Best VPN for smart TV in 2025

Your smart TV is capable of streaming content from anywhere in the world. However, geo-restrictions may limit worldwide library access. That’s why a VPN is essential for unlocking its full potential. It can bypass geo-blocks and encrypt your data, ensuring your streaming or any credentials kept on smart TV remain private. Whether you're a movie buff looking for a bigger movie selection or simply want to keep your smart TV secure, opting for a VPN is an excellent choice.

In this article, I present the 5 best handpicked and tested smart TV VPNs and provide an easy guide on how to set them up on different smart TVs.

Best VPNs for smart TV in 2025: shortlist

Can you use a VPN on a smart TV?

Yes, you can use a VPN on a smart TV. However, how you set it up depends on the TV’s operating system. Some smart TVs, like those running Android TV, Fire TV, or Apple TV, support VPN apps directly. In those cases, it’s as simple as downloading a VPN app from the app store, logging in, and connecting.

For TVs that don’t support VPN apps, such as Samsung (Tizen), LG (webOS), Hisense, or Vizio, there are two main workarounds:

• SmartDNS. This feature lets you unblock streaming content without full VPN encryption. It’s easy to set up and ideal for accessing geo-restricted apps on TVs without VPN support.
• Router-based setup. Installing a VPN on your router protects all devices on your home network, including your smart TV. It requires a bit more technical know-how but only needs to be set up once.

So, while not every smart TV supports VPN apps natively, you can still use a VPN on virtually any model with these methods. The best VPNs – like NordVPN and Surfshark – offer detailed setup guides and multiple connection options to simplify the process.

Best smart TV VPNs

The research team and I evaluated 41 VPN services to determine the best options for smart TV users, focusing on ease of setup, speed, server availability, and cost-effectiveness. NordVPN emerged as the top choice, offering seamless setup and exceptional streaming performance. Surfshark proved to be the fastest VPN and the most affordable, starting at just $1.99/month with unlimited device connections.

1. NordVPN – best smart TV VPN in 2025

NordVPN is the best VPN for smart TVs in 2025, combining high-speed performance, robust security, and excellent compatibility. With SmartDNS and router support, it works smoothly on Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and even TVs that don’t support VPN apps, making it the most complete choice for streaming worldwide.

Smart TV compatibility and ease of setup

NordVPN's native app makes it compatible with Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Setup takes only a few minutes – just install the app, sign in, and connect. For TVs like Samsung, LG, or Vizio that don’t allow VPN apps, NordVPN offers SmartDNS for quick access to streaming platforms or router setup for full-home VPN coverage.

Unlike IPVanish, which doesn’t support SmartDNS at all, or CyberGhost, whose SmartDNS setup requires more manual steps, NordVPN’s instructions are easier to follow and more beginner-friendly. The support articles are clearly written, and live chat is available if you get stuck.

Speed and streaming performance

Our in-house tests showed that NordVPN retained over 94% of base internet speeds, even when connected to distant servers. This made streaming on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer consistently smooth, even in 4K. There was no buffering, and video resolution remained stable throughout.

The NordLynx protocol plays a big role here, helping NordVPN maintain low latency and strong speeds. While Surfshark had slightly higher peak speeds, NordVPN was more consistent during longer viewing sessions. Compared to CyberGhost, which saw more significant slowdowns in Asia, NordVPN handled cross-region streaming more reliably.

Country coverage and server locations

With over 7700 servers in 118 countries, NordVPN has not only a large network but also excellent distribution. There are servers in 20 US cities, along with multiple options in the UK, Canada, Europe, and Asia. For example, it covers 47 countries across Europe and 26 across Asia, giving you plenty of choices when trying to unlock regional content.

This variety matters. Having multiple server locations in each country reduces congestion and improves streaming quality. Unlike ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, which don’t disclose their server numbers, NordVPN’s full transparency means you know exactly where your options are – and how to avoid slow, overcrowded servers.

