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Best VPN for Nvidia Shield TV in 2024

Last updated: May 10, 2022

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Nvidia Sheild is one of the most popular platforms for streaming, allowing you to access sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ from your home TV!

And Nvidia Shield users can also use this Android-based TV box to play video games as well.

Unfortunately, nothing comes without limitations, and Nvidia Shield is no exception.

Since the TV box gives you access to outside streaming platforms, users are subject to geo-blocks, rendering some shows unavailable in particular regions.

To bypass these restrictions, the best workaround is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Nvidia Sheild.

The best VPN for Nvidia Shield will bypass geo-restrictions, have fast speeds, and provide sufficient security features to secure your online data.

Keep reading for the 7 best VPN options for Nvidia Shield TV in 2024…

In a Hurry? Here Are 7 Best VPNs for Nvidia Shield TV

Why You Need a VPN for Nvidia Shield TV 

Since Nvidia Shield is a tool used to access other streaming sites, it is subject to the same geo-restrictions to which those sites are subject.

This means that if a certain title is unavailable in your region on Netflix, Hulu, or another streaming platform, you won’t be able to access it with Nvidia Sheild, either.

If you want to bypass these geo-blocks, you’ll have to use a VPN to do so. A Nvidia Shield VPN works by connecting you to a server in the location of your choice, allowing you to change your IP address and trick your Internet Service Provider into thinking you are somewhere else. In this way, you can access content from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home.

Another benefit to using a VPN with Nvidia Shield is improved connection speeds.

When using a VPN for Nvidia Shield, you can choose which VPN server to which you connect; so, if you’re experiencing buffering and connectivity issues, you can simply switch to a closer VPN server and have quicker speeds.

VPN services also offer encrypted connections, so you can rest assured that your online data and personal information will remain secure when connecting through a premium VPN.

How to Choose the Best VPN Service for Nvidia Shield TV 

There are a few important criteria to keep in mind when searching for the best VPN for Nvidia Shield.

According to our research, these are the most important features:

☑️ Ability to bypass geoblocks — The best VPN for Nvidia Shield will get past even the toughest of geo-blocks so you can access your favorite shows from around the world.

☑️ Fast speeds — To have a smooth and seamless experience, your VPN for Nvidia Shield will have fast connection speeds.

☑️ Large server network — A large server network will give you more location options from which to choose. This will allow you to access a larger variety of shows from different regions.

☑️ Security features — Having reliable security measures is important for keeping your online data and personal information secure. A no-logs policy will ensure that the VPN provider does not track or keep logs of your activity.

☑️ 30day/45day moneyback guarantee — With a money-back trial period, you can try the service risk-free before committing.

7 Best VPNs for Nvidia Shield TV

Since Nvidia Shield TV uses an Android operating system, you’ll need a VPN that is compatible with an Android TV.

These top 7 best VPN service providers are compatible with Android TV and Android mobile devices to give you a seamless and smooth experience with your Nvidia Shield TV.

 1. ExpressVPN:

Devices compatible with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Nvidia Shield Android TV.

It has a broad server network of 3,000 servers in almost 94 countries around the globe; and it also happens to be the fastest, offering you great speeds for all your Internet traffic, no matter from where you are streaming.

ExpressVPN has top-notch security features, including militarygrade encryption (256bit AES encryption), DNS, WebRTCIPv6 leak protection, OpenVPN protocol, and a Network Lock Kill Switch that stops all your Internet traffic if your VPN connection drops. All these features will keep your Internet activity both safe and private, and none of your online data will be tracked or logged, so you can surf the web completely anonymously.

ExpressVPN is great for streaming services, helping achieve low latency and low ping. This will allow you to stream seamlessly and smoothly from all popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

This provider is compatible with all major operating systems, including Android devices, making it a great Nvidia Shield TV VPN. While there are typically only 5 devices allowed on your user account at once, when you connect your VPN to your router, all of your network devices can connect to your WI-fi, all of which will be protected by your VPN.

ExpressVPN has 24/7 livechat support, and a 30day moneyback guarantee, so if you are unhappy with the service, all you have to do is contact it to get your money back!

