Best VPNs for Samsung TV: step-by-step guide on how to use them

Samsung Smart TV owners can benefit greatly from a VPN, whether by unblocking geo-restricted streaming content or improving online privacy and device security. In my experience, the best VPNs for Samsung TV let you watch content from other regions while protecting your browsing activity from trackers, hackers, and other third parties.

However, setting up a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV isn’t as simple as it is on other devices. Since Samsung TVs run the Tizen operating system (which doesn’t support native VPN apps), you need to use alternative methods to set up a VPN. Fortunately, there are 4 working methods that I tested with our in-house research team: configuring a VPN on your router, using a streaming device with a built-in VPN, sharing a VPN connection from your computer, or applying Smart DNS.

In this guide, I explain how to use a VPN on your Samsung TV using all 4 methods and share my recommendation for the best VPN for Samsung TV that worked for me.

Top 3 best Samsung TV VPNs for 2026

1. NordVPN – VPN for Samsung Smart TV with the most stable connection and fastest speed
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly Samsung TV VPN that supports unlimited simultaneous connections
3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused VPN for Smart TVs

How to install a VPN on Samsung Smart TV

There are four common methods for setting up a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV. While all of them are effective, some might require a bit of tech-savviness or additional devices, such as a router, streaming device, or computer. Since Samsung Smart TVs run on the Tizen operating system and don’t support native VPN apps, you need to use one of these alternative methods to use a VPN on your TV.

To help you visualize how it works step by step, I’ll use NordVPN – my top VPN pick for Samsung Smart TVs. Now, let’s go through all available options:

Setting up a Samsung TV VPN on a router

Setting up a VPN on your router is one of the best ways to use a VPN with a Samsung Smart TV because it protects all devices on your network automatically. As Samsung TVs don’t support native VPN apps, the TV connects through the VPN-enabled router instead.

For instance, NordVPN supports several router firmware options, including ASUS, DD-WRT, and OpenWRT. Though I find ASUS routers are usually the easiest to configure. Here’s how you can set it up on an ASUS router:

1. Log in to your NordVPN account and go to NordVPN > Manual setup > Service credentials
2. Copy your service username and password and download an OpenVPN .ovpn configuration file (note: router setup requires NordVPN service credentials, not your regular account login)
3. Open 192.168.1.1, router.asus.com, or asusrouter.com in your browser and log in to your ASUS router
4. Go to VPN > VPN Client > Add profile > OpenVPN
5. Enter a connection name and your NordVPN service credentials and upload the .ovpn file
6. Click Upload, save the profile, and activate the VPN connection
7. On your Samsung TV, open Settings > All Settings > Connection > Open Network Settings
8. Connect the TV to the router via Wi-Fi or ethernet

Setting up a Samsung TV VPN with Smart DNS

Smart DNS is an easy way to access geo-restricted streaming content on a Samsung TV without installing a VPN app. It doesn’t encrypt your connection like a VPN, but it lets you bypass regional restrictions on streaming services. For example, NordVPN includes SmartDNS support for streaming devices and Smart TVs. Here’s how to set up SmartDNS on a Samsung TV:

1. Disconnect from the NordVPN app on all devices
2. Visit NordVPN’s IP checker page and copy your IPv4 address (use IPv4 only, not IPv6)
3. Log in to your Nord Account dashboard and go to NordVPN > SmartDNS
4. Click Enable and then Activate SmartDNS
5. On your Samsung TV, open Settings > All Settings > Connection > Open Network Settings
6. Select your current network, scroll to DNS Settings, and change the DNS configuration to Manual
7. Enter the following DNS addresses – primary DNS: 103.86.96.103 and secondary DNS: 103.86.99.103
8. Save the settings and restart the TV

Using a streaming device with VPN support

Another way to use a VPN on your Samsung TV is through a compatible streaming device connected to the TV. This is a simpler option if you don’t want to configure routers or network sharing. Devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick and most Android TV or Google TV devices let you install VPN apps directly from their app stores. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open your device’s app store, search for the NordVPN app, download, and install it
2. Log in to your NordVPN account and connect to your preferred VPN server
3. Open your streaming apps normally
4. All traffic from the streaming device will now be routed through the VPN connection

Sharing a VPN connection from your PC

If your router doesn’t support VPN configuration, you can share a VPN connection from a Windows PC to your Samsung TV. This works either via Wi-Fi hotspot or ethernet cable. Our research found that NordVPN works best with this setup when using the OpenVPN protocol. Here’s how you can share NordVPN through a Wi-Fi hotspot:

1. Open the NordVPN app and go to Settings > General > VPN protocol
2. Change the protocol to OpenVPN (UDP) or OpenVPN (TCP)
3. In Windows, open Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot, set Share my internet connection over to Wi-Fi, and turn on Mobile hotspot
4. Return to Network & Internet and find the OpenVPN Data Channel Offload for NordVPN adapter
5. Open Properties > Sharing and enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection
6. Select the Mobile hotspot adapter from the dropdown menu
7. Connect to a NordVPN server
8. On your Samsung TV, open Settings > All Settings > Connection > Open Network Settings > Wireless and connect to the Windows hotspot

Why do you need a VPN for Samsung Smart TV

With a reliable VPN, you will not only bypass various geo-restrictions but also boost your privacy. Here are some in-depth insights on why it’s worth considering getting the best VPN for Samsung TV:

• Bypass geo-restrictions. With a VPN, you can unlock different streaming platforms and libraries, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. Some apps on the TV’s app store can be restricted in your region. Hence, a VPN can help to unlock these apps.
• Get around bandwidth throttling. If your traffic is unencrypted, the ISP can see everything you do on the internet, slowing down your streaming speeds. With a reliable VPN on your router, you can prevent ISP internet throttling.
• Stay private and secure. Having a VPN on your smart TV enhances security, as it encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address. Therefore, third parties cannot interfere with it.

Best Samsung TV VPNs

Not all VPNs work well with a Samsung Smart TV. Keep in mind that you’ll need to rely on workaround setup methods, so it’s crucial to choose a provider that’s proven to work reliably with smart TVs. It should offer high-speed retention, consistently bypass geo-restrictions, and have a wide server network for accessing global content. Below, you can find my recommended VPNs that we tested and found to work well with Samsung TVs.

1. NordVPN – Samsung Smart TV VPN with the fastest speeds and most stable connections

Servers/countries:	Thousands of servers in 211 locations
Simultaneous connections:	10
Unblocks:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
Current deal:	Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free!

Get NordVPN for Samsung Smart TV

If you’re looking for the best VPN for Samsung Smart TVs, you won’t go wrong with NordVPN. It offers one of the fastest speeds, stable streaming performance, and several easy setup options for Samsung TVs that don’t support native VPN apps. From my personal experience, NordVPN was also one of the easiest providers to configure on ASUS routers and Windows hotspot connections.

For less technical users worried about setting up a VPN on their TV, NordVPN makes the process straightforward. You can choose from a few beginner-friendly setup methods: configuring NordVPN on a compatible ASUS router, sharing a VPN connection from a Windows PC, or using SmartDNS directly on the TV. I found that NordVPN’s OpenVPN protocol worked best for hotspot and ethernet sharing setups, while SmartDNS provided the quickest streaming configuration.

NordVPN was also one of the best-performing providers we’ve tested for Samsung TV. Using the NordLynx protocol while connected to a UK server, speeds dropped by only 9%, retaining 859Mbps of the 940Mbps baseline. This means smooth HD and 4K streaming with minimal buffering (see our NordVPN test results summary). Combined with thousands of servers across 211 locations, NordVPN makes it easy to access international libraries on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms.

Another thing I like about NordVPN is its proprietary SmartPlay feature – combining VPN encryption with SmartDNS technology, it improves your streaming experience, especially on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively. Alongside that, NordVPN includes strong encryption, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy to keep your streaming activity secure and private.

NordVPN’s pricing starts at $3.49/month and includes a 3-day free trial for Android users and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, so you protect your other devices alongside your Samsung TV.

2. Surfshark – affordable Samsung TV VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections

Servers/countries:	4,500+ servers in 100 countries
Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited
Unblocks:	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more
Current deal:	Now up to 88% OFF + 3 months FREE

Get Surfshark for Samsung Smart TV

Surfshark is a capable yet budget-friendly VPN for Samsung Smart TVs. Despite its low price, it still ensures solid streaming performance, meaning you can watch TV shows or movies with minimal buffering. Additionally, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it to protect all your household devices.

Setting it up on your Samsung TV is easy, even if you’re a less tech-savvy user. You can use either method: router configuration or hotspot sharing. I noticed that the ASUS router setup is the most stable option for full-home VPN coverage, while hotspot sharing offers a quicker setup for temporary use. However, unlike NordVPN, Surfshark recently discontinued Smart DNS support, so you’ll have to use other methods that are just as effective.

Surfshark performed well during our tests. Speeds dropped only by 14% while connected to the UK, allowing for smooth HD and 4K streaming with minimal buffering (check out our full Surfshark VPN speed tests). With over 4,500 servers in 100 countries, it reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.

