Best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield

In this guide, we'll talk you through the best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield, how to install one, and what the biggest benefits are of using one.

Using a VPN with NVIDIA Shield helps ensure your online privacy is protected, as well as allowing you to access your favorite streaming services while traveling abroad. The best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield can bypass blocks in countries where internet use is restricted, enabling connections in places like China. 

A virtual private network (VPN) is established when a user connects to any server in the VPN provider’s network. The traffic flowing to and from the server is encrypted before joining the internet proper. Because the connecting device assumes the IP address of the server, it allows users to spoof their location and bypass geo-restrictions. 

We’ll get into more detail about individual VPN providers later. For now, here’s a summary of our top choices.

Best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for NVIDIA Shield. Thousands of RAM-only servers and a proprietary connection protocol for fast connection speeds. Easy access to streaming platforms and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for NVIDIA Shield. RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and fast connection speeds. Works well with popular streaming platforms and subscriptions include unlimited device connections. 
3. ExpressVPN: Excellent security credentials and speedy RAM-only servers in 105+ countries. Has a dedicated app for routers, an Onion site on the Tor network, and it works seamlessly with a range of streaming platforms.  
4. PrivateVPN: Independent provider with fast connections, great streaming ability, and a stealth mode that enables connections in China. Allows port forwarding and has dedicated P2P servers for torrenting.
5. CyberGhost: Notably fast connection speeds and a large network of RAM-only servers. Has an audited no-logs policy and servers optimized for individual streaming platforms. Its Android app has automatic WiFi protection.
6. IPVanish: Owns the majority of its network hardware and has connection speeds fast enough for 4K streaming. It has an independently audited no-logs policy and works with some popular streaming platforms.
7. Atlas VPN: Fast connection speeds and optimized servers for accessing streaming platforms. SafeSwap servers allow users to switch between IP addresses in session and subscriptions include unlimited device connections.

Summary Table

We selected these recommended providers using the following criteria:

• Works with NVIDIA Shield
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Ability to access streaming services
• Good value for money
• User-friendly apps
• Helpful customer support

In addition, VPNs can only be included in one of our top three positions if they have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. You can read more about our testing methodology later in this article.

Best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield 

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN has a dedicated Android TV app that’s available via NVIDIA Shield’s Google Play Store. NordVPN apps are also available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all include built-in leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling.

NordVPN provides seamless access to all of the major streaming platforms and has a SmartPlay feature that allows VPN-incompatible devices to access geo-restricted content. The NordLynx proprietary connection protocol helps ensure speeds fast enough for streaming in 4K, whether it's Netflix US or an alternative platform.

Other NordVPN features include access to MultiHop servers, a dark web monitor, obfuscation that enables connections in China, and P2P-optimized servers. Its Meshnet tool – which allows users to create bespoke networks of trusted devices – is now free for anyone to use, regardless of whether they have a subscription. 

The company has several thousand RAM-only servers in its network, and a presence in 60+ countries. Its no-logs policy is clearly defined and NordVPN has had several audits of both its infrastructure and software.

NordVPN made its entire server network RAM-only following an attack on a Finnish third-party data center in 2018. This also prompted it to begin the process of colocation, whereby servers are purchased and sited in data centers owned and managed by NordVPN.

BEST VPN FOR NVIDIA SHIELD: NordVPN is our top recommendation. It has an Android TV app and a global network of fast, RAM-only servers. These provide easy access to all of the major streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark has an app available directly from the Google Play Store in NVIDIA Shield. It makes apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These all have a full GUI and come with a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker; automatic connection for P2P clients; and powerful obfuscation that can bypass Chinese blocks.

Surfshark’s Nexus technology enables users to specify entry and exit point servers for MultiHop connections. They can also rotate their IP addresses in session, which makes it more difficult for third parties to track them. Static IP addresses are available in six locations. 

The company has thousands of RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. It provides fast connection speeds and works with all the most popular streaming platforms. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections, an ad, tracker and malware blocker; leak protection; and an automatic connection option when using a P2P client.    

Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using 256-bit AES encryption, together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. Its obfuscation enables connections in China and other countries where internet use is restricted. 

As of 2022, Surfshark is no longer independent. It merged with NordVPN’s parent company, Nord Security, though it says it continues to operate autonomously. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark has an app accessible from NVIDIA Shield and it works well with all major streaming platforms. Fast RAM-only servers are available in 100+ countries and subscription plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is known for providing a reliable and highly secure service – a reputation that allows it to demand slightly higher than average subscription fees. Server locations are found in a total of 105 countries. 

