The best Apple TV VPNs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

["ZDNET's recommendations are based on extensive testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources and pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions, but it does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.", "If you're an Apple TV fan, a virtual private network (VPN) can expand its capabilities and improve your privacy and security.

VPNs provide a layer of encryption, mask your IP address, and make it more difficult for marketers to track you. Many popular VPN providers have released native Apple TV apps, making installation a breeze. Alternatively, you can install a VPN directly on your router for blanket home coverage that includes more devices.", 'The best VPN on the market for Apple TV is ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest speeds and a variety of countries to choose from. Most importantly, ExpressVPN provides a native Apple TV app. Plans start at $2.79 per month.

I also recommend NordVPN, which offers a native Apple TV app and provides consistently great speeds, solid performance, robust security, and a large server network. Plans start at $3.09 per month.', 'Surfshark is a cheaper option with plans starting at $1.78 per month with three months free on a two-year plan. IPVanish is a strong contender with a native Apple TV app and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Proton VPN offers a free plan and a native Apple TV app, but with limitations. When choosing a VPN, consider factors such as speed, server network, and security features.', "No, Apple does not ban VPN use. Apple has supported third-party VPN providers, allowing these services to develop native applications compatible with its set-top box.

A VPN will result in speed loss, but the best VPN services won't significantly compromise your connection or streaming. Smart DNS services offered by VPNs do not provide the same protection or security as a VPN.", 'Probably not. Unless you want a VPN to access geo-blocked content libraries, paying for a VPN service just for your Apple TV might not be worth your money.

That said, the majority of VPN providers will give you more than one connection at a time. Free VPNs will usually limit speed, bandwidth, and server country selection. VPN costs vary, but they are now typically provided on a subscription basis with very few lifetime licenses.']