5 Best VPNs for Kodi Working in 2023: Install Addons Safely

I love Kodi, but I hate it when my ISP or geo-restrictions prevent me from using it to the fullest. It can also be hard to know which Kodi add-ons to trust, with some exposing users’ traffic or being downright illegal to use.

That’s why I always connect to a VPN to stream on Kodi. I’ve tested many VPNs for their ability to work with Kodi by providing official add-ons or APK files, support for different devices, and P2P-capable servers. All the shortlisted VPNs also use strong security and privacy policies to protect your connection from hackers and prevent ISP throttling.

My #1 recommendation for Kodi is ExpressVPN. It has one of the largest server networks and can access many international streaming platforms. You can also install its user-friendly apps on a wide range of Kodi devices. Since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free. If you decide it’s not for you, getting a refund is really easy.

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Best VPNs for Kodi — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Lighting-Fast Speeds for Streaming Any Kodi Add-on Buffer-Free in 4K

ExpressVPN is the top VPN for streaming on Kodi because of its fast and reliable connections. Before connecting, my download speeds were 49.71 Mbps. While testing ExpressVPN’s Smart Location, my speeds were still around 45.92 Mbps. Even connecting to faraway servers in the UK and the US gave me 45.77 and 42.4 Mbps, which is an average drop of just 14%. I could always stream Cobra Kai in 4K on the Netflix Kodi add-on without buffering.

It has one of the largest networks with 3,000 servers in 94 countries. This gives you access to the widest range of streaming services on Kodi, like Netflix, HBO Max, and DAZN. ExpressVPN regularly updates its IPs, so it reliably bypasses geo-restrictions. I’ve never struggled to access any of my favorite streaming libraries. All servers also support P2P, which is required by many Kodi add-ons to function.

I never experienced buffering when streaming shows on Kodi add-ons for sites like Netflix or HBO Max while using ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is easy to use on almost any Kodi-compatible device. It has user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV Stick, as well as software for routers and Raspberry Pis, which is rare. The knowledgebase is full of detailed guides, which helped me easily set it up for Kodi on a couple of devices, like my Nvidia Shield. If you use Kodi on an Android device without Google Play, you can download the official APK from ExpressVPN’s website and sideload it.

Connections are protected with 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy (PFS), which regularly changes encryption keys. All apps, even the Fire Stick one, have a kill switch that blocks internet traffic when using Kodi immediately if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. I tested this myself by manually disconnecting and could see how the VPN momentarily blocked my connection while it switched between servers.

ExpressVPN enforces a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers that frequently reboot to wipe all data. This means that it keeps your information private and safe, which is important when using Kodi. It is also headquartered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, the British Virgin Islands. Its privacy policies and TrustedServer Technology have all been verified in an independent audit by PwC.

The only catch is that you only get 8 simultaneous connections with ExpressVPN. However, that wasn’t a problem for me, because I don’t usually use Kodi on more than one device at a time. You can also protect all your devices through your home Wi-Fi thanks to its easy-to-use router app and firmware.

ExpressVPN offers significant long-term discounts of up to 49% for long-term plans, so you can get it for $6.67/month. Personally, I didn’t think it was overpriced because it’s so good compared to most VPNs. It also offers many payment methods, including Bitcoin, which I prefer using for an extra layer of privacy.

You can try ExpressVPN for Kodi risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that you can get a full refund in the unlikely event that you’re unsatisfied. To test it, I just contacted the 24/7 live chat support. They replied almost immediately, were understanding, and instantly approved my request. I got the money back in my account within less than a day.

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2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Provide Uninterrupted Access to Kodi Add-ons

CyberGhost’s most impressive feature is its range of servers optimized specifically for unblocking country-specific streaming sites and libraries. I didn’t have any trouble using it for my Kodi add-ons, like Netflix and HBO Max, especially because it has servers dedicated to these popular platforms. It also regularly monitors its IPs to ensure they can consistently bypass geoblocks, and it was always reliable in my experience.

