Setting up a VPN on Kodi

Based on these advantages we strongly recommend using Kodi with a VPN to prevent others from seeing what you do with Kodi.

The Best VPN for Kodi in 2023: 5 VPNs to Stream Global Content

Though the add-ons with Kodi offer a wide array of movies and TV shows, there’s no guarantee that all of them are safe. The best VPN for Kodi enables you to stream safely and unblock geo-restricted add-ons. Keep reading to find a suitable VPN provider for Kodi.

By Samson Max ( Writer, Linking Editor )
— Last Updated: 11 Aug’23 2023-08-11T15:15:24+00:00

Kodi has become increasingly popular — not for its local media playback capabilities, but as an online media player. It has numerous add-ons that scrape the internet to provide unfettered access to free movies and TV series. However, unlike streaming services like Netflix, these add-ons aren’t always secure. That’s why you need the best VPN for Kodi when using them.

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your traffic, preventing Kodi add-ons from exposing your data or infecting your system with malware. Plus, it enables you to bypass content geo-restrictions on geoblocked add-ons, like BBC iPlayer if you’re not in the UK. However, not all VPNs fit the bill for use with Kodi.

Key Takeaways:

• ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Kodi because it has incredibly fast connection speeds, strong security, and is compatible with all streaming devices.
• NordVPN is another reliable VPN provider for Kodi if you want to bypass sporting blockouts and streaming geo-restrictions on your favorite add-ons for Kodi.
• Surfshark, PIA and CyberGhost are great options if you want reliable yet budget-friendly Kodi VPNs.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best VPNs for Kodi and show you how to install a Kodi VPN on your device. We’ll reveal the merits of ExpressVPN, our best Kodi VPN provider, and four other reliable Kodi VPN services. Read on to find the best service for your device.

Does Kodi Work With VPN?

Yes, Kodi works seamlessly with VPNs, whether you’re using Fire TV, Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS or preconfigured Kodi boxes.

Yes, there are many good VPNs for Kodi, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

We don’t recommend using a free VPN service with Kodi because it will come up short where it matters most for Kodi users: security, speed and metered bandwidth. If you want a Kodi VPN on a tight budget, you’re better off using a pocket-friendly paid VPN like Surfshark, PIA and CyberGhost.

It’s easy. Just make sure you’ve installed the VPN and Kodi on your device. Launch the VPN, connect to an optimal server, and then head over to Kodi and select your movie or TV show add-ons.

Top VPNs for Kodi

• : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall
• : 5
• :
• :
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Average speed
Download Speed 91 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 5 ms
$6.66 / month (save 48%) (All Plans)
ExpressVPN

• : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, AmazonPay, ACH Transfer, Cash
• : 6
• :
• :
• :
• :

Average speed
Download Speed 94 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 4 ms
$3.59 / month (save 72%) (All Plans)

• : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
• : Unlimited
• :
• :
• :
• :

Average speed
Download Speed 96 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 112 ms
$2.30 / month (save 82%) (All Plans)

• : PayPal, Credit card
• : Unlimited
• :
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• :
• :

Average speed
Download Speed 93 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 10 ms
$2.19 / month (save 81%) (All Plans)
Private Internet Access

• : PayPal, Credit card, bitcoin, Amazon Pay
• : 7
• :
• :
• :
• :

Average speed
Download Speed 73 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 45 ms
$2.37 / month (save 81%) (All Plans)
Cyberghost

What Makes the Best VPN for Kodi?

Whether you’re using an official or unofficial Kodi add-on, there’s no guarantee it’s safe. Most of the apps carry pirated content, while others contain malware. To be on the safe side, you need a virtual private network with strong security and privacy to encrypt your traffic and keep you anonymous online. Here are our top five best VPNs for Kodi:

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for fast streaming on any Kodi add-on
2. NordVPN — Provides stellar security when streaming unofficial add-ons
3. Surfshark — Inexpensive VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
4. Private Internet Access— Best VPN for Kodi on Linux devices
5. CyberGhost — Affordable VPN service with streaming-optimized servers

The VPN should also be superfast to deliver a buffering-free streaming experience. Moreover, it should offer unlimited bandwidth to match your internet connection speeds and unlimited data for uninterrupted streaming.

Not to mention, you need an expansive VPN server network to unblock geo-restricted add-ons like Channel 4, BBC iPlayer and ITV. When searching for the best Kodi VPN, you could probably pick any of the best VPNs for streaming and be on your way.

Another factor to consider is compatibility. Kodi software is compatible with all OSes and platforms, including mobile, desktop, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV (or Firestick — and in case you want to know more, we have a guide on what a Firestick is). Therefore, the VPN should work flawlessly on whatever platform you’re using. All of the VPNs on our list meet this criteria.

Why You Should Use a VPN for Kodi

Most of the Kodi add-ons (official or unofficial) work seamlessly, even without encryption and privacy protection. However, you still need a VPN when using Kodi for various reasons.

1. Unblock geo-restricted content
2. Watch NBA, MLB and NFL blocked out games
3. Access new region-locked releases
4. Stream copyrighted content anonymously
5. Hide your internet traffic

Can I Use a Free VPN for Kodi?

We don’t recommend using a free VPN for Kodi for various reasons. First off, free VPNs are limited and often present compatibility issues. Most of them have poor device compatibility and don’t work on routers, Android TV boxes, Amazon Firestick and other smart TVs — bad news for Kodi users.

Additionally, most of them just aren’t secure and don’t offer a no-logs policy. As a result, they might leak your data or even actively try to sell it to marketers, botnet-related companies or other third parties.

That said, some VPNs offer a secure and reliable free plan, such as Windscribe, ProtonVPN and TunnelBear, but even those are limited compared to the paid versions. If you really can’t afford a paid VPN, go with Windscribe (our best free VPN for Firestick) or try one of the VPNs on our best free VPN list.

The Top 5 Kodi VPN Services

We evaluated various VPNs point for point across features that matter to Kodi users, like streaming performance, security, privacy and compatibility. We’ll discuss the pros (and cons, if any) and pricing of the five best VPNs for Kodi, starting with ExpressVPN, which came out on top.

1. ExpressVPN

More details about ExpressVPN:

• Pricing: $6.66 per month (15-months plan)
• Provider website:www.expressvpn.com

• Incredibly fast servers worldwide
• Strong security & privacy
• Unparalleled ability to unblock streaming Kodi add-ons
• Supports all operating systems & routers

ExpressVPN is the undisputed best VPN for Kodi for various reasons. It offers over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. You can connect to a server in the U.S. to stream the NBA on Kodi add-ons like Sling TV and NBA League Pass, or choose a UK server to enjoy a healthy dose of BBC iPlayer shows on Kodi.

Besides that, ExpressVPN comes with security features you need to remain safe and anonymous online. For example, there’s a built-in kill switch that stops your entire internet connection to your Kodi box in case the VPN connection drops. It also protects against IP address leaks, uses AES 256-bit encryption and keeps zero traffic logs to safeguard your privacy.

Lightning-Fast Servers

ExpressVPN allows you to unblock add-ons of choice and stream your favorite TV shows and movies without compromising video quality. It’s among the fastest VPN providers on the market, and it offers unlimited bandwidth, to boot. Plus, it enables you to enjoy HD streaming on Kodi, whether it be the Premier League on SportsDevil or movies on Venom TV.

Even though it’s pricey, ExpressVPN provides all the features you could want out of a Kodi VPN. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind, and each plan allows five simultaneous connections. Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more.

ExpressVPN is undoubtedly the best VPN for Kodi, thanks to its server network, stellar security and blazing-fast speeds. Moreover, it works seamlessly on Kodi boxes and any OS where you have Kodi installed. Plus, it unblocks all major streaming sites. Despite its high price point, ExpressVPN’s sheer number of options and capabilities makes it more than worthwhile.

