With the right Chromecast VPN, you can start streaming content blocked in your location within minutes. A VPN spoofs your location, so you appear to be elsewhere. This enables you to access restricted content from anywhere in the world, and "cast" it to a big-screen TV.
Unfortunately, you can't download a VPN directly onto your Chromecast, but there is a way around this. You can use a VPN on your computer, tablet, or mobile and cast directly to your TV or you can use VPN router.
In this guide, we explain how to set up a VPN for Chromecast and recommend the best Chromecast VPN services in 2024.
What are the best Chromecast VPN services?
We have listed the best VPNs for Chromecast below. If you'd like more information about each VPN we recommend here, keep scrolling to see our in-depth analysis of each service.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Chromecast. It is super fast, has servers in 94+ countries, and unblocks plenty, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy-to-use Chromecast VPN that's super cheap. Offers dedicated streaming servers and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure Chromecast VPN. It comes with a verified zero-logs policy, great apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark - The best value-for-money Chromecast VPN. Blazing fast servers, top-notch privacy features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- VyprVPN - A great all-round Chromecast VPN. It's an audited service, with slick apps on popular platforms and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best Chromecast VPNs – In-depth Analysis
We take a closer look at the best VPNs for Chromecast below. If you need more information about any of the VPN services listed below why not check out our detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is the best Chromecast VPN – consistently one of the fastest VPNs on the market, has servers in 94 countries, and it unblocks everything. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is an extremely popular VPN service and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is an excellent location for digital privacy. It has servers in 105 countries
worldwide, which makes it great for unblocking video content from all over the world. With ExpressVPN, you get apps for all platforms and an allowance of up to 5 simultaneous connections. This means that you can easily use it to cast from a Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS device. When it comes to streaming lots of content, ExpressVPN is definitely an optimal choice. This service is known to reliably unblock Netflix US, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and just about any other streaming service you can think of. And this VPN is consistently one of the fastest services in the world, so it is ideally suited for streaming HD video content without buffering issues. We love that ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat support and that it has all the advanced privacy features and settings you need to do sensitive tasks such as torrenting. Plus, this VPN has a solid no-logs policy you can trust. Well worth testing using its 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is an easy-to-use Chromecast VPN. It labels which servers (in over 90 countries) are best for streaming within its app, and offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost VPN is a perfect VPN service for beginners. The software is easy-to-use, but is also packed with the privacy and security features you need to make it useful for your digital privacy. CyberGhost has robust OpenVPN encryption, meaning your data will always be secure. And it implements a zero-logs policy, which means that nobody will ever be able to find out what you do online and what you choose to cast. With CyberGhost, you get VPN apps for all platforms, which means you can use it to Chromecast from any device. And this VPN is known to unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and other highly sought-after streaming services from around the world. This VPN is also super-fast, which means you will have no trouble casting HD content to your TV. Finally, we love that this VPN has live chat support and that it gives you a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee on subscription plans longer than one month. Overall, it's really an excellent VPN, and one of the best for casting. Private Internet Access is the most secure VPN for Chromecast and it's great for streaming. It offers highly customizable apps for all your devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (PIA) is relatively cheaper than most of the other VPNs on this list, but it is packed with all the privacy and security features that you will need to keep your connection secure. PIA's software is easy to use for beginners, yet it is also highly customizable, which makes it popular with experienced VPN users as well. Its server network is constantly expanding, and now boasts an impressive network of servers located in 84 countries
worldwide. PIA offers apps for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. Users can select from OpenVPN, Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) VPN protocols. The best of these encryption protocols and the one we recommend using is OpenVPN. You can install the VPN on computers running Ubuntu, and it can also run on routers with DD-WRT, Tomato, and PfSense operating systems. The network has good speeds, which makes it a good choice for streaming content on your Chromecast as well as for downloading. You get an allowance of 10 simultaneous connections, so the whole family can enjoy connecting to the internet while you're channeling entertainment to your TV through Chromecast. Surfshark is a great value-for-money VPN for Chromecast. It's jam-packed with features and great at unblocking content, with unlimited connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark Demo Surfshark is a VPN based in the British Virgin Islands that is a superb all-rounder. The VPN has an excellent reputation with consumers; gaining a 4.3 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot. With