Best VPNs for Smart TVs in 2025 and how to set them up

So, you’ve got your new smart TV, and it’s a game-changer. You can enjoy all your favorite shows and movies from the comfort of your couch. No more squinting at a computer screen or dealing with a tangle of cables. But there’s a catch. You’re missing out on a lot of content because it’s geo-restricted. That’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in, offering a perfect solution to this problem.

Ready to unlock a world of content? We’re here to guide you on how to securely access geo-restricted content through your smart TVs, whether you’re in the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, China, or anywhere else internationally. We’ve handpicked VPNs that are compatible with the most popular smart TV brands like Sony, Panasonic, LG, Philips, Samsung, Vizio, and more, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any restrictions.

We’ll discuss all of the best VPNs for smart TVs in more detail below, but if you want to cut to the chase, here are our top choices.

Best Smart TV VPNs:

1. NordVPN The overall best VPN for smart TVs. Works with a wide range of streaming sites and delivers both speed and security. Includes a smart DNS proxy service and router support if your TV doesn’t support VPN apps. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for smart TVs.
2. Surfshark Best value VPN. It can be manually installed on a router. Provides solid speeds and powerful security features. Works with a wide range of streaming apps, including Netflix. No limit on simultaneous connections.
3. ProtonVPN Works with all major streaming platforms and has a huge server network in 122 countries. Capable of blocking ads automatically. Proven no-logs policy and router support.
4. ExpressVPN Highly-versatile VPN that boasts custom router firmware and a Smart DNS service. Always-on obfuscation and RAM-only servers to enhance your privacy. Key features like AES 256-bit encryption.
5. CyberGhost A huge network of server locations. Works with Samsung Smart TVs and several other brands. Great for streaming and accessing geo-blocked content safely.
6. PureVPN Provides detailed setup instructions for more than 30 types of router. Exceptional unblocking ability, strong security, and servers in more than 65 countries. Refuses to keep any logs of your activities. 
   
7. IPVanish A zero-logs VPN with no simultaneous connection limit. Fast speed and strong security, ideal for streaming and torrenting. Good at unlocking, including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer.
8. Private Internet Access This VPN offers high speeds, a no-logs policy, and powerful security features. Also offers an Amazon Fire TV app. Servers in 91 countries and no limit on the number of devices you can protect.
9. his can be manually configured with routers.
10. PrivateVPN Speedy, no-logs provider with a fantastic reputation where streaming is concerned. One of the best around on security.

Our criteria for smart TV VPNs

While most Smart TVs don’t natively support VPNs (or include them in their proprietary app stores), there are workarounds. For that reason, we only recommended VPNs that can be installed on routers. Our team personally tested each VPN, taking note of how well it performed in five key areas. Below, we’ll reveal what these are and why each factored so heavily into our scoring.

• Speed: We carried out speed tests while connected to each VPN’s servers in the UK, US, and Singapore. This allowed us to measure their performance, consistency, and how much dropoff there was on long-distance connections.
• Streaming ability: We scored providers on their compatibility with routers, the availability of a smart DNS service, and which streaming platforms they worked with.
• Security and privacy: Your privacy is our top concern, which is why we’ll never recommend a service lacking crucial features like encryption, a kill switch, or a no-logs policy. All in all, we evaluate VPNs on over 15 relevant criteria.
• Ease of use: The easier a service was to use, the higher it scored. We looked into factors like connection limits, availability of task-specific servers, and whether the VPN offered live chat-based customer support.
• Value for money: We looked into each VPN’s pricing, making sure it aligned with the quality of service provided. Next, our team searched for ways to cut the price even lower, and checked whether any student discounts are available.

We go into more detail about our full testing process later in this article. We’ll also explore the data we generated during testing.

Best VPNs for a smart TV: A snapshot of features

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Do you prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for smart TV.

Best VPNs for a Smart TV in detail

Here is our list of the best VPNs for smart TVs:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2025

NordVPN is our top choice for Smart TVs. For starters, it has native apps for Android TV and tvOS. There are also manual router configuration instructions which can help you stream safely on Samsung smart TVs. There are more than 8,000 servers in 120+ countries, plus this VPN comes with its own Smart DNS service that can help you access US-only platforms from anywhere in the world.

This service was able to unblock every streaming platform we tried, making it one of the most reliable options on the market for watching TV. Among other services, our team was able to access Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.

To find out whether NordVPN was fast enough for streaming, we carried out multiple speed tests using its servers in three different countries: the UK, the US, and Singapore. The chart below shows the results for NordVPN’s UK server and the global average speed. Note that we used a 500 Mbps connection to standardize testing and give each VPN the best possible chance.