Price and value for money

At $3.39/month (two-year plan), NordVPN delivers excellent value for users who want fast, secure, and flexible streaming. This plan includes SmartDNS, support for up to 10 devices, and advanced tools like Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains even outside the VPN connection.

You also get access to specialty servers, including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, obfuscated servers, and dedicated IP options (available for an extra fee). These extras make NordVPN stand out from services like IPVanish, which lacks SmartDNS and has fewer customization options.

2. Surfshark – ultra-fast smart TV VPN for HD streaming

Surfshark earns its place as the fastest VPN for smart TVs, offering excellent speed, full platform support, and great value for families or multi-device households. With smooth streaming performance and flexible setup options, it’s a strong all-around pick.

Smart TV compatibility and ease of setup

Surfshark works seamlessly on Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV via its native app that’s easy to install and use. For TVs that don’t support VPN apps directly, including Samsung and LG models, it offers both SmartDNS and router setup support.

In our in-house tests, the setup was simple. Installing on Android TV took just a few steps, and configuring SmartDNS was quick. Compared to IPVanish, which lacks SmartDNS, Surfshark makes it much easier to connect a smart TV to a VPN.

Speed and streaming performance

Surfshark showed the highest speed retention in testing – up to 86%, allowing for smooth, buffer-free streaming, even in 4K. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer loaded instantly, and video quality stayed consistent throughout.

Its use of the WireGuard protocol helps maintain strong speeds while switching servers or streaming across regions. Although NordVPN was a bit more stable over long sessions, Surfshark delivered faster peak speeds overall.

Country coverage and server locations

Surfshark runs 3200+ servers across 100 countries, with solid distribution in key regions like the US, UK, and Canada. Its European and Asian networks are also well-spread, with over 30 cities in Asia and nearly 60 across Europe.

This variety gives users the flexibility to switch between locations for better speeds or to access different streaming libraries. While it doesn’t have the same reach as NordVPN, Surfshark still offers broader coverage than IPVanish, making it a dependable option for most regions.

Price and value for money

At $1.99/month for a two-year plan, Surfshark is one of the most feature-rich VPNs in its price range. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and includes tools like CleanWeb (to block ads and trackers), Bypasser (split tunneling), MultiHop, and Rotating IP for enhanced privacy.

With SmartDNS and excellent streaming performance, Surfshark offers far more than similarly priced options like IPVanish. For users who want a fast, flexible VPN for their smart TVs and other devices, Surfshark is a fantastic choice.

3. IPVanish – secure and speedy VPN for uninterrupted streaming on a smart TV

IPVanish is a reliable choice for smart TV users who prioritize privacy and direct control over their connection. It delivers strong speeds and allows unlimited device connections. However, its lack of SmartDNS means it’s less convenient for smart TVs without VPN app support.

Smart TV compatibility and ease of setup

IPVanish works well with Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV through a native app that’s easy to install and navigate. Streaming boxes are fully supported, and installation is quick – just download the app from the store, sign in, and connect to a server.

However, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, IPVanish doesn’t support SmartDNS, which limits its usefulness on TVs like Samsung or LG that don’t support VPN apps. In those cases, your only option is to set up the VPN on a compatible router. While IPVanish offers detailed guides for this, router setup can be time-consuming and isn’t ideal for every user.

Speed and streaming performance

In our in-house testing, IPVanish showed solid performance, with speed retention rates around 90% on US and UK servers. This has resulted in smooth streaming on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Video quality held up well, and I didn’t encounter buffering during regular viewing sessions.

Speeds dropped more noticeably on long-distance servers, especially in Asia, where performance fell behind providers like Surfshark and NordVPN. Still, for everyday use within your region, IPVanish offers enough speed to handle 1080p and even 4K content reliably.

Country coverage and server locations

IPVanish operates 2400+ servers in over 109 countries, with a presence in key regions like the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Asia. While the country count is competitive, the overall server count is lower than NordVPN and Surfshark, which could lead to slower speeds during peak times in some locations.

