.

  • Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $3.71

Surfshark

Surfshark devices

Features

  • Free trial? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Ad blocking? Yes
  • Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries

Pros/Cons

  • No footprints
  • Allows torrenting
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not the fastest
Try Surfshark

SurfShark is another VPN that you can use for Apple TV. It is compatible with all the Apple TV generations. Thus, you can set it up and use on Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Apple TV 3rd Gen, Apple TV 2nd Gen, and Apple TV 1st Gen.The service has lots of privacy and security features that make it easier to stream geo-restricted content. However, it isn’t doing badly with its number of servers. At the moment, it has over 3200 servers in more than 61 countries.

While many VPNs can block ads, none of them are as effective as SurfShark. With the CleanWeb feature, you can browse through the internet without worrying about ads or phishing attempts.

With Whitelister, one of SurfShark’s features, you’ll be able to decide which apps to bypass when streaming or browsing through the internet. Such a feature immensely jumps the speed. SurfShark has a Camouflage Mode that makes it easy to go under the radar while using Apple TV.

It is awe-inspiring that you can use a maximum of 5 or 6 devices with top quality VPNs. However, with a single SurfShark subscription, you can use an unlimited number of devices!

All these features are available at affordable subscription plans. There’s also a money-back guarantee and customer support platform to help you through any technical problem you might experience.

Unfortunately, Surfshark does not have a native app for Apple TV. However, users can connect the VPN to their Apple TV using either of three ways. The first is through installing the VPN on a router and hooking up the Apple TV to it. The next is through setting up a virtual router. The last is setting up a smart DNS on the Apple TV. For each of these options, Surfshark provides detailed steps to follow.

  • Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest Price: $2.49

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN devices

Features

  • Killswitch Yes
  • iOS App Yes
  • Data logging No

Pros/Cons

  • Servers in 63 countries
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
  • App can seem complicated
Visit PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a mid-tier provider that works well for those looking for an excellent VPN service on a budget. You can install it on routers and use it with your Apple TV. Since routers allow unlimited simultaneous connections, you can also connect your other devices apart from your Apple TV, bringing them under PrivateVPN’s protection.

This provider does not have a huge selection of servers—just above 100 in 63 countries. However, these servers are reliable and superfast. You can connect to any to unblock geo-restricted content in any location. PrivateVPN has great unblocking abilities. Thus, you can stream videos from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. with your Apple TV as long as you have a current PrivateVPN subscription.

Security and privacy are two key areas ExpressVPN pays attention to. It uses only the highest standards of encryption to secure its servers. In addition, it supports amazing security protocols, has a kill switch, and prevents IP leaks. It also stands by its no-log policy, ensuring that no aspect of users’ data is stored on its servers. This limits the possibility of a breach.

You get a 30-day money-back guarantee window within which you can use the service and request a refund. Furthermore, the provider has a very responsive customer care system. If you run into any challenge, the VPN provider will be on hand to assist you.

  • Pros: Servers in 63 countries; 30-day money-back guarantee; 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256;
  • Lowest price: €2.04

CyberGhost

CyberGhost devices

Features

  • Connected devices at once: 7
  • Automatic kill switch? Yes
  • One click connect: Yes
  • Servers: 5900 worldwide

Pros/Cons

  • No logs policy
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Apps for mobile devices and routers
  • No free option
Try CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the last on this list of the best VPNs for Apple TV. It’s a top-quality VPN with lots of features that will break almost all the restrictions that Apple TV has. It does not have a native app for Apple TV. However, you can change your DNS settings with CyberGhost to get your Apple TV protected by this provider. You can also use a CyberGhost preinstalled router, or set up CyberGhost on a regular router to further protect your Apple TV.

CyberGhost has 7000+ servers in over 89 countries of the world. The servers are pretty fast and are designed especially for torrent downloading and live streaming. CyberGhost has spared no cost in developing its servers with state-of-the-art technologies. For one, their servers use the fastest VPN protocols around. These are the L2TP and the IKEV2.

With Split Tunnelling, you can limit the number of apps on your TV that uses the VPN service. This streamlined usage improves connection speed.

On its security features, CyberGhost is up there with the top guns of its industry. It spots the AES-256 encryption as well as the DNS leak protection and a kill switch.

A supportive customer care team is always at your beck and call to help you out with any challenge you may face when using the VPN. However, the icing on the cake is that you can get a 100% refund even after using the VPN for some time. The catch is that you have to request a refund within 45 days of using the service.

CyberGhost offers unlimited bandwidth and allows you to connect as many as seven devices at a time to an account.It works with Apple 4k and previous models.

  • Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
  • Lowest price: €2

UltraVPN

UltraVPN devices

Features

  • One click connect? Yes
  • Servers: 100+ superfast servers
  • Bandwidth cap? No
  • Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

Pros/Cons

  • Firewall
  • Apps for all devices
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not as many servers as others
Try UltraVPN

With about 100+ super fast servers, it is remarkable that UltraVPN has risen to this level of widespread acceptance.

A peculiar feature of UltraVPN’s servers is the incredible speeds they can reach. With only a handful of them, it is amazing how they still have pretty fast and reliable internet connections. Therefore, browsing through websites and streaming content is as swift as it gets with this VPN.

