Best Apple TV VPN: setup and use guide in 2025

As of May 2025, NordVPN remains the best Apple TV VPN. Thanks to its dedicated iOS TV app, fast speeds, exceptional unblocking capabilities, and robust security features, it is the top choice for users looking to stream content securely and without limitations.

Using a VPN on your Apple TV allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access a wide range of content, from international libraries to exclusive shows that may not be available in your region. Finding a top-tier Apple TV VPN is crucial, as it ensures you get reliable and secure streaming, an easy-to-use app, fast connection speeds, and a diverse server network. Keep reading to discover the best Apple TV VPNs and learn how to use a VPN on Apple TV, unlocking a world of unrestricted content.

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Best Apple TV VPNs in 2025: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best overall Apple TV VPN with fast, secure streaming
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable VPN for Apple TV to stream with unlimited devices
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium Apple TV VPN with solid performance
   8.6
4. IPVanish

   Secure VPN for Apple TV with free antivirus
   8.4
5. ExpressVPN

   User-friendly Apple TV VPN for streaming
   8.4

Best VPNs for Apple TV in 2025: a detailed overview

1. 🥇NordVPN - top VPN for fast and secure streaming on Apple TV
2. 🥈Surfshark - trusted Apple TV VPN supporting unlimited devices
3. 🥉Proton VPN - reliable freemium VPN for Apple TV streaming
4. IPVanish - safe Apple TV VPN with free antivirus protection
5. ExpressVPN - easy-to-use VPN for smooth Apple TV experience

Here is my detailed review of the best VPNs for Apple TV in 2025, based on extensive testing and thorough feature assessment. My shortlisted VPNs offer fast speeds, strong security, and the ability to unlock geo-restricted content, making them perfect for seamless streaming on your Apple TV. For more in-depth comparisons and additional options, check out our full list of the best VPN services in 2025.

1. NordVPN - best VPN for Apple TV overall

The best VPN for Apple TV is NordVPN because it delivers excellent streaming performance, ease of use, and top-tier security for Apple TV users. Whether you're looking to access geo-restricted content or enhance your privacy while streaming, NordVPN excels in every category. Its app, tailored to Apple’s tvOS 17, makes streaming incredibly user-friendly, providing seamless, fast connections and robust security features.

Native Apple TV app (tvOS 17+)

NordVPN now offers a dedicated app for Apple TV, available directly on the App Store for devices running tvOS 17 or later. When trying it, I didn’t need any complicated router setup or Smart DNS configuration, which is perfect for non-technical users who want a straightforward experience. Just download the app and start streaming securely.

Streaming performance & speeds

NordVPN is a streaming powerhouse with an average speed of 468 Mbps via its native NordLynx protocol. It felt like an ideal Apple TV VPN for streaming HD content with no buffering and fast server-switching. When I tried streaming, it worked flawlessly with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience on Apple TV.

Global server network

With over 7400+ servers across 118+ countries, NordVPN provides a global server network, including key regions like the US and the UK. This extensive server network is crucial for accessing a wide range of geo-restricted content, ensuring you can always connect to the best server for the streaming library of your choice.

Security & privacy features

NordVPN offers robust security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing your privacy is protected while streaming. As a privacy-focused user, I also appreciated the VPN’s automatic kill switch, Threat Protection, split tunneling, and the Meshnet feature that secures peer-to-peer connections.

Verdict

NordVPN stood out as the best overall VPN for Apple TV, combining high-speed performance, outstanding unblocking capabilities, a dedicated app for ease of use, and strong security features. With its $3.39/month price tag and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s the perfect VPN solution for reliable streaming and private online activity in 2025.

For more information, read our in-depth NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark - cheap VPN with dedicated Apple TV app

Surfshark is the best Apple TV VPN as it offers fast speeds, strong security, and competitive affordability. As a budget-friendly VPN for Apple TV, Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously, which is ideal for families, households with multiple devices, or shared streaming setups. Despite its low price, Surfshark doesn’t compromise on performance, making it a great choice for anyone looking to stream content securely on their Apple TV.

Native Apple TV app (tvOS 17+)

Surfshark provides a dedicated app for Apple TV, available via the Apple TV App Store for devices that run tvOS 17+. This app made it easy for me to connect directly to Surfshark’s VPN service without needing to configure my router or Smart DNS, ensuring a smooth, effortless experience.

Streaming performance & speeds

Surfshark performed excellently when I tried streaming, with impressive speeds of around 466 Mbps, thanks to the WireGuard protocol. It easily unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu with minimal lag or buffering, providing a smooth and enjoyable streaming experience on Apple TV.

