Using a VPN with your Samsung Smart TV means you can bypass streaming platforms’ content restrictions and prevent your ISP from throttling your speed. However, there’s a problem — Samsung’s Tizen operating system won’t allow you to install VPN apps directly.
The good news is that there are several other ways for you to set up a VPN on your Samsung Smart TV. These include configuring a VPN connection on your wi-fi router or using a smart DNS service. We’ll explain both processes and help you find the best VPN to fit your needs.
Need to make a quick decision? Let’s start with a short summary of each of our recommended providers. Full reviews are available later in the article.
The best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for Samsung Smart TV. Compatible with routers and has over 7,400+ extremely fast servers in 118 countries. No-logs service with 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best value VPN for Smart TVs. Manual install or Smart DNS service. Servers in 100 countries. Unlimited devices per account, MultiHop servers, and an ad-blocker.
- IPVanish: Fast speeds for streaming lag-free. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Strong security and privacy protection with high-end encryption and a no-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN: Router-friendly with custom firmware. Also offers a Smart DNS proxy service. More than 3,000 servers in 105 countries. Strong unblocking and excellent support.
- CyberGhost: Huge server network (10,000+ servers in 100+ countries). Smart DNS service for streaming on your Samsung Smart TV. Compatible with routers.
- Private Internet Access: Option to configure a connection with a compatible router. Also has smart DNS. Servers in over 91 countries. Unlimited devices and no logs.
- PrivateVPN: Can be manually configured to work with select routers. Unblocks many streaming services. Beginner-friendly apps and a no-logs policy. Also accepts Bitcoin.
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There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we found the best Samsung Smart TV VPNs
While there are other VPNs that can be used with Samsung Smart TV, not all of them are suitable for streaming. Some aren’t even suitable for general browsing. We arrived at the above recommendations by testing providers in five key areas:
- Speed: To find the fastest VPNs, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their US servers.
- Streaming features: We scored providers on their compatibility with routers, whether they offered a smart DNS service, and their overall unblocking ability.
- Value for money: Some VPNs aren’t worth what they charge. To get you the best deal, we gauged each VPN service’s overall worth using eight unique value-for-money criteria.
- Security and privacy: The best VPNs keep your online activities hidden from potentially malicious third parties. We use 10 different metrics to gauge which are most adept at securing your connection and keeping it private.
- Ease of use: We want to help get you up and running with a VPN as quickly and painlessly as possible. We found the most user-friendly services by evaluating providers against 10 ease-of-use metrics.
Want to know more? You can read about our testing process and see the results of those tests in the methodology section below. But first, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.
Samsung Smart TV VPNs: at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Smart TVs.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Samsung Smart TV | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 20 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 70% | 85% | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 77% off 2 year plans + 3 months free | $1.99 86% OFF + 3 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV:
1. NordVPN
Apr 2025
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 10.0 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 10.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our number one VPN choice for Samsung Smart TVs. This veteran provider has setup tutorials for various supported routers and firmware. Alternatively, its pre-configured routers make it even easier for you to set up a VPN connection on your Samsung Smart TV.
Once connected, you’ll have access to more than 7,400 servers in 118+ countries. These can be used to access a range of geo-restricted content from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In fact, NordVPN works with pretty much every streaming service that we’ve come across.

NordVPN’s speeds are excellent. While connected to the provider’s US servers, we recorded an average download speed of 202.07 Mbps. This is fast enough to stream 4K video on up to eight devices at once with no lag, and there was minimal variation throughout the day, so you can be assured of super-fast speeds even during peak times.
While NordVPN allows up to ten simultaneous connections, using it with your router allows you to secure all of your devices connected to that wi-fi network. You’ll have access to 24/7 live chat and email support as well as speciality servers including P2P and Onion Over VPN.

NordVPN operates a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. NordVPN secures your data with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.
In addition to being router-compatible, NordVPN also offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You’ll also have the option of using browser extensions (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge).
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the VPN with the fastest available speeds that can stream 4K content without buffering.
- You prefer a VPN with proven ability to access a huge range of international streaming platforms.
- You want a wide server network to unblock content from multiple platforms worldwide.
- You are looking for reliable router compatibility with detailed setup tutorials or pre-configured routers.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for a VPN with servers optimised for streaming platforms or use cases.
BEST VPN FOR SAMSUNG SMART TV:NordVPN supports many different routers for use with Samsung Smart TV and provides 24/7 support for getting set up. No-logs VPN with 7,400+ servers and unlimited bandwidth for seamless streaming. You can try NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 9.6 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.9 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 9.8 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 9.9 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark can be manually installed on compatible routers, which protects all of the devices you connect to it — your Samsung Smart TV included. However, there’s an even easier option in the form of Surfshark’s Smart DNS service, which requires little more than clicking an “activate” button.
Once connected, you’ll be able to unblock all of the top streaming services. During testing, we were able to access geo-restricted content from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without issue.

