5 Best VPNs for Chromecast in 2025: Tested & Confirmed by Danica Djokic
Danica Djokic
Updated on: May 12, 2025
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
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🥇 ExpressVPN
: Allows you to quickly set up the VPN on your Chromecast thanks to its intuitive router app. Plus, it delivers the fastest speeds on the market and comes with advanced security, cool extra features, and excellent streaming support. ExpressVPN backs its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee (first-time users only).
Finding a good VPN for Chromecast isn’t easy. Chromecast devices don’t natively support VPNs, and neither do most TVs that come with Chromecast built-in, so I had to look for VPNs with good router support.
The VPNs that made it onto my list work really well with Chromecast. They all come with great guides on how to set them up on a router, have top-notch streaming support, and are very secure.
My favorite VPN for Chromecast is ExpressVPN. It has the fastest speeds on the market and works with all popular streaming services. Plus, it’s one of the only VPNs that has a native router app for quick setup on your Chromecast. Still, the rest of the VPNs on my list are very good alternatives. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Chromecast
May 2025 update: For this update, we’ve added pros and cons to each review, added valuable features for casting from any type of device, added a section on using Chromecast successfully while travelling, and more.
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Chromecast in 2025
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is my top choice for Chromecast — it’s one of the only VPNs with a dedicated router app, which makes connecting your Chromecast to the VPN super easy. It uses the proprietary Lightway protocol, so router connections are super fast.
- Intuitive router app
- Excellent streaming support
- Aircove Go portable router
- Super fast speeds
- No streaming servers
I set up the app on my router in just 7–10 minutes. Once connected, your Chromecast uses the same VPN IP as your other devices, so anything you cast stays on the same VPN-protected network.
If a router setup is too complicated, or you’re traveling with your Chromecast, ExpressVPN also offers a small router called Aircove Go. The VPN is built-in, so it’s super easy to connect all of your casting devices to the same VPN connection as your Chromecast, even on tricky hotel Wi-Fi.
If you have a Google TV with Chromecast, you can install the VPN directly using its Google Play Store app just like any other app on your smart TV. Then, you simply select a server or auto-connect to the best location with its quick connect power button. You may also add servers to your Favorites list for quick access.
ExpressVPN works with 100+ streaming services, which is why it’s the best VPN for streaming. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, plus sports apps like F1 TV and MLB.TV, as well as tons of national services all over the world.
I find it very convenient that ExpressVPN allows split-tunneling on routers, which lets you create up to 5 different groups of devices. You can put different devices in each group and set it up so each group connects to a different VPN server — or only connects to your local server. For example, you can put your Chromecast via Google TV in one device group and connect the group to a local VPN server but put your laptop and smartphone in a group that connects to your local network. This means that you can watch Netflix on your Chromecast via the VPN but use your laptop or phone to visit sites that ban VPNs (like bank sites).
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chromecast. It has a native router app that makes it very easy to connect your Chromecast to the VPN, offers blazing-fast speeds on Chromecast, and provides excellent streaming support. What’s more, it has a great smart TV app, split-tunneling on routers, and even a portable VPN router that’s great for travel.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great Privacy and Security Features for Chromecast
Private Internet Access (PIA) supports custom DNS configurations for Chromecast through compatible routers, which can be helpful if you want to apply network-wide DNS filtering — such as parental controls or ad-blocking that also affect Chromecast. Plus, it supports smart DNS for Chromecast, which is very rare. It’s a technical setup, but it will provide faster speeds for casting since it doesn’t use VPN encryption. I like how there’s an easy-to-follow guide on its website, too.
- Great router setup guides
- Custom DNS on router
- Smart DNS on router
- No router app
- Basic Google TV app
PIA also supports manual router configuration to connect your Chromecast to the VPN. Although it lacks a native router app like ExpressVPN, setting it up on a router is pretty easy — PIA has detailed guides, and it took me about 10–13 minutes to complete the process.
