Key Takeaways:

• ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Android TV box. It’s pricey, but considering its performance and set of features, it’s worth every penny.
• NordVPN offers the best balance of value and features.
• CyberGhost is the best service for users who want a cheap yet reputable app.

The Android TV box has access to a wider variety of entertainment services than a regular TV. However, since it uses the internet to unlock these services, it’s vulnerable to the same cyber threats as your other Android devices. Because of this, you have to install the best VPN for Android TV box to enjoy your favorite shows securely.

Finding a VPN for your Android TV box can be a challenge. You have to consider many factors, such as VPN features, usability and price to find a virtual private network that best meets your needs. We did the heavy lifting for you. We scrutinized the top VPNs and narrowed your options down to five VPN services. 

After a series of tests, ExpressVPN emerged as the best VPN for Android TV boxes. However, whether you’re an occasional streamer, binge-watcher or hardcore TV fan, our list has a VPN app for you. Keep reading to see which VPN meets your needs. 

What Makes the Best VPN for Android TV Box

We looked under the hood of these VPNs to reveal their strengths (and weaknesses, if any). As you’ll notice, some of the VPNs are well-rounded, like ExpressVPN. Others dominated in areas such as speed, security or ability to bypass geoblocking. Here is our short list of the best VPN for Android TV. 

1. ExpressVPN — Lightning-fast speeds and ability to unlock streaming services
2. NordVPN — Extensive VPN server network and solid security
3. CyberGhost — Affordability and ability to unblock streaming services
4. Surfshark — Unlimited simultaneous connections and affordability
5. VyprVPN — Security and ease of use

Android TV boxes are vulnerable to the same cyber risks as other devices, like computers, smartphones and tablets. For this reason, the first thing you want to consider when picking a VPN is security and privacy. While not all of our picks earned a spot in the most secure VPN list, they’ve proved themselves reliable on this front. 

Getting past geoblocking is another crucial factor. Your smart TV comes with a wide variety of video and entertainment apps preinstalled. Some apps, such as Netflix, hide the best content behind a wall of geoblocking, which limits your options. A VPN allows you to break through these walls to seize the apps’ full potential. 

The VPN should be fast enough to support HD or 4K streaming and torrenting. Our top picks are some of the fastest VPNs and they deliver a great streaming, gaming and torrenting experience, devoid of buffering or lagging. Better yet, the services offer unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about the amount of data you’re using as you stream videos. 

The Top 5 VPNs for Android TV Box

Our top VPNs are easy to install on Android TV, plus they meet all requirements we discussed earlier. As we mentioned, ExpressVPN tops our list, so let’s jump right into it. 

1. ExpressVPN

More details about ExpressVPN:

• Pricing: $8.32 per month on the annual plan
• Provider Website: www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Android TV box for many reasons, and its blazing-fast speed is one of them. The app causes no significant change in latency, upload or download speeds when connected. Fast speeds, coupled with unlimited bandwidth, give you the freedom to stream HD content without breaks or lags.

Beyond speed, ExpressVPN offers solid security and privacy. The app has a strict no-log policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has excellent privacy laws. It guarantees watertight security and privacy to keep your data (such as IP address) and digital tracks private while streaming or sailing piratical waters.

Unlock Regional Content With ExpressVPN and Android TV Box

When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN and Android TV are a match made in heaven. The TV box offers an easy way to access all popular streaming apps — like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and Kodi — but most of them have georestricted content. ExpressVPN effectively bypasses geoblocks imposed by the streaming services, allowing you to access infinite streaming options.

ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than all the other services on the market. However, it’s well worth the money, considering its impressive feature set, performance and excellent customer support. ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free plan, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Plans

• Unlimited GB
• 8
• Yes

30-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.95/month

6-months plan

$9.99/month

$59.94 billed every 6 month

Save 22%

15-months plan

$6.66/month

$99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter

Save 48%

Its price aside, ExpressVPN is an outstanding VPN service that’s compatible with Android TV and other smart TVs, such as Apple TV. The app boasts exceptional connection speeds that make it the best VPN for streaming. It also unlocks whatever streaming service you throw at it, and it provides extra streaming options through Kodi (it’s also the best Kodi VPN). Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more. 

