5 Best VPNs for LG Smart TV in 2024 (& Installation Guide)

LG smart TVs don’t offer native VPN support, but you can still use a VPN on them with a few simple tricks. However, it can be challenging to find a VPN that works reliably with webOS devices, let alone one that also offers everything you need to stream in the best possible quality.

I tested over 30 different VPNs to find the ones that can be used on an LG smart TV and only found a handful. I narrowed down the list to only those that offer fast speeds and work reliably with streaming platforms.

My favorite of these is ExpressVPN. It’s the only VPN of the ones I tested that offers a dedicated router app, which makes it very easy to set it up and protect your LG smart TV or any other device on your network. Plus, it has consistently fast speeds and a Smart DNS service (MediaStreamer) for an alternative setup. You can try it out risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN for LG TV >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for LG Smart TV in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for LG Smart TVs — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — The Most Reliable and Convenient VPN for LG TV

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN for LG smart TVs, thanks to its regularly rotating IP addresses. Streaming services regularly block VPN-related IP addresses, but ExpressVPN can safely access most of them without issues. My testing team confirmed they didn’t come across a server that wasn’t working, and they were able to watch Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and more on the LG TV interruption-free.

It didn’t disappoint during speed testing, as well. ExpressVPN gave me just a minimal 5% drop on nearby UK servers, so there was virtually no difference in my speeds with and without the VPN connected. Our international testing team reported similar results across the board. This meant that my colleague could binge-watch Netflix US in UHD as each episode loaded almost instantly.

My colleague never experienced any issues with buffering or quality drops either

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs with a dedicated router app and firmware, so it’s very easy to set it up and use on your LG TV. Installing it on your router will allow you to protect any device connected to your home network, including your LG smart TV. ExpressVPN’s official site contains detailed instructions on how to do this based on your router model, so setup doesn’t take more than 10–15 minutes.

It may be more expensive than other VPNs, but its fast speeds and unmatched performance make it worth the price. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Getting a refund is quick and easy through its 24/7 live chat. I tested this to check its legitimacy and got my money back in 3 business days with no questions asked.

Useful Features

• Aircove router. This is ExpressVPN’s router that comes pre-loaded with the firmware you need to protect all of the devices on your network. It’s ready to use straight out of the box, so you can protect your LG TV without having to dive into your router’s settings, making it ideal if you’re new to VPNs.
• MediaStreamer. This is ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS service that comes for free with all subscription plans. It doesn't encrypt your data, but it lets you stream in great quality on devices that don’t support VPN apps (like your LG TV) by changing the DNS settings. It offers DNS addresses in the US and the UK.
• Shortcuts. ExpressVPN lets you save shortcuts to your favorite websites and services. They appear on the main screen of its app, and once you click on a shortcut, you’re automatically turning on the VPN while launching your desired website.
• Threat Manager. This stops the streaming services you use on your LG Smart TV from communicating with third parties that track your activity, so it’s great for privacy. Unfortunately, it’s not available on its standard router firmware — you’ll need to use the Aircove router or set up a hotspot on a device that can use the VPN app.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Lag-Free Streaming on LG TV

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost takes the guesswork out of finding the best server for streaming on your LG TV with its streaming-optimized connections. You’ll need to set up a hotspot to use them on your TV, as they’re only available in the Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps. But once you’ve done that, it’s super easy to find these servers in a separate For streaming tab.

There are dedicated streaming servers in 20+ locations worldwide

If you’d rather use CyberGhost on your router, don’t worry — you’ll still be able to stream on your LG TV. During my tests from the UK, I could watch BBC iPlayer in UHD lag-free on my LG TV via a regular UK server. The only difference I noticed was that the streaming-optimized servers were a small fraction faster than the regular ones (I lost 7% and 8% from my base speeds, respectively).

CyberGhost has a Smart DNS service that you can use to stream on your LG smart TV and other devices that don’t support VPNs. It even has specific Smart DNS configurations for Netflix US and UK and Hulu US. There are also German, Japanese, and Dutch DNS configurations, but these are not optimized specifically for streaming. CyberGhost makes it possible to watch many popular streaming platforms in HD from anywhere.

