The 10 Best VPNs for Kodi in 2024 (Free and Premium)

Kodi is undeniably an incredible (and free) way to stream anything you want in high quality. But you should never forget it can pose severe security risks, too.

Many Kodi add-ons developed by third parties can have illegal and dangerous material. With a VPN connection, you can keep all your data anonymous and private while streaming. A VPN will also help you unblock Kodi add-ons and foreign services restricted in certain regions.

So, to help you enjoy the safest streaming experience on your favorite media player, this article lists the best Kodi VPN services available.

Quick list: 3 best Kodi VPNs in 2024

You will also find some good free VPN options here. So, make sure to read thoroughly until the end.

Let’s get started with some basics first.

What exactly is Kodi?

The introduction of the Internet has altered the home entertainment industry positively. Earlier, everyone had to have a cable installed on their television sets to watch live TV shows and other available programs. Despite being convenient, this method offered limited content to the users.

Even today, cable only allows you to watch the content you or your family fancies at a fixed location and a specific time.

So, with such traditional methods, you don’t have the freedom and choice of how you consume media at your preferred place or time.

Luckily, modern-day technologies, such as streaming services and media consumption outlets, paved the way for more convenient and accessible entertainment.

Kodi is one such innovation that provides everyone with free entertainment. It is a popular and well-reviewed software serving as a modern home entertainment solution for streaming fanatics.

The tool enables you to create a central entertainment server for your home and access other files from anywhere on the web.

Kodi is available for almost every platform and device, making your entire media library accessible anytime, anywhere.

Why use a VPN for Kodi?

As described above, Kodi is like a blank canvas. It is up to you how you use this tool. Therefore, it is usually safe when you deploy it.

However, if you plan to delve into its powerful features, you should consider using a VPN.

A VPN redirects your connection to a different server rather than routing directly to the destination site. Thus, your web activity becomes invisible to others.

That means when using Kodi with a VPN, your ISP or any third party cannot monitor you. It is useful when streaming content from multiple sources, including pirated ones. You don’t want them to know you’re accessing these media types.

Also, many sources or streaming services are not available for other regions to enjoy. In this case, a VPN will let you change your IP country so that it appears to those sites that you’re in an area permitted to view the content.

Besides, accessing content from different sources can be dangerous. That’s because hackers can intercept your data, or the add-ons you use might be malicious. Thus, to avoid being affected by these vulnerabilities, you should consider turning to VPNs for safe streaming on Kodi.

How to select the best Kodi VPN?

You can find many VPNs in the market, each having its own strengths and weaknesses. Hence, it could be a little intimidating to select the right VPN. Many providers will sugarcoat product descriptions to make non-technical users fall for them.

But don’t worry. Since we want everyone to be privacy savvy and pick only the best security product, we have reviewed some services below. All the VPNs in this list of top Kodi VPNs satisfy our testing criteria, including the following parameters.

• Speed. It is crucial to differentiate a good VPN service from a bad one. If your VPN is slow, media file download latency will also be slower. Consequently, your experience will not be as seamless as watching from a local source.
• Compatibility. While Kodi is available to many platforms, not all VPNs work on a wide range of devices. In addition, many VPNs do not support specific operating systems. So check the devices supported by your chosen VPN provider before paying.
• Security. The primary point of using a VPN is to protect you while using Kodi. So when picking one, make sure your selected provider offers a high level of privacy and security.
• Content access capabilities. Look for a VPN that lets you access media efficiently. Ideally, you should settle only with a VPN to access many region-blocked streaming services.
• Usability. Not everyone is tech-savvy. Therefore, a good VPN service for Kodi should be easy to deploy, use, and manage.
• After-sale support. You may encounter issues while configuring a VPN for the first time. So pick a service with good customer support.

7 best VPNs for Kodi in 2024 (paid) – Detailed list

A suitable VPN tool allows private streaming of your favorite free media software. It will also work with all popular devices with a minimal impact on your internet speed.

With all that in mind, you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong one. Instead, research thoroughly and decide what service suits your needs and personal preferences.

