Updated on: May 15, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best VPN for Kodi in 2024:
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : It works with Kodi 100% of the time, is compatible with 100+ streaming services, and supports streaming on all servers. It has super-fast speeds, top-notch security features, and comes with user-friendly apps. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
I’m a big fan of Kodi, and I use it daily, but I still can’t overlook its drawbacks. For me, the biggest downside is that some Kodi add-ons log your IP address, which is not great for your privacy.
Luckily, a VPN can solve this, but not all VPNs are good for Kodi. Many don’t work with the media player software and have slow speeds. What’s more, most VPNs lack essential security features to protect your privacy when you use Kodi.
I spent a couple of weeks testing VPNs, and I found the best ones for Kodi. ExpressVPN is my top choice, as it reliably works with Kodi, is compatible with 100+ streaming services, and has the fastest speeds on the market. That said, all the other VPNs on my list are also good choices for Kodi.
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Why Use a VPN for Kodi?
The primary reason to use a VPN for Kodi is to protect your online privacy. A VPN encrypts your Kodi traffic, which scrambles the data, making it unreadable to others, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This means nobody can see what you’re watching and when. It also hides your IP address, so any streaming activity on Kodi can’t be traced back to you.
Additionally, a VPN prevents your ISP from throttling your speeds for using “too much bandwidth” when you’re streaming in high quality on Kodi. This is because they won’t be able to tell you’re streaming or when.
Last but not least, many top VPNs come with an ad, tracker, and malware blocker that helps protect you from malicious third-party Kodi add-ons that may try to infect your device with malware.
Hypothetically, by changing your IP address, a VPN may allow you to stream content or get add-ons on Kodi that aren’t available in your location. Please keep in mind that this would violate Kodi’s or any streaming service’s Terms of Use and may constitute copyright infringement, which nobody here at SafetyDetectives condones.
Quick summary of the best VPNs for Kodi:
- 1. 🥇ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for Kodi in 2024 (with industry-leading speeds + a vast server network).
- 2. 🥈CyberGhost VPN — Excellent VPN for streaming (with dedicated streaming servers and user-friendly apps).
- 3. 🥉NordVPN — Includes dedicated Kodi add-on and malware scanner to catch malicious add-ons.
- 4. Surfshark — Beginner-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and super affordable plans.
- 5. PrivateVPN — Minimalistic interface and fast speeds for streaming + secure apps for Kodi.
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Kodi
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for Kodi, as it reliably works with Kodi and has the fastest speeds on the market. It also has a vast server network in 105 countries and works with 100+ streaming services.
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol provided me with incredible speeds in my tests. HD videos loaded instantly and played right away without any interruptions — and I didn’t experience buffering when I skipped through them.
I also love using ExpressVPN with Kodi because it reliably works with popular Kodi add-ons, like Netflix, Hulu, and Max (provided they’re available in your area), as well as less popular streaming add-ons, like Crackle. Plus, it allows P2P traffic on every single one of its servers, which makes it great for torrent streaming using add-ons like Elementum.
And I like that you get split-tunneling. This feature increases your VPN speeds by allowing you to choose which apps use ExpressVPN and which apps use your local network. I was able to route all of my Kodi traffic through the VPN while the rest of my internet traffic went through my ISP, so I could use sites that require my location, like delivery services.
And the VPN also has apps for all major platforms Kodi is available on, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It even has a router app, which is really easy to install and use — with it, you can use ExpressVPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps but run the Kodi app, like Xbox consoles.
The provider is also really user-friendly. I particularly like its Shortcuts feature, which allows you to create a 1-click shortcut for the Kodi app, which appears on your screen immediately after you connect to ExpressVPN. I also like the Smart Location feature, which automatically connects you to the fastest server.
In terms of security, ExpressVPN comes with full leak protection (covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks) to stop anyone from learning your IP address while you’re using Kodi, and Advanced Protection, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker can reliably block malicious sites that host dangerous Kodi add-ons or fake download links that try to imitate Kodi’s site.
ExpressVPN has plans starting at $6.67 / month. Each plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is definitely the best VPN for Kodi — it works with Kodi without issues and has the fastest speeds on the market. It also has excellent streaming support and additional features, like split-tunneling. And it comes with user-friendly apps and plans that have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. CyberGhost VPN — Good for Streaming & Beginners
CyberGhost VPN is excellent for streaming on Kodi. It has dedicated streaming servers in 20+ countries that consistently work with 50+ services, including popular Kodi add-ons for Netflix, Disney+, Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and a bunch more. It also has dedicated P2P servers in 85+ countries for streaming torrents.
