Best VPN for Android TV and Android TV boxes

Android TV is an operating system designed by Google, optimized for use by smart TVs and streaming devices. It is based on Android, the operating system that runs on phones and tablets. The term Android TV is also sometimes informally used to refer to a television that is running software based on Android, but there is no single product that is officially called an “Android TV,” and Android-based smart TVs come from several manufacturers, including Sony, Hisense, Xiaomi, Skyworth, TCL, Panasonic, and Philips.

Android TV boxes are external devices running Android-based software that can be plugged into any television. Some take the form of a traditional set-top box, while others are dongles. There is no single product that is the “Android TV box,” and they are produced by many different manufacturers. Some devices categorized as Android TV boxes actually run other variants of Android, like the Amazon Fire family of products, but the takeaway is the same: They can install and run Android apps, such as ExpressVPN, just like a phone can. Other popular Android TV boxes are the Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi, and Chromecast With Google TV.

The box that works best for you is likely to boil down to a comparison of price vs. features. Entry-level devices can cost less than 50 USD. Nvidia Shield is popular with gamers, while Amazon Fire devices may make more sense if you’re already an Amazon household. In any case, all Android TV devices can download and install ExpressVPN, which means security whenever you use your device.

If your smart TV is marketed as running Android TV, it should be able to run ExpressVPN for Android with no issues. But ExpressVPN offers solutions for all kinds of smart TVs, including those that cannot install any VPN app. For example, any device with an internet connection can connect to ExpressVPN through a VPN-enabled Wi-Fi router. Check out our complete guide to getting ExpressVPN on your TV, or contact support for advice on your specific situation.

Yes. Android TV is an operating system that’s available on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, set-top boxes, and digital streaming devices. Chromecast is one such streaming device that of course runs on Android OS (not to be confused with third-generation Chromecast With Google TV, which launched in late 2020 as the successor to Android TV).

Yes! ExpressVPN is available on a wide array of devices including computers, smartphones, and game consoles. As many as 14 devices can connect to ExpressVPN simultaneously with a single subscription. And if you install ExpressVPN on your Wi-Fi router, every device connected to that router will be protected, no matter how many you have.

Every ExpressVPN account comes with a risk-free money-back guarantee. First-time subscribers can enjoy the full-featured version of ExpressVPN for up to 30 days and still get a full refund.

We advise against using a free Android TV VPN. Of course, not every free VPN is problematic. However, if a VPN does not charge you a fee, be aware that the VPN must use other ways to make money to run their service.

A free Android TV VPN might do the following to monetize your internet traffic without your knowledge:

• Inject targeted ads and spam into your browser
• Log your browsing history and sell it to advertisers
• Make records of your usernames, passwords, and bank details
• Steal your bandwidth

That’s why we recommend you use a paid VPN, such as ExpressVPN. There’s no free VPN that can match ExpressVPN’s speed, security, and quality of service.

Yes! It is legal to use a VPN with an Android TV box. You can legally download the ExpressVPN app from Google Play on your Android TV.

If the ExpressVPN app is unavailable for download on your Android TV, you can sideload the app instead.

1. Download the APK

• On your computer, go to the ExpressVPN setup page and download the APK file.

2. Install a file manager on your Android TV

• On your Android TV, open Apps and search for File Commander.
• Select Install and then Open. (ExpressVPN isn’t affiliated with third-party apps.)

3. Transfer the APK to your Android TV

• In File Commander, select PC File Transfer.
• Enter the IP address shown into your computer’s browser.
• Open Internal storage > UPLOAD FILES.
• Select the ExpressVPN APK you downloaded and upload it. The file is now on your Android TV.

4. Enable installation from unknown sources

• Press Home on your remote > Settings.
• Go to System > About.
• Select Android TV OS build repeatedly until you see “You are now a developer!”
• Return to Settings > Apps > Security & Restrictions > Unknown sources, and enable it for File Commander.

5. Install the APK

• Open File Commander > Internal storage.
• Select the ExpressVPN APK and choose Install.

Once installed, open ExpressVPN from your apps.