To save you time, here is a list of the best VPN services that work with Kodi.

1. NordVPN

Our top-notch recommendation for Kodi users is NordVPN. Its fast streaming speed and seamless content unblocking will let you enjoy your entertainment sessions with Kodi.

Even during our extensive NordVPN review, the service delivered promising results in unrestricted and fast-speed streaming.

A key reason it works excellently for Kodi is its diversified device compatibility. It supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, and routers via dedicated apps. Also, it has extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

In addition, it could be the best choice for streaming on Kodi since it boasts a network of more than 5,400 servers in over 60 countries. This vast number of fast servers distributed worldwide assures a faster streaming speed and reliable connection with fewer drops.

Moreover, it allows you to have a dedicated IP that only you can use, and that too, for free. Indeed, you won’t find this facility without additional costs from other providers.

Besides, NordVPN can unblock popular streaming platforms, particularly Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. Also, Android users can easily download the .apk file from its official website should someone need to take that route.

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable provider, NordVPN will satisfy you.

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2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, has existed for some time.

Over the years, it has proven itself as a trusted and reliable VPN provider for privacy-conscious users. Moreover, the provider continues to innovate and improve every aspect of its network.

When it comes to using PIA for Kodi, it is more capable than ever. Furthermore, since it is available for any platform, you can use this service wherever your Kodi library is. Thus, you can always access your media on every device you use.

Furthermore, it has a well-developed Linux client working great on OpenELEC distros. So, with PIA, you can get a Kodi VPN on Firestick, Fire TV, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

The implication is that you can run it on budget devices such as a Raspberry Pi running a low-powered Linux distro.

In addition, PIA’s security integrity is no slouch. You can choose from a 128 or 256-bit encryption standard. Also, it doesn’t log anything from your internet traffic, meaning your session history remains private.

Above all, almost anyone can afford its subscription plans, so you don’t have to worry about your budget.

In essence, Private Internet Access is for those on a budget or willing to work more.

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3. ExpressVPN

You must have heard about ExpressVPN already, haven’t you? If your answer is yes, it shouldn’t be a surprise.

ExpressVPN has been the go-to VPN choice for the masses for several years. Unlike the competition, that is mainly because it is a multi-purpose VPN service. While many others boast a specific feature they specialize in, ExpressVPN tries to be a jack-of-all-trades.

For starters, it has apps for almost all platforms. So whether you’re on an Android device or using a Mac, you should be able to use this VPN service.

It also emphasizes impressive support for Kodi. ExpressVPN offers a streaming box option that is compatible with Kodi. These boxes are pre-flashed with their VPN should your existing one not support it.

Above all, the provider has a reliable and fast service — thanks to its network of 3000+ servers spread across 94 countries.

Thanks to its large pool of servers and effective VPN block-bypassing technology, ExpressVPN allows you to access restricted content and streaming services anywhere. Some platforms you can unblock anywhere include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO GO, and HBO Now.

Besides supporting widely used devices such as Windows PC, iOS, Android, and Mac, ExpressVPN also works on streaming boxes and other platforms.

It is available as software, or you can install it using flashing into many dedicated streaming boxes and devices. Also, ExpressVPN is available for Fire TV and offers a custom installation using command lines for some Linux distros.

Thankfully, the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied or change your mind. Indeed, ExpressVPN is not only the leading candidate for the best VPN for Kodi but also a well-rounded security tool.

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4. Surfshark

The provider boasts fair unblocking capabilities, added privacy features such as malware protection, and supports major operating systems.

Surfshark is available for many devices, notably Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Its applications are easy to download, deploy, and use.

The service is excellent to use for streaming on Kodi. It unblocks most restrictive services such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. That only shows how good its algorithm is.

With Surfshark, you can be assured of streaming lag-free even in HD (if your internet connection is fast enough in the first place). That’s because it has a network of over 3200 servers in 100 countries.

Unlike other top VPNs that limit simultaneous connections, it supports unlimited devices. Indeed, this premium support makes Surfshark the best choice for large families.

