How to Install a VPN on Samsung Smart TV for Beginners - VPN Compare (2024)

Smart TVs can be found in almost every home these days and they have revolutionised the way families consume entertainment.

No longer do we have to pour over a TV magazine to see when our favourite TV show or movie is on. Instead, we just tune into Netflix, the BBC iPlayer, or any other streaming service and watch what we want, when we want, on a huge flatscreen right in the middle of our living room.

We can do much more than watch content on them too, with internet browsing, messaging, online gaming, and much more available on the majority of Smart TVs.

However, the fact that a Smart TV is connected to the internet can create problems as well as opportunities.

Like any other internet-enabled device, a Smart TV can be vulnerable to hackers and because they tend to lack basic security software, compromising one could be fairly straightforward.

These various security and privacy vulnerabilities are just one of the reasons why a lot of people are choosing to use a VPN with their Smart TV. Another is that a VPN can enhance your streaming experience and open up new streaming services that wouldn’t otherwise be available.

The majority of Smart TVs run on an Android-based operating system which makes installing and using a VPN quite simple. But Samsung Smart TVs are a little bit different.

That’s why we have compiled this guide to explain how to use a VPN with your Samsung Smart TV and recommend the best VPNs for the job.

Why Smart TVs need a VPN

Smart TVs are connected to the internet and therefore are as vulnerable to the various threats and risks that you can face from other internet-enabled devices too.

But VPNs don’t just offer online protections, they also enhance one of the very things that a lot of people do on their Smart TV; streaming.

In this section, we will go into the key reasons why you need to use a VPN with your Samsung Smart TV:

Security

Smart TVs are connected to the internet just like your computer or smartphone; They contain built-in microphones and cameras, just like your computer or smartphone; and they will also hold personal information about you including (quite possibly) your bank and credit card details.

But most people will not protect their Smart TV in the same way that they do a computer or a smartphone and this is one of the reasons why they are such an attractive target for cybercriminals.

Using a VPN helps to keep this data and your device secure. It ensures that your Smart TV’s connection to the internet is encrypted and that any data your Smart TV is sending cannot be intercepted and decoded.

All internet-connected devices need to have security software in place and a VPN is a key tool in that arsenal.

Privacy

Since 2016, the Investigatory Powers Act has mandated that your ISP must collect details of everything you do online and store it for at least 12 months. This means that everything you do online is stored, regardless of what device you are using.

This includes your Smart TV too and means that anything you use that TV for is being recorded and stored and could fall into the wrong hands.

Details of every show you watch, every search you make on your streaming provider of choice, every game you play, and every website you visit are logged.

But if you use a VPN, you can stop this.

A VPN redirects all of your data through an external server and once it hits that server, your ISP cannot track it any further.

Because your VPNs encryption means they can’t see what is in your data too, this means the only information they can log is the time you have been online and the fact that you were connected to a VPN.

In other words, by using a VPN with your Samsung Smart TV, you can continue to enjoy your online privacy safe in the knowledge that no-one is logging what you are doing online.

Accessing censored content

If you live in a country where the government likes to censor content that displeases it, finding a tool that lets you get around this censorship is really useful.

Even in supposedly free countries like the UK and the USA, the governments are prone to censoring troublesome content rather than deal with the underlying issues.

Fortunately, a VPN can help you access censored content no matter where in the world you are.

By connecting to a VPN server in a country where your chosen content isn’t censored, you will be able to watch any programme on a streaming service, any video on sites like YouTube, and visit any website you like, without any problems at all.

Streaming Overseas Content

While streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime have completely revolutionised the way we watch TV and movies, they do also come with their own frustrations and annoyances too.

One of the biggest is when you find that a movie or TV show you want to watch isn’t available in your location. Services like Netflix offer different libraries in different countries depending on what rights they own.

This means that although you might pay the same amount as customers in places like the USA and Japan, you are likely to be getting far less content than users there.

This is where a VPN can help.

By connecting to a server in the USA, you are able to access the US version of Netflix rather than your own more limited version. This opens up a considerable number of TV shows and movies you wouldn’t otherwise be able to watch.

Netflix has tried to stop this practice, but plenty of VPNs are still able to access US Netflix and other versions too. It offers you a far better streaming experience and ensures you never have to miss your favourite TV show or movie.

The trouble with Samsung

Usually, setting up a VPN on a device, even a Smart TV, is fairly straightforward. You essentially just have to set up an account, download the app, log-in, connect to a server, and you are away.

But with Samsung, it’s not quite that easy. This is because of the operating systems that Samsung TVs run on.

The majority of Smart TVs use a version of Android as their operating system. This has its pros and cons since Android is not a particularly secure operating system but it is compatible with a wide range of apps which makes it easy to install and run a VPN.

But Samsung has decided, for whatever reason, to run its Smart TVs on its own TizerOS operating system.

British readers of a certain age may be wondering why they decided to name it after a neon-orange fizzy drink, and I think the jury is out on that at the moment.

Unfortunately, the TizerOS operating system means that you cannot just download a VPN onto your Samsung TV. We are not aware of any decent VPNs that offer a TizerOS app at the moment, although if that changes, we will of course update this article accordingly.

But this means that rather than the simple installation process we outlined above, connecting your Samsung Smart TV to a VPN is a rather more complicated process.

How to Setup a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV

It is more complicated to connect your Samsung VPN to a VPN than a lot of other smart TVs. But it is not impossible. There are some methods that are still perfectly doable and not nearly as complicated as you might fear.

The best methods to install a VPN onto your Samsung Smart TV are:

Using a VPN-enabled router

A VPN router is a Wi-Fi router that allows you to install your VPN directly into the router.

This means there is no need to install the app on different devices. Your Wi-Fi router will automatically run the internet connection of any device using that Wi-Fi network through the VPN.

This means that instead of having to wrestle with your Samsung Smart TV and its TizerOS operating system, you just set up your VPN on your router, then connect your Samsung TV to your Wi-Fi connection and, hey presto, your Samsung Smart TV is connected to a VPN.

This approach means every internet device your use is protected by your VPN and this is really helpful for a couple of different reasons.

Device limits – Some VPNs limit the number of concurrent connections you can make on one subscription. Using a VPN-enabled router does away with that problem as you can connect as many devices as you like to your Wi-Fi without any issues.

Internet of Things (IoT) – These days just about every device and gadget you can think of wants to be connected to the internet. But far too many IoT-enabled gadgets don’t bother with security and privacy protections.

A VPN enabled router means all of these gadgets can be hooked up to your VPN and enjoy the security and privacy protections it offers.

Using a VPN-enabled router is probably the easiest and most efficient way to connect your Samsung Smart TV to a VPN. But before we consider which are the best VPNs to use with your router, let’s tell you about three of the best VPN-enabled routers to use.

The best VPN-enabled router for your Samsung TV

There are a growing number of VPN-enabled routers on the market and they are getting better and better all the time. So, which one should you choose to use with your Samsung Smart TV?

In this section of the guide, we are going to tell you a little bit about the three routers we have found most effective to use with a Samsung Smart TV. They are:

Invizbox 2

The Invizbox 2 is an easy-to-use plug-in and play router that is suitable for both the home and the office.

It is a neat, round router about the size of the palm of your hand but packed full of power and features. It is a dual-band router that offers impressive speeds and, depending on which VPN you use with it, is able to unblock US Netflix, iPlayer, and just about any other streaming service on your Samsung Smart TV.

The Invizbox 2 can be purchased with a subscription from Windscribe, which works very well. Alternatively, you can just buy the hardware which is compatible with a number of our recommended VPNs below including ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and IPVanish.

Setting up and configuring the Invizbox 2 couldn’t be simpler and you can even set up multiple VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspots boasting different server locations or security levels.

It’s a cracking VPN-enabled router that does everything you need to protect your Samsung Smart TV with a VPN.

Find out more by reading our full Invizbox 2 review here.

Asus RT-N66U Powered By Sabai OS VPN Router

This VPN-enabled router is, in fact, a standard Asus router that has been modified by Sabai Technology to carry their own custom built firmware, Sabai OS.

While it doesn’t come cheap and has to be shipped from the USA, it is an impressive bit of kit and comes with all the guidance you need to set it up. You can also choose whether to configure it yourself with your chosen VPN or have Sabai do that for you.

The router supports both OpenVPN and PPTP protocols which lets users choose between security or increased speed and it also enables you to assign individual devices to the connection type they need.

Speeds are pretty decent and while it lacks some of the features we loved from the Invizbox 2, this is still another VPN-enabled router that will do everything you need to get a VPN connection to your Samsung Smart TV.

Find out more by reading our full Asus RT-N66U review here.

Linksys WRT3200ACM DD-WRT Flash Router

Linksys routers have been around for a while and underneath their distinctive, angular and bright blue design is a powerful and impressive VPN router.

The latest version of this iconic model is the Linksys WRT3200ACM DD-WRT FlashRouter. Like previous models, this router is relatively simple to set-up and use. It delivers impressive speeds and is compatible with a variety of VPNs.

Installation is simple which makes this VPN-enabled router one of the most user-friendly on the market right now.

It is a reliable, durable, and consistent VPN from one of the most established manufacturers on the market and we are happy to give it our wholehearted recommendation.

A couple of other options worth checking out include the Vilfo router and Streamlocator, although the latter is purely for unblocking streaming services and doesn’t include the security of encryption.

How to set-up a VPN router to work with your Samsung Smart TV

The important point to stress at the start of this section is that all VPN-enabled routers are different and so setting them up to work with your Samsung Smart TV will be a different process each time.

The most common type of VPN-enabled router you are likely to be using is a DD-WRT router, so in this section, we will detail the usual process for getting this type of router set up.

However, we would recommend you consult with your router manufacturer for the precise steps for your device:

1. Download the OpenVPN Configuration Files onto your device from your chosen VPN provider.
2. Go to your router settings by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser.
3. Click on the Services tab.
4. Click on the VPN sub-tab.
5. Enable the Start OpenVPN Client option.

In the OpenVPN Configuration Panel that opens, you will need to enter the custom VPN settings. These will typically be something like:

1. Server IP or Name: Enter the .ovpn file or server given by your VPN provider.
2. Port Address: Enter the port address given by your VPN provider.
3. Tunnel Device: For the tunnelling device, click on the TUN option.
4. Tunnel Protocol: Select either the UDP or TCP protocol.
5. Encryption Cypher: Set the encryption cypher as AES.
6. Hash Algorithm: Set the hash algorithm as SHA256.
7. Advanced Options: Set advance options as Enabled.
8. TLS Cypher: Leave TLS cypher unchecked.
9. LZO Compression: Set LZO compression to Adaptive.
10. NAT: Set the NAT to be Disabled.
11. Firewall Protection: Set the firewall protection as Enabled.
12. IP Address: Leave the IP address section blank.
13. Subnet Mask: Leave the subnet mask section blank.
14. Tunnel MTU setting: Set the tunnel MTU as 1500.
15. UDP Fragment: Set the UDP fragment as 1450.
16. Tunnel UDP MSS-Fix: Set the tunnel UDP MSS-Fix to Enabled.
17. nsCertType verification: Make sure this is Check marked.

If this process doesn’t work for you, check with your VPN router. They will usually have a guide with all the information you need to set up their service on all the most popular VPN-enabled routers.

If you can’t find a guide for your router, check with their customer support staff. They should be able to either locate the guide for you or guide you through the process themselves.

You can find our top recommendations for the best VPNs to use with a VPN-enabled router and a Samsung Smart TV further down this guide.

Using a virtual hotspot from your computer

Another way to connect your Samsung Smart TV to a VPN is to use a virtual hotspot from your computer or laptop.

You may not have done this before from your computer but it is quite likely that you have used a hotspot from a smartphone to connect to their Wi-Fi or 4G before. The premise is very much the same and indeed you could even use your smartphone or tablet if you prefer.

Essentially a hotspot allows you to connect your Samsung Smart TV to your computer’s internet connection rather than directly to your Wi-Fi.

If you are running a VPN on your computer, this means that the data from your Samsung Smart TV will be redirected through the VPN hook-up too and so benefit from the same protections.

Setting up a virtual hotspot on your computer is actually pretty simple to do.

Below we have laid out the basic method for Windows PCs and laptops. Do note that this can vary from one device to another, so be prepared to check for precise instructions for your device if the steps below don’t work for you:

1. Open your computer and go to Start Menu > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Centre > Change Adapter Settings.
2. Locate the tap adapter connected to your VPN provider.
3. Right click on it and select Properties.
4. Click on the Sharing Tab.
5. Accept the ’Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection option’.
6. Select the drop-down menu and choose the Ethernet connection you have just configured.
7. Restart your computer or laptop to complete the setup.
8. Switch on your Samsung Smart TV and follow the usual steps to connect it to a local Wi-Fi network. These should be detailed in your instruction manual.
9. Choose the network that is coming from your computer or laptop and then complete setup.

Once you have completed this process, your Samsung TV should have a perfectly working internet connection and because this comes from your computer, as long as that is connected to your VPN, your Samsung Smart TV is protected too.

Choosing the best VPN for a Samsung Smart TV

Choosing how to connect your Samsung Smart TV to a VPN is only one part of the challenge. You also need to decide which VPN to use.

