Not a lot of help if you want to watch content on your smart TV. Or am I missing something obvious?
I own a Linksys WRT3200ACM router flashed with ExpressVPN firmware which enables all devices in our household to elect a VPN connection, or not.
The problem with VPN providers is that they're not all created equal and this is generally reflected in the cost of subscription.
I've been a subscriber to ExpressVPN for at least six years and due to overall reliability during that period decided to purchase the Linksys router about a year ago.
Personally I don't use VPN for Netflix too often but have just tested a film on Netflix only available for streaming in the US (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story) with a Washington DC ExpressVPN server and worked fine, first time. I generally test Netflix every six months or so with random servers dotted about the globe and 99.9% of the time Netflix will work with that particular country's Netflix catalogue. I do this because I prefer to know that ExpressVPN are still on top of their game.
It's also worth noting, for those that are unaware, that there's no way for Netflix, BBC or any other broadcaster to detect a VPN, as such, as they only see IP addresses. What Netflix and BBC can do is group these IP address(es) and detect overuse of any particular address(es) which, on the balance of probabilities, indicates multiple users utilising a VPN server to access content. They'll then block the IP address(es).
What sets the VPN providers apart is their ability to promptly launch new IP address(es) once the previous address(es) are blocked so maintaining reliability of service and this is where the top VPN providers come out on top and that obviously comes at a price.
So, you can take your chance on a cheap subscription with little-known providers and the chances are all will be well for a short period of time but, ultimately, most won't be able to provide a continuous and reliable service for too long.
You really do get what you pay for in the world of VPN.