How to get ExpressVPN on your big-screen TV

Pros

• Appear to be in any of 113 countries
• Full privacy and security functions
• Simple interface, similar to the Android or iOS phone apps
• Easy to turn VPN off to access local services
• Includes 12 months of ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan for new and returning users
• Android streaming devices start below 50 USD

Cons

• Only available on certain devices
• May result in buffering on the slowest internet connections
• Can be tricky to find the ExpressVPN app in some app stores

Learn to set up ExpressVPN on:

• Apple TV
• Android TV devices (smart TVs, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box)
• Fire TV devices (running Fire OS 6+ and Vega OS)
• Chromecast With Google TV

Use MediaStreamer

An excellent solution for people who are primarily interested in streaming and aren’t too concerned about security or privacy while watching. MediaStreamer also works on devices that cannot install any VPN, including Samsung Smart TV and game consoles like the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. And after initial setup, it requires no further action.

Pros

• Available on devices that cannot install a VPN
• Set it up once for ongoing protection
• May perform better on slow networks
• Works with many of the most popular U.S. and UK services

Cons

• No privacy or security functions
• Setup involves more steps than the app
• No toggling between countries for the same service
• Certain device/service combinations may not be supported
• Less-popular services may not be supported

Learn to set up MediaStreamer on:

• Apple TV (4th Gen and newer | 3rd Gen and older)
• Game consoles (PS4 | PS3 | Xbox One | Xbox 360 | Nintendo Switch)
• Smart TVs (LG | Samsung)

Wired connection

The most foolproof method. Just run an HDMI cable from a computer or mobile device to your TV and mirror your screen there. Because the TV is just a monitor, there are no compatibility issues, provided the TV has an HDMI port. You will still need an HDMI cable, and, unless your device has an HDMI jack, an adapter for the other end of the cable.

Pros

• Easily switch between servers in 113 countries
• Full privacy and security functions
• Simple interface, because it’s your Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android app
• Works with almost any TV
• Includes 12 months of ExpressVPN’s Advanced plan for new and returning users

Cons

• Unsightly cable to trip over, and device must be nearby
• Cost of cable and adapter may approach that of a basic Android streaming device
• Must be controlled by the computer or mobile device (no remote control), which must be on

Wireless connection: Mirroring

With the right equipment, you can wirelessly mirror the content on a computer or mobile device to a TV or streaming console that can receive such signals (such as an Apple TV, Chromecast, or Fire TV Stick). Mirroring sends an exact copy of the image on the sending device (toolbars and all). Though more likely to work in more situations than casting (see below), this method is not without drawbacks. But for one-off viewing (or when you are visiting someone else’s house), it’s a good option to have.

Pros

• Easily switch between servers in 113 countries
• Full privacy and security functions
• Simple interface, because it’s your Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS app
• The streaming devices receiving the signal will work with any TV
• Works with any service available with ExpressVPN

Cons

• Requires a smart TV or streaming device that can receive a mirroring signal
• The computer or mobile device sending the signal will be unavailable for other tasks; screen must be set to mirror, which may drain the battery
• Image quality may be worse than casting and include undesired elements (battery indicator, clock, toolbars)
• There may be a lag between the sending and receiving device

Learn how to cast or mirror to:

• Apple TV
• Chromecast
• Roku
• Fire TV devices (running Fire OS 6+ and Vega OS)
• LG smart TVs
• Samsung Smart TV

• Use ExpressVPN on devices that can't install the app
• Switch VPN locations easily from your ExpressVPN dashboard
• Set it up once for ongoing protection
• Works with all smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices, even ones that cannot use MediaStreamer
• Everyone on your network is protected just by connecting to Wi-Fi
• Works with any service available with ExpressVPN

Cons

• VPN settings are managed through Fortify's router admin panel and the ExpressVPN dashboard, not directly on connected devices

Learn how to set up:

• Fortify

Use a computer as a virtual router

Finally, for the technically minded user who doesn’t want to buy extra equipment and doesn’t mind a few limitations, you can also use a Windows computer as a “virtual router” or “hotspot.” Every device that connects to it will then enjoy all the benefits of the VPN, shared via that connection. There are some downsides, but if you’re determined to get full VPN benefits on a device that can’t install one or that doesn’t always have full functionality with MediaStreamer, a “virtual router” can be the solution.

Pros

• Easily switch between servers in 113 countries
• Full privacy and security functions
• Easy to turn VPN off to access local services
• Can choose which devices connect to the VPN (split tunneling)
• Works with all smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices, even ones that cannot use MediaStreamer
• Works with any service available with ExpressVPN
• No extra cost or equipment

Cons

• Computer must be on at all times
• Setup is fairly complicated and may need to be repeated
• The connection is likely to be slower than a router
• Browsing with the computer will be slowed
• Not available with mobile devices; although you can create a hotspot with such devices, the VPN connection is not shared

Learn to set up a virtual router on:

• Windows computers