The Best VPN for Smart TV by TheVPNExperts in 2023

The entertainment possibilities are limitless with a Smart TV, but it’s not so easy accessing unlimited content from geo-restricted platforms like Netflix and Hulu. That’s where the best VPN for Smart TV comes in, allowing you to transform your device into the ultimate streaming and gaming experience.

The VPN services we chose are compatible with well-known Smart TV brands. A few of them include Samsung, Sony, Philips, LG, Panasonic, and others.

Before we move on to an in-depth analysis of Smart TV VPNs and how to set up a VPN on Smart TV, let’s take a look at the list of top VPN services for Smart TV in 2023:

The Best Smart TV VPN Apps in 2023

1. Surfshark – Offers smart DNS for a smart TV that doesn’t support VPN apps
2. ExpressVPN – Best for blazing-fast HD streaming
3. NordVPN – Best Smart TV VPN with native TV mode navigation
4. IPVanish – offers unlimited simultaneous connections
5. CyberGhost – Offers one of the biggest pools of servers

There are many VPN services in the industry, but not all make the best Smart TV apps. We’ve gathered only the most reliable and top VPN providers.

The following services are selected on the basis of their unblocking abilities, compatibility with routers and other devices, security, and server coverage.

1. Surfshark – Offers smart DNS for a smart TV that doesn’t support VPN apps

Surfshark is known as one of the best multi-purposeful VPN services. It makes a great VPN app for Smart TV, with the best security features, speeds, and unblocking abilities. It offers a smooth setup for multiple devices, including routers.

We’ve tested Surfshark numerous times for various purposes; mainly for its unblocking skills. Each time we managed to unblock the most in-demand streaming services, some of which include BBC iPlayer, around 16 Netflix libraries with the inclusion of the US one, Amazon Prime, Hulu, DAZN, HBO NOW, Disney Plus, Hotstar, and many more. The speeds have never been a letdown and in fact, are some of the fastest in the industry.

You’ll be able to set up Surfshark for your Smart TV by manually configuring it on any router. Just in case your router doesn’t have the appropriate firmware, you’ll be able to buy pre-configured routers from FlashRouters. Surfshark offers many setup tutorials for DD-WRT, AsusWRT, OpenWRT, and GL.iNet.

Since most Smart TVs don’t support VPN apps, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS option, allowing you to unblock certain streaming services in the US. This provider plans on adding more Smart DNS servers to its platform in the future. This provider also has a dedicated app for Android TV models, which you’ll find on the Google Play Store.

Other than the above, you’ll be able to connect multiple devices in one go, since Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. Some of the devices and operating systems it supports include Windows, iOS, Android, Firestick, Linux, extensions, macOS, and more.

Surfshark is the best for unblocking an unlimited number of streaming services even from geo-censored regions. It also allows you to access social media apps that are blocked in your country. To access these platforms, Surfshark offers around 3200+ servers in 65 countries. Most of its servers are even optimized for P2P file-sharing or torrenting.

The app comes with the best security encryption, except when you’re using its Smart DNS service on TVs that don’t support VPN apps. Just in case you feel like testing the app’s speeds, or a few of its security features, you can always use its free trial. This provider even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can contact the Surfshark support team through email or the ticket system since there’s no live chat. Check out our full review of Surfshark to learn more about this VPN.

Get Started with Surfshark Now!

2. ExpressVPN – Best for blazing-fast HD streaming

ExpressVPN, a provider that usually needs no introduction in the VPN industry, and makes one of the best VPN apps for your Smart TV. This provider offers the best security and tools necessary to access a surplus amount of streaming services that may be blocked where you’re located.

With this VPN, you can access Disney plus in the Philippines, Hulu in Canada, Voot in USA, etc. During testing, we were able to access many Netflix libraries including the US one, and other services like BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, ESPN, Showtime, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and much more. The best part about being able to access these services on your Smart TV is that ExpressVPN delivers the fastest speeds to enhance the experience.

Did you know that ExpressVPN makes its own custom router firmware? You’ll be able to use it on any router to set it up with your Smart TV. The provider even offers pre-configured routers just in case you’re not too keen on setting it up on your own. This provider allows you to load the VPN on Asus, Linksys, Sabai, and Netgear.