It’s also incredibly user-friendly and designed for beginners. I’m a big fan of the Smart Rules feature in particular, which allows you to customize CyberGhost’s launch settings. For instance, I was able to set up Kodi to open automatically after connecting to a CyberGhost server. Another smart rule I recommend is to set up CyberGhost to automatically launch when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network so that you can safely use Kodi on public networks.
The provider has the largest server network on this list — servers in 100 countries, so you’re less likely to encounter overcrowded servers and will have an easier time finding a nearby server for fast speeds.
I also like that CyberGhost comes with a smart DNS feature, so you can use it on any device where you have Kodi that doesn’t support VPNs. It also has an ad blocker called Content Blocker, which blocked every malicious site I visited in my tests, and it protects against DNS leaks and IPv6 leaks.
CyberGhost VPN is really affordable, with plans starting at $2.19 / month. The long-term plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee, and the monthly plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has excellent streaming support, as it reliably works with tons of Kodi streaming add-ons for popular streaming services in your area, like Netflix and Disney+. It’s also great for beginners with its Smart Rules feature that allows you to personalize its launch settings. All long-term plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee too.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥉3. NordVPN — Dedicated Kodi Add-on + Malware Scanner
NordVPN is the only VPN on this list that comes with a dedicated Kodi add-on. The add-on can be activated by performing a manual setup inside the Kodi app with the OpenVPN protocol. Luckily, NordVPN has helpful tutorials for this manual setup, so it’s easy to do (it took me only a few minutes to set it up).
NordVPN protects your Kodi traffic with full leak protection and an excellent ad blocker and tracker blocker (via Threat Protection). It also does a good job detecting malicious Kodi add-ons via File Protection, which scans any files you download for malware.
The provider also has good streaming and torrenting support — it reliably works with 10+ streaming platforms, including Kodi add-ons for streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, and has P2P servers in 45+ countries if you prefer torrent streaming. That said, ExpressVPN is better for both streaming and torrenting as it works with more streaming services and allows P2P traffic across all servers in 105 countries.
I like how user-friendly NordVPN’s apps are. The design is user-friendly and intuitive, so if you’re new to VPNs, you won’t be overwhelmed. I especially like the Quick Connect feature that automatically connects you to the fastest server.
NordVPN has budget-friendly plans starting at $3.09 / month. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN comes with a dedicated Kodi add-on and a useful malware scanner that protects you from malware-infected downloads. It also has fast speeds, good streaming support, and user-friendly apps. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Surfshark — Super Affordable & User-Friendly
Surfshark has user-friendly apps that pretty much anyone can use. They have an intuitive design that makes it quick and easy to find the fastest server for Kodi — you can connect to a local server, a server in a nearby country, and any servers you recently used in just 1 click.
This VPN reliably works with Kodi add-ons, including add-ons for Netflix, Max, and Hulu. It also supports P2P file sharing on all of its servers. But unlike ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN, it’s not compatible with the Disney+ streaming add-on.
Surfshark offers DNS leak protection and an ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker (CleanWeb) that’s especially useful for free add-ons that may carry ads or are potentially malicious. I also really like its IP Rotator feature, which regularly changes your IP address without dropping the VPN connection, providing you with more privacy while using Kodi.
Surfshark’s price are very affordable, as they start as low as $2.29 / month. Also, each purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark has intuitive apps and super affordable plans for Kodi users on a budget. It has great streaming support, advanced security features, and an IP Rotator feature for more privacy. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Surfshark review
5. PrivateVPN — Minimalistic VPN for Streaming Kodi
PrivateVPN has simple apps that don’t come with too many extra features. Although this means there isn’t as much functionality and customization available, you won’t have to deal with a cluttered or confusing interface every time you want to protect your Kodi traffic. Plus, beginners won’t have any issues navigating the apps and will just need a couple of clicks to secure their Kodi activities.
I like that PrivateVPN works with popular Kodi add-ons, such as the ones for Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, and that it allows P2P traffic on all of its servers in 63 countries. But ExpressVPN works with many more streaming services, and allows torrenting in 105 countries.