Pros:

  • Excellent safety features
  • Network of fast servers
  • Consistent connections
  • Compatible with Android TV and Android TV app
  • Anonymous payment option with Bitcoin
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • More expensive than its competitors

2. NordVPN:

Devices compatible with NordVPN

This is another excellent VPN for Nvidia Shield, with a large server network of 5,200+ servers, located in almost 60 countries. NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds, and the ability to unblock popular streaming services easily.

NordVPN has such reliable safety features as militarygrade encryption, IPv6DNS and WebRTC leak protection, double VPN encryption, and a Kill Switch that will cut your Internet connection if the encrypted connection breaks suddenly.

NordVPN also has a strict nologs policy that can be trusted since it is based in Panama, outside the 5 eyes alliance.

This VPN provider can unblock streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, plus it has a VPN app or extension for all major operating systems and devices, including iOS, Windows, iPhone, Android, Android TV, and Amazon Firestick. You can also use it with your Xbox, Playstation, or Nintendo switch by configuring it on your home router, which will allow any device connected to your home network to benefit from the features this VPN has to offer.

You can try NordVPN for yourself risk-free with its 30day moneyback guarantee, and if you’re not happy with the service, just contact its live-chat support to get a full refund.

Pros:

  • Affordable VPN
  • Great privacy and security
  • Zero-logs policy
  • Speeds are good for using streaming platforms
  • Compatible with Android TV and Android TV app
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Not as fast as ExpressVPN
  • Some issues around its User Interface

3. Surfshark:

Devices compatible with Surfshark

Surfsharks unbeatable price and server network of 3,200 servers make it a great choice for Nvidia Shield users. Even during peak times, you’ll be able to find a low-traffic server with good speeds.

Surfshark has no limit on bandwidth, and sufficient speeds to protect against most buffering and lag when streaming your favorite shows, although there will be some intermittently.

When it comes to security, Surfshark ensures your online safety with features like 256bit encryption, WebRTC, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, OpenVPN protocol, and a Kill Switch. Surfshark also has a strict nologs policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside the 5 eyes alliance.

Surfshark’s VPN apps are compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, and will work smoothly with your Android TV.

Able to get past most geo-blocks, with this provider you can stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iplayer, or any of the popular streaming services.

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single user account, which is rare because few VPN providers offer this luxury. Having both unlimited device connections and bandwidth means the whole family can watch from any device whenever they’d like!

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Strong security and privacy features
  • No limit to bandwidth
  • Compatible with Android TV and Android TV app
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Speeds tend to be inconsistent
  • Some of its servers are slow

Devices compatible with CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another excellent VPN for Nvidia Shield TV. This VPN service offers an enormous server network of 7,800 servers in 90+ countries, each server providing quick and consistent connections so you won’t have to worry about loading and lag.

This VPN service provider can get around even the toughest of geo-blocks to help you access content on Nvidia Shield from around the world, with robust safety features like an automatic adblocker (to eliminate annoying ads), malwarescanning, a Kill Switch, DNS, WebRTCIPv6 leak protection to prevent DDoS attacks, 256bit encryption, and a strict nologs policy.

This Nvidia Shield VPN is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and your home router, and it allows up to 7 connections on a single user account.

If you run into any issues, you can always contact its customer support service; and CyberGhost is unique in that it offers a 45day moneyback guarantee, which is longer than other VPN service providers allow.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Network of servers all around the globe
  • Dedicated streaming servers
  • Compatible with Android TV and Android TV app
  • Impressive safety and protection features
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Insufficient customization for advanced users
  • Speeds can be inconsistent at times

Devices compatible with PIA

PIA is another reliable provider on our list of options if you’re looking for the best VPN for Nvidia Shield.

It has decent security, including a Kill Switch, nologging policy, and the standard 128bit encryption. If you want to increase your protection to the higher level of 256-bit encryption, you can do this by changing the setting in your PIA app. The other VPNs on this list all offer 256-bit encryption as the default.

PIA’s server network is huge, with over 29,000 servers located around the world, each of which offers decent speeds, so you should never have trouble finding a good server to help you access your geo-blocked content.

PIA offers 10 simultaneous connections on a single user account, which is great for families, and you can use PIA on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Since its speeds are not quite as consistent as the top VPNS above it on the list, you can test PIA for yourself with its 30day moneyback guarantee, risk-free, before committing.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • No data caps
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 10 device connections
  • Huge server network

Cons:

  • Can’t access all the streaming services
  • Speeds are inconsistent
  • Based in the USA

6. UltraVPN:

Devices compatible with UltraVPN

UltraVPN is another great VPN for Nvidia Shield TV, but it has a smaller server network, offering only around 116 servers worldwide.