Surfshark has servers in 100 countries and is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, so it’s very suitable for streaming. In our tests, it achieved an overall average download speed of 200.06 Mbps with minimal variance across the three times of day.
This was more than 67 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested providers. In practice, it means that you could stream in high resolution on your Samsung Smart TV as well as on seven other devices simultaneously without seeing any slowdown.
But you can stream on more devices than that, since one Surfshark account means you can secure an unlimited number of devices at the same time. All of these devices benefit from 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. The service also includes an ad, malware, and tracker blocker, as well as powerful obfuscation, an ID-generating tool, and multi-hop servers.

Your privacy is protected thanks to Surfshark’s no-logs policy. If you need any help when setting up your VPN with your Samsung Smart TV, 24-hour support is available.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions can be downloaded.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a budget-friendly VPN that doesn;t compromise on service.
- You’d like a provider with unlimited device connections, perfect for large households or multi-device streaming.
- You need a VPN with very fast speeds for smooth 4K streaming on multiple devices at once.
- You want extra features like MultiHop servers for more privacy.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for a VPN that provides specialized streaming features (like dedicated Netflix servers).
- You want a VPN with more server locations (Surfshark has servers in 100 countries, but some other VPNs have larger networks).
BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark works with a variety of routers and has its own Smart DNS service. Servers are available in 100 countries, and the fast speeds allow for lag-free streaming. Unlimited devices per account. 24/7 live chat support included. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.7 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 6.5 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 9.2 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a solid choice for streaming content on a Samsung Smart TV. The reason for this is its high-speed servers, unlimited bandwidth, and strong unblocking ability.
We used IPVanish to access international platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, as well as country-specific services such as Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Speed-wise, the provider is very quick — and very consistent. In our tests, speeds ranged from 188.54 to 192.2 Mbps, which is a difference of just 3.66 Mbps.
Overall, IPVanish averaged 190.04 Mbps. This allows you to not only stream in 1080p HD but in 4K resolution.
Furthermore, IPVanish supports routers. You can manually configure a connection or, if you prefer, purchase a preconfigured router. The IPVanish server count now stands at over 2,400, with more than 100+ countries to choose from.

The security provided by IPVanish includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This allows you to browse and stream anonymously and is further backed up by a strict no-logs policy.
Unlike most VPNs that only allow a handful of simultaneous connections, IPVanish lets you secure as many devices as you like, regardless of whether you’re connecting via a router or not. This VPN service includes live chat support, 24/7, and the new Advanced subscription tier comes with access to a secure browser and a massive 1 TB of cloud storage.
Not only can you manually set up IPVanish with a w-ifi router, you can download apps for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). There’s also an Amazon Fire TV app. However, like with routers, use with Linux requires manually configuring a connection.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that supports unlimited devices, allowing you to secure every device in your home network.
- You prefer fast and reliable speeds suitable for 4K streaming.
- You want a VPN that owns its own servers for added security.
- You’d like a VPN with router compatibility, including the option to purchase a pre-configured router.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN based outside of the US for privacy reasons.
- You’re looking for a VPN that accepts cryptocurrency for added anonymity.
UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is very fast with no bandwidth throttling, which is ideal for 4K streaming. Use it with Samsung TV by manually configuring a connection with a compatible router (or purchase a preconfigured router). Unlimited devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.5 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.3 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 9.8 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 5.7 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN allows you to customize your usage with your Samsung Smart TV. You can install it on your router or use its MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy service. ExpressVPN’s custom router firmware can replace some routers’ existing firmware. Furthermore, it’s pre-configured with ExpressVPN’s servers.
This network is made up of roughly 3,000 servers across 105 countries. While connected, you’ll be able to stream the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer with unlimited bandwidth.

Speeds are suitable for high definition streaming without lag or buffering. While connected to the provider’s US servers, we recorded speeds averaging 135.74 Mbps. This is fast enough for streaming in 4K on five devices simultaneously.
This VPN service includes live chat and email support, available 24 hours a day. It’s quick and easy to get help when you’re setting up your VPN with a router, for example.
Once you’ve set up a connection via a router, internet traffic will be routed through a 256-bit AES-encrypted tunnel (MediaStreamer doesn’t offer the same protection). Additional security includes a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection.

