The Best VPNs For Nvidia Shield in 2024

The Nvidia Shield is an Android TV-powered set-top device for use with any HDMI-equipped TV. The device offers HD and 4K streaming content from most popular providers, while also offering numerous apps and games from the Google Play library.

The device is also popular among users of the Kodi media app, which is compatible with a large list of “plug-ins” that give the app the ability to view streaming media from multiple sources, play games, and perform other tasks.

Why Do I Need a VPN?

The content available on the Nvidia Shield is usually limited by geographic restrictions. Even though Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services are readily available via the Shield, their available content is limited according to which country the owner resides in.

Access to other content, such as streaming music, games and other apps, can also be geo-controlled by the publishers.

Fortunately, there is a way to unblock this content. It’s called a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A device’s IP address both identifies it on a network (in this case, the internet) and identifies its location in the world. Streaming services, game services, websites and other online services use a device’s IP address to decide whether or not the device should be allowed access to their content.

A VPN can temporarily assign your connected device(s) a new IP address, making it appear as if you are located in another region of the world. A streaming provider would see you as connecting from an authorized area, and voila, instant access to geo-blocked content.

In this article, I’ll provide a close look at the seven best VPNs for use with your Nvidia Shield. I’ll also explain how a VPN can protect and enhance all of your online activities.

How to Use a VPN With Your Nvidia Shield

It takes just a few simple steps to setup and use a VPN with your Nvidia Shield:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my top choice.)
2. Install the provider’s app on your Nvidia Shield.
3. Run the app and log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located where the content you covet is located.
5. Connect to your favorite streaming, gaming, and other services!

Best VPNs for Nvidia Shield

Following rigorous testing of numerous VPN providers, these seven providers have proven to be the best for use with Nvidia Shield devices. The quick rundown is as follows:

1. NordVPN: If you’re an Nvidia Shield user who is looking for comprehensive online protection as well as access to geo-blocked content, NordVPN is the provider for you. The provider delivers reliable protection and access to blocked content, fast connection speeds and top-notch online security and privacy, all at a reasonable price.
2. Surfshark: Nvidia Shield owners who’d rather spend money on movies, shows, games and apps will appreciate this provider’s low price. The provider also offers fast, well-encrypted connections and an unlimited concurrent connections allowance.
3. ExpressVPN: This provider offers reliable protection and enhancement for Nvidia Shield devices thanks to its proven reliability in providing fast, well-protected connections to content around the globe.
4. CyberGhost: This provider is an excellent option for users who don’t have much experience with using VPNs and are looking for an easy-to-use way to protect and enhance their Nvidia Shield-related online activities.
5. Private Internet Access: This provider delivers reliable access to geo-controlled content via its fast, well-protected connections to a global server network covering much of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: While this provider is a relative newcomer to these ranks, it has quickly earned a reputation as a reliable, content-unblocking VPN that provides top-notch VPN protection.
7. Atlas VPN: This provider offers reliable access to content around the globe, while providing fast, secure connections to most device owners.

Quick Note: All seven of these providers offer Android TV-compatible apps via the Android TV Google Play Store. Three of the providers (NordVPN, IPVanish, and PrivateVPN) also make .APK files available for download and side-loading onto your Shield, if that’s how you roll.

When ranking the top seven VPNs for use with an Nvidia Shield, I considered the following factors:

• An Android TV app is available
• Wide-ranging global server network
• Unblocks content from around the globe
• Fast, reliable connections
• Top-notch security and privacy protections
• Comprehensive customer support

Here is my list of the seven best VPNs for the Nvidia Shield in 2020.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 unblocks Nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

NordVPN is the top option for Nvidia Shield owners looking for the best VPN protection and enhancement for their devices.

An Nvidia Shield-compatible app is available from the Google Play Store, while an .APK file is available for download from the NordVPN website for sideloading on your Shield. The provider also offers apps for most other popular devices, including Android, iOS, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux and Windows devices. The provider also offers comprehensive router support.

Up to six concurrent connections are allowed.

The provider’s 5,400+ servers, based in 60 countries around the world, provide reliable access to content in nearly every location around the world. No content is safe from the powers of this network.

NordVPN’s download speeds are some of the fastest around, and can easily handle the Shield’s needs when it comes to gaming and streaming HD and 4K video.

Banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection offer optimal protection for your connection. The provider’s NordLynx connection protocol is based on the WireGuard protocol, which is designed for improved security and performance.