NordVPN was very fast in the UK, with speeds consistently in excess of 390 Mbps. Across all three countries, speeds averaged 354.8 Mbps, which is highly impressive and 167 Mbps faster than the combined averages of the other providers we tested.

There aren’t many providers with the same level of security that NordVPN offers. To begin with, it has uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also a proven zero-logs policy, obfuscated servers for bypassing strict online censorship, automatic wifi protection, and the option to block ads, trackers, and malware automatically.

A basic NordVPN account will enable you to connect up to ten simultaneous devices. In addition to the apps mentioned earlier, NordVPN supports Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices.

BEST VPN FOR SMART TVS:NordVPN is ideal for Smart TVs. It’s extremely fast, includes a huge range of security features, and even offers a SmartDNS fallback. Moreover, you can try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our in-depth NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for smart TVs. This low-cost provider has roughly 4,500 servers in 100 countries and comes with its own Smart DNS service (though like most, this will only help you access US content). Better still, this VPN is perfect for streaming, unblocking services like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount Plus.

In the tests for this article, Surfshark also performed impressively. Along with NordVPN, it was the only provider to achieve an average download speed in excess of 300 Mbps. The chart below shows the three results from the UK server and the global average speed.

The provider was also notably quick in Singapore, which is reflected in its average overall speed of 335.4 Mbps. Note that the tests were carried out on a virtual machine with an average download speed of 508.05 Mbps.

Let’s talk about security. Surfshark uses unbreakable AES-256 encryption, backed up by DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and an independently-verified no-logs policy. It can block ads and trackers automatically, help you browse safely in countries with extreme online censorship, and even swap your IP address every few minutes. Finally, Surfshark supports split tunneling, meaning you can let specific apps and websites pass through unencrypted.

In addition to apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, Surfshark has apps for Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV. If your smart TV isn’t compatible with VPN software, Surfshark can be manually configured to work with your home router, or, if you’d prefer, you can purchase a preconfigured DD-WRT router from FlashRouters.

Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices at once. Despite this, its subscriptions are keenly priced, with a two-year plan starting at the equivalent of $2.19 a month. If you’d like to test drive it, plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST BUDGET CHOICE:Surfshark lets you stream just about anything you want on your Smart TV. Better still, it’s a low-cost provider that nonetheless boasts strong security and privacy protections, decent speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review

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3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a well-respected provider with more than 15,000 servers spread across 120+ countries. This service is one of the best around when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted platforms, working flawlessly with popular sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video. While it doesn’t have a Smart DNS feature, it does permit up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 assistance over live chat.

In addition to its regular servers, ProtonVPN has a hundred or so Secure Core servers. These are housed in high-security data centers that are company-owned and company-operated. Adding a Secure Core server to your connection ensures that your location isn’t exposed if the primary VPN server is compromised.

For the fastest speeds, it’s best to avoid using Secure Core servers due to the extra routing involved. The same applies to the available Tor servers. For our speed tests, we connected to servers in the UK, the US, and Singapore. For reference, our base download speed while testing was 508.05 Mbps. You can see the three results for the UK server below and the overall global average.

ProtonVPN’s UK connection was extremely fast, with speeds of around 300 Mbps throughout the day. It was less speedy in the other countries, though it still managed an average download speed of 254.94 Mbps. This was comfortably above the combined average download speed of the other providers we tested, making ProtonVPN a great choice for high-definition streaming.

From a security perspective, ProtonVPN is one of the best. It was created by the team behind privacy-first email client, Proton Mail and offers top-tier encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a tool that blocks ads and trackers automatically. This is one of the few VPNs that supports split tunneling and port forwarding as standard too, which is fantastic. ProtonVPN doesn’t keep any logs and has been audited to prove it. You can even pay in pay in Bitcoin or cash!

This VPN has apps for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, as well as Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time, or follow manual setup instructions to get ProtonVPN running on their router (in case you need to secure more than 10 devices simultaneously).

NO MORE ADS:ProtonVPN provides novice-friendly setup instructions and blocks ads across your entire network. It’s fast too, and goes undetected by sites that normally stop VPNs in their tracks. Best of all, every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more? Check out our in-depth review of ProtonVPN.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another fantastic option for anyone hoping to stream safely on their Smart TV. Its network spans more than 105 countries, it’s capable of accessing platforms like Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime Video, and it even comes with its own Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer. There’s even custom router firmware, making it as simple as possible to secure every device you own. If you need help, staff are available 24 hours per day via live chat.