Aside from offering custom router firmware, ExpressVPN has Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV apps. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a router-friendly VPN with custom firmware for easy setup.
- You want a VPN with a proven ability to access international streaming platforms on Samsung Smart TV.
- You prefer a VPN with a strong no-logs policy and high security, including AES-256 encryption and DNS leak protection.
- You want knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support for quick help with any setup or technical issues.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option, as ExpressVPN is priced higher than many competitors.
- You need advanced customizability for features like split tunneling or additional server optimizations.
ROUTER FIRMWARE:ExpressVPN offers custom firmware for routers and provides the option of a smart DNS proxy. You’ll find servers in 105 countries, and connections are consistent thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Excellent support and strong security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 8.5 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 8.9 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 5.9 / 10 |
Value for money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost has a smart DNS service and provides instructions on how to use it with Samsung Smart TVS. It also provides in-depth instructions on setting up an OpenVPN client on various devices. If you’d prefer not to have to do this, you can purchase a router that already has CyberGhost preinstalled on it.
However you choose to go about it, you’ll have access to a vast server network. CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. It also has servers specifically for streaming that are labelled with the platforms that they work best with.

While connected, we had no trouble accessing big-name streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

The results of our speed tests ranged from 132.64 Mbps to 143.28 Mbps. This makes CyberGhost suitable for streaming as well as torrenting and gaming at any time of the day.
It’s possible to connect up to seven devices at the same time with CyberGhost. However, the advantage of using a VPN with your router is that you can secure your entire network of devices.
Security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. What’s also important is that this VPN doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you as a user. As part of your subscription, you’ll have 24/7 access to support.
Apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be found for Chrome and Firefox.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want one of the largest global server networks available.
- You want a super-fast VPN with consistent speeds.
- You prefer a VPN with router compatibility and a pre-configured router option to make setup easier.
- You want a beginner VPN with easy-to-use apps.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a VPN that works in countries with strict internet censorship, like China or Turkey.
- You need a more specialized streaming setup, or access to advanced features.
VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost stands out for its fast speeds and large server network. Can be manually configured to work with compatible wi-fi routers. Secure with encryption and automatic kill switch. 24/7 support via live chat. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. Private Internet Access
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 7.3 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 7.8 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 1.7 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access supports a number of routers and has setup guides available on its website. If this is a little too technical, you can use PIA’s Smart DNS. This changes your Samsung Smart TV’s location and enables it to bypass content restrictions. Note, however, that it doesn’t encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address.
Dedicated streaming servers are available in several countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Japan. Using these, we were able to access multiple content libraries from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

In all, the provider has servers in over 91 countries. To get an idea of how fast PIA was, we tested the speeds of its US servers. As you can see from the chart below, the provider’s speeds varied between 59.04 Mbps and 89.67 Mbps.
While this is slower than the previously discussed VPNs, it’s still more than fast enough for streaming in UHD. PIA’s average speed of 75.62 means that you could do so on three devices simultaneously.
PIA is a great choice for sharing with family members in your household because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES-encrypted tunnel — though you can reduce the key length to 128-bit if you want faster connection speeds.

A kill switch and DNS leak protection are also available. What’s impressive about PIA is that it operates a no-logs policy. A subscription includes 24-hour access to PIA’s live chat and email support.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Furthermore, browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN with Smart DNS to unblock content on your Samsung Smart TV easily, without router setup.
- You need a VPN with unlimited device connections for your home network and all devices connected to the router.
- You prefer a VPN with strong privacy features like a no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption.
- You are looking for a cost-effective VPN with servers in 91 countries.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need faster speeds for 4K streaming or higher bandwidth for smoother video playback.
- You require a VPN that works well in restrictive countries like China.
SMART DNS:Private Internet Access offers Smart DNS for unblocking streaming services on your Samsung Smart TV. There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect. Servers in over 91 countries. Privacy protection with its true no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
7. PrivateVPN
works with samsung smart tvTested Apr 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
Overall score: | 6.2 / 10 |
---|---|
Ease of use: | 8.6 / 10 |
Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
Streaming features: | 4.7 / 10 |
US speed testing: | 1.0 / 10 |
Value for money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN provides very consistent unblocking of some of the most popular streaming platforms. It works well with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, and it has servers across dozens of countries.

