Best VPNs for LG Smart TV in 2024
With extensive analysis and hands-on VPN testing, our cybersecurity experts collaborated with the research team to craft 750+ articles over the years.
Using first-hand expertise, our main goal is to help our readers make the most informed purchasing decisions.
Learn moreLG Smart TVs run on webOS, a smart TV operating system that doesn’t support VPN applications. This means you won’t be able to download and install a VPN app on your LG Smart TV nor connect to a VPN server with the click of a button.
Luckily, you can set up a VPN manually, either by setting up Smart DNS, configuring a VPN on your router, or sharing a VPN through your Wi-Fi. It may sound complicated, but it's easy to set it up yourself.
A reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic and changes your IP address to make it look like you’re connecting from anywhere in the world. This neat trick helps you access geo-restricted content on any device, including your LG Smart TV.
Most importantly, VPNs hide online activity from ISPs, which have been caught throttling users’ internet connection when they deem their usage too high. ISP throttling can affect streaming quality and using a VPN will ensure a stable connection.
To help you choose the best VPN for your LG Smart TV, our research team and I tested 41 VPN providers, evaluating features such as a dedicated router app, Smart DNS as well as overall security, performance, and speed.
Top 5 best VPNs for LG Smart TV
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for LG Smart TV in 2024
- Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for LG TV with Smart DNS service
- IPVanish – secure VPN with a router app for your Smart TV
- ExpressVPN – LG Smart TV VPN with blazing-fast speed
- CyberGhost – VPN for LG Smart TV with streaming-optimized servers
Why do you need a VPN for LG Smart TV
These days, most people use VPNs with their computers. However, not everyone is aware that VPNs are also useful with a smart TV. Here are a few reasons why you need a VPN for your Smart LG TV:
- Improved privacy and security. VPNs are one of the easiest ways to protect your online privacy. Connecting to a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides it from the prying eyes of your ISP.
- Accessing geo-blocked content. There are hours upon hours of geo-restricted content that you won’t be able to access unless you’re located in a specific region. A good VPN helps you go around these restrictions by changing your IP address and making it look like you’re connecting from anywhere you choose.
- Avoiding ISP throttling. Sometimes ISP providers limit your internet speed when they notice a high internet usage associated with your IP address. A VPN can hide your online activities, resulting in better network speed and a lag-free streaming experience.
Best VPNs for LG Smart TV in 2024 – detailed list:
Connecting to a VPN through a Smart TV is a little more complicated than doing it on your computer or phone, therefore, it’s important to ensure that your chosen VPN provider is compatible with your home router and offers Smart DNS features.
Our research team and I evaluated 41 VPN providers and ranked them based on the above criteria as well as speed, number of servers, and how effective they are at unblocking streaming platforms.
1. NordVPN – overall best LG Smart TV VPN
Based in: | Panama |
Servers: | 6700+ servers in 111 countries |
Streaming platforms: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
Current deal: | Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the best VPN for LG Smart TV – it offers an integrated Smart DNS feature (SmartPlay) that allows you to stream geo-blocked content with the click of a button. However, Smart DNS only unblocks geo-restricted content. If you want to hide your online activity, NordVPN can also be used to easily set up a VPN connection through a home router or a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Compatibility. I found NordVPN easy to set up on any device, whether it’s an LG Smart TV or a gaming console. It’s compatible with most popular operating systems, such as Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. NordVPN can be used with almost all routers.
Streaming. NordVPN is a great all-rounder with 6700+ servers in around 111 countries and can unblock practically any streaming site. I’ve tested it out on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ and had no problems accessing geo-restricted movies and TV shows.
Security. NordVPN uses a strong AES-256 encryption, runs on RAM-only servers that delete all your data after each reboot, and protects your online activity with a robust killswitch. Most importantly, NordVPN swears by a third-party audited no-logs policy.
All in all, this VPN is the best value for money, with a starting price of $2.99/month. As a bonus, you also get a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. SurfsharkVPN – budget-friendly VPN for LG Smart TV with Smart DNS support
Based in: | The Netherlands |
Servers: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
Streaming platforms: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE |
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs for LG Smart TV that comes with a Smart DNS feature. It’s also easy to configure VPN through a home router.
What’s more, Surfshark allows unlimited VPN connections meaning you can watch geo-restricted content on your LG Smart TV without compromising the connection on your phone and computer.
