If you’re tired of not being able to safely access some of the world’s leading streaming platforms on one of the greatest open-source media players, Kodi? Then this is for you. I’ll be showing you a complete guide on choosing the best VPN for Kodi!
Kodi is one of the most popular free open-source players to get you to access many entertainment platforms. But it doesn’t always have certain apps or streaming services readily available on your Kodi box. For example, only there are only certain best VPNs for Firestick, while others are best for iOS. So, if you read ahead, i’ll be discussing the best VPN apps available particularly for Kodi.
Why use a Kodi VPN?
It’s because users are not trying to gain unauthorized access to third-party add-ons. Most Kodi users find themselves adding external streaming platforms, through Kodi. This is dangerous because some add-ons might be legal while others aren’t.
I, at (Topvpnservice.com) by no means promote dealing with third-party add-ons, but if you’re still going to find yourself adding plug-ins that might be illegal, you should remain safe while doing so. Only an encrypted top-grade VPN can help out with that.
A Kodi VPN
Using a strong and heavily encrypted Kodi VPN with HD streaming speeds is the best tool you could invest in, to heighten your Kodi experience. This also includes safeguarding your connection and access to copyrighted material that many Kodi users often indulge in. It ensures that an ISP or the government isn’t invading your personal online space.
In this article, I’ll be giving you a detailed idea regarding why you’d need a VPN for Kodi, which VPN service is the best for it, what they can offer towards your Kodi experience, and how to choose the best Kodi VPN. But before moving ahead, here’s a quick look at my top 5 Kodi choices:
- Surfshark – best-budgeted choice for Kodi, rendering fast speeds and unlimited device connections.
- NordVPN – best Kodi VPN with the strongest security features, superior speeds, and compatibility with Amazon Fire devices for Kodi.
- ExpressVPN – the fastest VPN for Kodi, reliable policies, and unblocks universally censored content.
- IPVanish – best VPN for Kodi that unblocks US-based content, which is not available worldwide.
- CyberGhost – best Kodi VPN for online privacy, is streaming and P2P compatible with fast speeds.
The best VPN for Kodi in 2021
You need to come to terms with the fact that if you’re going to be an active part of accessing content through Kodi, sooner or later you’re going to need only the best VPN for it. It’ll help protect your activities, your device, your data, and much more; making your Kodi experience a safe and great one.
All the 5 Kodi VPNs mentioned on my list haven’t only been ranked based on superiority, but rather on the fact that all five are very different from each other and still offer the most reliable performance. It all depends on your requirements and which provider catches your attention the most.
We start with:
1. Surfshark
Price | $2.49/mo. |
Website | Surfshark.com |
Surfshark mainly tops the list of the best VPN for Kodi, because it truly is a versatile VPN app. This British Virgin Islands provider covers some of the strictest privacy-friendly and no-logging policies, which is just what you need when accessing content or third-party add-ons on Kodi.
This provider offers a pretty slick client for all the major apps and devices it supports. Some of these supported platforms, which also are compatible with Kodi, include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Android TV, PS4, Firestick, and other Smart TVs.
This is great since Surfshark allows unlimited and simultaneous multi-device connections. You can try testing it out using the Surfshark free trial which runs for a limited number of days or extend your testing period using its 30-day refund.
Apart from device compatibility and privacy, Surfshark runs on the industry’s finest security measures like military-based encryption AES 256-GCM cipher, has a functional Kill Switch, sports all the major protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. It further provides advanced security measures like GPS spoofing that masks your physical IP address and replaces it with a virtual one.
Other Surfshark features that’ll help with the safest Kodi experiences are, Whitelister, DNS and IP leak protection, Clean Web, and a lot more.
Surfshark has great server coverage of 3200+ servers in 65 countries. Connect to any one of these servers to geo-blocked content or services on Kodi. It also aids in unblocking other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime.
For a more detailed approach to this provider’s service, you should go through my detailed Surfshark review.