Your privacy is also protected well thanks to the provider’s strict no-logs policy and cryptocurrency payment option. The provider’s owned-and-operated server network keeps outside contractors away from customers’ personal information.

Also, the provider’s servers are run completely from RAM, with no data of any kind being written to a physical hard drive. This allows all data to be completely wiped from the servers whenever they are rebooted.

The firm also offers NordPass (a password manager), NordLocker (cloud storage with file encryption), and NordVPN Teams (VPN service for businesses).

Thanks to 24/7 live support chat, email support and a searchable knowledge base, customer support is always available when you need it.

BEST VPN OPTION FOR NVIDIA SHIELD:NordVPN is the best VPN option for Shield owners who are looking for excellent VPN service to protect and enhance their online activities. This provider offers comprehensive privacy protections and excellent access to blocked content, all at a reasonable price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

unblocks nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

Surfshark is an optimal choice for Nvidia Shield owners with multiple connected devices, or multiple users and don’t want to break the bank while making sure everyone and everything is covered.

Surfshark offers native app support for Android TV devices, meaning it has you covered when it comes to your Nvidia Shield. In addition, the provider offers apps for the iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS and Fire TV device platforms. (The provider recently announced native app support for Apple’s M1 Mac lineup.) Chrome, Edge and Firefox browser extensions are available.

The provider’s excellent router compatibility can be used to protect all of your connected devices through one access point.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance allows you to protect an entire family or company full of film, TV and gaming fans.

With a global server network made up of over 3,200 servers based in 65+ countries around the world, the provider’s global coverage should be sufficient for most users’ needs. Surfshark provides excellent unblocking power for geo-controlled content from around the globe. The provider says it unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

Surfshark connections are easily up to handling HD streaming video as well as fast-moving online games. File sharing is another popular pastime for Surfshark users. All users will appreciate the provider’s “no data caps or bandwidth limitations” policy.

Those fast connections are protected with banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch and ad-blocking, tracker, malware and phishing protection. A MultiHop feature routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers, delivering twice the protection.

No logs of users’ online activities are ever kept on Surfshark servers, and the provider accepts various forms of cryptocurrency in return for their services.

Around-the-clock support includes 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library and FAQ section, and a support request form.

PERFECT FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark should be an attractive option for Nvidia Shield users who are looking for a low-priced way to protect multiple connected devices, or to protect a large number of users. The provider offers top-notch online security, along with fast speeds and above-average access to blocked content. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

unblocks Nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

ExpressVPN is a versatile, if a bit expensive, VPN – offering comprehensive online protection and geo-blocked content access for your Nvidia Shield. The provider’s reliable, well-protected and fast connections offer access to content around the globe.

The ExpressVPN app is available for the Nvidia Shield for the Google Play Store. Apps are also available for the Android, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, Linux, macOS and Windows device platforms. You can use up to 5 devices concurrently on the provider’s network. The provider recently updated its already impressive router firmware, allowing you to easily protect all of your connected devices via a single access point. An auto-update feature ensures that the router is always running the latest protection.

With over 3,000+ VPN servers based in 94 countries, the provider has one of the most comprehensive global server networks in the VPN industry. Those servers offer reliable unblocking power for content nearly anywhere in the world.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds are some of the fastest in the industry, providing more than enough speed for streaming video and online gaming. The service’s connections can easily handle Nvidia’s GeForce Now game streaming service.

Your connections are protected with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch protection, DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention.

Your privacy after the fact is also covered thanks to the provider’s no-server-logs policy. Use a disposable email address to sign up, and pay with Bitcoin, and you’ll keep your subscription info completely incognito.

24/7 live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket submission system and a searchable support library have your support needs covered around the clock.

FAST AND RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN provides all-around reliable VPN coverage for your Nvidia Shield streaming/gaming device. The provider works well with the Shield and does a top-notch job of enhancing and protecting all of your online activities. While the provider’s pricing is premium, so are its services. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

unblocks Nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

CyberGhost is an attractive VPN option for Nvidia Shield users who have little to no experience with using VPNs. The provider’s apps offer optimal protection without the need to set a bunch of complicated options.

The provider’s Android app works well on the Nvidia Shield and is conveniently available from the Google Play Store. CyberGhost also makes easy-to-use apps available for most popular device platforms, including Android, iOS, macOS, Amazon Fire and Windows. You can connect up to 7 devices to the service simultaneously on the same login.

CyberGhost’s global server network includes 7,500+ servers scattered among 90+ countries. This server count delivers excellent access to content around the globe. Plus, the provider offers streaming- and file-sharing-optimized servers.

