Best Apple TV VPN in 2024: set up guide

Apple TV is a hugely popular digital media player favored by millions of users for its seamless integration with other Apple devices and unlimited entertainment power. Whether you’re looking for Apple's own original content or your beloved movies on Netflix, you can easily stream them on Apple TV. 

However, there’s one problem - geo-restrictions. Because of your location, some content you want to access on your Apple TV might be not available. If you find yourself in this exact situation, remember that there’s a solution, and it is called a VPN. 

A reliable Apple TV VPN will unblock any location-restricted content and give you access to this streaming platform's full glory. With a VPN, you can stream anything you want on Apple TV seamlessly and easily, no matter where you are. 

Continue reading this article as I share my picks of the best Apple TV VPNs and how to set them up to unlock any streaming platform's full potential.

Best VPN for Apple TV: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for Apple TV to change location
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Effective Apple TV VPN with great global coverage
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Secure Apple TV VPN
   8.6
4. IPVanish

   VPN for Apple TV with reliable performance
   8.4
5. PureVPN

   User-friendly VPN for Apple TV
   8.5

How to choose an Apple TV VPN according to experts

The key consideration for choosing the best VPN for Apple TV is whether the VPN service is compatible with the device. Without the compatibility factor, it won’t matter how many servers it has or how fast its speeds are. So, be sure that all my choices on this list are VPNs that are compatible with Apple TV. However, there are several more factors that you should consider before choosing your VPN for streaming Apple TV:

• Dedicated app. A dedicated VPN app for Apple TV is the easiest way to implement a VPN onto your Apple TV.  That’s why my chosen VPNs have such an app, making them instantly compatible with Apple devices.
• Router compatibility. Because not all VPNs have native Apple TV apps, they should at least be router-compatible. Installing a VPN service on your router is a reliable way to connect your Apple TV to a VPN. 
• Geo-block bypassing capabilities. You’re most likely looking for a VPN to unlock more TV shows and& movies. For that reason, you need a VPN  that is known for its streaming capabilities. I recommend checking out Reddit or grabbing a free trial VPN to see whether it can unblock content.
• Great connectivity. Fast speeds globally are essential if you want to view content in 4K. Hence, pick a service with WireGuard or NordLynx tunneling protocols, as they are the fastest.
• Loads of servers globally. The more locations a VPN covers, the more content you’ll possibly unlock. Available locations are also very important if you have specific libraries in mind. Say, you’d like to browse around in the Apple TV Mexico-dedicated library, then a VPN with reliable servers in Mexico is imperative. Plus, a huge number of servers ensures faster speeds worldwide.

These are the main features that will help you bypass geo-blocks, maintain steady connection speeds, and ensure a seamless streaming session. However, there are many other things to consider, such as safety, privacy, VPN ad-blocking capabilities, and other extras. After all, a VPN should first and foremost take care of your security and keep you from harm’s way while you relax. Therefore, I recommend a versatile VPN, such as NordVPN, that works on Apple TV and has a well-rounded security feature package.

Best Apple TV VPNs: detailed overview

1. NordVPN – The best, user-friendly tvOS VPN
2. Surfshark VPN – Affordable Apple TV VPN with a native app
3. Proton VPN - private Apple TV VPN
4. IPVanish – VPN for Apple TV with great server selection
5. PureVPN – versatile Apple TV VPN

Before compiling this list, I thoroughly analyzed and tested the most popular Apple TV VPNs. Out of 24 services, I selected the Top 5. All of them offer excellent compatibility, phenomenal geo-block bypassing capabilities, and total safety.

1. NordVPN – the best Apple TV VPN for streaming & security

The best VPN for Apple TV is NordVPN. It offers the best app for tvOS 17 that is extremely easy to use and set up. And apart from keeping you secure & private, NordVPN works wonders against geo-blocks.

Apple TV VPN setup experience. Because NordVPN has a native and very easy-to-use app for tvOS 17, it was by far the easiest VPN to implement into the device. I simply downloaded NordVPN’s Apple TV app, followed the instructions, and enjoyed the fully-unblocked Apple TV library in under 5 minutes.

Servers. The provider offers 7000+ servers in 118 countries, so finding connections was be a piece of cake.