Just in case ExpressVPN doesn’t offer apps for certain Smart TVs, it provides a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer. You’ll be able to set it up on the VPN, if your TV allows it. ExpressVPN also offers a dedicated Android app that you can install on any Android TV.

Besides router and Smart TV support, ExpressVPN is also compatible with a wide platform of devices and operating systems. A few of them include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Firestick, and others. You’ll be able to connect the VPN to your smart TV and multiple other platforms since ExpressVPN allows multi-device connections up to 5 devices.

To unblock multiple streaming services, ExpressVPN offers around 3000+ servers in a large network of 94 countries. Just simply connect to any server you require, get an encrypted IP address, and start streaming!

The app comes with solid security features and military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. The provider also offers a 24/7 live chat that will help you with any setup procedure you require for your Smart TV. Other than that, you’ll receive a 30-day money-back guarantee for each subscription you choose. Before purchasing this fast VPN, you can read our detailed review of ExpressVPN.

Get Started with ExpressVPN Now!

3. NordVPN – Best Smart TV VPN with native TV mode navigation

NordVPN is by far one of the best VPN services for multiple devices and makes an equally exceptional choice for Smart TVs. It can turn your device into an ultimate streaming device with the capability to unblock geo-restricted content.

With this provider, you’ll be able to access many Netflix libraries including the US, Japan, and others. On top of it, you can easily unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, ESPN, Disney Plus, HBO GO, and so much more! NordVPN even offers a unique SmartPlay feature that allows you to access regional and international content from anywhere in the world with a secure connection.

NordVPN also offers a Smart DNS feature for any Smart TV that doesn’t support the VPN app. At the moment, it only supports Apple and LG TVs. There is a downside to this. Even though Smart DNS helps unblock a few streaming services, it doesn’t come with the same protection that the VPN provides.

NordVPN is compatible with many router versions. They include DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, Merlin, and Padavan. It has even partnered up with FlashRouters, where you can get pre-configured routers with the best security. You’ll be able to configure NordVPN on your Smart TV with the help of a supported router. NordVPN even offers a native Android app. You’ll be able to install it directly on any Android TV model.

Besides being a great Smart TV app, NordVPN is compatible with many other devices and operating systems. Some of them include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and many more. It also allows simultaneous device connections on up to 6 devices.

To unblock multiple streaming services, you’ll also need to connect to specific servers. NordVPN offers wide server coverage of around 5200+ servers in 59+ countries. This is ample enough servers to connect to, to access numerous content from all over the world. Some of its servers are even optimized for torrenting and DDoS protection from attacks.

All-in-all, NordVPN makes a slick and secure VPN app, offering the best services for your Smart TV. It’s built with AES 256-bit encryption and offers many other advanced security features like a Kill Switch. To test them out, you can use the 7 day free trial for Android and iOS smartphones. NordVPN also reliably offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get Started with NordVPN Now!

4. CyberGhost – Offers unlimited simultaneous connections

Next, we have CyberGhost VPN that is mainly recognized for its strict no-logs policy, privacy-friendly location and its ability to bypass the toughest geo-blocks. It’s also among a handful of VPN providers that offer the best services for Smart TVs.

As mentioned above, CyberGhost paves access through the toughest geo-blocks. This means that you’ll be able to access unlimited streaming services on your Smart TV. A few of the services that CyberGhost unblocks are the US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, DAZN, Showtime, HBO GO, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and a lot more. The provider even produces fast speed for HD and 4K streams.

CyberGhost can be configured manually on many routers, and you’ll be able to manually configure them to add protection to your Smart TV. A few of the routers that CyberGhost supports include DD-WRT, TomatoUSB, and TomatoUSB Merlin Build. Just in case your router doesn’t come with the required firmware and doesn’t support VPN apps, you can buy a pre-flashed one from FlashRouters. Since CyberGhost partnered up with them, you’ll even get a small discount.

Additionally, if your Smart TV doesn’t support VPN apps, CyberGhost offers a Smart DNS option, allowing you to change the DNS settings from your account dashboard. For now, the Smart DNS option only allows access to Hulu US, and the Netflix US and UK libraries. CyberGhost also offers native apps for Android TV devices and Fire OS devices.

