Best VPNs for Kodi in 2023

Using a VPN with Kodi is beneficial for accessing unlimited content choices on your favorite streaming services. Without a VPN, the content you can access will be limited depending on your location due to geo-restrictions.

A VPN changes your IP address, making it look like you’re from another region. Naturally, you gain access to content that was unavailable from your location. For example, if you connect to a server in Japan, you’ll be able to view the Japanese library of Netflix. Plus, it can help stop Internet Service Provider (ISP) bandwidth throttling when streaming, ensuring smooth speeds.

But not all VPNs are capable of bypassing geo-blocks. To help you make an informed decision, we reviewed and tested loads of services and their streaming capabilities on Kodi, speeds, compatibility, and more. Continue reading to find out the best VPNs for Kodi.

Top 5 best VPNs for Kodi

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Kodi in 2023 with great streaming capabilities
2. Surfshark – speedy VPN for the best Kodi streaming experience
3. Atlas VPN – cheap VPN for Kodi with a free version
4. ExpressVPN – private VPN for streaming purposes
5. CyberGhost – Kodi VPN with a massive server network

The best VPNs for Kodi in 2023 – our detailed list:

In order to help you find the 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

Watch Kodi with NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for Kodi according to our tests. It’s excellent for bypassing geo-blocks on various streaming sites and add-ons. Plus, it does all that while maintaining an exceptional average speed retention rate of 90%, making it an ideal choice for Kodi.

Streaming. When tested on Kodi, we found that NordVPN unblocks loads of services. To be exact, it managed to access 16 Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPLayer, Max, and others. Plus, you’ll find that this VPN comes with the Smart DNS feature which allows you to stream on devices that do not natively support VPN connections.

Speed. When tested on multiple locations, we counted that the average speed retention rate of NordVPN was 90% compared to initial connection speeds. So using NordVPN for Kodi won’t compromise your performance or leave you behind a buffering screen.

Servers and apps. This VPN has over 5,800 servers in 60 countries that you can use to bypass geo-blocks. In terms of compatibility, you’ll find that NordVPN is great for all Amazon Fire devices, and also has an app for Android TV.

Security and privacy. We read NordVPN’s privacy policy, finding that it has been audited and keeps zero logs. Your data is also protected with AES-256, or military-grade encryption, as well as Threat Protection which prevents trackers. This will also be helpful when installing Kodi add-ons from unknown sources that are filled with trackers.

Pricing. NordVPN prices start at $3.19/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 – low-cost Kodi VPN for unlimited devices

Watch Kodi with Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly option for Kodi. For $2.30/month, you get a VPN that can bypass restrictions on dozens of streaming services and offers unlimited device connections.

Streaming. We tested Surfshark with loads of streaming platforms. The results showed that this VPN won’t have trouble accessing Netflix libraries, Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or any Kodi add-ons. Plus, you’ll get the Smart DNS feature and will even be able to stream your favorite content on devices that don’t support VPNs.

Speed. Surfshark uses the fast WireGuard protocol. Our performance tests showed that it retains 86% of initial internet connection speeds on average. This guarantees lag-free Kodi content watching at all times.

Servers and apps. With servers in 100 countries, you’ll find plenty of options to access Kodi content. You’ll also get apps for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Fire TV Stick. If you install Surfshark on a router or use Smart DNS, the range extends even more, letting you use the service on such devices as Apple TV or Raspberry Pi.

Security and privacy. We reviewed the privacy policy of Surfshark – it retains none of your information, and the policy is audited. The strong AES-256 encryption as well as DNS leak protection and CleanWeb only enhances online anonymity, keeping your data safe from Kodi add-on trackers.

Pricing. The prices start at $2.30/month, but you can use the 7-day free trial as well. 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 or unearth different knowledge in the Surfshark vs NordVPN analysis.

3. Atlas VPN – the cheapest VPN for Kodi

Watch Kodi with Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a cheap yet high-quality solution for Kodi. It comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, unblocks quite a few streaming sites, and even has a limited free version to test the service out.

Streaming. When put to a test, Atlas VPN managed to unblock YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and Max. What’s more, we found that it unblocks 11 Netflix libraries. That’s not as much as NordVPN, but still a lot. Plus, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, it doesn’t offer the Smart DNS feature either.