Compatibility. Surfshark is a beginner-friendly VPN service that makes setup easy and intuitive. For example, setting up a Smart DNS through the Surfshark app takes less than a few minutes. Moreover, Surfshark supports all major operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Streaming. With its massive fleet of 3200 servers, Surfshark is one of the best options for bypassing geo-blocked streaming platforms. I had no problems unblocking websites like Netflix, Disney+, and Max, among many others, and enjoyed a stable connection without any noticeable speed drops.
Security. Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and guarantees fast speeds with a market-leading WireGuard tunneling protocol. It relies on RAM-only servers that wipe all your data upon reboot. These features ensure that your online activity on any LG Smart TV is protected.
The starting price of Surfshark is budget-friendly – only $1.99/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial when purchasing through the Google Play or App Store.
3. IPVanish – freemium LG Smart TV VPN with a router app
Based in: | United States |
Servers: | 2400+ servers in 100 countries |
Streaming platforms: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more |
Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is a reliable LG Smart TV VPN able to unblock any streaming platform without sacrificing speed or security. While it does not have Smart DNS capabilities, you can configure IPVanish on a router or set it up through a Wi-Fi hotspot. When it comes to configuring a VPN on your router, IPVanish makes it easy by providing you with a router applet.
Compatibility. The router setup process is a breeze, especially with the help of comprehensive guidelines. As for other platforms, you can use IPVanish on almost every device that supports Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Streaming. IPVanish has great geo-unblocking capabilities and allows you to stream content in high definition. I was easily able to use it to watch international libraries of Netflix, Max, Disney+, and others.
Security. IPVanish employs AES-256 encryption and a WireGuard tunneling protocol. As a result, this provider offers top-notch security without compromising speed. Moreover, it features DNS leak protection and a kill switch to protect you from accidental data exposure while streaming on your LG Smart TV.
The cheapest plan starts at $2.19/month. You can test the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re making the purchase via Google Play or App Store, you also get a 7-day free trial before being charged.
4. ExpressVPN – high-speed VPN to unblock Netflix on LG Smart TV
Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
Servers: | Servers in 105 countries |
Streaming platforms: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
Current deal: | Now up to 82% OFF ExpressVPN + 6 months FREE |
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider offering MediaStreamer, a unique Smart DNS service that allows users to unblock geo-restricted content on devices which don’t support VPNs, such as LG Smart TVs. It’s simple – go to your TV settings and enter the MediaStreamer address. Step-by-step instructions are available on the ExpressVPN website.
Compatibility. ExpressVPN supports many devices with easy-to-use apps and can be set up on tvOS and Android TVs as well as on a router and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, Mediastreamer is a Smart DNS service, and as such, it does not hide your IP address or online activities.
Streaming. With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN is one of the best providers for streaming in 4K. I used its Streaming Optimized servers to unblock a variety of major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many others.
Security. ExpressVPN offers a variety of security features, such as AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure your private data is not exposed to third parties. Furthermore, with Lightway protocol, you’ll get lightning-fast speeds, even on an LG Smart TV.
It may not be the cheapest provider, however, the starting price of $4.99/month makes sense when you consider everything ExpressVPN has to offer. Like other leading VPN providers, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android users.
5. CyberGhost – streaming-focused LG Smart TV VPN with router support
Based in: | Romania |
Servers: | 11500+ servers in 100 countries |
Streaming platforms: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
Current deal: | Get 84% OFF CyberGhost + 4 months FREE |
Another great provider on the best VPNs for the LG Smart TV lineup is CyberGhost. It supports Smart DNS; however, you can also easily set it up on your router or through a Wi-Fi hotspot. Moreover, CyberGhost offers streaming-optimized servers that are sure to provide you with a smooth streaming experience.
Compatibility. CyberGhost supports Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows devices. The process of setting a VPN, whether through SmartDNS or on a router, is very simple and I had no trouble doing it myself. What’s more, CyberGhost providers step-by-step guides to help you through the process.
Streaming. CyberGhost has specialized streaming servers, ensuring that you’ll get a high-definition streaming experience with no buffering. As for the streaming platforms it unblocks, the list is solid – during our tests, I gained access to international Netflix, Max, and Disney+ libraries, among many others.