2. NordVPN

More details about NordVPN:

• Pricing: $3.71 per month on the two-year plan 
• Provider Website: www.nordvpn.com 

Our second entry is NordVPN, which is compatible with all Android TVs. As you will find out in our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN throwdown, the service came in a close second, despite being faster overall. That aside, with a network of over 5,700 VPN servers, NordVPN lets you mask your location and access any geoblocked content you want.

The NordVPN Android TV app creates an unbreakable security layer with OpenVPN and solid 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data and privacy while streaming. On top of that, you get obfuscated servers, which hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. In doing so, it thwarts attempts by internet service providers (ISPs) to spy and throttle your bandwidth, which can be bothersome when streaming. 

NordVPN’s Specialty Streaming Servers

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for torrenting and streaming, too, for many reasons. First, there are no bandwidth caps, plus NordVPN comes with special P2P servers optimized to handle torrenting and gaming activities better than the standard servers.

NordVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN we’ve seen, but it offers an excellent deal if you want a reliable VPN and you’re not on a strict budget. Each plan allows six simultaneous connections, so you can enjoy security on your smart TV and other devices. Plus, plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee to put your mind at ease. Read our NordVPN review to learn more.

30-days money-back guarantee

Basic

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 6
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$12.99/month

1-year plan

$5.74/month

$68.85 billed every year

Save 55%

2-year plan

$3.48/month

$83.43 billed every 2 years

Save 73%

Plus

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 6
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$13.99/month

1-year plan

$6.86/month

$82.35 billed every year

Save 50%

2-year plan + 3 months

$3.99/month

$107.73 billed every 2 years

Save 71%

Complete

• *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
• Unlimited GB
• 6
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$15.99/month

1-year plan

$9.36/month

$112.35 billed every year

Save 41%

2-year plan + 3 months

$5.99/month

$161.73 billed every 2 years

Save 62%

NordVPN gives you the best balance of value and features. For the price, you get premium features like specialty servers and a quick-connect feature that makes connecting to the VPN dead simple. However, despite its worldwide server network, distant servers are slower than ExpressVPN’s, which lands NordVPN in second place.

3. CyberGhost

More details about CyberGhost:

• Pricing: $2.19 per month on the two-year plan
• Provider Website: www.cyberghostvpn.com 

CyberGhost is another excellent service for Android TV box. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN (see our ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost comparison), but it’s no slouch when it comes to streaming and torrenting. CyberGhost has a strict no-log policy, and it’s as secure as it gets too, thanks to AES-256 encryption and strong OpenVPN protocol. 

CyberGhost comes with advanced features such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch for an extra security layer. Even better, it has excellent global server coverage, which gives you a host of options to spoof your location. It’s also up to the task when it comes to unblocking Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and other streaming apps on your Android TV.

CyberGhost’s Streaming-Optimized Servers 

If you enjoy streaming on Android TV, you’ll want to take a closer look at CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers. The servers open the door to a wide variety of streaming options, including those hidden behind a tough wall of geoblocking, such as Netflix U.S. and BBC iPlayer. Because the servers are optimized for speed, you get to watch content in full HD or 4K quality.

CyberGhost is one of the cheapest VPNs we’ve seen. For $2.19 per month on the two-year plan, you get all CyberGhost features, including seven simultaneous connections. CyberGhost offers a free trial and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (except for the monthly plan, which is limited to 14 days).

CyberGhost Plans

• *The $56.94 price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
• Unlimited GB
• 7
• Yes

45-days money-back guarantee

1-month plan, 6-months plan

1-month plan

$12.99/month

6-months plan

$6.99/month

$41.94 billed every 6 month

Save 46%

2-year plan

$2.37/month

$56.94 billed every 2 years

Save 81%

CyberGhost comes cheap, but it doesn’t compromise on functionality. It has all the tools you need to enjoy unrestricted streaming and torrenting on Android TV. However, its speeds are somewhat disappointing compared to our top two, so CyberGhost only gets the bronze in this roundup. If this app sounds like your thing, be sure to read our CyberGhost review. 