Speed. Atlas VPN uses the WireGuard protocol, which explains its great speed results. On average, we found that it managed to retain around 80% of initial connection speeds. When streaming, we experienced no lagging whatsoever.

Servers and apps. Besides the major operating systems (OS), Atlas VPN also has apps for Android TV and Fire TV Stick. Not to mention that it offers over 1,000 servers in 42 countries as well.

Security and privacy: Once we read the privacy policy, we evaluated that Atlas VPN collects no data regarding your online activities. Plus, you get strong encryption with the 256-bit encryption cipher and the SafeBrowse feature for stopping trackers. So you can be sure that your sensitive information is protected at all times, even if you encounter tracker-filled add-ons on Kodi.

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 available.

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

4. ExpressVPN – privacy-guaranteeing VPN for streaming on Kodi

Watch Kodi with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a strong pick for Kodi due to its high security and streaming capability focus. It can unblock loads of streaming platforms, provides you with trustworthy privacy, and doesn’t compromise on security.

Streaming. We examined ExpressVPN with loads of streaming services. Speaking of the most popular platforms, this VPN managed to unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Hulu, and more. You’ll even be able to use this VPN on devices that don’t support VPNs as it comes with the MediaStreamer, or Smart DNS, feature.

Speed. Our research team performed performance tests with ExpressVPN in multiple server locations. Using the Lightway protocol, the modern variation of WireGuard, this VPN retained an average of 77% initial connection speeds. We didn’t experience buffering, but if you feel like you need a faster VPN, take a look at NordVPN.

Servers and apps. ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Fire TV stick. If it’s not supported on your device, like Apple TV, you can install it on your router instead. It’s also worth noting that you get over 3,000 servers in 94 countries with this product.

Security and privacy. ExpressVPN offers great privacy features. After reading the audited privacy policy, we found that it collects no logs. Plus, you can use this VPN’s Threat Manager to stop Kodi add-on trackers from gathering your data. Meanwhile, the AES encryption combined with a functional kill switch ensures that your data is safe 100% of the time.

Pricing. You can get ExpressVPN starting from $6.67/month. It’s quite expensive compared to competitors, so if you need a cheaper alternative, take a look at Surfshark. You can test it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review or have a sneak peek in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

5. CyberGhost – VPN for Kodi with a huge server network

Watch Kodi with CyberGhost

If a massive server fleet on top of a security-ensuring service is what you need, CyberGhost is the Kodi VPN for you. With servers in 91 countries, you’ll be secured from third-party trackers as well as watch any content without issues.

Streaming. Once we tested CyberGhost with streaming platforms, we concluded that it can access a wide range of platforms. From Netflix libraries and Hulu to BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video – we managed to unblock it all. However, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, CyberGhost does lack the Smart DNS feature, meaning you won’t be able to stream geo-blocked content on unsupported devices.

Speed. Our examination of CyberGhost together with its WireGuard protocol showed positive results. The VPN retained 86% of initial connection speeds, ensuring a smooth streaming experience on Kodi.

Servers and apps. Aside from the popular OS, CyberGhost offers an app for Android TV and Fire Stick. If anything, you can install the VPN on a router to set it up on Apple TV or other incompatible devices. As for servers, there will always be enough for bypassing restrictions – there’s over 9,600 servers in 91 countries.

Security and privacy. After we read the privacy policy of CyberGhost, we concluded that it’s truly a strict no-logs policy. It keeps no data regarding your online activities, and a past audit only proves that. As for security, you get an ad blocker to prevent trackers of third-party add-ons on Kodi from gathering your data.

Pricing. The prices of this VPN start from $2.11/month. There’s also a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on top of free trials (1-day on desktop, 3-day on Android, and 7-day on iOS).

Learn more in our CyberGhost review.

6. IPVanish – speedy VPN for streaming on Kodi

Watch Kodi with IPVanish

IPVanish doesn’t compromise on speeds, making it a good VPN choice for Kodi. It unblocks plenty of streaming platforms while letting you enjoy buffering-free streaming and also offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Streaming. IPVanish could easily go on the best streaming VPN list. Our examination showed that it unblocks loads of services. We successfully accessed Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Max, Disney+, and more. However, IPVanish couldn’t unblock Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. If you need to unblock these platforms, take a look at NordVPN or Surfshark instead.