Security. CyberGhost protects your digital identity with a wide range of security features. It secures your traffic with unreadable AES-256 encryption. CyberGhost also has a reliable kill switch that cuts your internet connection if VPN disconnects, protecting your IP address from leaking. Remember, you can only get these benefits by setting up your VPN on a router or through a hotspot.
CyberGhost plans are affordable, starting from $2.03/month. The best part is that they have a 45-day money-back guarantee and a free trial for iOS and Android devices.
Comparison of the best LG Smart TV VPNs
Brand | Rating | Smart DNS | Router-compatible | Dedicated router app | Starting price |
NordVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | From $2.99/month | |
Surfshark | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Flashrouters) | From $1.99/month | |
IPVanish | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Flashrouters) | From $2.19/month | |
ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | From $4.99/month | |
CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Flashrouters) | From $2.03/month |
How we tested VPNs for LG Smart TV
Finding a reliable VPN for LG Smart TV may be a bit challenging if you don’t know how to assess its quality. Here are the criteria our research team and I considered while testing and ranking VPNs for LG Smart TVs:
- Router applet and Smart DNS. Firstly, I check whether a VPN supports the Smart DNS feature or routers. These features allow you to set up a VPN on devices that do not natively support VPN apps. I ensured that providers have a user-friendly and simple setup process allowing you to unblock content on your LG Smart TV without a hassle.
- Speed. Secondly, our research team ran some tests to ensure I picked the fastest VPNs that offer unlimited bandwidth and a lag-free streaming experience on LG Smart TV.
- Massive server networks. I looked for VPNs with servers all over the world. A VPN with a large fleet of servers allows you to connect to a server of your choice. This way, you can access geo-restricted content no matter where you are.
- Security and privacy. The security of the VPN matters a lot since it helps secure your connection. I was on the lookout for VPNs that offer a kill switch, advanced encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and Double VPN servers. Further, all VPNs should have an independently audited no-logs policy to show they respect your privacy.
- Price. Last but not least, I considered the price of the VPNs. I was looking for top-notch features at a reasonable price – these are the VPNs that offer the best value for money.
The key to finding a perfect fit for your Smart TV is compatibility. Make sure that your chosen VPN provider has a Smart DNS feature or is compatible with your home router – this will save you tons of hassle. After all, once you configure a VPN to your router, all of your devices connected to your home network run on a secure connection.
I recommend NordVPN because it has integrated Smart DNS and is compatible with a variety of routers which allows you to connect your LG Smart TV to a VPN within minutes.
How to set up a VPN for LG Smart TV
There are three methods for setting up a VPN on LG Smart TVs. Most of them seem complicated but are actually quite simple once you start. Let’s go over each one step-by-step.
Set up VPN via router
Configuring a VPN connection on your home router encrypts all of the internet traffic that passes through your network. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure your router is VPN-compatible
- Type in your IP address into your browser and log in to your router’s admin panel
- Go to advanced settings, select VPN client, and follow the instructions to set up a VPN connection
Set up VPN via Smart DNS
Configuring a VPN through the Smart DNS feature doesn’t encrypt your data or protect your online privacy, however, it’s a good option if you’re just looking to bypass geo-restrictions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up with a Smart DNS on a Windows device.
- Choose a reliable VPN provider. I recommend NordVPN.
- Go to https://my.nordaccount.com/dashboard/nordvpn/ and enable the SmartDNS feature. Wait for an email confirming that SmartDNS was enabled.
- Open up your router’s control panel, and change the DNS to the ones provided by NordVPN.
- Block Google’s DNS on the router. This can be done via custom firewall rules in your router’s settings:
- Start streaming your favorite content on your LG TV.
Set up VPN via a Wi-Fi hotspot
Another easy way to connect your LG Smart TV to a VPN is through a Wi-Fi hotspot – it will encrypt your traffic and allow you to unblock any geo-restricted content. Here’s how you can do it with NordVPN:
Windows 10
- Share your internet with other devices by turning on your mobile hotspot
- Through settings, find and select Change adapter options
- Double-click TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter and choose properties
- Click Sharing and check Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection
- In the Home networking connection menu, choose your mobile hotspot
Mac
- Connect to a VPN
- Go to System’s Preferences, find Sharing, and select ‘i’ next to Internet Sharing
- On Devices Using, check Wi-Fi
- Click Wi-Fi options and set a network name, password, and other details
- Check the box beside Internet Sharing and start sharing your VPN connection
What to do if a VPN doesn’t unblock geo-restricted content
If you're connected to a VPN, but you still can't unblock any of your favorite streaming platforms, try following these steps:
- Enable DNS leak protection. If your real IP address leaks, the website you're trying to access may know you're using a VPN. Go to your VPN's settings and enable DNS leak protection.
