Looking for the best Apple TV VPN to bypass regional restrictions and access restricted shows from anywhere in the world? In this article, we will provide you with a list of the top VPN services for Apple TV as well as instructions on how to easily set up a VPN on your Apple TV.
Being an Apple TV user has a lot of premium perks, but depending on where you live, copyright agreements and content distributions policies may restrict the movies/TV shows and channels you will have access to. In some locations, you may not even be able to use Apple TV.
Another issue is that if you go outside of the country where your iTunes account and payment method are registered, you may not be able to access the material that is available in your home country, due to geo-restrictions.
As a result, using a VPN in conjunction with Apple TV is essential for unrestricted access to all of your usual shows and movies while traveling internationally. If you’re short on time but familiar with VPN setup, here’s a rundown of the top Apple TV VPNs for 2022:
Quick Summary of the Best Apple TV VPNs
In light of our extensive study and analysis, the following virtual private networks (VPNs) emerged as our top picks for use with Apple TV in 2022:
- ExpressVPN: The Best VPN for Apple TV. 23+ U.S. servers in 14 American cities. 30-days money-back guarantee available. 7-day free trial for iOS and Android. Starts at $6.67/mo on a 12-Months plan + 3-months free.
- Surfshark: Affordable VPN for Apple TV. 500+ U.S. servers in 20+ American cities. 30-days money-back guarantee on all plans. 7-day free trial for iOS and Android. Starts at $2.30/mo on a 2-year plan + 2 months free (82% off).
- NordVPN: Fastest Apple TV VPN. 1,970+ U.S. servers in 15+ American cities. 7-day free trial for Android and iOS devices. 30-days money-back guarantees. The standard plan starts at $3.99/mo on a 2-year plan (51% off).
How to Unlock Apple TV+ from Anywhere (Quick Guide)
To unblock Apple TV+ from anywhere in the world, you will need to connect to a VPN server in the United States. Follow the steps below to get started!
- Subscribe to a VPN. (We recommend ExpressVPN for its uptime and fast speeds.)
- Install the app by following these instructions.
- Connect to a server in the United States.
- Visit https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-plus/ or launch the app.
- Log in to your Apple TV+ account.
- Enjoy streaming Apple TV+ from anywhere in the world!
How to Set Up a VPN on Apple TV?
The Apple TV does not have VPN client compatibility, unlike other popular streaming devices including laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets. If you wish to use a VPN, you will have to rely on any of the following methods below:
- Set Up a Smart DNS on Apple TV via VPN
- Purchasing a Preconfigured VPN Router
- Configuring a VPN on Your Wi-Fi Router
- Using a VPN via AirPlay (No Router Method)
1. Set Up a Smart DNS on Apple TV via VPN
On Apple TV, configuring a domain name server (DNS) entails three primary stages:
1.1. Creating a DDNS Hostname
- Sign up for an account with the free DDNS service provider www.dynu.com.
- Check your email and click on the link sent to you by Dynu.
- Proceed to your newly established account and sign in.
- Click on the “DDNS Services” option after logging in.
- Open the “Add” button from the menu bar’s far right side.
- Select “Option 1: Use Our Domain Name,”
- Input the hostname you’d want to use and click “Add.”
- Disable “Wildcard Alias” and “Enable IPv6 Address”
1.2. Registering Your Hostname
- Sign up with ExpressVPN, visit the website and navigate to the “My Account” section.
- Fill in your login information and hit the “Sign In” button.
- Click “DNS Settings” located on the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down till you see “Dynamic DNS Registration”.
- Input the hostname (something like “hostname.dynu.com”)
- Hit the “Save Hostname” option.
1.3. Setting Up DNS on Apple TV
- Click on “My Subscriptions” and open the “Set up ExpressVPN” menu.
- Open the “Apple TV” link on the screen’s left side.
- When you choose Apple TV, the DNS server will appear on the right.
- You’ll need to enter it into your Apple TV, so jot it down on your phone or computer.
- Launch your Apple TV device and navigate to the “Settings” menu.
- Navigate to “General” and select “Network”.
