7 Best VPN for Kodi | Unblocking Streaming Services with Kodi VPN
As an open-source, media player software, Kodi offers both: official and third-party add-ons (some of which may be geo-blocked). The platform has hundreds of repositories and is compatible with all popular operating systems, but when using it, you need to leverage strong security and privacy.
While Kodi is legal in itself to download and use, some add-ons may get you into trouble if you use them to stream pirated content or movies/TV shows geo-restricted in your country. This is where using the best VPN for Kodi comes in to protect your identity.
Here is a detailed analysis of the 7 best Kodi VPN services to unblock add-ons and stream securely to help users in easing the decision-making process:
Best VPN for Kodi: In-Depth Analysis
Here are the seven best VPNs for Kodi, based on various criteria including ease of use, security features, privacy protections, pricing, and value.
1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for 4K Streaming on Kodi
Number of Servers: 3,000+ | Countries: 90+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Maximum Devices Supported: 5 | Price: $6.67/mo. on a 1-year plan
A VPN with an immensely appreciable level of trustworthiness, ExpressVPN is not your average VPN provider. This service is a bit expensive as compared to the rest, but it justifies its high price tags, through its remarkable service and quality.
It hosts more than 3000+ servers in 94 countries, with each one better than the next in terms of guaranteeing unadulterated speed and performance on Kodi, despite not offering a dedicated add-on. You can even get a 30-days, risk-free, refund from ExpressVPN for testing the service.
For users who are willing to try it out, ExpressVPN costs $6.67/mo. on their yearly plan, which is a little expensive but the results will be worth it, as you stream securely! You can even unblock the following streaming platforms:
Specifications
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries.
- 5 simultaneous connections.
- Smart DNS (MediaStreamer).
- Automatic kill switch (Network Lock).
- AES 256-bit encryption.
- Torrenting/P2P is allowed.
- Unblocks American Netflix.
- Round-the-clock live support.
- Dedicated router app.
- Plans are Expensive
For more information, check out this full 2022 ExpressVPN review!
2. NordVPN: Secure & Top VPN for Kodi
Number of Servers: 5,100+ | Countries: 59+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.4 | Maximum Devices Supported: 6 | Price: $3.99/mo. on a 2-year plan
Based in the safe jurisdiction of Panama; NordVPN is a highly secure option for Kodi users. One that is able to bypass the VPN ban in countries like China, thanks to using advanced technologies like Obfuscation, which transforms VPN traffic into regular HTTPS traffic.
Apart from the usual security features, like AES-256 grade encryption, multiple protocol support including L2TP and OpenVPN, NordVPN has a strict zero-logs policy, which it has never violated. In fact, the provider has aced both its security audits conducted in the past two years.
They also have a support page that provides steps for setting up the VPN on Kodi, along with an active NordVPN Free Trial available for testing the service and its capabilities. The best part of all: you can unblock all popular streaming platforms, such as:
Specifications
- 5,600+ server in 59 countries.
- 6 simultaneous connections.
- Automatic kill switch.
- Smart DNS.
- Double VPN.
- CyberSec.
- Onion over VPN.
- AES 256-bit encryption.
- Dedicated IPs Available.
- Unblocks US/UK Netflix.
- Torrenting/P2P is allowed.
- 24/7 Live Chat Support.
- No Port Forwarding
For more information, check out this full 2022 NordVPN review!
3. Surfshark: Best Budget VPN for Kodi
Number of Servers: 3,200+ | Countries: 63+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited | Price: $2.49/mo. on a 2-year plan
Established in 2018 and headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark is a highly reliable choice for Kodi users. Although the provider does not have a native VPN Kodi add-on, there are apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.
As such, if you have Kodi installed on any device, just simply download the relevant VPN client from Surfshark and enjoy unmatched protection when streaming. Currently, the VPN has 3,200+ servers in 63+ countries, and you can even get a Surfshark free trial for testing the service!
The best part of all: a commitment of 2-years will give you a massive discount of 83% on the original pricing, meaning you only pay a minimal $2.49/mo . The provider also faces no issues in bypassing geographical and content limitations on:
Specifications
- 3,200+ servers in 63+ countries.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Smart DNS.
- CleanWeb.
- Automatic kill switch.
- MultiHop.
- Compatible with Asus routers.
- BVI is a Safe Jurisdiction.
- WireGuard Protocol.
- Strict No-Logging Policy.
- DDoS Protection.
- 24/7 Live Chat Support.
