Modern TVs, such as those manufactured by Samsung, LG, and Hisense, offer intelligent features, online connectivity, useful apps, and voice assistants — but they can also collect vast amounts of our data, which may include our browsing and viewing habits. A virtual private network (VPN) can help reduce data collection and prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from throttling your connection based on streaming activity. I use one to block ads on video platforms. However, many TV operating systems may not natively support VPN apps, so your choices may be limited, or you may need to employ a workaround.
My favorite smart TV VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. When looking for a smart TV VPN, consider its impact on streaming speed and online connectivity, the availability of native smart TV apps, server locations, and whether the VPN provider offers specialized servers for both streaming and gaming.
In ZDNET’s April update, we refreshed our guide to the best smart TV VPNs including the latest news in the VPN industry and product updates related to our top picks.
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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, and security. It also has a plethora of ways to use it with your Android-based TVs, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks with a potential caveat for new models, as outlined in our FAQ, and gaming consoles. Pricing begins 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 are for improved 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.
The best smart TV VPNs in 2026
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NordVPN
Few smart TVs have native VPN support unless they are based on the Android or Amazon Fire TV operating system. 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 wide range of systems and devices, and NordVPN also provides useful guides for smart TV setup.
NordVPN often earns the top spot in my VPN recommendations. It provides excellent speeds, a server selection including 126 countries, strong stability, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. A recent independent audit and penetration test found that the VPN worked as intended.
In my February VPN testing, NordVPN had a download speed of 704.11 Mbps and an upload speed of 101.14 Mbps. This is compared to a starting download speed of 776.47 Mbps and a starting upload speed of 108.11 Mbps, making it one of the fastest options on this list.
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, or install the VPN on your router. You can also share your internet connection through Ethernet cables or purchase a router with the VPN pre-installed, such as the Privacy Hero 2.
NordVPN is one of the few VPNs that have a compatible app for Amazon’s new Linux-based Vega operating system.
Also: NordVPN review
In recent news, NordVPN also expanded its aggregate global capacity to over 100Tbps, which should help the network manage load at peak times.
Furthermore, there are now servers available in over 135 countries.
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, so I recommend this VPN for most use cases. It’s also one of the best VPNs for accessing Netflix.
Who should look elsewhere: My favorite smart TV VPN is costly at its higher tiers ranging from $3.09 to $7 per month, so it might not suit every budget.
NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 126 | 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
ExpressVPN delivered some of the best speeds around, with minimal speed loss during my frequent tests. Over the years, I’ve tested VPN reliability and speeds, and ExpressVPN has consistently ranked as one of the top performers.
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 a place on my smart TV VPN recommendations list.
To use this VPN with your smart TV, refer to ExpressVPN’s
You can install the VPN directly onto your router, or opt for an Aircove router with this VPN built in.
Also: ExpressVPN review
If you’re still having trouble, you can use ExpressVPN’s DNS-based
In my speed tests, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are pretty well matched, especially when I connect to local servers. However, ExpressVPN often marginally outperforms its competitor, especially when I wanted to connect to more distant servers for streaming.
Outside of use with a smart TV, ExpressVPN recently
Who it’s for: If speed is king, you might be willing to pay for this service, especially as it has now moved to a cheaper, tiered pricing model. Two-year plans are priced at $2.79 per month and come with four months of free access.
If you want to sign up for an annual contract, you will pay $6 per month with four months free. There is a 30-day guarantee.
Who should look elsewhere: If the monthly cost is still too high, try one of my more affordable favorites, such as Surfshark.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 – 14 | 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: 4.8 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Surfshark
Surfshark often ranks among my recommendations as one of the most consistently affordable and beginner-friendly VPNs.
Why we like it: Surfshark offers excellent value for money at only $1.78 per month, providing a solid server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Its only real downside is that it doesn’t match the speed of some of its competitors.
In my speed testing, I found Surfshark’s performance to be reasonable, especially given the price point. There is also a useful pause function that lets you temporarily access a service without a VPN connection. This can be useful if you want to switch your IP back to your original location or if you encounter a website block.
Surfshark provides comprehensive guides for setting up the VPN with smart TVs. Native apps are available for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV (outside of the new Vega operating system), as well as Roku and Chromecast.
You can also set up Surfshark on your router if you prefer blanket VPN coverage in your home, including your TV, PC, and mobile devices.
In an interesting service update, Surfshark launched a new protocol, Dausos, specifically designed for consumer VPN use. It has potential but is still in beta and is only currently available on macOS, so it isn’t usable with a smart TV yet.