2. NordVPN
Price | $3.71/mo. |
Website | Nordvpn.com |
Another big-league VPN giant in the industry is NordVPN. For those who don’t know much of this provider but have surely heard the name, NordVPN is by far one of the best VPN for security, and thus, has strong backing for carrying out activities on Kodi.
Hailing from Panama, a region that’s far away from the eyes alliance, NordVPN observes some heavy values against data-retention. It makes a great choice for Kodi, especially considering that it easily unblocks some of the best streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, Hotstar, DAZN, and a lot more.
It offers around 5000+ obfuscated servers covering 59 countries, all of which render the best HD standard speeds. This is one of the greater attributes that are required for streaming on Kodi.
To check out its speed results, you’ll find them in my NordVPN review.
Apart from this, let’s talk about device compatibility. NordVPN is compatible with a huge range of apps and devices that also are Kodi compatible. Some of these platforms include Windows, iOS, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, PS4, FireTVstick, and many more. It also allows you to connect the VPN to 6 devices simultaneously, meaning double encryption for multiple devices in one go.
Now, coming to what NordVPN is all about; its security features. Firstly, we all know that NordVPN observes strict privacy laws. Along with that, it operates on a 256-bit double-encryption standard and has an inbuilt Kill Switch.
Other advanced NordVPN features include DNS and IP leak protection, Onion Over VPN, and SmartPlay technologies which unblock universally blocked content from anywhere in the world, a CyberSec feature to shun away malware, malicious or annoying ads, and pop-ups.
You can use the NordVPN free trial and test out its unblocking capabilities on Kodi. If you’re not fully satisfied, you could always ask for a refund.
3. ExpressVPN
Price | $6.67/mo. |
Website | Expressvpn.com |
ExpressVPN is like the show pony of the VPN world, with all the best tricks up its sleeve!
This world-class VPN does belong on the list for the best VPN for Kodi. It’s another British Virgin Islands VPN just like Surfshark and follows a strict no-data retention policy. This provider believes that privacy is a right rather than a privilege.
Being ahead of the VPN game where unblocking multiple streaming platforms is concerned, you’ll be able to access content on Kodi and add-ons for it, using one of ExpressVPN’s 3000+ servers, covering 94 countries. ExpressVPN has also produced the best speeds in the industry!
Some of the most popular streaming services that ExpressVPN unblocks include the US Netflix library, Hulu, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. The best is yet to come so read on!
The ExpressVPN client for all the major supported devices is extremely easy to navigate through. Some of the widely used devices it supports, which is also compatible with Kodi include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Nvidia Shield, Firestick, PlayStation, and more.
ExpressVPN is a versatile VPN known for unblocking content, having great speeds, compatible with many platforms, and also possessing strong security backing for its users, no matter what platform you utilize.
To use ExpressVPN for Kodi, you’ll be running the app with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, an active Kill Switch, major protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP-IPSec, PPTP and SSTP, Split-tunneling feature, DNS and IP leak protection, and a whole myriad of extended features.
For all those who’d love to test the ExpressVPN app with the addition of its premium features, there’s a free trial you can use for it. If the trial period isn’t good enough for you, ask for a full refund!
For more details on the app’s performance and advanced features take a look at my ExpressVPN review.
4. IPVanish
Price | $4.15/mo. |
Website | Ipvanish.com |
Last on the list, we have IPVanish. Now, I understand that you may have heard some stories about certain VPN providers being a part of the 14-eyes alliance and yes IPVanish is said to be among them since it’s US-based and all. But the truth is, you heard wrong. Yes, certain providers are located in the same regions, but they abide by strict privacy laws.
IPVanish is among the few providers that believe in the no-data logging policies. Plus, since it’s US-based, you’re going to have the upper hand to unblock and tap into numerous add-ons for your Kodi box. Most popular streaming and gaming platforms are available in the States, and only the best VPN for Kodi is going to do the trick.
It has around 1600+ servers spread across 75+ countries, with most of its servers located in the US. You’ll be unleashing and taking hold of HD streaming speeds and unblock some of the best platforms and add-ons for Kodi, some of which include Disney Plus, Hotstar, Comcast, ESPN, HBO Now, Fox News, Netflix, and much more!