This provider includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection and comes with an app-based kill switch called Application Guard. Unlike other kill switches, Application Guard shuts down only selected apps, such as the Kodi app, if the VPN connection drops. This is useful because you may not want to disrupt all of your online activities if your VPN fails, especially if they don’t need this extra security.
PrivateVPN has low-cost plans starting at $2.00 / month. Each plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
PrivateVPN has a minimalistic design, which isn’t overwhelming for those who are new to VPNs who use Kodi. It has a decently-sized server network, good streaming support, and good security features. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full PrivateVPN review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To determine the top VPNs for Kodi, I followed SafetyDetectives’s proven testing methodology. Each VPN was evaluated for how good they are for streaming and compatibility with Kodi add-ons. Factors I emphasized in my analysis included speeds, security, and ease of use. Here are the criteria I used to choose the VPNs that made my list and how I ranked them.
- I chose VPNs that work reliably Kodi & popular Kodi add-ons. My colleagues and I tested all of the VPNs on this list with official Kodi add-ons from top streaming services, such as Netflix in our locations, and confirmed they’re compatible.
- I looked for a VPN with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds because they encrypt your traffic. However, the VPNs I chose are still able to maintain fast enough speeds to stream (and torrent stream) HD content on Kodi without buffering.
- I considered each VPN’s ease of use and device compatibility. Good VPNs have intuitive designsand convenience features like a quick-connect feature, which makes it easier to find the fastest server for streaming on Kodi. The VPNs I recommend here also have apps for all major OS (operating systems) where you might use Kodi.
- I picked VPNs with strong security features. The VPNs I recommend have industry-standard security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops to prevent accidental data leaks, and strict no-logs policy. All of these make sure your Kodi activites remain private.
- I assessed every VPN’s overall value. I only recommend VPNs that come with lots of useful extra features for streaming on Kodi, like a smart DNS tool, split-tunneling, and/or an ad blocker, and have affordable plans that are backed by a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Set Up & Use a VPN for Kodi
PC or Mac
- Choose a VPN that works well with Kodi. I recommend ExpressVPN since it has user-friendly apps for PC and Mac computers and works with Kodi add-ons 100% of the time.
- Download and install the VPN app. Follow the installation wizard’s instructions and the app will download in less than 2 minutes. Then, sign in and connect to a local server.
- Open the Kodi app. Now you can enjoy any Kodi add-ons with the protection of a VPN.
Android or iOS
- Pick a VPN that’s good for gaming and streaming on Kodi. ExpressVPN is a great choice with industry-leading speeds and intuitive mobile apps.
- Download and install the VPN. Search for the VPN in the Apple or Google Play store and download it. Once installed, sign in and connect to a nearby server.
- Launch the Kodi app. Open any add-on and enjoy!
Amazon Fire Stick
- Choose a good Kodi VPN that works with Amazon Fire Stick. I recommend ExpressVPN since it has a convenient Fire Stick app.
- Download the app. Follow the installation wizard instructions to install it in only a few minutes.
- Sign in to your account. Log in with your credentials and then choose a server to connect to.
- Open Kodi. Launch the Kodi app and enjoy streaming on a big screen.
Smart TV
- Choose a VPN with a router app. Since many smart TVs don’t support VPN apps, the VPN you choose needs to work on your router. ExpressVPN is the best choice since it has a simple router app for easy setup.
- Follow the VPN’s instructions to install it on your router. Most VPNs have easy-to-follow guides for the different types of compatible routers.
- Connect to a server. I recommend choosing a nearby server for fast speeds.
- Open the Kodi app. Now you’re all set to watch Kodi on your Smart TV!
Gaming Console
- Choose a VPN with router support. Gaming consoles don’t have native VPN apps, so you’ll need to set the VPN up on your router.
- Install the VPN on your router. The VPN you choose will most likely have simple tutorials for various routers on their website. ExpressVPN has a convenient router app. Then, connect to a server to finish the connection process.
- Launch the Kodi app. Open the Kodi app and connect to the add-on of your choice.
Router
- Choose a router-compatible VPN. ExpressVPN is my top choice since it has a native router app and works great with devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast that require a router setup to work with a VPN.
- Install the VPN on your router. This is easiest with a router app (ExpressVPN has a great one), but manual setup is also pretty straightforward with the helpful guides and tutorials on VPN websites.
- Connect to a fast server. A server near your location is the best choice for fast, stable connections.
- Launch the Kodi app. Now you can game or stream on Kodi on all devices.
