Looking to install a VPN on Kodi? Using a VPN for Kodi will improve your online security, protecting you from malware lurking in “unknown sources” — unofficial Kodi repositories.
It’ll also let you unblock Kodi add-ons that are geo-locked to other countries. We use a Kodi VPN to watch US news from the UK and connect to streaming services like Hulu and Sling TV outside the US.
Here’s how to set up a VPN on Kodi:
- Get a VPN. We recommend Surfshark for Kodi due to its stellar speeds and unblocking capabilities. This VPN scored high marks in our tests.
- Download and install the Surfshark app.
- Log in and connect to a server. Any nearby country will do if you just want a security boost. But you’ll need to connect to a specific server to unblock geo-restricted Kodi add-ons.
- Now, you can run Kodi.
Surfshark
Another way to set up a VPN on Kodi is by installing it on your router. This will protect all your Kodi-enabled devices at once. Continue reading the full article below for more information.
Kodi’s a fantastic entertainment center, bringing together movies, TV shows, games, music, and more. But to get the most out of it, you need to get add-ons from “unknown sources.” The problem is, if you enable this setting, you’re potentially putting your safety at risk.
Unofficial Kodi repositories may contain malware since they’re unregulated and anyone can host them. That’s why using a trusted Kodi VPN is crucial to protect your privacy. A VPN also gives you access to Kodi add-ons and other content that aren’t usually available in your country!
We have run extensive tests on different VPNs, and Surfshark is the best VPN for Kodi. It’s the VPN we always use for Kodi. Surfshark is known for its excellent security, and its vast network of 3200+ servers gives you access to content from all over the world.
How to Install a VPN on Kodi
We used a Mac for this installation, but the process is pretty straightforward regardless of your operating system. There are different ways to set up a VPN for Kodi.
You can install the VPN software right onto your device. You could also just avoid the headache of installing your Kodi VPN on multiple devices by installing the VPN on your router instead.
Note:
Another way of setting up a VPN on Kodi involves using Kodi VPN add-ons that you can find in Kodi repositories. But, this method didn’t work during out latest round of tests. So, we’ve omitted it in this article.
How to install a VPN for Kodi directly on your device
Installing a VPN application on your device is the easiest way to set up a Kodi VPN. The only thing you need to do is download and install the VPN app. You can then connect to a VPN server and stream on the Kodi app.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide showing you how to set up a VPN on Kodi:
- Get Surfshark. This is our favorite VPN for Kodi. Surfshark’s got incredible speeds, and with 86% servers in 100 countries, you can unblock loads of new content.
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- Install the Surfshark app on the device you use with Kodi.
- Open the VPN app and log in to your account.
- Connect to a VPN server. You need to choose your server location thoughtfully. Want to unblock FOX News or US streaming services like me? Choose a US VPN server.
- Now, you can launch Kodi securely and unblock hundreds of previously unavailable add-ons!
That was simple, right? If you’re on the fence about Surfshark, you can try out this VPN for yourself risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to set up a VPN for Kodi on a router
Another way to use a VPN with Kodi is by installing the VPN app on your router. While this may be somewhat technical for newer VPN users, the advantage is that all your devices and internet traffic are secured in one go.
Important:
To use a VPN on your router, you will need a suitable router that supports DD-WRT firmware. Once this firmware is installed on your router, you can install a VPN on it. For more information about how to go about this and configure your VPN settings, read our guide to installing a VPN on your router.
- Subscribe to Surfshark.
- Follow our guide to installing a VPN on your router (linked above).
- Connect to your preferred VPN server.
- Open Kodi and enjoy Kodi add-ons from different localities!
Why You Need a VPN for Kodi
A VPN keeps you safe online. We never use the web without one. There are many other benefits of using a VPN for Kodi:
- It keeps you anonymous online by cloaking your IP address, in case you connect to a Kodi repository that’s using trackers.
- It shields you from malware that can be lurking in third-party Kodi add-ons.
- It unblocks a wider variety of Kodi add-ons — some of the best Kodi streaming apps are blocked behind geographical restrictions.
- It encrypts all of your information, making it unreadable by anyone who tries to intercept your internet traffic.
- It prevents your internet service provider from throttling your connection. Kodi can suck up a lot of data, especially if you’re gaming or streaming.
You’re probably starting to see why we always use Surfshark with Kodi! It’s the best VPN we’ve found for using Kodi seamlessly.
The Best Kodi VPN: Surfshark
Surfshark is my first choice for Kodi, but there are other decent Kodi VPNs like NordVPN and CyberGhost — read our guide to the best VPN for Kodi to discover more information.