This is not as easy as you might think because there are hundreds of VPNs on the market at the moment and the number is growing all the time. This makes choosing the right VPN for you a somewhat tougher job than it needs to be.

But there are a few criteria you can use to help narrow down your search and that is precisely what we have been doing while testing the best VPNs to use with a Samsung Smart TV.

Our advice is that you should be on the lookout for VPNs that can offer the following features:

Fast connection speeds

If you are using your Smart TV to stream your favourite TV shows and movies, you don’t want to be bothered by buffering and other interruptions. You, therefore, want to choose a VPN with the fastest possible speeds to help you stream uninterrupted.

Works with VPN-enabled routers

Most people are likely to decide to protect their Samsung Smart TV with a VPN connection via a router.

While most VPNs can be installed on a router, not every provider provides the information to help you do that easily. It is therefore a good idea to choose a VPN provider that is compatible with your chosen router and offers a setup guide for you to follow as well.

No user logs guarantee

One of the main reasons for using a VPN with your Samsung Smart TV is to protect your privacy when going online. To be sure of this, you need to choose a VPN with a watertight no user logs guarantee.

Strong encryption

Your VPNs encryption is what keeps your internet connection secure and private, so make sure you choose a VPN with unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption as a minimum.

Servers

A lot of sites will tell you that a VPN with the maximum number of servers is what you need. But this isn’t strictly true. What you want to make sure of is that your chosen VPN has a range of servers in all the countries you are going to need them.

Unblocks streaming services

Streaming services are well aware that people use VPNs to access them from other countries. Some try to stop this and have enjoyed limited success. It is therefore important to make sure your VPN can unblock all the streaming services you want to use.

Best VPN for Samsung Smart TVs

These criteria have been used as benchmarks against which we have tested all of the top VPNs to see which is the best bet for use with a Samsung Smart TV.
Our results are below and you can see the top 5:

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the longest established VPNs and there is a reason they have been so popular for so long. Quite simply, ExpressVPN delivers one of the best services around.

When it comes to the all-important connection speeds, as the name suggests, few VPNs can surpass ExpressVPN.

The key is that they are consistently fast across their entire server network. This is a big one too with more than 3,000 servers and all the most popular locations well catered for.

ExpressVPN retains no user logs, which means it ensures your privacy and hides your online identity well. Their no user logs policy has been verified by no less an authority than PWC in a comprehensive independent privacy audit.

It has robust 256-bit AES encryption too alongside a whole host of additional security features.

There are dedicated apps available for Android, Apple iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Amazon Fire TV / Stick, Linux and, crucially for Samsung Smart TV users, plenty of VPN-enabled routers. They also have extensive guides for those not given an app too.

ExpressVPN also comes with a Smart DNS feature known as MediaStreamer. Like the full VPN, this lets you unblock all the big streaming services and should work directly with your Samsung Smart TV if you follow our step-by-step guide.

ExpressVPN costs a fraction more than others on the market, but there is a huge 30-day money back guarantee available which lets you try their service risk-free. And if you sign up now, VPNCompare readers can enjoy an exclusive 49% off and get 3 months free on a 12-month subscription.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN to find out more.

NordVPN

NordVPN is another big-name VPN that you may have come across before thanks to their sponsorship of football teams and various YouTube personalities.

But these high-profile marketing campaigns shouldn’t detract from what is an exceptional VPN provider.

NordVPN has invested heavily in its infrastructure in recent years and the result is a VPN that offers exceptional and consist speeds. This is even more impressive when you count up the size of their server network, which is more than 5,500 servers and growing all the time.

The NordVPN, no user logs guarantee, has also been verified by PriceWaterhouseCooper and is totally dependable. Their encryption is also robust and while there was a recent minor security blip last year, their robust response and affirmative action mean we are still confident in their security provisions.

NordVPN offers an extensive range of user-friendly apps and works with all the biggest VPN-enabled routers too. It has also recently adopted the new, faster, and more secure WireGuard protocol too.

NordVPN is able to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, NBC Sports, ITV Hub and more. It also offers a streaming-optimised SmartPlay feature that comes built-in and requires no additional set up.

They offer a no-risk 30-day money back guarantee too, which gives you plenty of time to try the service before you have to commit as well.

Read our full review of NordVPN to find out more.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a VPN provider that has stepped up its game over the past couple of years. Its apps are a key part of this as they are incredibly user-friendly and packed full of great features, including a dedicated streaming mode.

