Kodi has garnered significant interest in the advent of smart TVs, especially with the help of third-party plugins. Through the open-source media player, people can easily stream audio and video content.
Kodi not only works on smart TVs but also on smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops, among other devices. Similarly, it’s compatible with Android, iOS, Linux (including Raspberry Pi), Windows, and FireOS.
But while Kodi remains a free and reliable streaming app, users can’t always access their desired content.
To bypass restrictions, users need a VPN service. Not all VPNs work well with the app, so we’ve compiled the best VPN providers for Kodi.
5 Best VPNs for Kodi
IPVanish VPN - Best Overall
IPVanish Pros
- Multiple Kodi setup guides
- 100% server uptime
- User-friendly interface
- 256-bit AES encryption
- 24/7 customer support
IPVanish Cons
- Email response time varies
IPVanish VPN dedicates an entire page to Kodi and why a VPN is essential for it. Plus, it assures users that its service grants access to all Kodi add-ons.
The Seattle-based top VPN provider provides (and regularly updates) its Kodi setup guides for:
- Windows
- Mac
- Android
- Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick
- MXQ Pro Android TV Box
- OpenELEC Kodi/LibreELEC Kodi
Apart from industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption, IPVanish VPN outshines with its round-the-clock customer support via live chat, phone, and email.
Still, email should be the last option; response time varies from mere minutes to a day or two.
We never experienced problems in streaming Kodi content, whether in speed or video quality. Its 100% server uptime for many years is a huge selling point.
Lastly, users unsatisfied with the anonymous VPN can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
VPN.ac
VPN.ac Pros
- Unrestricted transfer speeds
- VPN obfuscation
- Kodi installation guide
- Reliable customer support
- No duties to the EU Data Retention Drive
VPN.ac Cons
- Linux version still in beta
VPN.ac distinguishes itself from other top VPN services by being a project of IT security company Netsec Interactive Solutions. In-house developers were well-versed in cybersecurity, crucial in tackling high-risk Kodi add-ons.
Users picking the OpenVPN protocol can follow its guide on using VPN.ac for OpenELEC or LibreELEC. An official Linux app is still on its way, but the beta version has shown much promise.
Granted, VPN.ac doesn’t lead in global server count. Yet it’s highly transparent — listing not only server uptime but also bandwidth use for each server.
Streaming quality is virtually unaffected due to unrestricted bandwidth. Also, VPN.ac users in need of dire assistance may request remote assistance.
NordVPN
NordVPN Pros
- No-logs policy
- Outside the EU and US jurisdictions
- Guided Kodi configuration
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Double VPN
NordVPN Cons
- Refund for App Store purchases not guaranteed
- Expensive monthly plan
NordVPN safeguards Kodi users with its no-logs policy and double-VPN encryption. Also, its location in Panama is strategic — the country has no data retention law.
Encrypting Kodi streaming content doesn’t require direct configuration with the media player itself. The secure VPN instead recommends connecting its servers only to the device handling Kodi.
Users can enable NordVPN for Kodi on five operating systems:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
The secure VPN provider has over 5,200 servers, some specifically optimized for P2P, onion routers, and obfuscation.
NordVPN’s monthly plan ($11.95) is a bit steep, but it has significant discounts for longer plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access
PIA Pros
- No-logs policy
- Anonymous payment options
- Global server coverage
- P2P support
- No bandwidth restrictions
PIA Cons
- Under Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction
With two months free included in its already low-cost annual plan ($39.95), Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget pick with premium features well worth above its cost.
The VPN for privacy lacks an official Kodi setup guide, but its relatively active online forum has several threads on the topic — including both OpenELEC and LibreELEC configurations.
PIA boasts more than 3,300 servers in 48 countries. Plus, Kodi users need not worry over risky subtitle files. The anonymous VPN has built-in anti-malware.
Many are concerned with PIA being part of the Fourteen Eyes. But its no-logs policy prevents authorities from identifying users even if it’s legally compelled to surrender data.
Furthermore, PIA already proved its dedication to user privacy when it discontinued operations in Russia once the country passed a data retention law.
TorGuard
TorGuard Pros
- Cryptocurrency payments
- OpenVPN obfuscation
- Over 3,000 global servers
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Stealth Proxy
TorGuard Cons
- No server auto-select
- App design lacking
TorGuard has no speed nor bandwidth limitations, which guarantees optimal streaming for Kodi users. It also utilizes 256-bit AES encryption and VPN obfuscation bypass to VPN detection systems.
While it has compatibility issues with the 1st Generation Amazon Fire TV Stick, TorGuard (through the OpenVPN protocol) works with all other devices running Kodi.
TorGuard users can access the geo-restricted content on Kodi by changing their IP address — and over 3,000 servers in more than 50 countries are available.
However, the app doesn’t automatically assign optimal VPN servers, so users have to test which servers work best for them.
Why use a VPN for Kodi?
A VPN is essential to any Kodi user for three primary reasons:
1. Accessibility
It’s remarkably easy to stream content with Kodi, but the content itself isn’t always available. Some are geo-restricted, keeping them exclusive to select countries or regions. Many Kodi add-ons only work on select countries — similar to how Netflix has regional content.
If users want to eliminate geo-restrictions, they can use a VPN. It can change IP addresses and make it appear that a device is located in another country, continent, or a different region in the same country.
2. Security
The open-source nature of Kodi is a double-edged sword. While it represents transparency on the side of its developer XBMC Foundation, it also allows ill-intentioned coders to exploit the software.
As of 2017, Kodi has at least 38 million users. Even if only 5% use a highly vulnerable third-party addon, that already puts millions at risk whether through keylogging, active eavesdropping, or any malware.
Users who only run Kodi through an internet TV box (otherwise known as Kodi box if it’s built specifically for the app) don’t stand to risk as much data as those who use it and its unofficial plugins on computers. Yet even they could have their TV boxes rendered useless once malware gets in the software.
3. Anonymity
Kodi is controversial because some third-party plugins illegally provide copyright content. Its developers have always reiterated that Kodi doesn’t condone piracy, but that didn’t stop Amazon and Google from taking action.
If Kodi users can’t verify the legality of the content source, they should at least conceal their identities to avoid potential legal troubles.
A secure VPN service effectively conceals a device’s real IP address, preventing not only hackers but also ISPs and authorities from identifying someone’s physical location.