The Best Smart Tv Vpns Of 2025: Expert Tested And Reviewed

2 weeks ago

A virtual backstage network (VPN) tin let you to entree geo-locked contented and streaming libraries connected your smart TV. As a bonus, and possibly nan main logic I usage a VPN connected my ain TV, is nan expertise to artifact ads. My favorites see NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, and I'm definite you tin find a VPN that will fresh you and your smart TV.

When looking for a smart TV VPN, see factors specified arsenic its effect on streaming speed and online connectivity, nan readiness of autochthonal smart TV apps -- which varies betwixt VPN providers and TV operating systems -- server location availability, and whether nan VPN supplier offers specialized servers for some streaming and gaming.

Get much in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add america arsenic a preferred Google source connected Chrome and Chromium browsers.

What is nan champion VPN for your smart TV correct now?

ZDNET's favourite VPN for smart TVs is NordVPN. This work combines fantabulous speed, server connections, security, and a plethora of ways you tin usage it pinch your Android-based TVs, Apple TVs, Amazon Fire Sticks, and gaming consoles. Subscriptions statesman astatine $3.09 per month.

Also: The champion VPN services: Expert tested

ZDNET writers person decades of experience testing and reviewing VPN software. I understand really important VPNs tin beryllium successful improving online privateness and security. To supply nan champion recommendations, I perpetually show nan market, behaviour my ain investigations and tests for velocity and security, and see personification feedback, arsenic good arsenic statement immoderate caller changes to VPN offerings.

Read connected to find nan champion smart TV-compatible VPNs successful 2025.

The champion smart TV VPNs successful 2025

Few smart TVs person autochthonal VPN support unless they are based connected nan Android aliases Amazon Fire TV operating strategy -- truthful I urge galore VPNs based connected speed, beardown connectivity, and multi-platform support, including router installation. NordVPN rates good successful each of these categories.

Why we for illustration it: The VPN provider's package is compatible pinch a big of systems and hardware, and NordVPN besides provides on smart TV setup.

If you want to usage NordVPN connected your smart TV, you person a fewer options. You tin download and instal autochthonal apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, instal nan VPN connected your router, stock your net relationship done Ethernet cables, aliases acquisition a router pinch nan VPN pre-installed, specified arsenic nan Privacy Hero 2.

Also: NordVPN review

NordVPN often earns nan apical spot successful my VPN recommendations. It provides fantabulous speeds, a server action including 111 countries, beardown stability, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

A caller independent and penetration trial recovered that nan VPN worked arsenic intended, while respective high-level information vulnerabilities were discovered and patched. Meshnet, a characteristic that allowed users to create a unafraid virtual web betwixt devices, is group to close, but speaking to ZDNET, NordVPN executives said nan squad will beryllium spending their clip valuably by moving connected VPN web improvements.

Who it's for: During testing, this VPN proved itself to beryllium 1 of nan fastest disposable alongside ExpressVPN, pinch fantabulous streaming capabilities, geo-circumvention, and coagulated connectivity. I besides for illustration nan personification interface, and truthful I would urge this VPN for nan mostly of usage cases.

It's besides 1 of nan champion VPNs for accessing Netflix.

Customers for illustration nan support connected connection and nan easiness of use.

Who should look elsewhere: My favourite smart TV VPN, however, tin beryllium costly, and truthful it mightiness not suit each budget. The champion deals are pinch two-year contracts, starting astatine $3.09 per month. Alternatively, one-year plans statesman astatine $5 per month. One period of entree costs $13.

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ExpressVPN provided immoderate of nan champion speeds around, pinch minimal velocity nonaccomplishment recorded successful my predominant tests, making it a awesome prime for anyone looking for velocity first, everything other second.

Why we for illustration it: It is easy to usage and compatible pinch a scope of platforms and operating systems, making it nan correct VPN for 2nd spot successful my smart TV VPN recommendations list.

To usage this VPN pinch your smart TV, mention to ExpressVPN's for assistance. This VPN provides autochthonal apps for usage pinch systems including Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You tin besides instal nan VPN straight onto your router, aliases you tin opt for an Aircove router pinch this VPN built in.

