Compare the best VPNs for Samsung, LG, Android TV, Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. We explain which services have native apps, SmartDNS and easy router support.
The strongest options for streaming on a television in the UK
Important: A VPN cannot be installed directly on every television. Android TV and Fire TV usually support native VPN apps; many Samsung and LG models do not. For those TVs, use SmartDNS, install the VPN on your router, or connect a streaming stick.
We prioritise reliable TV apps, straightforward setup, strong streaming speeds and practical support for devices that cannot run VPN software themselves.
NordVPN is our best VPN for Smart TVs because it covers almost every setup. Install its app on Fire TV, Android TV or Google TV, use SmartDNS on compatible devices, or install it on your router to protect a Samsung or LG television indirectly.
Surfshark is the strongest low-cost choice for households with several televisions and streaming devices. One subscription supports unlimited simultaneous connections, while native apps make installation easy on Fire TV and Android TV.
ExpressVPN is a polished option if you want a simple installation experience. Its TV applications are well designed, and the Aircove router range provides an especially straightforward way to cover televisions that do not support VPN apps.
| VPN | Fire TV | Android TV | Samsung/LG | SmartDNS | Router support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 NordVPN | ✅ App | ✅ App | ✅ Indirect | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Most setups |
| Surfshark | ✅ App | ✅ App | ✅ Indirect | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Families |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ App | ✅ App | ✅ Indirect | ✅ Yes | ✅ Aircove | Easy setup |
| Proton VPN | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ App | ✅ Indirect | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | Android TV |
| Free VPNs | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | ❌ Rare | ❌ No | ⚠️ Difficult | Not recommended |
Free VPN applications often impose data limits, use crowded servers and provide limited support. Streaming can buffer, and some free services may collect more usage information than paid providers. A reputable paid VPN is normally a better fit for a living-room device.
The right method depends on your television operating system. Here are the four practical options.
On Fire TV, Android TV or Google TV, open the app store, search for NordVPN or Surfshark, install the application and sign in. Choose a server and open your streaming service.
Samsung and LG televisions often cannot run VPN apps. If your provider offers SmartDNS, activate it in your account and enter the supplied DNS addresses in the TV's network settings.
A VPN-enabled router protects every device connected to your home network, including a Smart TV. This is useful when the television has no native app and SmartDNS is not suitable.
A Fire TV Stick or Android TV streamer is often the quickest solution. Plug it into an HDMI port, install the VPN app and use it instead of the television's built-in operating system.
If you own a Samsung or LG TV, use a Fire TV Stick with the NordVPN or Surfshark app. It avoids complicated router configuration and gives you a full VPN interface on the television.
This is usually the simplest and most flexible option. You can change countries in seconds, disconnect whenever you want and use the same VPN account on other devices. It is best for Fire TV and Android TV.
SmartDNS is designed for devices that do not support VPN apps. It can be fast because it does not encrypt all traffic, but it usually provides less privacy than a full VPN connection and may not support every streaming service.
A router protects every connected device without installing separate apps. However, setup can be more technical, and changing VPN locations may affect the whole household. It is ideal for experienced users or permanent whole-home coverage.
A streaming stick adds a modern app platform to an older television. It is often cheaper and easier than replacing a TV or buying a new router, and it works particularly well with NordVPN and Surfshark.
NordVPN is our best overall choice, while Surfshark offers excellent value for households with several screens. Both include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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