- Choose “Wi-Fi” and open “Ethernet”.
- Change the setting for “Configure DNS” to “Manual.”
- Enter the 12-digit DNS address that you found on the ExpressVPN website
- Hit the “Confirm” button and go to “Settings”.
- Navigate to “General” and click on iTunes Store.
- Open the “Location” menu and select a suitable country.
- Put Apple TV in “Sleep Now” and unplug the Apple TV Power Cord.
- Plug the cord back in and enjoy easy unblocking via SmartDNS/Proxy.
2. Purchasing a Preconfigured VPN Router
Investing in a pre-configured router is one of the simplest ways to acquire a VPN connection on your Apple TV. Experts at Flash Routers have compiled a comprehensive list of VPN routers that run DD-WRT and Tomato.
Pick the one that ticks the most boxes for what you’re looking for. In this way, you may use the router’s built-in VPN software to gain access to your favorite streaming platforms and other internet-enabled devices by connecting to a server in the United States.
3. Configuring a VPN on Your Wi-Fi Router
Determine first if your Wi-Fi network allows VPN connections. Open a web browser and enter “192.168.0.1” or “192.168.1.1” to access the router’s administrative interface.
Next, enter your login credentials.The default credentials for your router model can be found by conducting a web search, reading the router’s instruction manual, or contacting your local Internet service provider (ISP).
Once you’ve gained entry to the control panel, you’ll want to locate where you may configure a “VPN” connection.
3.1. Set Up OpenVPN on Your DD-WRT Firmware
- Get the OpenVPN setup files from a reputable provider, such as ExpressVPN.
- Log in to your DD-WRT router’s control panel.
- Navigate to the VPN sub-tab under the “Services” menu.
- Select “Start OpenVPN Client” from the list of protocols to begin using VPN.
3.2. Enter the OpenVPN Client Settings
- Server IP / Name: of the .ovpn file/server from your VPN service.
- Port Address: get this address from your VPN provider too.
- Tunnel Device: Select the “TUN” option.
- Tunnel Protocol: UDP or TCP.
- Encryption Cipher: AES-256-CBC
- Hash Algorithm: SHA256.
- Advanced Options: Enabled.
- TLS Cipher: not checked.
- LZO Compression: Adaptive.
- NAT: Disable.
- Firewall Protection: Enable.
- IP Address: leave blank.
- Subnet Mask: leave blank.
- Tunnel MTU setting: 1500.
- UDP Fragment:1450.
- Tunnel UDP MSS-Fix: Enable.
- nsCertType verification: Checked ✔
4. Using a VPN via AirPlay (No Router Method)
- Get a paid subscription to a VPN service, such as ExpressVPN.
- Download the preferred app for our iOS (iPhone, Mac, iPad).
- Start up ExpressVPN and log in with your details.
- Connect to a VPN server in the United States.
- Open any streaming app like Netflix and find the video you want to AirPlay.
- Make sure your TV and iOS device are both on the same network.
- Click on the “Screen Mirror” icon and select your Apple TV.
The Best Apple TV VPNs: Detailed Analysis
When it comes to finding the best Apple TV, we put more than fifty providers to the test. We evaluated each VPN service based on their bandwidth, number of servers, and cost. In this article, we’ll examine the top three VPNs for accessing Apple TV in 2022.
1. ExpressVPN: The Best VPN for Apple TV
Total Servers: 3,000+ | Countries: 94+ | American Servers: 23+ in 14+ Cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous Connections: 5
ExpressVPN made its debut in 2011 in the British Virgin Islands. It is a highly secure and quick VPN service with more than 3,000 servers in 90+ countries, allowing you to overcome geo-restrictions and content limits on Apple TV+ without problem.
After testing the VPN on a 100Mbps connection, we obtained astounding download and upload speeds of 89.97Mbps and 86.51Mbps, respectively. This ensures that your experience on Apple TV+ will be fluid and without buffering issues.
You can connect five devices at once and have access to programs for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and others. Best of all, a 30-day money-back guarantee is available for plans as little as $6.67/month on a yearly plan.
