10 best VPNs for Kodi in 2022 (free options included, too)

Tiziana Piatos  - Technical writer
Last updated: November 14, 2022
Read time: 28 minutes Disclosure
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The best Kodi VPNs listed in this article will help you get better security and the smoothest streaming experience on your favorite player. All these providers are super-fast, too.

Sneak peek at using VPNs with Kodi

Kodi is a fantastic facility that has rejuvenated the conventional home theatre. But the tool has earned a grey reputation due to how some people abuse it to access copyright content. That’s the reason using Kodi is not safe in many countries. But if you take care of all content ethics and respect copyright, there’s no harm in using Kodi. Still, you can further protect your online privacy and escape unnecessary tracking by using VPNs with Kodi. That’s a viable workaround to enjoy an interruption-free streaming experience.

If you’ve just discovered Kodi, you should use a VPN immediately. Also, if you’re a seasoned Kodi user and want a VPN for secure streaming, you’ve come to the right place.

We showcase the very best VPN for Kodi. Of course, these are all proven to enhance your watching experience and privacy.

A Virtual Private Network or a VPN masks your location and network identity. Thus, your Internet Service Provider will be incapable of spying on what you do and view online.

You will benefit from many things if you use a reputable and reliable VPN while streaming. That includes worry-free streaming and access to unrestricted entertainment media available on the web.

So, to help you enjoy the safest streaming experience on your favorite media player, this article lists the best Kodi VPN services available.

Quick list: 3 best Kodi VPNs in 2022

  1. ExpressVPN: A feature-rich service that excels at providing the most servers worldwide. The provider offers stealthy security, fast speeds, and unblock all streaming platforms. However, it costs a little above the market average.
  2. Surfshark: A budget-friendly option for binge-watching your favorite content via Kodi.
  3. NordVPN: Cross-platform compatibility and browser support. Fast network speed and great privacy features. Some users can find its desktop client experience to be cumbersome.

You will also find some good free VPN options here. So, make sure to read thoroughly until the end.

Let’s get started with some basics first.

What exactly is Kodi?

The internet introduction has altered the home entertainment industry positively. Earlier, everyone had to have a cable installed on their television sets to watch live TV shows and other available programs. Despite being convenient, this method offered limited content to the users.

Even today, cable only allows watching content that you or your family fancies at a fixed location and a specific time.

So, with such traditional methods, you don’t have the freedom and choice of how you consume media at your preferred place or time.

Luckily, modern-day technologies, such as streaming services and media consumption outlets, paved the way for more convenient and accessible entertainment.

Kodi is one such innovation providing everyone with free entertainment. It is a popular and well-reviewed software serving as a modern home entertainment solution for binge-watchers.

The tool enables you to create a central entertainment server for your home and access other files from anywhere on the web.

Kodi is available for almost every platform and device, making your entire media library accessible anytime, anywhere.

Is it legal to use Kodi
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Kodi, the software alone, is fully legal and free to use. It is not about the tool itself but what you do with it.

It means that Kodi, itself, doesn’t break any legal policies or laws. So you can install and deploy it on your devices without worrying about being penalized or charged for something.

However, the troublesome part is that it has become a medium people use to perform unlawful things. For example, pirating copyright-protected media through torrent sharing or mirror links is one case where Kodi becomes illegal.

Likewise, hundreds of community-made Kodi add-ons are available today. Many extensions come from legit contributors who developed them to enhance or fix issues users might face when using the software.

On the other hand, some individuals intentionally designed or modified many such tools for unethical or malicious purposes. These include add-ons for watching pirated internet TV and unpermitted content sharing from a site’s root directory.

That’s where using Kodi could be considered illegal, depending on the piracy laws of your country. So remember to be careful about what content you access and how you view it.

The good thing is that you can easily spot and avoid malpractices. You’re then safe to use this streaming player.

Is Kodi safe to use?

Out of the box, Kodi should be a perfectly safe application. The volunteers behind it have developed the platform to be a home entertainment hub for your media library. So essentially, it is secure software. However, you should also download the tool from its official website to ensure you get an original and untampered copy.

Kodi is safe until you do more complex tasks with it. For example, if you’re planning to use Kodi only to create a central server for your media files, you can stop worrying.

However, if you’re going to use it for advanced stuff, you need to take precautions when streaming content over the web. You can’t trust every source that Kodi connects. Undeniably, many websites operate as traps that steal valuable information from visitors.

Similarly, you should remember that an add-on that Kodi didn’t develop officially might be malicious. Therefore, using security programs with Kodi is highly recommended.

At this point, tools like a Virtual Private Network protect your data from potential threats and prevent your ISP from snooping on you.

What is a VPN?

Choose VPN that is right selection
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Using a VPN is a no-brainer in today’s modern web. It’s like your private highway secluded from the dangerous and limiting web.

Simply put, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks your traffic whenever you go online.

