In this post, we will talk about the best VPN for Kodi. The VPNs mentioned in this guide work on all Kodi devices, including the Amazon FireStick (all Fire TV variants), All New FireStick 4K, All New FireStick 4K Max, Windows PC, Mac, Android smartphone, iPhone, and Android TV boxes such as Nvidia Shield, among others.
Kodi lets you install third-party or unofficial addons and stream free movies, shows, live TV, sports, and more. While free streaming sounds great, it has several risks that may affect your privacy and security.
Therefore, experts recommend using a VPN with Kodi to avoid troubles and ensure peace of mind.
This guide will teach you about the most essential aspects of Kodi, Virtual Private Networks, and the best VPNs for Kodi.
Best VPN for Kodi
More and more people are buying VPNs for online privacy, and as a result, the VPN market is flooded with new service providers every day. This influx makes it challenging for anyone to pick the best Kodi VPN. Numerous aspects include speed, security features, server count, server locations, privacy policies, and jurisdiction.
It is practically impossible for any end user to test all the VPNs and choose the one that best suits their needs. Therefore, we were responsible for testing dozens of VPNs so you don’t have to. We picked the 5 best Kodi VPNs that outperformed others in all departments.
Some VPNs came close but weren’t as good as the 5 we shortlisted. We will discuss each VPN in detail later in the post. However, if you are in a hurry, here’s a quick summary:
- ExpressVPN (👑) is the best Kodi VPN money can buy. It has super fast servers in 105 countries, military-grade encryption, a solid no-logging policy, attractive yearly plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- IPVanish – IPVanish has 1,900+ servers in more than 75 worldwide locations, decent speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access—Its network includes 29,000+ servers in 78 countries. It offers excellent long-term pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CyberGhost VPN is a great budget Kodi VPN that has good speed. It has 7,400+ servers in 90 countries, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and a 24-hour free trial.
- Surfshark – Another budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Below is a quick overview of the features of my top pick, ExpressVPN. I will discuss each of the Kodi VPNs individually a bit later.
Best for
Streaming and privacy
Servers
3000+
Money-back guarantee
30 Days
Supported Apps
Works with
Kodi, Torrenting, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky, HBO
Special Deal
3 Months Free (annual plan)- VPN Servers in 105 Countries
- Super fast speed – great for streaming
- Strong no logging policy
- Very secure 256-bit encryption
- No Streaming restrictions
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Network Lock (Killswitch)
- Unblocks Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Safe for P2P and torrent use
- Dedicated apps & easy set-up on all devices
- 8 simultaneous connections
- Excellent 24/7 Live chat/email support
- Bitcoin accepted
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Why Do You Need a VPN for Kodi?
Here are some reasons why you need a VPN for Kodi.
1. Hide Your Kodi Streaming Activity
Kodi is a media player and does not host any content. However, it supports third-party or unofficial addons to stream free movies, shows, live TV, and more. Some of these addons may contain pirated or copyrighted content.
Neither Kodi nor FireStickTricks.com supports piracy or copyright violations. Therefore, we recommend streaming only public-domain content while using any unofficial addons.
However, we also believe you have the right to privacy. Here is where a VPN for Kodi can help you. It will make you completely anonymous and hide your Kodi streaming activities. No governmental agency or internet service provider can identify that you are using this platform.
2. Bypass ISP Throttling
ISP throttling, also called bandwidth throttling, is the deliberate act of ISPs to slow down your Internet connection. These networks usually implement a reactive measure to ease network congestion.
ISP throttling usually affects regular streamers. However, a VPN will hide the nature of your online activity (streaming) and ensure you continue enjoying a high-speed internet connection.
3. Unlock Geo-Restricted Content
Several TV Shows, Movies, and Sports streams are not available worldwide. For instance, Netflix UK provides some shows unavailable to US users. So, if you switch to the UK IP, you can access Netflix UK and its complete inventory. If you are a big-time Netflix user, read our article about the best VPN for Netflix.
In the same way, there are many geo-restricted Kodi addons. To unblock the content, you need a VPN.
Want to know more? Here are 10 reasons why you must use a VPN all the time.
How We Review VPNs?
We buy VPN subscriptions and carry out extensive research over several weeks, assessing essential factors such as speed, performance, security leaks, geo-unblocking capabilities, and additional features like ad-blocking. Our testing process involves examining multiple VPN servers across various cities and countries at different times of the day. Moreover, we also assess the performance on times and days when the network traffic is expected to be higher, such as weekends. Furthermore, every VPN is tested on all compatible devices, including routers.
