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. Data is also more vulnerable to hackers and snoopers alike.

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. However, not all VPNs are suitable. In this post, we take a look at the best VPNs for Kodi in 2022.

We go into more details on the VPNs that have made this list below, but if you want to skip ahead to the best VPNs for Kodi, here’s a summary of our top picks.

Best VPNs for Kodi

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for Kodi. 5,000+ servers, very fast speeds, and reliable unblocking. No-logs service with P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support available.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Growing network of 3,000+ servers. Unlimited simultaneous connections. High-speed connections and works with over 30 Netflix libraries.
  • ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries including the US. Fast, unthrottled speeds for streaming. User-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Strong security.
  • CyberGhost: Over 7,000 servers in 90 countries. No bandwidth throttling. Use it on 7 devices at once. No-logs policy, an ad blocker, and password manager.
  • 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.
  • Private Internet Access: Good, consistent speeds coupled with a generous server network. No-logs VPN that allows 10 simultaneous connections.
  • Atlas VPN: Particularly fast server speeds and strong unblocking. Security features include encryption and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

We evaluate VPNs on a number of criteria to give readers a comprehensive and up-to-date impression of what to expect:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t a good fit and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • 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

The best VPNs for Kodi – At a glance

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

Best VPNs for Kodi

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

works with KodiTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers a network of more than 5,000 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.

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.

Pros:

  • Works well with Kodi and unblocks most popular streaming sites
  • Exceptional speeds
  • No logs kept
  • Offers secure, encrypted connections at all times
  • Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users

Cons:

  • The desktop app is a little cumbersome

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

works with KodiTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

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.

Read our full Surfshark review.

  • Works with some of the most stubborn streaming platforms

  • Solid speeds

  • Strong security credentials

  • No-logs policy

  • No connection limit

  • Can be slow to connect to servers

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.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a great all-around choice for Kodi users, promising fast speeds 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.

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.

  • A good all-rounder for Kodi users with dedicated apps

  • Fantastic speeds for downloading and streaming

  • Top-class security and privacy protection features

  • No issues with most major streaming services

  • Slightly higher cost than others

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

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 manually configure CyberGhost servers.

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

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

  • Works well with Kodi, can select servers based on site you want to unblock

  • Great value low-cost provider

  • Fast, reliable service

  • No issues unblocking most popular streaming sites

  • No direct APK download

  • Torrenting and P2P won’t work on all servers

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. PrivateVPN

works with kodiTested Jan 2023

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

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.

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
  • Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

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 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 up to 10 simultaneous connections per account.

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

  • Favored by Kodi users with Linux for dedicated app and support

  • Large network of servers for accessing a wide range of content

  • Operates a no-logs policy so you can stay anonymous online

  • Secure 10 devices at the same time

  • Less capable when it comes to major streaming services

  • Not as fast as some of the other VPNs listed

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

7. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

With Atlas VPN, you can stream securely because it routes your internet traffic through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. Aside from DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature, it even offers MultiHop servers (for an extra layer of encryption) and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Of course, this VPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users either.

Atlas VPN apps can be found for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Linux and compatible wifi routers require manual setup.

LAG-FREE STREAMING:Atlas VPN is one of the fastest VPNs tested with the ability to unblock a wide range of online content. Can be used on as many devices as you like simultaneously. No shortage of security features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast for streaming

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Works with Netflix, Disney+, and more

  • Plenty of security features

  • Not the largest server network

  • Privacy policy lacks clarity

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

How to use a VPN with Kodi

Here’s how to set up a VPN for Kodi:

How we found the best VPNs for Kodi: our methodology

Kodi users should consider a number of factors when choosing a VPN. They include:

Each VPN must also meet our standards of quality when it comes to logging policy, encryption strength, and app design.  For more details, read our VPN testing methodology.

Don’t use 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

See also: Best VPNs for Fire Stick

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.

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:

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

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.

A couple of VPNs claim to have VPN add-ons that run inside of Kodi, but the ones we tested were unreliable and not something we would recommend.

The real allure of Kodi lies in addons that extend Kodi’s capabilities. Namely, video addons allow Kodi users to stream video from a wide range of sources. These include popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer and third-party addons that primarily offer pirated content. Many Kodi users employ a VPN to hide their activity from their ISP when viewing unofficial streams; however, there are many legitimate reasons everyone should use one.

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all of your Kodi device’s internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. This allows you to unblock geographically restricted content, such as BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. It also protects users from certain types of attacks and vulnerabilities common in third-party addons while keeping your activity private.

Online privacy is also a concern with free VPNs. They have to make money somehow, and many resort to collecting personal data, injecting ads into websites on your browser, and other shifty tactics. A few have even been caught distributing malware to users.

Security can also be lackluster. Many VPNs use obsolete encryption or even no encryption at all. They can leak data outside of the VPN tunnel, exposing your activity to third parties.

In short, stick to a paid VPN provider to get the performance, security, and support needed for Kodi.