A VPN can be a useful tool if you want to get around network restrictions or boost your smart TV’s security. You have plenty of free and paid options when it comes to VPNs. While free ones offer an attractive choice if you only have basic requirements (e.g., masking your actual location), should you really choose a free VPN for your smart TV?
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of using a VPN for your smart TV, the pros and cons of using a free VPN, and how CyberGhost VPN compares with most of the free options available.
CyberGhost VPN lets you choose from server locations in 100 countries. Our network is built for speed, so you can stream your favorite shows and movies without buffering. CyberGhost is also quick and easy to install on popular smart TV brands. Try it out risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
The Benefits of Using a VPN with Your Smart TV
From expanding your content options to keeping you secure online, here are several reasons why you should use a VPN with your smart TV:
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✅ Get around network restrictions. If your smart TV is connected to a network that blocks certain types of content (e.g., your college dorm’s Wi-Fi network), a VPN can help you get around the restrictions. When you’re connected, your traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel, preventing firewalls from filtering your traffic. You’ll be able to stream the content you want on your smart TV.
- ✅ Protect your privacy. Since your smart TV is connected to the internet, your data is exposed to third parties who may collect all sorts of information about you, such as your location and your streaming habits. If you don’t like this kind of tracking, then you need a VPN. It encrypts your traffic so advertisers and snoops won’t see your real IP address and online activity.
- ✅ Avoid content-based throttling. If you notice your connection slowing down whenever you start streaming, your ISP might be doing that intentionally. It’s called content-based throttling, which happens when your ISP detects you’re on a streaming app or website. Using a VPN can help stop this. It conceals your online activity so your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing. This way, you can bypass throttling and stream in high quality.
Should You Use a Free VPN with Your Smart TV?
A free VPN can be fine for your smart TV if you only want to mask your real IP address. However, most free VPNs aren’t suited for streaming. Here are a few downsides you may encounter:
- 📺 Small server network. If you plan on using a VPN to change your IP address, you might find that many free VPNs only offer a limited selection of server locations. Some may only let you choose regions instead of specific countries.
- 📺 Limited features. Some free VPNs are pared-down versions of their paid counterparts. That’s why you might encounter limitations on bandwidth, simultaneous connections, and server locations with the free version. VPN providers usually put these limitations in place to push you into buying the full version.
- 📺 Security issues. When you use a VPN, all your traffic is routed through its servers. While this is generally good for concealing your online activity, some free VPNs may collect your browsing data and even sell it to third parties to cover their costs. It’s like the old saying goes… no free lunches.
- 📺 No customer support. If you ever run into issues with your free VPN service, you likely won’t be able to contact customer service to assist you.
CyberGhost VPN vs. Most Free VPNs
If you’re looking for a VPN for your smart TV that offers great connection speeds, excellent security, and easy access to your favorite streaming services, CyberGhost VPN may be the right solution for you. See how it compares with most free VPNs.
| Most Free VPNs | CyberGhost VPN | |
| Fast connection speeds for high-quality streaming | ❌ | ✅ |
| Global server network including 10-Gbps servers in popular locations | ❌ | ✅ |
| Specialized streaming-optimized servers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Unlimited data transfer | ❌ | ✅ |
| Up to 7 simultaneous device connections | ❌ | ✅ |
| User-friendly apps for smart TVs that support VPNs | ❌ | ✅ |
| Router setup for smart TVs that don’t natively support VPNs | ❌ | ✅ |
| 256-bit AES encryption, Kill Switch, and no-logs policy | ❌ | ✅ |
Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for Smart TVs
CyberGhost is the best VPN for your smart TV for several reasons. For one, it has a wide selection of VPN servers across the globe – you can easily find the location you want on the app. All these servers are also built for speed, so you can stream with no buffering.
Our network includes streaming-optimized servers for many major streaming platforms around the world. Our engineers check these servers regularly to ensure that their IP addresses aren’t blocked so you can access your preferred streaming service without issues.
Security? CyberGhost VPN has you covered too. It keeps your connection safe and private with 256-bit AES encryption. We don’t collect, store, or share your browsing data – what you do online is your business alone.
Try out all these features risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ
That depends on your smart TV. Some free VPNs may have smart TV apps, but if you’re using one that doesn’t, you’ll have to figure out a way to configure it on your router. Is having a free VPN on your router a good idea? Probably not. Your entire network could be affected by sluggish speeds or poor security.
Instead, try CyberGhost VPN risk-free – it’s the smartest solution for your smart TV.
No. You need to set up a VPN yourself either by installing an app on your smart TV or configuring it on your router. If you have a Google or Android TV, for example, you can simply get CyberGhost VPN on your device. For smart TVs that don’t natively support VPNs, you need to configure CyberGhost on your router before connecting your smart TV to the network.
We can’t recommend free VPNs for smart TVs. For one, most of them come with a bandwidth limit, which isn’t ideal for streaming. You can easily use up your bandwidth allocation after watching an episode or part of a movie. Many free VPNs also don’t have many server locations, so you won’t be able to choose a VPN server in the country or city you want.
Instead, you can try CyberGhost VPN risk-free. You get unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream securely as much as you want. With VPN servers in 100 countries, you’ll have way more choices.
Well, there’s always a catch. Free VPN providers always need a way to cover their expenses, so you may have to put up with constant ads – or worse, find out your data has been sold to advertisers.
Some paid VPNs do offer forever-free plans, but they usually come with a lot of frustrating limitations. Providers do this to try to get you to upgrade to a paid plan.
Many free VPNs are safe, but some of them have been found to contain trackers for serving ads or analyzing user activity. It can be hard to tell which free VPNs are actually reliable, so it can be better to just buy a VPN. For a low monthly cost, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
In most countries, yes. Keep in mind, though, that some countries restrict or ban the use of VPNs whether they’re free or paid. Because of that, be sure to check local laws on VPN use before downloading and installing one.
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