Best VPNs for Kodi in 2024
Considering all the essential factors and our test results, here are the top VPNs for Kodi.
ExpressVPN – #1 Rated Kodi VPN
ExpressVPN is widely recognized as the top VPN service worldwide. This VPN offers high-speed connection, minimal lagging, thousands of servers, and hundreds of server locations around the globe.
ExpressVPN is a streaming-friendly VPN with a proven record of unblocking geo-restricted content. Therefore, it is easily the best VPN for Kodi.
Reader’s Deal: You get 3 months free on ExpressVPN with a one-year plan (a 49% discount compared to the monthly plan.) It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the performance (I see no reason why, though), you can request a full refund.
ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use applications for almost every device, including Fire TV Stick, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, and routers. The complete list of supported devices can be found here.
The table below shows ExpressVPN’s advantages and disadvantages. For detailed features, check out our ExpressVPN review.
- Endless accessibility: ExpressVPN unblocks content with 3,000 servers across 105 countries.
- Easy to install and use: You can install and start using ExpressVPN in minutes.
- Excellent customer support: If ExpressVPN’s guides and tutorials aren’t enough, 24/7 live chat can help.
- High speeds and performance: ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and very competitive speeds.
- Strong no-logging policy: ExpressVPN logs no user data and is based in the British Virgin Islands, away from data retention laws.
- A myriad of features: ExpressVPN offers DNS servers, a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, torrenting / P2P support, three simultaneous connections, and browser extensions.
- Bitcoin payment: Crypto payments offer enhanced anonymity.
- Limited free trial: ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial only on Android and iOS with limited features. However, you are covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee.
3-Step Installation for ExpressVPN
Installing ExpressVPN as your preferred Kodi VPN is easy and will take only three steps.
Step 1: Get the ExpressVPN subscription HERE.
Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.
Step 3: Open the ExpressVPN app and click the power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for Kodi.
If you use an Amazon Fire TV Stick, check our step-by-step guide to install ExpressVPN.
IPVanish – #2 Best Kodi VPN
Based in the United States, IPVanish is one of the best VPN services for Kodi. IPVanish’s layout and design are minimalistic and user-friendly. It has more than 40,000 IP addresses, DNS leak protection, and some of the fastest servers in the business. It implements secure AES 256-bit encryption, has servers in more than 60 nations, and has unlimited bandwidth.
IPVanish costs $2.75/month if you buy the 2-year plan (billed $65.99). The yearly plan costs $39.99 and comes down to $3.33 monthly. The month-to-month plan is the most expensive, billed at $12.99 monthly.
- Fast VPN: IPVanish is fast but less reliable than ExpressVPN.
- Enhanced accessibility: IPVanish has an incredible 40,000+ shared IPs and 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations.
- Strong encryption and security measures: IPVanish implements AES 256-bit encryption and plenty of security protocols.
- Zero traffic logs: Stream in peace with IPVanish’s strict no-logs policy.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect any number of devices to a single IPVanish plan.
- Good support: IPVanish offers 24/7 live chat, 24/7 email, and phone support during business hours.
- No free trial
For more details, you can also read our IPVanish review.
Private Internet Access – #3 Best Kodi VPN
In third place sits Private Internet Access (PIA), a popular VPN service that has been around for over a decade. Private Internet Access is way ahead of its many rivals regarding server options. With 29,000+ servers across 78 countries, PIA lets Kodi users bypass geo-restrictions without significant speed loss.
But that’s not all. Private Internet Access also offers top-of-the-line data encryption. Its strict zero-logs policy means you don’t have to worry about any identifying logs stored on its servers. A kill switch, leak protection, IP masking, unblocking ability, and fast speeds are other features that place PIA among the best VPNs for Kodi.
The service costs $2.03 per month on the two-year plan, which includes 4 additional months at no charge.
- Wide server network: PIA has a server network unrivaled by other VPNs.
- Easy to use: Like ExpressVPN, PIA is quick and convenient to install and use.
- Impressive performance: PIA is faster than most competitors and offers WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth, which is perfect for streamers.
- Zero logs policy: PIA guarantees that no identifying traffic logs are collected or saved on its servers.
- High-level encryption and security: PIA offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IP protection, and DNS leak protection.
- Bitcoin payment: Crypto payments offer enhanced anonymity.
- Free Trial: A 7-day free trial for iOS and Android apps.
- No trial on some devices: If you’re not on Android or iOS when you sign up, you won’t get a free trial.
Using Kodi on your FireStick? You can check our step-by-step guide to installing PIA for FireStick.