Fast connection speeds are a CyberGhost feature, with plenty of speed for downloading and sharing large files as well as streaming video.

Those connections are well-protected thanks to bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS leak, and IPv6 leak protection. A strict no-logs-on-the-servers policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option keep your privacy well-protected.

CyberGhost’s recently released security suite for Windows includes antivirus protection, a privacy tool that controls how much of your data Microsoft can see and a security updater that scans your device for outdated and vulnerable versions of apps. CyberGhost ID Guard alerts a user when their email address is revealed in a data breach.

Customer support is always available thanks to 24/7 live support chat, email support, a support request system, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST OPTION FOR NEW VPN USERS:CyberGhost is the best option for Nvidia Shield users who have little to no experience with using VPN apps. Comprehensive protection, excellent global server coverage, and fast connections all come wrapped in an easy-to-use package. A 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

unblocks Nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable access to online content for your Nvidia Shield, as well as the rest of your devices.

The provider’s global server network is made up of 3,300+ servers stationed in more than 80 countries. This means you can enjoy geo-controlled content like games and movies from around the globe.

While PIA’s connections are certainly not the fastest I’ve ever seen, they reliably deliver more than enough bandwidth for popular online activities. The provider never imposes data caps or bandwidth throttling.

All PIA connections are protected by government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IP and DNS leak prevention and a kill switch. Ads, trackers, malware and malicious site blocking is also available.

The provider follows a strict no-logs policy and it accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, keeping your privacy well-protected.

PIA native app support offerings include options for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux devices. Opera, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router compatibility.

Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously on a single set of login credentials.

The provider’s customer support options include a live support chat offering, trouble ticket form and support/troubleshooting knowledgebase.

RELIABLE VPN FOR NVIDIA SHIELD USERS:Private Internet Access provides reliable protection and access to online content for Nvidia Shield users. The provider’s comprehensive security and privacy protections have you covered. Check with PIA before using the VPN in an overly restrictive country. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read our full review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

unblocks Nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

PrivateVPN may be the newest addition among these 7 providers, but the service has quickly gained a reputation for fast download speeds, as well as optimal security and privacy protections.

You can install the PrivateVPN Android app to your Shield via the Google Play Store, or you can download it directly from the PrivateVPN website, to be sideloaded to your Nvidia device. Apps are also available for the Android, iOS, macOS and Windows device platforms.

Apps are also available for the other major app platforms. Users can protect up to six devices at once using the provider’s six concurrent device allowance.

Let’s face it, 200+ servers spread thinly among 60 countries doesn’t sound all that impressive. However, the provider does a strategic job of locating the servers, offering reliable access to blocked content around the world.

The provider’s connection speeds can easily handle streaming of HD and 4K content, while also offering plenty of bandwidth for sharing large files.

Government-grade 256-bit AES encryption protects those fast connections, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protection prevent your connection information from being exposed. “Stealth VPN” protection makes your VPN activity appear to be regular browsing activity.

A no-logs policy, along with a Bitcoin payment option, keeps things private.

Despite a claim of 24/7 support chat availability, I found the feature to be a hit-or-miss proposition. Mostly miss. A support request form is available around the clock, as is a non-searchable FAQ resource.

STEALTHY PROTECTION:PrivateVPN, despite a somewhat limited server network, does an above-average job of unblocking content around the globe. A “Stealth VPN” mode makes your VPN traffic appear as normal browsing traffic to the rest of the internet. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

7. Atlas VPN

unblocks Nvidia contentTested
Apr 2024

Atlas VPN squeaked onto the top seven list this time around, due to its fast download speeds and excellent security and privacy.

The provider’s global server network has a somewhat low 750+ servers in 32 countries. While the server network could be more impressive, the provider’s servers offer reliable access to geo-fenced content around the globe.

Atlas VPN connections are some of the fastest around. The provider’s no data cap/no bandwidth limitations connections can easily handle any popular online activities.

All Atlas VPN connections are well-protected by bank-grade encryption, a kill switch and other protective measures to keep your online activities undercover. When browsing the web, you can take advantage of the provider’s proprietary Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features to protect you from dangerous online perils while also blocking those pesky ads.

The provider follows a strict no-server-logs-ever policy which means the provider never records or stores evidence of any of your online activities. Sadly, users that prefer to pay using cryptocurrency will need to look elsewhere.

Users of Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV devices can take advantage of Atlas VPN’s extensive device compatibility. Currently, the provider doesn’t offer Linux support (although it is on its way), does not make browser extensions available and also doesn’t offer support for routers (again, also on the way).

