- Excellent for streaming on smart TVs
- Streamlined, easy-to-use app for smart TVs and routers
- Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
- Forward-thinking security enhancements
- DNS leaks detected (but immediately addressed)
- Pricey
- Only eight simultaneous connections allowed
- The fastest VPN we tested
- User-friendly apps for smart TVs and streaming devices
- Excellent content unblocking capabilities
- Robust privacy protections
- Inconsistent pricing structure
- Expensive renewal prices
- Live chat is difficult to access
- Fast speeds for streaming
- Unblocks lots of streaming content
- Easy-to-use app for smart TVs and streaming devices
- Budget-friendly
- Expensive monthly plan
- Deceptive pricing page
- 14-Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
About VPNs for smart TVs
Smart TVs and streaming devices let you easily and conveniently access your favorite movies and TV series on apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and a slew of other services. A VPN can unlock international streaming content otherwise unavailable in your region, as well as bolster your television privacy. Most major streaming services tailor their content offerings based on location due to licensing agreements, which means what you can watch in one country might be completely different from what’s available in another. By connecting to a VPN server, you change the location that these streaming services see you logging in from, meaning you can access foreign Netflix or Max libraries otherwise unavailable at home, or stream BBC iPlayer and CBC Gem while traveling internationally.
Plus, using a VPN for streaming may let you save money. If you're experiencing ISP throttling, where you're getting slower speeds while streaming, a VPN might help you enjoy higher streaming video quality. In addition to helping you unlock region-restricted streaming content, VPNs can improve your privacy while watching TV online. Running a VPN on your smart TV or streaming devices masks your streaming and browsing activity, so your ISP can't sell data about you. Additionally, many smart TVs, streaming devices and streaming services show ads. So if you're using a VPN, there's a chance you can avoid targeted advertisements that may rely on data from your public IP address, which your VPN hides. If you're gaming on your smart TV or streaming device, a VPN may lower latency and reduce ping when connecting to geographically distant game servers.
Installing a VPN on most of the popular smart TV platforms such as Android TV boxes, Apple TV streamers or Amazon Fire TVs is incredibly easy as long as you’re using a VPN with a smart TV app. Simply visit the app store of your smart TV or streaming device and search for the VPN provider you’re using. From there, the installation process couldn’t be simpler. However, some smart TVs, game consoles and Roku don't let you natively run a VPN, instead requiring you to use a VPN-compatible router.
Our experts at CNET tested over a dozen VPNs, focusing on internet speed loss, streaming service unblocking and smart TV app usability. Additionally, we looked at privacy features, price, overall value and app intuitiveness on other platforms. We ran over 250 individual internet speed tests per VPN provider, checked for DNS leaks and unblocked dozens of streaming services to see which VPN providers are the best at unblocking content to help you pick the best VPN for your smart TV or streaming device.
What is the best VPN for smart TVs right now?
ExpressVPN is the best smart TV VPN service overall because it works with tons of streaming boxes, including the Apple TV, offers an off-the-shelf Wi-Fi router with a preloaded VPN and can effortlessly unblock dozens of streaming services.
ExpressVPN's clean interface is easy to navigate.
NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested, making it one of the best VPNs for streaming devices. If you're a media enthusiast seeking the best possible video quality with 4K ultra-high-definition video, NordVPN is a solid choice for a streaming VPN.
NordVPN offers one of the largest server networks in the industry.
Surfshark is the best value VPN for smart TVs, thanks to its wallet-friendly prices, spectacular speeds and privacy feature-rich apps. With unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark is a top choice for families or roommates -- and one of the best VPNs for smart TV support.
Surfshark is a value-packed VPN that's excellent for streaming on your smart TV.
