Best VPN for Kodi

Best VPN Kodi

Kodi continues to be the go-to source for entertainment content this year.

However, if you’re looking to get more out of your setup it can be an uphill struggle to get up-to-date information, right?

The good news is – it doesn’t need to be a problem.

In this guide, you’ll learn which are the leading VPN apps in 2023 to help you enhance your streaming system.

As with previous years, privacy is a huge issue for all online uses, not only Kodi and if you’re looking for a decent VPN then the choice can be overwhelming.

We’ve been delving through the vast sea of VPN providers to find the very top choices for Kodi. This year our top pick is ExpressVPN, they offer that little bit more than the competition and their privacy provisions are head and shoulders above most.

As a Kodi user, you’re already a pretty savvy internet user which means you’ll probably want to check out a few VPN choices for Kodi.

That’s why we’ve rounded up and ranked 7 of the very best. Scroll down to discover which are the best.

How to choose a Kodi VPN?

Choosing the best VPNs for use with Kodi is similar to many other uses but there are some important factors to consider. Whilst almost all VPN services will work with Kodi there are some that will give you a much better experience.

Considering these 4 features below will ensure you get the best service for your money allowing you to enjoy an even better Kodi experience.

  • No-log VPN service: What Kodi users stream on Kodi should be no one’s business but their own. Choosing a VPN service that stores no-logs means you’ll be able to watch without there being any record. Just like doing any other internet activity.
  • Works with Real Debrid: If you’re among avid Kodi users then you’ll probably have a Real Debrid subscription or be considering one. Read Debrid doesn’t work with all VPNs so if it’s important to you then make sure you sign up for a service that’s compatible.
  • Fast speeds: VPNs can vary massively in the speeds that they offer. Choosing a VPN service that is fast will ensure you can stream on Kodi in high quality without buffering or other playback issues.
  • Money-back guarantee: Make sure you choose a VPN service that offers lengthy money-back guarantee. 30-45 days isn’t uncommon and will give you loads of time to test it to see how it performs with Kodi. If you’re not happy – get a refund.

Top 7 Services:

Now you know some important features to look out for when choosing a VPN for Kodi, let’s find out which are the best VPNs out there this year.

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. IPVanish
  3. NordVPN
  4. CyberGhost VPN
  5. VyprVPN
  6. Surfshark
  7. VPN.ac

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN apps on multiple types of devices

Pros
  • No log policy with audit
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Large range of apps
  • Very fast for streaming
  • Best in class for Kodi
  • Registered off-shore
Cons
  • Monthly package pricey
  • 5 concurrent connection limit

Express VPN is by far the top choice if you’re looking for a good Kodi VPN.

They’ve got a fully-audited strict no-logs policy which means your activity isn’t recorded, allowing you to watch what you want while retaining your privacy.

Unlike many other ‘best VPNs’, this has been put to the test in a news story that broke in 2017, they couldn’t get much more serious, you can read more about that here.

They’re also registered off-shore in the British Virgin Islands which means they aren’t bound by some of the regulations of providers registered in more spy-agency friendly countries such as the US and UK.

Their privacy protections massively stand out allowing you to use Kodi or other streaming services without fear anyone is eavesdropping on what you’re watching or doing and our speed tests prove they’re one of the fastest VPN providers. Plus, they also allow you to establish up to five simultaneous connections

The service also works perfectly with Real Debrid and they’re even listed on their website as a service that is compatible.

ExpressVPN offers user-friendly VPN apps for all streaming devices running Android and iOS, Windows and Mac, Apple TV, and even Fire TV, Linux, and more.

This makes them suitable for the Nvidia Shield, Raspberry Pi, and other types of Kodi boxes and Kodi devices running those systems. It can also unblock most other streaming services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

And, of course, just in case you decide you don’t like it, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our #1 Recommended VPN

30-day money back guarantee

2. IPVanish

IPVanish website

Pros
  • Good streaming speeds
  • Unlimited device limit
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Time proven provider
  • Big range of apps
Cons
  • Apps a little dated
  • No log policy unaudited

IPVanish is our second choice for a streaming Kodi VPN and they’re up there with the best when it comes to streaming devices covered and privacy protections.

