Chromecast is one of the most popular digital media devices for streaming video and other media from a wide range of online channels to your TV. Unfortunately, many of those channels are geo-locked, meaning you can only access them from a specific country. Some live streams may also be subject to blackout restrictions that block users from watching sports and other events if they live within a certain region. A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, can bypass many of these geographic restrictions and allow you to watch your favorite streaming channels from anywhere in the world.

A VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a remote location of your choosing, giving you a new IP address to mask your actual one and thereby disguising your real location from the streaming service.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs to use for Chromecast, plus we’ll talk you through how to use them and answer some common VPN questions. We’ll review each of the VPNs in detail, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for Chromecast:

  • NordVPN: Our top VPN for Chromecast. Offers multiple ways of working with Chromecast. Unblocks many popular streaming sites with good speeds. Strong security. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best budget VPN option for Chromecast. A speedy, security-conscious VPN with beginner-friendly apps and fantastic unblocking capabilities.
  • ExpressVPN: Step-by-step tutorials for Chromecast setup. Unblocks a huge selection of geo-restricted streaming sites from around the globe. Fast speeds and high-grade security.
  • CyberGhost: Easy-to-use apps make this a great VPN choice for beginners. Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested for streaming.
  • PrivateVPN: Extensive support and tutorials to get Chromecast set up. Good streaming speeds and unblocking capabilities.
  • Private Internet Access: Strong security features, outstanding connection speeds, and a no-logs policy.
  • Atlas VPN: Excellent unblocking capabilities and zero connection limits.

Setting up a Chromecast VPN

Before we go into detail on the different VPNs you can use with Chromecast, we’re going to briefly explain your choices when setting up a Chromecast VPN.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Here are your options if you want to use a VPN with Chromecast:

  • Set up a VPN on a virtual router
  • Set up a VPN on your physical home router

Wondering why you can’t simply use a VPN app? Chromecast devices don’t support VPNs. Even if you managed to root the device, setting this up would be difficult. Smart DNS proxies, which often substitute for VPNs, aren’t supported, either.

For this reason, we recommend setting up your VPN on a wifi router, then connecting your Chromecast to that router. This will route all of the internet traffic from the Chromecast through the VPN server, allowing you to unblock geo-locked streams. Don’t worry if this sounds complicated, we’ll explain step-by-step how to do this later in the article.

Best VPNs for Chromecast – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Chromecast.

The Best VPNs for Chromecast

There are plenty of VPN providers on the market, but they don’t all provide the same level of service. In order to find the best VPNs for Chromecast, we tested VPNs across the following criteria:

  • Size and reliability of the server network
  • Router support
  • Speed
  • Security and privacy protocols
  • Customer service
  • Usability
  • Value for money

Later on in this article, you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs that we recommend. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Chromecast:

1. NordVPN

Works with ChromecastTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for Chromecast. It’s a trusted and reliable VPN provider with an online knowledge base that includes a huge selection of tutorials for setting up your VPN on almost every type of compatible router. You can also purchase pre-flashed routers that are already configured with NordVPN’s servers through FlashRouters, a NordVPN affiliate. Those typically use either Tomato or DD-WRT firmware.

NordVPN allows six simultaneous connections, and apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR CHROMECAST:NordVPN is our first choice VPN. A solid, security-conscious option that works well with Chromecast. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Also works well with most popular streaming services and achieves consistently good speeds. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Can be configured directly onto some wifi routers. Pre-configured routers are also available
  • Wide network of reliable global servers
  • Trusted provider that doesn’t skimp on privacy and security
  • Speeds are fast enough for HD streaming
  • Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms
  • 24/7 live chat support available

Cons:

  • Desktop app could do with updating

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

This service has 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries. Unlike many other VPNs, it allows an unlimited number of connections by default, so it’s great for sharing. User traffic is secured using 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Just as important, Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. If you’d like, you can even choose to pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple for added anonymity.

Surfshark offers apps for iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is great value, easy to set up, and highly secure. Able to unblock a huge number of geo-blocked services. With decent speeds, no connection limit, and a strict no-logs policy, there’s certainly a lot to like here. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Can be manually installed on a wide range of routers

  • Fast enough for uninterrupted browsing and streaming

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Very strong on security and privacy

  • No-logs policy

  • Some slow speeds recorded during testing

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of configuring a router, ExpressVPN has you covered: the company makes the hands-down best pre-configured, VPN-enabled routers in the game. It makes its own router firmware which you can either download and install on your own router (if compatible) for free, or you can purchase a pre-configured router that’s already set up for you.

