Chromecast is a great way to bring web-based streaming services to your non-smart TV. Besides casting other devices, the 4th generation also has streaming apps.
The problem is that most of the streaming services available on Chromecast are geo-blocked. So, for example, the content accessible in the UK is not available in the US and vice versa. However, a virtual private network (VPN) will help you bypass geo-blocks, allowing you to watch your favorite content from anywhere.
In this article, we have assembled the best VPNs for Google Chromecast, why you should use a VPN for Chromecast, and much more.
Top Chromecast VPNs – The quick list
While we will delve much deeper into each VPN service on this list later, here is a summary for you.
- ExpressVPN – Our best choice VPN service to unblock websites on Chromecast. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the servers have incredible speeds.
- NordVPN – A trustworthy VPN for Chromecast. It bypasses the restrictions of many streaming services worldwide.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – Provides a vast server network to help you unblock content from anywhere.
- IPVanish – Works well with many routers and offers tutorials to configure Chromecast.
- PureVPN – Outstanding connection speed, does not retain user logs, and has a tremendous unblocking capability.
How to configure a VPN on Chromecast
Chromecast devices don’t work with VPNs. So, your only choice is to use a virtual router or a physical home router. There is also an option to root your device. But it is risky and has a complicated configuration process.
Therefore, we recommend you configure a VPN on your router and connect Chromecast to the router. Hence, your traffic will route through the VPN server, enabling you to bypass geo-restrictions.
The 5 best Chromecast VPNs – Detailed list
The best Chromecast VPN should be secure, fast, and user-friendly. Also, it should effectively unblock websites on Chromecast. These are the best VPN providers to use on Google Chromecast.
1. ExpressVPN
Undoubtedly the best and fastest VPN available. Although a bit pricey but it is worth it.
More than 3,000 VPN servers available in 93+ countries
TrustedServer technology
Has AES-256-bit encryption
Strict no-logs policy
Offers effective split tunneling
Network Lock (kill switch)
Tor compatible
Supports P2P (torrenting)
Allows 5 simultaneous connections per account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- Easy to install on router
- Anonymous streaming, downloading, and browsing
Cons
- Slightly expensive subscription plans
ExpressVPN has consistently emerged as the best VPN provider for many years. It is also our top choice for Chromecast. In addition, it can unblock many streaming services, including Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc.
This VPN works well with many modern routers and is probably compatible with yours. It even offers tutorials on how to configure Chromecast.
The server network is massive, with more than 3,000 fast-speed servers in over 93 countries. Also, it offers unlimited bandwidth and data. Hence, you will be able to stream high-quality content on Chromecast.
If you cannot configure the VPN with Chromecast, you can contact customer care through the 24/7 live chat. Shoot your question, and you will get an answer promptly.
Fortunately, the company makes pre-configured routers, which will come in handy if you don’t want to go through the hassle of manual configuration. Also, it has router firmware that you can get for free if you have an ExpressVPN subscription and install it on your router (if compatible).
The VPN has apps for other devices like Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, etc., and allows you to have five simultaneous connections. However, when you install it on your router, you can connect as many devices as you want.
2. NordVPN
Being at the second spot does not mean it is less than with any of its competitor. Thanks to its vast chain of servers that gives you access to any prohibited streaming sites anywhere in the world.
5,521+ VPN servers in 69+ countries
Threat Protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)
AES-256-bit military-grade encryption
Effective kill switch
Split tunneling
Double VPN (multi hop) feature
Supports P2P sharing
Boasts Onion over VPN feature
Offers obfuscate servers
Observes strict no-logs policy
Allows 6 simultaneous connections per subscription
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Optimized servers for high-quality streaming
- Huge worldwide server network
- Robust encryption and security features
Cons
- Outdated desktop app
NordVPN is a reliable VPN service to bypass Chromecast content geo-restriction. It works well with almost all popular streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, etc.
The VPN offers apps for a wide variety of routers, which will enable you to unblock content on Chromecast. It also has tutorials on how to set up the VPN with compatible routers. There is also an option to purchase pre-flashed routers through FlashRouters, a NordVPN affiliate.
You can unblock streaming services worldwide as the VPN has over 5500 servers in 59+ countries. Its servers are fast and offer unlimited bandwidth, enabling you to stream high-quality content.
NordVPN allows you to connect six simultaneous devices, regardless of your subscription package. Besides routers, it also has Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and macOS apps.
The VPN does not keep logs and will protect your data with AES 256-bit encryption. Other security measures include DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and split tunneling.
Fortunately, NordVPN offers an ad blocker, improving your streaming experience. It also blocks malware to keep you safe.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
VPN service with most number of servers scattered around the globe. You can boost your connection performance because it lets you control level of encryption.
