The Best VPN for Smart TV: Our Top 5 Picks for 2026

Not so long ago, watching TV meant flipping endlessly through fuzzy channels, hoping to stumble upon something worth watching. Smart TVs have completely transformed that experience, bringing a world of apps and streaming platforms directly to your living room. But here’s the good news: with the right tool, you can unlock an even wider universe of entertainment. That tool is a VPN for your Smart TV.

Most streaming services enforce geo-restrictions, meaning certain shows and movies are only available in specific regions. While VPNs were originally designed to protect your online privacy, a high-quality one can also bypass these restrictions with ease, simply by connecting you to a server in another country.

However, not all VPNs are created equal. Performance, compatibility, and reliability vary greatly from one provider to another. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting, testing and comparing services, to help you find the very best Smart TV VPN for your streaming needs. And as a bonus, we’ll guide you step-by-step through setting it up on your device so you can start streaming without limits.

Why You Need a VPN for Your Smart TV

You can browse the libraries of streaming providers on your smart TV and enjoy the available content. So, where does a VPN come in?

1. Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Thanks to geo-restrictions, you can only access the shows, movies, and documentaries available for your location — unless you change your IP address. A VPN grants you a virtual IP address from another country, essentially tricking streaming services into thinking you’re located elsewhere.
2. Stream Privately and Securely: Smart TVs are connected to the internet. So, yes, they are vulnerable to cyber threats. However, a VPN encrypts your connection to safeguard your connections and data from hackers and third parties. It also hides your public IP address from prying eyes.
3. Avoid ISP Throttling: Your ISP can cut in to throttle your bandwidth when you’re binging. Because a VPN masks your online activity from your service provider, it’s a great way to avoid the buffering and slow load times that come with a throttled connection.
4. Unlock New Streaming Services: Some streaming platforms are only available in specific regions. For example,  With a VPN, you can access and subscribe to these services, expanding your entertainment options.

The 5 Best VPNs for Smart TV

We ran exhaustive tests on dozens of VPN services to arrive at this list. In the process, we considered how well they performed on relevant factors and then built the shortlist below based on the results. More on the criteria later.

Let’s get down to it:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN leads the pack, and for good reason. If speed is your priority, you should definitely be considering this provider. A well-oiled 10 Gbps network coupled with its performance-friendly NordLynx protocol translates into bufferless streaming on your TV.

On top of that, it’s widely compatible. NordVPN has a full-featured app for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. It also supports routers, so you can extend your VPN connection to your TV (and other devices). A SmartPlay feature combines Smart DNS with a VPN’s security functionality to provide access to geo-restricted content.

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Speaking of which, NordVPN breezes past most geo-blocks, as our tests consistently show. It will unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming services to provide access to their international content. With over 8,000 servers across 126 countries, you have plenty of options to get around restrictions.

To top it off, NordVPN won’t break the bank. If you’re considering taking it for a spin, you have 30 days to commit or cancel and request a full refund.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN for streaming on a smart TV. Its reputation for lightning-fast connection speeds and reliability is well-earned — we didn’t encounter any buffering while testing it.

The provider replicates its lightweight, user-friendly apps on the big screen. We downloaded the app and had it set up in under two minutes. It also has custom firmware you can install on a compatible router, or you can choose to buy one of its plug-and-play Aircove routers.

If you’re not too concerned about privacy, its Smart DNS tool (MediaStreamer) could do the trick. It works on a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles and your smart TV.

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ExpressVPN boasts a pretty sizeable network comprising 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. Don’t worry about geo-restrictions getting in the way of your streaming when you connect to them, as the VPN’s blocking abilities have continued to prove impressive in our tests. From streaming platforms to TV channels, it breezed past them all.

Keep in mind that ExpressVPN falls on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, although the quality reflects that. There’s a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee attached to its plans.

3. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has apps tailored for your Google TV or Fire TV smart television. While it’s heavily customizable (a plus for more technical users), it’s also intuitive, so VPN beginners can get a handle on it. Alternatively, you can install Private Internet Access on your router for your smart TV and other devices on the network.

PIA’s Smart DNS feature won’t replace your IP address but will change your virtual location via its proxy servers. That’s not as effective as the main app for bypassing geo-restrictions, however.

Speaking of which, the VPN unblocks Netflix US and several other streaming libraries and services hassle-free. You’ll get the best results from its streaming-optimized servers in several countries, including the US, UK, and the Netherlands.

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PIA has several other things going for it. For instance, it’s pretty cheap. Together with a 30-day refund window, that points to excellent value for your money. What’s more, it doesn’t restrict the number of devices you can connect to a server simultaneously.

4. Surfshark

For a relative newcomer, Surfshark packs a serious punch. An excellent VPN for streaming, whether you’re home or abroad, the provider can unblock almost anything to deliver exclusive content. We experienced that firsthand during our tests and had no issues watching BBC iPlayer from outside the UK, as well as Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more.

It’s all the better if your smart TV model can run Surfshark’s native app. Otherwise, you can connect to any of its servers in 100 countries on your computer and extend it to your smart TV using a compatible router. Mirroring Private Internet Access, the provider lets you connect your entire household’s devices with a single subscription.