Still, IPVanish’s city-level coverage is solid. With servers in 20 US cities, 4 in the UK, and 3 in Canada, it offers decent variety when choosing a location for streaming access.

Price and value for money

At $2.19/month (two-year plan), IPVanish is one of the more affordable VPNs on this list. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections and includes strong security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, WireGuard, and OpenVPN support, as well as IPVanish Threat Protection to block malicious sites and ads.

However, the lack of SmartDNS and some more advanced streaming tools found in NordVPN or Surfshark means it’s slightly less convenient for smart TV users. That said, for those who value control, speed, and security, IPVanish still offers solid value at this price point.

4. ExpressVPN – the most smart TV-friendly VPN for streaming from anywhere

ExpressVPN is designed specifically for fast, uninterrupted streaming. It delivers reliable speeds, strong unblocking capabilities, and a unique bonus: its own custom VPN router firmware, which makes protecting all your home devices – including smart TVs – much easier. However, its higher price tag and undisclosed server count may not suit every user.

Smart TV compatibility and ease of setup

ExpressVPN supports Android TV and Fire TV with a well-designed native app that’s simple to install and navigate. For smart TVs without VPN app support, like Samsung or LG models, it offers SmartDNS (branded as MediaStreamer) and the option to install the VPN directly on a router.

One standout feature here is ExpressVPN’s custom router firmware, which simplifies VPN setup across your entire home network. It’s more intuitive than traditional manual router setups and gives you tools like device grouping and location-based routing. While setup is still more technical than using SmartDNS, it’s a real advantage for users who want to connect multiple devices – including smart TVs – with minimal hassle.

Speed and streaming performance

ExpressVPN retained around 91% of base internet speed in our in-house tests, offering a smooth experience for 4K streaming on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Content loaded quickly, and I didn’t notice buffering or resolution drops – even during longer sessions.

Performance held up well on both local and international servers, though NordVPN and Surfshark showed slightly stronger consistency on long-distance connections. Still, ExpressVPN remains a reliable option for everyday streaming across multiple platforms and regions.

Country coverage and server locations

ExpressVPN offers servers in 105 countries, with city-level options in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Asia. However, the provider does not disclose the exact number of servers, which makes it harder to judge potential congestion or how evenly traffic is distributed.

This lack of transparency can be a drawback, especially compared to services like NordVPN or Surfshark, which both publish detailed server counts. For users prioritizing server variety and network scale, that’s something to keep in mind.

Price and value for money

At $4.99/month (two-year plan), ExpressVPN is the most expensive provider on this list. It allows up to 8 simultaneous connections, access to MediaStreamer (SmartDNS), and security features like Split Tunneling, Threat Manager, and a built-in ad blocker.

That said, some of its extras – like identity theft protection and password monitoring – are less relevant for users who mainly want to stream content on a smart TV

5. CyberGhost – simple smart TV VPN with streaming-optimized servers and impressive network

CyberGhost is a solid choice for smart TV users who value simplicity and access to streaming content. It comes with a clean app interface, specialized streaming servers, and affordable pricing – making it especially appealing for first-time VPN users. Just keep in mind that speeds can be inconsistent on far-off servers, and information on the number of servers isn't clear.

Smart TV compatibility and ease of setup

CyberGhost supports Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV through easy-to-navigate native apps. Installation is quick, and the app feels straightforward, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. It offers SmartDNS for smart TVs like Samsung and LG and also supports VPN installation on routers.

In our in-house tests, the SmartDNS setup worked as expected, though the configuration steps were a bit less intuitive than those offered by NordVPN or Surfshark. That said, it performed well once configured, and the provider includes setup guides for each method.

Speed and streaming performance

CyberGhost held up well in nearby regions, with around 85% speed retention in the US, UK, and Germany. Streaming on services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer was smooth in those areas, and its dedicated streaming servers made it easy to find the right connection for specific platforms.

