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Best VPNs for Kodi in 2023


Kodi is an open-source media player software, which is popular among people because of its compatibility with various streaming services. However, you may experience some issues with using Kodi. For example, accessing geo-blocked content, speed throttling from your ISP, and your data being vulnerable to cyber threats.

Luckily, you can download a VPN for Kodi and bypass geo-restrictions and hide your traffic from ISPs and governments. The top VPNs will also encrypt and protect your data, so your streaming experience would be much safer.

There are so many VPNs on the market and it’s difficult to pick the one for you. So, we compiled a list of the best VPNs for Kodi in 2023, to help you find the ultimate VPN provider.

Top 5 best VPNs for Kodi:

  1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Kodi in 2023
  2. Surfshark – speedy VPN for the best Kodi streaming experience
  3. IPVanish – exceptionally secure VPN for using Kodi
  4. PureVPN – reliable VPN for streaming on Kodi and other platforms
  5. Atlas VPN – beginner-friendly VPN for secure Kodi use

What features to look for in a Kodi VPN?

There are several very important features to look for when buying a VPN for Kodi. And here are the ones that we find the most needed:

  • Protection. A reliable VPN has to encrypt your data, so you’re protected from cyber threats. Additionally, to avoid downloading harmful files, or visiting malicious websites, the best VPNs will come with an ad or tracker blocker.
  • Speed. All VPNs slow down your connection, so you need a really fast one to stream in HD or 4K. Look for WireGuard (or similar) protocol and high-quality servers with solid performance results.
  • Connections and device support. Pick a VPN that can be used on multiple devices simultaneously. In addition, make sure that the VPN is compatible with your device, or can be set up on your router.
  • Unblocking capabilities. A reliable VPN has to give you unrestricted access to desired streaming platforms and their international libraries. A VPN should bypass these blocks easily, without annoying interruptions and error messages, and have a decent list of servers in geographically varied locations.
  • Additional features. For the best experience, look for features like obfuscation modes, torrenting and streaming optimized servers, as well as a functioning kill switch and auto-connect for maximum security and privacy.
  • Price. Look for the best value in your VPN purchase – get a provider with a solid money-back guarantee or a free trial, so you can get your investment back if there are any problems.

Comparing the best VPN services for Kodi

NordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishPureVPNAtlas VPN
Brandlogologologologologo
PriceFrom $3.29/monthFrom $2.30/monthFrom $3.33/monthFrom $2.08/monthFrom $1.82/month
Servers/countries5500+ servers in 60 countries3200+ servers in 100 countries2000+ servers in 50 countries6500+ servers in 78 countries750+ servers in 38 countries
Supported devicesWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
StreamingNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and moreNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and moreNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTubeNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTubeNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
No-logs policyNo logs, independently audited twice by PwCNo logs, audited by DeloitteNo logs, independently audited by LeviathanNo logs, always-on audit by KPMGNo logs, not audited
Kill switchYesYesYesYesYes
Ad blockerYesYesNoNoYes
Simultaneous connections6UnlimitedUnlimited10Unlimited
Money-back guarantee30-day money-back30-day money-back30-day money-back31-day money-back30-day money-back
ReviewNordVPN reviewSurfshark reviewIPVanish reviewPureVPN reviewAtlas VPN review

Best VPNs for Kodi – our detailed list:

In order to help you find the most optimal VPN solution for Kodi, we’ve tested at least a dozen of different services. Our chosen VPNs offer impressive server fleets, excellent speeds, and affordable prices. You’ll find a full list of the best VPNs for Kodi below.

1. NordVPN – overall best Kodi VPN in 2023

NordVPN all devices
Unblocks:Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
Simultaneous connections:6
Servers/countries:5500 servers in 60 countries
Current deal:🔥 Get NordVPN with 63% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

NordVPN is our best VPN for Kodi based on our test because it’s an amazing all-rounder, perfect for streaming, torrenting, and other activities. All in all, there's every reason to recommend NordVPN for Kodi.

Streaming: NordVPN is excellent at unblocking countless streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and others. This is great news because it means that Kodi add-ons for these and more streaming platforms will also work.

Speed: this provider is arguably the fastest in the world. For that, we have to thank its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is a modified version of WireGuard.

Servers and apps: you'll be able to choose from over 5500 VPN servers in 60 countries, none of which are virtual. NordVPN is perfect for Amazon Fire devices, and also has an app for Android TV, and its Smart DNS feature further extends the supported device list.

Security and privacy: NordVPN is located in privacy-friendly Panama and has an independently audited no-logs policy. It also uses advanced AES-256 encryption and complex hashing algorithms for authentication processing.

Features: There's a wide range of security-oriented features, such as a kill switch, threat protection, split tunneling, Tor over VPN, and obfuscated servers, among many others. Recently, NordVPN also introduced a Meshnet feature.

