Best VPNs for Android TV Boxes

Want to watch international streams on your Android TV box? A VPN can help you access regional streaming platforms. We recommend the best VPNs for Android TV boxes.

If you have an Android TV box, you’ll know it comes pre-loaded with various TV streaming apps. Unfortunately, some of those apps may not all be available where you live. For example, Vudu is only available in the US and Mexico. That means you’ll need a VPN for Android TV Box to watch it elsewhere.

Whether you want to use pre-installed apps or install an app that is only available in another region, you can do so with a VPN. A VPN for Android TV Box gets you an IP address from back home to watch services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer on vacation.

With a VPN you can access foreign game servers when you play Google Play Games, or rent and purchase movies from a different region using Google Play Movies and TV. You can also use VoIP apps safely in countries where VoIP is blocked.

No matter why you want to use a VPN on your Android TV Box, we have you covered in this guide. Below, you can see a quick list of our top VPN picks. Scroll down for in-depth summaries that will help choose between them.

Best VPN services for Android TV Box:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Android TV boxes. Reliable, fast, and strong on security. Works with all major streaming platforms, including Netflix. Easy to use on phones, TVs, tablets, and PCs. Superb value for money. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best cheap VPN for Android TVs. Works with Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many more. Can be used on an unlimited number of devices. Apps for all platforms, and has plenty of useful features. 
3. ExpressVPN: Fast and reliable. ExpressVPN is a fantastic all-rounder that works on Android TV, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and VPN-compatible routers. Smart DNS service lets you access US TV services on any Android TV box.
4. CyberGhost: Perfect for beginners who want a simple solution for their Android TV box. The app is available on the Play Store for Android TVs. Fast servers, and works with most international streaming platforms and TV services. 
5. IPVanish: Popular with KODI users. Available to download from the modified Android TV Google Play Store. Works with most US streaming services, but not Hulu. Not as good for accessing international TV services. Allows unlimited connections.
6. PrivateVPN: Not as fast as our other recommendations, but provides solid access to many international streaming services. Good value for money and strong security features.
7. Atlas VPN: Android TV-compatible and fast thanks to its WireGuard protocol. Works with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, iPlayer, and many more. Allows unlimited connections, meaning you can share your account with friends and family. 

Summary table

We pinpointed the best VPNs for Android TV and Android TV boxes by carefully checking the market using a specific set of criteria:

• Has an Android app that is available on Google Play Store for Android TV
• Has a global server network to get an IP address in many different regions
• Fast servers that let you stream HD TV and on-demand videos without lag
• Works with popular streaming services such as Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube TV, etc
• Zero logs policy and strong security protocols with 256-bit encryption
• Apps for all popular devices so you can get the most out of your VPN
• Excellent customer support that is available at any time of day

Besides the features listed above, our top three recommendations must also have the following features:

• Security audits. We feel strongly about only recommending VPNs that not only provide access to TV services but also provide high levels of privacy. This is why we favor VPNs that have completed a full third-party audit of their service and policies. 
• Diskless servers. Provides additional security for users by allowing the VPN to instantly erase a server by pulling the plug. This is perfect in an emergency, or if a server is suddenly raided by the authorities. 

Best VPNs for Android TV in 2023

If you need to use a VPN right away, the list above is perfect for making a quick choice. That said, we recommend that you read the detailed summaries below to find the best Android TV VPN for all your needs!

NordVPN is our top pick for Android TVs and Android TV boxes. It makes an Android app that you can download directly from the Play Store for Android TVs. You don’t need to worry about sideloading. It has over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries, which gives you plenty of choices for accessing international content, or apps that are unavailable where you live.

NordVPN has a solid no-logging policy and strong encryption to keep your online habits private. The Android TV app comes with Threat Protection Lite, a choice of VPN protocols, Local Network Discovery, Auto-connect, split tunneling, Custom DNS options, and Meshnet. 

You don’t get a kill switch on Android, so please bear that in mind when considering this VPN. You do, however, still get access to obfuscated servers on Android TV, which is good if you want to conceal VPN use from your ISP.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, so you can use it to gain privacy and accessibility on all the devices you own. Plus, you can connect up to six devices simultaneously. This makes it suitable for families or people who own many devices.

