Have you ever been excited to watch a newly released movie on Netflix, only to discover it isn’t available in your region? Quite often, you’ll find several movies and TV shows that are available on OTT platforms in other countries but are completely missing from yours.
This is due to geo-restrictions imposed by content providers and distributors because of licensing agreements. Sure, you could look into ways around this geo-block, but most of them have abysmal connectivity and data transfer speeds, which lead to a frustrating streaming experience. That’s why we turned to VPNs to safely stream content and bypass geo-restrictions on Android TV.
As most of you already know, VPNs route internet traffic through secure servers, hiding your IP address and encrypting your data for a more secure and anonymous online experience. The added benefit of this security tool is that it allows you to explore content libraries that are hidden in plain sight simply because of the region you’re in.
So, if you’re looking to break these virtual shackles and stream any content on your Android TV, no matter where you are, follow us as we take a look at the best VPNs for Android TV in 2024.
Quick Guide to Connect a VPN to an Android TV
- Select a VPN and purchase its subscription: We suggest choosing between NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, Proton VPN, or Surfshark.
- Install a VPN on your Android TV: You can do this by downloading the APK from the Google Play Store or the browser.
- Start Streaming: After the app is installed, sign in with your credentials. Then, select the country from which you want to watch the content and click on it to connect.
How Do You Connect a VPN to an Android TV?
Connecting a VPN to an Android TV isn’t too different from hooking up to a VPN on your computer or a mobile device. However, since VPNs aren’t too often used on Android TVs, finding step-by-step instructions can be a challenge.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through the process of connecting a VPN to your Android TV. Let’s use NordVPN as an example, and we’ll give you the whole scoop on how it works on the big screen.
To check if VPNs work on Android TV, we searched for a TV show called ‘Grantchester’ on Prime Video from India, but it didn’t show up in the results.
Subscribe to a VPN Service
Start by creating a NordVPN account, but you’ll have to do this from your computer or mobile device. It works on Android TV, Android and iOS, several desktop platforms, browsers, and Amazon Fire TV, too. It is also one of the best VPNs for routers, which would practically make your entire network secure.
Furthermore, NordVPN is the most recommended VPN for Android TV, allowing you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Install the VPN App on your Android TV
After getting your hands on a NordVPN subscription, look up the NordVPN app using the Search feature or Voice Assistant on your Android TV. If you have access to the Google Play Store, you can easily find and install the NordVPN app.
If you’re having trouble locating the Play Store, don’t worry. It is sometimes hidden in newer Android TVs. To access it, open the browser on your Android TV, visit NordVPN’s official website for Android TV to download the APK and install it manually.
Set Up the VPN on your Android TV
Once you have successfully installed the app, follow the below steps to set up NordVPN on Android TV:
1. When you open the app, you’ll see the main menu. Now select Log in and enter your credentials.
2. After selecting Log in, you will receive a numeric code. On your phone or computer, go to the NordVPN remote validation page and enter the number. You can also manually fill in the details.
3. Once you sign in, you will see a few messages. Click OK on each to proceed. On the home screen, select Connect Now to connect to the best server automatically. If you prefer, you can also choose a specific server by selecting a country from the All Countries.
Access Streaming Platforms With a VPN
After successfully setting up NordVPN on Android TV and connecting to a US server, we searched for “Grantchester”. This time, we were able to see it pop up on the screen as NordVPN successfully bypassed the geo-block.
This is proof that the best VPN compatible with Android TV can help you change your location on Prime Video, all without leaving your home.
Best VPNs for Android TV in 2024
After testing several VPNs for Android TV, we found that many failed to live up to their promises. The biggest disappointment was with VPNs that claimed to be compatible, but after subscribing and installing them, we faced frequent stability issues and regular connection drops.
If you’ve tried getting a VPN for your Android TV, take your time before committing to one. Most VPNs aren’t fully compatible with the big screen, and the free ones often come with risks that outweigh the benefits. Also, streaming platforms are getting better at detecting VPNs, and only the best ones still manage to evade detection.
To save you the trouble, we’ve carefully selected the top VPNs for Android TV so you can enjoy secure streaming without the hassle.
1. NordVPN
If you’re looking for a reliable VPN that has been around for a while, NordVPN is sure to top the list. Based in Panama, it operates outside the jurisdiction of international surveillance alliances, ensuring your online activities remain private.
NordVPN has developed its own NordLynx protocol, which is built around WireGuard technology. This protocol enhances speed and security so you can stream high-definition content safely. When put to the test, we found that the VPN caused only a speed drop of around 5% on our 1 Gbps network connection. This isn’t too bad, considering we connected to the UK server thousands of miles away, and there was pretty much no buffering even when streaming HD content.