Global server network

With 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, Surfshark offers an expansive global network, including key regions like the US and the UK. Its powerful server network ensured I could access international content from virtually anywhere. Surfshark’s wide server coverage proved to be key for unrestricted streaming, allowing me to unlock geo-blocked libraries on streaming services and enjoy a variety of global content from around the world.

Security & privacy features

I appreciated Surfshark’s strong focus on security and privacy, with features like AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers ensuring your data is never compromised. The VPN also includes a robust kill switch and CleanWeb ad blocker, offering a great mix of key privacy tools and more advanced protection.

Verdict

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Apple TV users who want a combination of fast streaming speeds, solid privacy protection, and unlimited device connections. Priced at just $1.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it delivers the best value without compromising on performance or security.For more information, read our in-depth Surfshark review.

3. Proton VPN - freemium Apple TV VPN with geo-unblocking capabilities

Proton VPN is a privacy-first VPN for Apple TV, ideal for users who prioritize strong encryption, transparency, and security. Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN is committed to providing privacy-focused users with reliable connections and robust security features. Its open-source apps and strict no-logs policy make it a top-tier VPN service. Paired with Proton VPN’s unblocking capabilities, it’s an excellent Apple TV VPN for secure streaming.

Native Apple TV app (tvOS 17+)

Proton VPN offers a dedicated native app for Apple TV, available for devices running tvOS 17 or newer. This app proved to be very user-friendly, allowing me to install it easily directly from the App Store, and didn’t require any complicated Smart DNS or router setup.

Streaming performance & speeds

Proton VPN supports the high-performance WireGuard protocol and its own VPN Accelerator feature. When I tested it, it achieved speeds around 428 Mbps, easily bypassing geo-blocks and unlocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. While Proton VPN’s solid free version is sufficient for general streaming, I had to subscribe to the provider’s paid plan to enjoy specific regional content without restrictions.

Global server network

With more than 9900 servers in 117+ countries, Proton VPN ensures broad access to global content. It has specific servers optimized for streaming and P2P traffic, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted streaming and secure downloads from virtually anywhere.

Security & privacy features

Proton VPN takes security seriously with its open-source apps, Secure Core feature (which routes traffic through multiple countries for extra protection), AES-256 encryption, and an audited no-logs policy. Additional features like Tor over VPN, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection further enhance user privacy and security, making sure your data remains safe while streaming on Apple TV.

Verdict

I found Proton VPN to be one of the best Apple TV VPNs for privacy-focused users who want a secure, transparent, and efficient VPN service. With the newly released app tailored to tvOS, it was easier than ever to enjoy secure access to geo-restricted content, making Proton VPN a standout option for 2025. The paid service starts at $2.99/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. For more information, read our in-depth Proton VPN review.

4. IPVanish - reliable Apple TV VPN with free antivirus

IPVanish is a solid and affordable Apple TV VPN service that now offers native support for the platform through its dedicated app. This update makes it much easier for users to securely stream content and protect their devices, offering a seamless experience without the need for complicated router configurations.

Native Apple TV app (tvOS 17+)

IPVanish has taken a significant step forward by introducing a dedicated Apple TV app, available for download via the App Store as part of tvOS 17+. This feature eliminates the previous need for router-based setups, providing a much more convenient and streamlined experience for users who want to enjoy secure streaming on their Apple TV.

Streaming performance & speeds

When I tested IPVanish, it gave me a solid streaming performance supported by WireGuard, a high-speed VPN protocol delivering around 459 Mbps on average. This ensured a smooth experience while I streamed content from platforms like Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The service's speed and performance are ideal for HD and 4K streaming, offering excellent value for those who want to enjoy content without buffering interruptions.

Global server network

With over 2400 servers in 109+ countries, IPVanish provides a vast and reliable network that ensures easy access to content from major streaming platforms worldwide. This extensive network includes strong US and UK server coverage, making it ideal for accessing region-locked content from services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others.

Security & privacy features

IPVanish offers a robust set of security features, including AES-256 encryption to protect user data and a strict no-logs policy to ensure privacy. The additional features I liked included a kill switch, split tunneling, secure cloud storage, and SOCKS5 proxy support, which enhanced P2P performance by providing faster speeds. The combination of these features offered secure browsing and a smooth streaming experience on Apple TV.

Verdict

IPVanish is a reliable VPN solution that now supports Apple TV via its dedicated tvOS app, which makes it easy to enjoy secure streaming. Its solid speeds, global server network, and comprehensive feature set make it a great Apple TV VPN that starts at $2.19/month while offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more information, read our in-depth IPVanish review.

