- A TV box with Android TV or Google TV allows you to install native VPN apps and access streaming catalogs from other countries with good quality and stability.
- Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, or Proton VPN offer high speed, strong encryption, and direct compatibility with TV boxes and Smart TVs.
- Models like the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen or X88 Pro 13 with Android 13 are affordable and powerful options for using VPN, streaming, IPTV and other apps on any TV with HDMI.
If you have an older TV that still works well but lacks apps, the easiest solution these days is to add a VPN-compatible TV box and turn it into a modern Smart TV without breaking the bank. These small boxes allow you to install almost any streaming app, IPTV, games, emulators, and, of course, VPN clients to bypass geographical restrictions and improve your privacy.
Many users find themselves in this exact situation: a TV with a proprietary operating system (webOS, Tizen, etc.) in their living room that they don't want to replace, but they do want to enjoy VPN apps like Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN , and others running alongside Netflix, DAZN, or live TV apps. This is where Android TV boxes and devices with Google TV come in, opening the door to a world of options that closed systems simply don't offer.
What is a VPN and why does it matter so much on a TV box?
Before discussing specific models, it's worth understanding exactly what a VPN does, because this is key to getting the most out of a VPN-compatible TV box . A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet , so all traffic is routed through a remote server, which is the one that "presents" itself to the network.
This tunnel acts as a kind of digital mask that hides your real IP address and location . Websites, streaming apps, your internet service provider, and even unsecured Wi-Fi networks only see the VPN server's IP address, not your home connection's, making it much harder for them to track your activity or link it to your identity.
Applied to a TV box, this means you can simulate being in another country to access catalogs from Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, or other platforms that only exist in certain regions, or watch restricted TV channels outside your territory, without having to touch anything on the TV other than turning on the VPN app.
In addition to geo-unblocking, a VPN provides added privacy and security for your Smart TV : it hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and prevents your provider from seeing exactly which services you use and for how long—something especially useful if your provider applies speed caps when it detects a lot of streaming.
Advantages of using a VPN on your TV box or Smart TV
Some people think VPNs are only for mobile phones or laptops, but on a TV box they can make all the difference. Once installed, a VPN on Android TV or Google TV offers the same advantages as on any other device , with the added benefit that everything that leaves the box passes through that secure tunnel.
One of the key advantages is the ability to bypass regional restrictions on platforms and networks . Many services only offer certain content in specific countries due to licensing issues, and the catalog you see in your country may be a fraction of what's available; with a good VPN, you can "jump" between regions.
It also helps improve your privacy from your internet service provider and the streaming services themselves, which use your viewing history to target you with ads or profile your habits . Since all traffic is encrypted, it's much harder for them to see exactly what you're watching and at what time, regardless of whether you're online.
Another interesting point is the issue of throttling or connection limiting . Some internet providers reduce speeds when they detect a lot of streaming video or constant downloads; by using a VPN, this pattern is hidden, making it more difficult for the provider to selectively apply these limitations.
Finally, if you travel with your TV box (to another house, on vacation, etc.), a VPN allows you to continue accessing channels and platforms from your country even while you are abroad, as long as the service allows it, giving you an experience very similar to what you have in your usual living room.
How to install a VPN on Android TV or Google TV
The good news is that if you choose a TV box with a genuine Android TV or Google TV operating system, installing a VPN is usually almost as easy as doing it on your phone. Most major providers have native apps on Google Play for these devices, which greatly simplifies the setup process.
The basic process involves opening the Google Play Store on your TV box , searching for the VPN name (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, Proton VPN, etc.), installing the app, and then logging in with your account, which you will usually have created from your mobile phone or computer.
Once inside, almost all VPN apps let you choose between a "fast" automatic server or a list of countries . For streaming, it's usually useful to choose the country whose catalog you want to access (for example, the US, UK, Spain, Japan, etc.), while to simply protect your connection, you can leave it in automatic mode.
Once you connect, the VPN runs in the background while you use Netflix, YouTube, IPTV apps, games, or anything else. You can minimize the VPN app and forget about it , knowing that all your TV box traffic passes through this encrypted tunnel.
There's another, more advanced option: installing the VPN directly on your router so all your home devices can benefit. This method requires a compatible router and a bit more patience, but it allows any connected device (Smart TVs, game consoles, mobile phones, etc.) to use the VPN without installing apps individually.