a single subscription, users can connect as many devices as they want. That makes this VPN perfect for larger families or for anyone who owns a lot of devices. Where privacy is concerned, Surfshark has a watertight no logs policy – and the fact that it's based in the BVI puts it comfortably out of reach of invasive governments. And this provider has reliable apps for all platforms that provide premium VPN features such as OpenVPN encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. Surfshark is definitely well-suited for beginners thanks to its easy to follow setup guides and knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support. Most importantly: for streaming on your Chromecast, this VPN is amazing, providing access to hundreds of geo-restricted services including Netflix US, Hulu, iPlayer, US TV channels, and much more. It's well worth taking for a test run using its 30-day money-back guarantee. And it accepts cards, PayPal, Google, and Amazon pay, making it extremely easy to subscribe! VyprVPN is a great all-round Chromecast VPN. It's excellent at unblocking content and has great apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. VYPR Demo VyprVPN is perfect for anybody looking for a VPN to stream using Chromecast, thanks to its blistering speeds. It ticks that box thanks to its massive proprietary Tier-1 network of servers. With VyprVPN you get a service with servers in 64 countries
that are all ideal for unblocking geo-restricted streams. We like VyprVPN’s apps, which are available for all popular platforms, and those apps are extremely easy to use and have outstanding premium features. With VyprVPN you can unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and much more. We like that this VPN has paid for a full third-party audit. This means that you can trust it to provide the level of privacy it claims. To speak of that security, VyprVPN has a zero-logs policy and implements strong OpenVPN encryption. This ensures that your ISP and the government can never track what you do online, and this VPN will even provide privacy on public WiFi. It's well worth testing with your Chromecast using its 30-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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5. VyprVPN
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How does ProPrivacy review VPNs?
At ProPrivacy, we're constantly challenging and testing VPN services to make sure we recommend only the services that can bypass geo-blocks, and censorship, and are consistently fast – with well-implemented encryption and advanced features. Unfortunately, we can't test whether VPNs are truly keeping their no-logs promises (and not storing identifiable logs). What we can tell you, however, is which ones have had their no-logs policies independently audited or, even better, proven in court.
I've recommended only the battle-tested VPNs in this article – VPNs which we, as a team, meticulously review each day (end even use at home to secure our online activities). I don't like to leave anything to chance, however, so, I did my due diligence and tested speeds, unblocking capacities, and the above mentioned advanced features of each of these providers.
I can, therefore, confirm that each of them has met the following specific criteria before claiming a spot on our list:
- Robust (AES 256-bit) encryption, with multiple top-class protocols (OpenVPN, Lightway, WireGuard, NordLynx)
- A strict zero-logs or no-logs policy
- Unlimited bandwidth for a seamless streaming experience
- Plenty of servers in key locations worldwide
- Lightning-fast service – no buffering and delays
- Advanced privacy features, like a kill-switch and DNS leak protection
- Affordable, with (at least) a 30-day money-back guarantee
How to set up a Chromecast VPN
Using a VPN to stream content with Chromecast on your PC, Mac, or mobile device is the easiest way to set up a Chromecast VPN.
It is important to be aware that using this method will not encrypt data, as your Chromecast device will need to identify your real IP address in order to connect to your computer or phone. It will, however, enable you to stream your favorite shows, even if they are blocked in your location.
All you have to do is follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a VPN - We have listed the best VPNs below this list.
- Download the VPN software - All these VPNs have great apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Open Google chrome - This is the easiest way to cast with a VPN.
- Click the menu button - The three dots in the top right corner of your screen.
- Connect to Chromecast - Do this before connecting to your VPN service as your VPN changes your IP address to one in a different country.
- Connect to your VPN - Choose a server in the country you want to pretend to be in. For example, if you want to stream US Netflix, connect to a US server. When connected you will be ready to stream your favorite shows!
- Now navigate to the streaming service you want to unblock and watch your favorite shows! It's as easy as that.
Why do I need a VPN for Chromecast?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a useful online tool that allows you to gain added privacy and freedom on the internet. It works by encrypting your data and permitting you to conceal your IP address (and pretend to be in a different place). When used in conjunction with a Chromecast, your device gains these benefits, granting you privacy while surfing the internet, protection from WiFi hackers, and allowing you to unblock content from all over the world to cast onto your screen.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to install your VPN onto your Chromecast device directly. Luckily, however, because of how consumer VPNs work, this doesn't really matter. VPN apps exclude local IP addresses to let users access local resources such as printers, LAN drives, and Chromecast dongles! As a result, running a VPN on your device will not prevent you from casting to Chromecast. All you need to do is connect to your VPN on your device before you start casting.