The service allows you unlimited VPN connections concurrently, coupled with their no-log policy, as well as VPN encryption, means that what you do while Kodi streaming remains secure.

Apps are available for all major devices including the Amazon Fire TV so you can happily stream on Kodi while being protected. Download speeds are excellent and in our most recent review, they’re up there with the best of them. We also liked the kill switch that protects your privacy should the connection drop.

The service is listed as working with Real Debrid so if you’re after those extra streams and wanting to be private at the same time you’ll have no trouble here. They’ve also got an extensive server network, with 40,000 shared IP addresses available in 60 server locations to keep your viewing habits private.

Like the other services, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee to see the service working for yourself risk-free.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN Deal

Pros
  • Great for streaming
  • Unblocks most services
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Registered off-shore
  • Audited no log policy
Cons
  • Not the fastest
  • Monthly package expensive

Speaking about the best VPNs for Kodi device, NordVPN offers a range of security features, not simply for using with Kodi and have become one of our favourite providers for securing your internet service.

They claim to offer a completely no-log VPN service and a few years ago released an audit to their customers to prove their credentials. This makes them one of few who has allowed their claims to be publicly audited and should reassure you that their claims are sound.

There’s a massive 30-day money-back guarantee available which will let you test the service thoroughly to see if they work with the builds and add-ons that you use.

The service is listed as being compatible with Real Debrid so you’ll have no issues if you’re after those extra streams while remaining private.

The standout feature of NordVPN is its apps. They’re well designed and simple to use, plus they’re available for all devices including the Amazon Fire TV range making them suitable for most Kodi devices.

And, if you ever have some problem, this is one of the VPNs for Kodi that offers 24/7 live chat support.

4. CyberGhost VPN

Cyberghost Website

Pros
  • Unblocks many streaming services
  • 45-day money back guarantee
  • Supports most devices
  • Good download speeds
Cons
  • Not the fastest
  • Owner owns ‘VPN review’ websites

CyberGhost VPN is one of best VPN services this year for continued improvement. Although they’ve been around quite a long time they’ve invested heavily in their network and infrastructure making their offering much more attractive in 2023.

They claim to store no-logs of your activity and although this isn’t proven with an audit there are no cases to disprove this either.

After being around for so long that’s definitely reassuring. That way, you don’t have to worry about your government or internet service provider learning of what you do online, as not even your internet provider can see your traffic if you use a VPN.

The service further ensures this by using a kill switch in addition to its strict no-logs policy, which terminates your internet connection instantly if your VPN for Kodi software malfunctions in any way.

The service is listed on the Real Debrid website as working so if you’re a user of their service you’ll be able to link it up with CyberGhost VPN without an issue.

They recently released their new app range which supports every system including Android, Apple iOS, it has a Windows app and its counterpart for Mac, and even one for the Amazon Fire TV devices. So you’ll be able to protect your Kodi streaming and unblock more content.

They even have ‘Streaming Friendly’ servers as part of their VPN network which is a neat idea for streaming content and will help you unblock some of the most popular services from across the world.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN

Pros
  • Registered in Switzerland
  • No log policy
  • Apps easy to use
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Reliable connections
Cons
  • No Fire TV app
  • Not the fastest

Next on the list of the Best VPNs for Kodi device is VyprVPN. VyprVPN has been offering one of the strongest and most reliable VPN services for a number of years. However, one area that has always let them down was their lengthy connection-data logging period.

This all changed late 2018 and for 2023 they’re a completely no-log VPN service. They even went one step further and had this claim audited so you can guarantee they won’t be logging any content you watch or streams you access.