Verdict: ExpressVPN’s new Lightway protocol provides optimal speed and security, making it a great choice for those who want to unlock Apple TV+. The provider is even compatible with a range of wi-fi routers, allowing for easy set up for use on Apple TV devices.
ExpressVPN Apple TV+ Testing: Working Servers
ExpressVPN’s powerful RAM architecture servers provide excellent Apple TV+ compatibility. Recommended choices: New Jersey-3, Washington DC, New York.
- 5 Simultaneous Connections
- Verified "No-Logs" Policy
- 30-Day Refund Guarantee
- Headquartered in BVI
- 3,000+ Servers in 90+ Countries
- Split Tunneling/Network Kill Switch
- No Free Trial Available
2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN for Apple TV
Total Servers: 3,200+ | Countries: 90+ | American Servers: 500+ in 20+ Cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Inexpensive and compatible with Apple TV+, Surfshark launched in 2018 and is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. Its ease of use in evading geo-restrictions is due in large part to its 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries and the widespread adoption of its WireGuard protocol.
When tested over a 100Mbps connection, the VPN’s performance was impressive at 85.22 Mbps for downloading and 83.71 Mbps for uploading. That way, you won’t have to worry about any lag while watching anything on Apple TV+
While most VPNs in the industry cap the number of simultaneous connections per account at around 5, Surfshark lets you connect an infinite number of devices with just one account. Along with a free trial period of 7 days on iOS/Android, there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Verdict: In order to mask VPN traffic as HTTPS, Surfshark lists dedicated servers that utilize obfuscation technology for unblocking Apple TV+ and other streaming providers. Below are some servers we recommend for optimal performance.
Surfshark Apple TV+ Testing: Working Servers
The US servers of Surfshark perform flawlessly and swiftly for 4k streaming on Apple TV+. Recommended choices: Los Angeles, Latham, Miami, Boston, & Detroit.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Logins
- No-Logs Policy Audited by Cure53
- 30-Day Moneyback Guarantee
- 7-Day Free Trial on iOS/Android
- 3,200+ Servers in 60+ Countries
- Headquartered in BVI
- No Split Tunneling on iOS
3. NordVPN: Fastest Apple TV VPN
Total Servers: 5,400+ | Countries: 60+ | American Servers: 1,970+ in 15+ Cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | Simultaneous Connections: 6
Founded in 2012, NordVPN is based in the safe jurisdiction of Panama. The VPN has a good reputation in the market and gives customers access to more than 5,200 servers in more than 60 locations across the world. It’s a great choice for streaming Apple TV+.
We received an outstanding download speed of 89.97Mbps and upload speed of 86.51Mbps after testing the VPN on a 100Mbps connection. NordVPN is also free of WebRTC/DNS/IP address leaks, and its connection timings to Disney Plus are unrivaled.
All of your data is safe with this service because they have passed two audits by PwC Switzerland. It also gives you the benefit of letting five other lucky people stream along with your Apple TV device (a total of six concurrent devices allowed).
Verdict: In case you face any issue, however unlikely that might be, NordVPN also incorporates a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as all-time live chat support to guide you as you face the first sign of trouble!
NordVPN Apple TV+ Testing: Working Servers
Unlocking Apple TV+ is a breeze using NordVPN’s servers located in the United States because of their flawless performance. Recommended choices: #3097, #2497, #3288, #3325.
- 6 Simultaneous Connections
- Audited by PwC Switzerland
- 30-Day Refund Guarantee
- Headquartered in Panama
- 5,000+ Servers in 60+ Countries
- Split Tunneling/Network Kill Switch
- Downtime issues on some servers
Why Do You Need a VPN for Apple TV?
We know Apple has tight security, but on the other hand, we also know how limited Apple’s spectrum really is. As a result, everything is much harder than it is on Android, with a lot less options and freedom for navigation. But we have just the means to make amends.
Here are a list of reasons why an Apple TV VPN is a must-have for streamers:
Surf Geo-restricted Channels
BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Voot, Disney+, Netflix, HBO Go, VEVO, Food Network, WWE Network, WatchESPN, Lifetime. Tell me your heart did not just flutter right now like a hopeless, one-sided lover? We know it did. Here’s some news for you.