4. Surfshark

More details about Surfshark:

• Pricing: $2.49 per month on the two-year plan
• Provider Website: www.surfshark.com

Surfshark is another of our favorite VPNs for Android TV boxes. We like Surfshark because it’s easy to install directly from Google Play Store for models running Android 5.0 and higher, or via side loading. Despite being relatively young (it was launched in 2018), Surfshark has amassed a network of 3,200 VPN servers. Be sure to read our Surfshark review to learn more.

Surfshark has optimized its servers for speed. It may not be as fast as ExpressVPN, but it packs enough power to stream on Android TV without any annoying lag. It’s also effective for getting into streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Better yet, Surfshark allows you to unlock your favorite streaming content with Kodi for extra options. Our Surfshark setup guide explains how you can unlock these options.

Surfshark’s Advanced VPN Features

When it comes to advanced features, Surfshark packs a real punch. For example, its multihop feature allows you to route traffic through two servers for extra protection. The CleanWeb is always on standby to block any pesky ads or malware. Not to mention, with the proprietary split tunneling, you can choose which apps to exclude from the VPN connection.

Surfshark’s two-year plan costs you $2.49 per month, which is almost the same as CyberGhost’s two-year plan. Another good thing is that you get a 30-day money-back guarantee for the 24-month plan. Surfshark also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it one of the best VPN for multiple devices. 

30-days money-back guarantee

Surfshark Starter

• Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $185.40 for one year, $370.80 for two years
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited
• Yes

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$15.45/month

1-year plan

$3.49/month

$41.88 billed every year

Save 77%

2-year plan

$2.49/month

$59.76 billed every 2 years

Save 83%

Surfshark One

• Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Plans renew: $191.40 for one year, $380.80 for two years.
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$15.95/month

1-year plan

$4.09/month

$49.08 billed every year

Save 74%

2-year plan

$3.19/month

$76.56 billed every 2 years

Save 80%

Surfshark One+

• Everything in One, plus Data removal Plans renew: $215.40 for one year, $430.80 for two years
• Unlimited GB
• Unlimited

1-month plan, 1-year plan

1-month plan

$17.95/month

1-year plan

$6.49/month

$77.88 billed every year

Save 63%

2-year plan

$4.97/month

$119.28 billed every 2 years

Save 72%

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Android TV box. It works with all Android TV boxes and offers unlimited connections to protect all the devices you use. Even better, it doesn’t impose any bandwidth cap. However, its customer support is lacking and streaming speeds are subpar, leaving Surfshark at fourth place on this list.

5. VyprVPN

More details about VyprVPN:

• Pricing: $5 per month (one-year plan)
• Provider Website: www.vyprvpn.com

VyprVPN is last on our list only because of its inconsistent speeds. Other than that, its comprehensive combination of features makes it one of the best VPNs for Android TV box. The app is compatible with third-party Android TV boxes from various manufacturers, but it works with TV boxes that run on the most current version of Android — Android 5.0 or higher. 

VyprVPN covers all the basics well, allowing you to enjoy top-notch security, online privacy and freedom on Android TV devices. It unlocks major streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and BBCiPlayer. However, as you’ll find out in our VyprVPN review, you will have better luck unblocking Netflix from the UK and U.S. IP addresses. Even so, it made it onto our list of best VPN for Netflix.

Stream Online Content Securely With VyprVPN

VyprVPN allows you to switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard and its very own Chameleon protocol to maintain security while streaming. It also offers an automatic reconnect function and DNS leak protection with VyprDNS for extra security. However, the Android TV box app doesn’t come with a kill switch, which is a miss. 

VyprVPN allows 30 simultaneous connections — five if you sign up through the mobile app — and also has its own proprietary Chameleon protocol, which provides extra protection. If you’re still undecided, each plan is refundable for up to 30 days. 