A key advantage for Samsung TV users is Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections, which allow you to protect every device in your home under one subscription. It’s especially useful for households where the Samsung TV is just one of many connected devices. If you combine it with strong encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy, Surfshark ensures that streaming activity remains private and secure.

Surfshark pricing is one of the most affordable for Samsung TV users, with plans starting at around $2.49/month. It also includes a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it without committing.

3. Proton VPN – secure and privacy-oriented VPN for Smart TVs

Servers/countries:	20,300+ servers in 148 countries
Simultaneous connections:	10
Unblocks:	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+
Current deal:	Get up to 70% OFF Proton VPN

Visit Proton VPN

Proton VPN is great for Samsung Smart TV users who care about their privacy and security, alongside streaming access. While it’s not as beginner-friendly as NordVPN or Surfshark, Proton VPN offers advanced privacy protections, reliable streaming performance, and a large server network that works well for streaming.

Since it doesn’t offer a dedicated Smart DNS feature for Samsung TVs, you can set it in one of two ways: through router configuration or Windows hotspot sharing. From what I noticed, hotspot sharing is the easier option, while router setup requires more manual configuration and isn’t fully tested due to limited official Samsung TV setup support.

In our performance tests, Proton VPN did great, with speeds dropping only 11% when connected to the UK server (see our full Proton VPN speed testing results). While not as fast as NordVPN, it’s still fast enough for stable HD and 4K streaming with minimal buffering. On the bright side, it boasts over 20,300 servers in 148 countries (significantly more compared to NordVPN), so you’ll easily access any popular international streaming library. Proton VPN also offers apps for Android TV and Apple TV devices, providing additional setup flexibility if you have streaming devices connected to Samsung TVs.

Privacy is where Proton VPN stands out the most. It includes an independently audited no-logs policy, strong encryption, NetShield ad and tracker blocking, and Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries for additional protection. More advanced users can also take advantage of Tor over VPN support for increased anonymity while streaming or browsing.

Proton VPN plans start at $2.99/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is also a free version available, although it’s far more limited for streaming due to restricted server access.

An alternative way to watch geo-restricted content on Samsung TV

If all of the aforementioned VPN setup ways sound a bit confusing to you, there are alternatives. After all, configuring your router or activating Smart DNS can be a bit of a hassle. However, there are some very non-technical and simple alternatives to setting up a VPN on your Samsung TV. You could do one of the following:

1. Connect to a VPN server on your PC and use an HDMI cable to stream geo-restricted content. This way, the connection will be secured, and you’ll be able to unlock Netflix’s or any other streaming platform’s libraries from anywhere in the world.
2. Connect to a VPN on your phone and start screen mirroring. This has to be ultimately the easiest way to stream any content on a Samsung TV through a VPN connection.

What content can I unblock with a Samsung Smart TV VPN?

Depending on the VPN, you’ll be able to unblock numerous streaming services and shows. Changing your location on a VPN to a region where the service is available will let you enjoy the content that is not available in your region.

Here are some of the most popular streaming services that you can unblock with a VPN:

Streaming service	Category	VPN guide
Netflix	TV series and movies	Best VPNs for Netflix
Hulu	TV series and movies	Best VPNs for Hulu
Disney+	TV series and movies	Best VPNs for Disney Plus
HBO Max	TV series and movies	How to unblock HBO Max
Amazon Prime Video	TV series and movies	Best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video
Peacock TV	TV series and movies	Best VPN for Peacock TV
BBC iPlayer	TV series and movies	Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer
Fox Now	TV shows and sports	How to watch Fox Sports from anywhere
YouTube	YouTubeTV series, movies, music	Best VPNs to bypass YouTube TV location
ABC	TV series and movies	How to watch ABC outside the US
Spotify	Music	Best VPNs for unblocking Spotify
ESPN	Sports	How to watch ESPN online with a VPN without blackouts

Bypass geo-blocks with a VPN

Final verdict

If you’re still thinking about whether to get a VPN for your Samsung TV or not, it’s definitely worth it. While the setup process may seem complicated at first, it’s actually very simple once you start following the steps one by one. You will not only be able to stream geo-blocked content on your TV, but your privacy and security will be safeguarded with the perks of a VPN. And if you choose to set up a VPN on your router, your traffic will be encrypted on your whole home network.

The best Samsung TV VPN is NordVPN, as it not only offers easy setup but also guarantees high-level security for your smart devices. Fast speeds and outstanding streaming capabilities make it a great companion for various online activities.

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