You can now stream on all of these platforms AND MORE! In fact, you can surf, binge, and browse the content of any country you want using a paid, robust Apple TV VPN starting right now!
Once you have an Apple TV VPN, you can play every card to your advantage. Just change the server, and you will never see the sight of a single error message ever again! You know what they say, the world is your oyster!
Visit Blocked Apps
You might face roadblocks as you attempt to access certain apps. For example, your internet connection weakens, and you want to link with your neighbors’ open wifi or a school in your nearest perimeter. Then, all you have to do is turn on the VPN.
The firewalls will be broken down in a few, and you will expertly tunnel through to enter any restricted site you please. As a matter of fact, an efficient VPN has the ability to encrypt your internet traffic data. Thus, not only will you remain private and protected, but your privacy will be maintained too.
Prevent Bandwidth Throttling
If you’re a heavy internet user, you must experience bandwidth throttling, which means that your internet service provider hampers your internet in order to provide steady speed to every other consumer.
For TV show and movie addicts, here’s another reason to get a VPN. If you want to stream relentlessly, night and day, without ever encountering buffering, here’s a way to outplay your ISP. Installing and downloading a VPN will hide your IP address, making the ISP confused about which activity could possibly be yours.
Note that this is only possible if you own a paid, premium VPN only and a weak, inefficient Apple TV VPN might give you away!
Enhanced Internet Gaming
If you’re a gamer, your progress must have gone down like a lead balloon when a lag occasionally surprises you mid-game more than just a few times to be OK about it.
In a game where timing is key, a VPN can give you the competitive advantage you need to overpower your opponent. Just connect your gaming device to the Apple TV and partake in a responsive gaming experience with fewer pings and added joy.
Also, you might’ve heard about how VPN actually slows down your internet speed. However, this isn’t the case if you select a server nearest to you so you can join in the fun with the fastest speed. So, be sure to choose a server that is optimized for gamers.
Is There a Free VPN for Apple TV?
Many VPNs work with Apple TV. However, Windscribe is a leading provider which tops all charts. Windscribe VPN comes in both free as well as paid versions. It is by far the best VPN for apple tv that unblocks BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and some other streaming sites for free.
The catch, however, is that you can only connect with a maximum of 10 server locations. Also, with Windscribe VPN, you can only use 10GB of data every month. Most importantly, you can’t access all the streaming sites that you can with a paid VPN.
In fact, you are restricted to a few GBs of viewership and a lagging speed that pauses more than you have the patience for. That is why, we recommend you use a paid, premium VPN for better speed, encryption, accessibility, security, and privacy protection.
Apple TV Specifications and Features Comparison
Apple TV has grown tremendously over time, bringing in new features that spark the tech era with bafflement. From the 1st generation to its latest generation, the Apple TV 4K, the quality is only improving. Below is a comparison of all the Apple TV devices:
1st Gen.Apple TV | 2nd Gen.Apple TV | 3rd Gen.Apple TV | 4th Gen.Apple TV | Apple TV 4K | |
Model Number | A1218 | A1378 | A1427A1469 | A1625 | A1842 |
Processor | 1 GHzIntel CroftonPentium M | Apple A4 | Apple A5 | 1.4 GhzApple A8 | Apple A10Fusion |
Music Storage | 40GB160GB | N/A | N/A | up to 32GB64GB | up to32GB64GB |
Photo Storage | 40GB160GB | N/A | N/A | up to 32GB64GB | up to 32GB64GB |
Video Storage | 40GB160GB | N/A | N/A | up to 32GB64GB | up to 32GB64GB |
App Store | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
Games | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
Bluetooth | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Siri | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
Universal VoiceSearch | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
SupportedAudio & Video Formats | H.264,AAC,MPEG-4 | H.264 upto 720p,AAC,MPEG-4,MP3 | H.264 upto 1080p,AAC,MPEG-4,MP3 | H.264 upto 1080p,AAC,MPEG-4,MP3 | H.264 upto 2160p,DolbyVision,AAC,MPEG-4,MP3 |
Dolby 5.1 | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby 7.1 | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby Atmos | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
