Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
72% off, starting at $3.39 for 24 months
6
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19/month
Unlimited
Yes
3
Norton
$2.50/ month
5 – 10
Yes
4
Proton VPN
64% off, starting at $3.59/ month
10
Yes (Add-on)
The Best Smart TV VPNs
Forbes Advisor Ratings
How To Choose the Best Smart TV VPN
To watch videos on your Smart TV without issues, consider choosing a VPN with robust security features, reliable streaming compatibility, optimum speed and performance and, of course, TV compatibility.
Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
72% off, starting at $3.39 for 24 months
6
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19/month
Unlimited
Yes
4
Proton VPN
64% off, starting at $3.59/ month
10
Yes (Add-on)
Essential Features
Look out for these features when considering a VPN for your Smart TV:
- Streaming capability: Ensure the VPN can bypass VPN blocks and provide access to multiple content platforms.
- Multiple configuration options: Look for a VPN with several installation options, such as an Android app for direct installation on Android and
- Amazon Fire TVs. And if you’re using a non-VPN TV, ensure your chosen provider supports router installation or has a Smart DNS feature.
- Robust security: Choose a VPN with industry-standard encryption protocols and security features, such as the kill switch, split tunneling, DNS protection and ad and malware blocking, and ensure they’re committed to security improvements and bug fixes.
High-speed Servers
While VPNs degrade internet connection speed, they shouldn’t slow it down too much, especially since you need the VPN for your Smart TV. Consider choosing a VPN with high-speed servers in the regions you want to access. That will enable you to access video content with minimal buffering, even when streaming in 4K.
Ease of Use and Support
Choose a VPN provider that is easy to set up and use on your Smart TV. That way, you can focus on exploring different streaming platforms and TV channels instead of spending too much time setting up the VPN, trying to figure out how to use it or handling issues yourself.
Cost
The cost of VPNs varies, depending on features, add-ons, contract terms, ongoing promotions and billing types. Weigh VPN costs against their compatibility with Smart TVs, the privacy and security features available for Smart TVs and their streaming capability. Also, consider the differences between initial and subsequent payments.
Methodology
To determine the best VPNs for Smart TVs, the Forbes Advisor team tested 20 VPNs and scored them on eight primary factors. We considered each VPN’s compatibility with Smart TVs and the availability of alternative installations for Smart TVs that don’t allow VPN use. We also examined their georestriction unblocking capability, speed and performance and how well they secure TV streaming. We also considered their costs, installation processes, ease of use, how well they support users who need help and what experts say about them. We weighted these metrics to score each Smart TV VPN.
Here’s how we determined the best VPNs for Smart TVs:
- Mobile app (3%): We examined the customer star ratings on the VPN’s mobile app in the Apple Store and in the Play Store.
- Pricing and fees (15%): For pricing, we examined each VPN’s monthly prices and the discounts available for new users and those willing to commit to longer terms. We also considered whether or not users need to pay more to access a smooth streaming service. Next, we compared the availability of a free trial or money-back guarantee, which allows users to explore a VPN before buying it. This factor accounted for 15% of our weighted scoring.
- General features (19%): We examined the VPN compatibility with Smart TVs, including those that enable direct VPN installation and non-VPN TVs that require manual configuration. We also checked how robust each VPN’s security provision is and whether they offer must-have features, such as multiple security protocols and reliable servers for streaming. We also checked for nice-to-have features, such as dedicated IPs and dedicated streaming servers. We also considered their compatibility with popular platforms to ensure you’ll enjoy a smooth experience using any of them.
- Additional features (12.5%): We also considered the presence of VPN qualities that enhance streaming on Netflix. For example, the VPNs that got our attention are those with over 400 servers in more than 50 countries, especially with servers across continents. Other helpful features are their no-logs policy and the number of independent audits that prove their privacy policy.
- Speeds (25.5%): Then, we examined each VPN’s average download speed and found them reliable, whether you choose to use HD or 4K quality.
- Service and support (5%): We also looked at how much support they provide users, including a live chat function, a rich knowledge base, the availability of phone support as well as round-the-clock support. These features account for 5%.
- Reviews and ratings (10%): Our team further considered users’ experiences when using these Smart TV VPNs. We turned to third-party review sites, such as Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra, to gather user opinions on these VPNs. This aspect contributes 10% to the total score.
- Expert score (10%): Not only did we test these VPNs to get hands-on experience to determine the best Smart TV VPN, but we also interviewed cybersecurity professionals to tell us their observations about these VPNs. Our experts considered additional criteria, such as the VPNs’ standout features, ease of use, popularity and value for money. Altogether, the expert analysis forms 10% of the total score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put a VPN on my Smart TV?
Yes, you can use a VPN with your Smart TV. Some TVs, such as Samsung TV and LG TV, which are Android TVs, allow you to install Android VPN apps. However, you’ll need to connect your VPN to your Smart TV using a router or SmartDNS for non-VPN TVs, such as Roku TV and Apple TV. Also, remember that connecting via SmartDNS means you can unblock georestricted content but would need to sacrifice other VPN benefits, such as security.
What is the best free VPN for Smart TV?
While Smart TV VPNs, such as Proton VPN, offer VPN services for free, we don’t recommend them for your Smart TV. That’s because not only do free VPNs come with data limits or don’t offer reliable streaming service as is the case of Proton VPN, they tend to sell user data or frustrate with ads. But the good thing about these VPNs we recommend is that you can hop on their money-back guarantee for as long as 30 days to explore each VPN’s premium features. You can then request a refund if you don’t find it satisfactory.
Why should you use a VPN on a Smart TV?
If you want to access video content beyond local network programs, you need a VPN for your Smart TV. A VPN will protect you from prying third parties and give you access to videos unavailable in your country. VPNs also block ads, giving you a smooth streaming experience.