CyberGhost also offers servers optimized for torrenting that you can use with some Kodi add-ons

It also delivers fast speeds, although it’s not as quick as ExpressVPN. Using the Best server location feature, my speed went from 57.59 Mbps to 46.37 Mbps. That’s still an acceptable drop. The results were more than fast enough for 4K or HD streaming on Kodi. You should be able to have a smooth streaming experience altogether.

CyberGhost’s security is tight, with all connections being secured with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. I tested CyberGhost the same way I did with ExpressVPN, and confirmed that its kill switch temporarily blocked my connection while switching servers. Combined with IP/DNS leak protection, your true IP address is never exposed, so your privacy won’t be violated while using it for Kodi.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost is the only listed VPN without an official APK to download from its website, so you’ll need to risk using a third-party one, which isn’t recommended. However, you can get the CyberGhost app for all other major platforms, including Fire TV Stick.

CyberGhost’s longest-term plan costs just $2.19/month, which is 83% in savings. You can purchase add-ons, like dedicated IPs and antivirus, for cheap too. All plans allow 7 simultaneous connections, so you can stream Kodi on multiple devices.

While the short-term plan only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost offers a 45-day one with long-term plans, which is one of the longest I’ve seen. This gives you plenty of time to try it out with your Kodi setup and decide if it's for you. If you want a refund, all you need to do is contact the 24/7 live chat support and ask. Mine was approved on the spot, and the money was back in my account within 2–3 days.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Highly Customizable to Optimize Security and Performance While Streaming With Kodi

What I like most about PIA is how customizable it is without being overwhelming. It’s one of the few VPNs that let you choose between less secure, but faster, 128-bit or highly secure, but potentially slower, 256-bit AES encryption. 128-bit is recommended for lower-powered devices, like Kodi Android boxes or Raspberry Pis. Even the kill switch is customizable, either blocking all traffic until you turn on the VPN or only when it disconnects unexpectedly.

Throughout my testing, PIA was also fast and reliable. While not as solid as ExpressVPN, my Kodi connection was mostly consistent with average download speeds of 42 Mbps using the suggested server. Even when streaming shows on Kodi from the Netflix US library or BBC iPlayer in the UK, I never had annoying buffering.

I could watch Seinfeld buffer-free thanks to PIA’s fast servers

PIA has a lot of servers to choose from (29,650 in 84 countries), which means you get a lot of options to securely access your preferred Kodi content. I tried different locations worldwide, and the connection was established in seconds each time. There were no disconnections whatsoever.

A minor issue with PIA is that it doesn’t provide any official guides for Kodi. However, it wasn’t a deal-breaker for me because I could find other guides by doing a quick Google search since they’re relatively the same as most VPNs. Also, it offers a 24/7 live chat, so you can always contact its support team if you run into any issues.

PIA’s long-term plans are all really affordable, starting at just $2.03/month, so you can save up to 83% on your first subscription. The fact that I could use it on up to Unlimited devices simultaneously made it even more worth it. There are also freebies and add-ons, and it’s one of the VPNs with the most crypto payment options too.

To test out PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee, I contacted support and asked for a refund with just a few days left. They were quick and helpful in approving my request without asking too many questions. The refund was issued in less than 5 working days without any hassle.

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4. NordVPN — Conveniently-Located P2P Servers to Use for Kodi Add-ons

Many Kodi add-ons require P2P connections to function, so it’s a good thing that most NordVPN servers support it. Its P2P servers are also spread out conveniently, so you should always be able to find a fast server near you, no matter where you’re from. NordVPN even has multiple P2P-optimized servers in the US, which not all VPNs have due to strict piracy crackdowns.