These apps are available for all devices including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Routers and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Still, you can also install CyberGhost VPN onto routers too.

The service offered by CyberGhost is top-notch too. They have impressive security and privacy features including 256-bit AES encryption as standard and a no user logs guarantee you can trust.

Speeds are impressive and consistent and there is an enormous server network that at the last count numbered around 6,700 servers across the world. CyberGhost is also as good at unblocking US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services as any VPN.

CyberGhost VPN will let you connect up to 7 different devices at the same time and all at a very reasonable price. There is also an unbeatable 45-day money back guarantee on offer too.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN to find out more.

Surfshark

Surfshark VPN made a stunning entrance into the VPN market in 2018 and already offer one of the most comprehensive and dependable VPN packages around.

There is robust 256-bit AES encryption and a no user logs guarantee that is built into a top-notch privacy policy.

There is a wide range of excellent, user-friendly apps alongside manual guides for plenty of VPN-enabled routers. Speeds are generally pretty impressive too and for a young VPN, their network of 1,700+ servers is not too shabby either.

Surfshark is able to unblock almost every streaming service, including all of the big ones like iPlayer, Disney+, and Netflix.

This is a VPN that is still finding its feet but it has made a very impressive start and the sense is that there is more to come too.

Read our full review of Surfshark to find out more.

IPVanish

IPVanish is another VPN that has really upped its game since 2018 when a historical law-enforcement case raised concerns over their no logs policy.

This policy is now totally reaffirmed and IPVanish guarantees that it does not store any data about your internet usage. The strong encryption that IPVanish has long been renowned for remains as well alongside some fantastic additional security features.

IPVanish has also long been known for its fast connection speeds and this remains the case too. There is still a large range of apps for devices, including Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS.

They also cover the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Linux, and more. It works on dozens of the top VPN-enabled routers as well.

IPVanish has also increased the number of simultaneous device connections it permits. You can now connect as many as you want to, making IPVanish an excellent choice in big families or close-knit communities.

They also now offer a 30-day money back guarantee and come at a very competitive price.

Read our full review of IPVanish to find out more.

Avoid Free VPNs

The question that usually crops up at this point is about free VPNs.

Why, a lot of people wonder, should we waste money on a paid-for VPN when there is no shortage of free VPNs on the market?

It is certainly true that there are hundreds of so-called free VPNs out there that claim to offer the same service as a premium VPN without the costs.

But if life hasn’t already taught you that nothing good comes for free in this world, then choosing a VPN will certainly give you that life lesson.

The blunt reality is that VPNs cost money to run.

There is a lot of technical infrastructure that needs to be running and this requires plenty of smart people to keep it functioning properly. In addition, there are plenty of other business overheads to consider as well.

Premium VPNs cover these costs and make profits by charging a small user fee. A premium VPN will set you back a few dollars a month and if you are happy to sign up for a longer time period, you can make some significant long-term savings.

But if a VPN provider isn’t charging a fee, it must be making its money in another way. Usually, this will involve compromising your privacy and security in one of the following ways:

Data

Free VPNs often harvest user data and sell it off to anyone willing to pay them a reasonable price. This means that records of your online activity will not just be stored with your ISP, but will be freely available to anyone willing to buy it.

Malware

A lot of free VPNs come packaged together with dangerous malware. When you download the VPN app, you are also allowing this malware to get onto your device.

It can then set about harvesting all your data, injecting adverts, or even taking over your device altogether. Far from making your device secure, it is compromising it, perhaps fatally!

Adverts

Some free VPNs make money through advertising. When you use them, they will inject adverts into your VPN app. But not just your app.

They can also put vast numbers of ads into your browser and other apps too. These adverts can take over and ruin your online experience. After all, no-one wants to spend half their time online closing annoying pop-up ads.

Security

Encrypting and securing your data is the expensive part of running a VPN, so some free VPNs just don’t bother.

Their website might tell you that they are encrypting your data, but when experts analyse their service, it finds there is no encryption taking place and therefore your data is no more secure than it would be without using a VPN.

A worryingly high number of free VPNs are also owned by companies from Communist China, where the law requires all data to be made available to the regime.

Even if a free VPN doesn’t compromise your privacy and security, it will often cut corners in the service that it offers to you. This might include things like:

Speeds

Free VPNs tend to offer consistently slow connection speeds. They also regularly throttle speeds when you are using certain data-intensive sites such as the online streaming platforms you are likely to be using with your Samsung Smart TV.

This is because such services put pressure on their fragile infrastructure.

