Unleash the Power of Your Smart TV with the Ultimate VPN
Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect VPN for Your Smart TV
The Best Smart TV VPNs of 2023: Protecting Your Privacy and Unlocking Unlimited Entertainment
Updated on Nov. 10, 2023
Written by Attila Tomaschek
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Attila Tomaschek
Attila is a Staff Writer for ENBLE, covering software, apps, and services with a focus on virtual private networks. He is an advocate for digital privacy and has been quoted in online publications like Computer Weekly, The Guardian, BBC News, HuffPost, ENBLE, and TechRepublic. When not tapping away on his laptop, Attila enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and collecting guitars.
Expertise: Attila has nearly a decade’s worth of experience with VPNs and has been covering them for ENBLE since 2021. As ENBLE’s VPN expert, Attila rigorously tests VPNs and offers readers advice on how they can use the technology to protect their privacy online.
Why You Can Trust ENBLE
| Speed Tests | Eval. Points | VPNs Tested |
|---|---|---|
| 1600 | 500 | 10 |
We intensively test each VPN, making sure it meets our standards for privacy, speed, and usability. How we test VPNs
Editors’ Choice 2023 ### Best Overall VPN
ExpressVPN
Privacy protection and fast speed
Savings 49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)
Pros: – Unmatched transparency – Top-notch security with no leaks detected – Excellent for streaming
Cons: – Expensive – Only five simultaneous connections – Owned by Kape Technologies
Price: $13 a month, $60 for six months, or $100 for a year
Latest tests: No leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2023 tests Network: 3,000-plus servers in 160 locations across 94 countries Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
When it comes to speed, security, and unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN is tough to beat. After a set-back in 2020, ExpressVPN is again currently in first place as the fastest VPN we’ve tested. ExpressVPN caused us to lose just 2% of speeds in our speed tests. You shouldn’t have any issues achieving enough speeds for a smooth streaming experience, whether you’re streaming in 720p or 4K UHD.
ExpressVPN also unblocks Netflix and other streaming services more reliably than most other VPNs and has servers in 94 countries around the world. Basically, any geographic region you’d want access to is available in its extensive global network of VPN servers.
All of our top-rated VPNs have wide compatibility across platforms and operating systems, but ExpressVPN’s collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs, and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for Smart TV users. Even if you’re connecting your TV to several other consoles and devices, ExpressVPN’s 24/7 customer support and its no-questions-asked, 30-day money-back guarantee come in handy.
With ExpressVPN’s custom router app, you can also enable its split-tunneling feature to run certain devices (like your smart TV) through the VPN and others through your regular network connection. The Network Lock killswitch feature is also available on the router app, which will protect your privacy by killing your internet connection should the VPN disconnect for any reason.
If you have a Fire TV or a Google TV, you can bypass the router setup altogether and install the ExpressVPN app right onto your smart TV.
ExpressVPN’s included Media Streamer smart DNS feature is also simple to set up on any smart TV. Just keep in mind that while smart DNS can help you unblock geo-restricted content, your connection won’t be encrypted, so you won’t have the same privacy protections as you would via your VPN connection. But if you’re a casual user and streaming is your only objective here, then Media Streamer could be a good option for you.
All this comes at a price, however. ExpressVPN may be the best VPN for smart TVs, but it is also one of the most expensive. ExpressVPN’s best plan offers five simultaneous connections for $100 a year (which includes three extra months, for a limited-time deal totaling 15 months of service). You can also opt for a $13-per-month plan or pay $60 for six months.
Expensive yet effective? ExpressVPN is the top choice for your smart TV, but is it worth the price? Find out. Show expert take
Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark
Extensive features at a great price
Savings $2.23/mo with 24-mo plan (+3 free months)
Pros: – Lots of unique security features – Unlimited simultaneous connections – RAM-only server network
Cons: – Inconsistent speed performance – 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands) – No transparency reports
Price: $48 for the first year (then $60 annually) or $13 a month. Two-year plans are $60 for the first two years combined (then $60 annually)
Latest tests: No leaks detected, 40% speed loss in 2023 tests Network: 3,200-plus servers in 100 countries Jurisdiction: Netherlands
Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface, and an expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what helped Surfshark earn ENBLE’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN in 2022.
Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted), and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
One innovation we’re excited to see Surfshark roll out over the next year is its Nexus network, which connects the VPN’s entire network of servers together and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer, and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN — especially beneficial to users with critical privacy needs.
Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark says a new audit is forthcoming by the end of this year.
Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available. Which is why we were surprised that one of the only issues we had with Surfshark came in our speed test. While it still ranks as one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested — with an internet speed loss of just 19% — we were disappointed with the inconsistent speed results we got to certain locations.
In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we did run into a fair bit of trouble accessing Disney Plus.
Surfshark offers cheaper introductory prices that jump after the first billing cycle. Even so, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs — helping it earn ENBLE’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value. The yearly plan starts out at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 upfront for the initial two years combined, then $60 per year for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan stays constant at $13 a month. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark – the best bang for your buck! Enjoy extensive features without breaking the bank. Show expert take
Best Connectivity
NordVPN
Reliable VPN with multi-device use
Savings $79 for the first two years or $60 for the first year (then $100 per year afterward)
Pros: – Among the fastest VPNs – Tons of features – Diskless RAM-only server infrastructure
Cons: – No transparency reports – Ambiguous corporate structure – Only six simultaneous connections allowed
Price: $79 for the first two years or $60 for the first year (then $100 per year afterward) or $12 a month
Latest tests: No leaks detected, 10% speed loss in 2023 tests Network: 5,600-plus servers in 84 locations across 59 countries Jurisdiction: Panama
NordVPN is one of the biggest and most recognized names in the industry. And for good reason — because NordVPN is an excellent VPN overall, offering basically anything and everything you’d want in a quality VPN service.
NordVPN’s speed and security are both top-notch and can give VPN users a solid streaming experience while keeping your activity private at the same time. With NordVPN, you’ll be safe and secure behind its AES 256-bit encryption along with your choice of IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, or NordLynx VPN protocols. NordLynx is built on the WireGuard protocol but uses a double network address translation (NAT) system that gives each user the same IP address and each individual VPN tunnel a unique IP address to help protect your privacy while affording you the fast speeds you can get via the WireGuard protocol.
NordVPN’s Help section is filled with useful guides on how to get the service working on your smart TV. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to get the VPN set up on a host of different routers as well as how to set it up on your Fire TV and Google TV.
Overall, it’s a great VPN and a solid choice for smart TVs. As far as price, you’ll find NordVPN in the middle of the pack here — its 2-year subscription plan comes out to $3.29 per month. If you’re not sure if Nord is the right choice for you, you can always give it a test run thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN – a reliable VPN for your smart TV, offering top-notch security and a wide range of features. Show expert take
Best Unblocking
Hotspot Shield VPN
Super-fast for streaming
See Price at Hotspot Shield VPN
For critical VPN use, we wouldn’t recommend Hotspot Shield due to its US jurisdiction in addition to its use of its proprietary, closed-source Hydra VPN protocol. But if security and privacy aren’t your primary concern, then Hotspot Shield makes for an excellent smart TV VPN. Though we may not be completely sold on its privacy protections, we are on its speed — Hotspot Shield is fast.
It’s also excellent for streaming content on your smart TV. With servers located in more than 80 countries around the world, you’ll have access to a wide selection of geographic regions with Hotspot Shield.
However, Hotspot Shield’s Support section and overall customer service experience leave quite a bit to be desired. The Support section is a bit convoluted, and Search doesn’t always output exactly what you’re looking for, so it might take some work to find what you’re after. And the live chat feature is only available to premium customers. Once you find what you’re looking for, the guides and tutorials are sufficient to get you set up, but the path there isn’t as clean as with other VPNs. Like the others on this list, Hotspot Shield offers apps for Fire TV and Google TV, as well as tutorials on how to set up the VPN on your router.
