If you’re looking to enhance your home entertainment system, an Android Smart TV is a great option. With its impressive range of features, including web-browsing, streaming, and gaming capabilities, an Android Smart TV is a valuable addition to any household.
However, many popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are geo-restricted, meaning they may not be available in your location. That’s where the best VPN for Android Smart TV comes in. By changing your virtual location, the best Android TV VPN allows you to bypass any restrictions and stream without limits. In this article, we’ll introduce you to four of the best VPNs for Android Smart TV in 2023 and explain why you should consider using them. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN on your Android TV.
Best VPN for Android Smart TV 2024: Our Favorite Choices
If you’re looking for a VPN to use on your Android Smart TV, you’ll want to choose one that offers unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities. We’ve tested several VPNs on our Smart TVs and have come up with our top picks for 2023. All of the VPNs on our list have native clients for Android Smart TV, so setup is a breeze.
1. ExpressVPN
Our favorite VPN for Android Smart TV is ExpressVPN. With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN makes unblocking geo-restrictions a breeze. It’s also the fastest provider on our list, making it perfect for streaming in 4K or Full HD.
ExpressVPN works with Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Spain, Italy, and dozens more libraries. It also works with a myriad of other services, including Disney+ and HBO Max. ExpressVPN offers bank-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and even Lightway, a proprietary protocol. It also has a certified no-logging policy, so you can expect your online activities to remain private all the time.
ExpressVPN is easy to use and offers 8 simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for families. Its 24/7 customer support is available through live chat, so you can get the help you need whenever you need it. Currently, ExpressVPN offers a huge 49% discount and 3 months free for its annual plan, accompanied by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- The best performer
- Servers in 105 countries
- Works with Netflix & other platforms
- User-friendly app
- 49% discount + 3 months free for the annual plan
- Extensive device support
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
2. NordVPN
Our second pick for the best VPN for Android Smart TV is NordVPN. With over 5,900 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN offers exceptional device support that covers all types of TVs. NordVPN is great for streaming, allowing you to enjoy 4K footage with no excessive buffering.
NordVPN works with Netflix US but also catalogs from the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, Turkey, India, and many more. It also offers more possibilities with other popular streaming services. NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption coupled with a kill switch and a proprietary NordLynx protocol. It also has a zero-logging policy, making sure that everything you do is private.
NordVPN is easy to use and offers 6 simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for families. Its 24/7 live chat support should help remedy any potential issues. NordVPN is affordable, with its cheapest deal giving you a 50+% discount and a 30-day money-back guarantee with no conditions.
Pros
- Great Android Smart TV support
- More than 5,900 servers in 60 countries
- Works with Netflix flawlessly
- Fast speeds
- Affordable pricing
- Rock-solid security
- Easy to use
Cons
- Value-added taxes influence the price in some countries
3. CyberGhost
On the third spot, we have CyberGhost, which comes with 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries, making it the biggest VPN on our list. CyberGhost offers excellent Android TV support and is easy to install on all types of TV devices. It’s also the cheapest VPN on our list.
CyberGhost works with Netflix US and offers dedicated streaming servers that work wonders with other streaming services. It uses 256-bit encryption and WireGuard support to ensure maximum security. CyberGhost has a zero-logging policy and supports 7 simultaneous connections, making it a great choice for families.
CyberGhost’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, and it offers help in French and German apart from English. Its pricing is affordable, with the cheapest plan costing less than $3 a month. You also get a 45-day money-back guarantee for all plans longer than a month.
Pros
- Excellent Android Smart TV support
- More than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries
- Cheapest VPN on our list
- Works with Netflix US and other streaming services
- Easy to use
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Apps can be a bit finicky
Why You Should Use the Best VPN for Android Smart TV?
If you’re an Android Smart TV user, you might have already encountered some geo-restrictions while streaming your favorite movies or TV shows. But, with the best VPN for Android Smart TV, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy limitless streaming. In addition to that, using a VPN also helps you avoid ISP throttling and ensures safe online browsing. Here’s a closer look at each of these benefits:
Limitless Streaming
One of the primary reasons for using a VPN for Android Smart TV is to access geo-restricted content. With a VPN, you can change your IP address to another country and unblock platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Hotstar, and BBC iPlayer, no matter where you are. This means that you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows legally, without worrying about any restrictions.
Avoiding ISP Throttling
ISP throttling is a common issue that affects many users, especially during bandwidth-hungry activities like streaming or downloading. However, with a VPN, you can avoid ISP throttling and browse, download, or stream at full speed. By encrypting your connection and concealing your original IP address, a VPN prevents your ISP from seeing what you do online, leaving you with a faster and smoother internet experience.
Safe Online Browsing
When using an Android Smart TV browser, your ISP can monitor your online activities, leaving you vulnerable to online threats and IP-based hacker attacks. However, by using a VPN for Android Smart TV, you can encrypt your connection and enjoy complete anonymity. This means that your online activities become unreadable to anyone, including your ISP or hackers, ensuring your privacy and security.
