A VPN encrypts your internet connection and passes it via an intermediate server in a location of your choice. When used in conjunction with the Nvidia Shield, it allows you to securely stream movies and access your favorite services while on the road. You could, for example, browse the Netflix collection in the United States or the BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom.
If you’re a Kodi fan, we’re happy to let you know that the VPN service we suggest works with every Kodi add-on we tested.
Best VPN for Nvidia Shield
The following factors guided our selection of the best VPN for the Nvidia Shield:
- Compatible with Nvidia Shield (Android TV).
- Rapid download rates for high-definition streaming.
- Compatible with streaming services such as Netflix.
- Encryption security.
- There are no records of internet activity or connections.
- Money-back guarantee.
Since Nvidia Shield runs on Android TV, we’ll focus on a VPN that provides Android TV applications on Google Play.
NordVPN
NordVPN offers an Android TV app via the Google Play Store, as well as the ability to download the Android APK straight from the company’s website. Additionally, it is accessible on the Amazon App Store if you choose to utilize it as a substitute.
NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in several locations, making it ideal for securely watching video streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. You receive download speeds fast enough to stream videos in high definition, as well as powerful encryption to ensure the privacy of your internet data. NordVPN has a rigorous no-logs policy, which means it does not record any information about your activities while connected.
Regular membership allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, NordVPN is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux.
Methodology for Nvidia Shield VPN testing
PrivacyExplore is committed to providing the most extensive, accurate, and up-to-date VPN evaluations and recommendations available on the web. We would never suggest a VPN without first testing and evaluating it. Our assessments are based on personal observation, professional analysis, and a battery of exams. When it comes to the Nvidia Shield VPN, we pay close attention to the following:
- Speed: VPN should have sufficient download capacity to allow for buffer-free streaming of high-quality video. We evaluate each VPN’s connection speeds to several servers located across the globe.
- Streaming: Nvidia Shields is mostly used for video streaming. Keeping this in mind, we will test each VPN’s ability to safely access major streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
- Privacy: The VPN we suggest adheres to a no-logs policy, which means they do not gather any personally identifying information about their users. We review each VPN’s privacy policy for any terminology, or absence thereof, that might imply the acquisition of personally identifiable information.
- Security: We only suggest a VPN that adheres to our stringent security and encryption criteria. VPNs must use proper and current encryption and be free of DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, to name a few.
- Android TV compatibility: We favor a VPN that develops Android TV applications designed for Shield’s remote-control interface.
- Customer support: Our reviewers act as undercover shoppers, contacting each VPN’s customer care department to ascertain response times and quality.
How to configure a VPN connection on Nvidia Shield
Nvidia Shield is powered by Android TV, a television-compatible version of the Android operating system that powers many modern smartphones. Android TV has its partitioned sector inside the Google Play Store, which means it has a lesser app selection than a phone.
The VPN we suggest offers dedicated Android TV applications that you can use with Nvidia Shield. Others will lead you to the VPN provider’s website where you may download an APK installation file. We’ll walk you through the process of installing both below:
If your VPN client is accessible on Google Play for Android TV, the following steps apply:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Shield by selecting it from the Apps area of the home screen.
- Conduct a search for the VPN’s name. It should appear in the search engine results.
- To access your VPN’s app page, choose it from the list. If numerous VPNs with the same name exist, double-check which is the official version.
- Choose Install.
- To complete the installation, accept the app’s permissions.
You may now sign in to the VPN app from the home screen. To begin, just choose a location and click Connect.
If your VPN provider does not provide an Android TV app or if Google Play is unavailable, take a USB flash drive and follow these instructions:
- Open a web browser on your PC or Macbook and go to your VPN provider’s website.
- On a USB flash drive, save the Android APK file for your VPN application. If you are unable to locate the download page, contact your provider’s customer service department.
- Once the download is complete, safely detach the flash drive from your computer.
- Navigate to Settings > Security and Restrictions on your Shield.
- Unknown sources may be toggled on or off. When a warning displays, click OK.
- Open Google Play from the home screen (or whatever alternative app store you have access to, e.g., Amazon).
- ES File Explorer or FX File Explorer may be found and selected through a search. Either should suffice.
- Select Install and Accept app permissions on the app’s page.
- Insert the Shield’s USB flash drive.
- Navigate to your USB device or media card using the newly installed file explorer program.
- Open the APK file that you obtained from the website of your VPN provider.
- When the installation is complete, click Open.
