This open-source software began as the Xbox Media Player in 2002, evolving into Kodi as we know it today by 2014. Whilst it doesn’t cost users anything to download, Kodi does come at a price. This involves various security risks that are easily avoided with the use of a VPN.
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Kodi:
- ExpressVPN – Consistently fast speeds and reliable connections at all times.
- CyberGhost – Complete privacy guaranteed with an excellent zero-logging policy.
- Surfshark – Affordable prices with unlimited simultaneous connections.
- ZenMate – Simple to use, a perfect VPN solution for any beginner.
- Proton VPN – Top-notch security features that go above and beyond protecting your online activity.
Our pick for Best VPN For Kodi: ExpressVPN
The Best VPN for Kodi
#1 ExpressVPN
For those wondering, what is the best VPN for Kodi, our answer is definitely ExpressVPN. This British Virgin Islands provider has an impressive amount of servers, counting more than 3,000 in over 160 locations worldwide. Due to its jurisdiction being in the British Virgin Islands, away from any data retention laws, ExpressVPN is able to guarantee your complete anonymity whilst using Kodi.
“We do not collect logs of your activity, including no logging of browsing history, traffic destination, data content, or DNS queries. We also never store connection logs, meaning no logs of your IP address, your outgoing VPN IP address, connection timestamp, or session duration.”
Security is of the utmost importance when using Kodi, so it’s a good thing ExpressVPN offers protocols like military-grade encryption, OpenVPN, DNS leak blocking, five-party DNS, IPV6 leak blocking, webRTC leak blocking, as well as a Network Lock.
ExpressVPN is available on every major platform including Windows, Mac, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Amazon Kindle Fire, and installation of the app will take just a few minutes,
Five simultaneous connections will allow you to protect your online movements on your PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet and any other smart gadgets you might have.
Speed is equally as important, and being one of the fastest on the market helps ExpressVPN to make for the best VPN for Kodi as it has a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
If you’re in need of technical help, you can contact customer service day or night via the ExpressVPN live chat. Otherwise, you can always send an email or submit a ticket. There are also various how-to guides found on the website.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN that works with Kodi. Here’s why:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Ultra-fast streaming speeds
- Compatible with Android TV (Box) and Fire TV
- Apps available for every device
- Hides your streaming activity
- No connection logs
- No activity logs
- P2P possibility
- Ping times that are minimally affected
- ExpressVPN works extremely well in high censorship countries
- Military-grade encryption
- Large international server network
- 30-Day money-back guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- 99% uptime guarantee
- Up to five simultaneous connections
Want to know more about ExpressVPN? Find out everything you need to know in our detailed review.
#2 CyberGhost
This is another excellent VPN for Kodi as it doesn’t keep logs of your online activity. This includes metadata, meaning that you can easily avoid your ISP throttling your connection. Used by millions of users around the globe, CyberGhost offers a rich server selection with more than 6,100 servers available.
You can connect with any of the popular platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. Due to the fact that CyberGhost is based in Romania, a county without data retention laws, CyberGhost has you covered in terms of privacy.
“When using the CyberGhost VPN, the user’s traffic data such as browsing history, traffic destination, data content, and search preferences are not monitored, recorded, logged or stored by the Company. More than this, when using the CyberGhost VPN, we are not storing connection logs, meaning that we don’t have any logs tied to your IP address, connection timestamp or session duration.
CyberGhost has excellent performance capabilities and comes with fast speeds which are vital when choosing a VPN for Kodi.
We do NOT know at any time which user ever accessed a particular website or service We do NOT know which user was connected to our CyberGhost VPN service at any given time or which CyberGhost VPN server IP they used We do NOT know the set of original IP addresses of a user’s computer.”
Security features include 256-bit encryption, different kill switches, malware scanners, IPv6, DNS leak protection, and WebRTC leak protection. The best part about this service is that CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that you get your money refunded, no questions asked.
Here is why we recommend CyberGhost:
- Strict No-Logs Policy
- High speeds
- Automatic Kill Switch
- Simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices
- Easy to use
- Round the clock customer service
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
- OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec and PPTP protocols
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers
- DNS and IP Leak Protection
Want to know more about CyberGhost? Find out everything you need to know in our detailed review.
#3 Surfshark
If you’re looking for a VPN that won’t break the budget but provides excellent speeds and a secure connection, Surfshark is your cheap VPN for Kodi. This VPN service provider has grown from having just 100 to more than 1,000 servers in over a year within 61 countries.
Just like ExpressVPN, Surfshark has jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands and promises not to “collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic, and other similar data.”
Offering speedy connections, the Surfshark app is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and Amazon Fire TV. The simple to use app has a kill switch, military-grade encryption, blocks ads and tracking cookies as well as a double VPN connection. This feature, called Multi Hop, allows you to connect to more than one VPN server further obfuscating your IP address.
Other fantastic features include CleanWeb, protecting users from phishing attacks and malware.