- No Dedicated IP Addresses.
For more information, check out this full 2022 Surfshark review!
4. CyberGhost: Best Budget-Friendly VPN for Kodi
Number of Servers: 6,200+ | Countries: 88+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Maximum Devices Supported: 7 | Price: $2.29/mo. on a 3-year plan
Established in 2011 and based in Romania, CyberGhost is a reliable VPN in terms of unblocking VoDs and allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions smoothly on all websites, regardless of your location. Therefore, it is a great application to use along with your Kodi.
The provider has never been caught giving logs to any government agency and was also among the first to get their audits done back in 2012, conducted by QSCert for their Information Safety Management System (ISMS).
All of their applications come equipped with an “Unblock Streaming” option. It lists dedicated servers for a myriad of VoD services in the marketplace. This includes CyberGhost Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more.
Specifications
- 6,200+ servers in 88 countries.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
- DNS & IP leak protection.
- Split tunneling.
- Smart DNS.
- Dual-mode kill switch.
- Stealth VPN Protection Feature.
- Dedicated Streaming Servers.
- 45-Days Refund Policy.
- Slow Customer Support
For more information, check out this full 2022 CyberGhost review!
5. PureVPN: Best VPN Service for Kodi
Number of Servers: 6,500+ | Countries: 91+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.6 | Maximum Devices Supported: 10 | Price: $1.99/mo. on a 2-year plan
A Kodi favorite, PureVPN is a top player in the VPN industry and despite its incredibly wallet-friendly VPN, it does not lack the novel features of services, such as Split tunneling, DDoS Protection, VPN Hotspot, NAT firewall, and 10 simultaneous connections.
The best part of all: the BVI-based provider was the first to come up with a dedicated add-on for Kodi, which still functions and works smoothly and protects your identity while streaming. You can activate it when you launch the Kodi application for maximum protection.
If you want to learn how to install the PureVPN Kodi add-on, follow the instructions in this step-by-step guide. To use the add-on, you will need to log into your VPN account. By subscribing to PureVPN, you can even unblock other streaming services on Kodi, which include:
Specifications
- 6,500+ servers in 91+ countries.
- 10 simultaneous connections.
- AES 256-bit encryption.
- Kill switch.
- Smart DNS.
- Port forwarding.
- Dedicated Kodi Add-on.
- Dedicated IPs available.
- Torrenting/P2P is allowed.
- No Free Trial Available
For more information, check out this full 2022 PureVPN review!
6. IPVanish: Best VPN for Seamless Streaming on Kodi
Number of Servers: 1,900+ | Locations: 75+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.6 | Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited | Price: $3.99/mo. on a 1-year plan
Based in the United States, IPVanish is another popular service for Kodi users around the world. You can get a plan from them for as low as $3.99/month on a 1-year plan, while gaining access to a huge listing of over 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations worldwide.
IPVanish also has a zero-logs policy, which means you stay anonymous at all times when using the service for streaming/torrenting. The best part of all: you have access to simultaneous connections on unlimited devices and can even unblock major streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC IPlayer, and more.
Specifications
- 1,900+ servers in 75+ countries.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Kill Switch.
- Split tunneling.
- DNS leak protection.
- Good Streaming on 4k quality.
- Unblocks Most VoD Services.
- SOCKS5 Proxy.
- 30-day Money-back Guarantee.
- Strict “No-Logs” Policy.
- No Obfuscation Features
For more information, check out this full 2022 IPVanish review!
7. Ivacy VPN: Best VPN with Native Kodi App
Number of Servers: 5,700+ | Locations: 100+ | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Maximum Devices Supported: 5 | Price: $1.19/mo. on a 5-year plan
Ivacy has its headquarters in Singapore and has been in the marketplace since 2007, so it is one of the oldest. Ivacy is even the creator behind the concept of Split Tunneling, which is now a standard in almost all VPN services (the feature that separates VPN traffic from regular traffic on apps).
The VPN offers apps for all popular platforms, TVs, and routers. Second to PureVPN, it is the only provider to offer a dedicated VPN add-on for Kodi. You can install it by the .zip file directly from here or follow the instructions on this add-on installation guide!
Specifications
- 5,700+ servers in 100+ locations.
- Split tunneling.
- Kill Switch.
- Works on Netflix.
- AES 256-bit encryption.
- Dedicated IP.
- IPv6 leak protection.
- DDoS protection.
- Singapore is a Safe Jurisdiction.