The service is listed as working with Real Debrid and there are actually more IPs compatible than most other services. So you should have no issue accessing extra content through RD.

Apps are available for all major systems including Android meaning whatever Android TV box you have will work and you can connect to any VPN server with ease.

There is one drawback that there is no Amazon app. If you’re a Kodi user on the Fire TV, Fire TV Stick or Fire Cube then you’ll need to stick with one of the earlier providers.

6. Surfshark

Surfshark Website screengrab

Pros
  • Works with 30 Netflix regions
  • Good streaming speeds
  • Nice range of apps
  • Good prices
Cons
  • No log policy unaudited
  • Newer provider

Nearing the end of the list, we have Surfshark. Now, Surfshark is a lot younger than pretty much any other VPN provider on this list, but it is still more than worth being called the best VPN for Kodi.

Not only does it offer private internet access, but it is also a VPN client that can unblock pretty much any streaming service, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and others.

Naturally, it offers unlimited bandwidth, double VPN, advanced security features, military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and it is one of the rare few providers in the entire world that offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

It also has blazing speeds which allow for HD streaming. Plus, it works on countless devices.

You can install this Kodi VPN on anything really, including Android, iOS, Windows PC, Mac, Android TV, Apple TV, and various Kodi boxes like Nvidia Shield. You can get its VPN app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or its website.

7. VPN.ac

VPN.ac Website Jan 17

Pros
  • Fast download speeds
  • Good privacy provisions
  • Registered in Romania
  • Run by security experts
  • Wireguard support
Cons
  • Fewer server locations
  • 7-day money back guarantee

Lastly, we have VPN.ac.

This is another popular provider, although, unlike others, it has a fairly small server network of only around 20 or so locations. But, all locations are carefully chosen to provide the best service, so this is definitely one of the VPN providers that went for quality, rather than quantity.

VPN.ac is rich with features, offering multiple VPN protocols and military-grade encryption, fast speeds, support for multiple streaming devices, and more.

This VPN encrypts your traffic thus making you safe and secure, while it also hides your IP address when you are accessing Kodi, or any streaming platform, including BBC iPlayer.

Like the others here, it offers unlimited bandwidth, a secure internet connection, and up to 12 simultaneous connections.

Just install VPN, log in, and connect to one of the servers, that this virtual private network has to offer. However, keep in mind that the closer the VPN is to your physical location, the better the speed.

Which option is best for you?

While we found ExpressVPN to be one of the overall best VPN for the majority of users, often choosing a VPN will come down to personal preference and there are plenty of VPNs for Kodi out there.

Most features are covered by ExpressVPN but you may have a more specific need.

To help you choose between the leading 7 providers above we’ve broken it down into typical usage scenarios. This will help you make a choice even if you’re still struggling to decide.

Best Kodi VPN with the best privacy credentials

Get ExpressVPN

Their proven no-log policy, strong encryption levels and being registered off-shore have cemented ExpressVPN as one of the best for privacy protection. If keeping what you’re streaming secure is top of your agenda you can’t go wrong here.

Allows you to test it risk-free

Get CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN offers the longest money-back guarantee that we’ve seen. While most offer 30 days, they offer a massive 45-days.

Works with Real Debrid

Get ExpressVPN

While all of the choices above work with Real Debrid we found ExpressVPN to offer slightly better speeds. This meant in many cases being able to stream in higher quality and reducing the chances of buffering.

Protect the most devices

Get IPVanish

As well as being a perfectly good VPN for using with Kodi they also allow unlimited simultaneous connections with one account. Even the most entertainment hungry household would fail to fill infinite connections.

Works across a range of devices

Get NordVPN

Their service is compatible with more devices that run Kodi than most others. We really love their well-designed range of apps that allow you to connect with ease and simply forget about them while letting them protect the privacy of your streaming.

Do I really need a VPN for Kodi?

If you’re looking for one of the top reasons to use a VPN then without question, using one with Kodi would be right up there and setting up a VPN isn’t difficult.