Pricing: NordVPN prices start at $3.29/month. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as a 7-day free trial.

For more information, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – great prices and unlimited devices

surfshark all devices
Unblocks:Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
Servers/countries:3200 servers in 100 countries
Current deal:🔥 Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE 🔥

Surfshark is a near-perfect option for Kodi. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can share your account with family and friends, so they can also watch movies and shows on Kodi.

Streaming: during our testing, Surfshark has proven that it’s capable of unblocking a great number of streaming platforms such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer. Some others, such as Hulu and HBO Max were also a success, meaning that they’ll be available for Kodi, too.

Speed: This VPN gives you some of the industry's top speeds. Once again, we have to thank the WireGuard tunneling protocol for making such numbers a reality.

Servers and apps: Surfshark has 3200 servers in 100 countries, which is quite a lot. There are also apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Fire Stick. If you install it on a router or use Smart DNS, the range extends even more.

Security and privacy: Surfshark is located in the Netherlands and has an independently audited no-logs policy. It also employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption to hide your traffic from any third parties.

Features: with Surfshark, you get a kill switch, leak protection, an anti-malware tool, and obfuscated servers, among other features.

Pricing: the prices start at $2.30/month. Surfshark for Kodi doesn't have a free version, but you can use the 7-day free trial. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee that should be more than enough to try things out.

Find out more about this provider in our Surfshark VPN review.

3. IPVanish – arguably the safest VPN for Kodi

IPVanish banner
Unblocks: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
Servers/countries: 2000 servers in 50 countries
Current deal:🔥 Get 72% OFF IPVanish! 🔥

IPVanish is another great Kodi VPN on our list with impressive security features, pretty high speeds, and overall good performance.

Streaming: entertainment enthusiasts should know that this provider unblocks popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. You’ll be able to watch them on Kodi from anywhere.

Speed: IPVanish employs WireGuard as its primary tunneling protocol. This allows for pretty fast speeds, suitable for streaming, gaming, and anything else that requires a fast internet connection.

Servers and apps: IPVanish offers 2000 servers in 50 countries. When it comes to compatibility, it doesn’t disappoint either – IPVanish supports all major operating systems as well as has dedicated apps for Amazon Fire and Android TV.

Security and privacy: when connected to IPVanish, your data gets encrypted using the AES-256 cipher. This VPN provider also has had its no-logs policy independently audited and certified by Leviathan.

Features: IPVanish offers such features as unlimited simultaneous connections, a kill switch, an auto-connect feature called On Demand, and also an obfuscation mode.

Pricing: you can get IPVanish for $3.33/month and test its capabilities yourself. In case you’re not satisfied with the services, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that ensures a full refund.

Read more about this VPN in our IPVanish review.

4. PureVPN – feature-rich VPN for Kodi

purevpn
Unblocks:Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
Simultaneous connections:10
Servers/countries:6500 servers in 78 countries
Current deal:🔥 Get PureVPN, now 81% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

PureVPN is also among the best VPNs for Kodi. It has a dedicated Kodi add-on that’s super easy to use and install as well as gives 10 simultaneous connections.

Streaming: PureVPN works well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. This means that you’ll also be able to use Kodi add-ons for these streaming platforms.

Speed: PureVPN provides excellent speeds with the WireGuard tunneling protocol that is essential for every great Kodi VPN. This way, you get a buffer-free streaming marathon for you to enjoy.

Servers and apps: this provider has an impressive server fleet of 6500 servers in 78 locations, and supports over 20 different operating systems. This means that you can install it on desktop and mobile devices, routers, gaming consoles, Smart TVs, and others.

Security and privacy: PureVPN employs the military-grade AES-256 encryption cipher for encrypting your traffic, and its no-logs policy is always-on-audit. This is something that other VPN providers don’t offer.

Features: among features of PureVPN, there is a kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscation. It is also one of the few VPNs that support port forwarding.

Pricing: PureVPN prices start from $2.08/month and there’s also an option to get a free 7-day trial. What’s even better is that PureVPN has a 31-day money-back guarantee which is slightly longer compared to what the majority of VPN providers are offering.

Learn more about this VPN in our full PureVPN review.

5. Atlas VPN – the cheapest VPN for Kodi

Atlas VPN banner
Unblocks: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
Servers/countries:750 servers in 38 countries
Current deal:🔥 Get Atlas VPN, now 83% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

Atlas VPN is one of the most affordable Kodi VPNs that also comes with unlimited simultaneous connections. You can use this VPN on all of your devices without emptying your wallet considering that Kodi services are also free.

Streaming: while Atlas VPN may not be the absolute best at unblocking streaming platforms, it’s still pretty good. During our tests, it managed to unblock Netflix and Youtube, which is good news for those who wanted to download Kodi add-ons for these platforms.

