5 Best Free VPNs for Android TV Box: Still Working in 2025

Most free VPNs for your Android TV box offer limited data and are very slow because of overcrowded servers, making them unsuitable for streaming. Plus, they’re difficult to install and rarely work with platforms like Netflix or Max.

My team and I tested 40+ free VPNs on Android TV boxes and found the best ones for uninterrupted streaming. Despite the inherent limitations of totally free VPNs, our shortlisted ones offer good speeds and various server options and can be easily installed on Android TV boxes. Most of them also offer unlimited data.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for Android TV boxes as it provides the best speeds for HD streaming and a native app for Android TV. With a worldwide network of servers, ExpressVPN also makes it possible to access most streaming platforms from anywhere without buffering. However, it’s not 100% free, but a 30-day money-back guarantee* allows you to try it without financial risk. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Android TV Box in 2025

Best Free VPNs for Android TV Box — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for Streaming in UHD on Your Android TV Box

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2025

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol helps it maintain the fastest speeds of all the VPNs we tested. The protocol uses less code to deliver impressive speeds consistently while maintaining a high level of security. The new Lightway Turbo (available on Windows) makes it even quicker. During our tests, we achieved 241.044Mbps compared to 249.25Mbps without the VPN. We never had to wait more than a few seconds for our streams to start.

We did not experience any buffering issues while streaming

Thanks to a worldwide network of servers, it's possible to safely access the most popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Max, and Hulu, from anywhere. My international team and I had no problem watching different Netflix libraries. In comparison, we’ve never found any free VPNs that can safely stream this many platforms, as most only work with 1 or 2. All servers are also automatically obfuscated, making it more difficult for platforms to detect and block ExpressVPN.

Another thing I like about ExpressVPN is that it’s easy to set up on an Android TV Box by scanning a QR code to log in. You’ll get the code when you download the app from the Google Play Store on your Android box. Simply scan the QR code using your smartphone to add the VPN to your TV box. This saves a lot of time if your Android TV remote doesn’t feature a full keyboard.

Although ExpressVPN isn’t free, you can test it risk-free since a trustworthy money-back guarantee backs it. I requested a refund through its 24/7 live chat support to test that the guarantee is legitimate. The agent only asked why I wanted to cancel and approved my request within minutes of me giving my reason. I got my money back in my PayPal account within 2 days.

Useful Features

• Compatibility. ExpressVPN offers native apps for all major devices, including routers and Android TV or Android Box devices. These apps have a nearly identical interface and don’t require adjusting to a new one on different devices.
• MediaStreamer. This smart DNS feature is an easy solution for streaming US or UK content on your Android TV box. All you need to do is change your device's network settings. However, there's no encryption.
• 8 connections. You can simultaneously use ExpressVPN on all your devices without a noticeable performance drop.
• Advanced protection. This feature prevents invasive ads, harmful malware, and trackers, and allows you to block adult content on your devices.
• Split tunneling. This feature allows you to keep specific traffic outside the VPN tunnel. It can improve speeds and fix IP incompatibility issues with certain apps or devices, like Chromecast.

2. Proton VPN — No Data Caps for Unlimited Streaming on Android TV Box

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Proton VPN >

protonvpn.com

Proton VPN lets you stream HD content for extended periods without worrying about data caps. Most free VPNs limit your data to a few GBs monthly, so it’s an excellent option for data-heavy tasks. Our tests proved that the speeds are impressive for a free VPN, too. On its free Netherlands server, we experienced a speed loss of only 21%.

The free version gives you 100 servers in 6 locations, including those in Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the US. You can’t choose a server manually; instead, Proton VPN’s Fastest option automatically connects you to the best one for your connection.

Successive server changes will require a cooldown period

While the paid version can safely access nearly as many platforms as ExpressVPN, the free version doesn’t always work well with streaming sites. However, we could still watch Netflix Originals on our Android TV box without issues. Proton VPN only requires an email address to sign up for its free version, so we were ready to start streaming in minutes.