Speeds are fantastic thanks to the Nordlynx protocol. It’s great for watching HD videos or playing games on your Android TV box. Best of all this VPN works with Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, more than a dozen Netflix regions, and many more TV platforms around the world. 

Live chat support is available 24/7, and you can test the VPN yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee. It is extremely good value for money when you commit for a year or more. A secure and reliable VPN that is hard to beat for Android TV.

BEST VPN FOR ANDROID TV: NordVPN is fast and works perfectly to access more streams on Android TV. Apps for all devices, so you can also use it on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and more. Strict no logging policy. Fully audited apps, infrastructure, and policies. Lets you try it risk-free using a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark is perfect for anybody looking for an Android TV VPN who is short on cash. The nice thing about Surfshark is that what you save in costs you don’t sacrifice in features or security. You can also use this VPN on an unlimited number of devices. You can install it on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and desktop. Use it on an unlimited basis at home, at work, or on public WiFi. You can even share your account with friends and family!

The Android app is available to download directly from the Play Store curated for Android TVs, which makes it hassle-free. The Android TV app comes with a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and Wireguard, split tunneling, auto-connect, a kill switch, no Borders, and CleanWeb, which protects you against malicious sites and trackers, and blocks ads. 

You get obfuscation by default when you connect using the OpenVPN UDP protocol. This makes it a fantastic option for anybody in the UAE, or elsewhere, who wants to safely bypass VoIP blocks using their Android TV.

Surfshark VPN works to access around 15 different Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and most other popular international streaming services. This makes it an excellent VPN for watching more live TV or on-demand content on an Amazon TV box. You can also get help at any time of day thanks to its live chat support, and test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ANDROID TV: Surfshark packs a serious punch considering its low cost. Perfect for account sharing. Works with Netflix US, and many other popular streaming services. App is easy to install from the Google Play Store for Android TV. Solid no logging policy, diskless servers, and fully audited infrastructure. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Express VPN was first launched in 2009, making it a true veteran VPN service. It has maintained a solid track record of providing privacy for its users. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands, a location that is ideal in terms of privacy, and it has a solid no-logging policy.

Apps are available for all popular platforms, which means you can use them on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The Android TV app comes with strong AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, fully obfuscated OpenVPN connections by default, and the Lightway protocol for faster speeds. This makes it a solid VPN for bypassing blocks or using internet services (including VoIP) privately on your Android TV box.

Servers are available in 94+ different countries, and this VPN works to access around two dozen Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most other international TV services and streaming platforms. This makes it perfect for watching more shows on your Android TV box.

The biggest drawback with this VPN is that it is a touch more expensive compared to our other recommendations. You can use it on up to five devices simultaneously and prevent online tracking whether at home or on public WiFi. Live chat support is available 24/7, and you can compare the VPN to any other recommendation using its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

SOLID ALL ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is fast thanks to its excellent server network and custom tunneling protocol. Provides obfuscation by default when you use OpenVPN. Strong AES encryption and a kill switch. Works with most international streaming services. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it with your Android TV or TV box.

CyberGhost is a fantastic option if you want a VPN for Android TV that provides a simple experience for beginners. The VPN is based in Romania, and it has a solid no-logging policy, which means it never tracks what you do online. It provides a choice of protocols, including trustworthy OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption. Despite being easy to use, it still has the main features you need to gain online privacy and bypass blocks on your Android TV box.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. You can use it on up to seven devices at once, which is enough for most families or power users. The Android TV app is available directly from Google Play on your device, so no need for sideloading. That app comes with DNS leak protection, a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), a kill switch, split tunneling, and auto-connect.

If you want obfuscation, port forwarding, or any other advanced features, you will need to shop elsewhere. But for streaming more content on Android TV, CyberGhost is fantastic, because it has fast servers in 89+ countries that work with Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Prime Video, and many other popular streaming platforms.

Live chat support is available on its website. While the agents aren’t as well trained as our top recommendations, they can answer most questions. Best of all, you can test this VPN on any of your devices using its lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee. 

SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost is available to install on Android TV directly from Google Play on your device. Simple features are easy to use. Solid encryption and a kill switch ensure you can use the internet privately on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Works with popular streaming services. 45-day money-back guarantee.

IPVanish is a popular US-based VPN provider that is perfect for using KODI on an Android TV. The VPN provides solid AES encryption and obfuscation for OpenVPN, which makes it a solid option for accessing KODI repositories with absolute privacy. Best of all, the VPN has guides for using the VPN with KODI on Android TV, which makes it easy.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Firesticks, and Android. You can install it on Android TVs by getting it from the Google Play Store directly on your TV or Android TV box. The Android TV app comes with a kill switch, a choice of protocols, AES encryption, split tunneling, obfuscation (scramble) for OpenVPN, and DNS leak protection. It’s a solid option for gaining privacy – not only on your Android TV, but also on your other devices.

Despite being good value for money, this VPN lets you install and use its service on an unlimited number of devices. You can share your account with your entire household, and use it whether at home, at work, or connected to public WiFi.

The biggest drawback with IPVanish is that despite having servers in over 50 countries, it does not work with all streaming services. In our tests, it worked with Netflix US, but it did not work with Hulu, for example. For this reason, we recommend testing it with your favorite streaming services to make sure it is suitable for your needs. Luckily, you can do that yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

GREAT FOR KODI: Works perfectly to use KODI privately on Android TV. Easy to install and use. Allows unlimited connections with a single account. Fast speeds for streaming and gaming on an Android TV box. 30-day money-back guarantee to test its service.

PrivateVPN is a service that was first launched in 2009 with the backing of activists who support people’s right to use the internet privately. The service is based in Sweden, which is a country that lacks mandatory data retention directives that apply to VPNs. It has a no-logging policy and a network of around 250 servers that are fully controlled by the VPN for added security. 

Apps are available for all popular platforms, and you can install PrivateVPN directly onto an Android TV using the Google Play Store on your device – no sideloading. This makes it great for gaining privacy or freedom on your Android TV box. All the apps, including the one for Android TVs, come with DNS leak protection, a kill switch, a choice of protocols, strong AES encryption, and obfuscation for OpenVPN. 

PrivateVPN can get an IP address in over 63 countries. Its servers work with around a dozen Netflix regions (including the US), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and most of the other international services we tested it with.

Furthermore, PrivateVPN has fantastic apps for Windows, Mac, and iOS, which makes it a great all-rounder. The port forwarding feature is a good option for torrenting on PC. The only real drawback is that it is a touch slow compared to our other recommendations. However, we had no trouble streaming when we used it.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: PrivateVPN is a useful and trustworthy VPN that provides ample privacy for your devices. Available for Android TV. Works to access home streaming services abroad. A great option for torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee to compare it to any of our other recommendations.

AtlasVPN is a provider that was only launched in 2019. Since then it became hugely popular and was acquired by Nord Technologies in 2021. This makes Atlas the sister VPN of our top-recommended VPN for Android TV, NordVPN. It also means that AtlasVPN is in hugely capable hands.

Despite being independently run, AtlasVPN has improved its service since being acquired. The apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android (including Android TV) can be installed and used on an unlimited number of devices. This makes the VPN fantastic value for money.

You can install AtlasVPN directly on a compatible Android TV by downloading the application directly from Google Play. The app comes with strong encryption, access to servers in 49 locations, and compatibility with many popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, DirecTV Stream, YouTubeTV, iPlayer, and many more.

One of the best things about AtlasVPN is that it does have a limited free plan. This means you can connect to servers in three countries without paying a dime. Just bear in mind that the free plan is much slower than the premium service, and does not work to stream. However, it is still useful for trying a VPN on a laptop or smartphone for the first time if you have never used one before.

AtlasVPN has a solid no-logs policy and it provides the popular WireGuard protocol, which is securely implemented to give you data privacy whether at home, at work, or on public WiFi while traveling abroad. A kill switch is available, but it leaks momentarily on reconnection so you should pause any sensitive activities until it has reconnected. It also has a split tunneling feature, ad blocking, and malware filtering

GOOD FOR STREAMING: AtlasVPN is a solid option for anybody primarily concerned with streaming. It is fast, reliable, and works with a huge number of popular streaming platforms and TV networks. Stores no logs and provides solid encryption. Lets you test its service using a limited free trial or with a 30-day money-back guarantee for premium.

