It’s not just computers and smartphones, as Internet-connected devices – smart TV could also benefit from a more secure connection a VPN provides. However, there are no VPN apps for most TV models, though there is a workaround method.
Before we suggest you the best VPNs for your smart TV, let us quickly tell you why you should want to add some “VPN goodness” to your smart TV.
First, with a VPN – you will be able to access content that could otherwise be outside of your reach. We are talking about streaming services like HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and a few others that have a limited global availability.
And second, a VPN lets you hide your watching habits from your TV maker – cause you bet they are spying on you (on all of us), trying to determine our habits and eventually find another way to make money (aside from selling us their TVs in the first place).
That being said, here are the best VPNs you could use with your smart TV:
Pros
Cons
- 5,000+ servers in the network
- Easy to use - install it and forget it
- One license is good for up to 6 devices
- Strict zero-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Chrome extension is just a proxy
Summary
Its network includes more than 6,200 servers spread across 111 countries, which directly translates into faster speeds. NordVPN is also very secure, relying on the strong 256-bit encryption combined with secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec). But as a user, you get a seamless experience with all this technology "doing its thing" in the background.
NordVPN is well suited to pretty much every task you throw at it — whether it's accessing a banned site from some country that filters out the internet, torrenting, accessing streaming services, or just wanting to keep a low profile on the web. It also doesn't keep any logs.
We highly recommend NordVPN to anyone looking for reliable service.
Pros
Cons
- Feature-rich yet easy to use
- One of the best VPNs around
- Strong no-logging policy
- Reliable support you can reach 24/7
- Limited number of servers in Africa and the Middle East
- Kinda pricey
Summary
ExpressVPN has great desktop apps for Windows and Mac, mobile apps and browser extensions. Also, it is well suited for video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and others.
However, what makes it stand out is its ease of use. We can't emphasize this enough. One could tell a lot of time has been spent making sure even the advanced features are easily accessible. And we love it for that. Plus, let's not forget ExpressVPN's speed which tends to leave other services in the dust.
Pros
Cons
- It's super fast!
- Works with Netflix, BBC and others
- Easy to use apps, browser extensions
- You can try it for free!
- Some advanced features are not configurable
- Not the best for high-censorship countries
Summary
Furthermore, thanks to the availability of browser extensions - Hotspot Shield is also one of our top choices for Chrome and Firefox VPNs.
Your privacy is equally well protected, with the software only collecting some anonymized that help continually improve its service.
There is one caveat though - it won't work in high-censorship countries like China. If you don't need that in the first place, we highly recommend Hotspot Shield.
As that's typically the case with most VPN services out there, the longer you commit - the better deal you get. However, what makes Hotspot Shield even better is the fact that it offers a 7-day free trial of its service. A few other top VPN providers do the same. Plus, its money-back guarantee lasts for 45 days, making for a risk-free purchase. Cause, you can always get your money back. Sweet and just the way we like it.
Pros
Cons
- Reliable download and upload speeds
- Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Lets you use it on unlimited number of devices
- Low number of servers in Africa and Australia
Summary
You can rely on it for streaming and torrenting, with included extra features like CleanWeb and MultiHop, delivering a that much better — and more secure — experience.
Surfshark, the company, is based in the British Virgin Islands and with its zero-logs policy makes for a powerful combo to anyone looking to keep its web whereabouts under the radar.
The service is easy to use and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
Cons
- One the best VPNs for torrenting
- Works well with Netflix
- Simple setup on all popular devices
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Doesn't work with BBC iPlayer
- Doesn't work in China
Summary
Its desktop apps are not among the prettiest ones, but they get the job done. The important thing is that installation is easy and straightforward, and that no logs are kept by the company.
When it comes to pricing, IPVanish is somewhere in the middle — it's not the most affordable option but also not the most expensive one. As noted, it will be most appreciated by heavy BitTorrent users, and — related — Kodi fans.
How to use a VPN with a smart TV?
There are two different ways you could add some “VPN love” to your smart TV. They are:
1. Install an app on your TV
Unfortunately, this option is not available on most smart TVs but only on those running Android. This practically excludes all Samsung and LG models. Heck, we’re not sure that even all Android TV sets will work. Nevertheless, if you do own an Android TV set, you should at very least explore an option of installing a VPN app on your TV. Cause that will give you the best and what is called the native experience.
Once you start an app on your Android TV, you will just have to select a server you want to connect to and you’re good to go. Depending on where you live, you may now be able to access some content and services that were previously not available to you.
2. Connect through your router
This is the way we roll and how we protect our entire home networks. This option involves setting up your router to connect to a VPN server after which all devices in the network will benefit from a more secure Internet.
So it’s not just your smart TV that will be protected but also other devices you may have around the house, like your gaming console or a streaming box, if you have one of those.
The setup may be a bit more complicated — though it’s still rather easy — but once that initial step is done, you’re good to go. Making things easier are the best VPNs which offer detailed step-by-step instructions in their Help Centers.
Get a VPN for all your devices
The way we see things, a VPN journey starts by securing your computer and your phone and later expanding to other platforms and devices. Also before a smart TV, make sure to also protect your tablet if you own one. And if you choose to set up your router to sing along your VPN, you’re up for a much easier ride down the road – as all devices in your home will get to benefit from that more secure connection.
Speaking of security and other benefits involved in this setup, here’s a brief summary of what a good VPN will do for you:
- Protect your privacy from the government and big corporations
- Bypass restrictions imposed by the government or various organizations
- Change your IP address so you get unrestricted access to Netflix, Disney+, iPlayer, HULU, and other video streaming services
- Encrypt and protect private data from cybercriminals
The top contenders that check all these boxes include the following:
