Updated on: April 26, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best VPN for Kodi in 2024:
- 🥇ExpressVPN: Works with Kodi and maintains super fast speeds across all servers. It also works with 100+ streaming services, has top-notch security features, and comes with user-friendly apps. What’s more, 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.
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 strong security and privacy features.
- 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.
🥇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 Kodi add-ons, like Netflix, Hulu, and Max (provided they’re available in your area). It also works with less popular streaming add-ons, like Crackle.
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 get faster speeds by routing my Kodi traffic through the VPN while my browsing traffic went through my internet service provider (ISP).
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 1-click shortcuts for your favorite apps (like Kodi) that appear 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 is hard to match. It comes with RAM-only servers, which means that with each server reboot, all data is deleted. Its no-logs policy is also verified, confirming that it doesn’t log your personal data. And there’s also full leak protection. Moreover, the VPN uses perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key for each session, minimizing the amount of data hackers could access.
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. 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’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.
I’m also impressed with CyberGhost’s speeds. During my tests, HD videos loaded instantly, and I only experienced very minimal delays when skipping through the videos. The provider has the largest server network on this list — 11,528 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. However, CyberGhost is still slower than ExpressVPN.
I also like that CyberGhost comes with extra features, like split-tunneling and a smart DNS feature. It also has an ad blocker called Content Blocker, which can reliably block malicious sites that host dangerous Kodi add-ons or fake download links that try to imitate Kodi’s site.
CyberGhost also has advanced security features, like RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, a verified no-logs policy, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Moreover, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers provide extra security, as they’re physically controlled and operated only by CyberGhost’s staff.
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. It also has fast speeds, useful extra features, and great security. All long-term plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee too.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
🥉3. NordVPN — Dedicated Kodi Add-on + High-End Security Features
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).
The VPN also comes with strong security features that will keep your data safe when streaming on Kodi. One of my favorites is NordVPN’s ad blocker, Threat Protection, which protects you from connections to malicious sites that imitate Kodi, as well as malicious add-ons via its malware protection. The VPN also has advanced security features, including full leak protection, RAM-only servers, an audited no-logs policy, and perfect forward secrecy.
The provider also has good streaming support — it reliably works with 10+ streaming platforms, including Kodi add-ons for streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. That said, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN are better for streaming since they provide better variety, as ExpressVPN works with 100+ streaming services, while CyberGhost VPN is compatible with 50+ streaming platforms.
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.
In my tests, NordVPN had good speeds. HD videos loaded in 2–3 seconds with a little buffering in the beginning. That said, NordVPN can’t match ExpressVPN in terms of speeds.
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 strong security features. I especially like its ad blocker that can protect 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 streaming on Kodi. And I like how all settings and features come with helpful explanations. What’s more, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connection, so it’s great for large households where everyone needs a good Kodi VPN.
During my tests, Surfshark had great speeds. HD videos started playing after only 3 seconds, and they played with no interruptions. Moreover, the provider has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so you should easily be able to find a fast server near you. However, Surfshark is still slower than ExpressVPN.
This VPN reliably works with Kodi add-ons, including add-ons for Netflix, Max, and Hulu. That said, it’s not compatible with the Disney+ streaming add-on.
Surfshark has strong security features, such as RAM-only servers, a verified no-logs policy, perfect forward secrecy, and DNS leak protection. Also, Surfshark’s ad blocker, CleanWeb, protects you from malicious sites that try to imitate Kodi.
I also really like the provider’s IP Rotator, which regularly changes your IP address without dropping the VPN connection. It provides 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 user-friendly, intuitive apps and super affordable plans. It also allows unlimited connections and has fast speeds, 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 a cluttered or confusing interface. Plus, beginners won’t have any issues navigating the apps.
The VPN provided me with decent speeds for streaming on Kodi — HD videos loaded in 5–6 seconds on most servers, which is decent. Also, since PrivateVPN has servers in 63 countries, it’s easy to find fast nearby servers. However, PrivateVPN is still slower than ExpressVPN and the other VPNs on my list.
I like that PrivateVPN works with popular Kodi add-ons, such as the ones for Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
This provider also has advanced security features, including perfect forward secrecy and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Plus, it comes with an app-based kill switch called Application Guard, which shuts down selected apps if the VPN connection drops — when I tested it, it closed the Kodi app every time I disconnected from PrivateVPN’s servers.
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. It has fast speeds, 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
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Kodi in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Kodi in 2024
- Choose a VPN that reliably works with top Kodi streaming add-ons. All the VPNs on this list consistently work with Kodi add-ons, such as add-ons for Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, and more.
- Go for a VPN with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds because they encrypt your traffic. However, top brands are able to maintain fast speeds across all servers. ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds in my tests.
- Consider ease of use. Good VPNs have a user-intuitive design and apps for most major platforms. Plus, they come with a quick-connect feature, which makes it easier to find a fast server for streaming on Kodi.
- Use a VPN with strong security features. All the VPNs on this list 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 traffic leaks, and a no-logs policy.
- Pick a VPN that offers good value. I only recommend VPNs that come with extra features, like a smart DNS, split-tunneling, 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.
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 Kodi with a VPN?
Yes, and there are plenty of good reasons to do this. A VPN encrypts your Kodi traffic, keeping you safe from hackers and preventing your ISP from throttling your bandwidth.
If you’re looking for a good Kodi VPN, I recommend ExpressVPN. It works with Kodi without any issues, is compatible with 100+ streaming services, has super fast speeds, and provides industry-leading security and privacy features.
Is Kodi Legal?
Kodi and Kodi boxes are perfectly legal. However, while the software and the devices themselves are legal, their use becomes illegal if they are used to stream copyrighted material without permission. The illegality arises not from Kodi or the boxes themselves, but from how they are used.
Unauthorized streaming or accessing pirated content through Kodi or “fully-loaded” Kodi boxes is against the law. You should only use Kodi and Kodi boxes legally to avoid violating copyright laws.
To be on the safe side, I recommend using a VPN like ExpressVPN with an ad blocker that can detect malicious Kodi links, which is the clearest sign that an add-on might contain copyrighted content and malware.