Android TV VPN testing methodology

At Bleeping Computer we use a rigorous testing methodology to pick the best VPNs for Android TVs and TV boxes. Below, we have included some of the most important criteria we used to ensure we only pick the most reliable VPNs.

• Reliable Android app: The app is available on the specially-curated Google Play Store for Android TVs. No sideloading necessary!
• Excellent privacy features: We ensure that they protect against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to prevent tracking by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). We only recommend VPNs with no-logs policies, reliable encryption, and that have undergone third-party audits to ensure that they perform as advertised (our top three providers).
• Fast download speeds: We test each VPN's download speed, as a slow VPN can be frustrating and disrupt streaming, torrenting, video games, and phone calls. We opt for VPNs that keep internet speeds consistent to ensure seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming.
• Good customer support: We contacted each VPN’s support team, asking complex questions and testing live chat and email support to ensure the VPNs cater to both novice and experienced users. 
• Big server network: We look for VPNs that have a large international network of servers that work to access international services, bypass censorship, and provide unrestricted internet access. 
• Strong features: We check for additional features that help to make the VPN better value for money. We looked for things like Tor over VPN, MultiHop connections, obfuscation, tracker and ad-blocking, malicious website protection, split tunneling, and port forwarding. 
• Diskless infrastructure: To make it into our top three, each VPN must also use diskless, RAM-only servers. This allows the VPN to delete all the data on a server instantly by pulling the plug, which is perfect in an emergency. 
• Audited no logs policy: Similarly, to qualify for a spot in our top three VPN positions, providers must have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. This is the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.

Android TV Box VPNs: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Android TV?

Although there are some free VPNs available on the market, these are not a good option for your Android TV. The vast majority of free VPNs are insecure, which means that they do not provide you with online privacy. 

Reliable VPN providers such as AtlasVPN and ProtonVPN only provide a limited free plan to a) advertise their service, and b) give users access to a VPN in times of need; such as when the government blocks access to news, online communications methods, or social media services needed to stay in touch with friends and family. For this reason, those free plans are fairly limited, have few servers to pick from, and are not optimized for accessing streaming services and TV platforms. 

By leaving streaming access for premium users only, these VPNs ensure people will have to upgrade to a paid plan if they want to watch Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, or other popular services on their Android TV or computer.

Ultimately, you are free to try a free VPN with your Android TV box if you want to. However, we urge you to stick to recommended services only, as many free VPNs have been found to have invasive privacy policies, dangerous leaks, a lack of encryption, and even apps that contain spyware.

In addition, you should not expect free VPNs to have good speeds or to work with streaming services, so if you need these features we recommend you try one of our recommended VPNs for free by taking advantage of their money-back guarantees. This will allow you to enjoy an unrestricted VPN plan that can stream in HD on an Android TV box.

Is the Google Play Store different on Android TV?

Yes. If you have an Android TV or Android TV Box, you can get apps from the Google Play Store. However, it is important to note that it's different from the Play Store you use on an Android phone. The list of apps is specifically curated for Android TVs, which means that there are not as many apps available to choose from. 

Thankfully, the VPNs we have recommended in this guide all have apps that are available on the Google Play Store for Android TVs. You can also install apps to an Android TV or Android TV Box by sideloading. You aren’t necessarily prevented from installing other Android apps that aren’t listed in the Google Play Store.

You can check whether a VPN is available for Amazon TV by checking the app's description on the Google Play Store or the VPN provider's website. We recommend you check if the app is compatible with your specific model of Android TV or Android TV Box before taking out a subscription (older models may not have as much compatibility as the latest models)

Can I use KODI on an Android TV Box?

Yes. Many people install KODI on their Android TV box to be able to enjoy movies and TV shows from popular repositories. If you want to use KODI on a TV box, you can find installation guides on the internet, so search for installation instructions for your particular Android Box. 

