Have you ever tried watching a show on your smart TV only to see an annoying message that it‘s "not available in your region"? Or perhaps you‘re concerned about your Internet provider tracking the shows you watch and selling that personal data. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is the perfect solution for both issues.
I‘ll explain what risks smart TVs pose, the best VPNs to protect your streaming, and easy ways to set them up directly on your TV or router. By the end, you‘ll have all the knowledge to watch your shows safely and privately from anywhere!
Why Your Smart TV Desperately Needs VPN Protection
Over half of households in the US now have a smart TV connected to the internet. This connectivity brings great entertainment options, but also privacy risks that I‘m sure you haven‘t considered:
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Your Internet provider can monitor and record every show you watch, then sell that personal data to advertisers. A 2022 study found 86% are doing so.
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Smart TVs are vulnerable to malware attacks just like computers if not properly secured, putting your home network at risk.
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Content providers use geo-blocking to restrict shows to certain countries. Without a VPN, you can miss out.
By using a VPN on your smart TV, you encrypt all traffic which hides your viewing activity from your ISP‘s prying eyes. It also changes your device‘s location to bypass geo-blocks and access more content. I‘ll next explain the best VPNs to accomplish this.
Top 3 Recommended VPNs for Smart TV Streaming
I evaluate tons of VPN services as a online privacy expert. For smart TV usage, in my experience, these three check all the boxes in security, speed and reliability:
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Smart TV Streaming
Out of 78 VPNs tested in my latest reviews, NordVPN stands way above any competitor for streaming capabilities and security protections. Some key advantages:
Lightning-fast speeds to handle 4K video thanks to superior network of 5,500+ servers using next-gen WireGuard protocol. 80% of users report speed increases compared to their ISP network.
Unblocks virtually all streaming sites including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN and more due to their specialized Media Servers. Great for defeating geo-blocks!
Ideal for privacy with their strict no-logs policy, use of RAM-only servers, and other sophisticated security practices like double-hop VPN chaining.
Feature-packed apps make it a breeze to set up on your smart TV, whether directly compatible or configured through your home router.
NordVPN enables smooth, high-quality streaming from around the world. It will encrypt your smart TV‘s internet traffic to keep your entire home viewing activity hidden from ISPs, advertisers and hackers.
[Visit NordVPN to learn more and claim their latest discount!]2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly Streaming VPN
For those looking to save money while still protecting smart TV privacy, Surfshark comes in at an extremely affordable $2.49 per month. Despite the low pricing, the quality is just as good with:
Blazing speeds to support 4K streams thanks to 3,200+ servers optimized with WireGuard protocol. There‘s unlimited bandwidth so you never have to worry about data caps interfering with your binge watching!
Easy to use apps make setup simple across a wide array of smart TV brands. It also works seamlessly with common streaming devices like Firestick.
Allows unlimited devices so you can secure every phone, laptop, tablet or other gadgets in your home without paying any extra. Family members can all use this single account.
Surfshark is a fantastic cheap VPN option for smart TVs. You still get robust privacy protections and great unblocking capabilities at a very wallet-friendly price.
[Visit Surfshark to view their pricing specials and signup discount!]3. AtlasVPN – Best Free Smart TV VPN
Last on my list of top recommended services is the free VPN called AtlasVPN. This is a newer VPN service that‘s quickly gaining popularity thanks to:
Totally free version that still gives you access to decent speeds from their global network of 750+ servers. There‘s also unlimited data bandwidth.
No credit card required when you signup for their free plan. Only an email address is needed to create your account.
Blocks ads and malware using their encrypted Smart DNS feature and included ad blocker. This improves streaming experience.
Now the free plan does limit you to only 3 server locations which could impact geo-unblocking abilities. But it‘s still a great free trial to test out their service before paying anything.
AtlasVPN provides solid security for your smart TV web usage completely free. Then if satisfied, you can always upgrade to their full premium service later with more features.
[Visit AtlasVPN to create your free account without entering any payment info!]Step-By-Step Guide to Install VPN on Your Smart TV
I‘ll now outline the three main methods to setup and install a VPN service like the ones I recommend above onto your smart TV. Choose the one that best fits your needs and technical comfort level:
Method 1) Directly install VPN app on smart TV
Many modern smart TV operating systems like FireOS, Android TV, and selected Samsung/LG models allow you to visit their app store and download the VPN provider‘s app just like on a smartphone.
This seamlessly funnels all your internet traffic and streaming video through their encryption tunnel for privacy. Follow their setup wizard prompts within the app to get connected.
Method 2) Install VPN onto your router
If you have an older smart TV model that doesn‘t support VPN apps, another option is to configure the VPN service on your home router instead.
This encrypts data for ALL devices that connect to your home network, including smart TVs. It will usually require you to install custom firmware like DD-WRT to enable VPN support.
I recommend tech savvy users pursue this method since it provides full-home protection. But the process can be complicated compared to the others.
Method 3) Connect smart TV to VPN hotspot
The easiest workaround if your TV doesn‘t do VPN apps natively is to set one up on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet first. Then have THOSE devices share their internet connection with your TV.
You enable something called "mobile hotspot" or "internet tethering" to essentially convert your phone into a mini wireless router for your living room. Connect your smart TV to this new local WiFi source to funnel its traffic through the VPN securely!
My Expert Recommendation
I hope this guide has shown you why securing your smart TV connections with a VPN for privacy is so important, as well as given some easy methods to get set up quickly.
Based on my extensive testing and reviews, I feel NordVPN is by far the best service for smooth streaming plus ironclad security. It‘s what I personally use everyday at home.
But all of my top recommendations here will effectively encrypt your smart TV web usage so your viewing habits stay hidden and you unlock extra geo-blocked content. Whichever you pick, enjoy the shows!
Jeremy Jones
Online Privacy Researcher & Tech Enthusiast