Speed. Like most fast VPNs, IPVanish uses the WireGuard protocol. It retained 80% of initial connection speeds during our tests. This ensures that there’s no constant loading signs when streaming on Kodi.

Servers and apps. IPVanish has over 2,200 servers in 52 countries – that’s enough for Kodi streaming without encountering overcrowded servers. The provider also offers apps for Android TV, Fire TV and Fire Stick (except 1st generation Fire Stick). You can also install the VPN on a router to access Apple TV and other unsupported services.

Security and privacy. IPVanish only collects your email address and billing information, as we found in its privacy policy. It doesn’t log your online activities, and the policy has been audited. This VPN doesn’t have a tracker blocker, so if you want to protect yourself from third-party Kodi add-on tracking, you’ll need to look at NordVPN or Surfshark.

Pricing. The prices of this VPN start from $2.99/month. While there’s no IPVanish free trial, you can make use of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

You can learn more in our IPVanish review.

7. PureVPN – streaming VPN with great compatibility

Watch Kodi with PureVPN

PureVPN has apps for various devices, making it a great solution for Kodi. It also unblocks

Streaming. PureVPN is capable of bypassing geo-restrictions on Hulu, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer as we found out during our tests. It doesn’t have a Smart DNS feature either, so if you find it useful or want to unblock more streaming services, take a look at Surfshark which comes at a similar price.

Speed. We reviewed PureVPN’s performance using its WireGuard protocol. While WireGuard is considered a fast protocol, the VPN wasn’t as fast as other VPNs on this list, retaining 67% of initial connection speeds only.

Servers and apps. PureVPN has dedicated apps for Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and 1st and 2nd generation Fire Stick devices. Meaning you’ll be able to enjoy unrestricted Kodi content on any of these devices.

Security and privacy. PureVPN comes with a privacy policy that is always-on audit. We examined the policy, finding that they only keep your email address, name, and payment method, but you can simply purchase VPN with anonymous payment methods instead.

Pricing. You can get PureVPN for $2.08/month. The money-back guarantee of 31 days is available as well.

To find out more, visit our PureVPN review.

Comparing the best VPN services for Kodi

	NordVPN	Surfshark	Atlas VPN	ExpressVPN	CyberGhost	IPVanish	PureVPN
Brand
Price (monthly)	From $3.19	From $2.30	From $1.82	From $6.67	From $2.11	Form $2.99	Form $2.08
Supports all Fire TV variants	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (except 1st generation)	Yes (except 1st generation)	Yes (except 1st generation)	No (only with 2nd and 3rd generation)
Supported devices	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Streaming	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
Ad blocker	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No
Simultaneous connections	6	Unlimited	Unlimited	8	7	Unlimited	10
Money-back guarantee	30-day money-back	30-day money-back	30-day money-back	30-day money-back	45-day money-back	30-day money-back	31-day money-back
Review	NordVPN review	Surfshark review	Atlas VPN review	ExpressVPN review	CyberGhost review	IPVanish review	PureVPN review

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How we tested the best Kodi VPNs

We reviewed and tested dozens of different VPNs to see which ones are best for Kodi in terms of geo-restriction bypassing, speeds, and more. Here are the factors we took into consideration:

• Geo-restriction bypassing capabilities. First, we tested how well the VPNs unblock geo-restricted content on Kodi. This includes add-ons, websites, and, most importantly, such streaming services as Hulu and Netflix.
• Speeds. We performed fresh performance tests with all reviewed VPNs. We looked for high speed retention rates so that you’d experience no buffering on Kodi.
• Compatibility. 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. We also looked for OpenELEC, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield support, and more.
• Security and privacy. 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.

What is a Kodi VPN?

A Kodi VPN is a tool that helps you access geo-restricted content on the media player. Since you can use Kodi to watch Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, a VPN is beneficial for bypassing regional-blocks on these services.

For example, if you heard that a movie is on social media but you can’t seem to find it, chances are it’s geo-restricted due to distribution agreements. If you use a VPN and connect to a server in the country where it’s available, you’ll find the movie instantly because streaming sites often track your location using your IP address.

The same situation is with Kodi add-ons – many of them are geo-restricted, limiting you from finding new music, videos, and other content. But once a VPN changes your IP address, you’ll be able to access add-ons from anywhere.

Why do I need a VPN for Kodi?

