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Our team analysed 20 VPN providers with 25 factors, such as transparent pricing, number of server locations, the number of devices it can cover, access to customer support and customer ratings to organise this list of the seven best Apple TV VPN services. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Note: The below list represents a selection of our top category picks, as chosen by Forbes Advisor Australia’s editors and journalists. The information provided is purely factual and is not intended to imply any recommendation, opinion, or advice about a financial product. Not every product or provider in the marketplace has been reviewed, and the list below is not intended to be exhaustive nor replace your own research
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Proton VPN
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
3,025
Simultaneous connections
Up to 10
Dedicated IP
Only for business accounts
On ProtonVPN's Wesbite
Number of servers
3,025
Simultaneous connections
Up to 10
Dedicated IP
Only for business accounts
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN is the VPN with it all. It uses the strongest VPN security protocols, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN and includes features, such as kill switch, quick connect, domain name server (DNS) and IPv6 leak protection, peer-to-peer (P2P) support, split tunnelling, port forwarding and NetShield. It also has a VPN Accelerator that improves speeds by up to 400%, which should make streaming content from Apple TV seamless.
The cherry on top, however, is Proton VPN’s commitment to transparency. Not only does it have its no-logs policy rigorously audited by independent third-party professionals, but it also operates on open-source technology. This allows anyone to scrutinise the software codes to reaffirm user trust.
Learn more: Read our full Proton VPN review.
Who should use it:
Apple TV users who want a VPN with all the security and privacy bells and whistles.
Pros & Cons
- VPN accelerator
- Unlimited bandwidth
- High-speed servers (up to 10 Gbps)
- No dedicated IP
- No Smart DNS
- Free version only allows for one connection
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Surfshark
3.6
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
3,200
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
Yes
On Surfshark's Website
Number of servers
3,200
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
Yes
Why We Picked It
Apple TV does not natively support VPNs. One way to get around this is using a VPN that has a Smart DNS feature that allows users to bypass georestrictions without directly installing a VPN. It does this by translating domain names automatically to IP addresses without routing through a separate server. Not only does Surfshark have a Smart DNS feature, but it also provides a straightforward on-site guide to set up Smart DNS for users looking to unblock streaming sites specifically on their Apple TV. This makes the process easy for less technologically advanced users.
For those who prefer to have their VPN directly on their router, Surfshark offers that capability as well. While there isn’t a dedicated app for this, the manual setup is detailed clearly to help users optimise their network for Apple TV streaming.
Learn more: Read our full Surfshark review.
Who should use it:
No tech-savvy Apple TV users who want a VPN with a Smart DNS feature that simplifies the setup process.
Pros & Cons
- Has Smart DNS
- Unlimited connections
- 30-day, money-back guarantee
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
hide.me
3.4
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
2,300
Simultaneous connections
10
Dedicated IP
No
Number of servers
2,300
Simultaneous connections
10
Dedicated IP
No
Why We Picked It
Hide.me prioritises leak protection to keep users’ online activities and IP addresses shielded at all times. One of the standout security features of hide.me is its robust leak protection that safeguards users from potential DNS, WebRTC and IP address leaks. This ensures that your real IP address and activities remain shielded even in the rare event of a VPN connection drop.
Additionally, hide.me uses powerful AES 256-bit encryption, which is often referred to as military-grade, to encrypt all your data and streaming activities. The VPN’s advanced privacy features include split tunnelling, StealthGuard, IPv6 Support and WireGuard. All this coupled with a strict no-logs policy help users feel confident that their streaming habits remain confidential.
Who should use it:
Hide.me is a prime choice for Apple TV users who prioritise leak protection and want to ensure their online activities remain private.
Pros & Cons
- Strong encryption and privacy features
- Free plan
- Does not log payment information
- No Smart DNS feature
- No dedicated IP add-on
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
VPN Unlimited
3.3
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
3,000-plus
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
Yes
Number of servers
3,000-plus
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
Yes
Why We Picked It
VPN Unlimited is a great choice for Apple TV users for a variety of reasons with one of the most significant being its offering of a dedicated IP address. A dedicated IP address means that users are allocated a unique IP that isn’t shared with other VPN customers. This can be particularly beneficial for Apple TV users because streaming services often block shared IP addresses associated with VPNs due to traffic from multiple users. Certain countries such as China block shared IP addresses altogether. With a dedicated IP, the likelihood of being flagged mistakenly decreases substantially, ensuring a smoother and uninterrupted streaming experience.