Setting up a VPN on Kodi

Kodi lets you enjoy all kinds of movies, series, music, podcasts and other forms of online entertainment for free. If you want to do this in a secure and unlimited way, you’ll need a VPN. Setting up a VPN on Kodi is very easy. You can do in one of three ways:

1. Install it using a VPN application: You can do this using the official website of your VPN provider. Download the software, log in, choose a server location and connect.
2. Set it up using a Kodi add-on: Go to your Kodi add-ons and choose the extension that works with your VPN provider. Install it and enter your details to activate it.
3. Set it up on your router: You’ll need to have the right router to do this. Once you’ve set up the VPN by flashing your router, you can directly connect Kodi to the router.

Are you looking for a good VPN for Kodi? We recommend ExpressVPN:

ExpressVPN

For more specific instructions about how you can set up a VPN and what other VPN providers work well with Kodi, read our complete article below.

Kodi is one of the most popular media players around. It is a free, open-source platform with which you can access an unbelievable selection of movies and series. Kodi is an entertainment center that lets you listen to music, watch movies and so much more. To get access to music, movies and series, you need to install a video app in Kodi. Kodi is available for all major operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi.

The streaming service will provide you with access to a whole new world of content. Kodi lets you watch Netflix, listen to the radio and download software.

As you can see, Kodi is very versatile. However, its only drawback is that it carries security risks. Luckily, you can solve them with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Do you want to know how you can use a VPN in combination with Kodi? Or do you want to know what the best VPN for Kodi is? Read all about it in this article!

Set up a VPN on Kodi

If you have a VPN, it can be set up on Kodi. Are you still looking for a good VPN? Scroll down for the best options.

There are three basic ways to set up a VPN for Kodi. The first way is to install the VPN application on your device. The second way is to use the built-in VPN Kodi add-ons. And the third way is installing a VPN on your router.

Set up a VPN on Kodi using a VPN app

Setting up a VPN application is the easiest way to use Kodi securely and anonymously. The only thing you need to do is download the VPN application. You can then connect to a VPN server and stream using Kodi. Below you can see how to do this step-by-step:

1. Go to the website of your VPN provider and download the application for your device.
2. Install the application.
3. Open the application and enter your login details.
4. After logging in click on the server you want and then on ‘Connect’.
5. Now that you’re connected using a VPN, you can use Kodi securely!

Another advantage: If you use the VPN application, all your internet traffic on this device will be secure. You can also browse the internet securely. To secure all your devices in one go, you can install a VPN on your router.

Set up a VPN with a Kodi add-on

You can choose to only use a VPN for Kodi using the built-in VPN add-ons. In doing so, your Kodi internet traffic will go through a VPN connection. Here’s how to use a VPN using Kodi add-ons:

1. Start Kodi
2. Go through the following menus. From the main menu go to ‘Add-ons’, then click on ‘Download and then on ‘Program add-ons’.
3. You’ll now see a list of all kinds of add-ons. From this list choose an add-on that works with your VPN provider.
4. Instead of a separate Kodi add-on of the VPN provider you can also install the Zomboided VPN manager for Kodi (link)
5. Install the Kodi VPN add-on or Zomboided VPN add-on for Kodi
6. Open the add-on
7. Click on configuring your VPN as shown here below:
8. Fill in your login details in and click on Activate. Now you can use Kodi while you’re properly secured with a VPN!

Note: Not all VPN providers offer a separate add-on for Kodi. An alternative Kodi add-on that you can enter your VPN provider details into is Zomboided.

Set up a VPN for Kodi on a router

The third way to use a VPN with Kodi is by installing a VPN on your router. This has the advantage that all your devices and internet traffic are secured in one go. It also ensures that you’re safe to browse the internet. To use a VPN on your router, you will need a suitable router that supports DD-WRT firmware.

Once this firmware is installed on your router you can install a VPN on it. If you want to know exactly how that works, you can read the article ‘Installing a VPN on your router (DD-WRT guide)’.

Note: This way is technically challenging for newer VPN users.

The best VPN for Kodi

Of course, you can only install a VPN on Kodi if you have a VPN subscription. If you don’t have a subscription, then we have a number of excellent suggestions for you. Here below you find one suggestion for a good VPN for Kodi.

ExpressVPN for Kodi

In our view, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Kodi. This VPN is very fast and has a ton of servers. As well, ExpressVPN is extremely easy to use, also for people with less VPN experience. Moreover, ExpressVPN has proper security and uses strong encryption. You’re always well protected with ExpressVPN. You can try out this provider using their 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN
Deal Exclusive deal: Get a yearly plan for $6.67 per month (49% off)!

What’s the advantage of a VPN for Kodi?

A VPN ensures that you can go online better protected in several ways. Firstly, a VPN lets you be more anonymous. VPN connections make sure that your IP address is not visible. Your address works as a kind of postal address on the internet. Based on your IP address websites can find out who you are and from what location you’re visiting their website. If you want to use Kodi without a VPN, others can find out who you are and what you’re watching with Kodi. If you want to remain anonymous, then you should use Kodi with a VPN.

Moreover, a VPN can keep you safe on the internet. These days there are countless parties on the internet who want to misuse your data or get information about you. A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic. By using encryption, malicious parties cannot read the data you send, preventing hackers and government agencies from seeing what you do on the internet. This way you can stream movies and series on Kodi without other parties being able to see that.

A VPN also gives you access to free and unlimited internet. A VPN hides your real IP address and location. With a VPN you can fool websites into believing that you’re visiting the website in question from another country. A VPN reroutes your internet through their own VPN server, this way you take over the server’s IP address. This IP address is registered at another location. This has many advantages: you can get access to movies and series that are only available in other countries. Moreover, others won’t know what movies or series you’re watching and/or downloading.

Based on these advantages we strongly recommend using Kodi with a VPN to prevent others from seeing what you do with Kodi.

Conclusion

This article shows everything you could read about using a VPN for Kodi. You were able to read about the importance of a VPN. Moreover, we’ve recommended many VPNs that work well in combination with Kodi. If you don’t know how to set up a VPN on Kodi, then you can follow a step-by-step guide in this article. With a VPN you can use Kodi securely and without any problems.

Kodi also has more movies and series than Netflix, which is nice. And a VPN subscription is often less expensive than a Netflix subscription. With a VPN and Kodi you can get access to many more movies and series at a lower price! Please note that Kodi also contains many illegal movies and series. Download and streaming of this content is not allowed and could lead to a fine.

If you want to find out more about using Kodi, we recommend our article on how to set-up Kodi on Apple TV or you can also install Kodi on a Fire TV Stick. If you want to put that VPN to good use, you’ll also like our piece on Kodi Netflix streaming.

Set up a VPN for Kodi: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about setting up a VPN for Kodi? Click on one of our frequently asked questions below and you’ll automatically see the answer!

How do I set up a VPN connection for Kodi?

You can set up a VPN for Kodi in one of three ways. You can download VPN software directly from your VPN provider’s website. Another option is to find a suitable add-on within the Kodi software. Lastly, you can also install a VPN directly onto your router. Want to know more? Read how to set up a VPN on Kodi step-by-step.

How do I connect my VPN to Kodi?

There are three different ways to make a connection between Kodi and your VPN.

• Using the VPN software on your computer: Click on the “On” button. All your Kodi data traffic will now go through the VPN.
• Using a Kodi add-on: After installing the add-on, fill in your login details for the VPN and click on Activate.
• Using a router: Once the VPN on your router is installed and activated, you can connect the computer with Kodi on it to the router’s network.

Why do people use a VPN for Kodi?

A VPN gives you more online privacy, security and freedom. This means that others cannot see what you’re watching and listening to on Kodi. You’re less vulnerable to hacking and your location will be kept hidden better.

What is the best VPN for Kodi?

The best VPN for Kodi is ExpressVPN. This VPN is extremely fast, so that Kodi loads quickly, and also works really well with almost all devices and streaming services. Other VPNs that work well with Kodi are NordVPN and IPVanish.

Sandra Gyles Author

IT Communication Specialist

Sandra has many years of experience in the IT and tech sector as a communication specialist. For VPNOverview she follows relevant cybercrime and online privacy developments and she rigorously tests the quality of VPN services.