Want to catch the latest TV shows and movies on your LG smart TV? Even if they’re not currently available in your location? You’ll need a VPN!
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best VPNs for LG Smart TVs, and walk you through the setup process.
What is the best VPN for LG Smart TVs?
In a hurry? You’ll find our top five LG Smart TV recommendations in the table below.
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There are countless VPN services available, which can make picking a provider a time-consuming process. To help narrow your search, consider the following factors when shopping for an LG TV VPN service:
- Consistent access to a range of popular streaming services
- A good number of server locations to choose from
- Fast servers for seamless usage
- Strong encryption to protect users
- A solid privacy policy that doesn’t put users at risk
Most importantly, a VPN has to be able to unblock the content you want to watch. Plenty of VPNs struggle to access in-demand streaming services, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
Only the VPNs that meet all the above criteria can earn a top spot in our list of recommendations for LG smart TVs. So, let’s take a look at the services that made the grade.
Learn how to install a VPN on an LG TV
Want to learn how to use a VPN service with your LG Smart TV? We cover the process in more detail later in this guide.
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The best LG Smart TV VPNs to use in 2023
Now it’s time to put our top VPN picks under the microscope! Each of the services in this guide has been hand-picked and thoroughly tested by our expert team. They all come with the speed, features, and servers you need to stream geo-restricted content via your LG TV – as well as your PC, mobile, or games console!
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Fastest VPNs for LG TVs
Smooth HD streaming requires a fast internet connection, so you don’t want your LG TV VPN slowing things down. We’ve selected only the fastest VPNs for your smart TV in this guide, and they’re all more than capable of handling live television, HD content, and any movie marathons you have planned. Plus, to give you a better idea of which LG VPNs are currently the quickest, we run regular VPN speed tests on them and display the results in the table below.
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Advantages of using a VPN for LG Smart TV
A world-class VPN for LG can be used on multiple devices simultaneously. Thus, subscribing to one of our recommended VPNs will not only unblock streaming services on your Smart TV but also on any other devices you might have – like an Android tablet, smartphone, iOS device, or laptop.
Once you’ve installed your VPN, you’ll be able to enjoy the internet without restrictions whilst staying totally secure! You’ll also be able to access geo-restricted services from back home whilst on vacation, or check out content from overseas from the comfort of your own couch!
Can I get a free VPN for my LG Smart TV?
We all like free stuff, and free VPN services might initially sound like a great idea – but these “free” services come with heaps of restrictions and red flags. Legitimate free services typically only exist to tempt you into purchasing a premium VPN subscription. They do this by limiting your monthly data, the number of available servers, and even your speeds. On the plus side, they at least offer the same security as their paid-for counterparts.
This, however, can’t be said for ad-based free VPNs. These often have logging policies that allow them to collect and sell user data. The worst of them provide no encryption or ask for excessive permissions that can be exploited by criminals. This is the exact opposite of what a VPN should do – and why we recommend steering well clear of supposedly “free” VPN services.
If you’re determined to check out a VPN for free, there are some reputable options out there. However, none of these are good for accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms, and would be too slow even if they weren’t blocked. For these reasons, we’d strongly suggest sticking to our vetted list of providers.
What streaming services work with a VPN for LG Smart TV?
When you connect to a VPN server, you get a valid IP address in the location that you picked from the list of options. This allows you to pretend to be in a different country.
As a result, you can use a VPN to access a huge number of streaming services from around the world. Some people use a VPN to access American services such as Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN, and NBC Peacock. Other people connect to a UK server to watch BBC iPlayer.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter where you are from or where you are going. You should be able to connect to a VPN server back home to watch your usual streaming services, even if you are living abroad – or traveling abroad temporarily.
The only caveat is that some VPNs are much better for streaming than others. Some VPNs will provide access to nearly all streaming services. Other VPNs have very few servers that have already been blocked by the vast majority of streaming providers. Note that only a select few VPNs are able to access the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
In this guide, we have recommended LG TV VPNs that have large server networks located in upward of 50 countries. This lets you get an IP address almost anywhere in the world. Best of all, these VPNs work hard to keep providing fresh IPs that are optimized for streaming.
As a result, they should work with most streaming services around the world. Of course, it is possible that a VPN will not work with some streaming services, which is why it is still recommended that you try the VPN with your specific streaming services. You can do this by making use of the VPN’s money-back guarantee.
How to install a VPN on an LG Smart TV
There are several ways to use a VPN service with your Smart TV – and it largely comes down to which operating system your TV uses. We’ve explained the process below, breaking it down into steps you can follow to get your VPN set up on your Smart TV in no time.