Also: Surfshark VPN review
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants an affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections — something neither ExpressVPN nor NordVPN does.
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 FastTrack, a network upgrade intended to speed up connection times, as well as new 100Gbps servers in the Netherlands. We will see if this issue disappears in the future.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re willing to spend an extra dollar or so 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: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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IPVanish
IPVanish is another great option for smart TVs, especially if you’re a console gamer seeking the best servers available for gameplay and streaming.
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 a native Apple TV app is also available. You can also install the app on your router or share your internet connection via a PC or a mobile hotspot with the VPN installed.
IPVanish also provides an app compatible with Amazon’s new Vega operating system, which is a rarity.
Also: IPVanish review
I like IPVanish’s highly customizable service which lets you choose from various encryption protocols and other configuration options.
The company expanded its server network to 108 countries, putting it on par with competitors including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and also launched a new Trust Center. IPVanish’s latest audit backed up its no-logs policy, and its new transparency report reveals it has not stored or shared user data due to DMCA requests.
If you need help, you can refer to IPVanish’s setup guides, although the website could do with better organization around navigating them.
Who it’s for: Customers say they appreciate the professional service and customer support. For gamers, IPVanish is possibly the best option due to server and latency data. Unlimited simultaneous connections are on offer as well, so you can use this VPN across your TV, smartphone, PC, and more.
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: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6
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PIA
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 that benefits security-conscious users. Adopting an open source approach means third parties can examine the VPN’s code for security issues or weaknesses that may affect 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.
PIA also recently passed a new no-logs audit.
Who it’s for: During my speed tests, PIA performed well, and I like the usability and flexibility of this VPN service. Customers applaud PIA’s Linux support and note its open source approach as a benefit.
The best deal right now for PIA access is a three-year contract, which costs $1.59 per month and comes with three months of free service. This, however, 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. In addition, PIA is headquartered in the US, and so if the country’s data protection stances concern you, you might not want to adopt this VPN.
Private Internet Access VPN 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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Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested
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 to have.
For smart TVs, a VPN can stop your internet service provider (ISP) from monitoring what you are streaming, and from where, and this may reduce the risk of your connection being throttled.
VPNs can also be used to assign you an IP address in a different location such as a nearby city or a country far away. This could mean you expand your streaming library options. However, using a VPN to bypass smart TV app or streaming service geolocation restrictions could violate the terms of service.
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
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Choose this VPN… |
If you want… |
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NordVPN |
The best smart TV VPN overall. NordVPN is compatible with a variety of TV platforms including Android TV and Fire TV (including Vega OS), 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. |
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ExpressVPN |
A speedy smart TV VPN. While it is more expensive than many competitors, this multi-platform option offers fantastic streaming speeds. We’d like to see ExpressVPN offer unlimited simultaneous connections, but it’s still enough to protect many of your devices. |
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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. |
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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. Vega OS is supported if you like to use an Amazon Fire TV Stick. |
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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. |
- Price: Weigh the overall price of your new VPN plan before committing yourself to a subscription. Take advantage of promotions and sales, but ignore countdown timers, as they are typically just marketing tools. Some of the best VPNs on the market are now available for the equivalent of a few dollars per month.
- 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 lack elsewhere, meaning they are less intuitive or easy to use. You might be able to find a native smart TV app. Alternatively, you may have to install the VPN directly on your router or third-party devices such as compatible Amazon Fire TV Stick models.
- Server selection: If you want to use a VPN to access different streaming libraries or block ads, server selection is important. Check whether servers are available in your preferred countries or cities.
- 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 are also excellent options, as they allow their code to be scrutinized by third parties.
- Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN suitable for your smart TV, you will probably want to use it across multiple devices. We recommend that you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices. Many paid VPN plans now offer unlimited connections.
- Contract length: 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 annual or six-month plans are also available. After you’ve made a selection, you typically have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Some VPN providers grant up to 45 days to try out their network.
- Free VPNs: There are some free VPNs that are compatible with smart TVs, but you should prepare for 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.
Many providers on this list have undergone in-depth testing and reviews by members of 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.
We analyzed the best VPNs for smart TV VPNs below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:
- Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection keeps dropping or lagging.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections. We still prefer VPN providers to offer unlimited connections.
- Security: There’s no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs. Transparency reports and independent audits are important, too.
- 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. We won’t recommend any VPN without this feature.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We have tested our top recommendations to ensure they perform well under these conditions. They are unlikely to slow down your connection while connected to smart TVs.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our smart TV VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for TVs, or, at least, via third-party devices you connect to your TV when native VPN support is unavailable.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are 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 on VPNs
- Russia is reportedly ramping up the battle against VPN usage by handing over control to a unit in the FSB.
