I don’t use VPNs (no experience with them) but isn’t that an extra cost? I watch a lot of YouTube on Apple TV, but thats the one service I tolerate ads on, because we’re not talking about premium content here. If no VPN were required, I’d pay under $5 to skip YT ads.
For context, I subscribe to Apple One, Max, Prime, Paramount+, Peacock Premium, Hulu (ad free), and PBS for video streaming so not shy about spending for content on Apple TV.