Best VPNs for Kodi in 2024

If you are using Kodi, you should also be using a VPN. Otherwise, you risk having to contend with multiple issues which may have a negative impact on your streaming experience. For example, you’re likely to encounter some geo-restricted content, particularly when traveling abroad. You may also suffer from slow speeds due to bandwidth throttling from your ISP or find that your data is more vulnerable to hackers and snoopers alike. A VPN can help with all these issues.

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, encrypts your internet traffic, securing it from external threats. Another advantage is that by connecting to a server, you receive a different IP address which lets you spoof your location. This allows you to bypass geographic restrictions on your favorite websites and services from anywhere in the world.

In this post, we take a look at the best VPNs for Kodi in 2024 and talk you through how to use them. We go into more details on the VPNs that have made this list below, but if you’re short on time, here’s a summary of our top picks.

Best Kodi VPNs:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Kodi. 5,500+ servers, very fast speeds, and reliable unblocking. No-logs service with P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support available. 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Kodi.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Kodi users. Growing network of 3,200+ servers. Unlimited simultaneous connections. High-speed connections and works with over 30 Netflix libraries.
3. IPVanish: A superfast, no-logs VPN that works exceptionally well with Kodi. Includes a wide range of security tools and can protect all of your devices simultaneously.
4. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries, including the US. Fast, unthrottled speeds for streaming. User-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Strong security.
5. CyberGhost: Over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. No bandwidth throttling. Use it on 7 devices at once. No-logs policy, an ad blocker, and a password manager.
6. PrivateVPN: Very fast for streaming. Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Easy to use apps and protects privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
7. Private Internet Access: Good, consistent speeds coupled with a generous server network. No-logs VPN, unlimited simultaneous connections, works well with Kodi.

The best Kodi VPNs – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Kodi.

Best VPNs for Kodi

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. The VPNs we recommend had to meet the following criteria to be included on our list:

• Kodi add-on compatibility
• Fast, unthrottled speeds for streaming
• Servers covering dozens of countries
• High level of security with encryption
• No-logs policy for online anonymity
• Allows at least five simultaneous connections

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Kodi

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with KodiTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN for Kodi. It offers a network of more than 5,500 servers in 60 countries. Many of those work with streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Netflix. Android users without Google Play can get the APK file directly from the NordVPN website. NordVPN can be manually configured using a range of different protocols.

The company uses 256-bit encryption and adheres to a strict zero-logs policy. Speeds are very fast, and connections are reliable thanks to unlimited bandwidth. The default map interface might not be suitable for users who operate Kodi with a remote control, but you can switch to view the available servers in list form as well.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions can be found for Chrome and Firefox while routers require manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR KODI:NordVPN is our top choice for use with Kodi. It has a generous network of servers, fast speeds, and strong privacy features such as a no-logs policy and the option to pay in Bitcoin. You can even try it risk-free because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with KodiTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a great-value VPN that doesn’t compromise on performance. It offers access to over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries and is fast enough for lag-free HD live streaming. This is ideal since it also works with some of the most stubborn streaming platforms abroad, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Better still, while many other VPNs allow five or six connections at most, Surfshark allows you to connect every device you own simultaneously.

This service uses a list-based country selector, so remote control users shouldn’t have any issues getting connected. It protects your privacy using 256-bit encryption, protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks, and a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, users can pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple for another layer of anonymity. This VPN offers 24/7 live chat, just in case you need it.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions can also be downloaded. This service can even be manually installed on supported internet routers.

Read our full Surfshark review.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that has above-average unblocking capabilities, as well as a strong security focus, and no connection limit. This lets you use Kodi safely, from anywhere, on any device. It also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. IPVanish

works with KodiTested Nov 2024

IPVanish has around 2,000 servers in 60 countries and delivers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. It has also drastically improved its streaming ability recently and now works with many services that troubled it before, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Disney Plus. As if that wasn’t enough, this VPN’s apps are easily navigated with a remote control, and there is no connection limit, either.