Smart TV VPNs at a glance
Here's how our top streaming VPN picks stack up side by side.
| ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | |
| Average speed loss | 18% | 21% | 3% |
| Price | $13 per month, $100 for the first year (then $117 annually) or $140 for the first two years (then $150 annually) | $15.45 per month, $48 for the first year (then $79 annually) or $60 for the first two years combined (then $79 annually) | $13 per month, $60 for the first year (then $140 annually) or $82 for the first two years combined (then $140 annually) |
| Smart TV/streaming device compatibility | Android TV, Fire TV, TVOS, Routers | Android TV, Fire TV, TVOS, Routers | Android TV, TVOS, Fire TV, Routers |
| Streaming compatibility | Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (U.S. only), Apple TV Plus | Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu (on most platforms), Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus | Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (U.S. only), Apple TV Plus |
| Network | 3,000 plus servers in 105 countries | 3,200-plus servers in 100 countries | 7,700-plus servers in 118 countries |
Other VPNs we tested
Proton VPN
The privacy-focused Proton VPN isn't all work and no play -- it's one of the best VPNs for streaming devices and geo-protected content unblocking. Its fast server speeds allow for buttery smooth 4K streaming, and it's great for unblocking foreign Netflix or Amazon Prime Video libraries. We had great success unblocking some tough-to-access international Netflix libraries, including Netflix Egypt, with Proton. It also supports Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV streaming devices.
Proton has invested heavily in server quality and now has a worldwide selection of 117 countries to choose from, powered by a network of over 12,800 servers. These servers power some of its excellent privacy features, such as Secure Core, which routes your connection through a hardened VPN server in a privacy-friendly country on its way to your specified destination, making it harder to trace your traffic back to its source (your device). This also makes Proton well-suited for bypassing geoblocking as a streaming VPN, so you’ll be able to watch content from sites like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus anywhere on the planet. It’s also a little cheaper than other premium VPNs, as Proton only sets you back $10 per month, $60 for the first year or $108 total for the first two years, then renews at $80 annually for the one- and two-year plans.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a user-friendly VPN that's adequate for streaming and basic privacy (IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis). In our testing, IPVanish easily unblocked international Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries. You can install a VPN on your router for use with a smart TV, or use it on Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV and a slew of other platforms.
IPVanish's straightforward design works fine for VPN beginners. If you just want an intuitive VPN for unblocking content on Disney Plus, Netflix and other services, IPVanish is a decent choice. But its high 44% average internet download speed loss isn't ideal for 4K or even 1080p video streaming if you've got a slower or more unreliable internet connection -- for reference, Netflix recommends 15 Mbps or higher for a single 4K stream, so even folks with a 50 Mbps base internet connection should be alright.
Pricing is initially somewhat reasonable, with plans that cost $13 monthly, $40 for your first year or $53 total for the first two years (the one- and two-year plans jump to $90 after your introductory period). There are better VPNs for the price that provide larger server networks and faster internet speeds, IPVanish is fine for casual users simply seeking basic privacy for everyday use.
PIA
PIA is a wallet-friendly VPN for streaming devices and smart TVs that’s cheaper than most competitors at $12 per month, $40 for the first year (renewing at $50 annually) or $79 total for three years of service. PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a benefit that pricier VPNs like Proton, ExpressVPN and NordVPN don’t have. It’s suitable for streaming service unblocking, provides a solid network of 35,000-plus servers in 91 countries and has highly customizable, albeit a little unpolished, apps. Folks who live in or frequently travel to the US may appreciate PIA’s servers in all 50 of the United States -- this can be helpful for streaming regional sports, like NFL games.
We like that its apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the source code for bugs or vulnerabilities, which is solid transparency. Only a few other providers, including Proton VPN and Mullvad, have open-source apps. While PIA largely sticks to covering the basics, it features some neat privacy amenities, including split tunneling on MacOS (which lets you use a VPN for certain apps and services but not others) -- a rarity among VPN providers. Notably, Surfshark also has Mac split tunneling.
