The 4 Best VPN for Kodi in 2022
Do you need a VPN for Kodi? Read on to learn what is Kodi and how it works, and how you can use it to stream content anonymously.
Kodi has become popular in recent years because of its versatility and the content it can access. It provides access to copyrighted material, so technically, you're committing an illegal act.
A VPN makes sure that you stay anonymous every time you use Kodi to stream.
This post will tell you all about Kodi and how it works, why you need a VPN for Kodi, the best VPN service for Kodi, and answer frequently asked questions.
If you've never come across Kodi you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Let's take a minute to understand what is Kodi and what it does.
Table of Contents
What is Kodi?
Microsoft originally developed Kodi for the Xbox. Back then, it was called the Xbox Media Center or XBMC.
However, they soon abandoned it, and it became open-source software.
The software quickly grew beyond its Xbox capabilities. Fans and developers added to it and made it the ultimate media center app. As a result, it is the best home entertainment software there is today.
It's open-source and is continually updated and modified by contributors, and it is completely free.
What does Kodi do? It's probably easier to talk about what Kodi doesn't do. It doesn't provide you with content. However, it allows you to stream any content you want.
Imagine you buy a Firestick, but there are certain streaming channels you aren't able to access. You can go around this by installing Kodi on the Fire Stick, add the website and then stream whatever show or movie you want.
That is the magic of Kodi. By installing it into a streaming device you get access to all streaming websites.
Kodi does more than stream movies and shows. You can, for example, use it to listen to music on restricted websites, watch YouTube, sports, news and so much more. You can also use it to listen to podcasts.
You can install Kodi on any device in your home. It works for mobile devices and computers. It also works on all streaming devices: Amazon Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield, Roku and many more.
There are Kodi boxes available for you to buy. They are not dedicated to Kodi, but they come with add-ons and so are easy to install and use. More on this in the FAQs…
Why Use Kodi?
Because although this software gives you so much access, the content is copyrighted, so you are breaking the law.
Your ISP and other online entities can see what you're doing whenever you go online without a VPN provider. They can see what you access and when you access it. All of that content is protected by copyright and you can get arrested and even thrown in jail.
To eliminate this risk, you need a VPN for Kodi. A VPN provides anonymity, and no one can see what you do online. All your data is encrypted and routed through a secure tunnel. You can do whatever you like without worrying about breaking the law.
VPNs are the ultimate way to secure your online activity. Click here to learn more about what VPNs can do…
You can find out the best VPNs here…
How to Use a VPN on Kodi
Using Kodi with a VPN is easy. All top VPN providers have a dedicated Kodi app, so all you need to do is install it. You will need three things:
- A subscription to a VPN service (any of the ones discussed here will do).
- A device to run Kodi on – a phone, computer, Fire Stick – any device will do.
- An internet connection.
Here are the general steps to install a VPN for Kodi on a Windows PC:
- Install the VPN on your computer. You must have an active subscription or have a free trial.
- Go to http://kodi.tv/download and install the right app for your OS.
- Add the website you want to stream from and then choose the show or movie you want to watch.
Note: Remember, Kodi doesn’t provide content so you need to add it yourself. If you want to be able to stream from Netflix, for example, you need to add it to Kodi. The same goes for all other types of content.
On the left-hand side of the app you’ll see different categories for the content you can add to Kodi.
How to Install a Kodi VPN on Fire Stick
To install Kodi on Amazon Fire Stick or Fire TV requires a process known as sideloading because the Kodi app isn't available in the Amazon app store. Here's what you need to do:
- Turn on the Fire Stick and then go “Settings”. Click on “Developer Options” and then “Enable apps from unknown sources”.
- Look for the Downloader app in the Amazon app store and install it.
- Open the app and look for the Kodi app. When you find it select the Android version and choose the 32-bit version. Download and install.
- If you hadn't installed a VPN yet, do it now and log in. Then, open Kodi and search for whatever you want to watch or listen to.
How to Install a Kodi VPN on a Router
Instead of installing a Kodi VPN on all your devices you can install it on a router and then connect the devices through that router.