When it comes to security, IPVanish has you covered. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection by default, with the option to reconnect automatically, obfuscate OpenVPN traffic, or block LAN traffic outright. More importantly, IPVanish has been audited to prove it keeps no logs. While this is one of the more novice-friendly providers on the market, customer support staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat, just in case.

IPVanish has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It also works with Linux systems and some routers, but you’ll have to manually configure these. 

SECURE STREAMING:IPVanish supports most of the same platforms that Kodi does, provides exceptionally high speeds, and offers plenty of privacy features. Not only that, it has a 24/7 customer support service and a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Check out our full IPVanish review for more details.

4. ExpressVPN

works with KodiTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is a great all-around choice for Kodi users, promising fast speeds and a vast server network covering 94 countries. This is a reliable choice for streaming services, including Netflix and HBO Max. It boasts best-in-class security standards, 256-bit AES encryption, and perfect forward secrecy among them.

A Linux version of the app with a command-line interface is available. A Fire TV-optimized version is available on Amazon’s app store. One downside for users with Android-based Kodi devices is they can’t easily download the APK from the website without first authorizing their account. That means devices that lack Google Play and a traditional web browser will have to sideload the app from a second Android device. ExpressVPN also has a tutorial for getting set up with Nvidia Shield on its website.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Furthermore, custom firmware is available for use with wireless routers.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is fast, secure, and able to securely access a huge range of streaming services. Works well with Kodi. Privacy features are hard to beat. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with KodiTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost categorizes its servers not just by location, but by which video streaming service the user wants to access. This is useful for users who use Kodi to stream from official sources like BBC iPlayer. Unfortunately, the Android version is only available from Google Play. That means devices that run on OpenELEC or a version of Android that doesn’t have Google Play will have to be manually configured to the CyberGhost servers.

On the plus side, CyberGhost is pretty good at unblocking streaming channels, and it’s added a whole slew of servers to its ever-expanding network, which currently numbers over 9,000 in 90+ countries. Speeds are solid, and security is tight with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This no-logs service has even introduced its own password manager, which is currently undergoing beta testing.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, as well as Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. You can also find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, although you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions for use with routers.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is ideal for Kodi users new to VPNs. Comprehensive protection and one-click unblocking are enabled by default. Good speeds for a low-cost option. Works well with Kodi and securely accesses Netflix US. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with kodiTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN is a small provider making a big splash thanks to its ability to securely access pretty much everything you can throw at it, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix. It doesn’t have a huge amount of servers, but those it does have are spread over a good range of countries and offer blazing-fast speeds.

With 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, security is what you would expect from a much larger provider, so you can rest easy knowing your ISP and hackers won’t be able to snoop on your activity. Note that PrivateVPN is a solid choice for online anonymity thanks to its no-logs policy and option to pay in Bitcoin.

Android users can get the APK file directly from PrivateVPN’s website. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, while Linux and routers can be set up manually.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a great choice for streaming. Works well with Kodi. Supports up to ten devices on the same account. Achieves fast connection speeds and works with many popular streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

works with kodiTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access is a solid option for both Android and Linux-based Kodi devices. The Linux version is tested and proven to work on OpenELEC, a popular Linux distro for low-power Kodi devices like Raspberry Pi. The apps are lightweight, and the price is cheap, so this is a good overall choice for Kodi users on a budget. The APK file is available for direct download from the PIA website if your Android device doesn’t have Google Play.

Despite its small footprint, PIA doesn’t compromise on security or performance. Speeds are decent, and you get a decent range of server locations. Encryption standards are adjustable with 256-bit and 128-bit encryption available; the latter might be preferable for lower-end Kodi devices. PIA sticks to a strict no-logs policy.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. This VPN can also be manually configured to work with select compatible routers. PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections per account.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:Private Internet Access has top security and privacy. Generally works well with Kodi and is able to access a good range of streaming content. A large user community offers plenty of support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

How to use a VPN with Kodi

On smartphones, PCs, and streaming devices like Amazon Firesticks, the easiest way to use a VPN with Kodi is to install the VPN provider’s app. To do so, you will need to minimize Kodi and install it on the underlying operating system.