Surfshark security standards include using 256-bit AES encryption and protection for threats like DNS, IPV6, and WebRTC leaks.

Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. So, all in all, it is an ideal budget-friendly choice for Kodi.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish is yet another top recommendation to use on Kodi. As its name implies, it hides your IP address from snooping eyes like your local ISP or hackers on the web.

One of the areas it dominates is supporting Kodi on Android-based phones, tablets, and boxes. We confirmed with various tests that it works like a charm on Android devices, including Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV.

The provider also functions seamlessly with the Fire Stick remote.

Another thing that makes IPVanish one of the best Kodi VPNs is that you can easily download the .apk file from its website if your device hasn’t installed Google Play. Its software is also available in the Amazon app store.

Expectedly, IPVanish has an application available for Android, iOS, iPad, macOS, Windows, and even Linux.

Talking about its infrastructure, the provider has over 2000 servers across 84 countries. Besides, you can connect to one of its massive 40,000 anonymous IP addresses on unlimited different devices simultaneously with one subscription.

Moreover, the provider offers 256-bit encryption to keep all your streaming sessions safe. That also means you get fast connections and superior anonymity for activities like torrenting.

IPVanish offers three different subscription plans that you can choose from depending on your budget preferences. You can pay for a 12, 3, or 1-month plan, the cheapest being as low as $2.92 per month for the annual plan. Besides, it has live-chat customer support to ensure the users have technical back 24/7.

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6. PrivateVPN

Another solid choice from our list is PrivateVPN. It can be considered a go-to option when you primarily want video services on your Kodi. Also, its high security will be appealing to many.

Upon using PrivateVPN for Kodi, you will find it more than a viable contender. It can easily unblock most streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It also has fast servers to prevent lags or latency issues from interrupting your streaming sessions.

Moreover, the provider boasts some outstanding privacy features. One of these is its military-grade encryption, known as 2048-bit with 256-bit AES.

The service supports torrenting by offering advanced features like an open port for P2P users. Besides, it boasts all known VPN protocol choices, such as OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, IKEv2, and PPTP.

Also, you can get it on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. However, it needs manual configuration to work on Linux. Luckily, PrivateVPN is available as a command-line installation option, too. Besides, Android users can download its .apk file directly from the website.

Without a doubt, PrivateVPN is the fastest-growing VPN service worldwide. With over 60 VPN locations and fast servers, you would enjoy using it. Finally, you can connect up to 10 devices in one account, and the provider offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is yet another quality VPN that you can use with Kodi. It is a reputable and reliable provider and has proven worthy of recommendation. Like other top VPNs on the list, it boasts many use cases. However, the provider emphasizes making streaming more efficient.

CyberGhost has some unique features that are hard to find elsewhere. For instance, it allows you to select a server based on what streaming platform you will access. Instead of using location names, it automatically suggests the best server for a specific streaming channel.

In detail, it can unblock most video platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Channel 7, YouTube, ViaPlay, and even the anime streaming service Crunchyroll. Also, it works on all mainstream operating systems, such as Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows.

However, the only way to get on Android is through Google Play. You must go the extra mile if you don’t have it on your device.

On the other hand, its ability to run on Kodi devices is plausible. Lately, it has gotten even better at unblocking geo-locked content. So, TV shows and movies from your preferred video platforms are just a click away.

You can never go wrong with CyberGhost. Its specialized and reliable servers cater to various streaming technologies. Also, it is an easy-to-use one-click setup solution for watching through Kodi on the go or by advanced setup on your device.

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Quick comparison of the best paid Kodi VPNs

Features	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	PIA	Surfshark	IPVanish	PrivateVPN	CyberGhost
Average Speed	131Mbps	149Mbps	122Mbps	118Mbps	97Mbps	81Mbps	111Mbps
Streaming	Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+	HBO Max, Nteflix, Hulu, DAZN, Sky+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, SKY+, Disney+, HBO Max	BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Hulu	Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, Sling TV, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+, Hulu
Supported devices	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Smart TVs, macOS, routers	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS, routers, Amazon Fire TV	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS,	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS	Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, macOS
Security	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, split tunneling
Logging policy	No-logs	No-logs	No-logs	No-logs	No-logs	No-logs	No-logs

Can I use a free VPN with Kodi?