It has an app available from NVIDIA Shield’s Google Play Store, as well as a dedicated app for routers. Other supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. Apps come with a built-in ad, tracker, and malware-blocker; leak protection; a kill switch; and split-tunneling. 

ExpressVPN can access all of the major streaming platforms and is fast enough for watching content in 4K. Its MediaStreamer tool spoofs the DNS addresses of devices that don’t natively support VPNs, thus enabling them to access geo-restricted content. 

The company’s Trusted Server Technology involves – amongst other things – the weekly reinstallation of every server’s operating system, ensuring no remnant user data is ever stored. ExpressVPN has a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network and obfuscation that helps users in countries like China get connected.

ExpressVPN was bought by Kape Technologies in 2021. Now a cybersecurity firm, Kape Technologies used to be called Crossrider and specialized in creating software designed to inject adware into users’ browsers. 

At the time of its acquisition, ExpressVPN said that it would continue to operate independently. It has since had several independent audits of its software and infrastructure, which have served to verify its no-logs claims. The company also offers a one-time $100,000 reward for anyone able to compromise its systems.

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN is easy to use with NVIDIA Shield and provides straightforward access to streaming platforms. It has a dedicated Onion site and effective obfuscation. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

PrivateVPN is an independent Swedish provider with an Android app that’s available from the NVIDIA Shield Google Play Store. Apps are also available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. 

Features include protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy, and a kill switch. A stealth mode makes traffic look as if it is unencrypted by adding a layer of obfuscation to connections. This allows it to evade detection by VPN-blocking software of the type used by China.

The company provides excellent connection speeds and consistent access to the top streaming platforms such as American Netflix. PrivateVPN allows port forwarding, which makes torrenting more efficient, as do P2P-optimized servers. 

Subscribers are allowed up to 10 simultaneous device connections and can change the level of encryption used on their data. A range of connection protocols are available, including OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2.

PrivateVPN has a strict no-log policy and acts as its own server host and ISP. Although the country where it operates has strict data privacy laws, it is also a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance.

STEALTH MODE: The PrivateVPN Android app works with NVIDIA Shield and enables access to the most popular streaming platforms. Port forwarding is allowed and its stealth mode works in China. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

CyberGhost has a dedicated app for Android TV and notably fast connection speeds. The company has servers optimized for individual streaming platforms, as well as P2P and gaming servers.

Other supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. All apps are easy to use and come with built-in DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection; and a kill switch. The Android app additionally has split-tunneling and automatic WiFi protection, while the Windows app features CyberGhost’s Smart Rules tool. This allows users to link specific servers with named apps and set up a URL bypass if desired. 

CyberGhost provides consistent access to platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It has 10,000+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, as part of a massive server network.

CyberGhost – like ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and Zenmate VPN – is owned by Kape Technologies. Since its acquisition, the company has had its no-logs policy verified through independent audits of its server network and management systems. CyberGhost also issues quarterly transparency reports detailing third-party data requests.

For an additional fee, subscribers can purchase dedicated IP addresses or pay for access to the company’s NoSpy servers. These are housed in a data center owned by CyberGhost and provide faster speeds, a dedicated uplink, and additional bandwidth. 

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost has an Android TV app available via NVIDIA Shield’s Google Play Store. It provides very fast connection speeds and access to thousands of RAM-only servers worldwide. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

IPVanish has an Android app that works well with NVIDIA Shield. Other supported platforms include macOS, iOS, ChromeOS, and FireTV. There’s no dedicated Linux app, but it is possible to configure a connection manually.

The company owns the majority of its own network hardware, which means it has better control over who has access to it. It protects users’ data with 256-bit AES encryption, in conjunction with SHA512 for authentication and a DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange.

IPVanish has notably fast connection speeds, and works well with US platforms like Netflix and HBO. The service is less successful with Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ – so look elsewhere if these services are important to you.

Features include built-in leak protection, unlimited device connections, access to a SOCKS5 proxy, split tunneling, and a kill switch. Available connection protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec.

