A virtual private network (VPN) can allow you to access geo-locked content and streaming libraries on your smart TV. As a bonus, and perhaps the main reason I use a VPN on my own TV, is the ability to block ads. My favorites include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, and I’m certain you can find a VPN that will fit you and your smart TV.
When looking for a smart TV VPN, consider factors such as its impact on streaming speed and online connectivity, the availability of native smart TV apps — which varies between VPN providers and TV operating systems — server location availability, and whether the VPN provider offers specialized servers for both streaming and gaming.
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What is the best VPN for your smart TV right now?
ZDNET’s favorite VPN for smart TVs is NordVPN. This service combines excellent speed, server connections, security, and a plethora of ways you can use it with your Android-based TVs, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, and gaming consoles. Subscriptions begin at $3.09 per month.
Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested
ZDNET writers have decades of experience testing and reviewing VPN software. I understand how important VPNs can be in improving online privacy and security. To provide the best recommendations, I constantly monitor the market, conduct my own investigations and tests for speed and security, and consider user feedback, as well as note any recent changes to VPN offerings.
Read on to find the best smart TV-compatible VPNs in 2025.
The best smart TV VPNs in 2025
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Few smart TVs have native VPN support unless they are based on the Android or Amazon Fire TV operating system — so I recommend many VPNs based on speed, strong connectivity, and multi-platform support, including router installation. NordVPN rates well in all of these categories.
Why we like it: The VPN provider’s software is compatible with a host of systems and hardware, and NordVPN also provides
If you want to use NordVPN on your smart TV, you have a few options. You can download and install native apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, install the VPN on your router, share your internet connection through Ethernet cables, or purchase a router with the VPN pre-installed, such as the Privacy Hero 2.
Also: NordVPN review
NordVPN often earns the top spot in my VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, a server selection including 111 countries, strong stability, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.
A recent independent
Who it’s for: During testing, this VPN proved itself to be one of the fastest available alongside ExpressVPN, with excellent streaming capabilities, geo-circumvention, and solid connectivity. I also like the user interface, and so I would recommend this VPN for the majority of use cases.
It’s also one of the best VPNs for accessing Netflix.
Customers like the support on offer and the ease of use.
Who should look elsewhere: My favorite smart TV VPN, however, can be costly, and so it might not suit every budget. The best deals are with two-year contracts, starting at $3.09 per month. Alternatively, one-year plans begin at $5 per month. One month of access costs $13.
NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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ExpressVPN provided some of the best speeds around, with minimal speed loss recorded in my frequent tests, making it a great choice for anyone looking for speed first, everything else second.
Why we like it: It is easy to use and compatible with a range of platforms and operating systems, making it the right VPN for second place in my smart TV VPN recommendations list.
To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN’s
Also: ExpressVPN review
If you’re still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN’s DNS-based
Who it’s for: If pricing were more in line with its competitors, ExpressVPN could have secured the top spot. If speed is king, however, you might be willing to pay. Two-year plans are priced at $4.99 per month and come with four months of free access.
If you want to sign up for an annual contract, you will pay $6.67 per month with three months free. One month of service costs $12.95. ExpressVPN now also offers
Who should look elsewhere: If around five bucks a month is too high, consider one of my more affordable favorites, such as Surfshark or Private Internet Access.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.1 | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Surfshark often ranks among my recommendations as one of the most consistently affordable VPNs.
Why we like it: Surfshark offers excellent value for money, providing a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive
You can also set up Surfshark on your
Also: Surfshark VPN review
Customers like the VPN’s user interface and ease of use, and I agree. While initial connections are often slow, once you’re connected to a server, this is a set-and-forget VPN. Surfshark is currently rolling out
There is also a useful pause function if you want to access a service temporarily without a VPN connection, which can be useful if you want to switch your IP back to your original location or if you come across a website block.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants an affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections — something neither ExpressVPN nor NordVPN does.
The cheapest Surfshark subscription is a two-year plan for $2 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for a one-year plan and pay $3.19 per month or pay $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts also provide you with three months of free access, added to the length of the contract.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars each month, you can take advantage of better connections and speeds with ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Surfshark features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.5 | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is one of my favorite open-source VPNs that puts security and privacy first.
Why we like it: This VPN stands out as an open source option, which benefits security-conscious users. Adopting an open source approach means that third parties can examine the VPN’s code for security issues or weaknesses that may impact user privacy.
Also: Private Internet Access review
While PIA’s interface could do with an update, it works well on the big screen and can be used with smart TVs through your router, native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, or by sharing your PC’s internet connection.
Who it’s for: During my speed tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and I like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support and also note PIA’s open-source approach as a benefit, and so if open source is of interest to you, PIA is a solid choice.
The best deal right now for PIA access is a three-year contract, which costs only $2.03 per month and comes with three months of free service — but, of course, it is a long-term plan. You can also sign up for one year for the equivalent of $3.33 per month. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Who should look elsewhere: If a modern user interface is important to you, consider one of my other smart TV VPN recommendations.