With over 6,475 servers in 111 countries, NordVPN offers fast, reliable access to geo-restricted content, especially on streaming platforms, making it the #1 rated VPN for Smart TV in2024. It also provides specialized servers for various needs, including P2P, Onion over VPN, Obfuscated, and Double VPN.
NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, one of the most robust security standards available, to keep your data safe from prying eyes, including your internet service provider (ISP).
What we particularly liked about NordVPN’s Android TV app is its SmartDNS feature, which bypasses geo-restrictions to access content from different regions without slowing down streaming.
Additionally, Threat Protection Lite is a handy feature that blocks ads and malicious sites. You also get features frequently used on PCs, such as Split tunneling and Custom DNS. When combined, they give you more control over how your internet traffic is routed and managed.
NordVPN is a fine choice for Smart TVs and other devices that don’t need the firepower of full-blown VPN apps. The setup is fairly easy, and the VPN runs invisibly in the background while you enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. NordVPN’s pricing starts at just over $3 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 10 simultaneous connections across multiple platforms.
Pros
- High speeds and reliable performance
- Robust security with AES-256 encryption
- An excellent user interface is easy to get around
- Traffic routing and file-sharing with Meshnet
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Effective geo-restriction bypassing with SmartDNS
Cons
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives
2. ExpressVPN
If you’re looking for one of the best Android TV VPNs built for the big screen, ExpressVPN is a good choice. Based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, it operates under strict privacy laws and maintains a no-logs policy, so your online activities remain private.
ExpressVPN’s network of over 3,000+ servers in 105 countries allows you to access content from virtually anywhere. Its RAM-only servers enhance privacy by temporarily storing data in memory, which is wiped clean upon restart, making it impossible for anyone to access your online activity.
One of ExpressVPN’s standout features for Android TV is its Lightway protocol, designed to provide a perfect balance of speed and security. This ensures that your streaming experience is smooth, even when accessing content from regions with heavy restrictions. This explains why ExpressVPN is one of our favorite VPNs for Android in 2024.
Another key feature we liked about ExpressVPN is its Advanced protection, which includes blocking trackers, malicious sites, ads, and adult content. It also has Network protection that automatically cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops, keeping your privacy and security intact.
ExpressVPN stops your ISP from throttling your connection so you can stream smoothly on your Android TV. You also get Split tunneling, which lets you control which apps use the VPN and which don’t.
ExpressVPN costs about $6 per month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. The fact that it supports 8 simultaneous connections and is compatible with all major platforms makes it even more enticing.
Pros
- Fast and secure streaming with Lightway protocol
- Excellent range of servers globally
- Effective at unblocking most streaming services
- Automatic protection if the connection drops
- Strong security with 100% RAM-only servers
Cons
- Supports only 8 simultaneous connections
- Expensive when compared to its competitors
3. PIA (Private Internet Access)
If you’re looking for an affordable VPN with the necessary features to stream on Android TV without restrictions, PIA is a great choice. It has over 35,000 servers in more than 91 countries, offering extensive global coverage and making it easier to unblock websites that may be restricted otherwise.
In our experience, PIA was able to deliver a fast and reliable streaming experience on Android TV. The super-fast 10-Gbps server network takes the buffering out of the equation, so you can stream in 4K without any hiccups. The overall experience offers smooth and uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and movies. Additionally, PIA is able to bypass ISP throttling by effectively hiding your activity from your internet provider, so you don’t have to worry about any slowdowns while streaming.
Privacy is a key strength of PIA, with its strict no-logs policy and AES 256-bit encryption. But the real advantage for Android TV users focused on streaming is its ability to consistently bypass geo-restrictions. PIA supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, so you can enjoy a stable and secure connection that doesn’t dial down the speed.
The standout feature of PIA is its MACE tool, which reduces online ads and helps avoid malicious trackers, malware, and phishing scams. Additionally, with PIA, you can block access to your local network, preventing apps from potentially leaking your real IP address and hampering your privacy.
Private Internet Access is easy on your wallet, starting at around $2 per month, and includes unlimited device connections. It is also compatible with all major platforms, such as Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. While it is limited in terms of features compared to the toppers on the list, it covers all the basics for a smooth streaming experience on your Android TV.
