Out of all the VPN services, ExpressVPN ranked #1 as it has the easiest setup and fastest server network for streaming. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can download ExpressVPN for Samsung Smart TV and try it for yourself. If you’re not satisfied, you can easily claim a refund with ExpressVPN’s “no questions asked” refund policy.Try ExpressVPN on Samsung Smart TV
How to Install a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV
For TVs with Tizen OS, you need to set up a VPN on your router, use Windows connection sharing, or enable Smart DNS. Technically, you can also use standalone DNS proxies, but they can collect your personal data and are often blocked by streaming services.To install a VPN on your router, you’ll first need to make sure your router firmware is compatible with your chosen VPN provider by checking their website. If it isn’t, you can download new custom firmware like Tomato or DD-WRT. This method can be tricky, so if you want to try it, I suggest you check out this detailed guide on setting up a VPN on a router. You can also buy pre-configured routers through the VPN’s website, but these can be quite pricey.It’s much simpler (and quicker) to set up a virtual VPN network on your Windows PC and share that connection with your TV. However, you’ll be left without a VPN connection every time the device leaves your home, so it’s better not to use a laptop you travel with.Smart DNS is easiest to set up but doesn’t encrypt your connection, so your activity won’t be kept private.Here are the steps for each of the 3 ways to set up a VPN on your Samsung TV:
1. Set Up a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV — Router
While specific routers may have slight differences in their process, the basic steps to set up routers with a VPN are as follows:
2. Set Up a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV — Windows Connection Sharing or Virtual Router
It is possible to establish connection sharing between your TV and a VPN-secured device through either an ethernet cable or by sharing the WiFi connection of the device. While ethernet offers significantly faster speeds, WiFi is a more convenient option.With a VPN installed on your PC, you can share your connection with your Smart TV by turning your PC into a Virtual Router. You’ll need:
A PC that has a Broadcom-based WiFi adapter (most modern computers have them) A subscription with a VPN that uses OpenVPN Administrative rights on the PC
To check if your PC supports a Virtual Router:Here are the steps to set up a virtual router with your VPN:
3. Set Up a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV — Smart DNS
Smart DNS changes the DNS server your connection routes through, letting your Smart TV access sites and services in different locations. This will mask your IP address, but you won’t have the benefit of an encrypted connection with Smart DNS.The setup process is easy, especially if you use a VPN with its own Smart DNS settings. ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer feature that is optimized to work with Samsung and other Smart TVs, with a detailed setup guide available on its help site.Try ExpressVPN with your Samsung Smart TV
How to Change Your Samsung Smart TV Region
You might not be able to access certain platforms (Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+, and more) on your Samsung Smart TV despite using a VPN or a DNS Proxy. That’s because Samsung Smart TVs are region-locked to the country they’re purchased in.You can still gain access to your favorite apps by changing the region of your Smart Hub.
Changing the Region on Your Samsung Series 5, 7, & 8 Smart TV
Changing the Region on Your Samsung QLED Smart TV
The Best VPNs for Samsung Smart TVs in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Speeds for Lag-Free Streaming on Samsung Smart TVs
Key Features:During tests, my colleagues and I found ExpressVPN’s superfast servers stream TV reliably in UHD with no lag. My team abroad tested speeds in multiple Netflix regions to access our local accounts. We got average speeds of 94Mbps — more than fast enough to stream in 4K UHD on multiple devices at once.ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer feature, which is its own Smart DNS service. This is ideal for streaming on devices that don’t natively support a VPN app. Setting up MediaStreamer is easy — just create a Smart DNS account and add the DNS IP in the settings of your Samsung Smart TV. This won’t affect your speeds, but it will give you access to streaming services so you can log into your account and watch from anywhere. You should note that MediaStreamer doesn’t encrypt your online activity.In terms of security and privacy, ExpressVPN provides top-tier features:
Military-grade encryption: Protects all online traffic within a secure tunnel, away from prying eyes and hackers. Data leak protection: Secures your data from DNS, IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Kill switch: Blocks access to the internet if the VPN connection is ever interrupted. Secure protocols: OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol — I found this was the best for fast, smooth streaming. TrustedServer technology: RAM-based servers physically cannot store any user data, and are regularly wiped clean during scheduled reboots. Strict privacy policy: Verified by an independent audit to confirm no data is logged or stored.
