Whether you want to access the Netflix library of a far-flung country or simply ensure that all activity on your smart TV is kept private, your best option is a VPN.
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.
This guide refers specifically to Android TV devices.
Is There Still a VPN That Works With Netflix?
Following the anti-account sharing rule Netflix introduced in early 2023, you might wonder whether VPNs still work with the service at all. VPN tests and user testimonials online both indicate that VPNs still work with Netflix, but it isn't quite that simple.
Many users have found that their ability to use Netflix with a VPN varies. At times, they find that they have to adjust their VPN location and settings to get it working again. You'll likely find that your new VPN works with Netflix, but you should be prepared to join the aforementioned cat-and-mouse game as streaming services grow more restrictive of how users access content.
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 (though you should 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 with more features than the last. If all you want is the standard VPN package, you can expect to pay $14.99 monthly, $83.88 annually (around $6.99 a month), or $131.76 ($5.49 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 percent saving). You can also get a six-month deal for $59.84, which works out at $9.99 a month.
MUO 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 percent 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 percent saving that works out at $3.99 a month. You can also grab Surfshark's 24-month deal (plus two months free) for $59.76, giving you two years of VPN protection for $2.49 a month.
Download: Surfshark VPN for smart TV.
5. CyberGhost
Another service boasting that it is “the #1 VPN for Netflix,” CyberGhost employs over 7000 servers in over 90 countries. It will unblock Netflix in France, Germany, the USA, and the UK. CyberGhost is also designed to work with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other Netflix libraries.
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.
6. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is another excellent VPN for smart TVs and other household devices. In fact, you don't just have to use it as a secure TV VPN—a standard subscription will allow you to connect unlimited devices! Aside from increased privacy and global content access, subscribing to Atlas VPN will allow you to take advantage of its ad blocker and email protection services.
You can purchase access to Atlas VPN as a monthly subscription for a $11.99 fee. If you prefer an annual subscription, you can expect to pay $39.42 for the first year (working out at $3.29 per month). Atlas VPN also offers a two-year plan at $49.21 for the first billing ($2.05 per month)—and the plan includes three additional months of coverage for free.
Download: Atlas VPN for smart TV.
7. ProtonVPN
If you want a VPN for your smart TV that will keep your data fully protected while you stream your favorite shows, ProtonVPN is the best pick. This VPN is created by a company headquartered in Switzerland—so your data will be covered under the EU's comprehensive data privacy laws.
ProtonVPN is also reported to be fully compatible with Netflix and other streaming services. You can try ProtonVPN for yourself by purchasing a one-month plan for $12.79 or an annual plan for $80.02 ($6.67 monthly). ProtonVPN also offers a two-year plan for $133.32 (just $5.55 monthly).
Download: ProtonVPN for smart TV.
8. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is an incredible but relatively unknown VPN, perfect for using Netflix and other streaming services. It can also be used to access content from BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. PrivateVPN works effectively for users around the globe thanks to its 200+ servers.
The service is offered at a standard monthly cost of $9.90. If you prefer irregular billing, you can also opt to subscribe to a three-month plan for $17.99 (working out to approximately $6 per month). PrivateVPN further offers a three-year plan for $72 (costing just $2 per month).
Download: PrivateVPN 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.
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.