Netflix Streaming | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Max. HDTV Format | 720p | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 4K |
HDR10 | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
Interfaces | HDMI,ComponentA/V,OpticalAudio,AnalogAudio,Ethernet,IR Receiver | HDMI,Ethernet,OpticalAudio,IR Receiver | HDMI,Ethernet,OpticalAudio,IR Receiver | HDMI,Ethernet,IR Receiver | HDMI 2.0,Ethernet,IR Receiver |
Networking | 10/100Base-TEthernet,802.11b/g/nWi-Fi | 10/100Base-TEthernet,802.11a/b/g/nWi-Fi | 10/100Base-TEthernet,802.11a/b/g/nWi-Fi | 10/100Base-TEthernet,802.11a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi,Bluetooth 4.0 | GigabitEthernet,802.11a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi,Bluetooth 5.0 |
USB | USB 2.0 | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | USB-C | ✖ |
HomeKit Hub | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Remote Control | AppleRemote;white | AppleRemote;aluminum | AppleRemote;aluminum | Siri Remote(touchpad& mic);black | Siri Remote(touchpad& mic);black |
Remote CanControl TV | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
Use Apple Watch as Remote | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Size | 7.7 x7.7 x1.1 | 3.9 x3.9 x0.9 | 3.9 x3.9 x0.9 | 3.9 x3.9 x1.3 | 3.9 x3.9 x1.4 |
Weight | 2.4 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.94 | 0.94 |
Price | $329$229 | $99 | $99 | US$149$199 | US$179$199 |
Best Apple TV VPN: FAQs
When it comes to identifying the best Apple TV VPNs and figuring out how to set one up, you may come across a few concerns. Below we answer some of the most common questions:
First, download and install a reliable Apple TV VPN app on your computer. Then, launch a mobile hotspot or virtual router on your computer, and configure the installed VPN.
Connect to the VPN and link your Apple TV to your computer’s internet connection. Now, you are ready to stream your favorite video content on your Apple TV.
Navigate to your operating system and type Network Connections. Select View Network Connections, look for the disable under the VPN icon and turn it off.
Several Apple offerings go under the moniker “Apple TV,” which can lead to some confusion. To clear it out, Apple TV+ is a streaming service that complements Apple TV, a media player.
ExpressVPN is the best option for those who want to set up a VPN for their Apple TV devices. It allow users to configure the VPN application on routers, so that the entire home including your living room TV gains instant VPN connectivity.
When it comes to free VPNs for Apple TV, Windscribe is your best bet. For a free VPN, its performance at unblocking UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer is impressive. There is a monthly cap of 10 GB and you can only connect to a maximum of 10 different server locations.
Navigate to iTunes Location > Location on your Apple TV device. Pick the iTunes region that best suits your needs. Simply restarting your Apple TV will cause the updated location to become available. You can now view the content by connecting to a suitable virtual private network (VPN) like ExpressVPN or by using a smart DNS service.
Installing ExpressVPN on your home Wi-Fi router is the simplest method for using a VPN with your Apple TV. All of your smart home devices, such smart TVs and game consoles, will benefit from a VPN’s enhanced security and privacy features.
To put it simply, Apple does not create tvOS or Apple TV apps. They need to entice programmers and content companies to make tvOS apps. The only reason to use a virtual private network (VPN) on an Apple TV is to hide your online activity from your Internet service provider (ISP) and bypass geo-restrictions while streaming.
You can use your Apple TV abroad, although some channels may be unavailable due to regional licencing limitations. That limits their reach to just their home country of the United States. If you want to watch Apple TV Channels abroad, you must make use of ExpressVPN.
You will need to navigate to the network settings on the Apple TV, select the advanced settings menu, and then switch Configure DNS to manual. This will allow you to input your new DNS IP address. Your newly configured DNS settings should take effect once you have restarted your device.
Wrapping Up!
This concludes our Apple TV VPN and setup guide. Nevertheless, if you face any problems, feel free to drop a comment below with questions or requests for clarification, and a member of Streamints will get back to you as soon as possible.