As I mostly use Kodi for streaming, I was also eager to put NordVPN’s reputation as a fast VPN to the test. While testing its speeds, I always used its custom NordLynx protocol which is based on WireGuard and optimized for performance. On average, while using nearby and faraway servers, I got speeds of up to 44 Mbps. With speeds like this you shouldn’t have issues with buffering or long loading times.

NordVPN’s Quick Connect feature selected the fastest server, allowing me to stream Netflix seamlessly

With servers in 60 countries, NordVPN’s biggest drawback is that you’ll have access to content from fewer locations to stream on Kodi. Fortunately, that’s not a big issue because NordVPN still has numerous servers overall (5,640) and in countries like the US, UK, Germany, and Australia. They have some of the biggest and best content libraries. I’ve tested that it works with Kodi add-ons for Netflix, HBO Max, and others.

NordVPN’s apps are user-friendly and support most major platforms. You can also safely download the APK for Android devices from the official NordVPN website.

NordVPN has various pricing plans, and the more expensive options come with extra online security tools, like a password manager, a data breach scanner, and encrypted cloud storage. All of its plans are relatively affordable, starting at $3.49/month.

You can also try NordVPN for free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s easy to cancel your subscription while logged into your account, or you can simply request a refund using the 24/7 live chat support. The process was really simple, and I got my money back within a few days.

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5. Surfshark — User-Friendly Apps for Kodi Devices With Good Security Settings

The Surfshark app was one of my favorites to use, particularly for Kodi on Fire TV Stick. It is clean and neatly organized. The straightforward server list makes it quick and effortless to select a location using the Fire TV Stick remote. Most of its other apps, including the Windows one, also come with a Bypasser feature. It lets you select only Kodi to use the VPN connection, while other apps will use your normal connection, which is really convenient.

Surfshark’s Bypasser (or split tunneling) makes it easy to route only Kodi traffic through the VPN

You can also choose a server in the greatest number of countries out of all listed VPNs (100). This means that no matter where you are in the world, you can find a server very close to you for fast and secure streaming on Kodi. I tested Surfshark’s speed and got great results. They were similar to what I got with NordVPN, averaging at around 43 Mbps. I could watch the Netflix US exclusive Manhunt with zero buffering.

My only concern with Surfshark is that it’s based in the Netherlands, which falls under the 9 Eyes Alliance. However, it has a no-logs policy. Plus, it runs RAM-only servers, which means that all your online data is removed from them after each reboot. Every connection is also secured with 256-bit AES encryption as well as IPv6/DNS, and WebRTC leak protection for complete privacy while using Kodi.

You can get Surfshark for as little as $2.30/month with the longest-term subscription. While its monthly plan is similarly priced to ExpressVPN’s, you get an unlimited number of connections, making it a cost-effective option. For extra anonymity, you can pay with crypto using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple.

Like most other VPNs, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can submit a refund request using email or 24/7 live chat. Because it’s quicker, I used the live chat and got my request approved quickly. Although it was a weekend, it only took a couple of business days for me to receive the refund.

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Quick Comparison Table: Kodi VPN Features

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Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Kodi

A VPN for Kodi should provide fast and seamless access to streaming content from around the world and support your preferred Kodi devices with user-friendly apps. It should also provide top-notch security, so you stay protected while using Kodi. Here are the most important factors I considered when shortlisting the best VPNs:

• Ability to unblock geo-restricted content: Many Kodi add-ons and streaming services block access to content from other regions. The best VPNs continually update their servers and IPs to be able to bypass new geo-blocks.
• Fast speeds: There’s nothing more annoying when trying to watch shows on Kodi than constant buffering. I’ve personally tested the above VPNs for fast and reliable connections, and suitability for buffer-free 4K (minimum 25 Mbps required) or HD (5 Mbps) streaming.
• Diverse device compatibility: Depending on your own preferences, you can use Kodi on many different types of devices. Top VPNs offer user-friendly, secure, and feature-rich apps for a variety of Kodi-compatible devices, including Fire TV Stick, Android Kodi boxes, desktop PCs, or smartphones. Also, look for VPNs that are compatible with routers so you can get the most out of Kodi even on devices that aren’t natively compatible with VPNs.
• Strong privacy and security: ISPs frequently throttle Kodi users, even if they’re not doing anything illegal. Also, some Kodi add-ons may expose your data to hackers or infect your device. A secure VPN keeps your online activities private and encrypts your traffic. Look for services that offer AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy, like the ones I recommended.
• Reliable customer support: You don’t want to miss out on the benefits of using a VPN with Kodi because of some technical issues. Fast and helpful support is important so that you can resolve problems quickly, preferably via 24/7 live chat.
• Reasonable cost: Make sure that the pricing and features are a good match for you, and that the VPN offers a money-back guarantee, so you can test it for yourself risk-free.

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How to Download a VPN for Kodi: Easy Setup Guides

With so many Kodi versions and compatible devices, there are also many ways that you can use a VPN for streaming on it. The safest and most convenient way is to use an app from an official source. However, if that’s not possible, there are other options that you can use.

Install the VPN App on Your Device

The shortlisted VPNs all offer user-friendly apps for a range of Kodi-supported devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and Fire TV Stick. The exact steps to install and use these apps will differ between devices. However, once you have a working version of Kodi installed, most VPNs work roughly the same:

1. Download the VPN. Get it from the website for Windows or macOS, or download it from your device’s official app store (e.g., the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV Stick).
2. Connect to a server. Use the smart/auto-location feature (if your VPN offers one) to connect to the nearest and fastest server or choose one from the server list.
3. Start streaming! Launch Kodi, choose your add-on, and start watching your favorite shows.

Install a Kodi VPN Add-On

Another option is to install a Kodi add-on that allows you to configure a VPN connection on your Kodi device. You should be careful when using one of these VPN manager add-ons, as not all are safe and reliable.

1. Sign up for a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for streaming on Kodi due to the fast speeds and access to international content. Plus, it’s available on some Kodi VPN add-ons.
2. Get a VPN manager. You can easily find guides for installing add-ons with Kodi online. You can either download the add-on from the Kodi repository or by copying the.zip file to your Kodi device and install it using the add-on browser. You may need to enable the “install from other sources” setting to do this.
3. Configure your VPN. You’ll see a list of supported VPN services in the manager add-on. Select your VPN and provide your username and password to authenticate it.
4. Connect to the VPN and start watching. You can now choose a server to connect to from the server list. Once it connects, you can use Kodi streaming add-ons while protected by the VPN.

Configure the VPN on a Router

If you run a version of Kodi XBMC on a device that doesn’t support any VPN apps (like Roku and Chromecast), you can also configure a VPN on your router. This will protect all devices connected to your Wi-Fi with your VPN. Not all routers will have the exact same setup, but well-documented VPNs will provide guides on how to configure a VPN on specific brands or models (known as "flashing"). The basic steps are usually like this:

1. Sign up for a VPN. You first need to buy a VPN subscription. All the shortlisted VPNs are supported by the most popular routers and provide guides for configuring a VPN connection.
2. Configure your router. This involves logging into your router’s admin dashboard using a computer and configuring your router settings to use a VPN service. If your router doesn’t support VPNs out-of-the-box, you can install firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, or AsusWRT, although this is risky. I recommend ExpressVPN if you want to configure a VPN on your router because it actually offers official router firmware and a router app.
3. Start streaming on your Kodi device. Once your router is set up, connect your Kodi device(s) to the router, and you’ll be able to stream using the VPN-encrypted connection.

An alternative to installing the VPN on your router is to buy a pre-configured VPN router from the service of your choice. Or you can try the virtual router method. This method lets you create a Wi-Fi hotspot from your Windows PC or Mac computer (taking into account that your device comes with that setting). Once the hotspot is created, you can connect other devices to it and thus share the VPN connection.

Sideload the VPN App Using APK Files

Some Android devices don’t support the Google Play Store or a web browser, like the Raspberry Pi, Google Nexus Player, or WeTek Play. In this case, you’ll need to sideload the VPN app using the following steps:

1. Download the APK file. Choose a VPN and download its APK file from the website. You should always try to only use an APK file directly from the official source.
2. Allow apps from unknown sources. Launch Kodi and go to Settings, System, and Add-ons. Find the “Allow apps from unknown sources” setting and enable it.
3. Copy the APK file to the Kodi device. Use a USB stick or data transfer cable to copy the APK to the Android device running Kodi.
4. Install the add-on APK. Find the.apk file using your device’s file browser and select it to launch the installer.
5. Connect to a server and start streaming. Once the APK is installed, launch and use it just like a normal Android app.

Risks of Using Third-Party APK Files

If you decide to use an APK to install a VPN for Kodi, it’s extremely important that you download the APK file from the official website of the VPN provider. For example, ExpressVPN lets you download the Android APK file directly from its website.

Only if you can’t find an official source for the APK should you consider downloading an APK from a third party. However, this is extremely risky. Since you don’t know who actually published the APK, you don’t know whether they can be trusted or not. At worst, the unofficial APK may contain malware, and often they are not updated, buggy, or lack important features that could leave you exposed.

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FAQs on VPNs for Kodi

Can I install a VPN on my Kodi box?

Yes, but it’s a bit more complicated than installing it on a computer or smartphone. Kodi boxes use Android or Linux operating systems built specifically for Kodi, e.g., OpenELEC is a popular Linux distribution platform for Kodi. The bad news is that these boxes typically don’t support the Google Play Store. However, if you have an Android-based box, you can usually still sideload the VPN using its official APK and it will work fine.

Common Android-based Kodi boxes that can run APK files include:

• Nvidia Shield
• Gem Box
• Razer Forge TV
• Matricom G-Box

If you use a Linux-based box running OpenELEC, like WeTek Play, Play 2, or CuBox-i, this won’t work. Instead, you’ll need to install the Kodi VPN manager tool. You may also prefer this option if you can’t find a VPN’s APK file from an official source or you’re not able to sideload it. Popular VPN managers include VPNManager for OpenVPN, OpenVPN for Kodi, or Zomboided.

Most VPN managers only work with a specific VPN protocol, mostly OpenVPN. So, you will need a subscription with a suitable VPN service. The VPN manager add-on should have a list of all compatible VPN providers. All of the VPNs for Kodi listed above are supported by at least one of the most popular VPN managers or offer their own Kodi VPN add-on. All you need to do is find your VPN in the list, configure it with your credentials, and you should be good to go.

How do I access more content on Kodi without a VPN?

To access more content on Kodi that’s not supported in your country using Kodi, you need to change your IP address. Proxies and Smart DNS services are two ways to change your IP to that of the server of your choice, similar to a VPN.

However, the problem is that these tools don’t encrypt your traffic, leaving your data vulnerable and potentially exposing your Kodi usage to ISPs. They are also usually easy for streaming websites to detect and block. Typically, they don’t have dedicated apps for Kodi-compatible devices, but have fewer server options, and slower connection speeds, so they aren’t nearly as convenient to use.

Instead, I would recommend using one of the shortlisted VPNs if you want to stream content on Kodi. All these VPNs were chosen for top-notch security and privacy policies, fast and reliable connections, a global server network, and their ability to unblock content from the most popular streaming services around the world.

Why should I use a VPN for Kodi?

VPNs provide more reliable access to streaming content on Kodi from around the world. Unfortunately, many Kodi add-ons restrict access to users in specific regions. Also, many ISPs automatically block or throttle Kodi users because the platform has a reputation for piracy concerns. Thirdly, there is always the risk that you might unknowingly use an illegal add-on.