Also: ExpressVPN review

If you're still having trouble, you tin usage ExpressVPN's DNS-based service. MediaStreamer improves streaming, but it won't supply nan aforesaid protection arsenic a VPN.

Who it's for: If pricing were much successful statement pinch its competitors, ExpressVPN could person secured nan apical spot. If velocity is king, however, you mightiness beryllium consenting to pay. Two-year plans are priced astatine $4.99 per period and travel pinch 4 months of free access.

If you want to motion up for an yearly contract, you will salary $6.67 per period pinch 3 months free. One period of work costs $12.95. ExpressVPN now besides offers and subscriptions now travel pinch an upgraded holiday.com coupon.

Who should look elsewhere: If astir 5 bucks a period is excessively high, see 1 of my much affordable favorites, specified arsenic Surfshark aliases 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, immoderate relationship logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected 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 arsenic 1 of nan astir consistently affordable VPNs.

Why we for illustration it: Surfshark offers fantabulous worth for money, providing a coagulated server network, user-friendly mobile apps, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Like its competitors, Surfshark has provided comprehensive for mounting up nan VPN pinch smart TVs. Native apps are disposable for systems including Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, arsenic good arsenic Roku and Chromecast.

You tin besides group up Surfshark connected your if you for illustration broad VPN sum successful your home, including your TV, PC, and mobile devices.

Also: Surfshark VPN review

Customers for illustration nan VPN's personification interface and easiness of use, and I agree. While first connections are often slow, erstwhile you're connected to a server, this is simply a set-and-forget VPN. Surfshark is presently rolling retired , a web upgrade intended to velocity up relationship times -- and truthful we will spot if this rumor disappears successful nan future.

There is besides a useful region usability if you want to entree a work temporarily without a VPN connection, which tin beryllium useful if you want to move your IP backmost to your original location aliases if you travel crossed a website block.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants an affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections -- thing neither ExpressVPN nor NordVPN does.

The cheapest Surfshark subscription is simply a two-year scheme for $2 per month. Alternatively, you tin motion up for a one-year scheme and salary $3.19 per period aliases salary $15.45 for conscionable 1 period of access. One- and two-year contracts besides supply you pinch 3 months of free access, added to nan magnitude of nan contract.

Who should look elsewhere: If you're consenting to walk a fewer much dollars each month, you tin return advantage of amended connections and speeds pinch ExpressVPN aliases NordVPN.

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Private Internet Access, besides known arsenic PIA, is 1 of my favourite open-source VPNs that puts information and privateness first.

Why we for illustration it: This VPN stands retired arsenic an unfastened root option, which benefits security-conscious users. Adopting an unfastened root attack intends that 3rd parties tin analyse nan VPN's codification for information issues aliases weaknesses that whitethorn effect personification privacy.

Also: Private Internet Access review

While PIA's interface could do pinch an update, it useful good connected nan large surface and tin beryllium utilized pinch smart TVs done your router, autochthonal apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, aliases by sharing your PC's net connection.

Who it's for: During my velocity tests, PIA performed reasonably well, and I for illustration nan usability and elasticity of this VPN service. Customers applaud its Linux support and besides statement PIA's open-source attack arsenic a benefit, and truthful if unfastened root is of liking to you, PIA is simply a coagulated choice.

The champion woody correct now for PIA entree is simply a three-year contract, which costs only $2.03 per period and comes pinch 3 months of free work -- but, of course, it is simply a semipermanent plan. You tin besides motion up for 1 twelvemonth for nan balanced of $3.33 per month. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Who should look elsewhere: If a modern personification interface is important to you, see 1 of my different 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 argumentation | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.7

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IPVanish is different awesome action for smart TV use, particularly if you're a console gamer.

Why we for illustration it: When you prime a server to link to, you tin easy entree latency and ping statistics. This reduces lag and ensures privateness without disrupting your gaming session.

IPVanish useful champion connected Android TV and Amazon Fire TV, but an Apple TV autochthonal app is besides available. You tin besides instal nan app connected your router aliases stock your net relationship via a PC aliases hotspot done a mobile instrumentality pinch nan VPN installed.

If you request help, you tin mention to IPVanish's , though nan website could do pinch amended statement astir navigating them.

Also: IPVanish review

I for illustration IPVanish's highly customizable service, which allows you to take from various encryption protocols and different configuration settings.

