Most smart TVs do not have a VPN app. The workaround depends on your platform: Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV or a router. Here is the setup that actually works, and the streaming results we measured.
Most TV operating systems - Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Roku, Vizio - do not allow VPN apps. Even Android TV and Fire TV only support a subset of providers. That leaves four practical options: a router VPN, a Fire TV Stick, an Android TV box, or casting from a phone or laptop that is already on the VPN.
The easiest for most people is a Fire TV Stick with a supported VPN app. The most complete is a router VPN, because it covers the TV, console and every other device at once. The most limited is casting, because the video may still be fetched by the TV itself.
| VPN | Best for | Rating | Price | Fire TV app | Android TV | Router support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Overall | 4.7/5 | $3.09/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CyberGhost | Streaming | 4.4/5 | $2.19/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | Value | 4.4/5 | $2.19/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best overall for TV streaming
NordVPN has a Fire TV app and an Android TV app, and it unblocked Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer on every attempt in our October test. It retained 94% of baseline throughput, so 4K streaming stayed stable. If your TV does not support the app, NordVPN also provides router configurations.
Best streaming profiles
CyberGhost has 11,500+ servers and pre-labelled streaming profiles for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and other services. It has a Fire TV app and supports Android TV, plus router configurations for Samsung and LG TVs. The 45-day refund window is the longest in the group, which makes it the lowest-risk way to test your TV setup.
Best value for a household
Surfshark has a Fire TV app and supports Android TV, and unlimited devices mean the TV does not use up a seat. It retained 86% of baseline throughput, includes CleanWeb for ad blocking, and supports router setups for TVs without an app. It is the best value if you are covering several devices.
1. Fire TV Stick. Install the VPN app from the Amazon Appstore, sign in and connect. This is the easiest option for most people. The VPN app runs on the Stick, so the TV itself does not need support.
2. Android TV. Install the VPN app from the Google Play Store on the TV or streamer. Not every provider has an Android TV app, so check before you buy.
3. Router VPN. Put the VPN on your router and every device behind it is covered. This is the only option for Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Roku and most Apple TV setups. See our router guide.
4. Casting or AirPlay. Cast from a phone or laptop that is already on the VPN. This works for some apps, but the TV may fetch the video itself, which bypasses the VPN. Test it before relying on it.
Only on Fire TV and Android TV. Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Roku and most Apple TV setups do not support VPN apps. Use a router VPN or a Fire TV Stick instead.
There is no native VPN app for Apple TV. Use a router VPN or AirPlay from a Mac or iPhone that is connected to the VPN. AirPlay may still fetch the video directly, so test it first.
Roku does not support VPN apps. A router VPN is the practical option. Some people use a travel router with the Roku connected to it.
NordVPN was the most consistent in our tests, followed by CyberGhost's streaming profiles. Netflix actively blocks VPN IPs, so no provider works every time.
It can, but a provider that retains 90%+ of baseline throughput is usually fine for 4K. Use a nearby server and wired Ethernet if the TV supports it.
A router VPN covers every device and works with any TV. A Fire TV app is easier to set up and easier to switch servers. If you only need the TV, the app is simpler; if you need the whole house, use the router.
NordVPN has Fire TV and Android TV apps and was the most consistent for streaming in our tests.
Get NordVPN →Price checked 1 November 2026. Affiliate disclosure.