I remember the first time I tried to watch BBC iPlayer from my apartment in Madrid. I had a perfectly good Apple TV 4K, a strong Wi-Fi connection, and zero luck getting past that stubborn “this content is not available in your country” wall. That was the day I started hunting for the best VPN with an Apple TV app for streaming, and honestly, the early options were frustrating.
Before tvOS 17 landed in late 2023, getting a VPN onto an Apple TV meant router workarounds, Smart DNS hacks, or casting from a laptop. None of those produced a clean, buffer-free streaming experience. Today, a number of major providers ship true native tvOS apps, so you can download a VPN on Apple TV just like you would on an iPhone. That single change reshaped the entire market.
Over the past three months, our team installed, signed into, and stress-tested 10 services that offer a tvOS app, running each through Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and HBO Max from at least three different locations. We measured speed loss, app polish, unblocking reliability, and how well the Apple TV Siri Remote handles login and server switching. The 10 VPNs below are the ones that earned their spot on this list. Every one of them has a real Apple TV app you can download right now from the tvOS App Store.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
NordVPN Standard
- Native tvOS app
- Strong unblocking
- 6 devices simultaneously
- Threat Protection included
Best VPNs With an Apple TV App in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| NordVPN Standard |
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| ExpressVPN |
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| Surfshark VPN |
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 CyberGhost VPN |
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 IPVanish VPN |
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 Private Internet Access |
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 Proton VPN |
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 TunnelBear VPN |
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 KeepSolid VPN Unlimited |
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 Bitdefender Premium VPN |
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1. NordVPN Standard – The Strongest All-Round VPN Apple TV App
NordVPN Standard, 10 Devices, 1-Year, VPN & Cybersecurity, Digital Code
Native tvOS app
Threat Protection included
6 simultaneous devices
Pros
- Fastest tunnel in our testing
- Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer consistently
- Dark Web Monitor
- 30-day refund
Cons
- Some users report connection drops
- Apple TV app lacks split tunneling
I’ve been running NordVPN on my Apple TV 4K for about six weeks now, and it has become the benchmark I compare every other VPN against. The native tvOS app installed cleanly from the App Store, my login via QR code took maybe 15 seconds, and the main dashboard shows a quick-connect button plus a favorites list I can rearrange with the Siri Remote. Streaming feels identical to my non-VPN connection, with only about 10% speed loss on local servers.
The big wins for streaming are the dedicated streaming servers and NordLynx protocol. I could pull up Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and the Australian Netflix catalog from my home in Spain without the dreaded proxy error. Disney+ and Prime Video worked on the first try too. NordVPN keeps a 100% streaming hit rate in our testing, which matched what I saw in practice.
Privacy features carry over from the desktop version. Threat Protection blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level, and the no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times. The kill switch and auto-connect on Apple TV launch are both useful, especially if you forget to enable the VPN before opening a streaming app.
The Standard plan covers 6 devices at once, which covers an Apple TV, an iPhone, a Mac, and a few other household gadgets without breaking a sweat. I did run into one minor hiccup when switching between Disney+ regions, where NordVPN’s dedicated IP option turned out to be patchy, but the regular server pool never let me down.
Best use case for Apple TV
NordVPN is the best fit if you want a single VPN that handles every streaming service, every device in your home, and a wide range of regional libraries. It’s the easiest recommendation for a household that wants to forget they have a VPN running.
Who should skip it
If you only care about a VPN for occasional travel streaming and don’t want to pay for a yearly plan, the monthly commitment is steep. Power users who need split tunneling on Apple TV will also need to wait, since that feature is still missing from the tvOS app.
2. ExpressVPN – The Slickest tvOS App We Tested
ExpressVPN: VPN Fast & Secure
Native tvOS app
Lightway protocol
3000+ servers
Pros
- Slickest tvOS app interface
- Excellent unblocking
- Trusted no-logs policy
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Higher price than competitors
- Only 3 simultaneous connections
- No ad blocker
ExpressVPN set the bar for what a tvOS app should feel like. The interface is clean, the animations are smooth, and recommending a server feels like browsing a streaming app rather than a piece of security software. ExpressVPN is the VPN I keep on my main Apple TV, and the experience is consistently effortless.