IPVanish has a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited by the Leviathan Security Group. Under previous ownership, it provided details of one of its customers to the US Department of Homeland Security as part of a child molestation investigation. The investigation (which involved IPVanish helping DHS to carry out a targeted attack on one user, and did not affect any other user) occurred in 2016. The company is now under new ownership.

FAST SPEEDS: IPVanish has an Android app that can be easily used with NVIDIA Shield. Connection speeds are fast, and subscriptions include unlimited device connections. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Atlas VPN has an Android TV app that works seamlessly with NVIDIA Shield and provides access to a host of popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. 

Connections are fast and secure, with additional peace of mind coming from the company’s SafeSwap servers. These make it more difficult to track users by automatically changing their users’ IP addresses as they move between online sessions.

Apps have a pleasingly clean GUI and provide access to MultiHop servers, which route users’ traffic through multiple rotating VPN locations. Other features include unlimited device connections, built-in leak protection, data breach monitor, and malware blocker. Split tunneling allows users to specify which apps use the VPN tunnel and which don’t.

Supported platforms include Windows, iOS, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. There’s an app for Linux, but it’s command-line only. 

Atlas VPN is no longer independent, having been acquired by NordSecurity in 2021. The company has since been independently audited, which has verified its no-logs policy. Atlas VPN protects users’ internet traffic with 256-AES encryption, together with SHA-384 or Poly1305 authentication, and BLAKE2s for hashing.

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN has an AndroidTV app that’s easily accessible on NVIDIA Shield. It provides fast connection speeds and consistent access to streaming platforms. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield

With so many VPN providers available, it can be difficult to choose the best option. To help users make an informed decision, we use a set of criteria to objectively compare VPN services using our testing methodology. These are discussed below.

• Works with NVIDIA Shield: NVIDIA Shield TV uses the Android TV operating system and is easiest to use with VPNs that have an Android or Android TV app. 
• Fast connection speeds: NVIDIA Shield is a great option for gaming and streaming. The last thing you want, then, is for a VPN to slow your connection speeds down. We regularly test VPN providers to ensure we only recommend those that are at least fast enough for streaming HD content without buffering.
• Strong privacy and security features: We expect VPN providers to offer a range of security and privacy features, including 256-AES encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a clear no-logs policy. Access to MultiHop servers, obfuscation, split tunneling, and port forwarding are also desirable.
• Ability to access streaming services: Using a VPN with NVIDIA Shield enables users to access geo-restricted content from the major streaming platforms – but only if they choose the right VPN. As so many VPNs are now blocked, we regularly check which VPN providers continue to work with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
• Good value for money: We aim to find VPNs that suit a range of budgets. Those that charge higher subscription fees should be able to justify them. If they can’t, we exclude them. 
• User-friendly apps: VPN apps should be easy to use, with a clean GUI that makes it easy to quickly get connected. We also look for apps that are consistent across platforms and have advanced configuration options.
• Helpful customer support: Companies that are able to provide knowledgeable and responsive customer support are innately more trustworthy than those that don’t. More importantly, they’re ultimately easier to use. We value providers that offer 24/7 live chat, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base. 

Bonus points

To be included in one of the top three positions, VPNs must also offer the following:

• Access to China: China boasts one of the world's most sophisticated VPN-blocking systems. Very few VPN providers now work in the country – despite what their marketing material might claim. We regularly check which VPNs continue to provide access.
• Diskless servers: Traditional VPN servers use hard disks or solid-state drives to store their data. This poses a security risk as old information is not deleted until it is overwritten – leaving the possibility open that servers could be compromised by hackers or state actors. The better VPNs have switched to running their servers on volatile RAM. Any data on the disk is then lost the moment the server is turned off or rebooted.
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: A huge number of countries share intelligence amongst themselves. This enables them to gather information on their own citizens without having to directly carry out the surveillance. The best-known alliance is the 5/ 9 /14 Eyes, though others do exist. To avoid being co-opted by these alliances, the top VPN providers are based in countries beyond their reach – such as Panama or the British Virgin Islands.
• Audited software and infrastructure: One of the issues with VPNs is the amount of trust users must place in providers. Instances, where supposedly "zero logs" providers have actually kept records, have been particularly damaging. To regain consumer confidence, better VPNs seek to validate any claims they make by bringing in independent auditors to evaluate their software and infrastructure. 

Can I use a free VPN with NVIDIA Shield?

