How to unblock and watch Kanopy in 2024

Many streaming services become region-locked when you travel overseas, and Kanopy is no exception. It’s offered in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s available through select libraries, and you need to be a member of a participating library to sign up. The trouble is that, due to licensing restrictions, Kanopy isn’t available in most countries. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you unblock and watch it from anywhere.

When you use a VPN service, your internet traffic is encrypted and sent through a secure tunnel to a server in your preferred location. You’re assigned a temporary IP address (while your real IP address is hidden), making it look like you’re browsing from a different location. Although many people use VPNs for the level of security and anonymity they provide, they’re also a popular choice for bypassing geographic restrictions on content such as Kanopy.

This guide will explain how to unblock and watch Kanopy from anywhere. We will also explain which VPNs are the best for doing so. Here’s a quick overview of our favorites:

Best VPNs for unblocking and watching Kanopy:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Kanopy. Particularly fast and operates servers in 111 countries. No-logs VPN with specialty servers and 24/7 support. Connect 10 devices at once. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Kanopy.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Works with Kanopy and 30+ Netflix libraries. Servers in 100 countries. Unlimited simultaneous connections and a wealth of extra features.
3. IPVanish: Over 1,400 North American servers for use with Kanopy and Netflix US. Good speeds and strong security thanks to encryption and leak protection. Zero-logs policy.
4. ExpressVPN: Highly reliable unblocker of streaming services. Servers cover 105 countries. Unlimited bandwidth and excellent 24/7 support. Offers a password manager.
5. CyberGhost: Over 10,000 servers. High-speed connections for streaming Kanopy. Use it on 7 devices at once. No-logs VPN with an ad blocker and even a Windows antivirus.
6. PrivateVPN: Securely access Kanopy, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and more. Unlimited bandwidth. Includes free remote help and installation and a genuine no-logs policy.
7. Proton VPN: 6,000 servers globally and particularly fast speeds for streaming. Highly secure and has a strict no-logs policy. Quality support and option to pay anonymously.

How to unblock and watch Kanopy with a VPN

It couldn’t be easier to unblock and watch Kanopy. Although a VPN may sound a little technical, it’s straightforward to set up. In fact, you only need to follow the step-by-step instructions below to get streaming.

Here’s how to use a VPN to unblock and watch Kanopy from anywhere:

1. Sign up with a VPN that works with Kanopy. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device.
3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in the country in which you signed up for Kanopy.
4. Go to Kanopy and select your preferred TV show or movie to stream. It should now play without restriction.
5. If content is still blocked, clear your browser’s cookies. You may need to try more than one server. If this fails, your VPN’s customer support can provide further assistance.

Our criteria for the best Kanopy VPNs

Although there are many more VPNs than those we’ve listed in this post, not all of them are suitable for use with Kanopy. Indeed, we only selected those VPNs that fulfill the following criteria:

• Servers worldwide (including in countries in which Kanopy is available)
• Fast, unthrottled connections so you can stream Kanopy lag-free
• Strong encryption and leak protection to keep your data secure
• No-logs policy that ensures your privacy is protected at all times
• Knowledgeable live chat and email support
• Allows multiple simultaneous connections

Best VPNs to unblock and watch Kanopy

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to unblock and watch Kanopy:

1. NordVPN

Sep 2024 Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

NordVPN rarely struggles with streaming services thanks to a very large server network and tens of thousands of IP addresses. You’ll find some 6,000 servers in 111 countries, including all of the countries in which Kanopy is available for streaming. NordVPN makes light work of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Stan, and more. It’s also among the very fastest VPNs for streaming thanks to its high-speed proprietary protocol (NordLynx) and unlimited bandwidth.

Unlike most VPNs, NordVPN provides various specialty servers, including those optimized for P2P file-sharing. A no-logs provider, it uses military-grade encryption to secure your data from cybercriminals. Further security includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and even an ad blocker and password manager. NordVPN lets you secure up to 10 devices at the same time, and if you have any questions, 24/7 support is available via live chat and email.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Another option is its VPN browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With manual configuration, you can use NordVPN with select wifi routers.