A small drawback is that CyberGhost’s monthly plan is relatively expensive and includes only a 14-day money-back guarantee. That said, you can get excellent value with long-term plans, as they come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Smart rules. You can set up specific rules to control how the VPN app behaves. For instance, you can configure it to automatically connect to a specific server upon launching. That’s a couple fewer clicks you need to do before you can get back to your binge-watching session!
• Distance displayed. Next to each server, you can see exactly how far away it is from your current location, which makes it easy to find the ones that offer the fastest speeds for streaming on your LG TV.
• Router set-up guides. While you’ll have to install the VPN on a router manually to use it on your LG TV, CyberGhost offers comprehensive guides for all compatible models to help you get set up. Each guide has a ton of screenshots to illustrate which settings you need to change, so you’re never left to figure things out on your own.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Server Network to Reliably Access Sites From Anywhere on LG TV

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has a massive server network, making it possible to watch streaming sites from anywhere without interruptions. You’ll also be able to watch your favorite shows on your LG smart TV without issues like server overcrowding. Although there aren’t as many as CyberGhost, PIA also has streaming-optimized servers that work with major streaming platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix US. Our international testing team confirmed that.

The platform loaded in just a few seconds, and the video quality remained excellent

During tests, PIA offered excellent, stable speeds. Speeds never dropped more than 10% on nearby UK servers. My colleague in the US only lost 9% of their base speeds, despite connecting to a server on the East Coast from Florida. This let them watch The Bachelorette on Hulu with no buffering.

The only thing I didn’t like is that PIA’s router setup is more complicated than with other providers. It requires you to flash (or reconfigure) your router with custom firmware before you can install it, so installation is a lot more complicated compared to ExpressVPN. However, it does offer setup guides to help once you’ve flashed your router.

PIA is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try everything it offers completely risk-free.

Useful Features

• Customizable encryption. PIA lets you choose between two levels of encryption with the OpenVPN protocol. For streaming, I suggest using AES 128-bit encryption, as it offers better speeds while also being very secure. You’ll only be able to do this if you’ve set up PIA on another device as a hotspot for your LG TV, though.
• MACE. PIA has a powerful ad blocker that will help you avoid pop-up ads, malware, and trackers while streaming and browsing with its apps. During my tests, I noticed far fewer targeted ads on my LG TV home screen while using MACE via a hotspot set up on my Windows PC.

4. NordVPN — NordLynx Offers Fast Speeds for Streaming on LG Smart TVs

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s fast speeds make it an excellent option for streaming on any device, including LG TVs. This is thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, which is designed for fast speeds and security. NordVPN reduced my speeds by no more than 8% on nearby UK servers from within the country, which was barely noticeable.

Disney+ launched instantly, and the picture quality was great while watching Moana

You can use NordVPN on your LG TV with its Smart DNS service, but it only has US servers. This means it’s not necessary to install the VPN on a router or set up a hotspot to access Hulu, Peacock TV, or Netflix US and watch in HD on an LG TV. My testing team used this to watch Manifest on Netflix US lag-free during their tests.

My main issue is that NordVPN’s server connection times are sometimes too slow. For instance, the VPN app got stuck a few times when connecting to local servers in the UK, so I had to force-quit it and try again. This won’t affect you much, though — once a connection is established, NordVPN’s app is quite reliable and smooth.

NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without any financial risk. If you don’t like it, it’s easy to get a refund.

Useful Features

• SmartPlay. NordVPN works well with most streaming services that you watch on your LG TV, thanks to its SmartPlay technology, which combines a Smart DNS service with a VPN.
• Intuitive map interface. All the countries where NordVPN offers servers are marked with a dot, and you can connect to a server with a single click. This only works with the main NordVPN apps, though. If you’re using NordVPN on your router, you’ll have to dive into your device’s settings to change servers.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Device Connections for Uninterrupted Streaming on LG TV

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark allows you to use an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Every member of your household can use any VPN server they like on their devices without adjusting the hotspot setup you’re using with your LG TV. During my tests, I didn’t have significant speed drops on my Windows PC hotspot, even when I was streaming on 7 other devices.

My roommates and I could all watch our favorite local TV without fighting over the “remote”

Surfshark uses 10 Gbps servers that are optimized for speeds, so you won’t have to deal with issues like overcrowding and lagging while streaming on your LG TV. During tests on local UK servers from within the country, I never lost more than 12% of my base speeds, so I always had enough to stream local platforms like BBC iPlayer in HD or UHD.