Private Internet Access features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.7
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IPVanish is another great option for smart TV use, especially if you’re a console gamer.
Why we like it: When you select a server to connect to, you can easily access latency and ping statistics. This reduces lag and ensures privacy without disrupting your gaming session.
IPVanish works best on Android TV and Amazon Fire TV, but an Apple TV native app is also available. You can also install the app on your router or share your internet connection via a PC or hotspot through a mobile device with the VPN installed.
If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish’s
Also: IPVanish review
I like IPVanish’s highly customizable service, which allows you to choose from various encryption protocols and other configuration settings.
The company has expanded its server network to 108 countries, putting it on par with competitors including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and has also launched a new
Who it’s for: Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support, and for gamers, IPVanish is possibly the best option due to server and latency data. Unlimited simultaneous connections are on offer, too.
IPVanish is an affordable VPN as long as you are willing to sign up for a two-year contract. If so, you will pay only $2.19 per month. The annual plan is also relatively cheap at $3.33 per month. If you only want one month of VPN service, expect to pay $13 or take advantage of the IPVanish 30-day money-back guarantee.
Free eSIM data is available on some plans.
Who should look elsewhere: IPVanish typically ranks in the middle of the pack in my frequent speed tests, so if this bothers you, consider checking out NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company. For more information, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.6
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Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested
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Smart TV VPN |
Compatibility |
Server network (countries) |
Price |
|
NordVPN |
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, routers |
111 |
$3.09 per month |
|
ExpressVPN |
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, routers |
105 |
$5 per month |
|
Surfshark |
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers |
100 |
$2 per month |
|
Private Internet Access |
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, NAS |
91 |
$2.03 per month |
|
IPVanish |
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, routers |
108 |
$2.19 per month |
VPN services are designed to improve your online privacy. VPNs create encrypted tunnels between your device and internet services, masking your IP address and making it more difficult to eavesdrop and monitor you. The programs aren’t a silver bullet for security, but they are still an important tool for us to have.
For smart TVs, a VPN can stop your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring what you are streaming, and from where, and can also be used to change your location. In some cases, this can help you avoid throttling or give you the ability to bypass geolocation blocks, but the latter is a legally gray area.
See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
How to set up a smart TV VPN
Once you’ve chosen the smart TV VPN you want, you should check whether a native app is available. The most common TV operating system with native apps is Android TV, although you can often use a VPN on your Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV.
Find your app in your TV’s repository, typically in its centralized smart hub. After installing the app, open it and log in to the service with the username, email, and password you created when you subscribed. Alternatively, some VPNs allow you to log in through a QR code or a one-time passcode.
Once your VPN has been installed, select a country or preferred server, and you’re done.
If the VPN you want to use is unavailable for your TV, you may have to set up a VPN service on your router instead. Most VPN providers have extensive FAQ sections on their sites detailing how to complete a manual setup.
See also: How to set up a VPN on your router
Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by the ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.
ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.
I analyzed the best VPNs for smart TVs using the following criteria:
- Performance: My top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect through a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to use with a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.
- Security: There’s no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. I also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about improving security and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. I ensured that our top recommendations performed well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming, including when you are running a VPN on your TV.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? My smart TV VPN recommendations naturally have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware. In particular, I always look for Android TV and Fire TV compatibility.
- Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. I list VPNs with an available support team.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
- Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
Latest news
- UK ministers were told that online age verification checks should be expanded to VPN usage to stop children from using them to bypass the unpopular Online Safety Act, which has censored everything from pornography websites to Wikipedia.
- Researchers uncovered secret links between three families of Android VPN apps that have intentionally hidden their ownership connections.
- An independent evaluation by West Coast Labs assessed the security and performance of NordVPN, with the service passing eight data leak scenarios and achieving an average 1.67s connection time.
- Proton VPN CEO Andy Yen says he would rather relocate the service from its home base in Switzerland than compromise user privacy in response to a proposed bill that could alter the country’s stringent data protection laws.
- Rapid7 researchers are tracking a new campaign spreading the Catena loader through fake VPN installers.
|
Choose this VPN… |
If you want… |
|
NordVPN |
The best smart TV VPN overall. NordVPN is compatible with a variety of TV platforms including Android TV and Fire TV, and provides you with high speeds, security, and stability. You also have an excellent selection of servers to choose from, making it a great streaming solution. |
|
ExpressVPN |
A speedy smart TV VPN. While it is more expensive than many competitors, this multi-platform option will give you fantastic speeds for streaming. We’d like to see ExpressVPN offer unlimited simultaneous connections, but it’s still enough to protect many of your devices. |
|
Surfshark |
An affordable smart TV VPN. Surfshark has consistently low pricing, decent speeds, and an attractive user interface. It’s not quite as fast as some of its competitors, but Surfshark provides excellent value for money. |
|
Private Internet Access |
An open-source smart TV VPN. Private Internet Access has an open and transparent approach to security for protecting your devices. Unlimited simultaneous connections are on offer and so you’ll never have to worry about simultaneous use restrictions. |
|
IPVanish |
A gaming-ready VPN. IPVanish offers reasonable speeds for a reasonable price and provides server information that allows you to pick the right option to reduce lag. You can also protect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. |
When you are selecting your new smart TV VPN, consider the following factors:
- Price: You need to weigh the overall price of your new VPN plan. Try to take advantage of promotions, but ignore countdown timers — they typically are just marketing tools. While top-notch VPNs can cost upwards of $10 per month, many are available for only a few dollars per month. Although, you will likely have to pay upfront.