The router firmware allows you to select which devices connected get tunneled through the VPN and which ones use a normal internet connection. Managing devices and tweaking settings is intuitive and easy, thanks to a well-designed dashboard.

The company keeps no logs of your IP address or traffic contents, and all connections are protected with 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. You may connect up to five devices at a time, and a router only counts as one device. Apps are also available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Linux.

STRONG ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is a pleasure to use. It has a vast network of servers that is fine-tuned for high-speed connections. User-friendly apps for all operating systems. Strong privacy and security. 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee included.

  • Can install at the router level for Smart TVs

  • Super fast servers can unblock just about any popular streaming service

  • Server speeds are great for HD streaming and fast downloads

  • Encrypts all traffic to prevent ISP snooping and throttling

  • Knowledgable customer support available 24/7

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

  • Less suitable for those who need control over advanced settings

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy keep your data inside the VPN tunnel. The Romania-based company keeps no logs of users’ activity or IP addresses. Customers can connect up to five devices at a time on a standard plan, and it comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

BEGINNERS CHOICE:CyberGhost is great for newcomers. An easy-to-use option that works well with Chromecast. Stores no internet activity logs and streams HD video reliably. Can struggle with unblocking some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Direct router configuration available

  • Our tests revealed above-average HD streaming speeds

  • Happily unblocks a host of geo-restricted content

  • Apps are easy to install and use

  • 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Lack of customizable features

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

If you’re struggling to set it up, PrivateVPN offers remote help via TeamViewer, in which a support representative can remotely control your computer. You may connect up to ten devices at one time. Encryption standards are strong, and the company adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good streaming choice. Works well with Chromecast and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Small server count. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Gaining a reputation for the growing list of sites they unblock

  • Can be configured to work with a home wifi router

  • Above-average streaming speeds in testing

  • Privacy and security are top-notch

  • Small number of servers to choose from

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Works With ChromecastTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access is an excellent option for use with Chromecast, offering over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries. PIA operates from the United States with servers in 20+ US cities that allow access to Hulu and Netflix US without hassle. Due to its large server network to avoid traffic congestion, unlimited bandwidth, and the introduction of WireGuard, streaming Chromecast sith PIA is smoother than ever.

If advanced security features are your thing, PIA lets you control the level of encryption applied to your connection, which can positively impact connection performance. It includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and military-grade encryption.

Apps are available on almost any platform you can think of, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It offers a 10-device connection limit, so you can use Chromecast on several devices simultaneously. You’ll have 30 days to cancel once you sign up, giving ample time to see if PIA is for you.

ADVANCED CUSTOMIZATION:PIA has over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries, a 10 simultaneous device limit, and allows encryption-level tweaking. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Can access a good range of streaming content

  • 10 simultaneous device limit

  • Decent speeds with the use of WireGuard

  • Unblocking can be inconsistent

  • Trial not available on desktop apps

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN is an excellent choice for Chromecast due to its lightning-fast servers placed in 40+ locations worldwide. If you haven’t heard the news, NordVPN’s parent company purchased Atlas VPN recently, so you can expect a great experience with a reputable VPN brand backing.

Atlas VPN uses AES encryption, and its apps for major platforms are easy to use. Oh, and its endless connection limit is excellent for splitting costs with friends and family. It gives you 30 days to try it out, offering a full refund if you’re not 100% satisfied.

ALL-ROUND PERFORMER:AtlasVPN has apps for all major platforms and an unlimited connection limit. It offers top-grade security and fast connections. A 30-day cancellation policy lets you try before committing long-term.

