Most Samsung Smart TVs do not offer a native VPN app. Samsung says 2016 and later models run Tizen applications only, and Samsung Community guidance says a VPN app cannot be installed directly on the TV. You can still route the TV’s connection through a VPN-compatible router or a shared computer connection. A separate option, Smart DNS, may support certain streaming functions but does not provide VPN encryption.
The five options below are based on documented provider support and setup routes—not hands-on tests or a performance ranking. Check the provider’s current instructions and your own router, TV model, region, and streaming apps before choosing.
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Can you install a VPN on a Samsung Smart TV?
Generally, no: Samsung Smart TVs use Tizen rather than Android TV, so an Android TV VPN app is not a direct installation option. Samsung Developer states that “2016 and later Samsung Smart TVs are distributed with and can run Tizen applications only” (Samsung Developer specifications FAQ). A Samsung Community accepted answer likewise says users cannot install a VPN app on the TV and suggests configuring a router instead (Samsung Community, January 2, 2026).
That does not rule out using a VPN with the TV. A compatible router can route its connected devices through a VPN, and some providers document ways to share a computer’s VPN connection. These approaches are network-level workarounds, not Tizen apps.
#1 Best Overall
- HDR: Enjoy great contrast in all your content. High Dynamic Range (HDR) expands the contrast between the lightest and darkest parts of a scene, so you can enjoy a wide spectrum of colors and visual details.
- OBJECT TRACKING SOUND LITE: Feel like you're part of the scene with audio that follows the action on screen. Featuring a virtual top channel, every sound is precisely placed in space, placing you in the heart of the scene.
- SAMSUNG KNOX SECURITY: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- ONE UI TIZEN: Stream your favorite movies and shows and access your favorite apps and games on an intuitive smart TV platform, powered by Samsung Tizen OS.
- ENDLESS CONTENT: Access 2,700+ free channels including 400+ Samsung TV Plus premium channels with just your WiFiconnection. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more -live and on demand. With content frequently added, there’s always something new to discover.
Five VPN options and the setup each documents
This comparison describes provider-documented features. It does not establish which service is fastest, best value, or most reliable for a particular streaming platform.
| VPN option | Documented route for a Samsung TV | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Router setup, Windows wireless hotspot or Ethernet sharing; NordVPN also lists an app for Amazon Fire TV devices. | Router and PC-sharing methods are workarounds, not a native Samsung TV app. Fire TV is an optional external-device route. NordVPN smart TV setup options |
| ExpressVPN | Router setup for full VPN protection; MediaStreamer Smart DNS is listed for Samsung Tizen. | ExpressVPN says MediaStreamer does not encrypt traffic like a VPN connection. ExpressVPN Samsung TV setup |
| Surfshark | Router setup is described for Samsung TV. | Do not rely on older recommendations for Surfshark Smart DNS: its support result says the feature ended February 2, 2026. Surfshark Samsung TV setup · Surfshark Smart DNS support notice |
| NordVPN SmartDNS | Separate SmartDNS configuration is documented by NordVPN. | SmartDNS is not the same as routing the TV through a VPN tunnel. Review the provider’s configuration and protections before choosing it. NordVPN SmartDNS support |
| External streaming device with VPN app | NordVPN documents an app for Amazon Fire TV devices. | This puts VPN controls on the external device; it does not install a VPN app on the Samsung TV. NordVPN smart TV setup options |
The table includes distinct setup routes rather than five independently tested VPN services: the available support documentation does not establish a comparable five-provider ranking. For a full VPN connection, the router or computer-sharing approach is the relevant distinction; Smart DNS is a separate, more limited network configuration.
Rank #2
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Choose a setup route
Use a VPN-compatible router for network-level coverage
- Check whether your exact router model and firmware support VPN-client configuration. Router compatibility varies; a router that merely supports VPN passthrough may not be able to run a VPN client.
- Confirm that the VPN provider supplies configuration instructions for that router or firmware. NordVPN specifically lists router setup for Samsung TV, and ExpressVPN describes router use as providing full VPN protection (NordVPN; ExpressVPN).
- Configure the router according to the provider’s instructions, then connect the Samsung TV to that router or network.
- Check the connection and the streaming app on your own TV model and in your region. Provider documentation does not guarantee uninterrupted access or compatibility with every service or catalog.
Share a Windows PC connection
If you do not want to configure a router, NordVPN documents wireless hotspot and Ethernet connection-sharing methods for Samsung TV (NordVPN smart TV setup options). These depend on setting up the PC and its network connection correctly. They are not VPN apps running on the TV itself.
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Use Smart DNS only if its trade-offs fit
Smart DNS is a network configuration intended for supported region-related streaming functions, not a VPN tunnel. ExpressVPN explicitly says MediaStreamer does not provide VPN encryption (ExpressVPN Samsung TV setup); NordVPN also documents SmartDNS as a distinct content-access method requiring network configuration (NordVPN SmartDNS support). Provider setup requirements and streaming-service behavior vary, so check both before changing DNS settings.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Rank #3
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
How to decide
- Want VPN routing for the TV’s network connection? Start by checking router-client compatibility and provider instructions. If router setup is unsuitable, investigate a documented Windows sharing method.
- Only considering Smart DNS? Confirm the specific provider still offers it, understand that it is not VPN encryption, and follow the provider’s current setup directions. Surfshark’s support result reports its Smart DNS ended February 2, 2026.
- Prefer an app-based setup? Consider a compatible external streaming device with a VPN app, such as the Fire TV route NordVPN lists. The app runs on that device, not on the Samsung television.
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