The service can be manually configured with select routers, enabling you to use it with your Samsung Smart TV, or even a games console. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections (though you can connect more through a router).
In our tests, PrivateVPN was the slowest provider (though it’s still fast when compared to the VPN market as a whole). Overall, it averaged 52.59 Mbps, which is fast enough for streaming in 4K on your Samsung Smart TV and on one other device simultaneously.
Like PIA, PrivateVPN also lets users reduce the level of encryption that is applied to their internet traffic. This helps boost speeds, though at a cost to security.

If you are having trouble getting started with PrivateVPN, live chat and email support is on hand. Remote help and installation is available should you need it. PrivateVPN checks every box when it comes to security with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection.

PrivateVPN really does adhere to a no-logs policy — there aren’t even any connection logs to be found. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is also required in order to use this VPN with Linux.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a no-logs VPN with strong privacy features and 256-bit AES encryption.
- You’re looking for a simple setup with easy-to-use apps for Samsung Smart TV or routers.
- You want a VPN that unblocks a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
- You want a VPN with remote setup assistance if required.
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You need a larger server network to ensure diverse content access and avoid overcrowded servers.
- You require faster speeds for high-performance streaming or gaming, or have a slower base connection.
SEAMLESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN is router-compatible (with manual setup), allowing you to unblock geo-restricted content on Samsung Smart TV. Strong unblocking and works with Netflix. Easy-to-use apps and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
How to set up a Smart DNS with a Samsung TV (Tizen OS)
Manually configuring a VPN connection with a router is often a little complicated. Fortunately, setting up a Smart DNS with your Samsung TV is simpler.
Here’s how to set up a Smart DNS with Tizen OS:
- Visit your VPN provider and sign in (or sign up if you don’t yet have a VPN subscription).
- Locate and activate the Smart DNS feature in your VPN’s settings.
- Turn on your Samsung Smart TV and press the Home (menu) button on your remote.
- Navigate through Settings > General > Network > Network Status > IP Settings.
- Select DNS setting and Enter manually to enter your VPN Smart DNS IP address.
That’s it! Remember that the initial steps (finding and activating the Smart DNS feature) can vary depending on the VPN you’re using.
Finding the best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV: our methodology
To find the best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV, we carried out a range of tests that covered everything from speed to security.
Speed
If you want to stream in high definition on your Samsung Smart TV, you’ll need a VPN that’s up to the job. We carried out multiple speed tests while connected to each provider’s US servers. Measurements were taken using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app.
The results were averaged and converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other providers. Note that we rate-limited our base connection speed to 250 Mbps to better approximate the experience of the average home broadband speed in the US.
As you can see from the above, NordVPN was the fastest provider overall. Surfshark and IPVanish were also notably quick. All three offer excellent speeds suitable for a range of tasks, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Streaming features
We started by scoring providers on whether they were compatible with popular router models. Next, we scored them according to whether they offered a Smart DNS service. Finally, we scored them on their ability to unblock a range of streaming platforms.
These scores were weighted and then combined to generate an overall score out of 10 for each provider. This makes a side-by-side comparison possible, as the chart below demonstrates.
NordVPN was again the top-scoring VPN. It works with routers, has a smart DNS service, and was able to access every streaming platform we tried it with. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are excellent alternatives.
Security and privacy
Using a VPN ensures your internet traffic is encrypted and hidden from hackers and snoopers. All of the VPNs in this article use encryption and offer DNS leak protection and a kill switch. Many offer additional security features such as Double VPN servers. You can see which providers have the best range of features in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PIA | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs | No activity logs |
IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs | No IP logs |
Encryption | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher | AES-128 or higher |
Authentication | SHA-384 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-512 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 | SHA-256 |
Keys | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 4096-bit | 2048-bit |
Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IPv6 leak protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Torrenting allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill switch | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | Mobile app-level | All platforms | All platforms | Some platforms |
HQ outside 9 eyes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Obfuscation | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth | Automatic | Stealth | Stealth | Stealth |
Supported protocols | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Own protocol | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only | Secure protocols only |
Anonymous payment options | Multiple | Multiple | None | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple | One |