Absolutely. You can use free VPN services for Kodi sessions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using a free or paid plan.

The critical thing to note is that a free VPN will hardly fulfill your needs. But it will keep your data safe like a paid VPN, given that you have signed up with a trusted provider.

Free Kodi’s best VPNs allow you to secure your network traffic and do other things online like their paid rivals. Unlike premium ones that bill users for cycling subscriptions, these providers rely on community donations or contributions.

While free and open-sourced VPNs can make your Kodi streaming safer and allow you access to geo-restricted content, there always will be some limitations.

One such limitation is the slow server speed. There are several reasons for this. First, and the most obvious, is a lack of funds to upgrade the network infrastructure, let alone expand it. In other words, you shouldn’t expect more if you’re using a free one.

Paid VPNs offer faster speed because they operate the network through numerous servers worldwide, preventing server congestion.

On the other hand, free providers only have a limited number of servers to cater to user requests and traffic. In turn, you can unblock content from a limited number of countries.

In essence, yes, you can use Kodi with a free VPN. But be ready to face speed and server limitations even when using the best free service.

Free Kodi VPNs comparison table

Features	Windscribe	Hide.me	Hotspot Shield
Average speed	82Mbps	46Mbps	21Mbps
Data caps	10GB	10GB	500MB
Streaming	Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu	Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer	Hulu, YouTube, Netflix
Security	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, leak protection, 2-factor authentication, secure protocols	StealthGuard, kill switch, split tunneling, leak protection, AES 256-bit encryption	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, split tunneling, multi-hop servers
Logging policy	Zero-logs	Zero-logs	Zero-logs
Device compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

3 best free Kodi VPNs

As a standard, you must go only with trusted, free providers when using free VPNs. That’s because any free service that does not follow ethical practices can bombard you with malware-injected ads (known as malvertising) or even sell your logged data.

You do not need to be scared, though. Below, we list the three best free VPNs you can use for streaming without worrying about security or ethical standards.

1. Windscribe

Windscribe VPN is one of the most famous and trusted free providers providing a good streaming experience, like a premium one. You can stream in HD without worrying about any lag and latency problems. Moreover, its connection is fast enough to enjoy uninterrupted movies or shows.

In a real-world scenario, its overall speed can be passable. It is because even though it’s considerably slower, your video streaming will still be fine. You won’t face much buffering. You should be able to watch videos in HD resolutions or higher at some hours, too.

Also, there’s no difference between Windscribe and some other paid VPNs regarding security.

Like other top VPNs, it masks your IP address to provide you with anonymity while browsing. It further provides you with DNS leak protection and a network firewall. These are vital tools when you are using Kodi.

Moreover, Windscribe offers a free blocker, anti-web tracker, and ads blocker, something not common even with most paid VPNs.

However, note that it limits monthly data consumption to 10 GB only. So make sure to watch in standard definition to not run out of data immediately. Consequently, it is not suitable to download torrents.

If you’re okay with having a monthly data allocation limit, then Windscribe is a solid choice. With a fair server speed and military-grade protection, your Kodi experience will be comfortable enough.

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2. Hide.me

Hide.me is a veteran name in the cybersecurity industry. It has been among the best default choices for free VPNs for many years. Those who tried free providers know or have used it in the past.

It’s based in Malaysia, one of the most privacy-friendly countries. So, you can expect no government agencies to intercept its data.

However, Hide.me only allows up to 10 GB monthly data limit for a free account. It is more than enough if you’re just a casual internet surfer. However, the answer is no if you want to watch a show. A few episodes can quickly eat away the 10GB allowance.

Hide.me free servers are fast enough to watch HD videos. It supports most platforms and is available as Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.