PIA allows you to watch your favorite shows on 30+ streaming sites on Chromecast. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max, and Crunchyroll. It also has dedicated streaming servers available with router connections in 5+ countries, including the US, the UK, and Japan.
I’m a fan of the user-friendly app for Google TV. It provides access to streaming servers and has a simple power button for quickly connecting to the best server for your location. In addition, you get a Favorites option, can click on recent connections, and more, so it’s easy to select your most-used servers with a remote.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access is a customizable VPN for Chromecast with custom DNS and smart DNS settings at the router level. You get great streaming support with dedicated streaming servers and a dedicated app for Google TV.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editors’ Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — User-Friendly Setup for Chromecast
CyberGhost VPN is easy to set up on a router and connect to your Chromecast. The guides on the site are user-friendly and include screenshots for every step, so it’s unlikely that you’ll get lost while configuring the VPN on your router. It took me around 12–15 minutes to set it up and use the VPN connection to stream on my Chromecast device. That being said, I still prefer ExpressVPN’s native router app, which also comes with split-tunneling.
- Good streaming support
- NoSpy servers on router
- Ad blocker for Google TV
- No streaming servers on router
- No router split-tunneling
I like how CyberGhost has NoSpy servers on its router. These servers are owned by CyberGhost and housed in their headquarters in Romania, and only its staff can physically access them. So, your Chromecast data is completely secure.
CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers for 50+ streaming services in 20+ countries. However, they’re not available on the router, so you’d have to set up your Windows computer as a virtual router to cast with them. Luckily, CyberGhost has easy-to-follow guides about how to do this on its website.
The same is true of its gaming servers. I think it’s worth the setup for casting games to the big screen since the servers are optimized to provide better ping and stability.
CyberGhost’s Google TV app is pretty good. It has Content Blocker, a decent ad blocker, and a connection checker to confirm your connection is stable. It’s also really easy to connect to a server since it uses a large power button.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with easy-to-follow router setup guides, which means you’ll have no problem configuring it on your router and connecting your Chromecast to it. You’ll also get NoSpy servers on the router and streaming and gaming servers through Chromecast with a virtual router setup, plus a good app for using Chromecast on your Google TV.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors’ Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Fast Speeds for Streaming on Chromecast
NordVPN offers impressive speeds and has great router support. It includes the NordLynx protocol, which is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol. For router setup, it offers easy-to-follow step-by-step guides — it only took me around 15 minutes to complete the process. That said, I still prefer ExpressVPN’s router app, which is much easier to install. However, I like that it has support guides for setting up the VPN on GL.iNet travel routers for using Chromecast at a hotel.
- Travel router support
- Fast speeds for routers
- Feature-rich Google TV app
- Works with fewer streaming sites
- No router app
NordVPN is great for streaming. It supports 10+ streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. However, NordVPN can’t match the 100+ streaming services that ExpressVPN works with.
The VPN also has Meshnet, which you can use with Chromecast with a virtual router setup. Meshnet connects your portable device to a one back home, like a computer, so they share the same network. For expats, you could even access family photo albums from your portable device and cast a slideshow of your family on a hotel TV.
Its Google TV app is great, too. It offers multiple Quick Connect servers based on your location, provides access to features like custom DNS (similar to Private Internet Access’s custom settings on routers), Threat Protection’s ad blocking, and split-tunneling.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN offers great speeds on Chromecast. It’s easy to configure on a router, works with popular streaming sites, has Meshnet, and works with popular travel routers. It also has a feature-rich Google TV app.
5. Surfshark — Cheap VPN for Chromecast
Surfshark is a great pick for Chromecast if you’re on a budget. Its plans are pretty cheap, starting at £1.65 / month, and it has servers in 100 countries.