The institution has expanded its server web to 108 countries, putting it connected par pinch competitors including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and has besides launched a new . IPVanish's latest audit has backed up its no-logs policy.

Who it's for: Customers opportunity they admit nan master work and customer support, and for gamers, IPVanish is perchance nan champion action owed to server and latency data. Unlimited simultaneous connections are connected offer, too.

IPVanish is an affordable VPN arsenic agelong arsenic you are consenting to motion up for a two-year contract. If so, you will salary only $2.19 per month. The yearly scheme is besides comparatively inexpensive astatine $3.33 per month. If you only want 1 period of VPN service, expect to salary $13 aliases return advantage of nan IPVanish 30-day money-back guarantee.

Free eSIM information is disposable connected immoderate plans.

Who should look elsewhere: IPVanish typically ranks successful nan mediate of nan battalion successful my predominant velocity tests, truthful if this bothers you, see checking retired NordVPN aliases ExpressVPN.

Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's genitor company. For much information, spot 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, isolated from billing information | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.6

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Also: The champion streaming VPNs: Expert tested

Smart TV VPN	Compatibility	Server web (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 amended your online privacy. VPNs create encrypted tunnels betwixt your instrumentality and net services, masking your IP reside and making it much difficult to eavesdrop and show you. The programs aren't a metallic slug for security, but they are still an important instrumentality for america to have.

For smart TVs, a VPN tin extremity your net work supplier (ISP) from monitoring what you are streaming, and from where, and tin besides beryllium utilized to alteration your location. In immoderate cases, this tin thief you debar throttling aliases springiness you nan expertise to bypass geolocation blocks, but the second is simply a legally grey area.

See also: What is simply a VPN and why do you request one?

How to group up a smart TV VPN

Once you've chosen nan smart TV VPN you want, you should cheque whether a autochthonal app is available. The astir communal TV operating strategy pinch autochthonal apps is Android TV, though you tin often usage a VPN connected your Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV.

Find your app successful your TV's repository, typically successful its centralized smart hub. After installing nan app, unfastened it and log successful to nan work pinch nan username, email, and password you created erstwhile you subscribed. Alternatively, immoderate VPNs let you to log successful done a QR codification aliases a one-time passcode.

Once your VPN has been installed, prime a state aliases preferred server, and you're done.

If nan VPN you want to usage is unavailable for your TV, you whitethorn person to group up a VPN work connected your router instead. Most VPN providers person extended FAQ sections connected their sites detailing really to complete a manual setup.

See also: How to group up a VPN connected your router

Many providers recommended successful this database person been taxable to in-depth testing and reviews by nan ZDNET team. We've been talking astir VPNs for years, spoken pinch their guidance and their users, and developed a mostly favorable impression.

ZDNET tests VPN services from aggregate locations, but we can't trial from each locations. Every home, community, section ISP, and federation has a different infrastructure.

I analyzed nan champion VPNs for smart TVs utilizing nan pursuing criteria:

Performance: My apical VPNs must person a minimum level of performance. After all, there's nary constituent successful utilizing a VPN while streaming if your relationship continually drops aliases lags.
Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit nan number of devices you tin link done a work simultaneously. If you person a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, aliases smart TV you want to usage pinch a VPN, you request a work that allows astatine slightest 5 aliases six simultaneous connections.
Security: There's nary constituent successful utilizing a VPN unless its information protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. I besides ensured nan improvement squad down each recommended VPN cares astir improving information and patching reported bugs.
Kill switch: A termination move prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important characteristic for a VPN, arsenic it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi relationship should your net relationship unexpectedly drop.
Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs tin beryllium cardinal to accessing section contented and services while you're distant from home. I ensured that our apical recommendations performed good fixed these factors and are improbable to slow down your relationship while streaming, including erstwhile you are moving a VPN connected your TV.
Platforms: What systems and devices tin you tally nan VPN on? My smart TV VPN recommendations people person to connection easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for this hardware. In particular, I ever look for Android TV and Fire TV compatibility.
Support: As pinch immoderate subscription software, you whitethorn brushwood problems pinch installing apps, utilizing nan service, renewing, aliases canceling. I database VPNs pinch an disposable support team.
Countries and servers: In really galore different countries does nan VPN person servers? This tin see beingness and virtual servers, and whether location are capable -- astatine slightest 50 aliases truthful -- to supply variety.
Trial magnitude and price: Each VPN we urge has a coagulated money-back guarantee.