This provider offers a huge platform of 7700+ servers in 90+ countries. What sets CyberGhost apart from other VPN services, is that the app has labeled streaming services on most of its servers. It allows you to see what server unblocks which platform, rather than wasting time looking for the best one.

To test these servers or to set the VPN on your Smart TV or configure your router, you can contact their support staff, who’s available around the clock. CyberGhost comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee on each subscription that exceeds the monthly plan. If you’re planning to buy this VPN, check out our in-depth review of CyberGhost.

Get Started with CyberGhost Now!

5. IPVanish – Offers one of the biggest pool of servers

Last on the list for the best Smart TV VPN, we have IPVanish. This US-based provider is widely recognized for the surplus amount of US streaming services and websites it blocks. For those who wish to transform their Smart TV into the ultimate streaming box, IPVanish can help with that.

This US-based VPN may not be as versatile for your Smart TV as compared to NordVPN or ExpressVPN, but it works great for unblocking many geo-restricted streaming services; especially those broadcasted only within the US. So far, we’ve managed to unblock BBC iPlayer, the US Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, ESPN, HBO NOW, and a couple of others.

You’ll be able to easily connect the VPN to your Smart TV by configuring it on your router. IPVanish even partnered up with FlashRouters for all those who require pre-flashed routers for their Smart TVs. Speaking of routers, IPVanish supports the following firmware: DD-WRT v2 and v3, Tomato, Asus-WRT, and Merlin. IPVanish doesn’t offer any Smart DNS options.

IPVanish, however, offers a native app for Android TV. You’ll find it on the Google Play Store. Apart from the router and Android support, IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for Nvidia shield and supports multiple other devices and operating systems. A few of them include Windows, iOS, macOS, Firestick, Linux, extensions, and more. The best part about this VPN is that just like Surfshark, IPVanish too offers unlimited simultaneous multi-device connections.

Where location coverage is concerned, IPVanish offers around 2000+ servers in 75+ countries. That’s ample enough coverage to access some popular or in-demand streaming services for your Smart TV. Some of these servers are even optimized for torrenting and deliver fast speeds for HD and 4K streams.

This provider offers great value for your money with top-grade encryption, fast speeds, access to numerous geo-blocked services, all of which make the best VPN app for your Smart TV. The IPVanish support team is extremely helpful, you can contact them at any time for queries on set up or more. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its service for all those who’d like to test the app out. You can read our review of IPVanish if you’d like to buy it.

Get Started with IPVanish Now!

How We Selected the Best VPN Services for Your Smart TV

Selecting a VPN for a particular purpose means choosing one based on your requirements. For instance, to stream on Netflix, you’ll choose a VPN that unblocks it. In the case of a Smart TV, we selected the VPN services based on:

1. Fast speeds
2. Server coverage
3. Ability to unblock popular streaming services
4. Native Android app
5. Compatibility with routers
6. Security

1. Fast speeds

The main reason to use a VPN for your Smart TV is to transform it into the ultimate entertainment box. It can be for streaming movies or even for gaming. Either way, the experience will be a letdown if the speeds are slow. The chosen providers offer servers that stabilize and deliver the fastest speeds for HD and 4K streams.

2. Server coverage

To access unlimited streaming services on your Smart TV depends on VPN services server coverage. If you’re trying to access BBC iPlayer or Netflix on your device, the VPN you chose has to offer UK and US servers. All the providers on this list of a smart and extensive server coverage.

3. Ability to unblock popular streaming services

This probably should’ve been the number one reason why we need a VPN for our Smart TV. Most streaming services are only available within certain territories. Using a Smart TV VPN, you’ll be able to unblock unlimited geo-censored and blocked content from anywhere in the world onto your Smart TV.

4. Native Android app

Most popular Smart TVs are Android-based, and not all VPN services offer apps for it. This is why we chose certain VPN providers that offer a native VPN app for it. You won’t have to go through a tough time while installing it. Simply download the APK file from the Google Store and onto your Smart TV.

5. Compatibility with routers

Not all Smart TVs are Android-based, and VPN services don’t usually offer native apps for Smart TVs other than Android OS. The providers we chose need to be highly compatible with routers to be able to create a connection between a VPN and your Smart TV.