Here’s how to use VPN with Kodi:

1. Download and install the VPN app from your provider’s website (we recommend NordVPN) or an official app store (Apple, Amazon, or Google Play).
2. Open the app and log in with your account credentials
3. Select a server location and hit the Connect button. For example, if you want to unlock American streaming services, you will need a VPN server in the US.
4. Once the VPN connection is established, launch Kodi again and use it as you normally would. All your device’s internet traffic will now be tunneled through the VPN.

How we tested the best Kodi VPNs: Our methodology

Kodi users should consider a number of factors when choosing a VPN. That’s where we come in: we’ve carefully considered the most important things a VPN should offer and used these criteria to filter out unsuitable services until only the best were left:

• Device compatibility. Make sure the VPN you choose supports whatever device you have installed Kodi on. If your device is Android-based, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick, for example, then you’ll have plenty of choices. OpenELEC users, on the other hand, have far fewer options.
• Speed: Fast connections to VPN servers make for smooth, uninterrupted streaming. A slow VPN will cause frequent buffering and long load times. Higher speeds allow better-quality video to be streamed. That’s why we regularly speed-test all the VPNs we recommend.
• Privacy: Strong encryption and a no-logs policy prevent your ISP, government agencies, and hackers from snooping on your connection. A VPN prevents anyone from seeing what and where you’re watching. To find those that best protect your privacy, we analyzed 140 VPN logging policies.
• Ability to unblock region-locked video: Many official video sources are region-locked so that only users from certain countries can watch them. A VPN routes your internet connection through another location, thereby bypassing these restrictions. Some streaming providers have caught onto this tactic and have measures in place to prevent VPN users from watching, but the best VPNs can unblock them, anyway.
• Ease of use: There’s no point in buying a VPN subscription if you can’t figure out how to use it. The VPNs we recommend are fairly easy to use and also come with customer support should you need more help. 24/7 live chat support is ideal but not offered by all providers. This can be really useful for setup and troubleshooting.
• Value for money: VPNs don’t need to cost a fortune. All the providers we recommend are good value for the service they provide, and you can get a better deal by using the coupons in this article. Some of the VPNs on this list have a free trial, and all of them offer money-back guarantees, so you can test them out before making a long-term commitment.

Want to know more? read our detailed article on our VPN testing methodology.

Using APK files from third parties

If your Kodi device runs on Android but doesn’t have Google Play, getting the VPN app you want onto it can be a challenge. The next best option is often downloading the APK file and allowing your device to install apps from unknown sources. However, we caution against downloading APK files from anyone other than the VPN service provider itself.

A bit of Googling will no doubt turn up several third-party APK hosting websites. These are best avoided. Those APKs were not put there by the people who made them, so there’s a substantial risk that the app could have been modified to contain malware. Even if it’s safe, these APKs are often out of date, which means they could be missing key features or contain unpatched security vulnerabilities.

Whenever possible, download APKs directly from the VPN provider’s website. Another option is to “sideload” the app from a second Android device that does have Google Play.

VPN router setup for Kodi on Roku, Chromecast, FireTV, etc

If you’re using Kodi XBMC on a device that doesn’t support VPNs, you can still take advantage of a VPN subscription by setting it up manually on your wifi router. This process differs based on the particular router’s firmware, so we recommend you Google a setup tutorial to learn how. Once set up, all the internet traffic coming and going from the router will travel through the VPN server.

You may need to replace the router’s firmware if the stock version does not support VPN connections. This process is called “flashing”, and it should be done with great care. If you do not flash the new firmware properly or flash the incorrect firmware version for your router model, it can permanently damage, or “brick”, the router. Some of the most popular router firmware that supports VPNs include:

• DD-WRT
• Tomato
• AsusWRT

If you have a PC or Mac laptop available, a safer and easier solution is to install the VPN on that and create a wifi hotspot.  This is called a virtual router, and most modern laptops are capable of creating one.  By connecting to the VPN on your laptop and broadcasting a wifi network from it, you can connect your Kodi device so that all streams go through the VPN. You can find PC instructions on how to create a VPN-enabled virtual router and Mac instructions here. We’ve also got our Fire TV Stick VPN setup instructions for 2nd generation Amazon Fire TV Sticks and later.