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Surfshark’s blazing-fast connection speeds mean you can watch everything you love in HD, 4K, or higher resolution. The performance is much better recently than it used to be, and using WireGuard allowed us to stream for long periods without annoying buffering.

We recommend Surfshark’s longer-term plans because they offer better value. Whatever plan you choose, you’re backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost wraps up our list with its well-designed Android and Amazon Fire TV apps. Like the other smartTV VPNs we endorse, it supports routers and has a Smart DNS feature for Samsung, LG, and other smart TV brands without native app support.

The provider boasts that you can stream your favorite platforms and libraries without restrictions. It offers an impressive line-up of streaming-optimized servers to keep that promise spread across several countries. They work most of the time. We connected to several servers in that category, and they effortlessly unblocked most streaming services they were dedicated to.

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So CyberGhost will deliver the libraries and content you want, but do you also get stable connections? Yes, you will. The VPN has a massive network (11,600+ servers across 100 countries), all using 10 Gbps ports. The performance never dropped to frustrating levels during our tests.

CyberGhost’s pricing won’t drill a hole in your wallet. Monthly plans only have a 14-day money-back guarantee, but you get a generous 45-day refund window if you opt for a six-month or longer plan.

Best VPN for Smart TV: The Factors We Considered

Selecting the best VPN for your smart TV isn’t just about picking any service that promises to unblock content. Here are the factors our comprehensive testing approach considered:

• Speed and Performance: Fast speeds are your priority when streaming. Because of that, we only selected VPNs with high-speed servers and optimized networks so you can avoid buffering.
• Unblocking Capabilities: Only providers that consistently provide access to foreign libraries on streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video made the cut for this list.
• Server Network: The more, the merrier. A massive network means you have plenty of options for accessing international content.
• Compatibility: Native VPN apps are the most convenient way to use a VPN with a smart TV, so we prioritized that. In addition, each VPN supports routers and has a smart DNS feature.
• Privacy and Security: Even though you’re only streaming, these shouldn’t take a back seat. So, we selected VPNs with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security features.
• Ease of Use: Each smart TV VPN we recommend has easy setup guides to help you through the sometimes convoluted process of configuring a VPN for your TV. They also have responsive customer support around the clock.

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Smart TV

Smart TV VPN setup isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Some brands allow you to download and install a VPN app as you would on your computer or smartphone. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with many others. Don’t worry; there are multiple approaches to arrive at the same result.

Let’s explore the different ways to set up a VPN on your smart TV. The first method only works if your TV has native VPN support. Otherwise, follow the other methods instead.

It goes without saying that you need a subscription to a VPN service before carrying out the steps below. We recommend NordVPN because, as you’ve read above, there’s no better option for your smart TV.

Method 1: Install the VPN App Directly

This is the easiest and most convenient option. Many smart TVs are compatible with VPN apps, especially if they use the Android/Google TV or Fire TV operating system. You can install a VPN directly on these devices.

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Here’s what to do:

1. Sign up for a VPN with a smart TV app on the provider’s official website.
2. Launch the Google Play Store on your TV and search for the VPN app. Install it on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and log in using your account credentials.
4. Select a VPN server in your desired location and connect to it. For example, connect to a British server to watch BBC iPlayer content from outside the United Kingdom.
5. Launch the streaming platform and enjoy the content.

This approach won’t work on most smart TVs with proprietary operating systems, like LG (WebOS), Samsung (Tizen), and Hisense (VIDAA). If you own such a TV, don’t fret; you can still set up a VPN using any of the alternative methods below.

Method 2: Share a VPN Connection over Ethernet

With a VPN app installed on your Windows or MacOS computer, you can share the VPN-enabled connection with your smart TV using an Ethernet cable.

On Windows

1. Activate the VPN connection by opening your VPN app and connecting to a server of your choice.
2. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your computer and the other into your smart TV.
3. Open Control Panel and select Network and Internet.
4. Select Network and Sharing Center and click Change adapter settings.
5. Right-click on your VPN connection (e.g., “TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter”) and select Properties.
6. Click the Sharing tab and check the box for Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection. Choose your Ethernet connection from the dropdown menu.
7. If your smart TV’s network settings are configured for a wired connection, the device should now be able to access the shared VPN connection.

On macOS

1. Activate the VPN connection by opening your VPN app and connecting to a server of your choice.
2. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your Mac and the other end into your smart TV.
3. Go to System Preferences on your computer and select Sharing.
4. Select Internet Sharing from the list on the left.
5. Choose your VPN connection under the Share your connection from dropdown. Under To devices using, select Ethernet.
6. Check the box next to Internet Sharing to toggle it on. Confirm your choice when a prompt displays on the screen.
7. Your smart TV should now recognize the Ethernet connection, and you can enjoy the shared VPN connection from your computer.

Method 3: Share the VPN Connection Wirelessly

This approach also involves sharing the VPN connection from your computer to your smart TV. This time, however, you’re creating a virtual router or shared network without a physical cable.