How to set up an LG TV VPN with Android
Getting your VPN up and running with your LG TV is a breeze if you have access to the Google Play Store! Simply run through the following steps:
- Pick out a VPN provider. We’ve highlighted five of the best services for LG Smart TVs in this guide, and our top recommendation is [[post-object type=”gotolink” provider=”expressvpn”]]ExpressVPN[[/post-object]]. It’s quick, has servers where you need them, and unblocks virtually any streaming service you can think of.
- Subscribe to the VPN of your choice.
- Install the VPN software on your TV by downloading the app from the Google Play Store. Once that’s done, log in using your credentials.
- Now you’ll need to connect to a VPN server. Pick a US server if you’re interested in unblocking US-only content, and remember to connect to the server that’s as close to your actual location as possible (eg. UK users should pick a server on the US east coast). This will improve your speeds and ensure your streams stay smooth!
- You’re finished and ready to stream! Enjoy browsing international content via your LG TV.
How to install an LG Smart TV VPN on your router
Android-based smart TVs are available from Sony, Panasonic, Hisense, Xiaomi, TCL, Skyworth, Philips, and, of course, LG. However, there are many smart TVs that aren’t Android-based and are therefore unable to run VPN software. If this is the case with your TV, don’t despair – it’s still possible to connect your VPN to your LG TV by using a VPN-enabled router.
You may need a new router to do this, however. The router given to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) typically won’t support VPNs.
VPN routers can be pricey, but you can save some money by loading a VPN service onto your device yourself.The easiest way to do this is by subscribing to [[post-object type=”gotolink” provider=”expressvpn” tag=”lg”]]ExpressVPN[[/post-object]], which is the only provider that has its own router app. This replaces the exisitng firmware on your router with ExpressVPN’s own firmware. You can see how easy it is to install by checking out these guides to using the firmware with Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers.
Alternatively, you can try flashing your router with publicly available firmware such as DD-WRT or Tomato. This requires some technicaly know-how. Be aware that loading a VPN incorrectly can brick your shiny new router and turn it into an expensive paperweight.
So, make sure you’re confident and know what you’re doing before you attempt to flash your router with the correct firmware!
If you’d rather avoid the hassle and cut out the risk, you can always purchase a preloaded VPN router from [[post-object type=”gotolink” provider=”flashrouters” tag=”lg”]]FlashRouters[[/post-object]].
Then, follow these steps to get your VPN router set up with your LG Smart TV:
- Get your VPN pre-installed on a router. When a VPN is installed on a specially flashed (DD-WRT or Tomato) router, all the devices attached to that router are automatically protected by the VPN. This is much more convenient and means that all the devices in your home – including your LG smart TV – will appear to be located overseas.
- If a pre-flashed router is out of your price range, you can simply attach your smart TV to your PC or laptop and share its VPN connection. Doing so is simple – all you need is a speedy and reliable VPN provider, your PC connected to the internet via wi-fi or Ethernet (adapter needed for Mac) and your smart TV attached to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
How to share a VPN connection with your LG smart TV on Windows
- Make sure your PC or laptop is connected to your VPN service.
- Connect your smart TV to your laptop or PC with an Ethernet cable.
- Open Network and Sharing Center on your PC (Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center) and click on ‘Change adapter settings.’
- Locate your VPN connection. OpenVPN connections aren’t always labeled well, so look for one called ‘TAP-Win32 Adaptor V9‘ (or similar). Right-click on it and choose ‘Properties‘ on the drop-down menu.
- Click on the ‘Sharing‘ tab and select the ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection‘ box. Next, select ‘Local Area Connection‘ from the menu (if your computer has more than one Ethernet port, please select the one your smart TV is connected to) and click ‘OK.’
- Finally, restart your smart TV and your computer.
For setting up a shared connection on a Mac, please take a look at our guide on how to set up a VPN on a smart TV.
How we pick VPNs for LG Smart TVs — VPN testing methodology
Choosing a VPN can lead to a lot of confusion for consumers. This is particularly true if you’re new to the world of VPNs and don’t know what to look for. Many VPNs use aggressive marketing techniques to attract customers, which can leave LG Smart TV owners unable to sort the wheat from the chaff.
At ProPrivacy, we understand how easy it is to wind up with an inferior VPN service. To help consumers out, we have developed a watertight VPN testing methodology. This precise review process allows us to compare VPNs directly to ascertain which service is better than another. All the lists we compile on our website have been through this strict VPN testing method.