6. Security

Unblocking streaming services within geo-censored countries is always a risk. This is why we chose VPN providers that offer the best security features and that also supports a strict no-log policy. Users won’t have to worry about privacy when unblocking services on their Smart TVs.

How to Install a VPN on a Smart TV

1. Choosing a VPN like Surfshark, available on the Google Play store.
2. Go to the Google Play Store and download the app on your device. You’ll receive an APK file version of the app.
3. Install the VPN, and launch it.
4. Sign in to your VPN account.
5. Choose the best service that you require for unblocking a streaming service.
6. Connect and that’s about it!
7. This method works with any Android TV.

Installing a VPN on your Smart TV isn’t the same as downloading the app directly onto your phone. There are some Smart TVs that support VPN apps and some don’t.

For instance, most VPN services offer a native app for Android devices that you can directly download and install on to your Android TV.

However, there are certain TVs like Apple TV that have no native VPN app but support it. You can install the VPN on your TV via router or PC by creating a WiFi Hotspot.

But, at the same time, there are Smart TVs that don’t support VPN apps altogether, and for that, we use Smart DNS. This method allows you to access certain blocked streaming services with the only downside of having no security.

So, below you’ll find 2 other ways to set up a Smart TV VPN if you do not have an Android TV.

1. Set up a VPN on Smart TV Via PC
2. Set up a VPN on Smart TV via Router

Set up a VPN on Smart TV Via PC

This method is for those whose Smart TV is not Android operated. Any other TV besides Android does not have native VPN apps for it. That’s where sharing the connection via PC to the internet comes in, and then connecting it to your Smart TV and other devices. This method is for Windows. Start by:

1. Subscribing to the best VPN for Smart TV such as Surfshark.
2. Download the VPN on your PC and sign into your account.
3. Next, using an Ethernet cable, connect the Smart TV to your PC.
4. On your PC, open the “Network and Sharing Centre.”
5. Click on Start, Control Panel, Network, and Sharing Center, and then on Change adapter settings.
6. Look for your VPN connection, right-click on it, and then on “Properties.”
7. Click on the “Sharing” tab and then enable “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
8. There’ll be a drop-down menu. Click on “Local Area connection.”
9. Click on “OK.”
10. The connection has now been established. Restart your Smart TV and then start streaming.

Set up a VPN on Smart TV via Router

This method can be used on a pre-flashed router. If you don’t have the required firmware for it or a router that supports VPN apps, the providers on our list have partnered up with FlashRouters that offer pre-flashed routers.

All you have to do is download the app, set it up on your router, and share the connection. Installing a VPN on your router means connecting it to your Smart TV and multiple other devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best free VPN for Smart TV?
2. Do you need a VPN for Smart TV?
3. Can I use a VPN on my Smart TV without configuring my router?

What is the best free VPN for Smart TV?

We usually wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN for a Smart TV, especially since free providers don’t offer a wide platform support. This is why we recommend using premium VPN services that offer a free trial and refund period.

You can use the free trials to access unlimited content on your Smart TV.

Do you need a VPN for Smart TV?

If you’re okay with just steaming through extremely restricted content on your Smart TV, then a VPN will not interest you. However, to turn your Smart TV into the best streaming box there is, you will need a VPN.

It helps unblock unlimited services, with the best security features, fast speeds, multiple device support, and much more.

Can I use a VPN on my Smart TV without configuring my router?

Yes, you can, but only if the Smart TV runs on Android. Most VPN services don’t offer apps for Smart TVs other than Android, and to connect it to them, you’ll need to use it with your router.

Plus, by configuring the VPN on your Smart TV with your router, you’ll not only gain access to unlimited content but also access the best VPN protection even without a native VPN app.

However, if you don’t feel up to the extra setup steps for your router, you could just try connecting it via PC or laptop. This will create a WiFi Hotspot for connecting your Smart TV to your VPN.

To Conclude

Setting up and choosing the best VPN for Smart TV isn’t as simple, which is why too make things easier for you, we’ve tested and highlighted only the top 5 providers that work best with it.

Using a VPN on your Smart TV will help you access unlimited streaming content, with the best security, speeds, and privacy. However, if we were to recommend the absolute best, it would have to be Surfshark as it is the fastest VPN with excellent features.