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Maximising the streaming experience of Apple TV 4K goes beyond a good internet connection and a vast content library. A virtual private network (VPN) can make all the difference by unlocking geographically restricted content and ensuring a private streaming experience.
But with so many VPN options flooding the Australian market, choosing the best one for you can be daunting. We looked at the best VPNs on the market for your Apple TV 4K streaming experience.
It’s worth adding that there is a difference between Apple TV+ (or Plus) and Apple TV 4K. The former is the streaming service of the tech giant, available on subscription, while Apple TV is the physical box in which you can access a wide range of streaming services, including Apple TV Plus. This Apple TV 4k box, sometimes just referred to as Apple TV, is available from $219 AUD in Australia, remote included. The ethernet version of Apple TV 4k is priced at $249 AUD.
You can find out more information by visiting the Apple site.
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
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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
On Surfshark’s Secure Website
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
On Private Internet Access’s Secure Website
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Starting price
$19.79 AUD
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, first-person testing, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.
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.
3,025
Up to 10
Only for business accounts
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.
3,200
Unlimited
Yes
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.
2,300
10
No
2,300
10
No
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.
3,000-plus
Unlimited
Yes
3,000-plus
Unlimited
Yes
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.
5,000-plus
Unlimited
No
5,000-plus
Unlimited
No
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
3,000-plus
8
Yes
3,000-plus
8
Yes
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.
Not published
Unlimited
No
Not published
Unlimited
No
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.
Exploring the world of VPNs for Apple TV 4K 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:
Featured Partner Offers
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
On Surfshark’s Secure Website
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
On Private Internet Access’s Secure Website
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Starting price
$19.79 AUD
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:
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.
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.
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 2024 to help you find a high-quality VPN, and if speed is super important to you, then check out our our pick of the fastest VPNs.
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.
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.
Sometimes VPN users are unable to watch content from other geographies because the VPN provider has flagged and blocked the IP address. The best thing to do in this situation is to either try another server or purchase a dedicated IP address that is not so easily detected.
The information provided by Forbes Advisor is general in nature and for educational purposes only. Any information provided does not consider the personal financial circumstances of readers, such as individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Forbes Advisor does not provide financial product advice and the information we provide is not intended to replace or be relied upon as independent financial advice. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Forbes Advisor encourages readers to seek independent expert advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to their own financial circumstances and investments before making any financial decisions.
We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forbes Advisor provides an information service. It is not a product issuer or provider. In giving you information about financial or credit products, Forbes Advisor is not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. It is important to check any product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and other applicable product documentation before making a decision to purchase, acquire, invest in or apply for a financial or credit product. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS, TMD and other documentation. Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners. For more information, read our Advice Disclaimer here.
Jennifer Simonson started her journalism career at a Denver-area weekly newspaper in 2001. Since then she has covered everything under the sun from politics to businesses to the wine industry to international travel. Outdoor adventure, water parks and all things Texas are by far her favorite beats. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Smithsonian Magazine, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Slate and more. You can follow her adventures through her IG account @storiestoldwell.