Alternatively, simply head over to the KODI website and download the latest build onto your device. If necessary, download the KODI installer onto a secondary device and then sideload it onto your Android TV Box using a USB dongle.

Once KODI is installed, simply download the add-ons you want to be able to access any repos that interest you. Remember that Kodi addons can be malicious, so be sure to connect to your VPN before streaming content. This will allow you to do so with absolute privacy

What is the best Android TV Box in 2023?

The market is saturated with hundreds of Android TV boxes, so there is a huge amount of choice. Android TV boxes come in just about every shape and size, and are available for many different budgets. With that said, we have included a few popular brand names below to give you an idea.

1. Easytone T95 Super – Best cheap Android box
2. Nvidia Shield TV Pro – Best overall
3. Xiaomi Mi Box S – Impressive performance at a reasonable cost

What kind of apps come pre-installed on Android TV Box?

The answer to this question really depends on the model that you buy, and it is worth remembering that Android TV boxes come in all shapes and sizes and are manufactured by many different companies. Below we have included a list of apps that we have noticed pre-installed on a large number of Android TV Box devices:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• Amazon Prime Video
• Google Play Movies & TV
• Freevee
• Vudu
• Amazon Music
• Google Play Store
• YouTube Music
• PLEX
• Google Play Games

Can I get a VoIP app for an Android TV Box?

Yes. It is possible to find VoIP apps for Android TV Box, however, not all VoIP apps are available on the Google Play Store for Android TV. In addition, not all Android TVs and Android TV boxes are compatible with VoIP apps. You must check that the VoIP app you want to use is available for Android TV.

There are several VoIP apps that are currently available for Android TV and Android TV Box. This includes Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Duo. You can check the Google Play Store on your particular Android TV to see whether these apps are available where you live.

If not, you can use a VPN to change your region and download the VoIP app from the Play Store, or download the APK file from a trusted third-party source and then sideload it onto your Android TV Box.

Note that VoIP apps are restricted in some countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. If you live in a country where VoIP is restricted, you will need to connect to a VPN server in order to download a VoIP app and use it

Can I change the IP address on an Android TV box?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server you will conceal your home IP address and replace it with one in the remote location of the VPN server. This allows you to access streaming services from abroad. It hides your IP address from the websites you visit, which prevents them from tracking your location. 

Some of the VPNs we have recommended also come with a free Smart DNS service. This allows you to spoof your location to the US on smart TVs, consoles, and Android TV boxes. This is a useful way to access American streaming services on devices that won't let you install a VPN app.

Can I watch Netflix US on Android TV?

Yes. You can install the Netflix app directly from the Google Play Store for Amazon TV. This means that you can watch your Netflix US account directly on your Android TV or Android TV box. If you go on vacation, you can use a VPN to get an IP address in the US (or any other country where your VPN has servers). This will allow you to access the Netflix catalog from that country.

The only caveat is that most VPNs have now been blocked by Netflix. This means that you must stick to one of our recommendations. You can test any of the VPNs we have recommended to watch Netflix US on your Android TV thanks to the VPN's money-back guarantee.

Can I watch regional TV services with a VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server abroad (or in a different state) you get a valid IP address in that location. As a result, you can log in and watch any local TV services or streaming platforms that are usually region locked to that location. This means that you can use a VPN to bypass blackout game restrictions, or even to watch sports competitions, news broadcasts, and other TV shows from around the world.

Do I need a fast VPN for an Android TV?

Yes. To stream HD video on an Android TV or Android TV box, you will need excellent speeds. Many VPNs slow down your internet so much that they will cause buffering and poor video playback. This makes the vast majority of VPNs unsuitable for streaming. The VPNs we have recommended in this guide all have fast servers that are specifically designed to be good for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and other data-intensive tasks. 

Remember that you can get the best speeds for streaming by using the WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP protocols. In addition, we recommend connecting to a server located closer to you, as this will allow your data to be routed quicker. If for any reason your VPN seems to be slowing down your Android TV, you could try sharing your VPN connection from a VPN-compatible router or by setting up a hotspot on a Windows computer that is connected to the VPN.