Apple TV (tvOS) does not have an App Store section for VPN apps, and you cannot install a VPN directly on Apple TV the way you can on an iPhone or Android device. To use a VPN with Apple TV, you have three options: install the VPN on your router, use Smart DNS (available from most VPN providers), or share an iPhone or iPad's VPN connection as a hotspot.
Option 1: VPN on Your Router
This is the most comprehensive option. If your router supports VPN client mode (many DD-WRT, OpenWrt, and select commercial routers do), install your VPN's configuration on the router. Every device on your network -- including Apple TV -- will route through the VPN automatically. Disadvantage: your entire home network goes through the VPN, which can slow down connections for devices that don't need it. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all provide router configuration guides. ExpressVPN sells a pre-configured router (Aircove) if you don't want to configure one yourself.
Option 2: Smart DNS
Smart DNS is not a full VPN -- it only reroutes the specific DNS requests needed for geo-bypassing streaming content. It does not encrypt your traffic. It is faster than a VPN and works on Apple TV without any special configuration: go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your Apple TV, set custom DNS servers, and enter the Smart DNS addresses from your provider. NordVPN (SmartPlay), ExpressVPN (MediaStreamer), and Surfshark all include Smart DNS with their subscriptions. Best for: accessing Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, or other region-locked content without speed penalty.
Option 3: iPhone Hotspot with VPN Active
Enable VPN on your iPhone, then enable Personal Hotspot. Connect your Apple TV to the iPhone hotspot instead of your home Wi-Fi. Apple TV's traffic routes through the iPhone's VPN connection. Disadvantage: uses your iPhone's data plan and battery. Only practical for occasional use.
Which VPN Services Work Best with Apple TV
For streaming geo-bypass via Smart DNS: ExpressVPN MediaStreamer and NordVPN SmartPlay are the most reliable, with consistent Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu access. For router installation: NordVPN has the most comprehensive router documentation; ExpressVPN's Aircove router is the most user-friendly pre-configured option.