VPNs, like ExpressVPN, with global server networks, can help by changing your IP to a country of your choice while encrypting your data. They can even hide your Kodi traffic from your ISP, preventing them from throttling or blocking your connection.

Is using a VPN with Kodi legal?

Yes, using a VPN with Kodi is legal in most countries. The use of VPNs is only illegal or limited in a small number of countries, including China, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. Kodi is also completely open-source and legal software to use.

However, many Kodi add-ons are illegal because they provide access to copyrighted content. Jailbroken or “fully-loaded” Kodi boxes often come with some of these illegal add-ons pre-installed, making them illegal to use. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know what add-ons are illegal, which can land you in serious trouble. For example, a UK man was fined £250,000 for selling illegal Kodi boxes in 2017. Some add-ons can even contain malware or redirect you to malicious sites.

The VPNs I recommend keep your data and devices safe while using Kodi. They can even help prevent malicious add-ons from compromising your data or exposing you to harmful content. However, a VPN cannot guarantee your safety if you use it for illegal purposes, like streaming copyrighted content on Kodi. The team and I never condone using VPNs to try and get around laws or copyright infringement.

Why aren’t my Kodi add-ons working with a VPN?

If your Kodi add-ons aren't working with a VPN, it may be due to server issues, geo-restrictions, or the VPN itself. The VPN server could be blocked by the specific add-on's content provider, or your VPN may not effectively bypass geographical restrictions if you’re traveling abroad. Finally, some VPNs may not work with certain Kodi add-ons, like those that require P2P support. Ensure your VPN is connected and configured properly, and try switching servers or VPNs if necessary.

If you are experiencing location errors, it may be that your VPN is not adequately masking your real IP or DNS. To test this, you can stall the Kodi DNS Leak-Test add-on. Connect the VPN and then run the DNS Leak-Test. If you receive the message “DNS is not leaking,” your VPN should be working with your Kodi add-ons. If not, you may need to switch to a tried-and-tested VPN like the ones on this list that offer IP/DNS leak protection.

What are the best streaming Kodi add-ons?

There are many good third-party add-ons with access to certain streaming platforms, like CastagnaIT (Netflix), SlyGuy repository (Disney+, HBO Max), Kodi repository (BBC iPlayer, Crackle, Popcornflix, and USTVNow). For sports lovers, there are add-ons for Fox Sports Go, Sportsnet Now, DAZN, and more.

However, some add-ons are only available to users in certain regions. Even if you can download and use add-ons, there might be regional restrictions that prevent you from viewing country-specific content libraries. For example, you might not be able to watch content from your region if you’re traveling abroad. Luckily, setting up a VPN and connecting to a server with an IP from a location of your choice is extremely easy.

Can I use a free VPN for Kodi?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN for Kodi. Free VPNs often have very few servers, which limits the countries you can access content from. They also usually have slow connections, so you won’t be able to stream in 4K or will experience plenty of buffering. Plus, free VPNs often can’t bypass geo-restrictions or ISP throttling either. Not to mention they usually don’t have apps for many devices that run Kodi, like Fire TV Stick.

What’s worse, free VPN vendors are often not trustworthy. Some sell your data to the highest bidder and/or pack their apps with malware. Others have strict bandwidth caps or other hidden limitations. Considering the fact that many of the best VPNs offer money-back guarantees to test them out risk-free, free VPNs simply aren’t worth the risk.

Stream on Kodi Safely With ExpressVPN

Download the Best Kodi VPN Today

Good VPNs help you get the most out of Kodi by helping you watch your favorite content, avoid ISP throttling, and protect you from the dangers of certain add-ons.

I highly recommend ExpressVPN for Kodi. It offers easy-to-use apps for most Kodi-supported devices, including the Fire TV Stick and router firmware. With 3,000 P2P-enabled servers in 94 countries, it has one of the widest networks for accessing content. And, you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free with Kodi since it offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Kodi