The best VPNs to use on a compatible TV box
When it comes to VPN-compatible TV boxes, choosing a reliable and trustworthy VPN service is just as important as the hardware . There are many options on the market, but a few stand out for their speed, security, and compatibility when it comes to Android TV and Google TV.
NordVPN is one of the industry veterans and stands out for its excellent balance between price and performance. It boasts a network of thousands of servers spread across more than 100 countries , supports 4K streaming, has native clients for Android TV, Nvidia Shield , Chromecast with Google TV, and other devices, and generally works very well with the main catalogs of Netflix, Disney+, and similar services.
In terms of security, NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, the WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol , a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on the same account and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
ExpressVPN is another top choice when performance is paramount. It boasts a network of over 3.000 servers in more than 100 countries , dedicated apps for Android TV, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, and solutions like MediaStreamer for TVs running proprietary operating systems such as Tizen (Samsung) or webOS (LG).
Its strengths lie in its speed and stability, making it especially suitable for uninterrupted high-definition and 4K streaming . It's highly effective at unlocking Netflix libraries from various countries, as well as services like Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. It also features bank-grade encryption, its own Lightway protocol, and a no-logs policy.
CyberGhost is a very attractive option if you want to spend little without sacrificing a good experience. It offers one of the largest server networks on the market, with over 12.000 nodes in more than 100 countries, and specific apps for Android TV with dedicated streaming servers.
While it's not always the first choice for all Netflix libraries, it performs very well with Netflix US and other services, and its 4K performance is more than adequate. It uses 256-bit encryption, supports WireGuard, and maintains a strict no-logs policy , in addition to allowing up to 7 simultaneous connections.
Surfshark, on the other hand, is very popular for its excellent value and because it allows unlimited devices with a single account . Its Android TV app is very easy to use, can be set up in minutes from Google Play, and offers more than 4.000 servers in over 100 countries, with good streaming speeds.
In terms of security, it includes AES-256 encryption, modern protocols like WireGuard, and advanced features such as NoBorders, MultiHop, and periodic IP switching , which are very useful for circumventing censorship or enhancing privacy. It's not the fastest on the market, but it comes quite close to the leaders at a very competitive price.
Proton VPN completes the list of the most reliable services for use on a TV box. It's a VPN with a strong focus on privacy and security , created by the team behind ProtonMail, and has an official app for Android TV and Google TV, although it's not natively compatible with some proprietary systems on Samsung or LG TVs.
TV boxes recommended for use with VPN
Once we've identified the most interesting VPNs, it's time to see which devices are the best fit if you're looking for a TV box compatible with VPNs, streaming, and various apps without breaking the bank. There are several options available, from very inexpensive boxes to more feature-rich but still affordable models.
One of the most well-rounded options currently available is the Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen with Google TV . This model transforms any HDMI-enabled screen into a modern Smart TV with 4K UHD output, support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound if you have a compatible audio system.
Inside, it boasts a 2,5 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of internal storage —a significant leap forward compared to previous, more limited generations. Thanks to that 32 GB, you can easily install multiple streaming platforms, IPTV apps, a few games, lightweight emulators, and one or more VPN clients without running out of space on day one.
This Xiaomi Box includes WiFi 6 for more stable connections, Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting controllers, keyboards, or headphones , and built-in Chromecast, so you can send content from your phone or laptop to the TV with just a couple of taps. Because it's based on Google TV, you can create user profiles, receive personalized recommendations, and control smart home devices.
Another very attractive option in the budget range is the X88 Pro 13 TV Box with Android 13 , one of the best-selling models in online stores. Its main advantage is that it comes with a full Android 13 operating system, including the Play Store and support for a wide variety of apps, including VPN clients like NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and similar services.
This device features a 64-bit RK3528 chipset, along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage , providing ample space for installing video platforms, IPTV apps, simple games, emulators, and various VPN apps without worrying about memory. While technically capable of 8K decoding, in practice it will typically be used at 4K/60fps or 1080p/60fps depending on the TV and the content.
In terms of connectivity, it's very well-equipped for its price, with dual-band 2,4/5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and HDMI. This translates to a stable connection for streaming and VPN use , both wired and Wi-Fi. It also usually includes a mini wireless keyboard, which is incredibly useful for typing passwords, searching for titles, and navigating settings with ease.
However, as with many budget TV boxes, it's worth considering DRM certifications like Widevine L1. Some apps might work but limit the resolution to HD or SD instead of 4K; if watching all platforms in 4K with HDR is essential for you, it's important to check the DRM level the box supports or opt for more certified models.
