Smart TV VPNs

Smart TVs are making their way into more living rooms every day. They let you want whatever you like, whenever you like. Which is great.

Until you’re in the wrong location and your streaming service cuts you off.

Georestriction makes a lot of content inaccessible to a lot of smart TV watchers. And some people might find that their smart TV experience gets glitchy in the evenings, as their ISP tries to balance traffic by slowing down data-intensive streaming.

Fortunately there is a solution.

Simply installing and using a VPN can make your smart TV a window to all the content on the web: doesn’t matter where you are, when your VPN can make it look like you’re wherever you like. This includes making Hulu, Netflix and HBO work.

But wait. Not all VPNs are created equal.

When you’re selecting a VPN for your smart TV, you need to consider:

Does it work with wifi routers?

There’s no way to install a VPN directly on some smart TVs, so you’ll need to install it on your router.

Not all VPNs can be installed on a router. Not all routers will allow a VPN to run. VPNs tend to be optimized first for desktop, and then for mobile devices, with routers an afterthought. Make sure the VPN you choose can be installed easily!

Does your Smart TV support VPN or will you need to install it on your router?

Different operating systems for smart TV have different requirements for VPNs. Some support them directly on the smart TV itself, while others will only work if you install the VPN on the router you’re connecting with.

Does it unblock the sites you want?

Streaming sites increasingly use VPN blockers, and not all VPNs can beat them. Those that can, sometimes can’t beat them all. So make sure the VPN you choose for your smart TV can unblock the streaming services you’re particularly interested in.

Where are its servers?

Most streaming companies have different libraries of content for different locations. Make sure the service you choose has servers in the location you want to stream from.

How does its security stack up?

Smart TVs can be hacked. Using a VPN should protect you, but they don’t all offer equal security. So you need to pick a VPN that’s secure enough to keep you safe while you watch.

What about privacy?

When you use a VPN, third parties can’t see your activity. But your VPN can. They can get hacked or bought out like anyone else, so if they keep logs, your data could be at risk. Make sure you choose a VPN that doesn’t log identifying information.

Is there support when you need it?

Even the best and easiest of products can go wrong. When you get stuck, are you going to have to wait 48 hours for a customer support ticket or can you get the help you need now?

Here are the top 5 VPNs for smart TVs:

1: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN unblocks all the major streaming services for smart TVs, and its reputation for speed is deserved: when we tested it, we found it consistently delivered slightly better speed than any of its competitors.

The company sells routers, or you can flash your existing router with it to ensure security.

It also provides a DNS proxy independent of its VPN, meaning that if privacy isn’t a big issue for you, you can use the proxy, called Media Streamer in the ExpressVPN dashboard.

ExpressVPN comes with live chat support as well as FAQs on the website.

2: NordVPN

NordVPN can be used to secure your router so you can watch what you like on your smart TV. The company lists recommended routers through a partner, FlashRouters:

If you don’t want to use a router from their partner, you’ll need to make sure you have a router that can be configured to support VPN protocols that Nord operates. There’s a simple guide to setup here:

Nord’s offering isn’t as simple to use as ExpressVPN’s, but it’s secure, fast, and unblocks all the streaming you could want. And Nord’s a stronger VPN overall than Express, meaning if you’re choosing a VPN for your smart TV and home office or general security and privacy, Nord might be your best bet.

3: IPVanish

IPVanish provides its routers through FlashRouters too, offering the same options as Nord. Just like Nord, you’ll need to make sure that your router can actually support a VPN if you don’t want to buy a new router.

IPVanish has a smaller server net than Express or Nord, and often fails to unblock Netflix and Hulu. However, it unblocks Kodi well and is popular with P2P torrenters too.

If you want a no-hassle way to watch geolocked content on your smart TV, this isn’t as good an option as Express or Nord. But their privacy and security are OK, and it’s usually one of the fastest VPNs in the world.

4: PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a relatively small server net, but it can unblock a ton of streaming services: not just Netflix and Hulu, but HBO, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Sky GO, as well as others.

It’s fast and private, with a strict no-logging policy, and there’s a step-by-step walkthrough for installing it on routers here.

5: CyberGhost

CyberGhost has pivoted to a focus on unblocking streaming sites, and it shows. There’s a growing server net, 1,200+ and rising, and the VPN unblocks BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime and more.

While it doesn’t have the speed of Express or the massive server net of Nord, CyberGhost is a solid option for smart TV users, and it’s easy to configure CyberGhost to work through your router. There’s an in-depth guide coming here shortly.