For a much extended breakdown, cheque retired our broad VPN testing methodology page.

Latest news

UK ministers were told that online property verification checks should beryllium expanded to VPN usage to extremity children from utilizing them to bypass nan unpopular Online Safety Act, which has censored everything from pornography websites to Wikipedia.
Researchers uncovered secret links between 3 families of Android VPN apps that person intentionally hidden their ownership connections.
An independent information by West Coast Labs assessed nan information and capacity of NordVPN, pinch nan work passing 8 information leak scenarios and achieving an mean 1.67s relationship time.
Proton VPN CEO Andy Yen says he would alternatively relocate nan work from its location guidelines successful Switzerland than discuss personification privateness successful consequence to a projected measure that could change nan country's stringent information protection laws.
Rapid7 researchers are search a new campaign spreading nan Catena loader done clone VPN installers.

Choose this VPN...	If you want...
NordVPN	The champion smart TV VPN overall. NordVPN is compatible pinch a assortment of TV platforms including Android TV and Fire TV, and provides you pinch precocious speeds, security, and stability. You besides person an fantabulous action of servers to take from, making it a awesome streaming solution.
ExpressVPN	A speedy smart TV VPN. While it is much costly than galore competitors, this multi-platform action will springiness you awesome speeds for streaming. We'd for illustration to spot ExpressVPN connection unlimited simultaneous connections, but it's still capable to protect galore of your devices.
Surfshark	An affordable smart TV VPN. Surfshark has consistently debased pricing, decent speeds, and an charismatic personification interface. It's not rather arsenic accelerated arsenic immoderate of its competitors, but Surfshark provides fantabulous worth for money.
Private Internet Access	An open-source smart TV VPN. Private Internet Access has an unfastened and transparent attack to information for protecting your devices. Unlimited simultaneous connections are connected connection and truthful you'll ne'er person to interest astir simultaneous usage restrictions.
IPVanish	A gaming-ready VPN. IPVanish offers reasonable speeds for a reasonable value and provides server accusation that allows you to prime nan correct action to trim lag. You tin besides protect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.

When you are selecting your caller smart TV VPN, see nan pursuing factors:

Price: You request to measurement nan wide value of your caller VPN plan. Try to return advantage of promotions, but disregard countdown timers -- they typically are conscionable trading tools. While top-notch VPNs tin costs upwards of $10 per month, galore are disposable for only a fewer dollars per month. Although, you will apt person to salary upfront.
Apps: When selecting a VPN, effort it first to guarantee you for illustration its accompanying TV app. Some VPNs, for example, person awesome desktop package but are lacking elsewhere, meaning they are not arsenic intuitive aliases easy to use. You mightiness beryllium capable to find a autochthonal smart TV app, aliases you whitethorn person to instal nan VPN straight connected your router aliases third-party devices, specified arsenic nan Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Security: Choose a reputable VPN supplier that emphasizes personification privateness and security. Frequent spot updates, transparent disclosure of information incidents, warrant canaries, and no-logs policies are each important factors. Open root VPN solutions tin besides beryllium fantabulous options.
Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN suitable for your smart TV, you mightiness still want to usage it crossed aggregate devices, specified arsenic a desktop, a laptop, aliases a smartphone. We urge that you motion up for a scheme supporting astatine slightest six devices. Many paid VPN plans now connection unlimited connections.
Contract length: You must besides determine really agelong you want to usage a VPN. If you opt for a two-year term, you thin to unafraid nan champion prices, but different options are besides available. After you've made a selection, you typically person a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Free VPNs: There are immoderate free VPNs that are compatible pinch smart TVs, but you will request to judge limitations aliases restrictions. For example, moreover if a free VPN scheme isn't throttled successful position of speed, you whitethorn beryllium constricted to a mini action of servers -- and a dense postulation load will effect nan velocity available.

If nan only logic you want to instal a VPN is to disguise your IP reside and alteration your location to entree a streaming contented room extracurricular your original location, past possibly it is worthy it, but you will apt person to salary for nan privilege. Considering really useful VPNs tin beryllium successful protecting your online privateness extracurricular of smart TV usage, we urge utilizing 1 connected your PC and mobile device.

