Updated on: April 23, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best way to set up a VPN on Roku in 2024:
- 1. Get a good Roku VPN. My top pick is ExpressVPN since it’s excellent for streaming, has a dedicated router app, and provides super fast streaming speeds.
- 2. Set up the VPN on your router. Follow the provider’s support guides to configure its service on your router.
- 3. Power up your Roku. The device will now use the router’s VPN connection to access the web!
VPNs and Roku are a great match — using a VPN is the best way to securely stream your favorite shows on the device.
However, you can’t directly install a VPN app on Roku, as the streaming device doesn’t support that. So getting the VPN working on Roku is pretty difficult and confusing for some people.
So I compiled this guide on how to set up a VPN on Roku to make things simple for you. I covered all the methods you can use to use a VPN on your Roku, and I also quickly covered the best VPNs for Roku (ExpressVPN is my #1 pick).
Best VPNs for Roku in 2024
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Roku in 2024 (dedicated router app & super-fast speeds for streaming).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Fast Roku VPN with privacy-friendly features and great streaming support.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Beginner-friendly VPN that’s great for buffer-free HD streaming on Roku.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Roku in 2024
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for Roku, as it provides the best router and streaming support on the market. What’s more, it’s also super fast and really secure.
This is one of the only VPN providers out there with a dedicated router app. Installing it on your router is much more convenient than performing a manual setup — plus, ExpressVPN has very simple-to-follow tutorials that make the setup process very straightforward. On average, it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to do it. And, if you just don’t want to deal with the installation, ExpressVPN also has its own router (called Aircove) that comes with its VPN service pre-installed on it.
Plus, this is without a doubt the best streaming VPN in 2024. That’s because the provider works with 100+ streaming platforms, so you get excellent variety. It works with top sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Max, Disney+, and more. Plus, it’s also my favorite Netflix VPN, as it’s compatible with 10+ Netflix libraries. I had no problem streaming Netflix Romania, and my colleagues in the UK and the US said they could watch Netflix UK and US in their locations while connected to ExpressVPN’s servers.
On top of that, I also love how fast this VPN is. I ran multiple speed tests on both nearby and distant servers, and ExpressVPN always maintained super fast streaming speeds — all HD and 4K videos loaded instantly, and I never experienced any buffering while skipping through them.
And this is also one of the most secure VPNs out there. It protects your streaming traffic on Roku with advanced security features, like RAM-only servers (wipe all data on each reset), full leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key for each VPN session. Plus, it also has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited several times.
ExpressVPN has prices starting at $6.67 / month — a bit pricey, but still overall affordable. Plus, the VPN provides very good value, and it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Good Roku VPN for Fast Streaming & Privacy
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides really good speeds for streaming — I always enjoyed fast, smooth streaming when I ran tests on both nearby and distant servers. On average, all HD videos loaded instantly, and so did 4K videos (plus, they never buffered or suffered quality drops).
The VPN also comes with good router support, as it supports manual setups on multiple models and firmwares, including Tomato, DD-WRT, and LEDE routers. It also provides access to helpful router setups. That said, it’s still more convenient and time-efficient to just install ExpressVPN’s router app instead.
Furthermore, PIA is great for anyone who’s focused on their privacy while streaming. That’s because the provider has a strict no-logs policy that has passed an independent security audit and which has also been proven true in several court documents. In addition, all of its apps are open-source (so anyone can inspect the code for security issues) — this might be important to you if you decide to share your VPN connection to your Roku device instead of setting up PIA on your router.
You also get really good streaming support with this VPN, as it’s compatible with 30+ streaming platforms. This includes top sites, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Still, if variety matters a lot to you, ExpressVPN is a better pick since it works with 100+ streaming services.
Private Internet Access is really affordable, with plans starting at $2.03 / month. Plus, the provider also backs each purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Easy-to-Use VPN That’s Good for Streaming
CyberGhost VPN is a pretty good pick for beginners since its apps are really intuitive. It has router support, but it requires a manual setup — so if you prefer sharing the VPN connection to your Roku device instead, this VPN would be a great pick.
I really like how easy its desktop apps are to navigate. The interface is extremely user-friendly, and there are also helpful explanations for all settings and features. What’s more, its servers are split into different categories, and there’s also a search field — so it doesn’t take you more than 5 seconds to find and connect to your desired server.
Plus, its desktop apps have 100+ streaming servers that work with 50+ streaming sites — this includes top platforms, like Netflix and Max (my colleague in the US confirmed this). These servers are designed to provide great streaming speeds on these platforms, so you’ll have a smooth streaming experience.