Streaming. With the app, you can unlock a larger variety of content on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and even YouTube TV. Additionally, you’ll have access to streaming services like BBC iPlayer, which are only available in specific locations.

Security. NordVPN comes equipped with AES-256 encryption and a highly reliable kill switch. What’s especially important for accessing geo-blocked Apple TV content is the DNS and IP leak protection as it ensures you will access your desired content. Lastly, NordVPN comes with a split tunelling feature that allows you to enjoy your other browsing on your internet’s full speed while only the Apple TV is routed via a VPN.

Speed. You won’t have to worry about buffering and poor video quality, either. In-house NordLynx tunneling protocol will ensure stable and fast speeds anywhere. Lastly, if you can’t or don’t want to use the app, you can always rely on SmartDNS for Apple TV. However, it will only work on US content.

Price. Press the NordVPN discount link and get a subscription for as little as $2.99/month. You can always use the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – reliable VPN for Apple TV

Surfshark VPN for Apple TV is another excellent option. It has a native Apple TV app, available to all Surfshark users at no additional cost. Plus it offers loads of great extras that will come in handy. The provider offers Unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can set up the VPN on as many devices as you want.

Apple TV VPN setup experience. Same as with NordVPN, Surfshark also has an Apple TV dedicated app. It’s called Surfshark VPN: Fast & Reliable which is easily downloadable to tvOS devices. However, it might not work with older Apple TVs, starting with Gen 1 and up to Gen 3. If that’s your case, you can still easily implement Surfshark onto your router, create a virtual router, or configure Smart DNS right on your device.

Servers. Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries that allow you to explore loads of new content.

Streaming. Surfshark works perfectly with various streaming services, including Netflix, 10Play, Disney+, Hulu, and many others.

Speeds. With WireGuard tunneling protocol, speed drops shouldn’t be a thing. Thus, you can relax and watch your favorite shows & movies in 4K. You can also get a dedicated IP to avoid detection on streaming services like YouTube TV.

Pricing. Press the Surfshark VPN discount link and get a subscription for as little as $2.19/month. You can always use the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – versatile VPN app for Apple TV

ProtonVPN is considered to be a safe and reliable Apple TV VPN option. If security is your top priority when you’re choosing a VPN and you don’t mind that it does not have a dedicated Apple TV app, then Proton VPN is just the VPN for you. The service is regarded as one of the most secure in the industry and with its vast server fleet it is very capable in unblocking restricted content.

Apple TV VPN setup experience. As I mentioned, Proton VPN does not have a dedicated Apple TV app. However, I had no trouble installing it on my router and then using the connection to unlock Apple TV libraries. Of course, I also tried the Smart DNS option that Proton VPN has, which is always my go-to choice when there’s no dedicated app. In fact, I really liked how simple it was to set up Smart DNS with Proton VPN, and I didn’t even miss the dedicated app.

Servers. Proton VPN covers a massive 110 countries with 9200. This ensures excellent connectivity and content variety on streaming services.

Security. Proton VPN is a Swiss-based service with a third-party audited no-logs policy, so you can be sure your data is safe with it. Of course, it comes with iron-strong AES-256 encryption, IP and DNS leak protection, and a very reliable kill switch. 

Speeds. Proton VPN comes with the proprietary WireGuard protocol which is known for its reliability and excellent speeds. Additionally, it has a VPN Accelerator feature which increases the speeds of faraway server connections up to a whopping 400%. So, forget about lagging or buffering when unlocking exotic content.

Streaming. Proton VPN is a good option for streaming on Apple TV. It had no problems unlocking various content libraries on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, etc. It also proved to be an effective choice for bypassing geo-blocks on Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and other location-restricted platforms.

Price. Press the Proton VPN discount link and get a subscription for $3.59/month. While Proton VPN does not have a free trial, you can try out all the premium perks with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

4. IPVanish – safe VPN for Apple TV

IPVanish was one of the first major VPNs to release an app for tvOS 17. It’s a reliable service that will let you stream more content and keep you private. Not to mention, you can use it on other devices, too, as you get Unlimited simultaneous connections.

Servers. The VPN covers 51 countries with 2200+ pieces of hardware, so finding a perfect server for streaming will be easy.

Security. As a good VPN should, IPVanish is equipped with bank-safe AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch, and IP and DNS leak protection. Additionally, IPVanish has a well-functioning ad & tracker blocker called Threat Protection which makes streaming all the more pleasurable.