With many servers in the USA, UltraVPN is perfect for Netflix, and unblocking social media content. You can equally enjoy sporting events on your sleek Apple TV screen.

UltraVPN operates a strict no-logging policy that assures you none of your data or online activity will be stored in any location. The VPN has the AES-256 encryption that ensures you never experience security breaches.

Then there’s the fantastic customer support team that you can contact through email and phone calls. Since they are always within reach, they can navigate your way out of problems you might encounter during use.

UltraVPN does not have bandwidth caps, and it operates a strict no-logging policy.

  • Pros: Firewall; Apps for all devices; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: €2.99

How to pick the right VPN for Apple TV

With a list of the top five VPNs for Apple TV like the one we’ve included above, it can be difficult picking one, especially if you don’t know what criteria you should look out for.

Here are some questions to get answers to before picking any VPN for Apple TV:

  1. What’s the server base of the VPN, and how are they spread: Without a server to connect to, you cannot use a VPN service. So, before you get any VPN, ensure you know where its servers are located and how they are spread across the countries of the world.
  2. What is the VPN’s privacy policy? A VPN’s privacy policy is an essential factor to consider before getting a VPN. The standard is for top VPNs to operate a strict no-logging policy, but you need to confirm that this is what is on the table before committing to a provider. You should not go below this standard.
  3. Are the servers fast? To get a similar or even better connection speed than when you are not using a VPN, we advise that you ask how fast the servers of the VPN are.
  4. Is there a free trial? Although you need to pay a subscription fee to get any of the VPNs we’ve listed above, we recommend that you ask if there is a free trial. You’ll find that some of them may be risk-free.
  5. How many simultaneous connections are allowed? You’ll save money if you get a VPN that allows multiple logins instead of one that only allows a single device.

Why you should not use a free VPN

Before you get persuaded by free VPN providers, here are some dangers of using this type of VPN:

  1. Most of them will sell your data to third-parties: You should suspect any free VPN that promises all the features you would have gotten from a paid option. They usually have a way of making money from you. Sadly, most free VPNs sell their users’ data and logs to advertisers and third-parties.
  2. Most free VPNs will bug you with ads: Most free VPNs will bug you with ads until you have no choice but to click on them. These ads can sometimes be infested with malware.
  3. Most free VPNs don’t have enough servers: Server congestion is inevitable when a VPN doesn’t have enough servers for all its users. Unfortunately, this is a common problem for most free VPNs.
  4. Most free VPNs don’t have the best features: You shouldn’t expect to find top-notch security and privacy features like AES-256 encryption and an automatic kill switch in free VPNs. Most of them offer substandard features.
  5. Many free VPNs have slow server speed: The server speed is perhaps the most important factor to consider when streaming a video. However, most free VPNs have a hard time measuring up to the standard that their paid counterparts have set.

Virtual Private Networks: Good or Bad?

Legality has always been a question behind the use of Virtual Private Networks. Different parties have come up with different points to justify their opinions.

Virtual Private Networks afford what the regular internet connection cannot. It offers you enhanced user experience, defying protocols. There’s nothing wrong, for instance, about blocking ads, or ensuring tight security when browsing, or protecting your privacy.

It does no harm equally protecting your location, and data, from the ever-prying, anonymous eyes on the internet. However, using a VPN becomes bad when it helps you carry out malicious acts like cyberbullying, hacking, and many other crimes anonymously.

It is important to note that VPNs are frowned upon in Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Russia, and North Korea. In these countries, you can get a huge fine or jail time for using a VPN.

Ultimately, you are responsible for how you use a VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unblock streaming sites on AppleTV using a VPN?

Yes, you should be able to. When you integrate a VPN with your Apple TV, you can unblock streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.  However, a lot depends on the efficacy of your VPN provider. If the provider ordinarily cannot unblock any of these streaming sites, integrating with a VPN will not enable it to do so. Hence, you should first confirm that your provider of choice can unblock these streaming platforms. 

Is it legal to use a VPN with Apple TV?

Yes, it is. In most jurisdictions, VPNs are legal. It is only in regions with repressive governments such as Russia and China that VPNs are illegal. However, even in regions where VPNs are legal, you can get into trouble when you use a VPN for illegal purposes. Thankfully, there are tons of legal activities you can carry out with a VPN on Apple TV. 

Can I create a new Apple ID in another country?

Yes. With the aid of a VPN on your Apple TV, you can connect to a country different from your primary location and hence change your Apple ID. 

Can you use a free VPN for Apple TV?

No. Many VPN providers claim to work well with Apple TV. However, experience has shown that the reality is often far from the case. Also, it is impossible to install most free VPNs on routers. They usually require that you use the free VPN app. Also, free VPNs typically have a limited number of servers. Thus, you may be unable to unblock the regions that you desire.

In conclusion

Apple TV is a magnificent device in a class of its own, even with its restrictions. Fortunately, VPNs can help you unlock most of these barriers.

In this article, we’ve covered the top 5 VPNs for Apple TV in detail. We’ve also walked you through some of the questions you need to ask before getting a VPN and the challenges of using free VPNs.

Use any of the 5 VPN services listed above and start enjoying unlimited content from all over the world. There is indeed so much more you have been missing out on, and you are about to find out.