Should I Install a VPN via an APK File?
Installing a VPN via an APK file can be a practical solution on Android devices that don’t have access to Google Play, but it does come with risks. Before using this method, make sure you’re only downloading the file from the VPN website (never third-party websites); otherwise, you risk downloading an outdated version of the app or infecting your device with malware. It’s a good idea to have an antivirus app running on your device if you choose this method.
There are safer options, though. First, you could “sideload” the app from another device. Doing this is easy: download the app on an Android device that is connected to the Google Play store, then transfer the app to the non-connected device. Or, you could connect via a router, such as by using ExpressVPN’s user-friendly router app.
What Devices Does Kodi Work With?
Kodi can be installed on desktop computers and smartphones, but most people prefer using it on their TV. However, Kodi doesn’t come installed on most TVs, so you’ll need to use one of two methods to access Kodi on a TV: a router setup or a Kodi box.
A “Kodi box” is an external device that connects to a TV and runs the Kodi media player software. Android boxes (like the Amazon Fire TV Cube) are the most popular thanks to their ease of access and user-friendly interface — you can easily install Kodi from the official app store on these. On the other hand, Linux-based boxes, such as those powered by Raspberry Pi, offer more customization and are preferred by tech enthusiasts for their flexibility and open-source code.
While Kodi boxes are great, it’s important to be wary of illegal “fully loaded” Kodi boxes. These are often sold with pre-loaded pirated content and unauthorized add-ons that stream copyrighted material without permission. Not only is using these boxes for accessing pirated content illegal, but they may also contain malware.
Is Kodi Legal?
Kodi itself is completely legal, as are Kodi boxes and utilizing any of Kodi’s officially-sanctioned add-ons, which you can find on its website.
However, it’s illegal in most places to use third-party add-ons with Kodi that allow you to stream or access copyrighted content without the permission of the copyright holder.
Note that some devices sold by third-party retailers come with these illegal add-ons pre-installed (sometimes referred to as “fully-loaded” Kodi boxes), so just because the add-on came with your Kodi box doesn’t mean that everything on it is legal.
To make sure you’re on the right side of the law, I recommend sticking to official add-ons and to consider a fresh install on your device(s). As a bonus, this also protects you from any malware that might be hidden on Kodi boxes sold by third parties.
The legality of streaming pirated content may vary from country to country, but neither I nor anyone of my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condones copyright infringement, so we urge you to check local laws and regulations before accessing any potentially copyrighted content on Kodi via a third-party add-on.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Private Internet Access. Private Internet Access has fast speeds, strong security features, and excellent streaming support. However, its support reps confirmed it doesn’t work with Kodi.
- IPVanish. IPVanish has pretty fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and additional features like split-tunneling. That said, the VPN provider provides poor streaming support, so it’s not a good pick for Kodi.
- Proton VPN. Proton VPN offers excellent security features, user-friendly apps, and works with Kodi add-ons for streaming sites. However, it isn’t as fast as the other VPNs on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for Kodi?
ExpressVPN is my top choice for Kodi. It reliably works with Kodi and is compatible with 100+ streaming services, including Kodi streaming add-ons for Netflix and Hulu. What’s more, it has the fastest speeds on the market, strong security and privacy features, and user-friendly apps for all major platforms.
Can I use a free VPN to stream on Kodi?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs aren’t compatible with Kodi and have poor streaming support and slow speeds. Moreover, they lack security features to protect your data while streaming on Kodi.
Instead, I recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, as it reliably works with Kodi and has the fastest speeds on the market. It also works with 100+ streaming services and has strong security features.
Will using a VPN with Kodi slow down my speeds?
All VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption-decryption process and the distance between you and the VPN server. That said, top Kodi VPNs (like the ones on my list) minimize the speed loss and maintain good speeds for Kodi.
I recommend using ExpressVPN since it’s the fastest VPN on the market. In my tests, HD videos loaded instantly and I didn’t experience any buffering when I skipped through them.
Should I use Real Debrid or a VPN for Kodi?
Real Debrid and a VPN do different things. Real Debrid helps you find working and high-quality streaming sources on Kodi. On the other hand, a VPN is a tool that keeps Kodi traffic secure and maintains your online anonymity. It does this by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet connection, which makes it so that nobody can see what you’re doing on Kodi via any add-ons (this includes Real Debrid, which logs your streaming activity). I always recommend using a VPN when streaming on Kodi.