Also, you get really good speeds with CyberGhost VPN as well (though the VPN is still not as fast as ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access). In my tests, all HD videos loaded instantly and didn’t buffer, and 4K videos took around 3 seconds to load, but there was no buffering at the start or while skipping through the videos.
CyberGhost VPN comes with plans that start as low as $2.03 / month. It also backs all long-term plans with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. The shortest plan only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
How to Choose the Best VPN for Roku in 2024
- Get a VPN with good router support. Roku devices don’t natively support VPN apps, so you’ll need to configure the VPN on your router for Roku to use it. So you need to get a VPN whose service works with routers — ExpressVPN is my #1 pick, as it’s the only one with a dedicated router app.
- Pick a VPN that’s great for streaming. You should only opt for a VPN service that works with tons of popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. ExpressVPN, my favorite Roku VPN, works with 100+ streaming platforms.
- Look for a VPN with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption process and the distance between you and the VPN server. But the best VPNs (like the ones on this list) minimize the speed loss so that it doesn’t negatively impact your streaming.
- Get a VPN that’s user-friendly. If you opt to share your VPN connection to your Roku device instead of setting up the VPN on your router, you need to pick a provider whose apps are very intuitive and simple to navigate.
- Choose a VPN that provides good value. All of the VPNs on my list come with affordable prices, and all of them also back each purchase with a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Install a VPN on Roku (Step-By-Step Guides)
There are 2 ways to get a VPN on a Roku device — set up the VPN on a router or set up a virtual router. The first method is the most common one, but the second option is convenient and rather straightforward, too.
With a router, you make all web-connected devices in your house use the VPN. Basically, those devices use the router to access the internet — as long as there’s a VPN connection running on that router, every device that connects to that router (including your Roku device) will use the VPN connection to access the web.
Setting up a virtual router involves sharing your VPN connection to your Roku device. You can easily do this via a desktop device (like a Windows or macOS device) — essentially, you’ll connect the desktop device to the VPN, set up a shared network, and connect the Roku device to said network.
How to Install a VPN on Roku With a Physical Router
- Check that the VPN is compatible with your router. You should be able to find a list of supported router models and firmwares in the VPN provider’s support library. If not, contact its support team.
- Use the setup tutorial that matches your router model or firmware. Follow each step closely to make sure you properly configure the VPN on your router. Most router setup guides are simple to follow, as they very often include screenshots.
- Start streaming. You can now securely stream your favorite shows on Roku.
How to Install a VPN on Roku With a Virtual Router
Windows 11
- Click Network and Internet settings. Look for the Wi-Fi or Wired connection icon in the toolbar and right-click it. Then, open Network and Settings.
- Look for Mobile hotspot and toggle the switch next to it to the on position.
- Next, head to Advanced network settings and select the More network adapter options.
- Find your VPN provider’s network adapter and right-click it. Most adapters will include the VPN provider’s name — for example, ExpressVPN’s adapter is called “ExpressVPN TAP Adapter.”
- After that, pick Properties and head to the Sharing tab. Then, check the following option: “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.” To save the changes, hit OK.
- Open the VPN app on your device. Scroll through its list of server locations and connect to a local one.
- Connect your Roku to the shared network. Open the Wi-Fi settings, look up your shared network’s name, and connect to it. That’s it — your Roku will now use the VPN connection.
Windows 10
- Access Network & Internet settings. To do that, right-click the network icon in your system tray, and then select Open Network & Internet settings.
- Find the Mobile hotspot tab on the left. Look for the Share my internet connection with other devices option and toggle it on.
- After that, go to Change adapter options, which you can find on the right-hand side.
- Look for your VPN provider’s network adapter in the new window that pops up. The adapter will normally contain the VPN’s name.
- Once you find the adapter, right-click it and pick Properties. Next, head to the Sharing tab and check this option: “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.” Once done, hit OK.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a nearby server. Next, connect your Roku device to the shared network you just created, and it’ll start using the VPN connection.
macOS
- Use an ethernet cable to hook up your macOS device to your router. If the device lacks an ethernet port, you’ll need to use a USB adapter. Also, make sure to leave your device’s Wi-Fi on.
- In the Apple menu, pick System Preferences. To open the menu, just click on the Apple icon in the top left of your screen.
- Next, hit Sharing. You can find it just at the bottom.