Streaming. IPVanish easily tricks Apple TV's location, allowing you to access more content on Netflix, Disney+, and Max. Plus, the service can bypass restrictions on BBC iPlayer and YouTube TV as well.

Price. Press the IPVanish discount link and get a subscription for as little as $2.19/month. You can always use the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

5. PureVPN – reliable Apple TV VPN with great coverage

PureVPN offers a dedicated Apple TV app, making it super simple to use. The application is super easy to use, and switching servers takes only a few seconds. On top of that, you can use it on up to 10 devices to keep them safe.

Apple TV VPN setup experience. Because PureVPN has an Apple TV dedicated app, configuring it took just a couple of minutes. It was very easy to implement and get going. Then, I tried router installation. And although this is a bit more complicated than just downloading an app, I still had no problem getting PureVPN working. Lastly, I checked the Smart DNS feature and its functionality, which proved to be simple to install and seamless to use.

Servers. With this VPN, you’ll get to choose from 6500+ servers in 71 countries. That ensures excellent connectivity globally. And with the WireGuard tunneling protocol, you’ll be able to enjoy buffer-free video content.

Security. PureVPN comes with the industry-standard set of AES-256 encryption, secure IP, and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, it is widely regarded as one of the best and safest P2P-friendly providers.

Speed. WireGuard protocol comes very handy here for streaming. The reliable servers and the lighting-fast protocol made streaming in 4K seamless and lag-free.

Streaming. As for streaming, PureVPN shines here, too. It is very capable of unblocking the libraries of Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and other most popular ones. Additionally, PureVPN has streaming-dedicated IP servers, which have excellent speeds for the task.

Price. Press the PureVPN discount link and get a subscription for as little as $1.99/month. You can always use the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of PureVPN, read our PureVPN review.

Best VPNs for tvOS: comparison

While all Top 5 virtual private networks are great, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for Apple TV. And the reasons for that are numerous. For instance, NordVPN has a native app for tvOS 17, which is extremely easy to use. Moreover, thanks to exceptional speeds and loads of locations globally, you’ll have no problems tricking Apple TV location. So, you can stream as much as your heart desires.

Check out NordVPN

Why do you need a VPN for Apple TV

Apple TV VPN is beneficial for several reasons. Mainly, it will make your streaming experience a lot better.

With a top-tier streaming VPN for Apple TV, I can access geo-restricted content. Streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+ offer different shows & movies depending on where you are. So, instead of buying a new streaming service or traveling to another country, I simply trick Apple TV location with a VPN. That way, I get a broader range of shows and movies to watch on Apple TV. For one, I had a blast browsing through the libraries of Netflix US, Japan, and Brazil, and you can very easily try it out, too.

Furthermore, with a VPN, I have access to streaming services that are only available in certain locations. For instance, BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, while 10Play only caters to Aussie viewers. These services offer amazing free content that you can only access with the help of a VPN. These services offer amazing free content, and it is right at my fingertips with a VPN. All you have to do is choose the right IP address.

Lastly, a VPN can prevent loads of unpleasant situations. The main mission of a VPN is to ensure privacy and security, so I won’t have to worry about breaches with a secure VPN. Additionally, with a VPN, data throttling is a thing of the past, as the service anonymizes traffic, preventing ISPs from seeing any network activities.

Check out the best tvOS VPN

How to set up VPN on Apple TV

There are a few methods on how to install a VPN on Apple TV. The easiest way is to get a VPN app for Apple TV. However, not all virtual private networks have the applications yet.

Alternatively, some VPNs offer SmartDNS for tvOS devices. In most cases, they offer servers in the US only, but the setup process is relatively straightforward. Lastly, you can set up a VPN on your router. That will change your location on Apple TV. Nevertheless, you need a lot of technical knowledge to do that.

If you want a step-by-step guide on how to install a VPN on your tvOS device, I highly recommend checking out our guide on how to set up NordVPN for Apple TV.

How to trick Apple TV location?