Router setup is usually much more complicated, which is why I was so pleased to find ExpressVPN has its own native router firmware for Smart TVs. After the firmware is installed on your router, you can operate the VPN in a user-friendly console to take advantage of features such as split tunneling and MediaStreamer. You’ll find the console on your PC or mobile device by visiting https://www.expressvpnrouter.com/.During my tests, ExpressVPN was able to access almost any streaming service. It works well with Netflix in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, India, and more.It also works with the following services:ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than other VPNs, but I think it’s worth the cost for ease of use, fast speeds, and top-tier security. You can get a great deal on its 1-year plan, which starts at just $6.67 a month. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days since every plan comes with a money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy if you change your mind about subscribing. I contacted the 24/7 live chat and requested my money back, and they processed my refund with no questions asked. The money appeared in my bank account in a week.Get ExpressVPN for your Samsung TV
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Smooth Streaming on Your Smart TV
Key Features:CyberGhost has optimized servers for streaming, making it easy to watch your favorite content on your Samsung Smart TV. These servers are regularly tested by the CyberGhost team to ensure easy connections to popular services and keep your streaming smooth and lag-free. During tests, my team and I could access services like:That means fast and reliable streams when you watch TV and movies on your Samsung Smart TV. Since these servers are optimized for streaming services, you’ll get the best speeds for lag-free video in HD. Using these servers, I never had to wait for a show or movie to start, and I didn’t get sudden reductions in video quality.When there wasn’t a server specialized for a streaming app I wanted, CyberGhost’s location-based servers effortlessly accessed streaming apps during my tests as well. No matter which server I chose, I always got buffer-free streams.CyberGhost lets you customize your router VPN connection easily from your web browser. You can configure options like blocking ads, malicious sites, and online trackers. You can also set up the VPN on your PC and share the connection through a virtual router, as CyberGhost uses the OpenVPN protocol.CyberGhost also has the following security and privacy features:
AES-256-bit encryption: The same encryption used by the US military and global financial institutions to secure your online traffic. Data leak protection: Blocks accidental data leaks through DNS, IP address, and WebRTC. Kill switch: Available on all apps to stop your data from being exposed if the VPN connection is interrupted. Zero-log policy: RAM-based servers cannot store user data that have been confirmed as safe by a third-party audit.
I was impressed by CyberGhost’s long-term subscriptions, starting at just $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months plan. If you want to try CyberGhost with your Smart TV risk-free, it has a generous money-back guarantee of 45 days. I contacted support via live chat for a refund, and they processed my request immediately after I explained that I had changed my mind. The money was in my bank account 10 days later.Try CyberGhost with your Samsung TV
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network Reliably Connects to Your Favorite Streaming Services
Key Features:Private Internet Access (PIA) has an enormous server network — more than 35,000 servers in 84 countries. With so many PIA servers to choose from, TV and movies never slowed down on my Samsung Smart TV due to overcrowded servers. My team and I had reliably fast, smooth connections to our favorite content whenever we connected.We tested multiple streaming services, and PIA could access:After installing PIA on my router and connecting to a local UK server, I easily connected to my Netflix and Disney+ accounts. I didn’t experience any lag or buffering delays, even when I streamed in HD video quality.One minor con is that PIA can’t be configured to work on your Samsung Smart TV using Smart DNS. However, you can just install it on your router instead. Though the router option can sometimes result in a slower connection, it offers better security than Smart DNS does — I think a slightly slower speed is worth keeping my data and devices secure. Thankfully, PIA’s online guides give you easy-to-follow instructions for router installation.Alongside Smart DNS, PIA has these security and privacy features:
Customizable encryption: Lower your encryption level to improve speeds — a top option for smooth streaming that still protects your data. Secure protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 are all available. Data leak protection: Secures against DNS, IP address, and WebRTC leaks. Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent audit confirmed that it won’t log or store any user data while connected to the servers
If you aren’t sure if it will work with your router model, you can try PIA risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. This way, you can make sure the setup goes smoothly before committing to a subscription. I think it’s worth testing, especially as its plans start at $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months plan.Get PIA for your Samsung TV
4. NordVPN — SmartPlay Feature Provides Built-In Smart DNS Ideal for Smart TVs
Key Features:NordVPN’s SmartPlay is an always-on Smart DNS feature that provides quick and easy streaming on your smart TV. SmartPlay needs no manual configuration, switching your DNS servers while also masking your IP address and encrypting your connection. This made it easy to start streaming on my smart TV just by connecting to a NordVPN server.