Beyond these models, any TV box with Android TV/Google TV and access to Google Play that meets minimum hardware requirements (2 GB of RAM or more, good Wi-Fi, and decent storage) will, in practice, be compatible with most popular VPNs . The key is to avoid very closed systems without an official store or strange firmwares that complicate app installation.
Install and use ExpressVPN step by step on Android TV box
A prime example of how a VPN integrates into a TV box is ExpressVPN. Its Android TV app allows for easy installation, activation, and use of the VPN on models from brands like Sony, TCL, Xiaomi, Nvidia Shield, MINIX, Formuler, and many others compatible with Android 5.0 or higher.
The most direct way is to go to the Google Play Store from your TV box, search for “ExpressVPN”, download the application, and select the install option. Once finished, simply tap “Open” to launch the app and proceed with the activation process, which can be done in several ways.
ExpressVPN lets you log in using a QR code, an 8-character activation code, or directly with your remote control by entering your email and password. In all cases, you'll need to link your TV box to your account, approve connection requests, and choose whether or not to allow anonymous diagnostic data to be sent.
If for any reason your TV box can't access the Play Store or the app doesn't appear, you can install it via APK. To do this, download the APK file from the ExpressVPN website to a computer, upload it to a storage service compatible with your TV box (for example, using an app like File Commander or MobiDrive), and after enabling installation from unknown sources and developer mode , launch the manual installation.
Once activated, it's easy to use: by pressing the large connect button, ExpressVPN automatically connects to a "smart location" designed to offer the best combination of speed and stability . From the location selector, you can change countries, view recommendations, review all available regions, or mark certain servers as favorites.
To disconnect, simply press the main button again. If you ever need to uninstall the app, you can do so from the Android TV applications section, leaving your TV box free of ExpressVPN in just a couple of steps . In case of problems, the service offers 24/7 technical support via chat.
Free VPN on TV box: risks and limitations
It's tempting to think that if you only want to watch a series from another country occasionally, a free VPN installed on your TV box will suffice. However, in practice, free VPNs are often a poor choice for streaming , especially on a TV.
Most free streaming services impose very strict data limits (sometimes only a few gigabytes per month), meaning that watching a couple of HD movies or a few hours of TV series can quickly eat up your data allowance in days or even hours . In addition, speeds are usually slow and unreliable, resulting in buffering, interruptions, and poor image quality.
Another problem is compatibility: many free VPNs don't even offer an Android TV app or lack advanced features like Smart DNS, essential for TVs with proprietary systems . Under these circumstances, using them on anything other than a "pure" Android TV becomes virtually impossible.
In terms of privacy, the situation is no better. Maintaining a VPN infrastructure costs money, and if the service is free, someone else is paying for it. Too often, that translates into the logging and sale of browsing data and user profiles to third parties—the exact opposite of what you want when you subscribe to a VPN.
Therefore, if your plan is to frequently use a VPN on your TV box for streaming, privacy, or travel, the most sensible approach is to opt for legal streaming alternatives and trusted paid services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or Surfshark, which offer trials and money-back guarantees so you can see if they meet your needs.
Do these VPNs also work for other Smart TVs and devices?
A common question is whether VPNs that work so well on Android TV boxes are also useful on other Smart TV models or even on devices like Apple TV. The general answer is yes, although the installation process varies depending on the TV's operating system.
Televisions with Android TV or Google TV (like many Philips, Sony, and some TCL and Xiaomi models) allow you to install apps directly from Google Play, just like on a TV box. However, Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS) TVs don't use Android, so you have to resort to solutions like Smart DNS or router configurations to take advantage of VPNs for streaming-related functions.
The premium providers we're discussing typically offer brand-specific guides for each system, explaining how to configure Smart DNS or how to use a VPN on your router so that your entire home network passes through their servers. Apple TV, for example, already has native apps or clear shortcuts for using these services.
Before subscribing, it's important to verify that your chosen VPN supports the type of TV or device you have in your living room. In this regard, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark stand out for covering virtually all common combinations , from budget Android TV boxes to Apple TV, consoles, and high-end Smart TVs.
With a well-chosen VPN-compatible TV box, a good internet connection, and a reliable VPN provider, it's possible to set up a truly flexible, secure, and virtually geographically unrestricted multimedia center on any TV, no matter how old, as long as it has HDMI. This extends the life of your television and prevents you from having to replace your device simply because of software issues.