Speed: Atlas VPN covers this base pretty well. It offers the WireGuard tunneling protocol for Windows and Android users to achieve the best streaming performance.

Servers and apps: besides the major operating systems, Atlas VPN also has apps specifically designed for Android TV and Amazon Fire. Its server count of 750 servers in 38 countries is not as impressive as that of other providers but it’s still pretty okay.

Security and privacy: you get strong encryption with the AES-256 cipher. It’s also widely used by the military and is known to be unbreakable. So you can be sure that your sensitive information is protected at all times.

Features: Atlas VPN is known for its pretty unique features. For example, an IP rotator will change your IP address to maintain maximum security, and the SafeBrowse feature will protect you from malicious sites while browsing. It also offers a data hack detection feature.

Pricing: the pricing of Atlas VPN starts from $1.82/month. It also has a completely free version and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read more about this provider in our detailed Atlas VPN review.

Why do I need a VPN for Kodi?

While you’ll be able to use Kodi without a VPN just fine, there are some areas in which having one is particularly useful. Here are some reasons why you should really consider getting a Kodi VPN:

  • Access geo-restricted content. Plenty of streaming platforms and other channels that are on Kodi might be unavailable to you because of geo-blocking. Luckily, a VPN unblocks most of them and even allows you to choose libraries in multiple countries.
  • Get geo-restricted add-ons. You might be unable to download some of Kodi's add-ons just because they've been made unavailable in your location. Changing your IP address with a VPN will help you access any geo-restricted add-ons and enjoy unlimited entertainment Kodi.
  • Get around bandwidth throttling. Sometimes Internet Service Providers (ISPs) throttle your internet connection if they detect a lot of traffic. A VPN will encrypt your connection and reroute your traffic through one of their servers, which helps escape ISP throttling and improve internet speed for streaming or gaming.
  • Stay private and secure. A VPN is in general a really useful tool for maintaining your online privacy and anonymity. It also helps avoid targeted advertising and offers protection from cyberattacks such as DDoS and Man-in-the-middle.

How we selected and tested these Kodi VPNs

To compile our list, we tested more than a dozen different VPNs to see which ones are truly the best for Kodi. Here are some of the factors we looked into:

  • Does it bypass geo-blocking? We tested how well the VPNs unblock geo-restricted content such as streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, and Kodi add-ons, as well as some geo-blocked websites.
  • How secure and private is it? We looked for VPNs that use military-grade encryption and also additionally process authentication to ensure the utmost security of your traffic. We also checked if the VPNs have had their no-logs policies and security measures independently audited and approved.
  • How fast is it? We tested the speed of all VPNs on our list using our speed testing tool and chose only the ones that perform with the best results. Because VPNs naturally slow down your internet speed, it’s best to choose the ones that do it the least.
  • Is it compatible with various devices? During our testing, we made sure that the VPNs are compatible with various streaming devices, such as Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, which are popular with Kodi users, and also OpenELEC, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, and more. We also looked for VPNs that support multiple simultaneous connections.

How to use a VPN with Kodi

Using a VPN with Kodi is fairly simple. All you need to do is install Kodi on your device, and then follow the steps below to use a VPN with the service:

  1. Go to the page of your chosen VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
purchase nordvpn subscription
  1. Download and install the VPN software.
nordvpn downloads page
  1. Log in and connect to a VPN server.
Connect to a server on NordVPN
  1. Once you are connected, launch Kodi, and your network will now be protected by a VPN
kodi homepage

If you have a Kodi Box and wish to add a VPN to it and protect your connection, these same steps work for it too. On the other hand, if you’re wondering how to install Kodi on different devices, or need more detailed guides, check out our guide on how to install VPN on Kodi.

VPNs to avoid using with Kodi

Some VPNs, even though compatible with Kodi, are just not worth getting. Here are some of them, along with reasons why you should avoid them:

  • Perfect Privacy. This VPN only has 50 servers in 24 countries, doesn’t unblock Netflix, and costs $8.95/month. You can definitely get a better VPN service offering for Kodi and for far less money.
  • HideMyAss. In 2011, their data helped capture a hacker, while in 2015, a Texas judge was caught the same way. Add a Five Eyes jurisdiction in the UK, and there are not enough arguments to use this Kodi VPN.

Can I use a free VPN with Kodi?

Yes, you can try using a free VPN with Kodi, but we don’t recommend doing that.

Free VPNs often don’t manage to unblock geo-restricted content such as Kodi add-ons or streaming platforms. Besides, they tend to lack certain features, and usually have very poor speeds that are only suitable for some light browsing. What’s more, free VPNs also tend to collect and sell user data.

However, if you really want to try using a free VPN for Kodi, we suggest looking into freemium VPNs or making use of free trials and money-back guarantees of paid providers.