More than 28,000 VPN servers in 78 countries
Supports P2P traffic on most of the servers
AES 128-bit/256-bit encryption
MACE ad blocker and malware protection
No-logs policy
Effective split tunneling
Impressive kill switch functionality
Web/DNS leak protection
Allows 10 simultaneous connections per account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Budget-friendly packages
- Decent speeds
- Massive server network
Cons
- Unblocking streaming services is inconsistent
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN to use with Chromecast. It is based in the US and can unblock streaming services like Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, etc.
The VPN is compatible with DD-WRT, TP-Link, Pfsense, AsusWRT, and LEDE firmware routers. PIA also sells pre-installed routers on its website. Installing the VPN app on your router will enable you to connect devices that don’t support VPNs like Chromecast.
Regarding security, PIA allows you to control the encryption level on your connections. You can choose between the AES 128 or 256-bit encryption. Additional security features include DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
PIA offers apps for almost all devices, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, etc. In addition, it has a limit of 10 connections, which means you can use Chromecast on multiple devices simultaneously.
4. IPVanish
One of the most definitive and well built VPN services. With its reliable connection speed you can watch you favorite content on Chromecast.
More than 2,000 VPN servers in 75+ different countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P-friendly servers
Split tunneling
Automatic kill switch
No-logs policy
Web/DNS leak protection
24/7 live chat support
Allows unlimited connections per account
31-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Fast speed on most servers
- World-class security
- Reliably unblocks streaming services on Chromecast
Cons
- Small server network
IPVanish is another excellent option to unblock streaming services on Chromecast. It will enable you to access apps like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix US, Hulu, etc.
The VPN is compatible with DD-WRT, ASUSWRT, Tomato, and ASUSWRT-Merlin routers. Also, you can purchase pre-configured FlashRouters routers from its website.
IPVanish has the smallest server network on this list, with only 2,000 servers in 75 countries. The best part is that the company owns the entire server fleet and does not rent from third parties. This independency is good for security and privacy.
If you face any issue configuring the VPN on your router, you can contact customer support through the 24/7 live chat, phone, or email/ticketing system. The response is prompt, and the representatives are informative.
5. PureVPN
VPN service with impressive performance overall. You can set up this VPN on your Router manually and can get as much connections as you want on one subscription.
More than 6,500 VPN servers available in 78+ countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P-friendly servers
Split tunneling
Automatic kill switch
No-logs policy
Web/DNS leak protection
24/7 live chat support
Allows 10 simultaneous connections per account
31-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Fast connections
- Reliable server network
- Support numerous routers
Cons
- Connection issues on some servers
PureVPN is our last recommendation for Chromecast VPN. It unblocks several streaming services like ESPN, Disney+, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and many more.
The VPN supports various routers, including D-Link, Netgear Genie, Sabai, Belkin, Asus, Tomato, DD-WRT, etc. It also collaborates with FlashRouter for pre-configured routers installed with PureVPN.
Accessing content in other regions will be bliss as PureVPN has a massive network of 6,500 servers in over 78 countries. An extensive infrastructure like this helps to prevent server overloading issues and enables fast speeds, which is suitable for streaming content on Chromecast.
Features like AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection will help to keep your data within the encrypted tunnel. The company also follows a strict no-logs policy to maintain your anonymity.
Criteria for choosing Chromecast VPNs
- Router support – As mentioned earlier, Chromecast does not support VPNs. So, the only way to use a VPN on Chromecast is to install the VPN on your router and connect Chromecast to the router. The VPNs on this list offer dedicated router apps along with detailed configuration tutorials for popular router firmware.
- Streaming – One of the main reasons for using Chromecast VPNs is to unblock region-blocked content. We did thorough research and testing to find the VPNs that can unblock popular streaming services.
- Speed – A fast connection is necessary to stream high-quality content without buffering. We tested the speed on different servers around the world.
- Security – All the VPN services on this list use military-grade encryption that is almost impossible to crack. Also, they have necessary data leak protection to ensure your information never escapes the encrypted tunnel.
- Privacy – We choose VPN services that adhere to a no-logs policy. The VPNs on this list claim not to retain user data, some of which have been verified by reputable auditing firms.
- Server network – An extensive server network spread across many locations is beneficial in many ways. Firstly, it will enable you to unblock Chromecast streaming services worldwide. Secondly, you will have more options if your connection is blocked. The VPNs on this list offer multiple servers in different countries globally.
- Customer support – We contacted the VPN’s customer support to rate the quality of their services and measure response time. They are all within the acceptable range.
Why use a VPN with your Google Chromecast?
Below are the reasons you may need to use a VPN on Chromecast.
1. Bypass geo-blocks
The biggest reason why most people use a VPN on Chromecast is to expand their access to more content. Many popular streaming services like Netflix use geo-blocks to restrict content to specific locations. It means that some content is available in particular countries and not in others.