On your Shield, you may now utilize the Android VPN app. Take note that this version of the app was most likely designed for phones rather than televisions, which means that navigating the UI may not be as straightforward. However, you should be able to log in and connect to the server.
Shield TV vs. the original NVIDIA Shield
NVIDIA Shield TV is a smaller, updated version of NVIDIA Shield. It’s similar to the Amazon Fire TV stick vs the Fire TV Cube in that it’s a more compact device at the expense of performance.
Any VPN that works on the Nvidia SHIELD should function on Shield TV as well. However, keep in mind that Shield TV’s lesser specifications may make it less capable of encrypting and decrypting data in transit. When utilizing a VPN, this might result in increased buffering.
VPNs for Nvidia Shield FAQs
Is it possible to utilize a free VPN in conjunction with Nvidia Shield?
While there are a few free VPN applications available in the Google Play Store, we do not endorse them. Free VPNs often have overcrowded servers that are too sluggish for video streaming. Data constraints and bandwidth restrictions can result in video interruptions.
Free VPNs often earn money by collecting and selling your data to third-party advertising, which contradicts the privacy that a solid VPN should give. Some, especially those running on Android, may potentially include malware.
Opt for a premium VPN for a more seamless experience, faster connections, more privacy, and responsive customer support.
Is Nvidia Shield equipped with a web browser?
Although the Nvidia Shield does not come preinstalled with a web browser, one may have to install it manually. You may either download a browser from Google Play or sideload one using the same procedure as described above for VPNs. While Firefox, Chrome, and Opera are all popular alternatives, keep in mind that navigating these applications without a keyboard might be challenging. If all you have is remote, Puffin is a popular alternative, but we cannot promise its privacy.
Is it possible to install applications on Nvidia Shield?
Yes! You may either install Android TV applications through Google Play or manually sideload them using the same procedure as described above for VPNs.
Which version of the Nvidia Shield should I purchase?
The Nvidia Shield is available in two configurations: regular and pro. These are identical saves for a few enhancements included in the Pro version, such as more RAM and internal storage. Additionally, the Pro edition has two USB ports, whereas the ordinary version does not. Whichever one you select is up to you, but both should operate equally well with VPN applications.
What should I do if my VPN connection fails to connect to NVIDIA Shield?
There are various possible reasons why a VPN may not work correctly with NVIDIA Shield.
VPN connections have been reported to be blocked by third-party software, such as the ad-blocker Blokada. You may need to deactivate or remove incompatible applications.
If you download your VPN software from a source other than Google Play, you may be using an outdated version, which may result in connection problems. You’ll need to either sideload the most recent version or use the Google Play version.
Updates to VPN applications or the Shield itself may result in delayed or lost connections. In this case, we suggest contacting your VPN’s customer support and waiting for a resolution.
How can I stop my Nvidia Shield from buffering?
Numerous factors may result in buffering on an Nvidia Shield. The following are some troubleshooting procedures to assist you in locating and resolving the issue:
Check your internet connection’s speed. To stream videos from many providers, you’ll need at least 5 Mbps of download bandwidth. VPNs may also slow down your internet connection, so if you notice increased buffering when connected to a VPN, switch to a new server or provider. Ethernet connections are often quicker and more dependable than Wi-Fi. If you’re connected through Ethernet, ensure that the Ethernet switch is enabled in the settings.
Ensure that your Nvidia Shield and apps are up to date. Streaming applications and the Nvidia Shield operating system (Android) may struggle to stream effectively in older versions. Ascertain that your operating system and applications are up to date. If your app is not scheduled to update automatically, you may update it through the Google Play Store. Some users have reported success reinstalling problematic applications.
Disable or change applications that have an impact on internet routing. VPNs, pi-holes, custom DNS servers, ad blockers, and other applications that modify your internet connection may cause playing to be interrupted. Turn them off and on one at a time to limit down the suspect.
Reboot. Reboot the Nvidia Shield completely; do not just put it into sleep mode. Similarly, you may reset your wireless router and modem.
Restore the Shield to its default state. Once all other options have been exhausted, conduct a factory reset on the shield.
How fast should my internet connection be for Nvidia Shield?
To stream videos without buffering, the majority of streaming services demand a minimum of 3 Mbps download speed. You’ll need at least 5 Mbps and 25 Mbps for HD and 4K quality, respectively. Take note that a VPN will typically delay rates by roughly five to ten percent, so you may want some more bandwidth to compensate.