For example, ProtonVPN has a free version with unlimited bandwidth, so you’ll be able to use it for streaming. And if you ever want more features, you can upgrade to a paid plan.

We also recommend checking out some paid VPNs with free trials, such as NordVPN or Surfshark. Who knows, maybe you’ll like the service so much you’ll end up getting a subscription.

Using a VPN with Kodi is completely legal and doesn't breach any laws. You're just routing your connection through the server which is located somewhere else, and hiding your true IP.

Though, some Kodi add-ons aren't that innocent. They might be tapping into various streaming channels that knowingly breach copyright laws, a legal grey area. You might never know 100% if the stream you're watching is legal or not, but ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

You could get fined whether you knew what you were doing or not. The solution? Use a VPN, which will protect your online privacy in case something goes wrong.

Final thoughts

There are several reasons to get a Kodi VPN. One is to protect yourself in case you'll be using some illegal add-ons, and another is to get access to geo-blocked content and add-ons. In either case, the quality of your service will determine the success of both of these tasks.

The ultimate Kodi VPN should be able to unblock geo-restricted Kodi add-ons, as well as provide access to streaming platforms. It must also have high connection speeds, offer multiple simultaneous connections, and ensure your security with the latest encryption ciphers and extra security features such as a kill switch or obfuscation mode.

Having all this in mind, it is safe to say that our favorite VPN for Kodi is NordVPN. It uses market-leading encryption to encrypt your traffic, and also offers over x servers all over the world. NordVPN has proved to be excellent at unblocking all kinds of blocked content, including streaming platforms and Kodi add-ons.


More VPN guides from Cybernews


FAQ

Comments

Almas
Almas
prefix 1 year ago
I wonder if all these suggested vpn for kodi work with both Android and Linux based streaming services
Mindaugas Jancis
Mindaugas Jancis
prefix 1 year ago
Hi, Almas. I’m not sure what you mean by Android and Linux-based streaming services, but I can assure you that these VPNs are available on these two platforms.
Tor
Tor
prefix 1 year ago
what do I do about kodi not working with vpn? The connection is so unstable all the time. I’ve tried turning my internet on and off, doesn’t help. it all works okay without the vpn. I wonder if there’s a fix.
Mindaugas Jancis
Mindaugas Jancis
prefix 1 year ago
Hi, Tor. I’m sorry you’re having these issues with Kodi and a VPN. I think a lot depends on your chosen service. There are VPNs with inherently unstable connections. Does it work OK when you’re not using Kodi? Maybe you can also try Kodi+VPN on another device? I hope this problem is only temporary.
bereest
bereest
prefix 1 year ago
Do I need Kodi Box with vpn? I don’t use torrents, just video add-ons.
Mindaugas Jancis
Mindaugas Jancis
prefix 1 year ago
Hello, bereest. No, you don’t. A VPN will work on just about any streaming device, i.e., Android Box, Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, desktop, or smartphone.
Conrad Brix
Conrad Brix
prefix 1 year ago
hello, i’m wondering just how to tell if vpn is working on kodi and what IP address is being used?
Mindaugas Jancis
Mindaugas Jancis
prefix 1 year ago
Hey, Conrad Brix. In your Kodi Settings, go to System Information. Here you’ll find the IP address that Kodi is using. If you doubt whether it’s your VPN IP, simply check it on Google by entering ‘what’s my ip.’
Man
Man
prefix 1 year ago
Thanks for the review! It really helped me when choosing vpn. Just came back to say that :))
grigoriy.
grigoriy.
prefix 1 year ago
I recently noticed that my internet provider might be limiting connection speed when streaming content. I want to watch videos smoothly so as I understand I might need a vpn with Kodi. Is that going to help with the speed? Because as far as I heard, vpn can slow down the speed too? Would it be worth getting it then (purely for speed)?
Mindaugas Jancis
Mindaugas Jancis
prefix 1 year ago
Hello, grigory. First, I’d recommend checking the torrenting speeds (a VPN can help with that). If you get a really fast VPN, such as NordVPN, the speed should increase. If you no longer can watch videos, then I think it’s totally worth it. And if the results with a VPN are poor, you can still exercise a money-back guarantee.
Dei G
Dei G
prefix 1 year ago
looking for a good vpn for Kodi so I can access more content, and I see cyber ghost has a lot of servers for cheap, however, i’m confused about cyber ghost ‘app having some quirks’ as mentioned. what are they?
Mindaugas Jancis
Mindaugas Jancis
prefix 1 year ago
Dear Dei G, thanks for the question. These quirks are more like small bugs, and I believe some of them have already been fixed. When testing CyberGhost apps, we experienced issues like being unable to select a tunneling protocol or not being able to cancel a connection attempt. Switching to Mac, we’ve found out that after waking it up, the app connects, but there’s still no internet access. But in the end, if you really like CyberGhost, you should try it yourself risk-free.
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