BEST VPN FOR KANOPY:NordVPN easily unblocks Kanopy and the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer. 6,000+ servers in 111 countries. It’s very fast and has various specialty servers including P2P and Double VPN. Extras include a password manager and ad blocker. Try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

Surfshark can unblock Kanopy but also stands out for working with more than 30 Netflix libraries. Aside from providing very consistent unblocking, it has a generous server network. This is made up of well over 3,000 servers in 100 countries. You should, therefore, always be able to find a fast server close to your location. The main reason to choose Surfshark, however, is arguably its server speeds. The fastest VPN we’ve tested, it’s highly suitable for streaming.

If you have many devices to secure or you want to share your VPN with family, know that Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Security-wise, you’ll receive high-end encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20), DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. For an extra layer of encryption, you can connect to one of Surfshark’s MultiHop servers, which route your data via two locations. This VPN doesn’t keep logs by which you can be identified.

To use Surfshark, download an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. Alternatively, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are available. If you don’t mind manual configuration, you can set up Surfshark with your wireless router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark combines highly impressive speeds, powerful unblocking, and a large server network. With so many extra features including an ad blocker and MultiHop servers, it offers great value for money. Unlimited connections. Include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

IPVanish has a particularly large number of servers in North America (1,400+), so it can be used not only with Kanopy but also with Netflix US, HBO Max, and Hulu. Overall, servers are available in several dozen countries. Your streaming will be free from issues such as lag and buffering because IPVanish offers very good server speeds and doesn’t engage in bandwidth throttling. It’s possible to see server load and ping in the apps, helping identify the best available server.

One particular advantage of IPVanish is that it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect at once. All connected devices have their data routed through a 256-bit encrypted tunnel, and you’re also protected from DNS leaks. A kill switch cuts internet traffic should the VPN connection drop. IPVanish blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. A zero-logs VPN, IPVanish has 24-hour support via live chat and email.

To connect to IPVanish, download and install a VPN for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. It doesn’t offer Linux or router apps but provides manual setup instructions for both.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has no simultaneous connection limit and is plenty fast enough for streaming Kanopy. Offers over 1,400 servers in the US and Canada. Zero-logs policy and an ad blocker. Also provides an Apple TV app. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

ExpressVPN has proven to be a highly reliable VPN service over the years, consistently working with popular streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Kanopy doesn’t pose a problem either, and unlimited bandwidth means you’ll be able to stream as much as you like without interruptions. ExpressVPN’s server network (over 3,000 servers) is spread across 105 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

It’s unlikely you’ll have trouble using ExpressVPN, thanks to its beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps. Despite this, it provides excellent 24/7 customer support which, compared to most VPNs, is particularly fast to reply to emails. This is one of the most secure VPNs you can use thanks to its use of 256-bit AES encryption and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. As part of your subscription, you’ll also have access to ExpressVPN’s password manager.

Connect up to eight devices simultaneously with the ExpressVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. If you only want to secure your browser traffic, Chrome and Firefox extensions are available. ExpressVPN also has custom router firmware.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is ideal for secure browsing and seamless streaming. Works well with Kanopy, Netflix, and more. 3,000+ servers offered in 105 countries. Secure with high-end encryption and has a password manager. 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

CyberGhost has the advantage of having a particularly large server network. This stands at well over 10,000 servers in 100 countries, including all of those in which Kanopy is available. A high number of servers in the US makes CyberGhost a good choice for the likes of Netflix US and Hulu. CyberGhost consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs around, averaging 226 Mbps in our latest speed tests.

Thanks to CyberGhost’s many security features, you can stream with security. These include 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. You can also find an ad and tracker blocker and an antivirus for Windows. CyberGhost lets users connect up to seven devices at once and has 24/7 support, which provides quick and helpful replies to queries, regardless of complexity. Finally, it operates a strict no-logs policy.

CyberGhost provides Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps. Browser extensions can also be found for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required to use CyberGhost with VPN-compatible routers.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:CyberGhost has a vast server network, is particularly fast for streaming, and works with Kanopy, Netflix US, and more. Quality customer support available 24/7. No-logs VPN with plenty of extra security features. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

PrivateVPN is one of the better unblocking VPNs around and can be used to access not only Kanopy but Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. Although it only offers a little over 200 servers, they’re spread across roughly 60 countries. Server performance suggests that there’s more than enough servers to go around relative to the number of users. Speed-wise, it’s highly consistent and certainly more than capable when it comes to streaming.