5. ExpressVPN - high-performance VPN for Apple TV

ExpressVPN is a high-end VPN provider renowned for its speed, reliability, and user-focused interface. Thanks to its dedicated tvOS app, it’s easy to use, making it a solid VPN choice for Apple TV users seeking seamless streaming with robust protection.

Native Apple TV app (tvOS 17+)

The service now offers a native tvOS app, which can be easily installed directly from the Apple TV App Store. To me, it felt like a significant usability advantage, eliminating the need for complicated router setups or Smart DNS (although these options remained available).

Streaming performance & speeds

Optimized for HD and 4K streaming, ExpressVPN delivered an impressive 455 Mbps speed when I tested it. Powered by its proprietary Lightway protocol, it did a great job unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and other region-specific services with minimal to no buffering.

Global server network

With over 3000 servers across 105+ countries, ExpressVPN provides users with access to a vast range of global streaming libraries. The VPN is a great choice for frequent travelers who want to bypass geo-restrictions on their favorite content or simply for those who want unrestricted access to international shows.

Security & privacy features

ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy and security with AES-256 encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, and split tunneling. When I used ExpressVPN, its Threat Manager successfully blocked trackers, and its TrustedServer technology ensured all data was wiped after every reboot, further protecting my privacy.

Verdict

ExpressVPN came out as a strong VPN service for Apple TV users who want effortless access to global content, reliable privacy protection, and an intuitive, high-performing app that is now fully supported on tvOS. With a subscription starting at $4.99/month and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it offers excellent performance and flexibility for 2025.For more information, read our in-depth ExpressVPN review.

Best VPNs for Apple TV compared

How I tested and selected best VPNs for Apple TV in May 2025

When testing and selecting the best VPNs for Apple TV in 2025, I used a detailed methodology to evaluate each service across several key areas. After testing a wide range of VPNs, I focused on the top five performers based on the following criteria:

• Dedicated App (20%): I prioritized VPNs with an easy-to-use dedicated app for Apple TV, as this greatly simplifies setup. I also considered those supporting Smart DNS or router configuration for added flexibility. The easier the installation, the better.
• Server Fleet (30%): A strong global server network is essential for optimal Apple TV performance. I assessed the size and distribution of each VPN’s server fleet, favoring those with large, well-spread networks. This minimizes overcrowding, maintains consistent speeds, and enhances access to geo-restricted content worldwide.
• Unblocking Capability (30%): Since Apple TV is used mainly for streaming, I tested each VPN’s ability to unblock popular platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. I connected to servers in multiple countries to ensure reliable bypassing of geo-blocks - a critical factor for Apple TV users.
• Speed (20%): For smooth streaming, I measured upload/download speeds and latency using tools like Speedtest.net. The top VPNs maintained at least 80% of my original internet speed, ensuring buffer-free viewing. I also checked for any noticeable lags or delays.
• This testing approach helped me identify the VPNs that deliver the best overall performance for Apple TV users in May 2025.

Using this testing approach allowed me to identify and shortlist the top VPNs that provide the best overall performance for Apple TV users in May 2025.

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How to use a VPN on Apple TV

In this section, I’ll guide you through the best methods for setting up and using a VPN for your Apple TV streaming. Here are the detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you start using a VPN on your Apple TV to bypass geo-restrictions for secure, enhanced streaming.

1. Set up and use Apple TV VPN app

Setting up and using a VPN app on Apple TV is simple, especially for devices running tvOS 17+. To begin, you’ll need to confirm that your Apple TV supports VPN apps by visiting the App Store on your device and searching for VPN options. If you can find VPN apps available for download, your device is compatible. After choosing a VPN service like NordVPN, which has an Apple TV-compatible app, follow these general steps and start using it straight away.

1. Open the App Store and search for the VPN.
2. Download and install the app.
3. Once installed, launch the app from your Apple TV menu.
4. Log in with your VPN account details.
5. Choose your preferred server location.
6. Start streaming content with no geo-restrictions.

From now on, whenever you want to access content with regional restrictions, simply open the VPN app, select your desired country, and enjoy the freedom to stream any content you like.

2. Set up a VPN on your router

As soon as I set up a VPN on my router, it immediately secured every device on my home network, including those that don’t support VPN apps, like my Apple TV and smart TV. It was such an easy way to see that all my traffic was encrypted without having to install separate apps on each device.

If you want to do the same, check out our full guide on how to install a VPN on a router. It includes some useful tips and troubleshooting steps to help you save time and set it up smoothly the first time.