To find out how fast the provider was, we carried out several speed tests while connected to ExpressVPN servers in the UK, US, and Singapore. You can see the three results from the UK server in the chart below and the overall global average.

Speeds were consistent, though not as fast as the previously mentioned providers. ExpressVPN performed steadily in the UK and US, but was slower in Singapore. Its average global overall speed — 166.97 Mbps — was slower than the combined averages of the other providers. That said, it’s still more than fast enough for 4K streaming — provided you have a decent connection speed to start with.

This VPN keeps you safe using unbreakable AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Crucially, ExpressVPN has an audited zero-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing what you get up to online. There’s even a new Advanced Protection tab in the settings menu that lets you block ads, trackers, malware, and adult content. You can even let certain apps bypass the VPN’s encryption if you’d like.

ExpressVPN has apps for Android TV, tvOS, MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as custom router firmware. Best of all, it recently reworked its pricing structure and connection limits, allowing you to try it out for the lowest price ever.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN is a solid performer with a router app, smart DNS service and top-quality privacy features. Great for streaming. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our in-depth ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a popular choice among people who like to stream. Its network covers more than 100 countries and many of its servers are designed for specific tasks, making it easy to find one suitable for torrenting, gaming, or streaming your favorite shows from abroad. This is one of the few services that integrates ad-blocking into its router configuration files too, meaning you’ll be able to watch whatever you like with no interruptions. Support is available 24/7 via live chat.

Our team was able to access a huge range of popular streaming platforms while connected, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and fuboTV. While not all of these are listed in the streaming server list, more often than not, we could unblock them using CyberGhost’s general-purpose servers.

To find out how fast CyberGhost was, we carried out several speed tests while connected to its servers in the UK, US, and Singapore. We used a virtual machine with an average download speed of 508.05 Mbps. You can see the three results from the UK server in the chart below, along with the overall global average.

CyberGhost was quickest in the UK, with speeds consistently above 200 Mbps. Across all three countries, it averaged 172.78 Mbps. Although this was a little slower than the combined average speed of the other providers, CyberGhost is still a solid choice speed-wise.

CyberGhost has dedicated apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. If your smart TV doesn’t support any of these, but allows you access to its DNS settings, you can use CyberGhost’s smart DNS feature to use the provider’s own DNS servers. These enable you to stream everything from Hulu to the UK and US versions of Netflix — though they will not encrypt your traffic.

CyberGhost shields your online activities using 256-AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. That’s just the beginning, though: there is also the option to send data via a random port (which can help sidestep some forms of VPN-detection) or create custom rules that govern when the VPN can activate on its own. Most importantly, this VPN refuses to keep any logs of your activities.

This VPN supports most major operating systems including Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, and iOS. There are also browser extensions and manual configuration guides for other platforms.

GOOD VALUE VPN:CyberGhost is a great value choice. Strong on privacy, fast speeds, and reliable with smart TVs. We found it easy to set up and use. Works well with most streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

See our in-depth CyberGhost review.

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6. PureVPN

PureVPN is a reliable provider with more than 6,000 high-speed servers in 65 countries. Better still, some of these are optimized for streaming and actually tell you which platforms they’re designed to unblock. Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list; our team was able to access many streaming services that weren’t specifically mentioned. While this VPN doesn’t have a Smart DNS feature, it does offer manual setup instructions for routers, as well as 24/7 live chat-based customer support.

To find out how fast PureVPN was, we tested its speeds several times while connected to its servers in the UK, US, and Singapore. The tests were carried out using a virtual machine with an average download speed of 508.05 Mbps. You can see the three results from the UK server in the chart below and the overall global average.

PureVPN was slower than the previously mentioned providers, though speeds in the UK were still above 150 Mbps. Overall, its average speed across all three countries was 155.66 Mbps. This makes it fast enough for UHD streaming as long as you have a decent broadband connection.

Of course, this doesn’t mean much if PureVPN lacks the ability to keep you safe. Thankfully, it uses uncrackable 256-bit encryption, alongside a kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, so nobody can see what you get up to online. PureVPN also boasts split tunneling functionality, a tool that’ll let you know if your details are leaked on the dark web, and a no-logs policy that’s been independently-audited on several occasions.

Virtually every VPN provider has an introductory price for its plans. After the initial period has ended, the price jumps up. The longest deals typically last for two years. However, PureVPN bucks this trend by offering a five-year plan. This costs the equivalent of $2.16 a month and is a great option if you’re happy to commit.

PureVPN offers its own apps for Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux (GUI-based). Its website provides detailed step by step instructions for installing this VPN on your router too. If you’re struggling, just reach out to staff using the 24-hour live chat service.