“Countless malware-infected websites put your computer at risk. CleanWeb blocks malware so you can surf in a clean cyber ocean. It actively prevents you from accessing any of these malicious websites. Our databases are updated continuously and currently contain over one million infected websites.”
Use Surfshark as your VPN for Kodi to bypass any restrictions. Here’s why:
- Great download speeds
- Zero logging
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited platform protection
- Unlimited Server Switching
- Some servers work with Netflix
- Strong encryption
- Torrenting allowed
- CleanWeb feature
- Unlimited devices
- Whitelister feature
Want to know more about Surfshark? Find out everything you need to know in our detailed review.
#4 ZenMate
Having hundreds of servers around the world, ZenMate is a solid choice of VPN for Kodi. It comes with a free trial and is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick as well as Chrome, Opera, Firefox and even some Chromium-based browsers. It supports OpenVPN so you can also download it on some gaming consoles and operating systems like Ubuntu and Raspberry.
This VPN is based in Germany and reassures users that your online movements will never be linked to your identity.
“We do not store or log your personal data which can be used to identify you or what you’re doing online. We do not monitor your online sessions. In fact – we can’t! Strict German privacy laws regulate our company’s use of your information. As we don’t store the data in the first place, this also means that we can’t be forced into giving away personal data to any government or sell it to any 3rd parties.”
You can enjoy strong security protocols on your computer, like military-grade protection, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Mobile users have 128-bit encryption technology, which is slightly less effective.
As one of the best VPNs for Kodi, ZenMate offers:
- High-speed servers
- Kill switch
- Works with Netflix
- Simple to use
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Offers separate free ad-blocking software
- Free version available
- Always on switch
- 7-day free trial
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Compatible with all major platforms
- OpenVPN, L2TP protection protocols
- Identity shield
Want to know more about ZenMate? Find out everything you need to know in our detailed review.
#5 ProtonVPN
This is one of the best VPNs for Kodi, especially those that are watching their budget as there is a generous freemium plan on offer. ProtonVPN is also a popular choice amongst those who are particular about their online security. Established by the people responsible for ProtonMail, the world’s largest encrypted emailing service, ProtonVPN has more than 500 servers in 42 countries.
Operating from Switzerland, a country with some of the strictest user privacy policies worldwide, ProtonVPN has a zero-logs policy. Additionally, it manages and owns all of its servers which means that it always connects to the internet using its own network. Other security features include AES-256, highly secure IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN and none of the ProtonVPN servers use the less secure PPTP or IPSec.
SecureCore is another feature that makes ProtonVPN one of the best VPN services for Kodi.
“ProtonVPN’s Secure Core architecture gives our secure VPN service the unique ability to defend against network-based attacks. Secure Core protects your connection by routing your traffic through multiple servers before leaving our network. This means an advanced adversary who can monitor the network traffic at the exit server will not be able to discover the true IP address of ProtonVPN users, nor match browsing activity to that IP.
Secure core servers are located in hardened data centers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden, protected by strong privacy laws, and operated on our own dedicated networks.”
As mentioned earlier, ProtonVPN has a fantastic freemium option for first-time VPN users. Using just your email address, you can connect to any of the three available country connections including the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. The best feature of this plan is that you have unlimited bandwidth restrictions, however, you can only connect to one device.
Choose ProtonVPN for the following:
- Strong encryption
- Forward secrecy
- All major platforms covered
- Strong protocols
- Swiss Based
- Strict no-logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- Kill switch
- Tor over VPN
- Easy to use
- Professional support
- P2P support
- Up to ten devices covered
- Quick country selector
- Quick connect
Want to know more about ProtonVPN? Find out everything you to know in our detailed review.
What is Kodi?
Kodi is an open-source software that acts as a multi-platform home theatre for your PC. This means that it takes contributions as well as updates from its community. Working as a digital media player, Kodi allows users to reproduce videos, audio, and other content but is also customizable.
This free application provides users with the ability to enjoy streaming content for devices like Fire TV Stick, Roku, hotel television networks, smart televisions, Raspberry Pi, and more.
Third-party add-ons are installed easily which has led many people to use this software to gain access to copyright content. For example, those living outside of the United States can use Kodi to watch and enjoy popular sporting events such as the NFL with the help of Kodi VPN add-ons.
While these add-ons are normally only available for people living in the US, due to licensing reasons, you can access them with a Kodi VPN add-on.
Do You Need a VPN for Kodi?
Yes. A Virtual Private Network or VPN is a great tool to keep all internet users secure whilst surfing the web, but it is particularly useful for Kodi users as it protects your identity while using the app.
If you use Kodi regularly, you want to make sure that using the application will not get you into any licensing trouble. When you use a VPN, your Kodi activity will be hidden from any government agencies or Internet Service Providers so that they are unable to spot you using the app for streaming.
Additionally, some Kodi add-ons are geo-restricted. With a VPN you will be able to change your location to that of the country in question and the add-on you wish will become instantly available to you.