Another aspect to look into is that Kodi is compatible with a wide range of devices, so choosing a VPN app that is equally compatible with Kodi devices is a win-win.
IPVanish, luckily, has dedicated apps for it available for several devices and apps. Some of these include Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Firestick TV, Linux (app configured manually), and a lot more. You’ll also have the option of using the VPN connection on more than one device since this provider now allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
Bouncing to its security aspects, IPVanish too utilizes 256-bit AES encryption, has a Kill Switch, and has other advanced and extended features like DNS and IP leak protection, a SOCKS5 web proxy, utilizes OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP protocols, rolls with obfuscated servers that’ll unblock severely censored content, and more.
IPVanish doesn’t really offer a free trial for mobile devices nor a traditional free trial in the sense, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a detailed approach to its performance, check out my IPVanish Review.
5. CyberGhost
Price | $2.25/mo. |
Website | Cyberghost.com |
CyberGhost is a Romanian VPN provider, known worldwide for having A-grade ghosting skills. Meaning, using its strict and carefully rounded up privacy policies and no data logging rules, you’ll be able to stream through a wide variety of content on Kodi without any glitches in the way.
This VPN provider is a great addition to Kodi mainly for its capabilities of accessing and unblocking universally restricted streaming services. The app carefully divides its servers between streaming and torrenting, making it easy to choose from.
It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, all you need to do is connect to any one of its 6000+ servers that are spread across a wide platform of around 90 countries!
When put under testing, almost all the major servers rendered fast speeds for 4K streams. Some of the renowned services it unblocked with ease include Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Go.
To access Kodi, you’ll not only have to use a device that supports it, but also one that’s compatible with CyberGhost. Luckily for you, CyberGhost is compatible with a wide range of apps and devices, some of which include Windows, iOS, Android, Fire TV, macOS, Android TV, Linux, and a lot more.
You’ll now be able to connect the VPN to Kodi using any one of its supported devices while being connected to much more. This is because CyberGhost allows its users to simultaneously connect up to 7 devices per subscription.
Now, besides being great for online privacy, CyberGhost stretches on its capabilities towards being a great security blanket for Kodi users. It operates using 256-bit AES encryption, has a default Kill Switch, and offers major protocol usage for Kodi which are OpenVPN, PPTP, and IPSec.
Other CyberGhost features include blocking of Ads, malicious websites, and have automated HTTPS.
If you’d like to run a few tests of your own, there’s always the CyberGhost free trial, and besides it also offers a 45-day refund trial period for more detailed testing.
For a broader look into this provider, go through my detailed CyberGhost review.
Why do you need the best VPN for Kodi?
Before moving ahead with investing in a product or tool, etc. always make sure you understand the underlying rules, necessities, and requirements of why you need it in the first place.
Taking Kodi into consideration, it can be fun software to utilize for streaming through internal media, but as soon as you step out of the box, a lot can go wrong.
Here are a few reasons why you should invest in the best VPN for Kodi, heightening not only your streaming experience but making it a safer one. Here’s why:
Access to geo-blocked or restricted content
Firstly, every Kodi user’s main target, without thinking twice, would be put towards trying to access restricted content. Maybe you’re probably are already well aware of the fact that many popular streaming services and third-party Kodi add-ons aren’t available worldwide.
There are services like Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, or Amazon Prime that are only available to the people within the country of origin.
In some cases, certain libraries of streaming services are available within a few countries while other libraries are not. A VPN provides you with countless server coverage for you to connect with any IP address from the location you want to virtually appear in.
This allows you safe and privatized access to the service you’re trying to unblock or add to your Kodi service.
Full online anonymity
Kodi is among many streaming services that are hard to get access to. Only the best VPN for streaming can help with that. It’s a fact about Kodi is that it’s developed a certain bad reputation, mostly because users seem to be abusing their privileges a little too much.
