The best smart TV VPNs of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

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What is the best VPN for your smart TV in 2024?

ZDNET's favorite VPN for smart TVs is NordVPN. This VPN combines excellent speed, server connections, security, and a plethora of ways you can use it with your smart TV -- including with Android-based TVs, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, and gaming consoles.

Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested

ZDNET writers have decades of experience, combined, in testing and reviewing VPN software. We understand how important VPNs can be in improving your privacy and security online. To provide you with the best recommendations, we constantly monitor the market and conduct our own investigations.

Below, you will find our top picks for the best smart TV VPNs in 2024.

The best smart TV VPNs in 2024

NordVPN

Best smart TV VPN overall

Few smart TVs have native VPN support, unless they are based on the Android operating system. We thus recommend VPNs based on speed, strong connectivity, and multi-platform support.

NordVPN rates well in all of these categories. The VPN provider's software is compatible with a host of systems and hardware. NordVPN has also provided useful guides on smart TV installation.

Suppose you want to use NordVPN on your smart TV. Your options include downloading and installing native apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, installing the VPN on your router, or sharing your internet connection through Ethernet cables.

Also: NordVPN review

Due to the relatively recent expansion of its server network, NordVPN often earns the top spot in our VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, server selection, and stability. Customers, too, like the support on offer and note this VPN is easy to use.

Our favorite smart TV VPN can be costly, but the best deals are with two-year contracts, starting at $3.59 per month, and include three months of free access added. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $4.99 per month. One month of access costs $12.99.

NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android

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ExpressVPN

Best smart TV VPN for speed

ExpressVPN is another of our top choices for use with smart TVs. It provides some of the best speeds (and minimal speed loss) in our tests, is easy to use, and is compatible with a range of platforms and operating systems.

To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN's guides for assistance. This VPN provides native apps for use with systems including Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or you can install the VPN directly onto your router.

If you're still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN's DNS-based MediaStreamer service, which improves streaming but won't have the same protection a VPN provides.

Also: ExpressVPN review

If pricing was more in line with its competitors, ExpressVPN may have secured the top spot. If speed is king, however, you might be tempted to pay, with annual plans priced at $6.67 per month. Three months of free access are included. If you want to sign up for a six-month contract, you will pay $6.66 per month. One month of service is priced at $12.95.

ExpressVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses bolted onto your subscription for $3.19 per month.

ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS

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Surfshark

Best affordable smart TV VPN

Surfshark often ranks as one of the best affordable VPNs in our recommendations. It's excellent value for money and provides you with a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive guides for setting up the VPN with smart TVs. Native apps for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV are available, alongside Roku and Chromecast. You can also set up Surfshark on your router.

Also: Surfshark VPN review

Customers like the VPN's user interface and ease of use.

The cheapest Surfshark subscription is for two years and costs $2.19 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts also provide you with three months of free access, which gets added to the length of the contract.

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Private Internet Access

Best open source smart TV VPN

Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is one of our favorite open-source VPNs that puts security and privacy first.

While PIA's interface could do with an update, it works well on the big screen and can be used with smart TVs through your router, native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or by sharing your PC's internet connection.

Also: Private Internet Access review

During our speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and we like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support in particular, and also note PIA's open-source approach as a benefit.

The best deal right now for PIA access is a two-year contract, which costs only $2.19 per month and comes with two months of free service. You can also sign up for six months for the equivalent of $7.50 per month or test the VPN for one month, which costs $11.99.

Private Internet Access features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS

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IPVanish

Best smart TV VPN for gaming

IPVanish is another great option for smart TV use, especially if you're a fond console (or PC) gamer. When you select a server to connect to, you can easily access latency and ping statistics, reducing lag and ensuring privacy without disrupting your gaming session.

IPVanish works best on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. An Apple TV native app is also now available. You can also install the app on your router, share your internet connection via a PC, or hotspot through a mobile device with the VPN installed. If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish's setup guides, although the website could do with better organization around its guides.

Also: IPVanish review

We like IPVanish's highly customizable interface and service, allowing you to choose from various encryption protocols. Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support.

IPVanish is a very affordable VPN as long as you are willing to sign up for a two-year contract. If this is the case, you will pay only $2.19 per month. The annual plan is relatively cheap, too, and costs $3.33 per month. If you only want one month of VPN service, expect to pay $12.99.

IPVanish features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 75 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS

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Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested

Smart TV VPN	Compatibility	Server network	Price
NordVPN	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, routers	111	$3.59/month
ExpressVPN	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, routers	105	$6.67/month
Surfshark	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers	100	$2.19/month
Private Internet Access	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, NAS	91	$2.19/month
IPVanish	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, routers	75	$2.19/month

VPN services are designed to improve your online privacy. VPNs create encrypted tunnels between your device and internet services, masking your IP address and making it more difficult to eavesdrop and monitor you. They are not a silver bullet for security but, instead, are an important tool in our arsenal.