30-days money-back guarantee

Monthly

• Unlimited GB
• 30

1-month plan

$10/month

One year

• Unlimited GB
• 30

1-year plan

$5/month

$60 billed every year

Two year

2-year plan

$3/month

$72 billed every 2 years

More plans

Business

• Includes 3 Users, $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management. Global Business Servers, Dedicated Account Manager
• Unlimited GB
• 3

1-year plan

$24.92/month

$299 billed every year

Business Cloud

• Includes 3 Users $99 per year per additional user, Multiple User Management, Your own dedicated server, Fast and easy deployment
• Unlimited GB
• 3

1-year plan

$29.08/month

$349 billed every year

In terms of functionality, VyprVPN ticks all the right boxes. It offers unlimited bandwidth and provides excellent digital security and privacy. It’s good enough to stream HD video, though it’s nowhere near as smooth as our top picks, which ultimately lets VyprVPN down. 

How to Install a VPN on an Android TV Box

Installing a VPN on your Android TV is an absolute breeze. You can install the VPN via Google Play Store if your device runs Android 5.0 (Lollipop) software and above.  If you’re unsure how to do it, follow this simple setup guide. 

However, note that sometimes the VPN you want may not be available to download from the Play Store, and you’ll have to sideload the app.

Install a VPN via Google Play Store

1. Search for the VPN App

   On Android TV, head over to Google Play Store and search for the VPN app you want to install. For the sake of this guide, we’ll install ExpressVPN, our recommended service for Android TV.

   

2. Install the VPN App

   Select your VPN and click open the app’s page. Click “install” and select “open” to start the installation. The installation should take only a few seconds.

   

3. Log in to the App

   Select “sign in” and enter your account credentials. Click “sign in” and make sure to accept (or decline, based on your preferences) the permissions.

   

4. Connect to a Server Location

   Once the VPN is activated, click the location picker to select your preferred location. Lastly, click the “on” button to connect to a VPN server location.

   

As we mentioned, if the VPN you want to install isn’t on the Play Store, you’ll have to download the app from the provider’s website and sideload the app. If that’s the case, here’s an alternate first step to follow. Then, follow the above directions at step 3.

Sideload the VPN App

On your computer, visit the vendor’s official setup page and download the Android Package (APK) file to your USB drive. 

Next, before you plug the USB drive into your TV box, enable installation from unauthorized sources on your TV to access the APK that you’ve downloaded. Now, plug in the USB drive to your Android box and use a file management app to navigate to the ExpressVPN APK file. Select the file and click “install.”

Final Thoughts

That’s just about it, a guide to the best VPN for Android TV box. As we mentioned earlier, many video apps come preinstalled with the Android TV box, plus you can install more. 

However, the apps deliver content that’s cocooned in tough georestrictions. For this reason, you need a VPN to break these walls to access the best content from different parts of the world. As you’ve seen, there is a VPN service for your device regardless of its version or generation. 

If you still can’t decide which VPN to install, we recommend getting started with ExpressVPN. It’s the best VPN for Android TV and the best VPN for other smart TVs.

It’s also the best VPN for Google Fiber if you use the gigabit internet service with an Android TV box. The app guarantees speed, security, unlimited bandwidth and excellent ability to bypass geoblocking.

What do you think of our guide? Which VPN do you use with your Android TV? Plus, if you install your VPN of choice, let us know how it goes in the comment section below. Thanks for reading. 

FAQ

• What Is the Best VPN for Android TV Box?

  The best VPN for the Android TV box is ExpressVPN, an excellent service that gives you the power to unlock your device’s full potential. ExpressVPN is blazing fast, has no bandwidth cap, it’s as secure as it gets and its ability to bypass geoblocking is unparalleled.

• Which Is the Best Free VPN for Android TV Box?

  While there are some reputable free VPNs, we don’t recommend using them on Android TV boxes because they impose limits on users and usually aren’t as secure as their paid counterparts. However, if you absolutely must use a free VPN, Windscribe is our top free VPN choice.

• Can I Install a VPN on Android TV?

  Yes, you can install a VPN on Android TV. The process is just like installing any other Android app and you’ll have no problems. Search for the preferred VPN on Play Store, select the VPN and click “install.” It’s as easy as that.

• How Do I Set Up a VPN on My Android Box?

  Setting up a VPN on your Android TV box is a cinch. Once you’ve installed the VPN, open the app and enter your VPN’s login credentials (email and password). Then, grant the permissions (or decline when necessary) to complete the setup process.