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How to download geo-restricted streaming apps on Apple TV

Even with a VPN, users may get confused when trying to download geo-restricted streaming apps on their Apple TV. The problem doesn't just lie with the device’s location settings; it’s actually related to the region selected on your Apple ID. Some streaming services, like Hulu and ESPN+ (US), BBC iPlayer and ITVX (UK), and TVNZ (NZ), are locked to specific countries, and the Apple ID region setting needs to align with the platform’s country for access. A VPN will mask your location, swapping it for the one you need, but the Apple ID region must still match the location of the streaming service you're trying to access.

Method 1. Change the region of your current Apple ID

To fix this, you can change the region associated with your current Apple ID. Go to your Apple ID settings, sign in, and select the Country or Region option. From there, choose the country that corresponds to the streaming service you're trying to access. For example, select the United States for Hulu and ESPN+ or the United Kingdom for BBC iPlayer. Remember, you'll still need to use a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, to ensure your device’s IP address matches the region. You may also need to provide a local address or phone number from the region. If you don’t have one, there are online address generators, or you could order a SIM card from that country.

Method 2. Create a new Apple ID for another country

Another option is to create a completely new Apple ID for the country where the streaming app is available. This method is particularly useful if you don’t want to change the region of your primary Apple ID. Simply create a new account and set the country to the desired location. In this case, you will also need a VPN to ensure your IP address matches the region.

Once your Apple ID region matches your VPN server location, you can easily download your desired streaming app on Apple TV and enjoy your favorite content, having bypassed all geo-specific restrictions.

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Conclusion

Using a VPN for Apple TV is essential for unlocking geo-restricted content, improving your streaming experience, and protecting your online presence. With a robust VPN, you can unlock global libraries from services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix, all while keeping your data secure. Among the many options available, NordVPN stands out as the best Apple TV VPN. Its user-focused interface, excellent unblocking capabilities, fast speeds, and extensive server network make it the ideal choice for effortless streaming on Apple TV. If you're looking to access content from other regions or just want a secure, reliable connection, NordVPN has everything you need to level up your Apple TV experience.

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FAQ

Which VPNs have dedicated Apple TV VPN apps?

NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN offer dedicated apps for Apple TV. With these providers, you can easily set up and use VPN services directly on your Apple TV for a smooth and secure streaming experience. If you're looking for the best overall VPN for Apple TV with an intuitive design, NordVPN stands out as the top choice with excellent security, performance, and ease of use.

Can you use a free VPN for Apple TV?

While it's technically possible to use a free VPN with Apple TV, it's generally not recommended. Free VPNs often come with limitations like slower speeds, fewer server options, and potential security risks. They may also lack dedicated apps for Apple TV, making setup more complicated. For the best performance, security, and user experience, it's better to choose a reliable paid VPN service for Apple TV like NordVPN.

What is the best VPN app for iOS TV?

The best VPN app for iOS TV is NordVPN. The provider offers a user-friendly interface, an excellent security package, and fast connection speeds, making it perfect for streaming Apple TV without compromising your online protection. The VPN provides dedicated apps that work seamlessly with iOS TV, ensuring smooth setup and reliable performance. With a global server network and strong encryption, it’s a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their Apple TV experience.

Can I change my Apple TV location?

Yes, you can change your Apple TV location based on your preferences. If you want to change the Apple TV App Store location to access different content, you can adjust it in your Apple ID by going to Settings and changing your Country or Region in the Accounts section. However, if you're looking to access geo-restricted streaming content, using an Apple TV VPN is the best solution. A reliable VPN lets you connect to a server in a specific country, granting you access to geo-blocked content, but this requires a dedicated iOS TV app or setting it up on your router.

Can I use a VPN on my Apple TV device?

Yes, you can use a VPN on your Apple TV, but not all VPNs have a dedicated app for it. Generally, you’ll need to set it up by either using a VPN router or by sharing a VPN connection from your device, which is not always straightforward. Here’s our detailed guide explaining how to set up a VPN on your router. Alternatively, you can set up a Smart DNS service through your VPN provider, which allows you to bypass geo-restrictions on your Apple TV.

Why is my Apple TV VPN not working?

Your Apple TV VPN isn't working due to one or more potential reasons. It might be due to incorrect VPN configuration, so make sure it's set up properly on your router or device. DNS leaks can also cause problems, so ensure your VPN has DNS leak protection enabled. Additionally, the VPN server you're connected to might be down, so you can try switching to another one. Also, not all VPNs are compatible with Apple TV, so choose a reliable service that supports it, like NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN. Finally, check for any software updates for both your Apple TV and VPN app, as outdated software can sometimes cause issues. If the problem persists, contact your VPN provider for support.