For smart TVs, a VPN can stop your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring what you are streaming, and where from, and can also be used to change your location. In some cases, this can help you avoid throttling or give you the ability to bypass geolocation blocks -- although the latter is a legally gray area.

How to set up a smart TV VPN

Charlie Osborne | ZDNET

Once you've chosen the smart TV VPN you want, you should check whether a native app is available. The most common TV operating system with native apps is Android TV, although you can often use a VPN on your Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV.

Find your app in your TV's repository, typically in its centralized smart hub. After installing the app, open it and log in to the service with the username, email, and password you created when you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs allow you to log in through a QR code or a one-time passcode.

Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or preferred server, and you're done.

If the VPN you want to use is unavailable for your TV, you may have to set up a VPN service on your router instead. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites detailing how to complete a manual setup.

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We've been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.

ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can't test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.

We analyzed the best VPNs for smart TVs using the following criteria:

Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect through a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to use with a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.Security: There's no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about improving security and patching reported bugs.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming, including when you are running a VPN on your TV.Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our smart TV VPN recommendations naturally have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware. In particular, we always look for Android TV and Fire TV compatibility.Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.

For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.

Choose this VPN...	If you want...
NordVPN	The best smart TV VPN overall. NordVPN is compatible with a variety of TV platforms and provides you with speed, security, and stability.
ExpressVPN	A speedy smart TV VPN. While it is more expensive than many competitors, this multi-platform option will give you fantastic speeds for streaming.
Surfshark	An affordable smart TV VPN. Surfshark has consistently low pricing and provides excellent value for money.
Private Internet Access	An open-source smart TV VPN. Private Internet Access has an open and transparent approach to security for protecting all of your devices.
IPVanish	A gaming-ready VPN. IPVanish offers reasonable speeds for a reasonable price and provides server information that allows you to pick the right option to reduce lag.

When you are selecting your new smart TV VPN, consider the following factors:

Price: You need to weigh the overall price of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers -- they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars.Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it first to ensure you like its accompanying TV app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but are lacking elsewhere, meaning they are not as intuitive or easy to use.Security: Choose a reputable VPN provider that emphasizes user privacy and security. Frequent patch updates, transparent disclosure of security incidents, warrant canaries, and no-logs policies are all important factors.Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN suitable for your smart TV, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop, a laptop, or smartphone. We recommend that you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.Contract length: You must also decide how long you want to use a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but other options are also available. After you've made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs

If the only reason you want to install a VPN is to mask your IP address and change your location to access a streaming content library outside your original location, then perhaps it is worth it. Considering how useful VPNs can be in protecting your online privacy outside of smart TV usage, we would recommend that you also use one on your PC and mobile device.

While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, the majority will come with heavy restrictions on speed and server choice, and some providers might display ads or sell your information. Considering that you will likely want to access content such as TV shows or films, you will need a VPN without speed limits -- and these tend only to be available with paid subscriptions.

Samsung devices have Knox, a built-in VPN client best suited for business use, as it requires manual configuration and is extremely basic. Most of the time, consumers will opt for a paid, third-party VPN service instead.

Regarding smart TVs, most models do not offer VPN services out of the box, including those from Samsung. Instead, you will need to find a VPN app in an Android TV hub when available (Tizen OS is unlikely to have VPN apps), install a VPN on your router or bridge the gap by using a device connected to your TV, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Yes, you can. In fact, one of the reasons VPNs are so popular is that they can be used to access different geo-locked content libraries across streaming services, including Netflix.

Keep in mind that this is a legally gray area, and you may be breaking the terms of service. Furthermore, if they detect VPN usage, some streaming services limit content libraries to only media available under universal licenses.

Free VPNs usually come with caveats: the sale of your data, extremely limited server networks, or throttled speeds. If you want to use a free VPN before taking the plunge and signing up for a paid service, the only free VPNs we recommend trying out with a smart TV are Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Hotspot Shield.

To check if your VPN is safe and working properly, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.

Next, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device's settings (typically under Wi-Fi) or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly.

You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.

Yes, smart TV VPN services are legal in the United States, but legality varies from country to country.

Check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries, such as North Korea and Belarus, ban their use outright, whereas others, including Russia and China, frown upon it.

For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN's guide.

If our top recommendations do not appeal to you, or you are not sure that they will suit your needs, there are other VPNs suitable for use with smart TVs that are worth considering:

View at CyberGhost View at ProtonVPN

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