Have you been struggling with downloading a VPN for Chromecast? Maybe you thought that a VPN simply doesn’t work on Chromecast. Well think again, as VPNs indeed can be used with this device, and we’re here to show you how.
While it may not work with your Chromecast device directly, a VPN will work with a VPN-connected physical router. Alternatively, you can set up a virtual router and connect that to the VPN. It might sound complicated, but in this guide we will walk you through the whole process and also introduce you to the best Chromecast-friendly VPN apps.
When browsing the internet on your laptop or mobile device, VPNs are almost essential, as they provide you with increased privacy and more security. However, in relation to your Chromecast, most users simply want to use a VPN to access more content.
For example, Netflix and Amazon have completely different libraries in Germany than they do, say, in Canada. With a VPN on your Chromecast, you can also watch UK-specific content such as BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Unfortunately, using a VPN on your Chromecast device isn’t quite as straightforward as it is on your laptop, cell phone or tablet. Chromecast devices themselves don’t allow you to install VPNs.
Instead, you have to connect the VPN to your home wifi, so that all devices using it are running through the remote server. To do this, you have the following options:
Below are two step-by-step guides that walk you through the process of both these approaches:
In order to use this method, you will need two things:
If you have both of these things ready, you then just need to follow these steps:
If you find that your physical router is not VPN compatible, there is an alternative available for Windows users. However, we should note that this is not currently an available option for MacOS users.
Now that you know the basics of setting up your VPN, it is time to check out the best VPNs out there. The process of looking for the best VPN provider for your Chromecast is a little bit different from finding the best VPN for your laptop or handheld device. Since installing a VPN onto a physical or virtual router is a more complicated process, the best VPNs have guides and customer support to help make it easier for you.
Having considered everything, here are our top 5 best VPNs for Chromecast:
NordVPN is the best for making a Chromecast installation as easy as possible. If you want to bypass all of the steps in the guide above, you can actually purchase routers with pre-configured NordVPNs software.
Alternatively, NordVPN provides all of its subscribers with detailed and easy-to-follow tutorials on how to install the app on a number of devices. More importantly, Nord is reliable and tends to stay connected once it is set up.
NordVPN is also a great option for unblocking and accessing censored or blocked content in your area. To date, it has a proven track record for unblocking Netflix, Amazon, HBO, BBC iPlayer and more.
| NordVPN Pros | NordVPN Cons |
|---|---|
| Pre-configured physical routers available Good guides for router installation Unblocks most major streaming services Fast streaming speeds Large number of servers and locations |
Desktop app sometimes disconnects (Not an issue on routers and Firesticks) |
The Surfshark VPN is quick to install and easy to use. Just like NordVPN, this provider also gives you detailed instructions on how you can manually install the app on a physical or manual router.
The only area where it slightly lags behind is the fact that no pre-configured routers are available. Other than that, it is great for Chromecast viewing and works around the geo-blocks on pretty much all major streaming sites.
| Surfshark VPN Pros | Surfshark VPN Cons |
|---|---|
| Installable on most routers Unlimited devices Good security features Easy app for beginners Works well on streaming platforms |
Speed can be inconsistent at times |
If we were creating this list based on overall performance, the ExpressVPN would be up there as number one. Consistently, it is the fastest and most secure, and the app is very easy to use. Moreover, like NordVPN, the company also produces its own pre-configured routers.
The only reasons why we’ve bumped it down on this list is the price and advanced settings from Chromecast users. The app doesn’t give you access to all the settings that advanced users may require. On top of that, it is the most expensive option and you get just five devices per account.
| ExpressVPN Pros | ExpressVPN Cons |
|---|---|
| Pre-configured routers Best performing VPN Excellent guides for manual router installation Easy-to-use software Good 24/7 support |
More expensive than other providers |
If you can commit to the three-year plan, you can get this VPN for just $2.03 per month with three months free. If we look at the entire plan period, this makes it the cheapest provider by far.
Installing it on your router might not be as easy as it is with the providers mentioned above, but it is worth it. PIA is the only VPN provider that allows you to choose from a variety of different encryption protocols so that you can balance speed vs protection.
| PIA Pros | PIA Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with physical and virtual routers Choice of encryption protocols Cheaper than other providers 10 devices per account Good streaming speed |
Free trial only works with mobile apps |
For a number of reasons, CyberGhost is the most private VPN available, and this won’t affect your speed when watching TV via your Chromecast. Effectively, CyberGhost leaves all of your data and activity in the tunnel, meaning that no one can trace or find it.
Moreover, it is an easy-to-use app that consistently unblocks geo-restricted and censored content on most major streaming sites. The downside is that the guides for manual router installation could be improved.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Most private VPN Located outside of the 5 Eyes Good unlocking capability Fast streaming speeds Streamlined app |
Router installation guide could improve |
As you can see, there are a few extra elements to consider when it comes to choosing a VPN that you can use with your Chromecast. If you can afford it, we recommend looking at a provider with pre-configured physical routers. On the other hand, if you’re more budget conscious, you should be able to make a cheaper provider work simply by following the VPN provider’s specific guides. At the end of the day, there are plenty of options for every type of user and which one you ultimately decide on depends entirely on you.
Using a VPN with Chromecast can be a lot more complicated than using one on a laptop or Firestick. Find out if it is actually a possibility for you in this guide at TheGameHaus.com.
There are many types of VPNs for Chromecast, both free and paid. Discover all of the best available options for you right here at TheGameHaus and see if and how you can install a free VPN for your Chromecast device today.
You can find a list of the top five best-rated VPNs to use for Chromecast in this comparison tool here at TheGameHaus.com. Additionally, we have also provided you with a step-by-step guide to installing and using a VPN app with Chromecast.