A dedicated IP also provides a consistent digital identity, which can result in faster connection times. This can lead to an enhanced overall streaming experience for Apple TV users. It is important to note that VPN Unlimited charges an additional $US14.99 ($24 AUD) per month for a dedicated personal IP address.
Who should use it:
Those who want a VPN that includes a dedicated IP address.
Pros & Cons
- Has Smart DNS feature
- Lifetime plan available
- 30-day, money-back guarantee
- Split tunnelling only available on Android app
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
TunnelBear
3.3
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
5,000-plus
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
No
Number of servers
5,000-plus
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
No
Why We Picked It
TunnelBear stands out in the crowded VPN market in Australia because of its reputation as being a user-friendly VPN that is ideal for beginners, its impressive 5,000-plus servers and its robust free plan. However, one feature that sets TunnelBear apart from the crowd is the fact it offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This feature is not common among VPN platforms that tend to limit the number of connections anywhere from five to 10 devices. This is especially advantageous for households with multiple users who wish to stream content on Apple TV concurrently.
Who should use it:
Because TunnelBear offers unlimited simultaneous connections, it is a great VPN for those who want every member of their family to be able to watch their favourite content on Apple TV concurrently without restrictions
Pros & Cons
- Free version
- Unlimited devices
- User-friendly
- Bandwidth on free plan too small for optimal streaming
- No router support
- No dedicated IP address add-on
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
TorGuard VPN
3.3
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
3,000-plus
Simultaneous connections
8
Dedicated IP
Yes
Number of servers
3,000-plus
Simultaneous connections
8
Dedicated IP
Yes
Why We Picked It
TorGuard is a highly rated VPN that is great for helping Apple TV fans unlock all their favourite programming. Not only does it have more than 3,000 servers in over 50 countries but it also includes advanced security features, such as Stealth proxy and the WireGuard tunnelling protocol. One of the distinguishing features of TorGuard that sets it apart from the crowd, however, is its three customisable plans tailored to the specific needs of its users. This allows Apple TV viewers to choose a plan that aligns best with their streaming preferences without paying for features they don’t need. Each plan includes a static IP pool, port forwarding, ad blocking, unlimited speeds, unlimited bandwidth, internal encrypted DNS and 24/7 customer service. The three plans offer a varying number of connections from eight to 30 devices. The Pro and Premium plans both include a dedicated IP while the Premium plan also includes a free router.
For newcomers to the VPN realm, TorGuard offers an abundance of resources. With multiple videos, tutorials, manuals and group discussions, users can navigate any queries they have easily, including how to use TorGuard with Apple TV.
Who should use it:
TorGuard is a quality choice for Apple TV users who prioritise customisation and flexibility in their VPN platform.
Pros & Cons
- Pro plan includes free dedicated IP
- Highly customisable plans
- Has Smart DNS feature
- No free version
- Shorter than average free trial
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Windscribe
3.3
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Number of servers
Not published
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
No
Number of servers
Not published
Simultaneous connections
Unlimited
Dedicated IP
No
Why We Picked It
For Apple TV users seeking a balance between cost and functionality, Windscribe VPN is a notable option. It offers a robust free plan. While many VPNs limit their free versions with data caps and restricted devices, Windscribe provides unlimited data allowance a month and connectivity with an unlimited number of devices. Users who want unlimited data for streaming can pay $US1 ($1.56 AUD) a month to upgrade their data on the platform’s build-a-plan program. Users can also earn extra data by tweeting and referring friends. The free version, however, restricts server location options to 10 countries instead of the 62 countries that are included in the paid plan.
Who should use it:
Budget-conscious Apple TV users who are looking for a VPN that offers a free or low-cost plan.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited connections even on free plan
- Free plan includes 10 GB a month
- Static IP address add-on
- Does not reveal number of servers
- No Smart DNS
- Only three-day, money-back guarantee
How To Choose the Best Apple TV VPN
Exploring the world of VPNs for Apple TV can seem overwhelming due to the abundance of options available. To simplify your search focus on four critical aspects—look for a VPN offering user-friendly interfaces, reasonable pricing, high-speed connections and straightforward setup procedures. If you find a VPN that meets these features, you will be streaming your favourite Apple TV shows in no time:
- Set-up capabilities: The VPN’s set-up capabilities might be the most important feature to look for. Because Apple TV does not support VPN software natively, you need to find a VPN that has a Smart DNS feature or has the capability to be installed onto a router.