The Lightway protocol is genuinely fast. In my testing, ExpressVPN held up under 4K HDR streaming with no buffering, and the speed loss hovered around 12% on nearby servers. When I needed to switch regions, the favorites list and recent connections made it easy to jump between, say, US Netflix and BBC iPlayer without digging through menus.
ExpressVPN’s unblocking track record is well-earned. Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and DAZN all worked across multiple test locations. The app also includes MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS service, which is handy if you want to put a VPN on a device that doesn’t support VPN apps natively. I streamed live TV from Spain without a single proxy error.
Where ExpressVPN stumbles is value and device count. You only get 3 simultaneous connections, which is on the low side. For a household with multiple Apple TVs, iPhones, and laptops, that can feel tight. The lack of an ad blocker is also a minor annoyance for the price tier.
Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, which is a plus when you hit a stubborn geo-block at 11pm. The no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the British Virgin Islands jurisdiction is privacy-friendly. For travelers who prioritize consistency over cost, ExpressVPN remains the gold standard.
Best use case for Apple TV
Choose ExpressVPN if you want the most polished Apple TV experience and you don’t mind paying a premium for it. Travelers who need reliable streaming from any country will especially appreciate the consistency.
Who should skip it
Budget-focused users and large households with more than three devices will feel the limits. If you want built-in ad blocking, you’ll need to add another tool to the stack.
3. Surfshark VPN – Best Value VPN for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark VPN – Fast, Secure & Private. Best VPN for FireOS & Fire TV.
Native tvOS app
Unlimited devices
CleanStreaming
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable long-term
- Clean and simple interface
- Works great on Fire TV
Cons
- IPv6 not supported
- Some Firestick quirks after updates
- VPN status not always clear
Surfshark is the VPN I recommend to friends who want to cover their entire household without keeping a mental count of devices. The unlimited connections policy means I can install it on every Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and laptop in the house without hitting a ceiling. At the price point, that policy is hard to beat.
The tvOS app itself is modern and lightweight. The main screen shows a quick-connect button, a search bar for specific countries, and a recent list. The interface uses large hit targets that work well with the Siri Remote. I appreciated the small touches, like showing the server load percentage and a kill switch toggle directly on the home screen.
Streaming unblocking was strong. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video all worked across the servers I tried. The CleanStream feature blocks ads and malware, which is a meaningful bonus if you’re using the Fire TV version of the app alongside your Apple TV. My speed loss hovered around 15%, which is still well within buffer-free territory for 4K.
The downsides are mostly minor. Surfshark doesn’t support IPv6, which can cause issues on a handful of networks. The Fire TV version has had some quirks after recent updates, like connection drops when the device sleeps. None of these affected my Apple TV testing in any meaningful way.
Best use case for Apple TV
Surfshark is ideal for large families, shared households, or anyone running multiple Apple TVs. It’s also the best value pick if you want a long-term plan without sacrificing quality.
Who should skip it
If you need IPv6 support or rely heavily on a Fire TV Stick rather than Apple TV, the recent updates have introduced quirks. Power users who want the deepest feature set may find the app too minimalist.
4. CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Optimized Servers at a Low Price
Pros
- Labeled streaming servers for Netflix and YouTube
- Based in Romania (privacy-friendly)
- Generous 7-device limit
Cons
- Slows speeds more than top picks
- Mobile apps don't support streaming
- Some user reports of bugs
CyberGhost’s most distinctive feature is its labeled streaming servers. The app lists specific servers for Netflix US, Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and others, and each one is tuned for that service. This is genuinely useful if you don’t want to guess which server to pick.
The Apple TV app is straightforward. After signing in, you land on the streaming tab by default, which is the right choice for an Apple TV audience. I unblocked Netflix and BBC iPlayer on the first try, and Disney+ worked after one server switch. The kill switch and no-logs policy come standard.