If you want to get more shows & movies on Apple TV, Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video, you can change your whereabouts with a VPN. And you won’t have to travel to a different side of the world. Here’s a quick guide on how you can trick Apple TV location with a VPN:

1. Get a tvOS VPN app from the Apple App Store. My Top choice is NordVPN, now 74% OFF
2. Finish up the installation & sign in
3. Select a server to trick Apple TV location. For example, I wanted to check out the Canadian Netflix, so I connected to a server located in Canada
4. NordVPN Canadian servers4. Now, head to any streaming service (in this case, Netflix) and check if the VPN managed to change the Apple TV location
5. Apple TV Canadian Netflix accessed with NordVPN5. The same can be applied to other streaming services and locations. So, now you can easily do that with NordVPN!

Trick Apple TV location with NordVPN app

Why is my Apple TV not working with a VPN: solutions

There could be several reasons why your Apple TV is not working with a VPN. Here are some possible solutions:

• Check firewall or router settings. Some network settings may interfere with the VPN connection. Adjust the settings accordingly to allow the VPN connection.
• Restart devices. Try restarting both your Apple TV and your router. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connectivity issues.
• Try a different server. If you can’t bypass geo-blocks on streaming services, try a different server in the same location. Chances are the assigned IP is already blacklisted.
• Contact VPN support. If you have tried all the above solutions and still cannot get your Apple TV to work with the VPN, reach out to your VPN service provider's customer support. They may be able to offer specific troubleshooting steps or assistance.

If you’re still having trouble using a VPN on Apple TV, perhaps it’s time to try a different provider. NordVPN is the perfect choice, as it’s super easy to use and offers a native app for Apple TV. Apart from awesome features and loads of servers, the 24/7 customer support will have your back in case of emergency.

Can you use a free VPN for Apple TV?

No, you can’t use a free Apple TV VPN for several reasons. Most no-pay services don’t have apps for tvOS devices, nor do they have Smart DNS or router configurations.

On top of that, free Apple TV VPNs are notorious for collecting data and exposing you to cyberattacks. Worst of all, they can’t bypass geo-blocks, so accessing geo-blocked content will be impossible.

Instead of an underperforming free VPN, you can try out NordVPN with a 7-day free trial that unlocks all of its premium perks. And if you still rather get a free VPN, I recommend the free version of Proton VPN. While it is not as capable as the paid version, at least you can be sure you’ll be safe using it.

Check out NordVPN for Apple TV

Conclusion

To unlock your Apple TV's full potential, you need a solid VPN capable of bypassing any geo-restrictions. While plenty of VPNs claim to be perfectly suitable for the task, in my experience, the best Apple TV VPN is, by far, NordVPN. 

NordVPN has an Apple TV dedicated app, making the service very easy to implement and use. Furthermore, it has a vast server fleet ranging through 118 countries, making the process of unblocking restricted content a breeze. Lastly, it comes with the lighting-fast NordLynx protocol, which grants a seamless and lag-free streaming experience. You can try out the service for $2.99/month and access a myriad of new content today.

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You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Android TV box
Best VPN for Roku
Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick
Best VPN for Mac
Best VPN for iPhone

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FAQ

Can I connect my Apple TV to a VPN?

Yes, the easiest way to connect your Apple TV to a VPN is to download an app directly to your device. You can also hotspot a VPN from your laptop to your Apple TV, or even download and install it onto your router.

How to trick Apple TV location?

You can trick Apple TV location with a VPN. Get a reliable VPN service, such as NordVPN onto your device, connect to a server in the desired country, and unlock any geo-restricted content you want to watch.

What is the best Apple TV VPN?

The best Apple TV VPN is NordVPN. It has a dedicated Apple TV app which makes it a breeze to use. Additionally, the provider has a huge server fleet which makes it easy to unblock even the most exotic content. Lastly, its speedy NordLynx protocol makes the streaming experience seamless and lag-free. 

Does Apple TV block VPNs?

Unfortunately, not all Apple TVs support VPNs. The older generation Apple TVs (from Gen 1 to Gen 3) are not compatible with VPN apps; however, the newer ones equipped with tvOS17 and higher can be paired with native VPN apps, such as NordVPN. Lastly, if you have an older TV, you can still configure a VPN onto your router or create a VPN-shielded hotspot and unlock geo-restricted content that way. 

Is NordVPN available on Apple TV?

Yes, NordVPN is available on Apple TV. Simply download the app from the App Store onto your device, install it, and unlock all geo-restricted content.