Useful Features

• Router support. Proton VPN’s free version only supports one active connection. However, unlike most free VPNs, you can set it up on your router to protect your Android TV box and all your other devices connected to your WiFi network.
• Complete Android TV app. It offers a native app that’s easy to set up on an Android TV Box. A code will appear on your screen when you open the app for the first time. You can use this code to log in directly on the Android app from the Proton VPN website.
• Customizable DNS settings. ProtonVPN allows Android TV box users to customize their DNS settings for enhanced security and privacy.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Unlimited Connections To Protect Your Android TV Box and Other Devices for Free

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

With Avira Phantom VPN, all your devices can stay protected under a single account. Meanwhile, most free VPNs we tested only allow one connection at a time.  The smart TV app is identical to the one for Android mobiles, so you don’t need to adjust to a different interface.

The app is simple and easy to use for beginners

Although Avira’s desktop app only offers 1 server location, the Android app gives you access to 38 global server locations. Its Nearest Location feature always connected us to a fast, reliable server in a few seconds during our tests. Speeds are noticeably slower than ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN, and we experienced an average speed drop of 35%.

Although it lacks a kill switch, it offers powerful encryption and leak protection to secure your online data. You can use this Android TV VPN without signing up for an account. With this method, you only get 500MB per month, enough for half an hour of streaming. If you register for an account, the data cap is extended to 1GB.

Useful Features

• Smart Scan. As part of its free antivirus offering, Avira’s Smart Scan identifies potential network vulnerabilities and privacy issues on your Android TV box.
• Malware protection. Avira also provides robust malware protection that blocks harmful software and phishing attempts, safeguarding your Android TV box from cyber threats.
• Auto-connect. To boost your online privacy, you can set it up to connect as soon as you boot up or whenever you are using an unsecured network.

4. hide.me — Customizable Settings to Balance Speed With Security While Streaming on Android TV Boxes

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

This free VPN for Android Box and TV devices lets you choose between four security protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SSTP. You can also switch between IPv4 and IPv6. During our tests, WireGuard gave us the best speeds, and IPv6 was also slightly faster since it avoids the extra steps involved in NAT translations.

The movie loaded right away without any issues

The free version provides 50+ servers in 8 locations, including Canada, the UK, and the US. Although it offers unlimited data, you can only choose servers until you consume 10GB of data. It also keeps your online identity and activities private with an automatic kill switch and military-grade encryption.

The main drawback is hide.me's speed — we encountered up to 50% drops on the free servers. However, these speeds can be improved by tweaking its settings. Another small con is that you can only use your free hide.me account on one device at a time.

Useful Features

• No registration required. You don’t need to create an account with hide.me to start using it on your Android TV box. However, you still need to renew your free plan every month.
• Zero ads. It’s a huge plus that hide.me can be used indefinitely, for free, without any annoying ads.

5. Hotspot Shield — Intuitive Apps to Easily Secure Your Android TV Box

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV Max

BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.hotspotshield.com

You can install Hotspot Shield’s Android apps in a few minutes, and all its features are easy to navigate. The VPN doesn’t even require you to create an account to get started using the service. Switching protocols, activating its kill switch, or choosing a server is straightforward.

The free servers can safely access a few platforms

Hotspot Shield’s proprietary Hydra protocol minimizes lag and boosts connection speeds. We only experienced a 22% speed reduction when testing some nearby locations, which is commendable for a free VPN.

The free plan offers servers in 5 locations, such as the US, the UK, and Singapore. Unfortunately, ads support the free plan. However, during our tests, the ads only appeared briefly and didn’t interrupt us much.

Useful Features

• AES 256-bit encryption. Hotspot Shield offers some of the strongest encryption to keep your data secure.
• Speed test. It has a built-in tool for measuring connection speeds, making it easier to find the fastest servers.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Android TV Box VPN Features

All the VPNs on this list are suitable for Android TV boxes, but they each have strengths and weaknesses. Use the following quick comparison table to see how each VPN stacks up against the others.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Our Methodology for Testing Free VPNs for Android TV Box

We used a few key criteria to rank the best free VPNs for Android TV boxes. On top of streaming support, speed was a critical factor, as we measured how well each VPN handled HD streaming. We also evaluated the ease of installation and use on Android TV boxes and confirmed they were all privacy-friendly and relatively secure.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Android TV Boxes Aren’t Safe

In addition to data limits and speed restrictions, free VPNs for Android TV boxes can come with potential risks. Understanding these can help you make a more informed choice.