You have two options to install a VPN for Kodi on your router. You can buy a pre-configured router (one with the VPN already loaded). It costs a little more but it saves you the trouble of having to install the router yourself.
Alternatively, you can buy a router and then do the installation yourself. Router installation instructions vary depending on the VPN, so check the instructions for the one you're using.
Ideally, you should install the VPN on the router and then install Kodi on the devices that you'll connect to the router. So, for example, if you want to use the router for your TV set and computer, install the VPN on the router and then make sure that you have Kodi on both the computer and the TV.
Choosing a VPN For Kodi
Not all VPNs are suitable for Kodi. The best VPNs are those that have apps for popular devices. The VPN you choose should have an app for streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick and Nvidia Shield.
There are additional considerations to keep in mind:
- It should be compatible with as many Kodi add-ons as possible. This gives access to a wide variety of content.
- Speed matters – a VPN that slows down your connection too much makes streaming difficult.
- Overcoming geoblocks – the best VPNs are those that can unblock as many regions as possible.
- Security – check whether the VPN keeps user logs or stores user online activity. It should also have DNS leak protection and a kill switch to keep you secure in case of a dropped internet connection.
- Support – a good support team helps if you're using Kodi for the first time.
The Best VPNs For Kodi
Read ReviewView ListingSurfshark
Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Kodi for several reasons: it is affordable, fast, reliable and secure. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families and small businesses.
This VPN has native apps for most common devices – Amazon Firestick, Android, PC and iPhone. If you install Surfshark on a router you can use it on even more devices.
Surfshark isn't the fastest VPN on the market but it's fast enough. You can use it to stream movies without buffering. Its wide server network allows you to connect from most locations in the world.
This VPN uses the best security protocols in the industry (WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2. It has a kill switch to ensure that you're not exposed in case your internet connection drops. Surfshark also has Shadowsocks to help users get past the Great Firewall of China.
This VPN doesn't keep logs. You can try it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee to see whether it works for your needs.
Pros | Cons |
It's cheap | Customer support can be slow |
You get unlimited simultaneous connections | It doesn't offer phone support |
3,200+ in 65 countries | There's no split-tunneling for iOS |
Based in the British Virgin Islands | |
It unblocks many streaming websites | |
It has fast speeds | |
Has solid security protocols and a no-logs policy | |
30-days money-back guarantee |
Read ReviewView Listing
NordVPN
NordVPN has a wide server network and excellent speeds. It is a good VPN for Kodi Fire TV and an ideal VPN for Kodi on Firestick.
NordVPN unlocks most streaming websites. It also has native apps for everyday devices, including Android TV. This virtual private network uses the best security protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN and NordLynx) and WireGuard which makes for faster and more secure connections.
It has a strict no-logs policy, so you never have to worry about your personal information in the wrong hands.
With NordVPN for Kodi you can enjoy services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max and many more. It also gives access to the best sports and news streaming websites. It has apps for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux.
Pros | Cons |
It unblocks all popular streaming sites | It has a cumbersome desktop app |
It is one of the fastest in the market | There is no router app – you have to configure your router manually |
Top-notch security protocols | Some server locations offer slow speeds |
5,300+ servers in 60+ countries | You get only 6 simultaneous connections |
Based in Panama | |
Strict no-logs policy | |
Easy to install on Amazon Firestick and Fire TV | |
30-day money-back guarantee |
Read ReviewView Listing
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a good VPN for Kodi – it has good speeds, decent security and you can use it to access add-ons that may be restricted in your region. After installing VyprVPN you can use Kodi to watch movies, listen to music and podcasts, play games and more.
However, VyprVPN doesn't have a Kodi app, so you have to set it up manually. There are detailed instructions on the VyprVPN website. Also, you cannot use the free trial to set up Kodi.
Even with these drawbacks, VyprVPN is an excellent VPN for Kodi. It has robust security protocols and doesn't keep user logs. The software protects against DNS leaks and has a kill switch for dropped connections.