- Good streaming support
- Great Google TV app
- WireGuard setup for routers
- No streaming servers
- Router setup takes 15 minutes
Surfshark doesn’t have a native router app, but it’s pretty easy to set up on a router. It has great video guides, and it took me roughly 15 minutes to configure the VPN on my router and connect my Chromecast. I like that you can choose a WireGuard setup instead of OpenVPN — it’s a much faster but equally secure protocol.
Surfshark’s streaming support is really good. It’s compatible with 50+ streaming apps, including Netflix, Disney+, and Max. That said, ExpressVPN works with 100+ streaming sites.
If you go with a virtual router setup instead of using a manual setup on a physical router, you can take advantage of other features like IP rotator for extra privacy. This feature gives you a new IP every 5 minutes, so you can’t be tracked around the internet.
Its app for Google TV is feature-rich. It includes extra server options like Multi-hop, which uses 2 servers instead of 1, and has CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. There’s even Bypasser, which is Surfshark’s split-tunneling tool (similar to ExpressVPN’s Device Groups on its router app).
Bottom Line:
Surfshark is an affordable VPN for Chromecast. It has servers in 100 countries, its router setup supports WireGuard, and it has extras like IP Rotator via virtual router setup and a feature-rich app for Google TV.
Read the full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I tested the top VPNs on the market to find the best ones for Chromecast. My picks had to meet strict standards based on our testing methodology for VPNs. Here’s how I ranked my list:
- I chose VPNs that have great router support. Since Chromecast doesn’t support VPNs or smart DNS services, you need a VPN that can be set up on a router. Every VPN on my list has great router support and works with all popular routers.
- I prioritized VPNs with excellent streaming support. All the VPNs on my list consistently work with at least 10+ streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, MLB.TV, F1 TV, and more.
- I checked for fast speeds. Slow speeds lead to endless buffering and poor video quality, which will ruin your streaming experience on Chromecast. Every VPN I recommend offers great speeds even on a router, but in my tests, ExpressVPN was the fastest.
- I looked for VPNs with strong security and privacy. I only recommend VPNs with industry-standard features, including military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that cuts you off from the internet if the VPN connection drops, and a strict no-logs policy.
- I considered the VPN’s value. All the VPNs on my list offer affordable plans and generous money-back guarantees on their plans.
How to Set Up a VPN on Chromecast
How to Use a VPN With Chromecast Using a Physical Router
- Check router compatibility. Before you purchase a subscription or download any configuration files, you’ll need to figure out if your router supports VPNs, if it works with the VPN you picked, and if it has servers in the regions you want to connect to. All of the VPNs on my list keep a list of routers they’re compatible with and have servers in at least 55+ countries.
- Access your router’s admin panel. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (A safe try is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Then, log in using your router’s username and password.
- Download the VPN configuration files from your provider. The setup differs based on your VPN provider and the type of router you have. You’ll find detailed instructions on your VPN’s official site. Usually, this part includes finding the files for the server you want to connect to.
- Find VPN settings on your router. This might be located under “Advanced Settings”, “VPN”, or similar, depending on your router model.
- Configure the VPN. Choose the VPN protocol (usually OpenVPN) and enter the VPN server address, your VPN username, and the password provided by your VPN provider. Some routers may require additional configuration details like port number and encryption type, which your VPN provider should provide. Make sure you save the settings and the end.
- Connect to VPN. Wait for the connection to be established; this might take a few minutes. Once connected, check your IP address online to ensure your network is under VPN protection. You can do this by searching “What is my IP” on Google and verifying the location.
- Connect your Chromecast. Connect your Chromecast to the same network as your router. You’ll be asked to connect the device to a network when you’re setting it up via the Google Home app.
How to Use a VPN With Chromecast Using a Virtual Router
For Windows:
- Download and install a VPN on your PC. My favorite is ExpressVPN — it has a user-friendly and feature-rich Windows app.
- Create a hotspot. Go to Network & Internet and toggle the switch next to Mobile hotspot on.