With a VPN, Kodi users will be able to bypass ISP throttling. This is the deliberate act of slowing down a users’ internet connection. When you use a VPN, your ISP will be unable to see that you are using your internet connection for streaming, so it is less likely to throttle your connection on purpose.
Lastly, so many fantastic television shows, movies and sporting events are unavailable worldwide. For example, US Netflix has a vast library of content, a lot of which cannot be accessed in Europe. By using your VPN to connect to a server within the United States, you will open up US Netflix and be able to access its complete inventory.
How to Install a VPN on Kodi
Using a VPN with Kodi shouldn’t be too difficult for the average user, but we’ve prepared a quick guide to ensure that there’s no confusion.
*You’ll need to sign up with a VPN provider and have Kodi ready to use.
Here’s how to install a VPN on Kodi.
- Download the VPN client, and open the program/app once it’s complete.
- Enter the login details you were given when you signed up with the VPN.
- Once signed in, you’ll be asked to select a server location. Go for the one with the lowest ping for the best results.
- Now you’re connected to the VPN server, you should be ready to use Kodi.
- Open the Kodi app on your device to begin using it safely.
Is Kodi Legal? What is the Effect of Kodi VPN Addons?
Kodi as a standalone application is completely legal. If users are supplying their own media to be played via Kodi, there is no question that the use of the app is legal. However, it is often the media within someone’s possession that is in question.
According to the Kodi website,
“Where things become murkier is the area of third party addons. Kodi is designed to be extendable, and Kodi VPN addons are available through third party repositories as well as from the official sources. It should be noted firstly that in reference to Kodi VPN addons, this third party capability is disabled by default, and must be specifically enabled (along with a warning message and confirmation) by the user before third party sources can be used. If this is enabled, then additional repos can be installed and addons obtained from them. As the name suggests, these third party addons and repos are neither produced by, supported by nor endorsed by Team Kodi.
Sadly there are many third party addons out there which enable access to pirated media or streams, in violation of copyright laws. This has in the past led users who make use of them into legal difficulties alongside legal action being taken against those who write and supply such addons. This, of course, is something we wish to avoid, as by the nature of the press our name and brand gets associated with their activities, and the infamous “Kodi Box” has become synonymous with piracy (even though there is strictly no such thing, as we do not produce, sell or endorse hardware media devices).”
How we Selected the Best VPN Service for Kodi
We’ve gone through several top providers to bring you the best VPN service for Kodi. They all claim to be the fastest and the most secure, but what are they like in terms of performance, and are they good enough to use for streaming?
The VPN you use for Kodi will need to be fast enough. While many services claim to be the fastest on the market, many VPNs actually slow down your internet connection by as much as 60-70%. By choosing a fast VPN, you will be sure that your Kodi stream will not lag or buffer due to your VPN’s terrible performance.
To find out what is the best VPN for Kodi, we looked at performance, and whether your video will lag. Another important factor was discovering whether this VPN has a standalone app for Kodi. We also looked at logging policies, encryption protocols, pricing, and any available deals on offer so you can get a cheap VPN for Kodi.
Best Free VPN for Kodi
If you want to know what the best free VPN for Kodi is, you might want to think again. While there are hundreds of VPNs on the internet claiming to be free, chances are, if you sign up with them, you might be the product.
Think about it, these companies need to make a profit somehow, so if you aren’t paying for your VPN, there are ways that these free VPNs monetize your internet traffic. This can be by way of injecting targeted ads or spamming your browser. Your browsing history can be logged and sold to the highest bidder, or even worse, your bandwidth can be stolen and sold. Worst case scenario? They might record all of your usernames, passwords, and bank details.
In addition to being a significant threat to your online security, a free VPN cannot offer a premium service as paid VPNs do. You might notice that your connection is bogged down due to an overload of users on limited servers.
There is also the problem of nobody being available to help you if something goes wrong. Lastly, free VPNs are likely to have little to no encryption, meaning that your online data is exposed to third parties, government agencies, and your ISP.
If you find an online source claiming to have the best free VPN service for Kodi, our recommendation is to run for the hills and not look back. More often than not, free VPNs take advantage of users and do the exact opposite of what a premium VPN does.
Managing your budget is important when looking for a great VPN, so instead of opting for a free VPN, you can always look to cheaper alternatives such as Windscribe VPN for Kodi. There is a free plan, which is buildable and customizable for your needs. Windscribe VPN for Kodi has a 10GB free data allowance as well as an effective kill switch as well as compatibility with all major platforms.
Conclusion
If you were wondering, do you need a VPN for Kodi, the answer is definitely yes. While Kodi is definitely free to use, and legal in its own right, how you use it might blur those lines. This open-source software uses both official and unofficial add-ons and it poses a range of security risks. This includes the monitoring of government agencies and ISPs as well as allowing your IP address to become available for anyone and anything, including hackers and viruses.
The best way to go around using Kodi is with a VPN which ensures your online protection. Select the best VPN service for Kodi for your needs and remain secure online today.