If you’re willing to pony up $7.99 a month for its yearly subscription plan or $2.99 a month for a 3-year subscription, then you’ll get a super-fast smart TV VPN that’s excellent at unblocking content in Hotspot Shield. But if you’re concerned at all about its US jurisdiction, you’d be better off going with ExpressVPN or the other two above.
Hotspot Shield VPN – stream your favorite content on your smart TV with blazing-fast speed Show expert take
Best Beginner VPN
CyberGhost VPN
Easy-to-use VPN for Smart TV
Pros: – Offers split-tunneling – Fast-growing server network – No leaks detected in latest tests
Cons: – Parent company with a shady past – Ineffective ad blocker – No obfuscation
CyberGhost VPN may not offer all the bells and whistles as the other VPNs on this list, but it may not have to because it’s just so ridiculously easy to use. It also has servers specifically optimized for streaming on various services, making it a great choice for your smart TV.
It’s not the fastest VPN on the block, but you shouldn’t run into any trouble streaming content buffer-free. And CyberGhost has servers located in 91 countries around the world, making it one of the best in terms of global network coverage.
If you decide to hook CyberGhost VPN up to your smart TV via a router, CyberGhost does provide detailed instructions in its Help center on how to do so — even though 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.
CyberGhost VPN can also be quite budget-friendly. If you opt for the 3-year plan, which also includes three months free, you can get CyberGhost for just $2.29 per month. But if you prefer the flexibility of a one-year subscription plan, it’s still one of the cheaper options at $4.29 per month. It’s one of the cheapest smart TV VPNs and a very capable one if you’re fine with a VPN that’s not chock-full of advanced options.
CyberGhost VPN – your go-to VPN if you’re new to the game, easy to use with great performance. Show expert take
About VPNs for smart TVs
When it comes to at-home entertainment options, having an internet-connected smart TV is the way to go. With a smart TV, you can access popular streaming services and apps to watch your favorite TV shows and movies. But having these services at your fingertips can also leave your personal information vulnerable. To keep your private data safe, installing the best smart TV VPN can eliminate these worries and thwart prying eyes from accessing your info. And let’s not forget the additional perk of using a smart TV VPN: This safety tool can sidestep region-based content blocks to grant unrestricted access content on Netflix and all the other major streaming services.
Using a smart TV VPN will keep your personal info secure, which is a safe and smart choice. A high-quality, well-tested virtual private network will encrypt your data using a remote and secure server, thus ensuring your online behavior remains private. So while you’re connected to a VPN, everything you view and click online is kept locked away from anyone trying to see what you’re doing — including your ISP. Without these protections, your internet service provider can monitor whatever you’re watching on your smart TV, collect data, and sell your information to target you with ads.
Just like any device that’s connected to the internet, smart TVs also come with security risks. Without the right protections, internet-connected devices can be hacked. Cybercriminals or government entities can get access to your viewing information, intercept your passwords, compromise your smart TV, and more. It’s important to minimize those risks and keep bad actors from knowing your viewing habits.
The best VPN for your smart TV will offer solid security, fast speeds, helpful customer support, the ability to unblock streaming services, and cross-platform compatibility. (Beware of free VPN services since they can put your privacy at risk and usually impose restrictive bandwidth and data caps that make them essentially useless for your smart TV.) With a focus on the qualities above, we’ve rounded up the five best VPN services for your smart TV.
Smart TV VPN FAQs
What’s the best VPN for your smart TV in 2023? – ExpressVPN received an ENBLE Editors’ Choice Award for the best overall VPN. ExpressVPN is among the fastest and most secure VPNs.
Why should you use a VPN on a smart TV? – Today’s smart TVs are not just for watching cable or local network programming. They’re also for video-on-demand streaming, and some content is regionally locked. If the programming you want to watch isn’t available in your country, you can use a VPN on your smart TV to spoof your location and access virtually any content you may want.
Learn more about VPNs for Smart TVs
You’ve reached the end of our guide on the best VPNs for your smart TV. We hope you found it helpful in choosing the right VPN to protect your privacy and unlock unlimited entertainment possibilities. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy streaming!