You can find free VPNs that work with NVIDIA Shield, but we wouldn’t recommend using them. As with any free software, free VPNs rely on advertising for their revenue. This normally takes the form of pop-up ads but may also include selling your personal data to third parties. Most free VPNs have some form of logging policy and trackers are commonplace. 

Free VPNs’ server networks are limited and have relatively few locations to choose from. Bandwidth is usually restricted and connections are typically sluggish – particularly during peak times. This can result in poor streaming quality, laggy gameplay, and frustratingly slow downloads. To avoid any buffering issues, we'd opt for a trustworthy provider that unblocks Netflix and other services on any device, including NVIDIA Shield.

Best VPNs for NVIDIA Shield: FAQs

How do you install a VPN on NVIDIA Shield?

It’s easy to use a VPN with NVIDIA Shield. Just follow these instructions:

1. Subscribe to a VPN with an Android or Android TV app. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Go to your NVIDIA Shield’s Google Play store and search for “NordVPN”.
3. Press “install” and accept the terms and requested permissions. 
4. Open the VPN app and enter your login credentials. 
5. Select a server and press “connect” to establish a connection.
6. Leave the VPN running while you use your NVIDIA Shield as usual.

Do VPNs work on NVIDIA Shield?

NVIDIA Shield runs on the Android TV operating system. VPNs that support Android therefore work with NVIDIA Shield. If you have already subscribed to a VPN service that doesn’t have an Android TV app, you may be able to sideload it onto the NVIDIA Shield. 

To do this, follow these instructions:

1. Download your app’s APK file from your chosen provider. Don’t be tempted to download APK files from untrusted third-party sources.
2. Once downloaded, transfer the file onto a portable storage device. 
3. Open Nvidia Shield’s “Settings” menu and go to “Security and Restrictions”. Toggle on “Unknown sources” and press “Ok”.
4. Go back to the home screen, open the Google Play store and search for the “ES File Explorer File Manager” app. 
5. Download and install the app. Use it to locate the APK file on your portable storage device. 
6. Install the APK file and open the VPN app when finished.
7. Log in to the app as normal. 

An alternative – more involved – option is to use a third-party app to configure a VPN connection to your chosen provider’s servers. This requires downloading its OpenVPN configuration files and then importing them onto the NVIDIA Shield.

Is NVIDIA Shield safe?

In 2022, NVIDIA suffered a cyberattack, where employee credentials and proprietary data were stolen. NVIDIA code-signing certificates were subsequently leaked online. More recently, these have been used by threat actors to sign malware to make it appear trustworthy and enable malicious drivers to be loaded in Windows. To prevent this, Windows-users can configure the Windows Defender Application Control policies to control what NVIDIA drivers can be loaded.

Like any other software, things produced by NVIDIA are in a continual process of development. In 2020, NVIDIA released a security update for the GeForce Now cloud gaming Windows app. This fixed a high-severity vulnerability that could otherwise allow local attackers to elevate their privileges or execute code after successful exploitation.

In 2021, the company released a security advisory detailing which of its enterprise applications were affected by the Log4Shell vulnerability and needed to be updated. Log4Shell is a software vulnerability in Apache Log4j 2 and enables a remote attacker to take control of online devices running certain versions of the Log4j 2 Java library.

Can I watch Netflix US on NVIDIA Shield?

Yes. If you want to watch Netflix US or any other American streaming service while traveling abroad, you can use any of the VPNs we have recommended on this page.

By connecting to a VPN in the USA, you can get a valid US IP address. As a result, you appear to be physically located in America. This is perfect if you are on vacation, traveling for work, or are an expat who wants to continue using your usual US streaming services while living somewhere exotic for your retirement.

The only caveat is that many VPNs have been blocked by Netflix. This is because streaming services know that users bypass region locks using VPNs. Thankfully, our top recommendations make it one of their priorities to provide US servers that are optimized for accessing streams.

That said, it is important to remember that each VPN may work with different streaming services. You can find out which streaming services it works with by reading our full reviews. Alternatively, you can test any of our VPNs with Netflix or any other streaming service yourself using its money-back guarantee.

Do I need a fast VPN for NVIDIA Shield?

Yes. The vast majority of VPNs have slow servers that cause a lot of buffering when you try to watch live TV and on-demand videos. This makes the experience extremely frustrating.

Our recommendations have large server networks consisting of speedy Tier-1 servers that can keep your internet running at max capacity. This means that you can connect to the VPN and still enjoy streaming your favorite shows in full quality.