Thanks to its military-grade encryption and a no-logging policy, it is secure enough to use with Kodi. Also, it offers customer support via email, wikis, and community discussions.

Another worthy feature it offers is split tunneling. It lets you watch a video from your favorite platform without losing access to local content.

However, it only allows one device connection for an account. So, if you use Kodi on multiple devices, your chances will be limited. Besides, it is slower than some other services. However, the major problem is that it fails to unblock streaming platforms like Hulu or Netflix abroad.

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3. Hotspot Shield

This provider has been improving its core technology over the years. In the beginning, it was merely a clunky little app. But today, it is a well-known leader in the industry.

Hotspot Shield offers a premium service for a relatively affordable price. Also, it provides a free plan for all.

You can turn to it if you’re on a budget or want to try out Hotspot Shield before buying it. Its free tier has only one server location in the US, though. Also, you will only have a 500MB data allowance per day or 15GB monthly. You can expect at least a minimum speed of over 25mbps when using Kodi.

Moreover, it boasts strong encryption and offers friendly customer support through email or guides. To give you an idea, when using Kodi, you can stream a movie for about an hour with Hotspot Shield free plan.

If you care about your sensitive data, then you should look elsewhere. Your internet traffic isn’t one hundred percent anonymous on Hotspot Shield. Besides, free users might see some relevant ads targeted at their location.

Another problem is that you can’t use an add-on on Kodi when connected. It might be a downside for some, indeed. Many users can’t enjoy Kodi without its add-on. And you cannot access Netflix or Hulu if you’re outside the US. Still, you can watch NBC Sports, Sling TV, and US YouTube content with Hotspot Shield.

Also, it doesn’t give you a range of IPs, so you can’t bypass geo-blocks at your will.

Hotspot Shield does the basics if you’re looking for a free VPN. It’s sufficient for normal usage but lacks video streaming.

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Free Kodi VPNs to avoid

All VPNs are not reliable and trustworthy. Some can compromise your privacy and security by monitoring your online activities and stealing your data. Others can install malware on your device, making it even more dangerous. So, here are some of the VPNs you should avoid. 

Hola VPN 

This is a P2P network that claims to be a VPN. It doesn’t encrypt your online connections or keep your data private, leaving you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Moreover, its logging policy is highly intrusive, including logging your IP address. 

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Psiphon 

The VPN is known for logging domain names visited, region codes, and connection stamps. It claims to store information for 90 days, which is unverifiable. Also, Psiphon supports ads. 

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UFO VPN 

This VPN logs user data, including IP addresses, websites visited, names, and more. It may share this information with third parties. 

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Betternet 

The VPN embeds a significant amount of malware in its software. Also, it records personal information like location, visited domains, and device used. 

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VPN Gate 

Volunteers run it so you can connect to a VPNserver of a malicious actor, thereby putting your data at risk. Also, it logs users’ browsing activity and IP addresses.

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Is it legal to use Kodi?

Yes, it is legal, free software developed by the XBMC Foundation. You can safely install the official version of Kodi from their site and use all its approved add-ons.

Selling or purchasing devices pre-installed with Kodi is legal as long as they don’t have any unauthorized programs that allow streaming from unauthorized sources. We recommend WeTek boxes because they are used on the OpenELEC Linux distro, and Kodi installation is effortless since you won’t need third-party add-ons.

When you extend your streaming capabilities with unapproved third-party add-ons, illegal issues arise with Kodi. Also, it can happen when you acquire Kodi devices from unofficial sellers with these illegal pre-installed programs. This can include torrents, copyrighted IPTV streams, and websites offering content without copyright permission.

It is difficult to determine whether Kodi add-ons are streaming from legitimate or illegitimate sources, especially with pre-configured Kodi boxes. For example, a man was penalized £250,000 in the UK for distributing Kodi boxes with programs that stream illegal content.