- Windscribe VPN reported law enforcement in Europe confiscated one of its VPN servers without a warrant. The company told customers it doesn’t expect the server to contain any user information, citing its “no identifying logs policy.”
- Seperately, Windscribe launched a new integration for OpenClaw AI assistant builds.
- Cure53 completed an independent audit of the Tor Project’s TorVPN Android app.
Latest updates on our recommended VPNs
- Surfshark developed and launched a new VPN protocol, Dausos, which promises better speeds and security.
- NordVPN rolled out call protection features for Android users.
- The future of third-party router support with ExpressVPN is uncertain.
If you want to install a VPN to mask your IP address and change your location to access a streaming content library outside your original location, it’s worth it. However, you will likely have to pay for the privilege or accept the limitations of a free VPN, which could severely impact your speed and server selection.
Considering how useful VPNs can be in protecting your online privacy, we recommend using one on a PC, one on your smartphone, and then on any other device.
While there are free VPNs and free VPN plans, most come with heavy restrictions on speed and server selection, and some providers may display ads or sell your information.
As you will likely want to access content such as TV shows or films, you’ll probably need a VPN without speed limits or caps. These are typically available only with paid subscriptions, though you might get away with Proton VPN as a free service on your smart TV.
Still, I wouldn’t recommend a free plan if your main goal in using a VPN is streaming, as it requires more bandwidth and resources than casual browsing.
Free VPNs usually come with caveats like the sale of your data, extremely limited server networks, or throttled speeds.
If you still 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 and Windscribe, but due to free plan limits, you won’t have the best experience with any free VPN solution.
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, including those from Samsung, do not offer VPN services out of the box. Instead, you will need to find a VPN app in an Android TV hub when available — as 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, Hulu, 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.
Amazon’s standard range of Fire TV Sticks, based on Fire OS, are typically fine to use with a VPN. Many VPN providers have provided native Fire OS apps, so finding, downloading, and installing them is a breeze.
However, there is a caveat. New Fire TV Stick models are based on Vega OS. This comes with restrictions that Fire OS does not have. It likely fixes the issue of illegal streaming via sideloading, but it has also caught VPNs in the proverbial net, as this system does not support VPNs in the same way as Android does. At the time of writing, only a few VPN providers have developed compatible apps.
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.
Even when you are legally using a streaming service you subscribe to — such as Netflix — the use of a VPN may also restrict you to content libraries only available with a universal license. Most content providers know their customers use a VPN, and while they don’t like it, they won’t ban their use.
If VPNs are not supported by your smart TV’s operating system and no native VPN apps are available, you have options. You can install a VPN on your router, or you could use a VPN on your PC or laptop and then mirror a screen to your TV. You can also use an accessory like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, of which most models support VPN usage.
Latest updates
- April 2026: In ZDNET’s April update, we updated our guide to the best smart TV VPNs, including the latest news in the VPN industry and product updates related to our top picks.
- February 2026: In ZDNET’s February update, we added our most recent speed test results to each product’s description, as well as in our comparison visualization chart. We also updated the latest VPN news section.
- November 2025: In ZDNET’s November update, we updated our FAQ section and reviewed our top picks, adding additional information and news.
- October 2025: In ZDNET’s October update, we performed editorial changes and revised our FAQ section.
Other VPNs we’ve tested
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CyberGhost
Starting at only $1.75 per month with four months free — the cheapest I’ve seen it offered — CyberGhost natively works with Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV. It can also be installed directly on your router.
It’s a great option overall for streaming and gaming, thanks to its dedicated servers for these activities. While it does have limited simultaneous use, it’s still a strong contender for smart TVs.
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Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a solid option for Android and Amazon Fire TVs, and a free plan is available. If you want a VPN service purely for use with your smart TV, this is a great solution but expect restrictions on free accounts and only one device connection.
Keep in mind that server loads on Proton VPN’s free servers could result in more speed loss. Still, speeds tend to be reasonable, especially if you are using a local server.
Paid plans start at $3 per month.
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Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield boasts great multi-platform compatibility, with its apps available on platforms such as the Google Play Store and Amazon Fire TV. Free and paid options are available, with subscriptions offered at $8 per month.
The free plan is trustworthy, but it’s very limited. If you’re willing to sign up, you will obtain access to specialized streaming services for Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+.
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We hope that our guide on the best smart TV VPNs 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 2026, our favorite mobile VPNs, and trustworthy free VPNs.
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