Like the other top VPN providers, UltraVPN encrypts your data with militarygrade AES 256bit encryption and has the option of choosing a VPN protocol from among TCP, UDP (OpenVPN), and IKEV2.

UltraVPN also has an automatic Kill Switch that protects your encrypted traffic from being exposed.

This provider has great speeds and can unblock content on most streaming services, although not all, and it is located in the USA, which is in the information-sharing alliance.

UltraVPN offers compatibility with WindowsMac, Android, and iOS, and allows users to connect 3 or 6 devices simultaneously, depending on which plan you choose.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced VPN
  • Strong safety and privacy features
  • Compatible with Android App
  • Fast download speeds
  • 3 or 6 simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Slow and frustrating sign-up process
  • Website is not useful
  • Based in the USA (part of 5 eyes alliance)
  • Small number of Servers (only 100+)

7. IPVanish:

IPVanish

IPVanish is a great VPN for Nvidia Shield, with its speedy connections that will allow you to stream with HD streaming.

With a large server network of approximately 1,900 servers in more than 75 countries, you should always be able to find a server in the location you need with this provider. Plus, with unlimited simultaneous connections on a single user account, you can have the freedom to connect whenever you’d like.

IPVanish provides robust safety features like 256bit encryption and protection against WebRTC, IPv6and DNS leaks. It also has a Kill Switch to prevent any data from leaking if the encrypted connection breaks.

Pros:

  • Allows you to play with no lag
  • Unlimited data
  • Unlimited number of connections
  • Strong privacy features
  • No-log policy

Cons:

  • Can’t pay with cryptocurrency
  • Poor customer support

Can I Use a Free VPN with Nvidia Shield?

While cutting corners and saving a few extra bucks a month may seem appealing, there are quite a few reasons we don’t recommend using a free VPN for Nvidia Shield.

The first reason is unreliability.

Free VPN providers tend to have small server networks, which means each server will be overloaded with users. This will cause issues like lagging, buffering, loading, and freezing while you’re trying to watch. Sometimes you may not even be able to find an available server to connect to at all.

With few VPN servers from which to choose, you will also have very limited locations to which to connect. This means you may not be able to unblock the content you’d like, depending on geo-restrictions.

Along with limiting the servers to which you can connect, free services are also known for data caps.

This means your bandwidth won’t be unlimited, and once you hit your data limit, you will be instantly cut off. This can be problematic for gamers and streamers since these online activities use up a lot of data.

While premium VPNs go above and beyond to protect your privacy and Internet traffic, free VPN apps tend to do the opposite. They have been known to sell user data to third parties and marketing agencies rather than provide features like encryption and DNS leak protection. This also puts you at risk for cyberattacks and sneaky malware.

We recommend investing in a premium Nvidia Shield VPN to allow you to access your desired content from around the globe both safely and securely.

How to Install a VPN App on Nvidia Shield

Here are the different options you have when you want to install a VPN on Nvidia Shield:

How to install via Google Play Store

If you are installing a VPN app through the Google Play Store, follow these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service on your VPN provider’s website. (We recommend ExpressVPN.)
  2. Open Nvidia Shield, and open the Apps menu.
  3. Find Google Play Store on the list of apps.
  4. Once Google Play Store is open, select your chosen VPN app to download. (Keep in mind this will be the Android TV version of the Google Play Store, so there will be fewer apps available.)
  5. Install the VPN to Nvidia Shield.
  6. Open the VPN and sign in with your account information.
  7. Connect to the server of your choice.
  8. Enjoy watching unblocked content!

If you don’t want to install a VPN directly to Nvidia Shield, you also have the option of installing a VPN onto your home router. By doing so, any device connected to your home Internet will automatically benefit from the features a VPN has to offer. So when you use Nvidia Shield, it, too, will be connected through the secure VPN tunnel.

Keep in mind, that while this method certainly is convenient, not every router is compatible with a VPN, and vice versa.

