An easy way to get all your favorite streaming services in one spot is with a Google TV box. It allows you to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more with a press of a button. It won’t provide access to allthe latest movies and TV shows, though, as these streaming platforms have geo-restrictions in place, meaning you can only watch what’s available in your region. That can be a drag, but a VPN can resolve the predicament.
Formerly known as Android TV, the Google TV box can benefit significantly with the right VPN service onboard. Offering streaming-specific servers, fast streaming speeds, and user-friendly dedicated apps, the best VPNs for Google TV give you the keys to unlock shows from across the globe — right at home. Suffering from buffering issues? The fastest VPNs deliver buffer-free streaming with high-resolution quality.
ExpressVPN takes the crown with its all-encompassing app for Google TV and Android TV. It’s easy to set up and simple to navigate. It includes plenty of features like a kill switch, a Threat Manager feature to block trackers, and multiple security protocols, including its very own superfast Lightway protocol. You’ll get the same experience that it delivers to other platforms and offers up to five simultaneous device connections, too.
Its list of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries means Android TV users get access to multiple international TV services and streaming platforms and is proven to unblock geo-restricted streaming libraries on popular services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Mac, BBC iPlayer, and plenty more. Fast server speeds also mean seamless HD and 4K streams, and even if one server isn’t working as it should, it’s simple to switch to another reliable server to continue binging.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, meaning it’s not subject to data retention laws. There’s also a strict no-logs policy that has passed security audits multiple times and boasts Perfect Forward Secrecy, meaning all your encrypted data can’t be captured and decrypted by threat actors. It’s not the most affordable VPN service, but you’ll get what you pay for.
NordVPN never disappoints when it comes to streaming, making it the perfect companion for an Android TV box. The map-like user interface may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s easy to choose the best region to start streaming. NordVPN has nearly 6,000 servers in 60 countries, so there will always be a server offering great streaming potential. Sure, it could use a few more countries to access more international streaming libraries, but it boasts all the major regions many will want access to.
Its NordLynx protocol delivers optimal connection speeds, which means any type of streaming comes with no buffering. Furthermore, thanks to its reliable unblocking techniques, it unblocks streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more. For security and features, the Google/Android TV app brings Threat Protection, split tunneling, AES 256-bit encryption, and a Meshnet feature to keep connections between devices secure. It’s important to note that its kill switch isn’t available here. However, it offers up to six simultaneous connections on other platforms where it is available.
NordVPN is based in the privacy-friendly Panama and sticks with its credited zero-logs policy and Perfect Forward Secrecy support. For seamless access to different regions and advanced security tools, this VPN is worth picking up.
With Surfshark, you’re getting more than your money’s worth for unblocking content on Android TV. A well-designed app, snappy internet speeds, and a wealth of features prove that a fantastic VPN doesn’t need to be pricey. It even goes a step further by offering unlimited device connections and 3,200 servers in 100 countries. That means your Google TV and any other devices can easily stream the latest shows in nearly any part of the world.
The app’s security features are also a highlight, boasting AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, and its own CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware whenever you’re connected. While it has plenty of servers, not all are the fastest, and some may struggle to unblock streaming services. However, its Dedicated IP feature offers a personal VPN IP address with a reliable connection that also avoids IP blacklisting, and its WireGuard protocol offers plenty of security and adequate speeds for streaming. You’ll still easily access Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and more.
Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark has British Virgin Islands jurisdiction and a credited no-logs policy that will keep your information private.
CyberGhost offers plenty of Android TV perks, but its most appealing one is its optimized servers for streaming. These are constantly tested to make sure everything is hunky-dory, only made better by hosting over 11,600 servers in 100 countries. Looking to binge a whole series on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more? CyberGhost has the servers for you.
You can expect smooth streams on shows and games with its speedy WireGuard protocol and plenty of protection options with its kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. While there’s room for more features, many will find everything they need to start unblocking geo-restricted services. As a cherry on top, its affordable two-year subscription plan makes this an affordable option compared to other VPNs on this list. If you’re not convinced, the 45-day money-back guarantee offers enough time to make the most of it.
CyberGhost VPN will keep your data safe with its credited no-logs policy and Romania jurisdiction – a privacy-friendly country outside the Five Eyes alliance.
For those unfamiliar with VPNs, Atlas VPN will get you connected in no time. An easy setup and beginner-friendly user interface make it simple to connect to VPN servers all over the globe, and it has no problems bypassing geo-blocked content. These alone have the makings for a great VPN for streaming shows, but it has more to offer.
Its basic version is free, but the paid plan delivers many perks. This includes 10GB/s server speeds, an effective WireGuard protocol, a kill switch, split tunneling, malware blocking, and SafeSwap servers, which can automatically access the internet from several IP addresses. Unfortunately, its low server count lets down the VPN. With over 1,000 servers in 41 countries, it only gives you a few options to connect to the right VPN server for you. However, this small selection lets you access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Atlas VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has undergone several independent security audits. However, it’s based in the U.S., which isn’t a privacy-friendly country. If this doesn’t sway you, expect a low-cost, no-nonsense VPN for Android TV.