For example, in the US, Netflix has a more extensive content catalog than in other countries. But on the other hand, streaming services like BBC iPlayer are available in specific regions.
A VPN will help you to change your IP address and access content as if you are in a different country. So, for instance, you can be in the UK and stream US-specific content with a VPN.
2. Ensure online safety
Third parties like your advertisers, internet service provider (ISP), hackers, and government are interested in whatever you do online. However, a VPN will secure your internet connection and encrypt your data to prevent anyone from seeing what you are doing online. Besides giving you online anonymity, it will protect your personal information like passwords.
The problem with watching content on Chromecast is that some streaming services may track your data and bombard you with targeted ads, impeding your streaming experience. However, some VPNs like NordVPN and Private Internet Access offer effective ad and malware blockers.
3. Using Kodi safely
Kodi is a great open-source media player that helps to bring your entertainment options under one roof, eliminating the hassle of switching between them. Thankfully, Chromecast and Kodi are compatible. In addition, a VPN will help to access content on Kodi safely.
Can I use a free VPN for Google Chromecast?
We discourage you from using a free VPN on Chromecast. That is because most free VPNs use fraudulent ways to make money. For instance, they will collect and sell your personal details to third parties. Also, they can insert ads on the streaming services you visit, which can be annoying. Worst of it all, free VPNs are known to inject malware into users’ devices. So, installing a free VPN on your router will risk all connected devices.
Freemium VPN services like ProtonVPN and TunnelBear are safe than completely free VPNs. These are premium VPN services that offer a free version. The problem is that you will access fewer servers, and the data may be capped. Fortunately, your connections will be encrypted and protected from outside interference.
Moreover, the premium VPNs on this list come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They will allow you to use their services risk-free for 30 days and request a refund.
Chromecast VPN setup
After subscribing to a VPN, you can connect your Chromecast through a virtual or physical router.
How to configure Chromecast VPN with a virtual router
A virtual router is an easier option for using a VPN on Chromecast. That is where you create a Wi-Fi hotspot with a laptop, and the traffic of every device you connect to the laptop will be routed through the VPN server.
Unfortunately, you must keep the laptop in sight and running when you want to use a VPN on Chromecast. You only need a laptop that can create a hotspot, which most modern laptops do.
Once you have configured the virtual router, go to Chromecast network settings to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
How to configure a VPN on a physical router
This option does not require a spare laptop but only a compatible router. However, remember that installing a VPN on your router will make the traffic of every device connected, including Chromecast, be tunneled through the VPN.
Note that some routers don’t support VPN connections. For example, cheap routers don’t; if they do, the performance will be seriously impacted because encrypting and decrypting traffic requires a lot of resources.
Check your router’s make and model to see if it has free and open-source firmware like Tomato or DD-WRT. There is an option to replace your router’s stock firmware with a process called “flashing.” However, it can damage your router if done incorrectly.
Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-flashed router configured with your VPN. For example, ExpressVPN has a reputation for making VPN-compatible routers. They are easy to use and work well, although they cost an arm and a leg. However, if you have an ExpressVPN subscription, you can get free firmware if it is compatible with your router.
Moreover, many of the VPNs recommended above work with FlashRouters, a third-party affiliate that sells Tomato and DD-WRT routers configured with VPNs. They will be helpful, although they aren’t as reliable as ExpressVPN’s firmware.
If you have a compatible router, contact the VPN customer support for instructions on configuring VPN software. Unfortunately, router firmware varies, so there isn’t a specific setup tutorial for all of them.
To understand VPN configuration on a router, check out this detailed guide to setting up VPNs on routers.
Conclusion
Chromecast is a great streaming device but doesn’t support VPNs. That means you won’t be able to bypass geo-restrictions of popular streaming services like Netflix. However, you can install the VPN on your router and connect the Chromecast to the router. Our top choice Chromecast VPN is ExpressVPN. It has an impressive unblocking capability and offers robust security – perfect for an ultimate private streaming experience.
FAQs
No. A VPN is an effective way to unblock blocked content on Chromecast. However, some countries have a strict stance on VPN usage, so you should check with your local laws.
Besides unblocking geo-blocked content, the VPNs on this list use advanced encryption to protect your data. Hence, no one will see what you are doing online. Also, you can change your IP address and take advantage of e-commerce discounts in other countries.
No, it doesn’t have an installed web browser, nor can you download it from Google Play Store. Remember that using a web browser without a keyboard can be challenging.
When you cast content, your phone passes over the file to your Chromecast. However, you must connect both devices to the same network for this to work. For example, if you install the VPN on your phone and Chromecast isn’t connected to the same VPN, the video will not load.
No, Chromecast doesn’t work with Smart DNS. That is because Chromecast is designed to communicate with Google’s DNS servers.