  • Full P2P support

  • Great unblocking ability

  • Zero connection limit

  • Canceling is tricky

  • No Linux or router support

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

Chromecast VPN testing methodology

Comparitech aims to publish the most useful and accurate VPN recommendations and reviews on the web. When it comes to finding the best Chromecast VPNs, we specifically examine:

  • Router support: Chromecast doesn’t support VPNs or DNS proxies, so setting up a VPN on a router and connecting the Chromecast to it is the next best thing. We recommend VPNs with router apps or at least detailed configuration guides for popular firmware.
  • Streaming: Chromecasts are streaming devices, so if you want to use a VPN with one, chances are you want to unblock region-locked streaming content. We use real-world tests to find out which VPNs can unblock popular streaming services from around the world.
  • Speed: If you want to stream in high quality without buffering, you need a fast connection. We measure and record connection speeds to VPN servers located around the globe to find the fastest VPNs on the market.
  • Security: Every VPN we recommend uses effectively uncrackable encryption. We also test for a range of data leaks to ensure your data never leaves the encrypted tunnel.
  • Privacy policy: We only recommend no-logs VPNs. Our reviewers pour over each VPN’s privacy policy and terms of service for any language or lack thereof that could indicate the collection of personally identifiable information or activity while using the VPN.
  • Customer support: Our reviewers contact each VPN’s customer support as secret shoppers to gauge the quality of responses and measure response times.
  • Server network: Chromecasts can use streaming apps from all over the world, but most of them are restricted to specific countries. Having a larger server network that spans more locations gives you more international viewing options.

This is just a condensed summary of how we rate and test VPNs. Find the full version on our methodology page.

How to set up a Chromecast VPN on a router

Once signed up for a VPN, you have a couple of options to connect your Chromecast to it: a virtual router or a physical router. We talk you through the process for each here.

How to set up a Chromecast VPN using a virtual router

This first option is easier and more accessible to most people: a virtual router. This will create a wifi hotspot that broadcasts from a laptop. Any device you connect to the wifi hotspot will have its internet traffic routed through the VPN server.

The main downside to this method is that you have to keep a laptop nearby and running whenever you want to use your Chromecast with the VPN. On the plus side, it’s free and fairly easy to set up. All you need is a laptop with the ability to create a hotspot, or virtual router, which most laptop models do have these days.

If you’re a PC user, check out our tutorial on how to set up a VPN-enabled virtual router on Windows. And if you have a Mac, see our guide on how to set up a VPN-enabled wifi hotspot on macOS.

Once you’ve configured the virtual router, go into your Chromecast wifi settings to connect to the new network.

How to set up a Chromecast VPN on a wifi router

The second option requires a bit more tech-savvy and a compatible router but doesn’t require you to keep a spare laptop around. By configuring a VPN connection on your home wifi router, any devices that connect to it can be tunneled through the VPN, including your Chromecast.

To do this, you’ll need a router with firmware that supports VPN connections. Cheap routers probably won’t cut it—even if they have VPN support, the resources necessary to encrypt and decrypt all of the traffic can seriously impact performance.

If your router firmware doesn’t support VPNs, but you think it’s powerful enough to handle the job, run a search for the make and model to see if it’s compatible with a free and open-source firmware, like DD-WRT or Tomato. You can replace your router’s stock firmware with one of these, but bear in mind that the process of doing so, called “flashing”, can permanently damage your router if not done properly.

If that sounds too intimidating, consider purchasing a pre-flashed router that comes already configured with all of your VPN provider’s servers. This is a more expensive route, but it will save you a lot of time and hassle. ExpressVPN is known for making the best VPN-focused router firmware in the business. The company’s pre-flashed routers cost a pretty penny but are easy to use and work great. You can even get the firmware for free to use on your existing router if it’s compatible, but you’ll need an ExpressVPN subscription.

FlashRouters is a third-party affiliate to many of the VPNs we recommended above. They sell DD-WRT and Tomato routers pre-configured for the VPN provider of your choice. These aren’t as nice as ExpressVPN’s firmware, but they certainly get the job done.

Once you have a VPN subscription and compatible router in hand, check your VPN provider’s website for instructions on how to get set up. Because router firmware varies so much, there’s no one broad set of instructions for all of them, but your VPN provider should be able to help in the way of a knowledge base or customer support.

Now that you’ve configured the router, go into your Chromecast wifi settings to connect to the new network.

In any case, most free VPNs require you to use their apps and not configure connections manually, so, in most cases, router setup is not even an option. There won’t be any support to help you get set up. Free VPNs also implement data caps and bandwidth restrictions that can interrupt whatever you’re doing online.

It’s worth it to pay a few dollars a month to get the performance and support you need to use VPN with Chromecast.