To make it even easier, NordVPN has detailed setup guides on the website that take you through the process step-by-step. It only took a couple of minutes to set up NordVPN with my smart TV.I was impressed by NordVPN’s range of security and privacy features, which include:
Leak protection that stops accidental DNS and IP leaks to keep your data secure Threat Protection malware defense that blocks annoying ads and trackers for top-tier security Fast and secure connection protocols including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec The audited zero-log policy confirms NordVPN never logs your data when using its services
For lag-free streaming, NordVPN provides consistently fast speeds across its network. Using the proprietary NordLynx protocol, my speed tests showed a minimal slowdown of 19% on average. This was fast enough for UHD streaming with zero buffering, even on long-distance connections.With NordVPN, you can connect to your favorite streaming services on your smart TV, including:My only issue with NordVPN is that it’s an expensive option, especially when your subscription renews after the initial price. Long-term plans are the most affordable at $3.49/month, but you may need to reconsider your subscription on renewal if you’re on a strict budget.Fortunately, NordVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, so you can purchase with confidence. If you’re not fully satisfied, you can get a refund. I contacted the 24/7 live chat and my refund was processed in a few minutes. I had my money back in 6 days.Get NordVPN for your Samsung TV
5. Surfshark — 10Gbps Servers Provide Easy Smart TV Streaming in Popular Locations
Key Features:Surfshark has improved its server infrastructure in popular streaming locations so you can connect to your favorite sites on your smart TV. Using 2x10Gbps ports per US and UK server, you won’t experience congestion or lagging streams even at peak times. My connections with Surfshark were reliably smooth with no interruptions.
To ensure you can connect your smart TV, Surfshark has Smart DNS with step-by-step setup guides. However, these servers are only available in the US. If you want to connect to a different location, I recommend setting up Surfshark on a compatible router and connecting your smart TV to your WiFi.Your smart TV streaming is protected and enhanced by the following Surfshark features:
Unlimited device connections don’t limit your secure connections when streaming, gaming, and more secure streaming protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 free static IP connections to avoid CAPTCHAs and 2FA when accessing local accounts zero-log privacy policy with independent audit confirms Surfshark doesn’t log your data
I was pleased that Surfshark is fast across its global network, with speed tests showing a small 20% drop on average. With consistently fast speeds, I could access my favorite services on my smart TV and stream without lag in UHD.During tests, Surfshark could access the following services:My issue with Surfshark is that the apps aren’t super-intuitive for beginners. I had issues with getting the kill switch to stay active after reloading the apps, and some features didn’t work as expected — for example, Bypasser didn’t always correctly route specified apps through the VPN.However, Surfshark is an affordable option, with plans starting at $2.39/month. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you change your mind. I tested the process using the 24/7 live chat and had my money back within a week.Get Surfshark for your Samsung TV
6. PrivateVPN — OpenVPN Protocol Guarantees Compatibility With Samsung Smart TV
Key Features:PrivateVPN provides a variety of VPN protocols, with OpenVPN as the default option. This gives you the highest level of compatibility for connection-sharing between your VPN and your Samsung Smart TV. This provides a bit more streaming reliability and fewer connection drops, which can be really frustrating when you’re trying to keep up with your favorite new shows.
