Watching free streaming content on a big screen transforms the experience. A 55-inch TV is a very different thing from a laptop or phone. But getting free streaming sites to work on a Smart TV requires a different approach than on a computer, because most Smart TVs do not have a full web browser with ad-blocker support.
Option 1: Screen Mirroring or Casting
The simplest approach is to use your laptop or phone as the source and mirror its screen to your TV.
Chromecast
Google Chromecast (or TVs with built-in Chromecast) lets you cast a browser tab from your laptop to your TV. Open the streaming site on your laptop (with uBlock Origin installed), start the video, and cast the tab to your Chromecast. All ad blocking still applies because the content is being processed by your laptop's browser.
AirPlay
Apple users can AirPlay from their Mac, iPhone, or iPad to an Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. The process is similar — play the content on your device and mirror it to the TV.
HDMI Cable
The most reliable option. Connect your laptop directly to your TV with an HDMI cable. Your TV becomes a monitor, and everything works exactly as it does on your laptop, including all browser extensions and ad blockers. No wireless lag, no quality loss.
Option 2: Smart TV Browser
Some Smart TVs have built-in web browsers. Samsung TVs have Samsung Internet, LG TVs have their web browser, and Android TVs have access to various browser apps.
The main limitation is that these browsers typically do not support extensions. Without uBlock Origin, streaming sites are almost unusable because of pop-ups and overlays. If you go this route, combine it with DNS-level ad blocking (see below).
Option 3: Fire TV Stick / Android TV
Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV devices can sideload apps and browsers. You can install a browser like Puffin TV Browser or Amazon Silk Browser, though extension support is limited.
The better approach for these devices is to use DNS-level ad blocking to filter ads at the network level before they reach the device.
DNS-Level Ad Blocking for TV
Since most TV-based browsers cannot run ad blocker extensions, DNS-level blocking is your best protection option. Configure your router's DNS settings to use a filtering service like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS, and every device on your network — including your Smart TV — gets ad blocking.
Our DNS ad blocking guide covers the full setup process. This is a one-time configuration on your router that protects every device.
VPN on Your TV
If you want to use a VPN on your Smart TV, the easiest approach is to configure it on your router. This routes all traffic from every device through the VPN, including your TV. Most VPN providers have router setup guides.
Some Smart TV platforms also support VPN apps directly. Fire TV Stick has VPN apps in its app store, and Android TV devices can install VPN apps from the Google Play Store.
Recommended Setup
For the best Smart TV streaming experience:
- Best option: HDMI from a laptop with uBlock Origin. Maximum quality, full ad blocking.
- Convenient option: Chromecast or AirPlay from a device with ad blocking.
- TV-only option: Built-in browser with DNS-level ad blocking configured on your router.
For more on cutting the cord and moving to free streaming entirely, see The Complete Cord Cutting Guide.