Privacy issues on the internet are rampant these days and everyone from the government to companies and even nefarious hackers are hellbent on tracking what you do online.

This means there’s the potential for someone to know what you’re watching on Kodi, what websites you’re visiting and even what services you’re using.

A VPN protects against all of that meaning what you do remains private.

Movie on a laptop

Alongside that, a VPN will also unblock access to more streams and better content. If you’re tired of watching low quality movies, sport or TV shows or you suffer from buffering issues, a VPN can help.

So if you’re wondering if you really need a VPN of Kodi then the answer is a resounding, Yes.

How to install a VPN on Kodi?

Installing a VPN on Kodi is easy, but necessary for all Kodi users. It is fairly easy to do, and all you need to do beforehand is choose one of the many Kodi VPNs that we presented here.

For our guide, we will use ExpressVPN, but you can do it easily with any reliable VPN provider. With that out of the way, here is what you need to do.

  1. Go to the ExpressVPN website and click the red ‘Get ExpressVPN’ button.
  2. Select a payment plan, your payment method, and enter the necessary information.
  3. Go to your email and verify your address.
  4. Download the VPN on the device you have the Kodi app, launch it, and log in.
  5. Once inside the app, find the list of servers and connect to any server you wish to establish a VPN connection.
ExpressVPN connecting to the UK

Connect to any server to get secure.

And, that’s it. You should now be safe enough to watch content on Kodi.

What’s the best free VPN for Kodi

Free, I love this word. I’m of the thought that if you don’t need to pay for something, then why should you? But, things are different when it comes to free VPNs.

Sure, there are quite a few free VPN services out there, while they’re not specific for Kodi, they aren’t hard to find.

However, before you start rubbing your hands together with joy and dive right in, there are a couple of things to be aware of when it comes to free VPNs.

For streaming video, free VPNs are awful. There are too many users and far too few VPN servers, making the service slow which leaves you with buffering and other playback issues, movie-ruiner right there.

Secondly, free VPNs are dangerous. Recent reports show that most free VPNs have no actual ownership information, and many are linked to sketchy Chinese entities. Remember ALL of your data is flowing through the free VPN service.

Would you want to trust Zhang sat in his basement in Shenzhen wearing his dolphin onesie with all your internet data?

Silhouette of hooded hacker with laptop

Lastly, many free VPN services have been found to either install malware or so something else equally as dodgy with your data.

You’re free to use a ‘free’ VPN if you wish, but with a safe and reliable one costing just a couple of dollars or pounds, it isn’t worth risking.

In Summary

The VPN market changes fast and what was best for Kodi last year might not be the case this year.

That’s why it’s important to consult an updated guide like this one to ensure you get a list of quality Kodi VPNs.

This year ExpressVPN is our standout choice. They’ve got some of the strongest privacy protections we’ve seen and with a tested no-log policy it means what you’re streaming on Kodi remains private.

Couple that with location points in over 94 countries and you’ll be able to access a greater amount of content, most of which will be of a higher quality. If you’re undecided then they’ve got a 30-day no-question money back guarantee so if you find it’s not for you then you can get a full refund.

We recommend you take a 12-month package because they’re giving 3-months completely free right now which makes it nearly 50% cheaper than paying on a monthly basis.

What’s your favourite VPN for use with Kodi? We would love to know so why not pop a comment in the section below.

 

Ready to get a VPN? Try our recommended VPN service provider

  • #1 option
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Illustration © Elena Choo, Georgejmclittle & Yuliya Shavyra | Dreamstime.com

Author: Christopher Seward

After 25 years of using the internet, Christopher launched one of the very first VPN comparison websites in 2013. An expert in the field his reviews, testing and knowledge have helped thousands of users get the correct VPN for their needs.

Comments

  1. Mike B

    I actually hated Kodi until I started using it with ExpressVPN. It’s honestly only worth using if you have a VPN.

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