While location are free VPNs and free VPN plans, nan mostly will travel pinch dense restrictions connected velocity and server choice, and immoderate providers mightiness show ads aliases waste your information. Considering that you will apt want to entree contented specified arsenic TV shows aliases films, you will request a VPN without velocity limits. These thin only to beryllium disposable pinch paid subscriptions.

Free VPNs usually travel pinch caveats for illustration nan waste of your data, highly constricted server networks, aliases throttled speeds. If you want to usage a free VPN earlier taking nan plunge and signing up for a paid service, nan only free VPNs I recommend trying retired pinch a smart TV are Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Hotspot Shield.

Samsung devices person Knox, a built-in VPN customer champion suited for business use, arsenic it requires manual configuration and is highly basic. Most of nan time, consumers will opt for a paid third-party VPN work instead.

Most smart TV models do not connection VPN services retired of nan box, including those from Samsung. Instead, you will request to find a VPN app successful an Android TV hub erstwhile disposable -- Tizen OS is improbable to person VPN apps -- instal a VPN connected your router aliases span nan spread by utilizing a instrumentality connected to your TV specified arsenic an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Yes, you can. One of nan reasons VPNs are truthful celebrated is that they tin beryllium utilized to entree different geo-locked contented libraries crossed streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

Also: The champion VPN for streaming: Expert tested

Keep successful mind that this is simply a legally grey area. You whitethorn beryllium breaking a streamer's position of work by switching your location to entree a room typically only disposable successful different area. Furthermore, if they observe VPN usage, immoderate services limit contented libraries to only media disposable nether cosmopolitan licenses.

Yes, smart TV VPN services are ineligible successful nan United States, but legality varies from state to country.

Check nan laws of your location earlier utilizing a VPN. Some countries, specified arsenic North Korea and Belarus, prohibition their usage outright, whereas others, including Russia and China, frown upon it.

For a database of countries wherever VPN usage is illegal, cheque retired NordVPN's guide.

To guarantee a safe and reliable VPN experience, first take a reputable vendor known to person a beardown information background.

Next, comparison your IP reside earlier and aft enabling a VPN connection. You tin find this nether your device's settings, typically nether Wi-Fi, or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If they some show nan aforesaid IP, your VPN whitethorn not beryllium moving properly.

You tin besides sojourn dnsleaktest.com to spot if immoderate domain sanction work (DNS) leaks are detected while you are utilizing a VPN, which could beryllium a motion that your accusation is being leaked.

VPNs obscure your online activity by encrypting your connection and masking your IP address. While it whitethorn beryllium much difficult to observe forbidden streaming, nary VPN will wholly hide your net beingness and location whitethorn still beryllium consequences for forbidden activity.

Latest updates

August 2025: In ZDNET's August update, we performed a caller information of testing to verify our favourite options and performed editorial changes. We besides provided much accusation connected our favourite alternatives.
June 2025: In ZDNET's June update, we performed important layout and editorial changes, including adding a caller news section. We besides reviewed and tested each of our apical picks.

Other VPNs we've tested

Starting astatine only $2.19 per period pinch 4 months free, CyberGhost natively useful pinch Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV, and tin besides beryllium installed straight connected your router. It's a awesome action overall, too, for streaming and gaming acknowledgment to its dedicated servers.

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Proton VPN is simply a coagulated action for Android and Amazon Fire TVs, and a free scheme is available. If you conscionable want a VPN work for usage pinch your smart TV, this could beryllium a awesome solution -- but support successful mind that server loads connected Proton VPN's free servers could consequence successful much velocity loss. Paid plans commencement astatine $3.59 per month.

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Hotspot Shield has a awesome multi-platform compatibility, pinch its apps disposable successful places including nan Google Play Store and Fire TV. Free and paid options are available, pinch subscriptions offered astatine $8 per month.

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We dream that our guideline connected nan champion smart TV VPNs of 2025 has helped you make an informed decision. However, if you're interested, you tin besides cheque retired our apical picks for nan best VPNs of 2025, our favourite mobile VPNs, and trustworthy free VPNs.