PrivateVPN also has the following security and privacy features:
Military-grade encryption: Every connection is protected by AES-256-bit encryption to secure your online activity. Data leak protection: Blocks accidental data leaks, including your IP address, DNS requests, and WebRTC data. Zero-log privacy policy: Does not log or store any user data while connected to the server, although this has not been verified by a third-party audit. Port Forwarding: Connect to a port of your choice to get the best possible experience for secure streaming
PrivateVPN doesn’t have as many servers as the other VPNs on this list (just 200+ servers in 63 locations), but I still got great connection speeds for smooth Smart TV streaming. Sometimes a show or movie would take a couple of seconds to start, but it never stopped to buffer once it started. Plus, it’s easy to set up PrivateVPN with your compatible router, as there currently is no Smart TV app available.My team and I found that PrivateVPN can access the following services:PrivateVPN is a low-cost service, with options starting at $2.00 per month for a 3-year term. If you’d like to try PrivateVPN with your Smart TV risk-free, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. When I reached out via email to cancel, I got a reply that my refund had been processed less than 2 hours later.Try PrivateVPN with your Samsung TV
7. IPVanish — Detailed Interface Makes Choosing Fastest Servers Easy
Key Features:IPVanish gives you all the information you need to pick the best server, with a detailed interface that gives you ping (or latency) and user load for each individual server. I chose servers with low ping and load and got consistently fast speeds with reliable, smooth connections.
When I tested IPVanish’s speeds, the reduction was minimal — around 20% slower than my regular internet speed. I could stream on my Smart TV without any lag or buffering. I was also pleased to find that IPVanish is compatible with multiple routers, with detailed setup guides available on its website.During tests, my team and I could access the following with IPVanish:The downside to IPVanish is that it can take several attempts to find a server that works with your streaming service. My colleague in the US switched servers twice before connecting to Netflix, but once the connection was established, streaming was smooth and lag-free.Fortunately, IPVanish has top-tier privacy and security features:
Top-tier encryption and leak protection: Every connection is secured by AES-255-bit encryption and DNS, IP, and WebRTC data leak protection. Secure protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 are available. Audited zero-log policy: Third-party audit verified that IPVanish doesn’t log or store user data. Unmetered Connections: No device limit, and no data cap means you can stream without worry.
IPVanish is a solid VPN at a reasonable price, with plans starting at $3.33/month for a 2-year term. You can try IPVanish risk-freewith its 30-day money-back guarantee, and getting a refund is easy — just log in to your account on the website and cancel your subscription.Get IPVanish for your Smart TV
How to Find the Best VPN for Samsung Smart TV
Before you try connecting your Smart TV to a VPN, it’s important to ensure that you get one of the top VPNs on the market first. In addition to the ability to work with WiFi routers, connection sharing, or Smart DNS, here are other factors you should look for:Get ExpressVPN for your Smart TVTry CyberGhost with Samsung Smart TVsHere’s a list of the most popular services that you can unblock with a VPN:
TV, Movies, and News
Music
Sports
Another option is to use standalone Smart DNS services, which let you watch titles from anywhere without encrypting your online traffic. This doesn’t affect your speeds and still bypasses proxy errors on streaming apps. However, streaming services also block DNS proxies, and they don’t secure your connection or protect your privacy with encryption like VPNs do.From there, you can control your VPN using your PC app, and as your Smart TV is connected to your PC, it will also benefit from the VPN’s encryption. Once you’re done, simply disconnect your Smart TV from your PC and connect back to your usual router WiFi.
Fewer server locations — The proxy might not have servers available in your desired location. Poor security — Proxies have zero encryption, so they won’t protect your data from hackers and spies, or keep your online activity anonymous (although a proxy will hide your true IP address). Easily detected — With little security and few servers, DNS proxies are easily detected and blocked by streaming services and restrictive networks. Often incompatible with Smart TVs — Importantly, DNS proxies often don’t work with Smart TVs or routers, making it impossible to get connected at all.
You’ll have a much easier and overall better experience if you set up your Smart TV with a VPN. Some VPNs include a DNS proxy with their service — ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS feature is even compatible with Smart TVs.
Get More Out of Your Samsung Smart TV With a VPN
If you pay a subscription fee every month for streaming services, you should be able to access them through your Smart TV. That’s why it’s worth the effort to use a VPN to securely access your streaming accounts from anywhere. As an added bonus, your Samsung Smart TV will be much more secure, keeping your logins private and protecting you from hackers.ExpressVPN is the provider I rely on for my Samsung Smart TV, with super reliable connections, streaming app compatibility, and top-notch security. You can also try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free for 30 days. Your subscription is insured with a full money-back guarantee; if there’s something you don’t like, you can just get a refund. I tested the process myself after using ExpressVPN for almost a month — customer support arranged my refund in a couple of minutes, and I had my money back in less than a week.
