An easy way to get 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 all the latest movies and TV shows, though, as these streaming platforms have geo-restrictions, 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 benefits from the right VPN service. 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.
There’s a wide selection of VPN apps available on the Google Play Store, but not all can be trusted (especially free VPNs). The best VPNs are based in privacy-friendly countries, have a credited no-logs policy, and come with handy bonus features worth investing in — unlike
SuperVPN, which exposed 360 million users’ data
. If you prefer to test out a VPN before making a purchase, we recommend taking advantage of their 30-day free trials.
Our top VPNs for Google TV
ExpressVPN
Top choice for speeds and features
ExpressVPN offers an exemplary service for Google & Android TV, with a well-designed app that’s easy to use, excellent content streaming speeds, and unblocks all the major streaming platforms so that users can access international libraries. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries and many advanced features, it’s an excellent choice for streaming. Plus, you can use up to five devices simultaneously.
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Advanced security features
- British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
- Can be expensive
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
Exceptional speeds
NordVPN boasts the fastest speeds, making it the ideal choice for streaming on Google TV. It gives users access to virtually all streaming platforms and offers an array of security features to help you stay anonymous while connected. With over 5,900 servers in 60 countries, there will always be a dependable server connection, but it may not have all the regions you’re looking for.
- Fastest speeds
- Varied security tools
- Located in Panama with no required data logs
- No kill switch on TV app
- Can be pricey
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.
Surfshark
Affordability done right
Surfshark is for Android TV box owners looking to cut costs while retaining premium VPN features. It’s affordable, offers unlimited device connections, and doesn’t slack on speeds, security, and support. The VPN has over 3,000 servers in 100 countries, giving you access to many international streaming platforms. It also does stutter when unblocking a few services, but it gets past this with its flurry of features.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- More than 3,200 servers in 100 countries
- British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
- Some streaming platform issues
- Not the fastest servers
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
Specialized servers for streaming
CyberGhost is a brilliant VPN option for Android TVs, and it’s not just thanks to its specific streaming servers. Boasting over 11,600 servers in 100 countries, lightning-fast speeds with its WireGuard protocol, and a great selection of security features, you’ll be accessing geo-blocked content anonymously in no time. Even better, its 45-day money-back guarantee gives users plenty of time to see what it can do.
- Servers made for streaming
- More than 9,000 servers in 91 countries
- 45-day free trial
- Could use more features
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.
Mullvad
Excellent security, limited network of servers
Mullvad VPN delivers great value with fast speeds, advanced features like split tunneling and Multi-hop, and a strong focus on privacy. Its simple interface is user-friendly, but its smaller server network of 647 servers in 47 countries and limited success with unblocking some streaming services are notable drawbacks. For privacy-first users, the Sweden-based VPN service remains a solid choice.
- Excellent focus on privacy and security
- User friendly interface
- Fast speeds
- No free trial
- Limited number of servers
- Might not be able to bypass all streaming services
If you’re after a VPN that’s simple, secure, and affordable, Mullvad might be your perfect match. Priced at €5 (about $5.30) a month, its no-fuss pricing is as straightforward as it gets. There are no discounts for yearly plans, just one flat rate. It’s fast, reliable, and works across a variety of devices, making it a solid choice for streaming, browsing, or anything in between.
Mullvad’s claim to fame is its commitment to privacy. With a strict no-logs policy and zero personal details required to sign up (all you need is an anonymous ID number), it keeps your data as private as possible. Based in Sweden, a country with strong privacy laws, Mullvad backs its promise with features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and IPv6 support, giving you peace of mind in a digital world that’s anything but private.
If you’re all about privacy and don’’t need the widest server network, Mullvad delivers what you need. Further, Mullvad’s Android TV app makes it easy to install and run the VPN service on any Android TV streaming box or Android TV-based television.
IPVanish
Affordable alternative
IPVanish is a top-tier VPN that works well with Google TV, with a slick, well-designed app that’s simple to navigate. Its over 2,200 servers in 51 countries are well-maintained, allowing fast speeds and access to popular streaming platforms. Plus, it offers no device limit with an affordable price tag. Its U.S. jurisdiction isn’t ideal, but the verified no-logs policy backs it up.
- Easy-to-navigate TV app
- No device limit
- Reliable servers for streaming
- United States jurisdiction
- Some trouble with Netflix libraries
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
Plentiful servers
PureVPN makes a strong case for being a worthy VPN for your TV, featuring over 6,500 servers in over 70 countries and speedy 20GB/s connections for lag-free streaming. It’s excellent at unblocking many major streaming services, but it has trouble getting past certain platforms. However, with its extra security features and easy-to-use app, it’s a solid option for Android or Google TV.
- Great Android TV app
- 6,500 servers in over 70 countries
- British Virgin Island jurisdiction
- Can’t unblock some streaming services
- Unbalanced connections
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.
Private Internet Access
Master at unblocking
PIA (Private Internet Access) is a master at unblocking geo-restricted content with stable internet speeds for streaming. Its checklist of perks is generous: over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, unlimited device connections, fast connection speeds, and plenty of advanced security tools. It’s based in the U.S., so those concerned about privacy may want to look elsewhere.
- 35,000 servers in 84 countries
- Reliable internet speeds
- Unlimited device connections
- U.S. jurisdiction
- No-frills app
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
Optimal privacy
Proton VPN makes security a priority, which is a good fit for Android TV users in need of privacy. While bundled with security features like a kill switch, split tunneling, a NetShield ad blocker, and more, it also breezes past geo-blocked content in the 71 countries where it has servers, which is ideal for any international streams. While speeds could be better, it will still provide stable connections to watch content.
- Top-notch security features
- 3,200 servers in 71 countries
- Switzerland jurisdiction
- Subpar speeds
- Free-tier doesn’t unblock streaming platforms
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.
What to look for in a VPN for Android and Google TV
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.
The best Google TV VPNs
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.
ExpressVPN
Best for speed and features
ExpressVPN offers an exemplary service for Google & Android TV, with a well-designed app that’s easy to use, excellent content streaming speeds, and unblocks all the major streaming platforms so that users can access international libraries. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries and many advanced features, it’s an excellent choice for streaming. Plus, you can use up to five devices simultaneously.