Additional security features | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Each of the above metrics was given a score based on its relative importance. These scores were then summed to generate an overall score out of 10 for each VPN.
NordVPN and Surfshark scored highest overall. Both VPNs provide effectively uncrackable encryption as well as RAM-only servers and independently audited no-logs policies. PIA and ExpressVPN are the next-best options.
Ease of use
Manually configuring a VPN connection on a router might seem a little complicated if you’re not tech-savvy. With this in mind, we’ve found VPNs that offer plenty of guidance to make things simpler. In all cases, live chat and email support is available should you need any help during the setup process. You can see the other metrics we used to measure each VPN’s relative user-friendliness in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PIA | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps for all major platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Novice-friendly design | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 5 (easy) | 4 | 5 (easy) | 4 |
Router support | Standard | Standard | Standard | App | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Unblocking consistency | Great | Great | Great | Generally works | Great | Great | Generally works |
Task specific servers | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Network | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries | 60+ countries |
Ease of cancellation | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy | Very easy |
Interface | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised | A little cluttered | Well-organised | Well-organised |
Feature parity | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | All features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions | Most features available on all versions |
As before, each metric was given a score. These were combined to generate an overall score out of 10 for each provider.
This time, first place was tied between NordVPN and PIA. Both providers have helpful and responsive customer support, together with plentiful online resources for manually configuring router connections and getting started with smart DNS.
Value for money
Some VPNs don’t even support routers, yet are more expensive than those covered in this post. To ensure you’re not paying more than you should for a VPN service, we looked for those offering discounts, deals and generous money-back guarantees. You can see the full range of test metrics in the table below.
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PIA | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Connection limit | 6+ | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6+ | 6+ | Unlimited | 6+ |
Subscription terms | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ | 3 terms+ |
Sale frequency | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals | Frequently running deals |
Monthly pricing | <$13 | <$10 | <$13 | $15+ | <$13 | <$13 | <$10 |
Lowest price | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 | $5+ | <$5 | <$5 | <$5 |
Free trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Student discount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Again, we assigned a score to each of the above metrics, before combining them into overall scores out of 10.
Surfshark’s overall score of 9.7 was highest. This isn’t altogether surprising as it has a low-cost two-year introductory offer as well as permitting unlimited simultaneous device connections. IPVanish is a great alternative, though its two-year plans are fractionally more expensive than Surfshark’s.
Related: Is your Samsung Smart TV listening to you?
Best VPNs for Samsung Smart TV: FAQs
Can I use a free VPN with Samsung Smart TV?
Most free VPNs aren’t router compatible. Plus, a number of other issues make using a free VPN on your router a bad idea. In particular, the majority of free VPNs offer limited bandwidth. As such, if you’re planning on using one for streaming, you’ll quickly exceed the data allowance. Besides, most free VPNs really struggle to work with streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video anyway. The slow speeds lead to a lot of lag.
Aside from the above performance issues, we also don’t recommend free VPNs due to their poor security and lack of privacy protection. For example, a 2020 study into the security and privacy of iOS VPN applications found that nearly 40 percent of those tested leaked personally identifiable information. Furthermore, 70 percent sent data over HTTP instead of HTTPS. If you’d like to be able to browse and stream anonymously, free VPNs are best avoided.
Will a VPN slow my connection on my Samsung Smart TV?
It’s to be expected that a VPN will slow your connection somewhat. This is down to the encryption and re-routing of data that takes place. Fortunately, the difference needn’t be noticeable, provided you use one of the best (and fastest) VPNs for Samsung TV. These VPNs are all more than fast enough for streaming in 1080p HD (and some even in 4K). They also all offer unlimited bandwidth so there’s no limit to how much you can stream content on your Samsung Smart TV.
Can I use a Smart DNS instead of a VPN router?
If configuring a VPN connection on your wifi router seems a little too complicated, there’s also the option of using a Smart DNS proxy service. Several of the VPNs listed above offer this, providing another way for you to bypass content restrictions.
A Smart DNS with your Samsung Smart TV, as opposed to a VPN router, offers faster speeds as well as quicker and easier setup. However, those benefits come at the cost of the connection not being encrypted. In contrast, a VPN will encrypt your data and hide your IP address, making it more security and privacy-friendly.
Are there any other ways to use a VPN with Samsung Smart TV?
Aside from installing a VPN via a wifi router or a Smart DNS service, it’s possible to share a VPN connection with your Samsung Smart TV. This can be achieved through Windows connection sharing or by setting up a virtual hotspot. In our guide on how to set up a VPN for Smart TV, we provide step-by-step instructions for sharing a VPN connection over Ethernet as well as sharing a VPN connection wirelessly. Popular VPN providers such as NordVPN also provide step-by-step guides to make the process easier.