But unfortunately, PIA was rough around the edges in our latest round of testing. We clocked its internet speed loss at an underwhelming 49% average, meaningfully higher than the 25% average we like to see. Additionally, we encountered many CAPTCHAs while trying to perform basic tasks like running a Google search. Although streaming was largely decent, we had to change servers more often than with other providers, like NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark. You can get Surfshark, which delivers far faster speeds, a better streaming experience and more forward-thinking privacy features, for a little more money. Still, PIA can be good on a budget for folks who need comprehensive US server coverage. Otherwise, your money is probably better spent on Surfshark or Proton VPN, both of which offer faster server performance and robust privacy while charging slightly more cash than PIA.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN doesn't offer all of the privacy bells and whistles as the other VPNs on this list, but it does a good job of unblocking content across a wide range of streaming services. Its implementation of streaming-optimized servers also makes CyberGhost a decent choice if you're a casual VPN user who just wants to stream content on your smart TV or streaming device.
CyberGhost isn't as fast as others like NordVPN or Surfshark, but you should still be able to stream content without worrying about constant buffering. CyberGhost has servers located in 100 countries around the world, making it one of the best in terms of global network coverage.
If you decide to hook a VPN up to your smart TV via a router, CyberGhost provides detailed instructions in its Help center on how to do so -- although it doesn't offer custom router firmware like ExpressVPN does. If you have a Fire TV or Google TV, you'll be able to download the CyberGhost VPN app directly to your TV. CyberGhost VPN also offers a smart DNS solution that will give you access to its DNS servers in the US, UK, Germany and Japan.
Although it's a decent VPN for streaming on your smart TV and has a large server network, there's not too much more to like about CyberGhost. The VPN's questionable privacy practices, buggy apps and mediocre speeds make it difficult to recommend for most use cases.
CyberGhost costs $13 per month, $42 every six months for the bi-annual plan, or $57 total for the first 26 months with the two-year plan. The two-year plan then renews at $57 annually. CyberGhost offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on the monthly plan and a 45-day money-back guarantee on its longer-term subscription plans. For similar pricing or even cheaper, you can choose from several other VPNs that are far superior to CyberGhost for streaming on your smart TV -- or for basically any other purpose.
How we test VPNs for smart TVs
With so many VPN options available, it can be difficult to cut through the advertising to find the right software for your needs. We rigorously tested dozens of VPNs to assess performance, privacy and value. More specifically, we analyzed average speed loss, checked for DNS leaks and tried out apps on different devices. In addition, we compared costs to determine the best price-to-performance ratios. For smart TV use, we looked at streaming service content unblocking, performing hands-on tests with Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and a handful of other platforms. Because some televisions require a router VPN, we consulted each VPN provider’s help guides and also factored in streaming device app compatibility.
Do smart TV VPNs work with all televisions?
VPNs do work with smart TVs, although how you go about setting up a virtual private network on your television depends on its operating system. If you have an Android TV (also called Google TV), Fire TV or Apple TV, you can install a VPN app directly on your device. For certain televisions running Roku, LG’s WebOS or Samsung’s Tizen OS, you’ll need to use a router-based VPN rather than downloading software on your smart TV. Luckily, nearly every VPN provider offers support for routers, but depending on your hardware, the process might be tricky -- you may even risk voiding your router's warranty. On the plus side, once you do have your VPN router set up, it’ll automatically cover every device connected to it without using up your simultaneous connections limit, so it might be a better choice if you have several different smart TVs you want to connect to a VPN.
Using a VPN for streaming devices may be easier
If you’re using an operating system like Roku, WebOS or Tizen that doesn’t support directly downloadable VPN apps, you’ll need to install VPN-compatible firmware separately onto your router. Some companies like ExpressVPN sell routers preloaded with a VPN, but most don’t -- so it’s typically a do-it-yourself setup that requires some technical know-how. Using a VPN app on a Fire TV Stick, Android TV media streamer or Apple TV is the simplest solution, but there are several ways to use a VPN for streaming on your television.
Factors to consider in a smart TV VPN to boost your streaming privacy
Based on our years of comprehensively testing VPNs, here are the main factors to think about when selecting a VPN for your smart TV or a VPN for streaming devices.
