Find the best VPN for Kodi

Kodi is best enjoyed when used alongside a VPN. Without a VPN, you will have many problems that may ruin your streaming experience. For instance, you will likely encounter many geo-blocked contents, especially when you are not in the country. Also, you are likely to have your ISP snooping into your affairs, throttling your bandwidth and slowing down your connection’s speed. What’s more, your data is more vulnerable to cyber-attack and hacking without a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is like a knight in shining armor. It encrypts your internet connection and secures it from every form of threat. Not just that, it also connects you to a server, where you receive a different IP address. With this, you can spoof your location. This feature is necessary if you wish to bypass geo-restriction and access blocked services and sites.

But with the plethora of VPNs available on the market, selecting the best VPN for Kodi can be an uphill task. Not to worry, though; we have done all the hard work. The VPNs we will review in this article were cherry-picked and tested and found worthy. Let’s dive in and check each of them, shall we?

Here are, the best VPN providers for Kodi:

1.     NordVPN

NordVPN is our best pick for Kodi. The well-rounded VPN is ideal for streaming, torrenting, Amazon Fire devices, and more. The VPN also offers an Android TV app with Smart DNS features for complete support.

NordVPN is arguably one of the fastest VPNs available, thanks to its exclusive NordLynx protocol configurable with the latest version of WireGuard protocol. Also, users can choose from more than 5,400 servers in 60 countries; the best part is that none of these servers are virtual. But before buying, check to see if your preferred add-ons are blocked, and the VPN can unblock them.

All seems right with the VPN in terms of privacy and security. For starters, it is located in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. It also has an independently-audited zero-log policy and uses 256-bit encryption for military-grade security. In addition, NordVPN features a wide range of privacy protection features such as Tor over VPN, split tunneling, obfuscated servers, malware blocker, and lots more.

Lastly, NordVPN is affordable, offering long-term discounts. If dissatisfied with the product, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s also a 24/7 live chat feature should you need some help.

Pros:

• Compatible with Kodi
• Delivers exceptional speed
• Top-tier security features
• Strict no-log policy

Cons:

• Cumbersome desktop app

2.     Surfshark

Surfshark is another excellent option for Kodi. Granted, the VPN is costlier than some of its competitors (it goes for $2.49 per month), and it has unlimited simultaneous connections. With this, you can connect all your devices and share your account with friends and family while still having enough room to accommodate anyone else.

The VPN supports various devices and offers apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and FireStick. It supports router connection and Smart DNS. Thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which the VPN uses, its able to provide fast speed. Besides, over 3,200 Surfshark serves 95 countries that are either RAM-only or physical. This feature improves the performance and security of the VPN.

As for privacy and security, there’s no complaint. The VPN is located in the British Virgin Islands and has a zero-log policy. Also, Surfshark has anonymous payment options for increased security. Besides, the VPN offers leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, an antimalware tool, and other features all to ensure water-tight security.

Surfshark does not have a free version, but you can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee plus 24/7 live chat support.

Pros:

• Limitless connection
• Strong security features
• Unblocks several streaming platforms
• No-logs policy

Cons:

• Slow connection to servers

3.     ExpressVPN

There’s a reason why ExpressVPN is on the lips of everyone. The VPN is great for Kodi users and other streaming services, including HBO Max and Netflix. It boasts of over 3,600 servers scattered across 94 countries. The VPN is secure, providing perfect forward secrecy, kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and many more.

The VPN has a Linux app with a command-line interface. There’s also a Fire TV app available on the Amazon app store. However, Android users will first have to authorize their account before being able to download APK from the website. This is not convenient as devices without a web browser, or Google Play will have to load the app using another android device. Gratefully, there’s a Nvidia Shield setup guide on its website.

ExpressVPN offers apps for Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Linux. There are also browser extensions available for Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Furthermore, the VPN provides firmware that’s useable with wireless routers. Like the others, you get a 30-day money back guarantee and excellent 24/7 live chat support.

Pros:

• Provides excellent security and privacy protection features
• A great all-round VPN for Kodi users
• Works with other streaming sites
• Lightning speed for seamless streaming and downloading

Cons:

• Firestick app design is outdated

4.     IPVanish

IPVanish is an excellent option for Kodi users. It has impressive security features, including a zero-logs policy audited and certified by Leviathan, an independent security firm; the VPN also encrypts data using AES-256 cipher.

There are approximately 2000 servers across 50 locations, and like Surfshark, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. In terms of compatibility, the VPN does excellent. IPVanish is compatible with most operating systems and has dedicated Android TV and Amazon Fire apps.

Also, entertainment lovers will be glad to know that IPVanish can unblock streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube, and more. It also features high-speed WireGuard protocol while providing a bufferless streaming service.

IPVanish is available for as low as $3.99 per month and it allows you to test its capabilities yourself. If unsatisfied, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee you can rely on. The VPN also provides 24/7 live chat support.