- TCP, UDP, L2TP, and IKEv2 Protocols.
- Secure DNS.
- Strict Zero-Logging Policy.
- Torrenting Allowed.
- Slow Support Responses
For more information, check out this full 2022 Ivacy review!
How to Choose the Best VPN for Kodi
- Invest in a provider that is away from Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes Alliances, as they do have to comply to mandatory data retention and mass surveillance laws.
- It is necessary to look for features like “Obfuscation”, which allows netizens to bypass VPN bans imposed by countries like China and VoDs like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc.
- Go for a provider that offers military-grade AES-256-CBC encryption and offers you the ability of buying a dedicated IP address for maximum compatibility of unblocking Netflix.
- Make sure that you conduct a thorough analysis on each provider, testing them for WebRTC/DNS/IP Leakages. VPNs that leak cannot bypass geo-restrictions.
- Opt for a service that offers specialized servers for VoDs. It will make it easier to circumvent content limitations on streaming platforms, allowing you to explore new entertainment.
- It is always good to have a vast number of server options available, as it contributes to lesser user load and faster speeds!
Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN with Kodi in 3 Steps
- Sign up for a top-tier VPN provider. We recommend ExpressVPN for its blazing speed, compatibility for all devices, and optimized servers for Kodi.
- Install the VPN. Connect to a server location of your choice.
- Start streaming. Launch the Kodi app, select your preferred add-on, and start watching.
5 Things to Consider Before Getting a VPN for Kodi
1. Devices Supported by Kodi
Kodi is available on a wide range of devices, from smart TVs and streaming boxes to laptops and smartphones. As a result, you can use Kodi on nearly any device that connects to the internet.
So you’ll be needing a VPN, that works on your operating system. Make sure you sign up for a VPN that is compatible with all the majorly used devices.
2. Don’t Use APK Files From Third Parties:
Kodi’s official app is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Microsoft Store. If you’re using Kodi on Android, then only get the Kodi app from the Google Play Store.
Installing an APK file from a third-party source can lead to malicious software being installed on your device without you even realizing it.
If you’re running an Android TV with no Google Play Store then sideload your apps from a device that supports Google Play Store and avoid downloading from unknown sources.
3. Dangers of Using a Free VPN for Kodi:
A free VPN might sound appealing since it doesn’t cost anything, but we advise against using one. Free VPNs are often unreliable and slow, which makes streaming video a frustrating experience.
First, it has a small pool of location servers that are not even optimized for streaming.
Second, they offer protocols like PPTP or L2TP that have gone obsolete and they’re easy to intercept.
Third, when a VPN provider is not charging you for their service then how will they make a profit? So they usually sell the user’s private information to concerned parties in order to earn a commission.
4. What Are the Dangers of Using Kodi Add-On:
While Kodi is legal, some of the add-ons available for the platform may not be. If you use an unofficial Kodi add-on to stream movies or TV shows that are geo-blocked in your country, then you might get into trouble with the law.
In addition, some add-ons may also access your personal information without your permission. So it’s important to only use official add-ons from reputable sources and to always use a VPN with Kodi.
5. VPNs to Avoid Using with Kodi:
There are some VPNs that we do not recommend using with Kodi. These include HolaVPN, OperaVPN, and HideMyAss.
- HolaVPN: Hola is a free peer-to-peer VPN service that is known for selling user data to third parties.
- OperaVPN: Opera is a web browser that comes with a built-in VPN service. However, this VPN is known for injecting ads into webpages and selling user data to third parties.
- HideMyAss: HideMyAss has provided its data to help catch a hacker in 2011. Moreover, as a UK-based VPN service, it falls into the jurisdiction of 5, 9, and 14 Eyes Alliances.
How to Setup Kodi VPN Manager
Sometimes the default OS installation does not get things working. You may want to get more control over your VPN, without leaving the streamlined interface of Kodi.
This is where the VPN manager add-on from Zomboided comes in, allowing users to control PureVPN from Kodi, while keeping the rest of your system protected.
This is quite similar to PureVPN Kodi’s built-in “Split Tunneling” feature, which gives you the ability to decide on what add-ons the VPN connection should be active.
However, if you still want to go ahead with the traditional VPN manager available from Zomboided, make sure to follow the instructions below:
- Get the Zomboided zip file from here
- If you have Kodi open already, go to Add-Ons.
