All devices in your home can connect to the internet. And the good news is that today’s best VPNs have dedicated apps for all of these platforms (PC, mobile, smart TV, etc.).
ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app was by far the best in our latest VPN test results. Available on all Apple TVs with tvOS and downloadable directly from the App Store, you can easily check out region-specific streaming content from your couch.
Please continue reading. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the ExpressVPN Apple TV app so amazing.
Easy sign-in and server selection
VPNs have a reputation for being tech-heavy, especially if you’ve never used a VPN before, but ExpressVPN is my go-to recommendation for VPN newbies (and anyone looking for a stress-free experience) is. The same applies to the Apple TV app.
Once ExpressVPN is up and running on your Apple TV, you can choose how you want to sign in. Entering your credentials using your TV remote isn’t always the most intuitive method. That’s why ExpressVPN allows users to simply scan. QR code instead.
Server hopping is equally easy. Check out our large network of VPN servers spread across 95 countries.
These servers are the key to unblocking content from all over the world and every streaming platform you can think of. In a nutshell, when you connect to a VPN server, you are assigned a new temporary IP address that is located in the same location as the server. So the sites you visit will read it and think you are physically there. It then provides content specific to that country’s region.
Let’s say you want to see what’s new on Netflix in the US. All you have to do is join an ExpressVPN server in the US, load up Netflix, and settle in for a movie marathon.
One of my favorite additions to the ExpressVPN Apple TV app is the Favorites system. This allows you to add the server to your convenient quick access menu. This is especially useful if you regularly unblock content from certain countries or services (if you want to spend less time navigating menus and more time watching TV).
1. Seamless streaming
The truth is that some VPNs aren’t suitable for streaming. Some can’t handle HD content or have a hard time unblocking the platform in the first place. Luckily, ExpressVPN is a reliable streaming VPN and its Apple TV app has the same features.
Like the desktop and mobile apps, the Apple TV app utilizes ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol, Lightway.
easy streaming
(Image source: Getty Images)
Looking for the perfect streaming companion? Our best streaming VPNs page ranks today’s biggest and best competitors.
Lightway is based on WireGuard, an ultra-fast VPN protocol that provides a solid blend of speed and security. So you don’t have to worry about endless buffering circles or grainy videos while streaming.
Please note that the Apple TV app does not double as an Apple TV+ subscription. If you want to check out these Apple original shows, you’ll need to purchase a separate plan.
2. Block ads and trackers
No one likes being bombarded with pop-up ads. Who would want to see a banner displayed during a movie marathon?
This is where ExpressVPN’s threat manager comes into play. Available on nearly every device, including desktop, mobile, and Apple TV, it’s packed with privacy-enhancing features to clean up your online experience.
One of my favorites is, you guessed it, ad blockers that drive away those annoying ads wherever they appear. Currently, the ad blocker only disables display ads, not video or audio ads, but the blocker utilizes an extensive open-source blocklist that is updated weekly. You can also report the ad yourself and have the ExpressVPN team review (and possibly remove) the ad.
ExpressVPN’s Tracker Blocker lets you control what companies, sites, and third parties know about you.
One of the most insidious aspects of these ads is that they can be generated by your personal information. Remember those creepy targeted ads you see after visiting certain sites?
These sites and services use third-party trackers to record your activities and use that data to create user profiles. They may then serve you personalized ads in the hope that you will buy everything they are selling, but you do not consent to this.
ExpressVPN’s Tracker Blocker lets you take back control over what these companies, sites, and third parties know about you. The blocker prevents these suspicious services from communicating with known trackers (listed on ExpressVPN’s blocklist) and monitoring your activity.
Enabling threat protection on your Apple TV is easy and convenient. All you need to do is:
Log in to ExpressVPN and make sure you’re using the Lightway protocol. (Optional), then (Advanced Protection) to turn on the advanced protection features you want.
3. Start using the ExpressVPN Apple TV app
ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app works like a charm and can be downloaded in just a few clicks. Are you interested? Just follow these simple steps.
Open the App Store on your Apple TV. Download the ExpressVPN app. Once the download is complete, log in. Connect to the server.
You’re ready! Enjoy geo-restricted streaming content and enhance your overall digital privacy. Oh, and remember that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN on your own time without risking a penny.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to that Service’s terms of use). 2. Protect your online security and enhance your online privacy while abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious uses of VPN services. The consumption of paid pirated content is not authorized or endorsed by Future Publishing.