Avoid buying devices with pre-installed Kodi and third-party programs. This is because they can get you into trouble for copyright infringement or even infect your devices with malware. So, if you buy any device with pre-installed Kodi software, you should clean its system and start from scratch. Moreover, remember that the legality of streaming through third-party sources varies worldwide. So, you should check with local laws and use a VPN to hide your online activities from your ISP and other third parties.

Is Kodi safe to use?

Out of the box, Kodi should be a perfectly safe application. The volunteers behind it have developed the platform as a home entertainment hub for your media library. So, essentially, it is secure software. However, you should also download the tool from its official website to ensure you get an original and untampered copy.

Kodi is safe until you do more complex tasks with it. For example, if you plan to use Kodi only to create a central server for your media files, you can stop worrying.

However, if you’re going to use it for advanced stuff, you must take precautions when streaming content over the web. You can’t trust every source that Kodi connects. Undeniably, many websites operate as traps that steal valuable information from visitors.

Similarly, you should remember that an add-on that Kodi didn’t develop officially might be malicious. Therefore, using security programs with Kodi is highly recommended.

At this point, tools like a Virtual Private Network protect your data from potential threats and prevent your ISP from snooping on you.

What can you do with a Kodi VPN?

You can achieve many things when you use a VPN for Kodi streaming.

First and foremost, you can unlock the regional barriers that some streaming services impose. Usually, you can watch content that is only available to a consumer in a particular country. However, you will not be left behind in what the other half of the world enjoys with VPNs. Netflix, Hulu, Crackle, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, and India’s Hotstar are some platforms that you can access anywhere via these tools.

Next, a VPN can help you secure your connections to media sources. Then, the fear of compromised data will not affect your entertainment sessions with the family.

Also, you can maintain a clean internet history record with a VPN on Kodi. It implies that your web activity will be pleasant to look at, translating into a good relationship with your ISP.

Finally, you can set up secure home entertainment software. With this, you can encrypt your home media network to protect your files from intruders or hackers. A VPN will ensure that only you or your family can access your unique entertainment setup.

So, using a VPN dramatically improves your Kodi experience and security.

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Are VPNs safe to use with Kodi?

The question is not whether using a VPN with Kodi is safe. Instead, you should ask whether streaming on it without a VPN is advisable.

Many reputable and trusted providers are available today, offering reliable services. So finding a safe one isn’t difficult. You can also find below some good VPNs to use while streaming.

However, using a Kodi VPN add-on is a different story. That’s because many of these are developed by individuals and the community. So you can’t guarantee that everything is safe to use.

As a rule of thumb, you should always read the reviews for a specific add-on. It will give you an idea about the real-world experiences of the users. It will also show the performance or information of the author.

Besides, Kodi lists some of the top-rated extension makers on its website. So consider downloading those reputed ones only.

In short, using a VPN is neither unsafe nor affects Kodi’s performance on your devices. Instead, having one before exploring Kodi will minimize the risk of being exploited by harmful entities or hackers while learning about the tool.

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VPN router setup for Kodi on Chromecast, Roku, and FireTV

If you have installed Kodi XBMC on a device without VPN support, you can still use a VPN by configuring it with your Wi-Fi router. The procedure of setting up a VPN on a router may vary depending on the router’s firmware, so you should search for the appropriate tutorial online. After setting up, the VPN will redirect your router’s incoming and outgoing internet traffic through the VPN server.

If your router doesn’t allow VPN connections, you should install a new firmware that supports it. This is known as “flashing,” a process that requires caution as it can damage your router if done improperly or with the wrong firmware version. Some popular VPN-compatible firmware options are Tomato, AsusWRT, and DD-WRT.

To ensure safety and ease, installing a VPN on your PC/Mac laptop and creating a virtual router (Wi-Fi hotspot) is better. Fortunately, many modern computers have this capability. In fact, you can install a VPN on your laptop and broadcast the Wi-Fi network with it. So, if you connect your Kodi device, all the streams will route through the VPN.

