Proton VPN coming to Apple TV
While most of the major VPN providers already support Apple's multimedia box, the popular Swiss provider was missing. This has changed since this week.
Proton VPN on Apple TV: It took a while, now it's finally working.
(Image: Proton AG)
Proton AG from Plan-les-Ouates near Geneva is a popular provider of security solutions, including Proton Mail and especially Proton VPN. In contrast to many other well-known providers such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, the company did not provide its own app for the introduction of tvOS 17 last year, which allowed the integration of virtual private networks for the first time. This is now changing: as of this week, Proton customers can finally use their access on the Apple TV multimedia box.
Secure (more) online and more cosmopolitan streaming
The app is available in the App Store. It is a tvOS adaptation of the iOS and iPadOS applications. Fortunately, after installing it on Apple TV and starting it for the first time, you don't have to enter an account during setup. Instead, you go to "protonvpn.com/appletv" on a computer, smartphone or tablet, log in there and then enter an eight-digit code that is displayed in the tvOS app. The access is then synchronized and can be used.
According to Proton VPN, it gives customers access to 6,200 servers in more than 100 countries. The point of this: firstly, it is possible to surf (more) securely because the internet provider can no longer view the data traffic, and secondly (and this is the more important reason for most users) services can now also be used that are inaccessible in the home country. This includes streaming providers such as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video or Netflix, which have different offerings in different countries due to geo-blocking. The BBC iPlayer, for example, is also only accessible with a British IP address, which can be obtained using a VPN provider. Proton VPN provides an overview of the offers on its website.
Buying directly is more expensive
Proton VPN automatically selects the fastest server location under tvOS. Otherwise, you can choose freely from various countries. The VPN app is used for configuration; it stores a corresponding setup in the system, which can then be activated at any time. An active VPN can also be seen in the tvOS control center; it has its own icon.
Like the desktop or mobile version of Proton VPN, the service can be used free of charge with restrictions. However, access to the entire server portfolio and other features are subject to a fee. You have to be careful where you buy: Within the app, access is more expensive – apparently to avoid Apple's App Store commission. VPN Plus access is available in the app for 12.99 euros per month and costs 79.99 euros per year. If you buy from Proton on the website, on the other hand, you pay 9.99 euros per month or 59.88 euros per year. There is also a slightly cheaper two-year subscription and combinations with the other Proton services. These packages include Proton Mail, a calendar and files app as well as a password manager and a Bitcoin wallet.
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