Pros
- Very affordable and bypasses ISP Throttling
- Fast servers are suitable for 4K streaming with a 10 Gbps network
- Unlimited device connections
- MACE feature reduces ads and blocks malicious trackers
Cons
- Based in the US, part of the Five Eyes
- Fewer advanced features
4. Proton VPN
If you like to try something before you buy it, Proton VPN is a top-tier choice. Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN boasts robust privacy and security, with impressive speeds and server coverage, making it a top-tier option for streaming.
Proton VPN’s premium plan comes with more than 6,200 servers, including fast 10 Gbps Plus servers in over 100 countries. This allows you to unblock geo-locked content and stream your favorite TV shows and movies without interruptions. The premium version also has DNS and IPv6 leak protection to keep your activities private when streaming.
And just in case you want to enjoy freebies before you commit, there is a highly-rated free version of Proton VPN you can try out. When we tested out Proton VPN, the free version was just as secure as the paid version, which is why it is considered one of the best free VPNs for Android TV.
However, there is a caveat—the free plan works only with servers in five countries. This is an obvious problem for users who want to unblock content outside of the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the US.
While we usually don’t recommend free VPNs, Proton VPN’s free plan clearly states its limitations. However, for full access and better performance, we recommend upgrading to a paid plan, starting at just $3 per month. The paid plan offers 10 device connections, better compatibility, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a solid choice for Android TV users.
Pros
- The free version of the VPN offers servers in five countries
- Thousands of servers in over 100 countries
- Robust encryption and security protocols
- The premium version comes with fast 10 Gbps Plus servers for smooth streaming
Cons
- The free plan is limited to servers from just 3 countries
- Paid plans can be higher than some other options
5. Surfshark
Even though it’s at the bottom of our ranking of the best VPNs for Android Smart TV in 2024, don’t take Surfshark lightly. It has one of the best interfaces around and features designed for ease of use, keeping you secure. Despite being based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes Alliance, the company is committed to privacy with a strict no-log policy and advanced security features.
With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, you can connect to servers worldwide and enjoy geographically locked content, regardless of the streaming platform you are using. It supports up to 10 Gbit ports, ensuring fast and reliable connections to enjoy 4K content on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Like the others in this lineup, Surfshark prioritizes security, offering 256-bit encryption and modern protocols to safeguard your data. What really makes Surfshark stand out is its Kill Switch, a feature rarely found on Android TV, even among the top VPNs.
Apart from these, we personally loved Surfshark’s NoBorders mode, which automatically detects when you’re in a restrictive network. It then switches to servers that can bypass blocks, making it easier to stream content from anywhere, which is perfect if you are traveling and want to access your favorite media on the go.
Surfshark is also powered by the Smart DNS feature, which revs up the streaming on Android TV by allowing you to access geo-restricted content without slowing down your connection. When combined with Surfshark’s ability to bypass ISP throttling, this feature brings you a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience.
Surfshark offers budget-friendly plans starting at less than $3 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscriptions. It allows unlimited connections and supports multiple platforms, including browsers and Fire TV, making it a versatile and cost-effective choice for streaming.
Pros
- Fast and reliable connections with 10 Gbit ports
- Advanced security features like Kill Switch and CleanWeb
- Multi-hop and split tunneling tools are available
- Budget-friendly with unlimited connections
Cons
- Located in a 9 Eyes Alliance country
- Affordable prices increase after the initial period
Summary
Android TVs offer one of the best streaming experiences, with all of your smartphone’s features baked into a larger screen. But like the other media platforms, they also suffer from geographical restrictions when it comes to accessing content online.
As a result, the content available in streaming apps varies based on location, preventing users from enjoying an unfiltered media experience.
Therefore, we recommend the best VPNs, specifically NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, Proton VPN, and Surfshark, as they are compatible with Android TV and, most importantly, easy to install and use for fast, buffering-free streaming without those annoying geo-restrictions.
Choose the VPN that fits your needs, and enjoy secure and unrestricted buffer-free streaming on your Android TV with any streaming app of your choice.
FAQs
Why should I use a VPN on my Android TV?
Using a VPN on your Android TV allows you to bypass geo-restrictions imposed by content providers, giving you access to a broader range of shows and movies. Additionally, a VPN protects your privacy by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address, ensuring a secure and anonymous streaming experience.
Which VPNs are recommended for Android TV?
Some of the best VPNs for Android TV include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PIA, Proton VPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs offer reliable connections, robust security features, and the ability to unblock content from different regions.
Can I use a free VPN on my Android TV?
While some free VPNs are available, they often come with limitations and security risks. Free VPNs may have slower speeds and limited server options and may compromise your privacy by logging your data. For a secure and reliable streaming experience, it’s recommended to use a paid VPN service.