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Common VPN problems with Kodi

Both free and premium VPNs can experience issues when routing your traffic. If you cannot access previously unblocked content, it’s a sign that the VPN isn’t functioning properly. To resolve the issue, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Disable Firewall: Firewalls may prevent the VPN from connecting to a server. To resolve this, temporarily disable the firewall or allow the Kodi VPN to pass through.
2. Check for leaks: IP and DNS leaks can prevent access to foreign content. To fix this, check for leaks, try different tunneling protocols, and restart Kodi.
3. Switch to a different server: It is possible that the server is overcrowded or the region where the server is located does not limit specific content platforms. Switch to a server in a different region to see if it resolves the issue.
4. Update the VPV: Outdated software can malfunction. Ensure that software updates are installed and restart both the VPN and Kodi.
5. Contact support center: The client may be faulty, or the VPN service may be unable to unblock any content. If the Kodi VPN offers customer support, contact them for assistance.

How to use a VPN with Kodi?

After installing Kodi on your device, follow the steps below to set up Kodi with a VPN. 

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN. 
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device. 
3. Sign in and connect to a VPN server. NordVPN has an expansive server network spread worldwide. 
4. Launch Kodi and enjoy your favorite content.

Choosing a streaming box for Kodi

Kodi can run on almost any platform, thus letting you access your home entertainment center from any device.

Most users deploy their Kodi servers on a desktop computer because of the better and advanced controls.

Nonetheless, other users may prefer to run Kodi on a dedicated streaming device or streaming boxes known as Kodi boxes.

These are streaming boxes with specialized features optimized to run Kodi. Some of these have pre-installed VPNs out of the box. Others put controls or external buttons that can interact with Kodi’s interface. The streaming boxes usually come installed with either Linux or Android.

On Linux, you have a limited choice for a streaming box. It is because only a few devices are compatible with entertainment-based distros. Some of these are:

• CuBox-i
• Raspberry Pi 3
• Wetek Play, Core, and Play 2

These devices are ideal for running Kodi since it operates a Linux distro called OpenELEC. OpenELEC is a distro for the home theatre setup. Besides, Linux is a lightweight OS, so it should run fine even on low-end devices. Also, these devices can run the best VPN add-ons for Kodi, such as OpenVPN and Zomboided.

However, if you prefer a simple OS, go for an Android box. Below, you can find the best Kodi boxes running the Android OS:

• Razer Forge TV
• Nvidia Shield
• Matricom G-Box
• Gem Box
• Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick (both run on Fire OS, which is a fork of Android)

Fortunately, most VPN providers above can be downloaded and deployed on these boxes. Furthermore, since most of them allow downloading .apk files from their respective websites, you can easily install them on devices without Google Play, like Kodi boxes.

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How to install Kodi on a box?

Android box

Installing Kodi on an Android streaming box is a relatively painless process.

You will need a streaming box running Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher to proceed. Most Android boxes are pre-shipped with Google Play Store, so you can easily install Kodi.

However, if yours doesn’t have one, follow these simple steps:

• First, download and save the .apk file of your VPN service to a thumb drive.
• Next, insert the thumb drive into your Android box.
• Look for the .apk file from the built-in file explorer on your box’s interface.
• Then, install the app on your box.
• Run the app and enjoy Kodi on it.

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Linux box

If you purchased a Linux-based box, the process is slightly different. You can easily install Kodi on a Linux box in just about 10 minutes using OpenELEC.

For Kodi installation on a Linux-based box, you will need to:

• Download OpenELEC. Make sure to choose the generic build to run on processors.
• Save the downloaded file into a bootable thumb drive.
• Insert the thumb drive into your box.
• Install OpenELEC using the automatic installer.
• Copy media files to it.
• Set up a server and enjoy.

Although it can be daunting at first, you will be proud of yourself once you complete that.

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Don’t use APK files from third parties

Installing a VPN app on an Android Kodi device without Google Play can be difficult. The alternative option is to download the APK file and allow app installations from unknown sources, which could infect your device with malware. Avoid third-party APK hosting websites as they pose a risk of malware modification and outdated versions of the app. The best option is to directly download from the VPN provider’s website or sideload the app from a second Android device with Google Play.

FAQs