How to install as an APK File

If you want to install your VPN as an Android APK file, otherwise known as sideloading, follow these simple steps:

  1. Download an Android File Explorer App onto your computer.
  2. Open your Nvidia Shield TV and head to security settings, then unknown sources, and switch on the Android File Explorer App you had chosen.
  3. On your computer, download the APK file from your VPN service provider’s website.
  4. Upload the file onto a USB flash drive and plug it into your Shield box.
  5. When you plug your USB flash drive into the box, a pop-up prompt is given to open the ES File Explorer.
  6. Once the ES File Explorer is open, transfer and install the APK file to Nvidia Shield.
  7. The VPN will now show up on your apps list on your Nvidia Shield TV.
  8. Enjoy watching unblocked content!

Nvidia Shield vs. Shield TV

The new and radically designed Shield TV has users debating between the older Nvidia Shield TV and the new Shield TV devices.

While both are similar in function and features, users have noticed more lagging and buffering when using the new Shield TV with a VPN. This is because of fewer specs on Shield TV, making data encryption more of a struggle.

While both can be suitable for gaming and watching streaming services, the compact nature of Shield TV has been proven to come at the cost of its overall performance.

Best Apps for Nvidia Shield TV

To enhance your streaming experience, here is the list of apps that were proven to work smoothly with Nvidia Shield:

☑️ Netflix — Paid App
☑️ Hulu — Paid App
☑️ Sling — Paid App
☑️ CBS — Paid App
☑️ Showtime — Paid App
☑️ HBO Now — Paid App
☑️ PBS Kids — Free App
☑️ Pluto — Free App
☑️ Plex — Free App
☑️ Kodi — Free App
☑️ Fox Now — Free App
☑️ Food Network —Free App

FAQs

Is it legal to use a VPN with Nvidia Shield TV?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN with Nvidia Shield TV; the same rules apply to watching streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, etc.

While the streaming sites do try and stop VPNs from accessing content from different locations, there is nothing illegal about it.

The only exception is if you are located in a country where the use of VPN services is outlawed altogether. VPN users should always be aware of local laws before partaking in online activity.

How do I stop Nvidia Shield buffering?
If you’re experiencing buffering issues with your Nvidia Shield TV, there are a few things you can try.

The first is reconnecting to your Internet to see if it was a simple issue with your Internet connection.

If that doesn’t work, check which VPN server to which you are connected. If you are connected to a server located farther away from you, chances are it will slow your Internet speed. Since streaming uses up a lot of bandwidth, if your server is crowded, that can also slow you. Try connecting to a different server, as close to your location as possible, and see if that helps.

Another thing you can try is checking for updates. Older versions of the Nvidia shield and the streaming apps you’re using can slow the connection and cause buffering and lags.

If all else fails, rebooting is always an option. You can do this by going to the Nvidia Shield Home Screen, and then to the Settings menu. Next, you’ll want to select “Device Preferences” and then “Reset.” To confirm, click on “Erase Everything.” Now that your streaming TV box is reset, the buffering should be improved.

Does NordVPN work on Nvidia Shield?
NordVPN is one of the best VPN services for Nvidia Shield TV. It will ensure a secure encrypted connection while you watch your online streaming service, and allow you to do so smoothly and without lags and buffering.

NordVPN has a very easy VPN setup and is compatible with the Android App.

Can I install ExpressVPN on Nvidia Shield?
Yes, ExpressVPN is the best Nvidia Shield VPN and works seamlessly with the Android TV app and any version of Nvidia Shield TV.

ExpressVPN is known for its rocket-fast speeds and military-grade protection, so you can watch your favorite streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or BBC iPlayer smoothly and securely. This provider also has the option to connect to your home router, so all your devices can benefit from its features.

ExpressVPN has a 24/7 livechat support team, and a 30day moneyback guarantee, so you can try it for yourself risk-free.

Can I watch Netflix on Nvidia Shield?
Netflix is available on all Nvidia shield TV versions and all Andoird streaming players from any region where Netflix is available.

All you have to do is download the app from the Google Play Store, and once your account is set up, you can scroll through rows and rows of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. You can save different shows for later, and look through a customized list of the movies and shows Netflix recommends for you.

Conclusion

If you are an Nvidia Shield user and want to be able to access your favorite shows and movies from around the world, subscribe to one of these top 7 best VPNs for Nvidia Shield.

We recommend ExpressVPN, which offers 3,000 super-fast servers in almost 100 countries around the world from which to choose, along with top-notch safety features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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