| Updated: January 3, 2025
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Kodi gives you access to thousands of movies and TV shows and is the preferred choice for streamers. However, to access the content, you have to rely on Kodi-addons from unknown sources, which can be harmful to your devices.
A VPN has two benefits when used with Kodi:
The best and easiest way to use a VPN for Kodi is to install it on your PC. Here are the steps to do that:
Another alternative to using Kodi on your preferred devices is installing a VPN on your router. Additionally, subscribing to a premium VPN with optimized servers ensures seamless HD streaming.
NordVPN is the top choice for Kodi users. It offers highly optimized servers in over 105 countries, user-friendly apps for multiple devices, and advanced security features to ensure a seamless and secure streaming experience.
Kodi is a fantastic streaming platform that offers access to hundreds of channels and streaming services. With Kodi installed on your devices, you can enjoy unlimited movies, TV shows, music, and more. However, you’ll need to install Kodi repositories to unlock its full potential. These repositories often come from unknown sources, which can pose risks to your device’s security and compromise your online privacy.
This is where a VPN becomes essential. A VPN secures your online traffic, protecting it from malware and third-party trackers. Additionally, using a VPN with Kodi allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to channels and streaming platforms from anywhere in the world.
For example, you can access BBC iPlayer on Kodi with a VPN enabled on your devices. This article details the best methods to install and use a VPN on Kodi in 2024. I have also mentioned the VPNs I use for Kodi and the best Kodi alternatives.
Installing a VPN on Kodi is straightforward and simple. To get started, you’ll need an active VPN subscription and to install the VPN on the same device where Kodi is installed. For this guide, I used my Windows PC to install and test the VPN with Kodi 21.1.
If you have Kodi on multiple devices and prefer not to install the VPN individually on each one, you can also set up the VPN on your router. This way, all connected devices will be protected. Additionally, you can install a VPN on a Fire TV Stick and use Kodi with it.
Here are the steps to install a VPN on your Kodi with Windows PC:
To fully utilize Kodi, you’ll need to install Kodi add-ons, which are often sourced from unknown providers. To protect your device and secure your internet traffic, consider using Surfshark VPN with built-in antivirus. However, if you’re using Windows 10, its built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, already offers excellent device security.
Setting up a VPN on your router is a smart choice if you want to secure multiple devices with a single subscription. While some VPN providers now offer unlimited device connections, installing the VPN separately on each device can be a hassle. Additionally, setting up a VPN on smart TVs through a router is recommended, as these devices often don’t support Android apps.
Here are your opinions on setting up a VPN on a router:
A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making you anonymous online. However, these are the least concerns of streamers, and the top reason for using a VPN for Kodi is accessing geo-restricted content.
Here are the benefits of a VPN for Kodi users:
| Benefits | Description |
| Unblocking | With a VPN, you can access geo-locked channels and streaming platforms. You can also change your Netflix library no matter where you reside. |
| Privacy | Your IP address will be hidden from third-party trackers and IPS. |
| Downloading | Safely download files via torrent with a VPN for Kodi. |
A VPN has a few disadvantages, such as reduced internet speed. This occurs because your traffic is routed through an encrypted VPN tunnel before reaching the internet, adding an extra step to the connection process.
I have tested several VPNs with Kodi to hide my IP address while streaming movies and TV shows. These VPNs offered advanced protocols and encryption methods to secure my internet traffic, protecting me from prying government surveillance and ensuring my ISP couldn’t throttle my internet speed.
Here are my recommended VPNs for Kodi users:
NordVPN has been rated as the overall best VPN in Kodi and provides highly optimized VPN servers in 100+ locations. It has been placed at the top spot by several VPN review websites, including VPN for What, and has been the first choice of streamers.
Here are a few advantages of subscribing to NordVPN:
NordVPN is highly effective at unblocking all streaming platforms and channels I’ve tested, making it an ideal choice for easily switching Netflix regions. For added privacy, you can even purchase this VPN anonymously using gift cards from a physical store.
This is particularly beneficial if you live in areas where VPN usage is restricted or prohibited. With NordVPN, you can access thousands of movies and TV shows seamlessly on your Kodi device.
After testing numerous free VPNs, Hotspot Shield has emerged as my top choice—not just because it’s one of the longest-standing free VPNs or for its recognizable blue shield logo, but for the impressive features included in its free version.
Although the server locations are limited, key regions like the USA, UK, and Singapore are covered. Even with a free subscription, you gain access to advanced security features like a kill switch and Hotspot Shield’s proprietary Hydra VPN protocol.
In comparison, other free VPNs fall short. Proton VPN offers five server locations but suffers from slow speeds, while PiradoVPN has faster servers but restricts users with a 10GB monthly data cap.
Hotspot Shield stands out as an excellent option for those on a budget, whether for streaming or enhancing online security. I successfully configured it on my PC with Kodi to stream BBC iPlayer from the US, enjoying a buffer-free experience. For those considering the premium package, Hotspot Shield offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to claim a full refund if unsatisfied.
Kodi gives you access to several channels, movies, and TV shows for free and is still considered the best streaming software around the world, even after the release of Plex and Streamio. However, if you club this streaming software with a VPN, you have endless possibilities.
I have detailed the best methodology to install and use a VPN on Kodi, with a PC, or by installing a VPN on your routers. Additionally, I have also recommended a premium and free VPN for Kodi users looking for the best Kodi VPN.
Here are more guides on setting up VPN on other devices:
Mustafa is a cybersecurity analyst and a co-founder of VPN for What. Since 2017, Mustafa has gained international experience, working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.