A VPN for Kodi is primarily useful for bypassing geo-restrictions and streaming privately. However, the best VPNs are capable of much more than that.

Here’s why you need a VPN for Kodi:

Access region-blocked content

Content on Kodi will depend on where you’re physically located. That is unless you use a VPN like NordVPN. Once you connect to a server in another country, you’ll receive an IP address of that location. This will trick streaming services into thinking that you’re from that region and let you access geo-restricted content.

Get geo-restricted add-ons

Depending on where you live, you might be unable to download some of Kodi's add-ons just because they've been made unavailable in your location. Just like with streaming content, changing your IP address with a VPN will help you access any geo-restricted add-on on Kodi, letting you enjoy unlimited Kodi entertainment like restricted NFL games.

Avoid blackouts

Some broadcasters, especially those of sports events, tend to block access to live games in order to lure more people into the stadium. This includes NFL, NHL, and others. A VPN lets you watch events from the comfort of your own sofa.

Get around bandwidth throttling

Sometimes ISPs throttle your internet connection if they detect a lot of traffic. A VPN will encrypt your connection and reroute your internet traffic through one of their servers, which helps escape ISP throttling and improve internet speed for streaming.

Stay private online

Whether you’re streaming or simply browsing online, a VPN is beneficial for hiding your online activity from third parties. This can be your Internet service provider (ISP) or even malicious actors.

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 connection with the service:

1. Go to the page of your chosen VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN software.
3. Log in and connect to a VPN server.
4. Once you are connected, launch Kodi – your network will now be protected by a VPN.
5. Enjoy Kodi without limitations!

Get NordVPN for Kodi

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.

Using a VPN on Kodi boxes

Kodi can be used on Android TV boxes which are also called Kodi boxes. These are beneficial when you want to play content that is locally stored or stream broadcasts that are live. A VPN only enhances your Kodi box streaming experience, allowing you to access geo-blocked add-ons and content as well as protect you from add-on trackers.

Some of the popular Kodi boxes include Amazon Fire Stick, Fire TV, Raspberry Pi 3, Nvidia Shield, and others. If a VPN has a native app on the Kodi box, the setup will be very simple. For example, you can install NordVPN on Amazon Fire TV devices by searching for it in the App section of Kodi.

However, if your service doesn’t have apps for a specific Android TV box, you can simply set the VPN up on a router. This way, your whole network will be connected and be able to bypass geo-restrictions.

Kodi VPNs that didn't make our cut

While we provided only the very top VPNs for Kodi, there are some other solutions that didn’t make the cut but are still suitable for Kodi.

For example, Norton Secure VPN retains an average of 74% initial connection speeds and unblocks BBC iPlayer as well as Max. However, it couldn’t unblock Netflix nor other streaming services, making it a very limited streaming VPN. But if you want to be secured while streaming, Norton VPN can still be great for Kodi.

Another VPN that didn’t make the list is Ivacy VPN. It has affordable options starting from $1.00/month and is reliable when bypassing geo-restrictions on Netflix, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer. That being said, it’s a relatively slow service, retaining an average of 30-50% initial connection speeds.

PrivateVPN is also a low-cost VPN service for streaming on Kodi. Its prices start from $2.00/month, and you get to enjoy complete security in cyberspace. It didn’t make the list due to a small server network as well as WireGuard protocol absence, but it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content on Netflix (US library), BBC iPlayer, and YouTube.

Can I use a free VPN with Kodi?

Yes, you can try using a free VPN with Kodi, but it’s not suitable for Kodi. Completely free VPNs often can’t 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 due to overcrowding that are only suitable for some light browsing. What’s more, unreliable free VPNs also tend to collect and sell user data.

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

For example, Proton VPN has a free version with unlimited bandwidth. But don’t expect exceptional speeds, a vast server choice, or successful geo-restriction bypassing.

Your best bet is opting for VPNs with free trials or money-back guarantees. This way, you’ll use it free without instant long-term commitments.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for Kodi that comes with a 7-day free trial for Android users (can be used on other devices after set up) and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – cheap VPN that you can try with Kodi thanks to a 7-day free trial on macOS, Android, and iOS devices as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Final thoughts

There are several reasons to get a Kodi VPN. One is to protect yourself in case you accidentally download illegal content, 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 restricted content. 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 protect your traffic, and also offers over 5700 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.

Get NordVPN for Kodi

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