Device and VPN compatibility
Most providers now offer Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV VPN compatibility. If you’re using a television set running Android TV or Fire TV, smart TV integration with an operating system that supports VPNs natively means you can easily download a compatible app. But if you've got an LG TV running webOS or a Samsung TV running Tizen OS, you’ll need to run a VPN on your router, bridge a VPN connection from your PC or buy a router with a preloaded VPN. Likewise, if you rely on a Roku or game console for streaming, you'll need to use a router VPN or use your computer as a VPN router hotspot. Even if your VPN provider doesn’t offer a router VPN firmware, you should be given a set of OpenVPN credentials you can load onto your router using open-source firmware such as DDWRT. But be aware -- running a VPN on your router could void its warranty.
Streaming service unblocking
You’ll want to ensure your VPN provider allows access to the streaming services you want to use. Whether you’re trying to watch U.S. Netflix from abroad or enjoy UK Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video libraries at home in the States, it’s crucial to have one of the best VPNs for streaming. Think about the streaming services you use the most and sign up for a VPN that works with those apps.
Speed loss
All VPNs slow down your internet upload and download speeds, but the amount of speed loss varies. Generally, we recommend VPNs with a 25% average speed loss or less. The fastest VPNs only slow your connection marginally, meaning you can stream 4K videos smoothly. Some companies suffer from greater speed reductions, which might translate to buffering streams or noticeable dips in quality.
Server network
A reliable VPN for your smart TV should have a large network of servers. You’ll want to check out the number of total servers as well as the amount and location of different countries available. The more choices you’ve got, the easier it is to find an ideal location to connect to. For example, if you’re on holiday in London, you’ll ideally want to use a London server rather than one in Stratford-upon-Avon for the fastest speeds. Generally, the closer a VPN server is to your actual location, the faster speeds and more reliable connection you’ll enjoy. If you want to access international streaming content from other countries, you'll want to check the VPN's list of server locations to ensure it has servers in the regions from which you want to stream content.
Price
VPN prices often depend on when you sign up (some offer competitive seasonal deals) and whether you pre-pay (an annual subscription or multi-year purchase typically saves you a meaningful amount). Although a multi-year package usually gives you the best possible pricing, we don’t recommend shelling out for more than a year at a time. A VPN provider may be private, fast and value-packed when you sign up, but it could suffer a data breach, go out of business or get acquired by a disreputable organization. Thus, we suggest sticking with a year-long subscription instead for the most savings and the lowest risk. Looking for a provider with a 30-day money-back guarantee gives you the ability to test the VPN to make sure it’s compatible with your smart TV and unblocks the streaming sites you expect. If you find otherwise, you can always ask for a refund and try another provider instead.
Help guides and customer support
Smart TV VPN apps for streaming devices like Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV boxes or dongles are usually easy to install, but running one on a router or setting one up on certain platforms like Linux isn’t always as simple. Therefore, you might want to choose a VPN provider with robust help documentation. Most VPN providers don’t lock their support FAQs behind a subscription, so you should be able to check out what help is available before you spend money on a subscription. If you’re not confident in installing a VPN on a router, look for providers that have 24/7 live support via chat, phone or email. It may save you a lot of time in the long run and can be great for situations when you have troubleshooting or billing questions.
Privacy and security
One of the main reasons to invest in a VPN is for additional privacy, whether for bypassing geoblocking or preventing your ISP from selling your browsing and viewing history data. At the very least, we recommend a VPN with a kill switch, DNS leak protection and strong VPN encryption. Look for AES-256-bit encryption (over the OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN protocols) or ChaCha20 (with WireGuard). You should also make sure your VPN provider has a no-log policy (while this is impossible to fully verify, it’s nonetheless important). Generally, we recommend you pick VPN providers with regularly audited no-log policies conducted by a reputable third-party, as these providers have gone the extra mile to demonstrate they’re responsibly handling your data.