• Privacy concerns. To make money, some free VPNs might track and sell your data to third parties. Always check their privacy policies to ensure your data is protected.
• Compromised security. Free VPNs might not have the resources to invest in strong security features, leading to unwanted data leaks. This means your online activity could be exposed.
• Risk of malware. Some free VPNs are created to infect your device with viruses and malware. Since these VPNs often use ads to make money, the ads themselves can be a source of malware, putting your device at a higher risk of infection.

Free vs. Paid VPNs: Which Are Better for Android TV Box?

Free VPNs almost always come with restrictions like slow speeds and limited data. In addition, most of them only offer a few server locations that rarely support data-heavy tasks like streaming or torrenting. They also lack essential security features to protect your online data. As a result, they may not be the best option for an Android TV box.

In comparison, paid VPNs don’t have these issues. They support HD streaming, offer extensive server networks, and have fast speeds, making them a better choice for Android TV boxes. The best free VPNs we recommend are freemium software —they offer free versions supported by their premium plans, so you can always upgrade to get the best available features.

FAQs on the Best Free VPNs for Android TV Box

How can I download a free VPN on my Android TV box?

The easiest way to set up a free VPN on your Android TV box is to download it directly from the Google Play Store. Simply search for the VPN app there and install it directly. All the VPNs on this list have apps for Android TV boxes, such as Nvidia Shield, Google TV, Xiaomi TV, TiVo, etc.

Alternatively, if the VPN isn’t available on the Play Store, you need to sideload the APK file on your Android TV box. To do that, download the VPN’s APK file from the provider’s website onto a USB drive. Insert the USB drive into the Android TV box, find the file using a file manager app, and select the APK file to install it.

What do I do if my free VPN isn't working with my Android TV box?

If your free VPN isn't working with your Android TV box, start by checking if the app is up-to-date. Additionally, make sure your VPN is compatible with Android TV boxes. Usually, the fastest solution is to switch to another free VPN or consider a premium service with a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee.

If you want to keep your current VPN, try this:

• Change servers. Sometimes, the issue can be with a specific server. Switch to a different one to see if that resolves the problem.
• Reinstall the app. It’s possible that there are some issues with the installation. Re-installing the app may help.
• Change the tunneling protocol. Sometimes the problem could be with the protocol. Most VPNs allow you to change this in their settings; try switching to a different option to improve connectivity.
• Contact support. If all else fails, try reaching out to customer support. They may be able to help with the issue.

What’s the best free unlimited VPN for an Android TV box?

The best free VPN with unlimited data usage for the Android TV box is Proton VPN. Overall, it’s one of the most impressive free VPNs tested when it comes to security and speed. But, like all free VPNs, it comes with some limitations. For example, it only offers a few locations, and they become overcrowded and slow down at peak hours.

However, many VPNs don’t offer equal support for each operating system. So, you’ll want to make sure you choose one of the best free VPNs for Android devices.

Will a free VPN slow down my Android TV box?

Yes, free VPNs can slow your streaming speeds due to limited server availability and bandwidth restrictions. However, some free VPNs can still provide decent speeds, but your results will depend on the server load and your proximity to the server location. Overall, premium VPNs are generally faster since they offer more servers that are less crowded.

Why does my Android TV box VPN block Chromecast?

Your Android TV box VPN might block Chromecast due to differences in IP addresses. Chromecast relies on devices being on the same local network. When a VPN is active, it may assign a different IP address to the Android TV box, disrupting this connection. To resolve this, use a VPN that supports split tunneling, which lets you keep Chromecast on your local network.

Get the Best Free VPN for Android TV Box

Free VPNs always come with limitations. They have a small number of servers and slower speeds, and they might not always work with the streaming sites you want to use. However, we found a few that can still support some forms of secure streaming.

For the best experience on an Android TV Box, my top pick is ExpressVPN. This is because, unlike most free VPNs, it has fast speeds and a global server network. It’s not completely free, but it can safely access popular platforms from anywhere without slowdowns. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you’re not satisfied.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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