Data

Unlimited data usage is the norm with premium VPNs such as the ones we have recommended in this article. But free VPNs often come with minimal data or bandwidth limits which places significant restrictions on what you can and cannot use them for.

Servers

Most premium VPNs offer users multiple servers located in different places all over the world. But that’s not the case with free VPNs.

They will usually only a maximum of 2 or 3 servers and with thousands of users, these are likely to offer poor speeds and even worse reliability.

Features

A paid-for VPN will usually come packed with various different features that you can use to customise their service and enhance your security or the performance of your VPN. But free VPNs often don’t even offer the basics and certainly never bother with enhanced features.

Our standard advice to all VPN users is that so-called ‘free’ VPNs are not worth the hassle. At best, you will get a poor quality service and a frustrating user experience.

At worst, they could well put your online security and privacy at risk.

A premium VPN such as the ones we have recommended in this guide will only set you back a couple of dollars (or pounds) a month.

It’s a small amount and with the majority of providers, especially the ones we have recommended in this guide, you will definitely be getting value for money.

Using Smart DNS on a Samsung Smart TV

Smart DNS is not the same as a VPN. It offers the benefit of redirecting your internet connection through a server in another country to make it appear that you are logging on from a different place.

However, it is not encrypted, which means that it offers none of the security benefits of a VPN and few of the privacy protections too. Smart DNS will not stop people being able to see the content of your internet data and this is a key reason why it should not be used as a like-for-like alternative.

However, if you just want to connect to a streaming service like Netflix or BBC iPlayer from another country, a Smart DNS can help you. For streaming, it actually has one benefit over a VPN as the lack of encryption can make the connection speed faster.

As with VPNs, it is important to choose your Smart DNS provider carefully. A number of decent VPN providers do offer a Smart DNS facility as part of their service.

If we have reviewed their VPN positively, you can likely trust their Smart DNS tool as well. If you are choosing a provider from elsewhere, be sure to do some research into them before downloading anything.

Once you have chosen your Smart DNS provider, the process of getting it set up on a Samsung Smart TV is actually reasonably simple:

1. Click on Menu on the remote control of your Samsung Smart TV.
2. Choose Network.
3. Select Network Status.
4. Choose IP settings.
5. Open DNS Setting.
6. Select Enter Manually.
7. Enter the DNS address given by your Smart DNS service provider.
8. Click on OK.
9. Restart your Samsung Smart TV once the connection test is completed.

That should be all you need to do. If you do encounter any problems, a quick chat with the customer support team at your Smart DNS provider should be enough to solve the problem.

An alternative: Android Smart TVs

There are quite a few different options open to you to get your Samsung Smart TV connected to a VPN. But there is no denying that these are far more complicated methods than merely signing up and downloading a VPN and then connected to a VPN server and getting on with your day.

Unfortunately, the decision of Samsung to run the majority of their smart TVs on TizerOS means this is unavoidable with their TVs.

If you do want to get a Smart TV that allows you to download a VPN simply and easily and still offers the majority of the features of a Samsung Smart TV, the best advice we can give is to choose a different manufacturer.

Most other Smart TVs on the market run on Android. This means that you can simply visit the Google Play Store, download your favourite VPNs app, log in to your account, connect to a server, and you are away.

Android TVs are not the most secure, so if you do buy one of these, we strongly advise you to make sure you do connect to a VPN before you do anything on it.

But the advantage is the ease with which you can get a VPN working and this is, for a lot of people, worth it. Manufacturers of Android-powered smart TVs include Sony, Philips, Toshiba, Hitachi, LG, Sharp, and many more.

Cheaper models like Hisense are available too but there are from Chinese manufacturers and we always advise caution with those if you care at all about your security and privacy.

Summary

Smart TVs are increasingly seen as essential in homes up and down the country. But also essential is the VPN connection to ensure your smart TV is secure and private.

With Samsung Smart TVs, this can be problematic since they use a different operating system to most. The TizerOS system they use means that regular VPN apps cannot be downloaded and users have to think outside the box.

In this guide, we have explained what your best options are. We have detailed how to use a VPN-enabled router to secure your Samsung Smart TV, talked you through how to do it and even recommended some routers you could use.

Other options include hot-spotting from your computer and using a Smart DNS connection too. Perhaps the best bit of advice we have given you is which VPNs are best to use with a Samsung Smart TV. We have listed out top 5 and explained why we have chosen them.

If you have any questions or comments about using a VPN with your Samsung Smart TV, why not drop us a line. We are always happy to answer any queries you may have.