Is Kodi legal?

Kodi is a perfectly legal open-source software created by a nonprofit organization. You are fully within your rights to download and install Kodi from the official website and use any of the officially sanctioned add-ons.

It is not illegal to buy or sell devices with Kodi pre-installed, so long as they do not contain third-party add-ons that stream from illegal sources. We recommend the boxes sold by WeTek, which come with a clean install of Kodi without any third-party add-ons and run on the OpenELEC Linux distro.

Kodi users run into legal issues when they extend Kodi’s range of streaming sources using unsanctioned, third-party add-ons or when they buy “Kodi boxes” from third-party retailers that come with these add-ons pre-installed. These sources can include pirated IPTV streams, torrents, and websites hosting content without the copyright owner’s permission.

It might not be completely clear to users which add-ons stream from legal sources and which don’t. This is especially true for pre-configured Kodi boxes. In one case, a UK man was fined £250,000 for selling Kodi devices loaded with several add-ons that streamed content from illegal sources, despite his claim that the boxes were “100 percent legal.”

So how do you stay on the right side of the law?

First off, know that the XBMC Foundation, which created and maintains the Kodi software, is not involved in any way with the sale of Kodi boxes. In fact, Team Kodi has said the boxes commonly sold on eBay and by Youtubers, which come loaded with third-party add-ons, are “killing Kodi”. But because Kodi is open source, XBMC cannot control who installs it on what.

We discourage purchasing any device with Kodi and third-party add-ons pre-installed. Not only could doing so get you in trouble for copyright infringement, but it could also infect your device with malware installed on the system before purchase. If you bought an Amazon Fire Stick or other devices with a “fully loaded” Kodi installation, we recommend a clean wipe of the entire system and starting from scratch.

Secondly, the legality of streaming from third-party sources varies by country. Some might be legal but require you to watch from a specific country or region. Others might exist in a legal grey area. For these reasons, we always recommend checking your local laws and regulations and using a VPN to hide your activity from your ISP and other entities.

Comparitech does not condone or encourage any violation of copyright restrictions, including illegal streaming through Kodi. Kodi can be used for many excellent, legal online streaming purposes. Please consider the law, victims, and risks of piracy before downloading or streaming copyrighted material without permission.

Read more: How safe is Kodi?

Choosing a Kodi box

While you can install and run Kodi on a desktop operating system like Windows or MacOS, most Kodi users prefer to use a separate device to use as a home media center. These are often referred to as Kodi “boxes”, and they come in two main flavors: Android and Linux.

Most of the VPNs listed here make Android apps with downloadable APK files that you can install directly onto your device without the need for Google Play. While not all versions of Android are the same, most should run these VPN apps just fine.

Popular Android-based Kodi boxes include:

• Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
• Nvidia Shield
• Gem Box
• Razer Forge TV
• Matricom G-Box

Many Linux distributions can run Kodi, but the most popular for small, low-powered devices like these is OpenELEC. OpenELEC is a Linux distro tailor-made for Kodi boxes. Some VPNs make Linux apps that might run on OpenELEC, but a more universal option is to configure the VPN manually. OpenELEC Kodi users can even connect to a VPN from within a Kodi add-on like VPN Manager for OpenVPN or OpenVPN for Kodi. Ask your VPN provider for the necessary configuration files to get up and running.

Popular devices that run Kodi with OpenELEC include:

• Wetek Play, Play 2, and Core
• Raspberry Pi
• CuBox-i

There are many more, but beware of devices that are sold with non-stock editions of Kodi. Many vendors will sell pre-configured “piracy boxes” with special builds that come with tons of add-ons already installed. This is especially prevalent among third-party vendors selling Amazon Fire TV sticks with Kodi. While these can seem like a good deal at first because they don’t require you to install Kodi on your own, they often come with malware, botnets, and other nasty stuff that risks your security and internet bandwidth.

If a device doesn’t come with the stock version of Kodi, just install it yourself. You can find a tutorial on how to install Kodi on Fire TV here and how to install a VPN on Fire TV here. These instructions should work similarly for other Android-based devices as well.

VPNs for Kodi FAQ