- Click on the “Package” icon symbol
- Select “Install from Zip File”
- Locate the Zomboided Repository Zip File
- Click on it to allow the repo installation to begin
- Go to add-ons and select “Program Add-ons”
- Find your VPN Manager for OpenVPN!
VPN Router Setup for Kodi on Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, etc.
Streaming devices like Roku, Chromecast, and Fire TV can easily run Kodi but they are not able to run native VPN apps. In order to use a VPN on these devices, you’ll need to set it up on a router and then connect the streaming device to the router.
Not all VPNs support all routers. So it is necessary that you choose a VPN provider that supports your router’s firmware version.
And in case if your router is not compatible with your VPN service, then you’ll have to flash your router with a third party firmware that your VPN can support.
The popular firmware are DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Padavan, and Tomato.
However, while flashing your router, you have to be extra cautious. It is a very delicate process as a minor mistake can damage your router’s functionality. So it is advised to keep a backup file.
And if your not comfortable with flashing your router yourself then buy a pre-flashed router from FlashRouters.
Moreover, the best VPN for router is ExpressVPN. It has a dedicated router app and it supports all the famous routers including Netgear, Asus, and Linksys.
Read more on how to install ExpressVPN on a router.
VPN Add-On for OpenELEC Devices
OpenELEC error only arises if the manager is not installed correctly. The only way out of this is to try and prompt a reboot or go through the installation process again, but this should be carried out with care to not miss any steps.
Visit this useful Quora thread for more information.
Best VPN for Kodi: FAQs
Does VPN work with Kodi?
Yes, a VPN will work with Kodi by encrypting all your internet traffic and routing it through a server in a location of your choosing. This will unblock any geo-restricted content and keep your identity safe from prying eyes.
Do I need a VPN for Kodi?
Kodi itself is legal to download and use. However, third-party add-ons aggregating pirated content might get you into trouble if you stream, hence why it is advised to go for a VPN (to avoid legal hassles).
Why use VPN with Kodi?
There is nothing that makes Kodi safer than a VPN. A credible service will protect your IP, encrypt data packets, unlock geo-restricted add-ons, securing and enhance your experience on Kodi!
Do you need a VPN for Kodi streaming?
While Kodi is legal, some of the add-ons available for the platform may not be. If you use an unofficial Kodi add-on to stream movies or TV shows that are geo-blocked in your country, then you might get into trouble with the law. So you need a VPN to avoid problems and have safe streaming.
What is the best VPN for Kodi?
With all factors taken into consideration, PureVPN wins the category for the best Kodi VPNs. However, if you are looking for another cheaper alternative, do consider signing up with Surfshark.
How to install free VPN on Kodi?
The process of installing a free VPN on Kodi is the same as any other product. Find the relevant application for your device/platform. Once installed, launch the VPN app, and connect to a secure server.
What is the best VPN country for Kodi?
The best VPN country for Kodi is one that has servers in locations where the content you want to stream is available. For example, if you want to watch US Netflix, then you should connect to a server in the United States. Similarly, for BBC iPlayer, you’ll need a server in the UK.
Will a VPN for Kodi work with other services?
This completely depends on the provider you choose to sign up with. Bear in mind that to bypass geo-restrictions, the VPN service should have regularly updated servers and technologies like Obfuscation.
Does a VPN slow down Kodi?
No, a VPN will not slow down Kodi. In fact, it can even improve your streaming experience by unblocking content and providing a more stable connection. While it is true if you’re subscribed to a low-quality VPN provider then it might decrease your internet speed so it is important that you sign up for top-tier VPN provider like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Why is my VPN not working with Kodi?
There are several reasons why your VPN might not be working with Kodi. It could be because you’re using an outdated version of Kodi, your VPN is not compatible with your router, or there might be an issue with your DNS settings. You can try troubleshooting by updating Kodi, flashing your router, or changing your DNS settings.
How do I know if my VPN is working with Kodi?
The best way to know if your VPN is working with Kodi is to try streaming a movie or TV show that is geo-blocked in your country. If the content starts playing without any issues, then your VPN is working as it should.
Wrapping Things Up
To sum everything up, the best VPN for Kodi will protect you from many legal threats of streaming pirated content and help you enjoy an unparalleled cinematic experience.
With all factors taken into consideration, ExpressVPN wins the category for the best Kodi VPNs out of 7. However, if you are looking for another cheaper alternative, do consider signing up with Surfshark.
If you have any questions or better recommendations to give, do not hesitate on commenting below. Also, feel free to share the guide with other Kodi users who need a VPN!
