Apple is gradually opening its TV ecosystem to third-party services and VPNs are of course part of it. Here is the list of available Apple TV specific VPN apps.
We know Apple's reluctance to open its ecosystem to third-party applications or services, especially when it comes to online security and privacy. Google TV (formerly Android TV) has ensured that the field for VPN services remains open, and today there are dozens of applications available in the Google Play Store. However, Apple has finally decided to open the floodgates and VPN applications are gradually coming to Apple TV. Of course, it was previously possible to use a VPN on your Apple TV, but like consoles, this often required more complex manual configuration.
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As a reminder, a virtual private network (VPN) consists of an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, while keeping your browsing history hidden from your ISP. A VPN also changes your visible IP address to that of the VPN server, making it useful for people who want to access geo-restricted content.
When using Apple TV, what could be more obvious than installing a VPN application via the App Store to watch TV channels abroad and especially the catalogs of streaming and VOD platforms around the world on the big screen in the best possible way To be able to enjoy quality possible conditions, although platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and even Apple TV+ tend to detect the use of these applications and limit this type of use.
After announcing the latest tvOS update (tvOS 17) at WWDC 2023, which enables support for third-party VPN applications, the biggest players in the market are rushing to release their native applications on Apple TV. Here is the list of VPNs currently available on the Apple TV box.
Which VPNs are available on Apple TV?
NordVPN
NordVPN is by far the most popular VPN service on the market and is also one of the best on our comparison site. Whether on TV or online, you've heard about it. It is the most well-known VPN service to date, but its reputation is not abused because it is also one of the most efficient, with more than 5,000 servers worldwide in 60 different countries. The NordVPN application for Apple TV has just arrived on Apple TV and looks exactly like the Google TV version. Combined use of Apple TV on mobile devices and iPhone is also possible, as the service can manage up to six simultaneous connections. As far as the functionalities of the application are concerned, they are still limited to the basic VPN, but the speeds are excellent and allow you to easily enjoy 4K streaming anywhere in the world over a good fiber connection at home.
To learn even more, be sure to read our full NordVPN review.
Image of the NordVPN application on Apple TV via the Apple App Store // Source: Apple
ExpressVPN
With around 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN has an honorable fighting force. On the other hand, it offers excellent performance whether from a French server or from the other side of the world. The TV application is also one of the simplest and most effective. This is partly due to the LightWay connection protocol, which is one of the fastest on the market. It allows up to eight simultaneous connections, enough to equip all of these Apple devices including Apple TV.
To learn more, be sure to check out our full ExpressVPN review.
Image of the ExpressVPN application on Apple TV via the Apple App Store // Source: Apple
PureVPN
PureVPN is a simple VPN that does its job perfectly. This service simply offers the essentials in a mobile application or even through this Apple TV application. The almost flawless interface allows you to easily activate the VPN, access practical information, select the server you want, and you're done. However, with around 6,500 servers in 71 different countries, it is theoretically significantly better than most competitors. PureVPN, on the other hand, performs less well in terms of connection speed. Even if the maximum is announced as 20 Gbit/s, the performance is less convincing even with the WireGuard protocol on certain servers.
If you want to learn more, please check out our full pureVPN review.
Image of the PureVPN application on Apple TV via the Apple App Store // Source: Apple
IPVanish
While IPVanish isn't exactly the most advertised VPN, nor the most efficient or complete, the fact remains that it remains a secure and somewhat economical value for those looking for a reliable VPN in the long run. The Apple TV application was among the first to work natively, proving the brand's commitment to establishing itself on all platforms.
Image of the IPVanish application on Apple TV via the Apple App Store // Source: Apple
AtlasVPN
The Atlas VPN application on Apple TV was also available very quickly in the App Store and is characterized by its easy installation and use. With more than 1000 servers in around fifty countries, it is not the most widely used VPN, but it has the advantage of being fast and very cheap (5-year subscription for less than 2 euros per month).
Illustration of the AtlasVPN application on Apple TV via the Apple App Store // Source: Apple