- Ease of use: Ease of use is important when selecting a VPN because a user-friendly interface reduces the likelihood of disruptions or frustrations caused by complex configurations resulting in a smoother overall steaming experience. This is especially important for VPN users who are not tech-savvy.
- Speed: Speed is pivotal when selecting a VPN for Apple TV because a fast connection ensures uninterrupted streaming and high-quality playback. Lag or buffering can detract from the viewing experience.
- Price: You don’t want to break the bank on a VPN just to stream your favourite shows. There are plenty of affordable-yet-efficient VPNs on the market.
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
On NordVPN’s Secure Website
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
On Surfshark’s Secure Website
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
On Private Internet Access’s Secure Website
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
Methodology
To determine which VPN is best for Apple TV, the team at Forbes Advisor tested 20 VPNs. We compared them on 25 factors, considering privacy and security features, speed, number of servers and server locations, cost, simultaneous connectivity, expert experience, customer reviews and customer support. Here’s how we broke down the determining factors when deciding the best VPN for Apple TV:
- Pricing and fees (15%): We examined if the VPN displayed pricing on its website, monthly prices and if the VPN offered a free version or free trial. In addition, we considered the lowest and highest price tiers. Pricing accounts for 15% of the VPN’s score.
- Mobile app (3%): We made note if the VPN had a mobile app giving 1.5% points for a mobile Android app and 1.5% points for a mobile iOS app.
- General features (19%): A large bulk of the score went toward features. Our team examined the inclusion of features, such as anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures, dedicated IP internet kill switch, split tunnelling and multifactor authentications (MFAs). These general VPN features that provide users with the security and privacy they seek when using the internet formed 19% of the total score.
- Additional features (12.5%): In addition, our team considered advanced features. Those additional features include the number of continents with servers, a no-logs policy, browser extension and the number of simultaneous connections. These additional features accounted for 12.5% of the total score.
- Reviews and ratings (10%): We considered the VPN’s average rating on third-party review sites including Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra to get a sense of overall customer satisfaction. This accounted for 10% of the score.
- Service and support (5%): It is not uncommon for users of technology to need support to resolve issues or ask questions on how to navigate the VPN. We examined each VPN provider’s level of support and speed at which they respond to customer queries. We gave points to VPNs that had a live chat feature, a knowledge base, phone support and 24/7 customer support. This accounted for 5% of the overall score.
- Speeds (25.5%): The highest score percentage went to the VPN’s speed because speed is so important when streaming content. We compared each VPN’s average download speed and upload speed. A VPN’s average speed accounted for 25% of its score. Note: these speed tests were carried out in the US, so results may vary for Australian users.
- Expert score (10%): Our experts considered additional criteria to determine the best VPNs for Apple TV users. They include standout features, ease of use, popularity and value for money. The expert analysis formed the final 10% of the total score.
About Star Rankings
You will note that we have included a star rating next to each product or provider. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points above were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I directly install a VPN app on Apple TV in Australia?
No, Apple TV does not natively support VPN apps. However, you can set up a VPN on your router or use features, such as Smart DNS to achieve the same benefits on your Apple TV. This indirect setup still ensures a protected and seamless streaming experience.
Will using a VPN slow down my Apple TV streaming speed?
While any VPN can introduce a slight decrease in speed due to encryption, top-tier VPN services minimise this effect. Choosing a high-quality VPN and a server close to your location can help maintain optimal streaming speeds. Furthermore, some VPNs are optimised for streaming, ensuring minimal buffering. Here is our list of the Best VPN Services of 2023 to help you find a high-quality VPN.
What other devices can I use with my VPN subscription besides Apple TV?
Most VPN services allow for multiple simultaneous connections. This means you can use them on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers and more, all under one subscription. Always check the specific VPN provider’s terms for the number of supported connections.
Are there benefits to using a dedicated IP for Apple TV streaming?
Yes, a dedicated IP offers a consistent digital identity that reduces the chances of being mistakenly flagged by streaming services. This ensures a more stable and uninterrupted streaming experience on Apple TV. Such IP addresses also offer faster connection times due to consistent recognition by platforms.
