But can you get a VPN for smart TVs? Yes, you can. Most of the big name VPN providers offer a smart TV app, typically for Android TV.

Why Does Your Smart TV Need a VPN?

Every device connected to your network should have private, secure access to the internet. While the best option is via a router with VPN (virtual private network) account support, this isn’t always an option. VPN routers are far more expensive than the one provided by your ISP.

When it comes to using a smart TV, you have more at your fingertips than just streaming video and music. You might do some online shopping, book a holiday, or play games. Sure, you might check the UK’s Netflix library; you might be familiar enough with French or Spanish or any other language to want to stream TV shows from those territories.

Whatever the case, if an app is available, setting up a VPN on your smart TV is the best option.

Pitfalls of Using a VPN to Access Netflix

Of course, Netflix knows that users employ VPNs and smart DNS tactics to avoid region-blocking on certain content. Since 2021 it has stepped up its battle against VPNs, making it more difficult. Consequently, only certain VPNs have been able to maintain the game of cat-and-mouse.

Briefly, this involves Netflix blocking the IPs of known VPN servers, and the VPNs reacting by changing those IPs. Bigger name VPNs have the resources to combat this, whereas smaller services tend not to bother. Other techniques are also used to block VPNs; similarly, VPN companies have other mitigation methods.

With a good VPN, you’ll typically get access to 10 overseas and foreign language Netflix libraries. Our guide to using Netflix with a VPN explains how to get the best results.

With that in mind, here are the VPNs you should consider for your smart TV. They are all recognized to work with Netflix. Note that all offer money-back guarantees if you’re unhappy with the service (check specific sign up pages for details).

1. NordVPN

One of the biggest VPN companies around, NordVPN provides apps for every platform you can think of, including smart TVs. Importantly, NordVPN is one of the best VPN services for accessing Netflix libraries in other parts of the world.

NordVPN offers three plans, Standard, Plus, and Complete, each offering more features than the last. If all you want is the standard VPN package, you can expect to pay $11.99 monthly, $124.35 annually (around $4.49 a month), or $223.83 ($3.69 a month) every two years.

Download: NordVPN for smart TV

2. ExpressVPN

Another giant of the VPN world, ExpressVPN claims to be the “#1 trusted VPN.”

With servers in 94 countries and apps to cover every hardware eventuality, it is certainly a good choice. In addition, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming Netflix on a smart TV (and any other device). This alone should make it a top choice when looking for a VPN.

You can sign up to ExpressVPN for $12.95 a month, or get 12 months for $99.84 ($8.32 a month, a 35% saving). You can also get a six-month deal for $59.84, which works out at $9.99 a month.

MakeUseOf readers can get three months free when you sign up to ExpressVPN with this link.

Download: ExpressVPN for smart TV

3. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is considered to be reasonably reliable for accessing overseas Netflix libraries. It boasts optimization for Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+.

Annual and monthly bundles are available for Hotspot Shield. The Premium account is $12.99 a month, but if you pay for 12 months up front you enjoy a 38% discount, so it works out at just $95.99 (equivalent to $7.99 a month).

Note that while Hotspot Shield offers a free VPN, this is inadequate for Netflix.

Download: Hotspot Shield for smart TV

4. Surfshark VPN

Another VPN service known to work with Netflix, Surfshark boasts over 3000 servers worldwide and low prices. If you run into any problems with this, Surfshark also provides details for troubleshooting Netflix connections.

A standard monthly subscription is $12.95 a month, whereas an annual deal is $59.76, a 69% saving that works out at $3.99 a month. You can also grab Surfshark’s 24-month deal (plus two months free) for $51.74, giving you two years of VPN protection for $1.99 a month.

Download: Surfshark VPN for smart TV

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a standard $12.99 monthly subscription. You can also be billed at $41.94 every six months (working out at $6.99 a month). CyberGhost regularly offers 24-month deals as well, costing $56.94 (just over $2 a month).

Download: CyberGhost VPN for smart TV

A Smart TV VPN Offering Smart DNS Only

Note that some VPNs do not offer smart TV apps. Conversely, some smart TVs will not run the apps we have listed here. This might be because the apps are not compatible, or the VPN companies do not have the resources to produce TV-optimized apps.

For example, if your smart TV is not an Android TV, then getting a VPN app may be difficult. Samsung TVs typically use Samsung’s Tizen OS, rather than Android. Alternatively, you may be using a Roku TV; similarly, an Android TV app will not run.

As such, you will need to be familiar with your chosen VPN service’s smart DNS provision. Our “what is smart DNS?” guide explains what this means.

Watch Netflix and Streaming Services on Your Smart TV with a VPN

Whether you want to watch the UK Netflix library, Disney+ in French, or browse the Prime Video library of India, you need a VPN.

Some VPNs are better than others, which is why we recommend you stick with the services listed here. They’re easy to use, offer stable Android TV apps, and have superb customer support if the service falls short. If you’re unhappy with the VPN these all offer money-back guarantees.