As part of those tests, we check the VPN’s server speeds, test VPNs to bypass censorship and check that they can get around international geo-restrictions. We also look under the hood to be sure that the VPN provides the online security and privacy you need on your LG device.
Below, we have included some of the specific features we looked for when recommending VPNs for LG Smart TV owners:
- A reliable Android VPN client you can install and use on an LG Smart TV.
- Fast VPN protocols and Tier 1 servers that are good for streaming in HD.
- A large global server network that is good for bypassing censorship or regional restrictions.
- The ability to access popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney Plus.
- A no-logs policy that ensures the VPN never retains information about what users did while connected to the VPN.
- Plenty of advanced privacy and security features, including a kill switch, malware filtering, and ad blocking.
Final thoughts
There are a handful of superb LG TV VPNs out there, and we’ve highlighted them in this guide. They each pack superb speeds and an international spread of servers, allowing you to check out content from pretty much any streaming service you can think of – all from the comfort of your couch! If your LG smart TV is Android-based, then these VPNs all take a matter of minutes to set up.
Whilst installing a VPN on a non-Android-based smart TV can be tricky, you can make your life easier by subscribing to ExpressVPN and using its custom firmware, or investing in a VPN-enabled router. Doing so not only allows you to use the VPN with your smart TV, but will secure each and every device you connect to the router, ensuring your browsing sessions remain private.
Need a final reminder of the best VPNs for LG Smart TVs?
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FAQs
Below you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about using a VPN for LG Smart TV. If you have any other queries, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message in the form below the article.
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I watch Netflix on my LG Smart TV with a VPN?” answer=”Yes. Although Netflix has now blocked many VPNs, there are still a few services that can provide access to Netflix US and various other catalogs. That means you will be able to log in and watch your Netflix account on vacation – or use a VPN to access the larger US Netflix catalog from abroad.
The important thing to remember is that not all VPNs currently provide access to Netflix. And not all VPNs provide access to numerous Netflix regions. This means you must choose your VPN carefully. That said, there are some VPNs that provide access to between a dozen and two-dozen Netflix regions. If you want to watch Netflix with your VPN on an LG Smart TV, we recommend you check the summaries in this guide carefully. You can also cross-reference your favorite LG TV VPN against our list of the best VPNs for Netflix. That way, you can be sure that your chosen VPN is also a good option for Netflix.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Do all VPNs work with an LG Smart TV?” answer=”No. Not all VPNs are directly compatible with LG Smart TVs (and other smart TVs). That means that you should stick to our recommendations to get the best experience. It is worth noting, however, that it is possible to set up most Windows and Mac computers as a wifi hotspot these days. That means you can connect to a VPN on your Windows or Mac computer and then share that VPN connection with any other device (including an LG Smart TV) using the virtual hotspot.
Using the method above should allow you to share the VPN connection from any VPN with an LG Smart TV. However, you will still get the best experience with your LG TV if you stick to our recommended VPNs because these are faster, more reliable, more secure, and provide access to more popular streaming services.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Will a VPN slow down my LG Smart TV streaming?” answer=”Yes, due to complex encryption and traffic redirecting processes, you can expect some internet slowdowns when using a VPN compared to when you don’t. This is why it’s important to pick a fast VPN to avoid large speed fluctuations when streaming content on your LG Smart TV. Top-tier VPNs, like <a href=’/vpn/review/expressvpn’>ExpressVPN</a> and <a href=’//vpn/review/nordvpn’>NordVPN</a>, will help you securely bypass geo-restrictions while making the change in speeds almost unnoticeable. Free VPNs, on the other hand, usually offer the worst performance both security and speed-wise and are to be avoided.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”What is better for LG Smart TV, a VPN or smart DNS?” answer=”Usually, a VPN is a better all-around solution for your LG Smart TV than a smart DNS. Both these services enable you to bypass geo-restrictions. However, VPNs go the extra mile by encrypting your traffic, hiding your IP address, and offering plenty of customizations for your streaming experience.
That being said, what’s best for one type of smart TV may not be the best option for another one. Samsung smart TVs, for example, don’t support VPN apps. You can only use them with the help of a VPN router, so smart DNS may be a better option here. Keep in mind as well that some of the industry-leading <a href=’/vpn/comparison/smart-dns-services’>VPNs now come with a smart DNS functionality</a>, so maybe you don’t have to choose between these two. Instead, you can make the best use of both.” /]]