On Windows

1. Launch the VPN app on your computer and connect to a server.
2. Go to settings and click Network & Internet.
3. Select the Mobile hotspot tab and toggle on your computer’s mobile hotspot feature.
4. Select Wi-Fi in the Share my Internet connection from dropdown.
5. Scroll down to Related settings and click Change adapter options.
6. Find your active VPN connection (e.g., “TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter”). Right-click on it and select Properties.
7. Click the Sharing tab and check the box for Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
8. Select the network connection that corresponds to the virtual router you created.
9. Search for available Wi-Fi networks on your smart TV and select the new network.

On macOS

1. Activate the VPN connection by opening your VPN app and connecting to a server of your choice.
2. Go to System Preferences and select Sharing. Select Internet Sharing from the list on the left.
3. Choose your VPN connection under the Share your connection from dropdown. Under To devices using, select Wi-Fi.
4. Click Wi-Fi Options to configure your hotspot settings. You can set up a network name and password.
5. Check the box next to Internet Sharing to toggle it on. Confirm your choice when a prompt displays on the screen.
6. Connect your smart TV to this new Wi-Fi network. Your TV should now recognize and use the shared VPN connection from your Mac.

Method 4: Configure a VPN on Your Router

Your smart TV probably uses a router to get online. Configuring a VPN on the router can effectively cover the smart TV — and every other device on your local network.

You’ll need a VPN service compatible with router firmware flashing and a router model that supports custom firmware. That rules out your router if you bought it from an ISP because they usually come with pre-installed firmware that restricts customization.

Anyway, here are the manual router configuration guides for our recommended VPNs for smart TVs:

• • Set up a router with NordVPN
  • Set up a router with ExpressVPN
  • Set up a router with Private Internet Access
  • Set up a router with Surfshark
  • Set up a router with CyberGhost 

If you’re not tech-savvy enough for this method or you have an ISP-provided router, you can buy a VPN router. Those are routers that a provider has already configured to encrypt your connection right out of the box.

Method 5: Use Smart DNS

If your TV isn’t compatible with VPNs, you can use Smart DNS instead. The service uses private DNS servers to essentially trick websites and streaming platforms into thinking your device is located in a different region. That way, you can bypass some geo-restrictions and access content unavailable in your area.

Of course, it doesn’t always work because of the countermeasures some streaming services have in place. Besides, the lack of encryption means your ISP can still see your online activity, and your traffic is vulnerable.

Some VPN services offer Smart DNS as a feature. The configuration settings vary depending on the provider and TV manufacturer. Thankfully, our top smart TV VPNs provide comprehensive guides on their websites:

• Use Smart DNS with NordVPN
• Use Smart DNS with ExpressVPN
• Use Smart DNS with Private Internet Access
• Use Smart DNS with Surfshark
• Use Smart DNS with CyberGhost

Should You Use a Free VPN for Smart TV?

Free VPNs sound tempting because, well, you don’t have to pay for a subscription. Unfortunately, that’s usually where the advantages end, especially if you want to use the VPN on your smart TV.

For one, only a few free providers have native VPN apps for smart TVs. What’s more, the limited networks they offer mean you usually only have a handful of servers to choose from. That limits your foreign library options, but it also translates into slow connection speeds.

To make it worse, many free VPNs have data caps. For example, Privado VPN has a smart TV app, which is great. But then you’re only limited to 10 GB of data every month. That’s hardly enough to binge-watch content, especially if you use an ultra HD TV.

Then there’s the security and privacy angle. Because they tend to log user data extensively and come with subpar or missing features, you may not get the full benefits of a VPN. Some inject ads and may even carry malware.

Most of the providers we discussed are affordable and offer great deals. You should use one of those instead.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the top VPNs for Smart TVs, services that combine user-friendly apps, the ability to unblock major streaming platforms, and exceptional performance. Each provider we’ve highlighted is also compatible with routers and offers Smart DNS functionality, giving you more ways to enjoy unrestricted streaming.

While all of our recommendations deliver great results, NordVPN remains our top choice for its unbeatable mix of speed, reliability, and ease of use. And with its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and decide for yourself whether it’s the right fit for your streaming needs.

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FAQs

Can I put a VPN on a smart TV?

Yes, you can install a VPN on a smart TV if the provider has a compatible application. It’s the easiest approach. You can download and install the VPN app on Android TVs and Fire TVs from the official app store.

What is the fastest VPN for smart TV?

NordVPN is the fastest VPN service for smart TVs. It offers a well-optimized network with thousands of next-gen servers and a speed-friendly protocol built around WireGuard.

Can I use a DNS proxy for smart TV instead of a VPN?

Most DNS proxies are incompatible with smart TVs or routers, for that matter. As for those that work, they usually only have limited location options. Besides, it’s much easier for streaming services to block DNS proxies than a VPN.

Can a VPN unblock all streaming services?

No VPN guarantees access to every streaming service 100% of the time, as platforms constantly update their detection methods. However, top VPNs frequently refresh their servers to stay ahead of blocks.

Does a free VPN work on Smart TVs?

Free VPNs often have speed caps, limited server locations, and weaker security, making them unsuitable for reliable streaming. For the best experience, invest in a renowned paid VPN service like NordVPN.