- Change the VPN server. Streaming platforms work hard to block all IPs related to VPN usage. So, try connecting to many different servers until you find one that works.
- Contact your VPN's customer support. Contact your provider's customer support if previous steps fail to help you. They will troubleshoot the issue and may be able to solve it on their side.
- Choose a different VPN provider. You may need to use a better VPN service. Some providers cannot unblock geo-restricted content, so you need to get a VPN with a proven track record of success, such as NordVPN.
What content can I unblock with an LG smart TV VPN?
Want to watch your favorite new show, but it’s not available in your region? This is a common problem and can be easily bypassed with the help of a VPN. A good VPN will allow you to connect to any server in the world and stream content as if you’re one of the locals.
Below, you’ll find some of the most popular streaming platforms you can unblock with a VPN.
Streaming service | Category | VPN guide |
Netflix | TV series and movies | Best Netflix VPNS in 2024 |
Amazon Prime Video | TV series and movies | Best VPN to change your location on Amazon Prime |
Disney+ | TV series and movies | Best Disney Plus VPNs in 2024 |
Max | TV series and movies | Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024 |
Hulu | TV series and movies | How to watch Hulu from anywhere with a VPN |
Peacock TV | TV series and movies | Best Peacock TV VPN in 2024: watch Peacock TV from anywhere |
ESPN | Sports | Best ESPN VPNs in 2024 – watch ESPN without cable |
Are there any free VPNs for LG Smart TVs?
Free VPNs have very few features and are usually incompatible with LG Smart TVs since they don’t have Smart DNS or router applets. Moreover, even though the VPNs are free, you are still paying — not with your money but with your personal data and security. In fact, some free VPNs collect your personal data and sell it to third parties. Therefore, I do not recommend free VPNs for LG Smart TVs.
If you’re still unsure about paying for a VPN, I recommend trying them out for free. Many leading VPN providers, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, offer 7-day free trials as well as 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can technically try them out for 30 days and get a full refund if you change your mind. Both NordVPN and Surfshark have Smart DNS features, making them excellent options for LG Smart TV owners.
- NordVPN – offers a 7-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – offers a 7-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Final thoughts
While looking for the best VPN for LG Smart TV, you need to get a provider that offers Smart DNS or router support. On top of that, the provider should offer robust privacy and security features, a large fleet of servers, and ultra-fast connections for HD streaming.
A provider that fits all of the criteria is NordVPN. Its Smart DNS feature makes it easy to enable a VPN connection on an LG Smart TV. What’s more, NordVPN is partnered with Flashrouters which configures a VPN on your home router within minutes.
It has impeccable security features, like advanced encryption, a reliable kill switch, DNS leak protection to prevent accidental data exposure, and excellent cross-platform support. The best part is that NordVPN can unlock virtually any geo-restricted streaming platform, providing a lag-free experience.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN on my LG Smart TV?
Yes, you can use a VPN on LG Smart TV. While LG Smart TV does not support a VPN connection natively, you can set it up using Smart DNS. Alternatively, you can configure the VPN on your router or enable it through a Wi-Fi hotspot. Providers like NordVPN support both of these features with a simple setup process.
Which VPN is compatible with LG TV?
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for LG Smart TV because it’s easy to set up via Smart DNS, router, or hotspot. What’s more, NordVPN maintains high quality and a stable connection even while streaming to a TV.
Can a VPN slow down my LG smart TV connection?
Yes, a VPN will always slow down your internet connection, however, with a good VPN, such as NordVPN, the change shouldn’t be noticeable.
Can I install ExpressVPN on my LG smart TV?
No, you can’t install ExpressVPN on your LG Smart TV as it doesn’t support VPN apps. To install ExpressVPN on an LG Smart TV, you must set up the VPN on your router or use a Smart DNS feature. The process is quite simple and can be found on ExpressVPN’s documentation.
How do I change my Netflix location on my LG TV?
Connect to a VPN server by enabling a Smart DNS feature, configuring your home router, or setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot. This will allow you to change your IP address and access geo-restricted Netflix library.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are markedmarked