- Share VPN connection. Select Change adapter options under Network and Sharing Center, then right-click on your VPN’s adapter and choose Properties. Click on the Sharing tab and check the box that allows sharing the VPN connection.
- Launch the VPN. Find the server you want to connect to and click on it.
- Connect Chromecast. On your Chromecast, connect to the Wi-Fi network created by your Windows PC. You can now safely cast on your Chromecast from any device.
For Mac:
- Download and install a VPN on your Mac. ExpressVPN has an intuitive Mac app that’s easy to use.
- Connect your Mac to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Set up a hotspot. Go to System Settings, select General, and then Sharing. Select the port that the Ethernet cable is plugged in and tick the Wi-Fi box in the To Computers Using section. Then, tick the box next to Internet Sharing on the left-side menu.
- Configure Wi-Fi options. Click on Wi-Fi Options and configure the network by providing a network name and password.
- Launch the VPN. Choose a server location you want to connect to and click on it.
- Connect Chromecast. On your Chromecast device, select the Wi-Fi network you’ve just created on your Mac. Your Chromecast is set up and ready to stream content securely through the VPN.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Mullvad VPN. Mullvad VPN is a secure VPN with pretty fast speeds. However, it’s not good for streaming — it works with Netflix but doesn’t work with other popular streaming services.
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a secure VPN that’s great for beginners. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have router support, so it won’t work with Chromecast.
- Proton VPN. Proton VPN is a privacy-friendly VPN with great speeds and streaming support. However, it doesn’t work with a lot of routers.
Using Chromecast with Hotel Wi-Fi (and Why a Travel Router + VPN Helps)
Trying to use a Chromecast in a hotel can be a headache. Most hotels use a login page (called a captive portal), but Chromecast doesn’t have a screen or browser to complete that login. That means it can’t connect to the Wi-Fi at all. A travel router fixes this by logging in once through your phone or laptop, then creating a private network your Chromecast can connect to — just like at home.
Even if you manage to connect, many hotels use device isolation for security. This blocks devices on the same network from talking to each other, which means your phone can’t see or control your Chromecast — this means no casting and streaming. A travel router solves this, too, by creating your own mini-network where your devices can talk to each other freely.
Now, add a VPN to your travel router, and you get one more layer of protection. All your data — streaming, browsing, and logins — is encrypted and routed through a secure VPN tunnel. That keeps your activity private, protects you from spying on public hotel Wi-Fi, and stops anyone from seeing what you’re watching or doing online.
With a travel router and a good VPN, you can turn even the most frustrating hotel network into a safe, private, Chromecast-friendly setup. ExpressVPN even has its own travel router, Aircove Go, so you get all the benefits in one easy setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN for Chromecast?
My top pick for Chromecast is ExpressVPN. It has an excellent router app, the best streaming support, the fastest speed on the market, and industry-leading security features. It takes less than 10 minutes to configure the VPN on your router, and it’s very easy to find and connect to a server. Plus, it works with over 100 streaming services.
Can I install a VPN on my Chromecast?
No, you can’t install a VPN on a Chromecast device, as it doesn’t support VPNs. To use a VPN with Chromecast, you’ll need to configure your VPN on your router — so your Chromecast is also connected to the router. If your router doesn’t support VPNs, then you can turn your computer into a virtual router, connect to a VPN, and connect your Chromecast to it.
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s easy to set up on a router, check out ExpressVPN — it has a dedicated router app that doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to install on your router.
Can I use a free VPN for Chromecast?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Although there are some good free VPN providers, most of them usually don’t offer router support, so you won’t be able to connect your Chromecast to it. Plus, most free VPNs have limited server options and are super slow due to server congestion, so you’ll probably have a poor streaming experience with a lot of buffering.
My biggest concern with free VPNs is that they usually lack basic security and privacy features — some even log data and sell it to third parties. That’s why I always recommend going for a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN, which offers a native router app, fast speeds, a large server network, and top-notch security features.