1. Surfshark: A Kodi VPN with unlimited data and robust security
We mostly use Kodi for streaming, and Surfshark serves us well. Its super-fast speeds support lag-free streaming, and it has servers in all the countries with the best Kodi add-ons.
Surfshark offers unlimited data, so you won’t be cut off mid-stream after running out of data. We’ve encountered this while using a free VPN for Kodi.
These are not the only reasons we went with Surfshark. We also wanted to benefit from:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: We use Kodi on a MacBook and smart TV. Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you want, including mobiles, smart TVs, and desktop or laptop computers.
- Robust unblocking capabilities: While we’re not in the US, we like to follow US news. Surfshark lets us watch Fox News on Kodi from the UK, the Netherlands, and other locations. The same applies elsewhere — you can unblock regional content from other countries.
- Lightning-fast connections: To download Kodi add-ons, stream movies, and play games on Kodi, you need fast connection speeds. Surfshark has always performed well in our speed tests and won’t slow down your connection. You can switch between different Surfshark VPN protocols for the best speeds on Kodi; OpenVPN worked best during our tests.
You need a VPN to unlock the true potential of Kodi and stay protected while doing so. Surfshark is your best bet for safety, and it gives you access to geo-restricted Kodi add-ons from across the globe. Click the button below to get started with Surfshark.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Kodi?
We have reviewed several free VPNs, including ProtonVPN, which we downloaded first to test Kodi. But, we quickly realized that we needed to upgrade to a premium service for streaming. Here’s why:
- Limited servers: To unblock apps in other countries, you need a VPN server in that country. Most free VPNs offer just a handful of servers. Compare this to Surfshark’s network of 3200+ servers, and it’s easy to see the problem.
- Slow connection speeds: Nobody wants to stare at a buffering wheel or be unable to download files because their connection is slow. Unfortunately, that’s what you get with a lot of free VPNs.
- A hard cap on data: Most free VPNs have data limits. If you want to stream on Kodi as we do, you’ll hit a roadblock very quickly. The upper limit of free VPNs tends to be around 10 GB/month, which will be gone in as few as two movies.
If you’re still curious, we recommend checking out our research into the best free VPNs for Kodi.
Enhance Your Online Entertainment Experience With a Kodi VPN
Using a VPN for Kodi gives you access to shows and apps from other countries, and also protects you. Some of the best Kodi add-ons come from unofficial sources, but those third-party add-ons can pose a risk. So, don’t use Kodi unprotected.
We recommend Surfshark for Kodi. It boasts great unblocking capabilities, strong streaming speeds, and excellent security. It’ll also block annoying ads in apps like YouTube. You can get Surfshark now at a 86% discount.
While you’re learning more about Kodi and VPNs, check out these useful guides below:
- Best Kodi NFL Add-ons: How to Watch the NFL on Kodi
- The 10 Best Kodi Sports Add-ons: How to Stream Sports on Kodi
- Streaming Netflix on Kodi: Our In-Depth Guide
- How to Set Up Kodi on a Fire TV Stick
Do you have a question about setting up a VPN for Kodi? Click on our FAQ section below for answers.
The easiest way to install a VPN on Kodi is by setting up the VPN app on your device and connecting to a VPN server before booting up Kodi. Alternatively, you can install the VPN on your router to protect every device in your household simultaneously.
A VPN gives you more online privacy, security and freedom. It blocks others from tracking you online or seeing what you’re watching and listening to on Kodi. A VPN also makes you less vulnerable to hacking.
We don’t recommend using a free VPN for Kodi. But if you want to avoid paying for a subscription, ProtonVPN is a good choice as it offers unlimited data. Check out our guide to the best free VPNs for Kodi for more suggestions.
Surfshark is the best VPN for Kodi based on our tests. This VPN offers robust protection against malware from unknown source repositories, while offering lightning-fast speeds for streaming.
I have ExpressVPN installed on my pc. I also have Kodi, but not installed on Kodi. Am i still protected when i run kodi? So my question, Do I need to install a VPN on Kodi, and on my pc? joe
Hey Joe, Kodi is software, just like a VPN. As long as you have the VPN running on the device you also use Kodi on, Kodi should run through the VPN. For example, if you use Kodi on a laptop, and run a VPN on that laptop, the VPN should protect you when using Kodi. But, if you use Kodi on your Smart TV, and a VPN on your laptop, Kodi is not protected by the VPN. You should install the VPN on the same device that you use Kodi on, if you want to use Kodi with a VPN.