SIMPLE SETUP:PureVPN makes it as easy as possible to protect your home network. Not only that but it has robust security and works with just about every streaming service we’ve tried.

Take a look at our comprehensive PureVPN review.

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7. IPVanish

IPVanish owns and operates more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries and is in the process of rolling out RAM-only servers for additional privacy. As well as offering apps for Android TV and Fire TV, this service provides beginner-friendly installation instructions for a wide range of routers. There’s also 24/7 support over live chat and the ability to access all kinds of stubborn streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer.

To find out how fast IPVanish was, we carried out speed tests while connecting to its servers in the UK, US, and Singapore. You can see the three results from the UK server in the chart below, along with the overall global average.

The provider performed well in all three countries, with speeds consistently above 220 Mbps. Its overall average download speed of 247.95 Mbps was more than 46 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. Needless to say, it’s fast enough for uninterrupted 4K streaming.

IPVanish boasts a strong set of security features, such as its unbreakable AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and automatic protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Further, in early 2025, it added support for double hop servers that encrypt your traffic twice. This VPN can also scramble your data, helping you avoid some forms of VPN detection. Most importantly, IPVanish refuses to keep any logs and has been audited to prove it.

IPVanish has its own apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. None of these have any connection limits, which is great. This VPN supports most types of router firmware too. Finally, there’s a new Advanced subscription tier that bundles the VPN, a cloud-based browser, and 1 TB of secure online file storage.

LARGE NETWORK:IPVanish is great for families. Good for most streaming services.  Recommended for their high standard of privacy. 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our in-depth IPVanish review.

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8. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has a huge network, with over 12,000 servers in 91 countries. This service excels at bypassing regional restrictions and works flawlessly with major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Better still, there’s no limit on the number of devices you can connect. PIA also provides apps for Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV, as well as manual setup instructions for routers. Customer support is available around the clock.

To find out how fast PIA was, we connected to its servers in the UK, the US, and Singapore and carried out several speed tests. For reference, our average download speed when not connected to a VPN server was 508.05 Mbps. You can see the three results from the UK server in the chart below, along with the overall global average.

While PIA consistently achieved speeds above 100 Mbps in the UK, it performed less well in the US and Singapore, leading to a global average speed of 98.95 Mbps, which was less than half the combined average speed of the other providers. While this is still fast enough for streaming, it might be wise to opt for one of the faster VPNs in this list if you have a relatively slow internet connection.

Private Internet Access uses 256-bit AES encryption to shield your online activities from snoopers. There’s also a kill switch that stops sending data if your connection drops, as well as automatic DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a strict zero-logs policy. This service blocks ads and trackers automatically and offers both split tunneling and port forwarding functionality as standard.

The provider has dedicated apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Smart DNS is available via the Client Control Panel if your smart TV won’t work with these apps. PIA says that the current smart DNS locations are Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. This is a decent selection — many providers only offer the US.

SECURE UNLIMITED DEVICES:Private Internet Access can be manually set up to work with compatible routers. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and won’t throttle your bandwidth. Thirty-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a fairly small network, but it owns and operates all 200 of its servers and still manages to cover 60+ countries. Not only that, it’s capable of accessing virtually every major streaming platform including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and ITVX. There isn’t a Smart DNS service but you can manually install this VPN on most home routers. If you need help, there’s live chat-based customer support during European business hours.

To find out how fast PrivateVPN was, we carried out speed tests while connected to its servers in the UK, US, and Singapore. You can see the three results from the UK server in the chart below, along with the overall global average. Note that our download speed when not connected to a VPN server was 508.05 Mbps.

PrivateVPN consistently achieved speeds above 110 Mbps in the UK, but it was much slower in the other two countries. Its average speed overall was 70.40 Mbps, which is far below the combined average speed of the other providers. This makes it most suitable for users who can take a speed hit, i.e., those with a decent base connection speed.

This service goes above and beyond where privacy is concerned. It uses 128-bit AES encryption by default but lets you raise this to 256-bit if you’d like. PrivateVPN also boasts a customizable kill switch, automatic IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a stealth mode that’s capable of beating the world’s strictest online blocking. Crucially, this VPN doesn’t keep any logs, though we’d like to see it undergo an audit like some of its competitors have.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The provider also has apps for Android TV and Fire TV that you can use with compatible smart TVs. Plans are excellent value, with a three-year subscription costing the equivalent of $2 a month. Users can maintain their privacy while signing up by using a burner email and paying in cryptocurrency.

GOOD FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. A reliable choice for many popular streaming sites and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. A small network of servers but strong on security and privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

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Why use a VPN on your smart TV?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider installing a VPN on your Smart TV. The first is that most TVs restrict which apps you can install based on your location. Being able to spoof your location means you can try new apps and stream content that wouldn’t otherwise be available.

Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) keep tabs on their customers’ activities and selectively reduce their speeds. It’s not uncommon, for instance, for providers to slow your connection down if they realize you’re streaming. A VPN’s encryption prevents your ISP from monitoring your browsing habits, making this kind of ISP throttling less likely.

Finally, you may not realize it, but your TV is constantly collecting information about your usage habits. This may include location data, viewing habits, and which apps you use regularly. Using a VPN not only hides your real location, but will also stop your TV showing personalized ads. It’s a small benefit but we’ll never turn down an opportunity to improve our digital privacy.

Using a free VPN with a smart TV

A free VPN might seem like a good idea, but in reality, these services fall short. For a start, most free VPNs don’t provide smart TV apps or the configuration files required to manually set up a VPN on routers or Linux systems. Even if you find one that does, there are more practical problems to consider.

These VPNs are almost always extremely slow and that’s by design. Generally, free users queue up, get connected to a sluggish server, and then use their limited bandwidth allowance. The trick is that free VPNs will remove these annoyances if you upgrade, but if you’re going to pay, you may as well choose a paid VPN to begin with. Free VPNs usually can’t access popular streaming apps either, which, needless to say, is a huge issue.

Aside from the practical issues, free providers typically lack the strong security and privacy features you get with their premium competitors. Many log user activity, insert tracking cookies, inject ads, or sell data to third parties. Some even carry malware.

With providers like the ones we’ve discussed above offering such great deals, it just doesn’t make sense to waste time with a subpar product.

How to set up a VPN with a Smart TV

Since smart TVs and, indeed VPNs are all slightly different, there’s no one-size-fits-all installation process. Many large electronics manufacturers have jumped into the smart TV market, including:

• Samsung
• LG
• Panasonic
• Sony
• Philips
• TCL
• Vizio
• Toshiba
• JVC

Some newer TV models by certain brands enable you to install a VPN directly onto it. For example, since many Sony smart TV models are Android-based, they will be compatible with a VPN app. On the other hand, Samsung smart TVs have a different operating system, meaning VPNs have to be set up differently.

When you configure the VPN on your home router, any device, including your smart TV, will be protected. If your router firmware supports VPN configuration, you can follow the setup guides offered by your chosen provider (see below). If not, you may want to look into replacing the router’s firmware with a VPN-compatible firmware, such as DD-WRT or Tomato. Bear in mind that replacing firmware (known as flashing) can damage your router, so it is best left to the more tech-savvy user.

Another option is to buy a pre-configured router, such as those we mentioned earlier. ExpressVPN router is recommended as it uses custom firmware and is easy to use. NordVPN and IPVanish have great options available made bythe  third-party affiliate FlashRouter.

Most providers offer step-by-step instructions to help you install the VPN onto a router. Guides offered by some of the providers listed above can be found at the following links:

• NordVPN: Manual router configuration guides
• ExpressVPN: Router app setup guides
• IPVanish: Manually set up a VPN on your existing router
• PrivateVPN: Router setup guides
• CyberGhost: CyberGhost VPN for Routers and other Devices

See also:

• Best VPNs for DD-WRT routers
• Best VPN for Tomato routers
• Best VPN for routers to secure IoT devices
• Best VPNs for Netgear routers
• Best VPNs for Asus routers
• Stop your smart TV from spying on you

Because many smart TV VPN setups require router configuration, instead of searching for the VPN documentation for your particular brand of TV, you’d be better off finding the setup guide for your particular router.

Paid VPN providers are keen to ensure that their service works in the way you need it to and will offer support and troubleshooting assistance when required. If you run into issues, you can contact your provider via live chat, email, or social media, and someone can help walk you through setup or help resolve any problems.

Using a VPN on a smart TV without configuring a router

If you can’t install the VPN directly onto the TV and you don’t want to mess with your home router, you do have a couple more options. The most basic would be to connect your TV to your VPN-protected laptop or PC and view what’s on your computer screen. Although, this really defeats the purpose of a smart TV.

Another option is to create a virtual router from your laptop or PC and turn it into a wifi hotspot. Doing this will let you run your smart TV through the protected network. For PC users, our dedicated guide for setting up a Windows VPN-enabled wifi hotspot can help you out. Similarly, if you’re a Mac user, we have an alternative guide for setting up a VPN-enabled wifi hotspot on macOS.

While this is a simpler option than configuring a router, it does require you always to have a computer up and running to act as a router.

Using a VPN with a Smart TV: FAQs