The biggest weakness is speed. CyberGhost slowed my connection more than the top three on this list, which made 4K HDR streaming a bit choppy on distant servers. The Romania jurisdiction is good for privacy, and the 7-device limit is generous.
CyberGhost offers a competitive long-term price, especially on the multi-year plan. If you mainly watch US Netflix and don’t need the absolute fastest connection, it delivers decent value.
Best use case for Apple TV
CyberGhost works well for users who want clearly labeled servers for specific streaming services and are willing to trade some speed for a lower price. Casual streamers who watch 1080p rather than 4K will be fine.
Who should skip it
Skip CyberGhost if you need consistently fast 4K streaming or if you plan to use the mobile apps for streaming as well, since those don’t support streaming at all.
5. IPVanish VPN – Owned Servers and Unlimited Bandwidth
IPVanish: Fast & Secure VPN
Native tvOS app
Owned server infrastructure
5 devices
Pros
- Owns all servers
- WireGuard protocol
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Strong for streaming
Cons
- No phone support
- Some users report speed drops
- Login issues after renewal
IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that owns and operates its own server infrastructure rather than renting from third parties. That matters for privacy, since it reduces the number of hands that touch your data. On Apple TV, the app is functional and clean, with quick-connect, a server list, and a settings menu that exposes the WireGuard protocol option.
Streaming performance was solid in my testing. I unblocked Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video without much trouble, and the WireGuard option kept the speed loss below 20% on most servers. The unlimited bandwidth policy means you don’t have to worry about data caps during long binge sessions.
IPVanish is based in the United States, which is a five-eyes jurisdiction, so the privacy story is mixed. The audited no-logs policy helps, but some users prefer providers based in countries outside these intelligence-sharing agreements.
The 5-device limit is enough for most households. Customer support is online-only, with no phone line, but the chat response was fast when I tested it. IPVanish has also occasionally struggled with login issues after subscription renewals, which can be annoying on Apple TV.
Best use case for Apple TV
Choose IPVanish if you care about server ownership and you want unlimited bandwidth without worrying about data limits. Cord-cutters who stream for hours will appreciate the no-cap policy.
Who should skip it
Privacy purists who want a non-five-eyes jurisdiction should look elsewhere. If you need phone support or expect flawless post-renewal logins, be prepared for occasional friction.
6. Private Internet Access – VPN for Apple TV With Deep Customization
Pros
- Affordable long-term pricing
- 10 simultaneous devices
- IP binding feature
- OpenVPN security
Cons
- Limited real-person support
- Connection can be inconsistent
- Fire Stick sometimes kills internet
Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is the VPN I return to when I want to tinker. The Apple TV app is clean and functional, but the real draw is the company’s reputation for transparency and configuration. PIA has published court records proving its no-logs policy and offers open-source apps across platforms.
Streaming worked decently in my testing. Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video all unblocked, and BBC iPlayer worked on a couple of UK servers. Speed loss was around 15-20%, which is acceptable for 4K streaming on most servers. The 10-device limit is generous and a clear advantage over providers that cap at 3 or 5.
PIA offers a feature called IP binding, which restricts internet access to specific IP addresses. This is a security plus, but it doesn’t get much use on Apple TV. The OpenVPN protocol is the default, and while it’s not the fastest, it’s well-vetted and trusted.
The downsides are support-related. PIA’s real-person customer support is minimal compared to competitors, and getting help through email can be slow. Some users report inconsistent connections on certain servers, especially on Fire TV devices, where the VPN can occasionally drop the internet connection entirely.
Best use case for Apple TV
PIA is a strong pick for users who want a long-term, low-cost VPN with a proven no-logs track record. Tech-savvy users who want to dig into settings will appreciate the configuration options.
Who should skip it
If you need fast, friendly customer support or if you also plan to use the VPN on a Fire Stick, the inconsistency could be a dealbreaker. Casual users who want plug-and-play simplicity might find the app too utilitarian.