This VPN is unique in providing free remote help and installation should you need help getting set up. Although live chat isn’t offered 24/7, customer support is of high quality. You can expect strong security with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It’s also one of very few VPNs with a true no-logs policy (it doesn’t even keep connection logs). If you’ve got multiple devices to secure, know that PrivateVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections.

PrivateVPN’s apps are beginner-friendly and available for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. With manual configuration, you can use this VPN with Linux as well as compatible wireless routers.

POWERFUL UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN is one of the best bets for bypassing content blocks. Servers in 60 countries and unlimited bandwidth for streaming Kanopy. Free remote help and a genuine no-logs policy which protects your privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Proton VPN

Works with KanopyTested Sep 2024

Proton VPN is known for its strong stance on privacy but has made huge strides in terms of its unblocking as well as its server speeds. This places it among the best VPNs for streaming. It provides comfortably more than 6,000 servers which are spread across 100 countries at the time of writing. You can use Proton VPN with Kanopy as well as international streaming platforms such as ITVX, Netflix, and Stan. You can expect high-speed servers too.

Like any quality VPN service, Proton ensures your security within 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. You also have the option of connecting to a Secure Core server for an extra layer of encryption. Further features include an ad and tracker blocker and even split tunneling (lets you choose which websites and apps are protected). Proton VPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited and its support is among the best around.

Connect up to 10 devices at the same time via the Proton VPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox (but only secure browser traffic) and manual setup lets you use this VPN with a wifi router.

SPEED AND SECURITY:Proton VPN works with many streaming platforms including Kanopy. Seamless streaming and servers in 100 countries. Extensive range of features including Secure Core servers and split tunneling. Strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

Finding the best VPNs for Kanopy: our VPN testing methodology

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a VPN. Although the ability to unblock Kanopy is at the top of this list of priorities in this case, we don’t want to ignore server speed or security, for example. We have a set of key criteria that we look for in a VPN which helps us separate the best VPNs from the rest of the pack. Below is some of what we’re looking for:

• Servers worldwide: Kanopy is available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand so we look for VPNs with servers in these countries as a starting point. However, all of the VPNs chosen have servers in dozens of countries, allowing you to bypass a wide range of content restrictions whether at home or traveling abroad.
• Speed: Of course, you’ll want a VPN with speeds fast enough for streaming. If you don’t have this, you’ll likely suffer a great deal of lag and buffering. Streams will likely be lower resolution as well. We carry out regular speed tests to find the fastest VPNs. This often means VPNs that use the WireGuard protocol and that have plenty of low load servers.
• Bypass blocks: Although streaming platforms such as Kanopy often become geo-blocked when you travel overseas, restrictions can extend to news sites and even online banking platforms. If you want to be able to browse (and stream) as normal, you need one of the above VPNs – all of which are among the best for unblocking.
• Security: We’ll only recommend VPNs that offer, at a minimum, military-grade encryption, protection from leaks, and a kill switch. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have more than this, be it an ad blocker, antivirus protection, a password manager, or Double VPN servers. Many of these features are included with the servers covered in this post.
• Privacy: What many people don’t realize when they use a VPN is that it may be keeping logs of their activities (such as the websites they visit and searches they make). This is particularly common with free VPNs who sell this data to third parties. To find VPNs that respect your privacy, we looked at 120+ VPN logging policies.
• Ease of use: Ideally, we want VPNs that make it quick and easy to connect to a server or to configure the various settings. Having user-friendly apps can go a long way, as does having access to live chat and email support (available 24 hours a day in most cases). That way you can quickly get streaming Kanopy.
• Value for money: VPN subscription prices vary wildly. What may surprise you is that despite the VPNs in this post offering all of the above, they’re highly affordable. You can get a particularly good deal by taking advantage of the discount coupons included. The money-back guarantees let you try the VPNs risk-free too.

To learn more about our process for analyzing VPN providers, check out our VPN testing methodology post.

Watch Kanopy: FAQs