The biggest issue I found was that I couldn’t get Surfshark to work with Amazon Prime Video in the UK. My testing team couldn’t get Hulu to work at first, but they were able to resolve the issue with the help of a support agent. However, with ample worldwide servers, Surfshark can securely access content from many Netflix libraries.

You can try Surfshark for free with its 30 money-back guarantee — just ask for a refund through its 24/7 live chat if it doesn’t work for you.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IP addresses. For a small monthly fee, you can get a dedicated IP address that only you can use. This can give you more reliable speeds for streaming on your LG TV because you’re not sharing server space with thousands of other users.
• IP rotator. You can set Surfshark to regularly change the IP address you’re using without changing your server location, which is a handy privacy feature for streaming. Some platforms may assign your activity to your IP address, so this prevents them from profiling and building a comprehensive data profile about you.

Quick Comparison Table: LG Smart TV VPN Features

The table below offers a quick overview of the best LG TV VPN features. You can compare key features like their monthly prices, speed performance, and whether they offer a Smart DNS service or not.

A Smart DNS service is often the easiest way to use a VPN on your LG smart TV, so this is one of the most important features to consider. However, Smart DNS servers are pretty limited, and they don’t encrypt your connection, so I recommend you consider whether a VPN is compatible with your router too.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for LG Smart TV

While looking for the best VPNs for LG smart TVs, I used several criteria:

• Vast server network. A wide variety of global servers makes it easy to safely access streaming platforms from anywhere.
• Fast speeds. Your VPN won’t be of much use if the movie or show you want to watch is constantly lagging. In general, you need at least 25 Mbps for UHD streaming, and all the VPNs on our list offer way more than that.
• Smart DNS service. A Smart DNS service will let you stream in good quality on your LG TV and other devices that don’t support VPNs, so it’s one of the most important features to consider. Keep in mind that Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your traffic like a regular VPN does, so it’s not as useful for privacy protection, but it is for streaming.
• Router compatibility. If the VPN doesn’t offer Smart DNS, it should at least be compatible with routers. Configuring it on your router will allow you to protect any device connected to your home network, including your smart TV.
• Intuitive apps. Ideally, the VPN should also offer easy-to-use apps for all major platforms, like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This means you can easily carry on watching your favorite shows on the small screen if someone else takes the TV remote. Plus, you can use your PC to create a hotspot that you can share with your LG TV and still be able to secure your connection while streaming on the big screen.
• Reliable customer support. You should look for a VPN that has 24/7 support through live chat, so you can get help at any time you encounter an issue while setting it up on your LG TV. If not, it should at least offer support via email or an online knowledge base.
• Money-back guarantee. I’ve only recommended premium VPNs with a money-back guarantee, which means you can try the VPN for a certain amount of time and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Set Up a VPN on LG Smart TV

Setting up a VPN on your LG smart TV is a little more complicated than with other devices. That’s because webOS (the TV’s operating system) doesn’t natively support VPN apps, unlike computers or smartphones. So, you’ve got three main options — set up a VPN on your router, use a Smart DNS service, or create a hotspot connection.

Router Method

Setting up a VPN on your router will allow you to secure all the devices connected to your home network — including your LG TV.

The easiest way to do this is with a pre-configured VPN router, but if that’s not an option, you can also configure it manually. But be aware that this is a technical process and might damage your router if you do it incorrectly. Most VPNs offer a list of supported routers and firmware on their website, with detailed setup instructions.

Remember that unless your VPN has a dedicated router app, it will be locked to the location that you used during setup. Setting up the VPN on a router is a process that differs in the steps that you need to take depending on your router and chosen VPN. Below is a general guide using ExpressVPN as an example, as it’s the most convenient to set up.

1. Download the VPN’s router firmware. I recommend using ExpressVPN as it offers its custom router firmware and a dedicated router app, so it’s a lot easier to use.
2. Connect the router to the internet.
3. Install the VPN’s firmware on your router.
4. Connect your LG TV to the router running the VPN’s firmware via Wi-Fi. You can also use a LAN cable if that’s easier.
5. Complete the VPN setup on your router. Once setup is complete, make sure to write down the Wi-Fi name and password, as well as the router password.
6. You’re done. You can now connect your LG smart TV to the router using the Wi-Fi login details.