Pros:

• Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
• Has a large number of servers
• Provides 24/7 live chat support
• Has Android TV and Amazon Fire apps

Cons:

• Increased price after an annum

5.     PureVPN

Last but certainly not the least is PureVPN, a feature-rich VPN for Kodi. PureVPN has a dedicated Kodi add-on and is easy to use. Besides, the VPN offers ten simultaneous connections; this way, you can use the VPN on all your devices.

PureVPN provides support for more than 20 different operations systems. This is great as it allows you to install it on mobile devices, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, desktops, routers, and mobile devices. Security and privacy-wise, PureVPN is very secure, offering water-tight encryption and other security features.

PureVPN boasts over 6500 servers in more than 78 locations. Beyond this, PureVPN offers excellent speed thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. With the protocol, users can stream content without encountering buffers. It also allows you to unblock streaming services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and even DAZN.

PureVPN is affordable; the VPN offers a 7-days free trial while its paid subscription is as low as $1.99 per month. There’s also a 31-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than most competitors.

Pros:

• Offers WireGuard support
• Has dedicated Kodi add-on
• Low price point
• Vast server selection

Cons:

• Lacks Smart DNS

How To Set Up VPN for Kodi on Various Devices

There’s no one-way guide to using a VPN with Kodi; the method varies and often depends on the device you plan to use. However, the simplest way is to install the VPN app for computers, smartphones, Amazon Firesticks, and other streaming devices. But first, you must minimize Kodi before installing the VPN underneath the device’s operating system.

How to set up VPN for Kodi

• Download and install the preferred VPN app from an app store or the app’s website
• Log in to the VPN and then select a server location
• Upon connecting successfully, relaunch Kodi and then use it as you have always done.
• The VPN now protects your network

Generally, streaming devices such as Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV do not allow VPNs and Kodi to work simultaneously. However, there are ways around this. You will have to use another device as a proxy, download extra software or reach developer options.

For gaming consoles, functionality varies. For instance, while Xbox features a native Kodi app, it does not include a native VPN app. Hence, to use Kodi on Xbox, you must connect to a Wi-Fi or install a VPN on your router.

PlayStation offers neither a VPN app nor Kodi, but you can install the Plex app and stream contents from a VPN-enabled device on your console.

Whatever option you choose, avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a VPN for Kodi

Many people install VPNs for Kodi because they crave online security and anonymity. While many add-ons by third parties let you stream pirated content, doing this is illegal and can land you in trouble. Consider the following factors when deciding on the VPN to opt for:

Privacy and Security

An ideal VPN service should have a kill switch, the latest tunneling protocols, and military-grade encryption. A VPN that enables you to make anonymous payments, has IP and DNS leak protection, and an independently audited zero-logs policy should be considered. You should also select a VPN outside the 5-eyes, 9-eyes, or 14-eyes surveillance countries.

Device Compatibility

Whatever VPN you choose, make sure it works with Kodi. Android-based devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick offer many choices, but devices such as Apple TV, OpenELEC, and Nvidia Shield have limited options.

Speed

Fast server connection makes for smooth, bufferless streaming. For smooth HD streaming, you need 5 Mbps, while 4K streaming requires 25 Mbps. Naturally, VPNs reduce internet speed owing to the encryption and network diversion it provides. Thus, choose a VPN that uses the latest WireGuard protocol or other similar protocols to ensure a fast and smooth connection.

Ease of Unblocking Restricted Sites and Videos

Some videos aren’t accessible by people from certain countries. A VPN does though. It routes your connection to a country acceptable by the country, thus boycotting the restriction. However, many of these sites have countermeasures to prevent VPN users from accessing their content. A great VPN should be able to bypass these restrictions regardless.

Ease of Use

Why subscribe to a VPN service if you don’t know how to use it? An ideal VPN should be easy to install, offer installation guides, and have a money-back guarantee.

Customer Support

You will need help and support at some point, especially if it’s your first time using a VPN. A VPN with 24/7 live chat and other support can be handy for troubleshooting and setup and answering any questions you may have.

FAQ

Which VPN is best for Kodi?

Many great options are available, but the best right now is NordVPN. The VPN meets all the standards required for a Kodi VPN.

How safe is it to use Kodi without a VPN?

Although using Kodi without a VPN is possible, we do not recommend it mainly because it’s not safe. First, your ISP will be able to know when you download copyrighted materials; hackers can also have a field day. A VPN protects you from all these and more. It offers online security and safety.

I want to install Kodi VPN on a Fire Stick. Can I?

Yes, you certainly can. Although not all VPNs have Amazon device apps, many provide a manual configuration guide.

Is there any difference between the Kodi boxes?

To start with, Kodi boxes are Linux or Android-based streaming devices that features an already installed media player. However, note that some of the boxes may contain copyright add-ons. If discovered, promptly delete the illegal contents or install a VPN to protect you from any possible legal action.

Conclusion

VPNs are a must-have if you are keen on online privacy, safety, and anonymity. They are essential for Kodi users as they ensure you remain anonymous and untraceable while you stream and download files, including those that are illegal.

Having reviewed the five best VPNs for Kodi, it’s time to make a decision and begin to enjoy water-tight security, easy access to geo-blocked contents, and a seamless streaming experience.