The provider puts no limit on the number of devices that you can simultaneously connect on your account.

Customer support options include a live chat option for subscribers, email, a contact form and a support library. Customer support responded promptly (in under an hour) to a question I asked in the middle of a business day, via the contact form.

UNLIMITED VPN PROTECTION:Atlas VPN provides reliable protection for as many devices as you’d like. While the provider could do better in the global server arena and lacks Linux and router support, it offers a good return on investment. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Methodology for Assessing a VPN For Use With Nvidia Shield

If you’re an Nvidia Shield user, you’re not only looking for fast connections to geo-controlled content, you’re also in search of comprehensive security and privacy protection. This makes it important to carefully consider a VPN’s performance in multiple categories.

The following are the most important features to research when considering a VPN for use with your Nvidia Shield:

• Connection Speeds: While Nvidia Shield is an excellent content consumption device, it is also a great device for Android gaming, as well as retro emulation. This makes a VPN’s connection speeds an important factor to keep in mind. Slow connections result in extended buffering times when streaming, and a less than satisfactory gaming experience. NordVPN, my top VPN for Nvidia Shield, offers fast connection speeds.
• Server Network: A VPN provider’s global server network directly affects the access you’ll have to geo-controlled streaming and gaming content. Also, look for a provider that has multiple servers in each country. This helps ensure that the provider’s servers won’t be overloaded with users.
• Value: Never settle for a VPN service that doesn’t offer a high level of features and functionality for a reasonable price. NordVPN definitely offers a high level of service for its asking price.
• Ease of Use: If you’re in the mood for a movie or for a game, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time getting your VPN set up. Just because a VPN is powerful it doesn’t mean it should be complicated to use. NordVPN offers one-click access for the Nvidia Shield and most other popular devices.
• Security and Privacy: Your online security and privacy are important, even when gaming and streaming video. At minimum look for a VPN that offers banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Plus, any VPN worth consideration will never save any server logs connected to your online travels. NordVPN offers all of the above and more.

My VPN research for any task or activity isn’t limited to the above features. These factors are just a piece of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. Using this data-driven approach, I can recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

Can I Use a Free VPN With My Nvidia Shield?

While there are “free” VPN apps available in the Google Play Store, I’d lay odds that you won’t be happy with those apps’ performance or privacy protections.

First of all, freebie VPNs are inconvenient to use. Some will force you to sit in a queue, waiting for a server spot to open up. Once you’ve been given the green light to connect, you may be faced with a limited number of server options. And that’s if you’re not automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing.

Once you do connect, you may find that the provider is throttling your download speeds. Plus, many free VPNs will restrict their customers’ usage with daily or monthly data caps.

Let’s talk about security and privacy, and a free VPN’s lack thereof. Even a “free” VPN still has to pay their bills somehow, and many accomplish that by logging their users’ online antics and selling that valuable information to the highest bidder.

Meanwhile, others insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. And those cookies continue tracking you, even when you’re not using the VPN.

I guess it depends on how important it is to you to save a few bucks a month, but IMHO, a few bucks a month is well worth it to gain optimal content access, fast speeds, and comprehensive privacy and security protections.

What Else Is a VPN Good For?

In addition to opening a world of content for your enjoyment on your Nvidia Shield, a VPN also provides a number of useful features to protect and enhance your online activities on all of your connected devices.

A VPN can open access to any of a number of streaming video services, ranging from Netflix, to BBC iPlayer, to Hulu, to ESPN and to many other streaming services.

If your ISP discovers you’re engaging in “unapproved” activities, such as sharing files or streaming video from non-approved sites, it can either throttle your connection or completely block access to the service you’re connecting to.

A VPN encrypts your connection, preventing your ISP from tracking or blocking your online activities.

If you use your connected device through unprotected Wi-Fi hotspots, like those found just about anywhere you go, a VPN can offer protection from hackers. The bad guys monitor those unprotected hotspots, monitoring and intercepting your online activity.

Never shop or pay bills while connected to a hotspot without using a VPN!

Nvidia Shield VPN FAQs

Conclusion

Nvidia Shield owners will appreciate a VPN’s ability to provide access to their favorite games and video sources, while also preventing outsiders from tracking their online activities.

NordVPN offers the best VPN service for your Nvidia Shield thanks to its fast download speeds, optimal access to blocked content, and top-notch protection. The provider also delivers the fastest connection speeds I’ve seen, and its global server network has most of the globe covered.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.