Pros | Cons |
Has strong security features | It isn't very savvy for mobile and iOS |
It doesn't keep user logs | You only get a 3-day free trial |
Owns and manages its servers | It doesn't have as many servers as other top VPNs |
Uses advanced encryption protocols – OpenVPN, L2TP and Chameleon | You only get 6 simultaneous connections |
The company provides good customer support | |
700+ servers in 70+ locations | |
Based in Switzerland | |
It offers decent speeds | |
A nice user-interface | |
30-day money-back guarantee |
Read ReviewView Listing
ExpressVPN
Whether you're looking for the best VPN for Kodi Firestick, a VPN for Kodi Fire TV or just a general VPN for Kodi you will not go wrong with ExpressVPN. It is one of the best VPNs in the market.
It offers excellent speeds because of its vast server network and uses the best security protocols in the industry. The software has a dedicated Fire TV app that's available in the Amazon app store. It also has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and certain routers.
ExpressVPN unblocks most streaming websites and you can use it to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, HBO Go, Disney Plus and many more. It's also reliable for watching sports and the news.
Pros | Cons |
Lots of dedicated apps make installation easy | It is more expensive than most other VPN services |
It has good speeds | The software doesn't have many customizable options |
3,000+ servers in 94 countries | You get only 5 simultaneous connections |
Based in the British Virgin Islands | Few apps, so most installations require sideloading |
It uses the best security protocols in the industry | |
It is well supported | |
The service unblocks all major streaming websites |
FAQ
- Do you need a VPN for Kodi?
Yes, you do. Although Kodi gives you access to a lot of content, nothing you do on it is secure. For example, if you stream a movie or a song, anyone who's looking at your online activity will see what you're doing. To stay anonymous and hidden you need a VPN for Kodi.
- Is Kodi legal?
Kodi is legal to download and use. Even Kodi add-ons are legal. However, because Kodi is open-source software, developers have created some add-ons that are illegal to use. Also, watching copyrighted content without paying for it is unlawful.
You can ensure you are safe when you use Kodi by using a VPN. The right VPN will anonymize your data and no one can tell how you're using it.
- Is Kodi safe?
Kodi is safe. You will not get viruses or any malicious code when you download it. However, the third-party add-ons can be problematic. They are not screened, and rogue developers sometimes insert harmful code to collect information or worse.
Common attacks include malware that steals user data and man-in-the-middle attacks that intercept unencrypted data.
Outdated add-ons are particularly vulnerable, so make sure to uninstall them all.
- What does Kodi do?
Kodi helps you manage your entertainment or media center. You can use it to organize your movies, music and podcasts, television shows, and even photos. Its strength is its ability to support different types of files and compatibility with a large variety of devices.
If, for example, you're not able to view .avi files on a device, installing Kodi takes care of the problem.
But that's not all. If you add a VPN to Kodi, you can use it to access blocked streaming websites and enrich your TV viewing experience.
- What is a Kodi box and how does it work?
A Kodi box is any TV box designed for use with the Kodi app. Usually, they come fully loaded, which means the app and essential add-ons are already installed.
Note: Kodi boxes are illegal. The European Court of Justice ruled that it is unlawful to own or sell these boxes. The Premier League also has permission to trace people using Kodi boxes to watch their matches. In addition, Amazon has banned the sale of fully-loaded Kodi boxes.
This shouldn't stop you from enjoying all the benefits that come with Kodi. If you own a streaming box of any kind (Roku, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield and so on), you can install Kodi yourself.
Of course, to make sure that no one can trace you and see what you stream or download you need a VPN for Kodi.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for the best VPN for Kodi Firestick, VPN for Kodi Fire TV or just a VPN to encrypt your streaming activity, any of the four discussed in this post will do. They have all the features that make for an excellent virtual private network, are affordable and are easy to use.
As you buy a VPN for Kodi, check whether it can unblock the streaming sites you're interested in. At the very least, it should be able to give you access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and a few other popular streaming platforms.