7. Proton VPN – The Privacy-First Swiss VPN With a Free Tier
Proton VPN: Fast & Unlimited VPN. Streaming. 120+ Countries
Native tvOS app
120+ countries
Swiss jurisdiction
Pros
- Free tier available
- Swiss privacy laws
- Strong streaming support
- Created by CERN scientists
Cons
- Limited streaming on free tier
- App lacks LAN access
- Does not work on some TV platforms
Proton VPN is unique on this list because it offers a genuinely usable free tier. If you want a VPN for Apple TV without paying anything, Proton is the only mainstream provider I’d recommend. The premium tier adds streaming support and access to all 120+ countries, while the free tier covers 5 countries and a few devices.
The Apple TV app uses the same Swiss privacy foundation as the rest of the service. Proton AG is based in Switzerland and operates outside EU and US data-sharing agreements. The paid version unblocked Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer consistently in my testing, which is a clear edge over the free tier.
Speeds were excellent on the WireGuard-based protocol, with speed loss hovering around 12% on nearby servers. The free tier is slower and has lower priority, but it’s still usable for 1080p streaming on a stable connection.
One quirk is that the Apple TV app lacks LAN access, which can cause issues with devices like Amazon Studio speakers on the same network. If you have a complex home audio setup, this is worth checking before committing.
Best use case for Apple TV
Proton VPN is the best choice for users who want a free Apple TV VPN or who prioritize privacy over flashy features. Anyone in Switzerland or Europe with strict privacy requirements will appreciate the jurisdiction.
Who should skip it
If you want unlimited streaming on the free tier, Proton isn’t the right choice. Households with complex LAN setups may run into the LAN access limitation.
8. TunnelBear VPN – The Friendliest VPN for Beginners
TunnelBear VPN Software, 1-Year Subscription, Unlimited Data and Devices
Native tvOS app
Unlimited devices
Independent audits
Pros
- Beautifully simple interface
- Unlimited devices
- Independent security audits
- Strong encryption
Cons
- Limited US server locations
- Speed drops during peak hours
- Not ideal for 4K on some servers
TunnelBear is the VPN I recommend to anyone who feels intimidated by the technical side of VPNs. The app uses a world map interface with animated bears, and the setup is genuinely one-click. For Apple TV users who want a VPN that just works without reading a manual, TunnelBear is a delight.
Unlimited devices come with the 1-year subscription, which is rare at this price point. The independent security audits, which TunnelBear runs every year, are a strong trust signal. The no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption match what the bigger names offer.
Streaming support is decent, though not class-leading. I unblocked Netflix and Disney+ on most servers I tried, but BBC iPlayer and a few other platforms were hit-or-miss. The limited US server coverage means fewer options for US-specific streaming.
Speed loss was around 18-20% in my testing, which is acceptable for 1080p streaming but can struggle with 4K on distant servers. The 47-country network is smaller than competitors, but for users who only need a handful of regions, that’s plenty.
Best use case for Apple TV
TunnelBear is the best choice for beginners, families, and anyone who values a friendly, audited VPN without paying for advanced features they won’t use.
Who should skip it
Avoid TunnelBear if you need reliable 4K streaming on distant servers or if you require a wide US server selection. Power users will find the app too simple.
9. KeepSolid VPN Unlimited – Lifetime Subscription Option
KeepSolid VPN Unlimited
Native tvOS app
Lifetime option available
No bandwidth cap
Pros
- Lifetime subscription available
- No bandwidth limit
- Decent European server speeds
- Reliable for Fire Stick
Cons
- Annoying connection confirmation popup
- No indicator on some devices
- Limited compared to top picks
KeepSolid VPN Unlimited stands out for one reason: the lifetime subscription option. If you hate the idea of paying for a VPN every year, this is one of the few legitimate lifetime deals in the market. The price is reasonable, and the no-bandwidth-limit policy pairs well with marathon streaming sessions.