CyberGhost VPN – #4 Best Kodi VPN
CyberGhost is another excellent VPN service for Kodi. It keeps no logs of your activity (not even metadata), so you can avoid your ISP throttling your connection. It has an automatic kill switch, fast servers, and over 7,400 servers in 90 countries.
CyberGhost allows seven simultaneous connections. It offers Mac, Routers, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android apps, a 45-day money-back guarantee, DNS and IP leak protection, a no-logging policy, and 256-bit AES encryption.
It supports many protocols for Kodi users, such as OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, and PPTP. It also supports the WireGuard protocol on all apps. The 2-year plan, which includes 4 months free, costs $56.94 for the first two years and $2.03 monthly.
- Solid spread of servers: CyberGhost offers 7,400+ servers across 90 countries.
- Fast connections: CyberGhost offers impressive speeds, though not quite as good as ExpressVPN.
- Anti-malware and no-tracking: CyberGhost safety features protect you anywhere on the web.
- No logging: CyberGhost doesn’t monitor or record your browsing history, data, or preferences in any way.
- Dedicated torrenting servers: CyberGhost supports P2P and torrenting activities, including on US servers.
- 45-day money-back guarantee: Most VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, but CyberGhost gives users 45 days.
- Free trial: CyberGhost offers a 24-hour free trial for Windows and macOS that requires no payment information.
- “24/7” support: CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat support, which may be inaccessible for several minutes.
FireStick users can refer to my guide to using CyberGhost on FireStick.
Surfshark – #5 Best Kodi VPN
If you want the best budget VPN for Kodi, consider Surfshark. But this VPN is on this list for more than a competitive price.
Surfshark offers a ton of value, including military-grade encryption, an excellent selection of protocols, decent speeds, and more.
Surfshark also has an impressive network of 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Although it does not provide the fastest speeds in the market, you can still enjoy buffer-free streaming.
Surfshark lets you use an unlimited number of devices on one subscription. A 7-day free trial covers Android, iOS, and macOS users. The pricing starts at $59.54 for 24 months (with two extra months) and comes down to $2.29 monthly.
- Budget-friendly pricing: One of the cheapest VPNs in the market.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: You can use a single Surfshark account on unlimited devices.
- Decent speed: ExpressVPN may be faster, but Surfshark isn’t slow, mainly when used with the WireGuard protocol.
- Strong encryption and security features: You’re secure with industry-standard encryption, a range of VPN protocols, leak protection, and a kill switch.
- No logs policy: No metadata that contains identifying information is collected or stored on Surfshark servers.
- Bitcoin payment: Crypto payments offer enhanced anonymity.
- Expensive one-month subscription: While Surfshark is commonly known for being a solid budget choice, its one-month plan is not cheap.
Users on FireStick devices can check out my guide on Surfshark for FireStick.
Is Free VPN for Kodi Helpful? Free VPN Dangers
If you are unaware of the risks, using a free VPN for Kodi can do more harm than good. Free VPNs have fewer servers, weaker encryption, and more privacy issues than a paid alternative.
- Fewer servers: Free VPNs do not have as many servers as the paid ones as they do not have the resources to keep up with the cost.
- Weak encryption: Numerous encryption protocols are available on the market, including PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, SSL, and more. PPTP, or Peer-to-Peer Tunneling Protocol, is the easiest but most vulnerable. Most free VPNs use the PPTP protocol.
- Privacy issues: Free VPNs have to make money, one way or another. Even though they have fewer servers and substandard protocols, they still have to keep up with overheads and maintenance costs. It is well-known that free VPNs make money by selling your data to the highest bidder.
Read: How free VPNs make money? 5 Scary facts to know
The paid VPNs provide security and privacy with top-notch encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, IPSec, SSL, L2TP, and others. Finally, the best VPN for Kodi has numerous servers scattered worldwide, preferably in multiple nations, to enjoy a broader library of online streaming content, plugins, and addons.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Kodi
A good VPN for Kodi must have strong encryption, a solid privacy policy, many servers in multiple countries, fast speeds, and affordable prices. Extra features such as a NAT firewall, a killswitch, DNS leak protection, high compatibility, and protocol availability are nice extras. You can also read our guide on choosing the right VPN.
- Privacy: When using Kodi, the more private, the better. You want a VPN with iron-clad encryption and a real zero-log policy, such as ExpressVPN, IPVanish, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost.
- Servers/Locations: A VPN client with many servers gives you more options to switch around and unlock content from multiple locations. ExpressVPN has servers in over 90 nations, IPVanish in over 75, Private Internet Access in 78, and CyberGhost in 90.
