The best VPNs for Samsung smart TVs

Samsung smart TVs do things a little differently when it comes to streaming content that’s not typically available in Australia. Because Samsung’s Tizen operating system (OS) doesn’t support the installation of virtual private network (VPN) apps, users need to either install a VPN on a router or use a VPN that has a Smart DNS feature.

Honestly, installing a VPN to a router is a complicated process that needs a VPN that supports that function as well as a compatible router. That’s a lot more complicated than connecting to a server and accessing geoblocked streaming services, as is the case with the best VPNs for streaming. While we’ve noted the VPNs on this page that support router installation, the main focus is choosing ones that offer the somewhat complicated but more straightforward Smart DNS solution.

For anyone who’s aware of the many best VPN round-ups out there (including ours), NordVPN is a top-tier service. As an everyday VPN, you get a fully featured product that’s easy to use, secure, privacy-protecting and compatible with a range of devices. One of the extra features is a Smart DNS, which is activated on the Nord Account page. Just make sure your VPN isn’t connected at the time; you’ll have to wait for confirmation and DNS details to be emailed to you. What we like most about NordVPN’s Smart DNS service is it has a healthy list of officially supported services, including HBO Max, Netflix and Showtime. Alternatively, install NordVPN on a compatible router to protect all the devices on your network with a VPN connection.

Alternatively, consider any of the other VPN services listed on this page as well as PrivadoVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

The reality is that Smart DNS is a feature that’s only offered by a handful of the 17 VPNs we’ve reviewed. Of those VPNs, the cheapest one across the board is Private Internet Access. Admittedly, the monthly pricing ain’t flash, but there’s great value to be found if you pay for an annual or three-year subscription. We really like that the prices are in Australian dollars, too, which is an unfortunate rarity with VPNs. Like NordVPN, log in to the Private Internet Access web portal to activate the Smart DNS when you’re not connected to a Private Internet Access server. Once activated, use those details on your Samsung smart TV and you’re ready to stream. More advanced users can also install Private Internet Access VPN on a compatible router.

For cheap alternatives with Smart DNS features, consider Getflix or Surfshark. Alternatively, for the best cheap VPN services, go with Atlas VPN, PureVPN or VPN Unlimited.

In terms of the top VPN services, it’s a close battle between NordVPN and ExpressVPN. What we really love about ExpressVPN is the in-depth articles and video guides it offers that encourage users to dig deeper into its features. ExpressVPN is a little fancier with its terminology, referring to its Smart DNS feature as “MediaStreamer”. To prove the point about the guides, there’s an excellent written and video guide for Samsung smart TV users to follow, which makes the process a whole lot less intimidating. Even users who aren’t signed up to ExpressVPN can follow most of those steps to get a Smart DNS working with their Samsung TV. Alternatively, ExpressVPN users can also try their hand at installing the VPN on their router. Handily, ExpressVPN sells its own Aircove VPN router if you’re in the market for something new.

For other VPNs with helpful guides, consider Getflix, Surfshark VPN or NordVPN.

The truth of Smart DNS services is they’re restricted to a single IP address. While every device with the Smart DNS server details inputted can access the streaming perks at home, devices not using the Smart DNS whitelisted IP address cannot. On one hand, that’s a great equaliser for VPNs like Nord and Express that have limited simultaneous connections. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about simultaneous VPN connections with an option like Surfshark, which offers unlimited. Admittedly, that’s for the VPN side of things, but it also has a Smart DNS feature that’s activated in seconds in your Surfshark login portal. Click on the down arrow for VPN, then ‘Manual setup’ and ‘TV or console’ to find the relevant settings. Handily, there are also tutorial guides for Samsung TV (plus, Apple TV and LG TV), from this more in-depth Surfshark guide. Like the other category winners above, Surfshark can also be installed on a compatible router.

For other versatile VPN contenders, consider PrivadoVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

The big difference between Getflix and the other category winners on this page is Getflix is a Smart DNS first and a VPN second. Admittedly, Getflix VPN doesn’t really hold a candle to any of the contenders on this page. But as an added extra for a Getflix Smart DNS subscription, it’s certainly a handy extra. As a Smart DNS service, Getflix is one of the originals that ruled the scene when Netflix wasn’t yet available in Australia. Since then, it’s outlasted several Smart DNS competitors, plus it's evolved to be easier to use and more reliable. Follow the guides on the website or just download the mobile app to make the configuration part more straightforward. There are options for a variety of services and countries, so you can switch to and back from different regions as required for your international or local streaming needs. If you have the know-how, you can also add the relevant Getflix DNS server to your router settings for network-wide coverage.

For alternatives, consider any of the category winners above alongside PrivadoVPN and CyberGhost VPN.

The trick with finding a Samsung smart TV VPN is they don’t technically exist. Samsung’s Tizen OS, available on all modern Samsung smart TVs, doesn’t support native VPN app installation. So you need a workaround.

Outside of mirroring from a compatible Windows or Android device—which technically supports any VPN service—you really want a VPN service that has a Smart DNS as an included feature. Granted, this feature is typically activated inside the VPN’s web portal login area while you’re not connected to a VPN server.

Not all Smart DNS services are created equal. Start comparisons with Getflix if you want a comparatively dirt-cheap Smart DNS service. But for something that also offers the fully featured perks of a VPN, it’s worth considering one of the following from the VPNs we’ve reviewed, all of which include a Smart DNS feature:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark VPN
• CyberGhost VPN
• Private Internet Access VPN
• PrivadoVPN
• Hola VPN

Our comparisons for the best Samsung smart TV VPNs begin with an acknowledgement that no such thing exists. Not natively, at least. This means we checked our list of 17 reviewed VPNs and created a shortlist of the ones that include a Smart DNS as an added extra.

To further refine the list, we also prioritised VPNs that are compatible with routers. Bonus points if there are user guides on how to install a VPN on a router, as it’s a more advanced step. The best overall category went to our highest-rated VPN, while the cheap winner was the one with the cheapest overall pricing (across monthly, annual and multi-year subscriptions) from the shortlist of contenders.

Because Smart DNS configuration involves multiple steps, we wanted to acknowledge the one that did this job the best with its own category. For versatility, the winner was the VPN that offered the best mix of locations, servers, simultaneous VPN connections and other features. Getflix was included more for its Smart DNS functionality than its bolted-on VPN, mainly for users who want a cheap DNS service over a fully featured VPN with a Smart DNS add-on.