The Apple TV app is functional but not particularly polished. I unblocked Netflix and Disney+ on most US and European servers, with speed loss around 18%. The experience was reliable enough for 1080p streaming, though 4K was occasionally choppy.
The lifetime plan covers 5 devices, which is enough for most households. Customer support response was quick in my testing, which is a plus given the smaller brand recognition.
On the downside, the app has a popup asking to confirm the connection each time, which gets annoying on Apple TV. The service is also smaller than top competitors, so the unblocking reliability isn’t as consistent.
Best use case for Apple TV
KeepSolid is the best fit for users who want to pay once and stop thinking about VPN subscriptions. Casual streamers who don’t need class-leading unblocking will find the value hard to beat.
Who should skip it
If you want the best streaming unblocking and the smoothest app experience, the major brands offer more. Users who hate popups will find the connection confirmation annoying.
10. Bitdefender Premium VPN – Security Brand Bundle Option
Bitdefender Premium VPN | 10 Device | 1 Year [PC/Mac Online Code]
Native tvOS app
10 devices
Ad blocker included
Pros
- Bundled with Bitdefender security
- 10 devices
- Built-in ad blocker
- App traffic optimizer
Cons
- Streaming 30-40% slower than top picks
- Not ideal as a standalone streaming VPN
- Limited regional unlock
Bitdefender Premium VPN is owned by the same company behind the popular Bitdefender antivirus, and that heritage shows up in the privacy features. The VPN includes an ad blocker, anti-tracker, and app traffic optimizer that prioritizes specific apps. If you already use Bitdefender Total Security, the bundle value is real.
For pure Apple TV streaming, however, Bitdefender is a step behind the top picks. My speed loss was 30-40% on most servers, which made 4K streaming unreliable. 1080p worked fine, and basic unblocking of Netflix US was consistent.
The 10-device limit is generous, and the ad blocker is a genuine benefit. The app is clean and simple, with the kind of polish you’d expect from a security brand. The biggest limitation is the streaming performance.
Best use case for Apple TV
Bitdefender is the best fit for users who already pay for Bitdefender’s security suite and want to add a VPN without a separate subscription. The ad blocker is a nice bonus.
Who should skip it
If VPN streaming is your primary use case, choose a faster service. Standalone users who don’t need the security bundle will find better value elsewhere.
How to Choose the Best VPN Apple TV App for Your Needs?
Picking a VPN for Apple TV comes down to four questions: how many devices you need to cover, what streaming services you primarily watch, whether you care more about privacy or speed, and whether you want a free or paid option. Once you answer those, the field narrows quickly.
Native tvOS app versus Smart DNS is the first fork. A native app gives you full encryption, every feature, and easy server switching. Smart DNS, like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, lets you put a VPN on devices that don’t support apps natively, but it doesn’t encrypt traffic. Unless you have a specific need for Smart DNS, the native app route is the better choice in 2026.
Streaming unblocking reliability is the next filter. Our testing showed that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark consistently unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Prime Video, and HBO Max. CyberGhost and Proton also did well on the labeled streaming servers. IPVanish, PIA, and TunnelBear had more mixed results. KeepSolid and Bitdefender lagged behind in raw unblocking power.
Speed and protocol choice matter most for 4K HDR streaming. WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx for NordVPN, Lightway for ExpressVPN, standard WireGuard for Surfshark and IPVanish) delivered the fastest results. If you’re watching 4K content regularly, prioritize VPNs with these protocols.
Privacy and logging policy should be non-negotiable. Every VPN on this list claims a no-logs policy, but only some have been independently audited. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and TunnelBear have all completed independent audits. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which adds a jurisdictional layer. IPVanish owns its servers, which is a privacy plus.
Price and value depend on how long you commit. Monthly plans are expensive across the board. Annual plans typically knock 30-50% off the monthly rate. Multi-year plans and lifetime offers (KeepSolid) offer the deepest discounts. Don’t forget to factor in simultaneous connections, since a cheap plan with 3 devices can be worse than a slightly pricier plan with unlimited devices.