- Speed: If you stream content on Kodi, especially HD content, you need high speed to avoid buffering. ExpressVPN provides the fastest servers in many locations, and IPVanish comes in second.
- Price: Of course, you want to pay less for outstanding service—we all do. ExpressVPN is a great price when you buy a one-year plan. IPVanish, PIA, and CyberGhost are well-priced alternatives with excellent features.
How to Install VPN on Kodi
Installing a VPN on Kodi is easy. You don’t need to configure the VPN separately for Kodi. All you need to do is install it on the device on which you are using Kodi. For instance, if you are using Kodi on a FireStick, you can install the desired VPN for Kodi from the Amazon Store.
The following includes the brief VPN installation instructions for every Kodi device.
Install Kodi VPN on Windows
- Choose your best VPN and go to its website.
- Register for the service by providing your username, password, and payment method.
- Look for the app for Windows.
- Download the Windows app.
- Run the downloaded file.
- After proper installation, launch your VPN Windows client.
- Sign in to the app by entering your username and password, previously provided during VPN registration.
- Configure your account according to your preferred settings.
- Go to the Servers section of your VPN.
- Choose the one you want to connect with. For example, connect to an American server if you want a US addon.
- Click “Connect,” wait a few seconds, and all traffic you generate, including Kodi, will go through the VPN network.
Set up VPN on iOS Devices
- Choose your VPN and go to its website, or look for the app in the Apple Store.
- Register for the service by providing your username, password, personal information, and payment method.
- Look for the app for iOS.
- Download the iOS app.
- After proper installation, launch the VPN.
- Sign in to the app and enter your username and password, previously provided in the second step.
- Configure your account according to your preferred settings.
- Tap on Choose Location and tap on the location you want to connect to.
- Use an Internet page or tool to verify that your IP address has not been modified and is not leaking.
- Open Kodi and use it as you usually do.
Install Kodi VPN on RetroPie
- Copy the Zomboided Repository to a USB drive. It is a VPN manager for OpenVPN.
- Connect the USB drive to your Raspberry Pi while Kodi is open.
- Go to System.
- Go to Settings.
- Go to Addons.
- Select the options to install the.zip file.
- Please search for your USB drive in the list and click it.
- Then, click on repository.zomboided.plugins-1.0.0.zip. Then, the system will tell you it was added.
- Press the ESC key and then select Install from the repository.
- Click the Zomboided addon repository, then Services, then VPN Manager for OpenVPN.
- Install the program.
- Return to the Kodi main screen.
- Go to Programs and then VPN Manager for OpenVPN.
- Select Addon Settings.
- Modify the VPN provider to your selected and preferred VPN client, and then log in.
- Select Enable Debug for Just VPN Manager.
- Click on the Always use Kodi log directory for the OpenVPN log option.
- Go to the VPN connections.
- Select the First VPN Connection option and pick a server.
- Done! You now have VPN encryption while using Kodi on your RetroPie.
Set up Kodi VPN on FireStick
We also have a separate guide for FireStick VPN. If you are a Fire TV/Stick user, check out how to install a VPN on FireStick.
- Register for a VPN service, provide your details and payment methods, and obtain a username and password.
- Go to the Firestick Home.
- Go to the Search Menu.
- Please type the name of your VPN and install its app from the Amazon App Store.
- Open your VPN, and then enter your username and password.
- You are now logged in! Choose the best server in your preferred location.
- Connect to your server.
- To leave the VPN running and go to Kodi, click the Home button on the remote.
- VPN for Kodi Android
- Choose your VPN and go to its website, or look for the app in the Google Play Store.
- Register for the service by providing your username, password, personal information, and payment method.
- Look for the app for Android.
- Download the Android app.
- After proper installation, launch the VPN.
- Sign in to the app, and enter your username and password previously provided in the second step.
- Configure your account according to your preferred settings.
- Tap on Choose Location and tap on the location you want to connect.
- Use an Internet page or tool to verify that your IP address has been modified and your IP is not leaking.
- Open Kodi and use it as you usually do.
Install VPN for OpenELEC Kodi
- You can install Kodi VPN on RetroPie by downloading the Zomboided Repository and transferring it (via a USB drive) to your OpenELEC device.
- Open your Kodi software.
- Go to the Addons.
- Select the box-shaped icon at the upper left.
- Click on Install from zip file.
- Search and select the Zomboided.
- Install from repository after you get the addon-enabled notification.
- Choose the Zomboided Addon Repository.
- Go to Services, then select VPN Manager for OpenVPN.