For value, IPVanish knocks it out of the park. With unlimited device connections and low-cost subscription plans, you get a lot of bang for your buck. No sacrifices are made here; this VPN offers reliable unblocking techniques, stable internet speeds, and various security tools to help you stay under the radar.
The Google/Android TV app itself is easy to navigate and provides a shortlist of your favorite VPN servers for quick access. Its nifty OpenVPN Scramble can trick geo-restricted regions that block VPNs into thinking you’re not using a VPN. Throw in its kill switch and split tunneling, and there are plenty of ways to get around annoying platform blocks. Some region-specific Netflix libraries are more challenging to get past, but the VPN can still give you Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and plenty more to watch content on. With 2,200 servers in 51 countries, though, other VPNs provide a wider array of regions to connect to.
While IPVanish has a no-logs policy verified by a third-party cybersecurity company, it’s also based in the U.S. This means a government entity can obtain and share its private information in certain circumstances. If you’re not fussed by this, IPVanish is a worthy choice for Android TV.
PureVPN is another value-for-money VPN that works great with Android TV. It ticks all the right boxes for any streaming viewer’s needs: ultrafast 20GB/s connection speeds, a well-presented app design (thanks to a recent revamp), and tools to get past the toughest region-restricted blocks.
Boasting over 6,500 servers in over 70 countries, there’s an ample selection of regions to choose from. Servers are also kept up to scratch, so any server issues will be fixed post-haste. Moreover, its Port Forwarding feature gives you access to websites and services made unavailable due to strict region-specific regulations, unlocking the door to a world of content. However, it is known to struggle to access some streaming platforms in some countries, but it still delivers Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others.
Its no-logs policy has been certified by one of the world’s top audit firms, and it’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands like the top pick on our list. Furthermore, its “always-on” system automatically secures a VPN connection when any internet activity is performed, ensuring your data stays private.
PIA (Private Internet Access) easily bypasses nearly all geo-locked content, which is a big draw for any TV streaming. It doesn’t have the most appealing app design, but that’s easy to get over when there are speedy connections, over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, and a commendable list of security features on offer.
Expect to stream the latest moves and TV shows on the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and more without trouble. There are 10GB/s and the always-reliable WireGuard protocol that ensures stable streams, and it also offers a selection of advanced security features, such as split tunneling, a kill switch, anonymous cryptocurrency payments, and an email breach scanner to check if your email address has been compromised in a data breach.
PIA is an open-source VPN based in the U.S. but has a strict no-logs policy, which has been reviewed and approved by an independent audit firm.
Proton VPN is an open-source VPN service that’s all about privacy, proven by its varied list of features like its kill switch, split tunneling, Secure Core that routes your traffic through multiple servers, a NetShield adblocker, and more. Not only does this help keep your data secure, but it also sneaks past strict geo-blocked content — an advantage for any Google TV box.
While it’s a shame its free-tier subscription plan doesn’t unblock streaming platforms, its paid Proton VPN Plus plan gives you access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Its connection speeds aren’t the best of the bunch, but with 3,217 servers in 71 countries and reliable 10GB/s capable servers, expect smooth streaming on most services. The VPN also shares a similar map interface with NordVPN, but it lets you quickly access the countries and servers you want, along with a simple country list for quick connections. Furthermore, it offers a favorite list to save the VPN servers you often use.
Being from the creators of Proton Mail, the trustworthy end-to-end encryption email service, Proton VPN ensures your online presence stays anonymous. What’s more, it has a Switzerland jurisdiction and a no-logs policy that’s been fully audited by third-party professionals.
A VPN requires select key features to make the most out of Google TV. Of course, you’ll want advanced security tools to spoof your location and encrypt your traffic, but top-grade speeds and a wide selection of servers are the main factors to look out for. After all, if there’s a show worth binging, it deserves a lag-free viewing experience with easy availability.
The best VPNs for streaming generally have thousands of servers placed in countries spotted around the world, and these servers are regularly updated to make sure they stay on top of a streaming service’s VPN-blocking techniques. With a wide network of servers, you can connect to any region and access a wealth of TV shows and movies. The more servers and countries it offers, the better a VPN will be at giving your TV global access to content.
Furthermore, these servers are optimized with speed in mind. From 10GB/s connection speeds to their security protocols, the proper VPNs offer a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience without putting a dent in your usual internet speeds.
ExpressVPN offers everything you need. Along with a vast server network that can easily bypass strict streaming services, its own Lightway protocol delivers blazing-fast connections that don’t impede internet speeds. Moreover, its Google TV app makes it easy to navigate.
Need a little extra speed? NordVPN is right up your street. With even more servers and its exclusive NordLynx protocol, you can expect to whizz through shows with high-quality resolution. It doesn’t offer as many countries, but the available regions have numerous servers, making bypassing geo-restrictions a breeze.
If it’s affordability you’re after, Surfshark won’t disappoint. With unlimited simultaneous devices, your whole household can stream from its selection of 100 countries, making it well worth the low-cost subscription price, especially if you have more than just a Google TV device to stream content on.
Maybe if we start telling people the brain is an app they will start using it!
