Apple TV is one of the most popular media center devices used, especially for those who already own other Apple devices. Allowing you get your iTunes based content on the big screen makes it a heavily sought after product, due to facilitating the sharing of your library. However, even if you’re not an iTunes user, Apple TV remains one of the top contenders in the field, with good performance, and app integration, you can do quite a bit of useful things with it. Netflix streaming, sports apps, home library network sharing and more.
But to be able to access worldwide content, a VPN service comes into play. VPN connections allow you to change your Country’s IP, unblocking content from BBC, Hulu, Netflix, and just about any other streaming outlet that will geo-block content. All the while, it encrypts your data so your ISP or other surveillance agencies can’t easily snoop on all your streaming sources. In some cases, it can even help with speed, while picking bad services can hinder it. Below, we take a look at our best picks for Apple TV VPN services.
Setting up a VPN with Apple TV is not straight forward, you actually need to use specific methods in order to encrypt the data going through the box that tend to be complicated, tedious, and not very serviceable to having a hassle free viewing experience. In my time testing various hardware with VPN, the best option is always a VPN Router; setting up a VPN connection directly on the router, enabling you to connect your Apple TV directly to it, to benefit from encryption and access to that specific server country location. But keep in mind, this is not limited to your Apple TV, you can literally now encrypt any networkable device, such as your XBox, Playstation, Wi-Fi connected devices, computers, you get the point! I devised a full tutorial on the different methods used to add an encrypted VPN connected to your Apple TV box here.
ExpressVPN – Full Review
ExpressVPN is probably the best option, with an easy to follow SmartDNS setup, unlocking Apple TV without encryption, ensuring blazing speeds, and making it easy for beginners to just unlock and enjoy content quickly, without the hassles.
If you want great VPN service with it, ExpressVPN has the best software for Apple Mac OS, iOS, and even arguably the best software in Windows. Android is also covered, along with awesome visual step by step guides to setup all sorts of devices, including the all important OpenVPN Routers! But the real highlight is the quality of service. With servers spread across 80 countries, minimal speed loss on regional servers on almost every test, a 30-day money back guarantee, and stellar customer service, the only downfall for some is the cost. It may cost more, but you get premium quality service. The service specifically allows 1 computer connection, 1 mobile connection, 1 wireless router, and 1 streaming media console simultaneously per account. That’s more than enough for, considering you can connect anything behind the VPN router, but for some families, it may require a second account.
Surfshark – Full Review
Another provider that deserves to be included in the list of the best VPNs for Apple TV is Surfshark. It offers great speeds and access to hundreds of servers around the world. Its advanced technology allows you to defeat blocks that can spoil your streaming experience. You can also enjoy a high level of protection for your internet traffic, thanks to the military-grade encryption that Surfshark offers. Since Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, it is not subject to mandatory data retention laws so it doesn’t keep any logs that could put your privacy at risk.
CyberGhost – Full Review
CyberGhost is easy to use and it offers advanced technology. The apps are user-friendly and they also have detailed guides that will help you to set up the service on platforms like Apple TV. Thanks to the great speeds and stable performance that CyberGhost delivers, you will be able to overcome online restrictions and access a wide selection of content in any location. CybeGhost doesn’t keep logs of your activities and it has a strong commitment to privacy. This provider also uses high encryption to defend your data from cyber threats and it features a kill switch that helps you to avoid that your real IP address and location get exposed.
Private Internet Access – Full Review
PIA – Private Internet Access has been a top choice for millions of users for many years now. Having a strong, longstanding record in keeping your data encrypted and out of the hands of ISPs and other data retention agencies has made them one of the most trusted names in the VPN industry. Their popularity also comes down to the fact that they offer one of the largest selections of servers, at the most competitive price. Although sometimes you fall upon slow servers, choice is not limited and you can quickly find some faster routes. Good customer service and rich online tutorials and guides to setup various VPN protocols across different platforms and OpenVPN Router setup guides will help you quickly integrate VPN to Apple TV boxes.
Not only does Private Internet Access hold up its’ own against the more costly providers, but the insanely cheap packages also allow for up to 5 simultaneous devices. If you’re not looking for the best of the best, but want the best for your money, this is it.
Hide My Ass – Full Review
Hide My Ass offers VPN service coverage across some 128+ countries! HMA also caters to Apple TV needs, with plenty of VPN router setup guides, and the best customer service to help you across the way. They also offer free proxies, but those usually don’t work well, so opting for the paid VPN service is a much better choice. Apple computer users have a great Mac OSX client software to use as well. The apps are simple & easy to use. HMA offers 24/7 customer support so if you ever do run into an issue setting it up for your Apple TV you can easily reach out to them for help, and actually get your questions answered by someone who knows what their talking about.
VyprVpn- Full Review
VyrpVPN is a great all around VPN service for your Apple TV. Vyprvpn features over 700+ servers across 45+ countries. The service comes with some of the best looking software and apps out of all VPN providers, and high speed servers to match. VyprVPN offers support across all platforms via iOS, OS X, Windows, and plenty of useful visual setup guides. Backed with a 3 day no risk trial, anyone could just test the service risk free before committing.
All in all, any of these services will get the job done. Some in a more straightforward process while others will give you more features for use with other devices on the network. Supporting mobile & desktop interfaces all with varied server support depending on your needs. At the end of the day no matter the VPN you pick, your assured you’ll get access to content like Netflix, Hulu, & more via the iTunes store. Allowing you stream content safely & securely no matter your location all via your Apple TV.
One minor problem though, you can’t install a VPN on Apple TV without some major headaches – sorry mate. The best way to get around that is to install any VPN on your router…
Sorry for the late response, You’re absolutely right, and that is why we got working on a follow up article on how to setup a VPN in conjunction with an AppleTV box. It was just posted a short while ago, and the main method we suggest is a VPN router.