Most Smart TVs do not support VPN apps natively -- Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and older Roku devices have no VPN client app available. Android TV and Google TV are the exceptions: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all have native Android TV apps available on the Play Store. Here are your options for each platform.
Android TV and Google TV
If your TV runs Android TV or Google TV (Sony Bravia, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, TCL), you can install a VPN app directly from the Play Store. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish all have Android TV apps with remote-control-friendly interfaces. This is the simplest and most reliable option.
Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS)
Neither Tizen nor webOS supports third-party VPN apps. Your options: (1) Router-level VPN: install a VPN on your home router so all devices on the network, including the TV, route through the VPN. Requires a router that supports VPN client mode (ASUS, Netgear Nighthawk, or a router running DD-WRT/OpenWRT firmware). (2) SmartDNS: services like NordVPN SmartDNS, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer, or standalone services like Unlocator redirect DNS queries to bypass geo-restrictions without encrypting traffic. Simpler than a VPN on the router and sufficient for streaming access, but does not hide your IP or encrypt your connection.
Apple TV
Apple TV tvOS now (from tvOS 17) supports VPN configuration via a configuration profile. ExpressVPN has a native tvOS app from tvOS 17. NordVPN and others are adding tvOS support. SmartDNS also works on Apple TV via network settings.
Fire TV Stick
Fire TV runs a fork of Android. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish all have Fire TV apps available directly from the Amazon Appstore. Same experience as Android TV.
Which VPN to Choose for Smart TV
For streaming geo-unblocking: ExpressVPN has the widest server network optimized for streaming. NordVPN is close behind and has good Android TV and tvOS apps. For router-level VPN: ExpressVPN and NordVPN both have dedicated router firmware and apps for ASUS routers.