Smart DNS Method

Another way to set up a VPN on your LG TV is with Smart DNS. This service doesn’t encrypt your connection, so it’s only recommended for streaming. It works by replacing the DNS addresses on your LG TV with the VPN’s DNS servers.

Follow these steps to configure Smart DNS on your LG TV:

1. Turn on your LG TV. Then, press Home on the remote.
2. Open the Settings menu. Scroll down and select Network > Wi-Fi connection > Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Turn off IPv6. Click the IPv6 option to disable it.
4. Select Edit. Go to the DNS server field.
5. Enter a new DNS server address. Depending on your VPN, you might have multiple options to choose from. Click Connect.
6. Start streaming.

Windows Hotspot Method

You can also use a VPN on your LG TV by sharing a Wi-Fi connection from your Windows computer. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Get a VPN and connect to a nearby server. You’ll need to connect to a server in your country to stream local licensed platforms — choose a server as close as possible for the best speeds.
2. Open your Windows settings. Select Network and Internet.
3. Open the Mobile Hotspot option.
4. Customize your connection settings. If you want to, you can change your network name and password and choose between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
5. Turn on the hotspot. Connect your LG TV by entering the Wi-Fi details.
6. You can now enjoy your favorite local content on your LG TV.

Mac Hotspot Method

Sharing a Wi-Fi connection from a Mac device works similarly.

1. Download a VPN. Connect to a local server within your country.
2. Open System Preferences. Click Sharing > Internet Sharing.
3. Select between a Wi-Fi and ethernet connection. If you choose an ethernet connection, you’ll need to plug in your TV via an ethernet cable.
4. Click Start. Make sure that Internet Sharing turns green and says On.
5. Start streaming on your LG TV.

FAQs on VPNs for LG Smart TV

Can I use a VPN on any LG device?

Yes, you can. Even though LG smart TVs don’t support VPN apps, you can still use a VPN with your LG TV if it offers a Smart DNS service or is router-compatible. Setting up a VPN on an LG smartphone is much easier. LG smartphones are built on the Android operating system, and most VPNs offer easy-to-use Android apps. All you need to do is download the VPN app from the Google Play Store and install it on your LG smartphone.

Will using a VPN on an LG smart TV slow down my connection speeds?

Yes, it’s normal for a VPN to reduce your speeds by around 5-20%, depending on how far the VPN server is from your location. That said, the best VPNs for LG TV offer fast connection speeds no matter the distance, so you should still be able to stream without interruptions. In general, you need at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K UHD streaming, and all our recommended VPNs are much faster than that.

Can I use a free VPN with my LG smart TV?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Instead, it’s better and safer to use a reputable premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Free VPNs don’t usually offer a Smart DNS service, and they aren’t router-compatible, meaning your options to set them up on your LG TV are quite limited. You can use the PC hotspot method, but be careful, as some free VPN apps come with malware.

The truth is most free VPNs don’t work well with streaming sites, so even if you manage to set up a free VPN on your LG TV, you won’t be able to stream local shows and movies. Plus, most free VPNs come with severe data restrictions and speed limitations, so you’ll likely have to deal with a lot of lagging while streaming.

Worse than that, some free VPNs aren’t safe to use as they log and sell user data for profit. Plus, many of them make their revenue through ads, which makes them too annoying to use.

What if my LG smart TV VPN isn’t working?

If you managed to set up a VPN to your LG TV but still can’t get it to work properly, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips you can try:

• Change the VPN server. There may be a technical issue with your current server, so try reconnecting to see if that fixes the issue.
• Update the VPN app. If you’re using the PC hotspot method with the native VPN app, make sure that you’re using the latest version to avoid any issues.
• Contact your VPN’s support. Most premium VPNs offer 24/7 support through live chat, so you should be able to get assistance at any time. A support representative might help you resolve your issue.

Get the Best VPN for LG Smart TVs

All our recommended VPNs work great with LG TVs — they offer fast speeds, work well with most streaming sites, and can be easily set up on a webOS device, so you won’t go wrong with any of them.

However, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN, as it offers the best combination of features for LG TVs. It has fast and stable connections, and its dedicated router app makes it stand out from the competition. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without any risk.

To summarize, the best VPNs for LG smart TVs are…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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