- Apps: When selecting a VPN, try it first to ensure you like its accompanying TV app. Some VPNs, for example, have great desktop software but are lacking elsewhere, meaning they are not as intuitive or easy to use. You might be able to find a native smart TV app, or you may have to install the VPN directly on your router or third-party devices, such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
- Security: Choose a reputable VPN provider that emphasizes user privacy and security. Frequent patch updates, transparent disclosure of security incidents, warrant canaries, and no-logs policies are all important factors. Open source VPN solutions can also be excellent options.
- Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN suitable for your smart TV, you might still want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop, a laptop, or a smartphone. We recommend that you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.
- Contract length: You must also decide how long you want to use a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term, you tend to secure the best prices, but other options are also available. After you’ve made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Free VPNs: There are some free VPNs that are compatible with smart TVs, but you will need to accept limitations or restrictions. For example, even if a free VPN plan isn’t throttled in terms of speed, you may be limited to a small selection of servers — and a heavy traffic load will impact the speed available.
If the only reason you want to install a VPN is to mask your IP address and change your location to access a streaming content library outside your original location, then perhaps it is worth it, but you will likely have to pay for the privilege. Considering how useful VPNs can be in protecting your online privacy outside of smart TV usage, we recommend using one on your PC and mobile device.
While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, the majority will come with heavy restrictions on speed and server choice, and some providers might display ads or sell your information. Considering that you will likely want to access content such as TV shows or films, you will need a VPN without speed limits. These tend only to be available with paid subscriptions.
Free VPNs usually come with caveats like the sale of your data, extremely limited server networks, or throttled speeds. If you want to use a free VPN before taking the plunge and signing up for a paid service, the only free VPNs I recommend trying out with a smart TV are Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Hotspot Shield.
Samsung devices have Knox, a built-in VPN client best suited for business use, as it requires manual configuration and is extremely basic. Most of the time, consumers will opt for a paid third-party VPN service instead.
Most smart TV models do not offer VPN services out of the box, including those from Samsung. Instead, you will need to find a VPN app in an Android TV hub when available — Tizen OS is unlikely to have VPN apps — install a VPN on your router or bridge the gap by using a device connected to your TV such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Yes, you can. One of the reasons VPNs are so popular is that they can be used to access different geo-locked content libraries across streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Also: The best VPN for streaming: Expert tested
Keep in mind that this is a legally gray area. You may be breaking a streamer’s terms of service by switching your location to access a library typically only available in another area. Furthermore, if they detect VPN usage, some services limit content libraries to only media available under universal licenses.
Yes, smart TV VPN services are legal in the United States, but legality varies from country to country.
Check the laws of your location before using a VPN. Some countries, such as North Korea and Belarus, ban their use outright, whereas others, including Russia and China, frown upon it.
For a list of countries where VPN usage is illegal, check out NordVPN’s guide.
To ensure a safe and reliable VPN experience, first choose a reputable vendor known to have a strong security background.
Next, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this under your device’s settings, typically under Wi-Fi, or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they both display the same IP, your VPN may not be working properly.
You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any domain name service (DNS) leaks are detected while you are using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.
VPNs obscure your online activity by encrypting your communication and masking your IP address. While it may be more difficult to detect illegal streaming, no VPN will completely hide your internet presence and there may still be consequences for illegal activity.
Latest updates
- August 2025: In ZDNET’s August update, we performed a new round of testing to verify our favorite options and performed editorial changes. We also provided more information on our favorite alternatives.
- June 2025: In ZDNET’s June update, we performed substantial layout and editorial changes, including adding a new news section. We also reviewed and tested all of our top picks.
Other VPNs we’ve tested
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Starting at only $2.19 per month with four months free, CyberGhost natively works with Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV, and can also be installed directly on your router. It’s a great option overall, too, for streaming and gaming thanks to its dedicated servers.
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Proton VPN is a solid option for Android and Amazon Fire TVs, and a free plan is available. If you just want a VPN service for use with your smart TV, this could be a great solution — but keep in mind that server loads on Proton VPN’s free servers could result in more speed loss. Paid plans start at $3.59 per month.
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Hotspot Shield has a great multi-platform compatibility, with its apps available in places including the Google Play Store and Fire TV. Free and paid options are available, with subscriptions offered at $8 per month.
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We hope that our guide on the best smart TV VPNs of 2025 has helped you make an informed decision. However, if you’re interested, you can also check out our top picks for the best VPNs of 2025, our favorite mobile VPNs, and trustworthy free VPNs.