In conclusion, using the best VPN for Android Smart TV is a smart choice that can enhance your streaming experience, protect your privacy, and ensure safe online browsing. With just a tap on your remote, you can enjoy limitless streaming, avoid ISP throttling, and browse the web with complete anonymity.
How to Use a VPN on Android TV?
If you’re not tech-savvy, the idea of setting up a VPN on your Android Smart TV might seem daunting. However, with the right VPN, it can be done in just a few minutes. Here’s how:
Subscribe to a Service
The first step is to subscribe to a VPN service of your choice. We recommend trying out ExpressVPN, which offers competitive pricing, a 49% discount with 3 free months, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can subscribe from any device, not necessarily your TV.
To get started, visit the ExpressVPN website on your computer and purchase a subscription. Once you activate your account, you’ll receive an activation code that you can use to set up the VPN on your TV.
Download the App from the Google Play Store
After subscribing, head over to the Google Play Store on your Android Smart TV and search for the ExpressVPN app. Once you find it, simply click on “Install” and wait for the app to download and install on your TV.
Connect to a Server
Once the app is installed, open it and select a server location of your choice. With ExpressVPN, you can easily browse through their server list and choose the location you want. After selecting a server, ExpressVPN will establish a connection, giving you an IP address from that country.
That’s all there is to it! You can now safely and anonymously stream, download, or browse the web on your Android TV with no limits. ExpressVPN will work in the background, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPN for your Android Smart TV can be a daunting task, but with our extensive testing, we have narrowed down the top choices for you. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the top performers in terms of reliability, streaming capabilities, and security. For those on a budget, CyberGhost and Surfshark are viable options, but they are not as strong as the top two.
All of these VPN providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test them out without any financial risk. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your specific needs and preferences. We recommend visiting ExpressVPN to take advantage of their exceptional service and features. With the right VPN, you can unlock the full potential of your Android Smart TV and enjoy safe and secure streaming.
FAQ
📺 Does Android TV VPN work on other types of Smart TVs?
If you have a Smart TV that doesn’t run on Android, you can still use a VPN on it. However, you’ll need to use a feature called Smart DNS, which many premium VPNs offer. Smart DNS allows you to change your online location, which lets you bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy unlimited streaming.
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark are all great options that work flawlessly on any TV or streaming device, regardless of the operating system.
💰 What can I do with a free VPN for Android Smart TV?
Free VPNs are pretty disappointing, as they often come with limited monthly bandwidth and painfully slow speeds. They’re also incompatible with many TV models, and their lack of advanced features like Smart DNS makes using them on anything besides Android TV impossible.
To avoid risking your privacy and wasting precious time, we always recommend going straight for premium VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark.
🕵️ Is a VPN for Android Smart TV really needed?
Whether or not you need a VPN for your Android Smart TV depends on what you expect from a VPN and how much you use your TV. If you’re watching Netflix a lot, for example, a VPN can help you unblock many Netflix catalogs and access the movies and shows you want.
Overall, a Virtual Private Network is a very important addition to an Android Smart TV. For a few dollars a month, you can access all geo-restricted content and stream with no limits.
🍏 Can I use these VPNs on my Apple TV as well?
Yes, all VPNs on our list support Apple TV. Even better, Apple TV supports VPNs natively, and ExpressVPN is a perfect application for this platform because it’s easy to install and use. All services have in-depth tutorials on how to install them or use their SmartDNS alternative.
NordVPN
- Secure
- Private
What are the top features to look for in a VPN for Android TV?
When selecting a VPN for Android TV, there are some key features to consider. These include a large server network, fast connection speeds, strong encryption, and compatibility with Android TV devices. Additionally, a VPN with a user-friendly interface and reliable customer support can make the experience more enjoyable.
How can I install a VPN on my Android TV?
Installing a VPN on your Android TV is a straightforward process. First, you need to download and install the VPN app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, launch the app and sign in with your account details. Finally, select a server location and connect to the VPN.
Are there any completely free VPNs available for Android TV?
While there are some free VPNs available for Android TV, it’s important to note that they often come with limitations. These may include data caps, slow connection speeds, and limited server locations. Additionally, some free VPNs may compromise your privacy by logging your activity or selling your data to third parties.
What are the benefits of using a VPN on Android TV?
Using a VPN on your Android TV can provide several benefits. Firstly, it can help protect your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. Additionally, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. Finally, a VPN can help improve your online security by protecting you from hackers and other cyber threats.
Which VPN providers offer the best performance for Android TV?
There are several VPN providers that offer excellent performance for Android TV. Some of the top providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. These VPNs offer fast connection speeds, strong encryption, and a large server network, making them ideal for streaming and browsing on Android TV.
How does using a VPN affect streaming quality on Android TV?
While using a VPN may slightly decrease your connection speed, the impact on streaming quality is usually minimal. In fact, using a VPN can actually improve your streaming experience by allowing you to access content that may be blocked in your region. To ensure the best streaming quality, it’s recommended to connect to a server location that is closest to your physical location.