However, speed results in Asia were less consistent, with retention dropping significantly – something I didn’t observe with NordVPN or Surfshark. While not a deal-breaker for everyone, users trying to access content across distant regions may experience some slowdowns.

Country coverage and server locations

CyberGhost claims presence in 100 countries, and its server footprint covers a wide range of regions, including 11 US cities, 4 in the UK, and 3 in Canada, along with strong European and Asian coverage. However, the provider doesn’t disclose the total number of servers, which leaves some uncertainty about server availability and load distribution.

Compared to NordVPN, which clearly lists its server counts and city-level breakdowns, CyberGhost’s lack of transparency may be a concern for users who prioritize detailed network visibility.

Price and value for money

Priced at $2.19/month for a two-year plan, CyberGhost is one of the more affordable options on this list. It includes SmartDNS, support for 7 simultaneous connections, and features like Split Tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and streaming-optimized servers for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

It also comes with the longest money-back guarantee on this list – 45 days – giving users more time to try out the service. While it doesn’t offer the same speed as Surfshark or advanced customization as NordVPN, CyberGhost is a budget-friendly option with a strong focus on streaming and simplicity.

How we tested the best smart TV VPNs

With the help of the Cybernews research team, we conducted hands-on tests with leading VPN providers to evaluate how well they perform on smart TVs. The goal was to determine which VPNs offer the most reliable and user-friendly experience for streaming, unblocking content, and maintaining fast, stable connections across different platforms.

Testing was carried out using multiple setups, including a Samsung Smart TV (Tizen OS), Google TV (Android TV OS), and a Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11 for SmartDNS and router-based configurations. We used a baseline network connection of 500Mbps download, 500Mbps upload, and a 1ms ping, ensuring that all performance measurements were accurate and unaffected by local network limitations.

Each VPN was evaluated across the following four categories:

1. Smart TV compatibility and ease of setup (30%). We tested whether each VPN offered a native app for streaming platforms like Android TV, Fire TV, or Apple TV, and how well they supported non-app-based TVs like Samsung, LG, and Vizio through SmartDNS or router configuration. We also looked at how long each setup took, how easy the instructions were to follow, and whether firmware updates affected VPN compatibility. VPNs with more setup options and user-friendly interfaces scored higher.
2. Speed and streaming performance (30%). To simulate real-world usage, we measured download and upload speed retention on smart TVs using popular VPN protocols like WireGuard and NordLynx. Streaming performance was evaluated by testing each VPN with services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. We checked for buffering, resolution stability, and responsiveness while switching servers. We ran tests during both peak and off-peak hours to assess consistency.
3. Country coverage and server locations (20%). A VPN’s ability to unblock international content depends on the availability and distribution of its server network. We recorded the number of servers, countries covered, and city-level options in key regions such as the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Providers with broader coverage and transparent server counts received higher scores.
4. Price and value for money (20%). We analyzed subscription plans, including monthly and long-term pricing, and looked at the overall value based on what users receive for the cost. This included checking for SmartDNS inclusion, number of device connections, streaming-specific features, and money-back guarantees. VPNs offering more for the same or lower price stood out in this category.

How to use a VPN on a smart TV

Before diving into the setup process, I noted down some things you need to check on your smart TV. First, check if your smart TV has a built-in app store and is compatible with VPN apps (otherwise, you’ll need to configure your router with a VPN). Popular options like NordVPN offer dedicated apps for Android TV, the most common smart TV platform.

Now, let’s go through different ways you can set up a VPN on a smart TV:

Final thoughts

Choosing the right VPN for your smart TV can be overwhelming, but after thorough testing, NordVPN clearly stood out as the top performer. Its combination of smart TV compatibility, strong streaming support, and user-friendly setup makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their viewing experience.

During testing, NordVPN delivered consistently fast speeds, allowing us to stream in 4K without buffering or delays. It reliably unblocked every major streaming platform we tried, and with its advanced security features also ensured that the connection stayed private and protected. For smart TV users who want both performance and peace of mind, NordVPN is the best option overall.

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