How does a Chromecast VPN work?
When you connect to a VPN server, your real IP address is concealed and the websites and online services you visit will register that you are located in the remote location where the VPN server you are connecting to is located. If you live in the UK but connect to a VPN server in the USA, you actually appear to live in America and you can use internet services to stream content from there that is usually geo-restricted.
When you use a VPN, it doesn't matter where you actually live. You can instantly connect to a server in a faraway location and use the internet as if you were really living in that place. This gives you the freedom to access an almost endless list of online content with your Chromecast device.
Important VPN features for Chromecast
In order to get the most out of a Chromecast VPN service, we have chosen services with the following features:
- Unblocks streaming services - All the VPNs in this list unblock services such as Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, and much more. So you can stream your favorite content no matter where you are.
- Easy to use software - All the services listed in this article have easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. They are also all compatible with VPN-ready routers.
- Fast servers - Unfortunately, all VPNs slow down your internet connection, however by using a VPN with fast servers, you will hardly notice the difference.
- A worldwide server network - So you can unblock content from all over the world we have chosen VPNs that have large networks of servers worldwide.
- Good customer service - All the services listed above have 24/7 live chat support so you can talk to someone immediately if something goes wrong or if you need help with anything.
- Affordable plans - Although the VPNs we have chosen vary in price, we have made sure that all the Chromecast VPNs listed in this article offer good value for your money. If you want more low-cost options, check out our best cheap VPN page.
- Strong encryption - A VPN service is first and foremost and privacy tool and so it's important that they offer their users strong encryption. This stops your ISP, the government, and even hackers from spying on what you are doing online, giving you peace of mind.
Can I use a Free VPN for Chromecast?
There are some free VPNs available on the market you can use with Chromecast, however, it is important to be extremely careful when picking a free service. Most free VPNs are dodgy services that fail to provide proper digital privacy. Instead, they harvest their users' data and web history to sell it to third parties to create a revenue stream. Free services have also been found to provide outdated encryption and to suffer from critical leaks.
By sticking to one of our recommended free plans, you will get a trustworthy service that does not put your data at risk. However, please bear in mind that secure free services are also limited. Those services are only there to advertise the full, premium version of the VPN. For this reason, you only get limited use of the VPN – which will not give you the level of service you require to enjoy your Chromecast.
If you want to trial a premium VPN subscription with your Chromecast to see what a full VPN can really do – we recommend that you use a VPN's money-back guarantee that the VPNs in this article provide. That way you can get a sense of what a full VPN has to offer (or even compare a few); without risking your hard-earned cash.
Use a VPN router with Chromecast
An easy way to set up your home so that your Chromecast is connected to a VPN is to install the VPN on a router. Depending on which router you own, you may be able to set up your VPN connection manually on it yourself by opening its control panel.
Alternatively, you may need to flash the router with new firmware such as DD-WRT or Tomato (these allow you to set up a manual VPN connection on the router).
If flashing a router with new firmware sounds too tricky, you have the option to purchase a pre-flashed router from FlashRouters. That company sells routers that come pre-configured to work with the VPN of your choice. Check out our VPN routers guide for more information about this topic.
How to set up a virtual router with Chromecast
Another option for using Chromecast with a VPN is to set up a computer in your home as a virtual router.
By using a computer as a WiFi hotspot, you can actually gain the benefit of the VPN connection that has been established on your PC. To do this on most computers, you will need to connect the computer to your WiFi router via ethernet in order to leave its WLAN card free to act as a virtual router.
Following that, you will need to download a program (such as Connectify) that lets you set up a virtual router on your machine. Alternatively, you can use Windows 10's built-in virtual router functionality.
For more information on sharing your internet connection with a VPN-connected PC, please check out our guide.
Chromecast VPN – Conclusion
A VPN for Chromecast allows you to access blocked services and cast them to a big screen where they belong. It will also protect your privacy when casting Popcorn Time content. What's not to like?
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Chromecast. It is super fast, has servers in 94+ countries, and unblocks plenty, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy-to-use Chromecast VPN that's super cheap. Offers dedicated streaming servers and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure Chromecast VPN. It comes with a verified zero-logs policy, great apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark - The best value-for-money Chromecast VPN. Blazing fast servers, top-notch privacy features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- VyprVPN - A great all-round Chromecast VPN. It's an audited service, with slick apps on popular platforms and a 30-day money-back guarantee.