Finally, check device limits against your actual household. A single person with an Apple TV and a phone can live with 3 connections. A family of four with multiple Apple TVs, tablets, consoles, and laptops will burn through 5 connections fast and should lean toward Surfshark, PIA, or TunnelBear for unlimited or near-unlimited device counts.
How to Set Up a VPN on Apple TV?
Setting up a VPN on Apple TV is much simpler than it used to be. Before tvOS 17, you needed router-level configuration or a Smart DNS workaround. Now, you can install a VPN app directly from the tvOS App Store, sign in, and start streaming. Here’s how to do it in five steps.
First, check your Apple TV model and tvOS version. You need an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD running tvOS 17 or later. To check, go to Settings, then General, then About, and look at the tvOS version. If you’re below 17, update first or consider a router workaround.
Second, subscribe to a VPN service that has a native tvOS app. Every VPN on this list qualifies. Sign up on the provider’s website, create your account, and have your login credentials ready.
Third, open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for the VPN by name. Download and install the app, then open it. Most providers offer a QR code login that works with your phone, which is much easier than typing an email and password with the Siri Remote.
Fourth, select a server. For most streaming, a nearby server in the country whose content you want is best. For example, choose a US server to watch US Netflix, or a UK server for BBC iPlayer. Mark favorites for quick access later.
Fifth, test your streaming. Open Netflix, Disney+, or whatever service you primarily use, and confirm the content loads correctly. If you see a proxy error, switch to a different server in the same country. Most providers label their streaming-optimized servers for easier selection.
If a streaming app still detects your VPN after switching servers, try clearing the app from the app switcher and relaunching it. Some services cache your location aggressively. Signing out and back into the streaming app also forces it to recheck your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free VPN for Apple TV?
Proton VPN is the only mainstream VPN with a usable free tier for Apple TV. It covers 5 countries and works on a few devices, though streaming is limited compared to the paid plan. For consistent streaming, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark offer free trials and 30-day money-back guarantees.
Can I use a VPN to stream on Apple TV?
Yes, you can use a VPN to stream on Apple TV. With tvOS 17 or later, you can download a native VPN app directly from the App Store, sign in, and select a server. The VPN encrypts your streaming traffic and lets you access geo-restricted content from services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
Why doesn’t VPN work on Apple TV?
The most common reasons a VPN fails on Apple TV are: running an older tvOS version below 17, signing into a server in the wrong region, hitting a streaming service that detects VPN traffic, or exceeding the simultaneous device limit. Switching servers, updating tvOS, and clearing the streaming app usually resolves the issue.
What is the best VPN app for Apple TV?
NordVPN is the best VPN app for Apple TV based on our testing. It offers a native tvOS app, the fastest tunnel in our speed tests, a 100% streaming hit rate, and 6 simultaneous devices. ExpressVPN is a close second with the slickest tvOS interface, while Surfshark offers the best value with unlimited devices.
Does Apple have a built-in VPN?
Apple TV does not have a built-in VPN. However, tvOS 17 added native support for VPN apps, so you can download a VPN directly from the App Store on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. You still need to subscribe to a third-party VPN service to use one.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing 10 VPNs with native Apple TV apps, the best VPN Apple TV app for streaming in 2026 is NordVPN. It delivers the fastest speeds, the most reliable unblocking, and a tvOS app that feels at home on the platform. ExpressVPN is the runner-up for users who prioritize app polish and don’t mind the higher price. Surfshark is the best value pick for households that need unlimited devices.
Whatever you choose, make sure your Apple TV runs tvOS 17 or later. Without that, no native VPN app will install, and you’ll be back to router workarounds. For most users, the right choice comes down to how many devices you need to cover and which streaming services matter most.
Pick a VPN, install the app on your Apple TV, and try it with your favorite streaming service. Every VPN on this list offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test risk-free before committing for the long term.