A software or app is designed to be of service to the masses, but in no way, it is mentioned anywhere that a Kodi user is forcefully allowed to download copyrighted content. Kodi doesn’t condone activities like this, nor do VPN providers.
However, as I’ve mentioned above, if ever you think you require a third-party add-on by your own will, I urge you to use a VPN to anonymize your activities.
Using a Kodi VPN will allow you to mask your physical location, the activities you carry out, and protect all your devices through one solid VPN connection. You won’t have to worry about your ISP or the government tailing your every move, so use it wisely!
Unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds
Regardless of whether you stream on Kodi or use the internet for simple browsing, there are times when your ISP will throttle your bandwidth, and slow down your download speeds. That sounds horrible, right?
But this usually happens in most cases, and mainly when the amount of ongoing traffic gets overly crowded. Using the best VPN for Kodi, you’ll never have to experience a lag in your life. All 5 providers mentioned in my list render fast speed results which are applicable for HD streams.
Robust security
To shape and tape together all the reasons why you need a VPN for Kodi is also to do with the robust security features it provides. All 5 providers mentioned operate on 256-bit AES encryption, which is the highest of its kind and impenetrable. They also come with other advanced features, which will be discussed further on.
How to choose the best Kodi VPN services
Given the circumstances that streaming on an open-source media player like Kodi can be a little tricky, especially if you’re looking to add other channels or platforms to it, you’re going to need a Kodi VPN to avoid and keep you safe from any illegal activities.
But, as I mentioned above, and listed reasons as to why you may need a VPN for Kodi, you have to stay clear of the fact that not all VPNs are good for you. There’s a certain requirement needed to choose the best one. Here’s what to look for:
- Heavy security – to binge on Kodi, the VPN you choose will have to come equipped with the best security features. Which is why, all the VPNs I picked came heavily packed with the best military-grade encryption, were DNS and IP leak protected, supported a Kill Switch and Split-Tunneling feature, and had other features like ad and malware blocking, etc.
- Privacy policy – a well-adapted privacy policy is the next step to secure a Kodi VPN. Their policies need to be authentic enough to ensure the users’ full protection of online rights, activities, and physical location. With the best Kodi VPN, come strong encryption standards, keeping you away from ISP and heavy government surveillance, especially within the 14-eyes countries.
- Server coverage and locations – to unblock or gain access to certain websites that aren’t available in your region, or even, in this case, most Kodi add-ons that aren’t achievable; wide server coverage is needed. Some VPNs come with less than 500 servers, but what matters is the location it covers. To access US content, there should be servers spread across various locations in the States, and so on.
- Decent streaming speeds – let’s face it, no one likes lagging or never-ending buffering periods. If you’re going to invest in the best VPN for Kodi, they need to deliver the best speed results to carry on 4K HD streams! You need to get your money’s worth! All 5 Kodi VPNs enlisted have rendered great speed results when I tested them out, especially when connecting to a US, UK, or European server.
- Device compatibility – another thing to keep in mind is that even though Kodi can be run on a wide range of devices, it still doesn’t make it accessible if the VPN you use doesn’t support the device. All 5 providers mentioned are compatible with all the major streaming devices and provide apps for them.
- Price – the amount of money you invest matters greatly. I wouldn’t expect you to pay a huge fee and not get anything out of it. All the Kodi VPNs mentioned aren’t overly priced apart from ExpressVPN, but all come with reasonable packages, trial period, and refund policy. It’s better to go for the yearly or above packages rather than a monthly one.
According to the Reddit community
For full assurance of a product always look for more than one opinion. Regardless of the fact of having tested out each of the 5 providers on my list, I always turn to the Reddit community for a second opinion on the best Reddit VPN for multiple purposes. In this case, it happens to be for Kodi. After scouting through different reviews, NordVPN was picked as one of the best for Kodi.
How to setup or use Kodi with a VPN
To use a VPN with Kodi, it all depends on the device you choose. In this case, the more widely used platforms are Windows or mobile phones. So, here’s how to get started with installing a VPN to use with Kodi:
- Subscribe to any one of the Kodi VPNs mentioned on my list. I’ve recommended 5 providers (Surfshark, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and IPVanish).