- After that, head to Internet Sharing. Look for the Share your connection from dropdown menu selector and pick the port the ethernet cable is plugged into. Also, tick the Wi-Fi box in the To computers using section.
- Now, tick the box next to Internet Sharing. It’s right in the sidebar on the left.
- Next, it’s time to set up your network. Set a name and password you can easily remember and then hit OK to save the changes.
- Once you’re done, hit Start on the pop-up window that shows up.
- Follow up by opening the VPN app. Then, find a local server and connect to it.
- Finally, connect your Roku device to the shared network. Congrats — you can now watch your favorite movies and TV shows on your Roku securely.
Tried Installing a VPN on Roku, But It’s Not Working? Try These Troubleshooting Steps
Restart Your Roku Device
Sometimes, minor issues might interfere with your VPN connection. The easiest way to fix them is to restart your Roku device, which would clear temporary data.
To do this, simply unplug your Roku device and wait around 10 seconds, and then just plug it back in. Alternatively, you can use the Roku remote to do a reset — just press the Home button, head to Settings > System > Power (this step might not be available on some Roku devices), and hit System restart.
Check Your Web Connection
Web connectivity issues will interfere with your VPN connection. Keep in mind a VPN needs an active internet connection to work — without it, you won’t be able to connect to a VPN server.
Such issues usually happen due to poor Wi-Fi signal strength. The best way to fix that is to move your Roku device closer to the router — alternatively, use a Wi-Fi range extender to increase the signal’s coverage and strength. Another solution is to just use an ethernet cable (if your Roku device has an ethernet port) to connect your Roku directly to the router.
Connect to a Different VPN Server
VPN servers might experience technical issues that cause connectivity problems. If your VPN connection is not working, I recommend switching to a different VPN server — just make sure it’s a nearby server!
Try a Different VPN Protocol
Some VPN protocols prioritize security over speed and stability. For example, OpenVPN is very secure, but its speeds are pretty mediocre. If your connection keeps dropping or your speeds are terrible with the protocol you’re using, try switching to a different one — following up on the example above, if you currently use OpenVPN, switch to WireGuard or IKEv2/IPSec.
Reinstall the VPN App
VPN apps may suffer crashes or bugs that make it hard to establish connections. If you’re using the app to share your VPN connection to your Roku, try reinstalling the VPN app to see if this fixes your issue. Also, when you reinstall it, make sure you use the most up-to-date app version.
Check the Router Compatibility
Make sure the router you’re using is compatible with your VPN provider’s service. Most top VPNs list the routers they’re compatible with in their support library. They also have step-by-step tutorials, so make sure you follow all steps correctly. Also, make sure you’re using the correct tutorial — using one for a different router model or firmware will only result in connectivity issues.
Contact the VPN Provider’s Support Team
If none of the previous tips mentioned helped, I’d contact the provider’s support team. Most top VPNs offer either live chat or email support (or both), and their reps should be able to help you troubleshoot your connectivity issues.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a VPN on Roku?
- Prevent bandwidth throttling. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it 100% unreadable. This stops anyone, including your internet service provider (ISP), from seeing what you are doing online. And because your ISP can’t see your traffic, they won’t be able to throttle your streaming connections.
- Secure your streaming data. As mentioned above, VPNs make your online data impossible to read. This stops cybercriminals from trying to intercept or spy on your traffic to compromise your login credentials for your streaming accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a VPN on my Roku?
Roku devices don’t support VPN apps, so you’ll need to perform manual setups. The most common method is to configure the VPN on your router, as your Roku device will automatically use the VPN connection that way — if you use this method, I recommend getting ExpressVPN since it has a dedicated router app. An alternative method is to use your desktop device to share your VPN connection to your Roku.
Why should I use a VPN on my Roku?
There are plenty of good reasons to do this — it allows you to securely watch TV shows and movies on your favorite streaming sites, it stops ISPs from throttling your bandwidth when you binge streaming content for hours on end, and it protects your streaming data from hackers.
What’s the best VPN for Roku?
My #1 pick for Roku is ExpressVPN — it’s one of the only VPNs that has a router app, which is really simple to install and use on your router. In addition, it also works with 100+ streaming sites, has the fastest speeds on the market, and is very intuitive.
Can I use a free VPN on a Roku device?
Maybe, but I advise against it. There are good free VPNs out there, but many don’t work on routers, so you can’t configure them to work with Roku. And other free VPNs have poor streaming support, slow speeds, and buggy apps. It’s better to just get a top paid VPN like ExpressVPN instead, as you get much better value (plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee).