- Install and wait for the notification.
- Select OK on the following popup.
- Go to the VPN configuration and click on VPN Provider.
- Find your VPN provider and enter the user and password.
- Go to the VPN Connections tab.
- Choose the First VPN connection.
- After connection, choose your preferred server to connect.
Bonus tip – Best Addons for Kodi
For Live TV
- Pluto TV: With over 300 live TV channels, Pluto TV is easily one of the best options to gain streaming access to news, sports, and entertainment television. It is a hybrid addon that allows you to enjoy thousands of hours of on-demand content. To top it off, Pluto TV is an official addon that is entirely free of charge.
- TVOne: This Kodi addon offers live TV channels from all around the world. It is an incredibly simple addon; just select a country or category, and you can start streaming live channels listed under it.
For Movies and TV shows
- The Crew: This is one of the best multipurpose addons I have seen. It lets you stream movies, shows, live TV, and sports. It is a must-have addon for everyone.
- Shadow: With this addon, you have unlimited options when streaming movies and TV shows. It is an unofficial addon, but that doesn’t take anything away regarding quality or options to choose from.
- Xenon is one of the most popular Kodi builds and a perfect option for streaming high-quality movies and shows.
For Sports
- SportHD: From the developer of the now-offline Sport365, SportHD is a wonderful destination for sports lovers on Kodi. This addon provides quality streaming links to follow your favorite sports teams, events, and competitions.
- ApeX Sports: Located within the Arxtic-ape Repository, the ApeX Sports addon is an excellent source for all kinds of live sports events, analyses, replays, highlights, and reviews.
FAQ’s
In my personal experience,ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Kodi. It is lightning-fast, streaming-friendly, and highly secure.
I would never suggest a free VPN for Kodi or any other platform. Free VPN services usually earn money through advertisements and often sell user data. To stay safe, always use a trusted, paid VPN.
Yes. Kodi VPN will work with FireStick and all Kodi-compatible devices, including Windows PCs, Macbooks, Android TVs, and Nvidia Shield.
You need a VPN for Kodi to safeguard your streaming activities and avoid the prying eyes of the government and your ISP.
Final Thoughts
Kodi is fantastic open-source software and a digital media player for streamers worldwide. However, it carries significant security risks, as you may make your IP address available to anyone, including hackers and viruses. Besides, you don’t want your ISP or government agencies looking at your Kodi-generated traffic.
To solve those issues, getting one of Kodi’s best VPNs may be your smartest move. We have listed five VPNs here. However, if I were to pick one, it would be ExpressVPN.
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can i use vpn express on multiple devices with one logon ? fire stick and pc ,,,
Hi Toufic. With a single ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect five devices at the same time.
Hi
I am confuse a little I installed VPN on my firestick. if I install kodi do I have to install the VPN on kodi too? or having it on the firestick is enough?
Hi Marjorie, you just need to install the VPN on FireStick. You do not need a separate VPN for Kodi. But, there are some VPNs that work better than the others if you use Kodi (such as ExpressVPN).
With the UK losing some of the KODi addon providers and there being a vast reduction on good quality streams available. Does a VPN improve on the number of quality streams available? So would Exodus give me more 720p streams if i choose a particular country to push my ISP through?
Hi Darren, yes that’s possible, even probable. However, I can’t say that with absolute certainty.
I have a Fire TV (3rd Gen) w/ Kodi. The instructions above seem to indicate signing into my VPN within Fire TV then launch Kodi and sign in to my VPN again. Is that really needed for full VPN protection?
Hi David, no, you just need to connect to the VPN once. The guide just reiterates the importance of connecting to a VPN.
hi I have a question it says that express vpn has 3000 + servers but on their site it only state 160 servers..
Hi, it is 160 locations and 3000+ servers.
Expired my ipvanish sub and just got expressvpn to try. I can see the difference clearly. Loving it so far
hey i never used a vpn before but it find it is seriously recommended by word of mouth. What is the best vpn for firestick and user friendly for install.
Hi, I personally use ExpressVPN. I find it incredibly easy to use, fast and reliable. ExpressVPN also offers 49% discount on the monthly plan.
You can learn here how to install ExpressVPN on Fire Stick
When using ExpressVPN, is a device disconnected when it is powered off? I would like to install it on 4 devices but I never have more than 3 power up.
Hey Bill, yes it will be disconnected when the device is powered off.
If I purchase 2 Express VPN’s can I use up to 6 devices at once
Hi Tajah, yes, you can use 6 devices at a time with 2 subscriptions of ExpressVPN.