- Either use the free trial if there’s any or sign up with an email, password and proceed with choosing a suitable payment package and method.
- Download and install the Kodi VPN app on your device.
- Launch the app and sign in to your account using the same credentials to sign up for the service.
- Go to the VPN settings and tweak around configuring your settings as preferred.
- Then proceed and select any server you require for a specific download.
- Click on connect and wait a while for all Kodi and other website traffic to head through the VPN encryption.
To check if a connection through Kodi is established, open up Kodi on your device, and head to its settings. Then click on “system information”, where you’ll find a different IP address; one that’s provided to you by the VPN. Once you see that, it means you’re now VPN protected.
Using a VPN on OpenELEC Kodi
Just in case you’re using an OpenELEC version of Kodi, certain VPNs don’t work too well. However, the VPNs enlisted do tend to work just fine with it. Here’s how you get started:
- First, you begin by downloading the Zomboided Repository and transfer it to your OpenELEC Kodi device.
- Then, open the Kodi app and head over to “System”.
- Click on “Add-ons” and then on “Install from zip file”.
- Now, click on the Zomboided Repository file that you previously downloaded.
- Go back and click on “Install from repository” and then on “Zomboided Add-on repository”.
- Click on “Services” and select “VPN Manager for OpenVPN”.
- Install
- Wait a second for a notification that says “Add-on enabled”.
- Click on “Configure VPN” and then on “OK”.
- Now, you go to VPN configuration and click on “VPN Provider”, selecting whichever one you went with.
- Log in with your Kodi VPN email and password.
- Go to the VPN Connections box and click on “First VPN connection”.
- Now that you’re connected, select any VPN server and carry on!
FAQs
Can I use a free VPN for Kodi?
That’s a big negative! Never use a free VPN for Kodi and for any other platform for that matter. There are just a handful of 3 or 4 free providers that are okay looking into but still are extremely restricted in usage.
A free VPN will only take you in never-ending circles, steal your data, hack your device, or sell your personal information to third parties. Why would you want that? You can always go with affordable VPNs that offers the best services and features rather than a free one.
Can I use a Kodi VPN on Firestick?
Yes, you can! Firestick and Fire TV devices are one of the best platforms for using Kodi. However, since there’s no dedicated app for Fire devices, you’ll have to manually configure the VPN on it using a router. Either use a pre-flashed router or replace its firmware using either Tomato, DD-WRT, or ASUSWRT.
What is the best VPN for Kodi?
All 5 of the VPNs mentioned on my list are great for Kodi. However, if I had to pick the absolute best, it would be Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Both come with user-friendly apps, tight security, and the best speeds for streaming.
Is it legal to use Kodi?
Yes, it is! This is one of the most commonly asked questions that are often misinterpreted. Kodi is a legal service to use, however under the fact that many users tend to look for alternative add-ons from third-party sources to run on Kodi, it falls into the illegal category. So, in short, Kodi isn’t illegal, but the way each user chooses to operate on it might be.
Can I use a Kodi without connecting to a VPN?
Yes, you can. Kodi is a free open-source player, accessible by everyone. The only reason you’d need a VPN is if certain content isn’t available where you are located. Or, there are also bigger reasons when users want more than what Kodi offers; turning to third-party content. A VPN will privatize your activities and secure your connection throughout. However, it’s always wise to go through Kodi tips or guides before settling with options.
To conclude
The internet is turning into the darkest place to be on, even where trying to access entertainment platforms are concerned. There are so many reasons why you’d need the best VPN for Kodi, with full attention given towards securing online privacy.
All 5 providers mentioned, (Surfshark, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and IPVanish), are some of the greatest and widely renowned VPNs in the industry; not only for Kodi but multiple other platforms. They’ve been tested; pulling out great results!
To summarize, the best VPNs for Kodi are…
Rank | Provider | Our Score | User Rating |
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