It forms a secured tunnel from where your devices’ data packets travel to the internet. In other words, it protects your privacy by creating a private network on the open web.

For example, one of the less-known facts is that your ISP usually does everything it can to monitor your web history. It can then sell your browsing data to advertisers, which would use the data to bombard you with spam emails and ads.

There are many advantages of using a VPN service.

So, when you use a VPN, these prying eyes can’t view your internet sessions. Also, you would minimize your internet footprint, which malicious parties can exploit.

Likewise, a VPN protects your data from cybercriminals. Hackers can’t touch your data because your connection becomes isolated and encrypted.

Furthermore, it lets you access geo-restricted content by changing your online location.

Why use a VPN for Kodi?

As described above, Kodi is like a blank canvas. It is up to you how you use this tool. Therefore, it is usually safe when you deploy it.

However, if you’re planning to delve right into its powerful features, you should consider using a VPN.

A VPN redirects your connection to a different server rather than routing directly to the destination site. Thus, your web activity becomes invisible to others.

That means when using Kodi with a VPN, your ISP or any third party will not be able to monitor you. It is useful when streaming content from multiple sources, including pirated ones. You don’t want them to know that you’re accessing these media types.

Also, many sources or streaming services are not available for other regions to enjoy. In this case, a VPN will let you change your IP country so that it appears to those sites that you’re in an area permitted to view the content.

Besides, accessing content from different sources can be dangerous. That’s because hackers can intercept your data, or the add-ons you use might be malicious. Thus, to avoid being affected by these vulnerabilities, you should consider turning to VPNs for safe streaming on Kodi.

What can you do with a Kodi VPN?

Malvertising vs. Adware
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You can achieve many things when you use a VPN for Kodi streaming.

First and foremost, you can unlock the regional barriers that some streaming services impose. Usually, you can watch content that is only available to a consumer in a particular country. However, you will not be left behind in what the other half of the world enjoys with VPNs. Netflix, Hulu, Crackle, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, and India’s Hotstar are some platforms that you can access anywhere via these tools.

Next, a VPN can help you secure your connections to media sources. Then, the fear of having your data compromised will not affect your entertainment sessions with the family.

Also, you can maintain a clean internet history record with a VPN on Kodi. It implies that your web activity will be pleasant to look at, translating into a good relationship with your ISP.

Finally, you can set up secure home entertainment software. With this, you can encrypt your home media network to protect your files from intruders or hackers. A VPN will ensure that only you or your family can access your unique entertainment setup.

So, using a VPN dramatically improves your Kodi experience and security.


Are VPNs safe to use with Kodi?

The question is not whether it is safe to use a VPN with Kodi. Instead, you should ask whether it is advisable to stream on it without a VPN.

Many reputable and trusted providers are available today, offering reliable services. So finding a safe one isn’t difficult. You can also find below some good VPNs to use while streaming.

However, using a Kodi VPN add-on is a different story. That’s because many of these are developed by individuals and the community. So you can’t guarantee that everything is safe to use.

As a rule of thumb, you should always read the reviews for a specific add-on. It will give you an idea about the real-world experiences of the users. It will also show the performance or information of the author.

Besides, Kodi lists some of the top-rated extension makers on its website. So consider downloading those reputed ones only.

In short, using a VPN is neither unsafe nor affects Kodi’s performance on your devices. Instead, having one before exploring Kodi will minimize the risk of being exploited by harmful entities or hackers while learning about the tool.


How to set up a VPN?

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Setting up a VPN for your home entertainment network is easy. Also, you have got many options to choose from. The easiest way is to use a standalone application for Kodi.

To begin with, download the software from the official website of your chosen VPN. Then you log in or register for an account with the VPN service.

After these steps, set up the VPN app on your streaming device. For example, you can install the VPN on Firestick. Once done, you can connect to a specific VPN location depending on the content you want to stream with Kodi on your Firestick.

Besides, if you want to do it inside Kodi, you can use a VPN add-on. First, you must download one, install it, and activate it. After that, you should input your details to start using the service.

However, if you want to secure all the devices in your home using one setup, you need to set up a VPN on your router. Fortunately, most top VPNs available today offer dedicated router apps with detailed installation guides. That means all you need is only to pick a quality VPN provider. Then, you can connect your Kodi streaming device with that VPN-enabled router to unblock restricted media.


How to select the best Kodi VPN?

Best VPNs to remove Fortnite IP ban
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You can find many VPNs in the market, each having its own strengths and weaknesses. Hence, it could be a little intimidating to select the right VPN. Many providers will sugarcoat product descriptions to make non-technical users fall for them.

But don’t worry. Since we want everyone to be privacy savvy and pick only the best security product, we have reviewed some services below. All the VPNs in this list of top Kodi VPNs satisfy our testing criteria, including the following parameters.

  • Speed. It is a crucial factor differentiating a good VPN service from a bad one. Simply put, if your VPN is slow, media files download latency will also be slower. Consequently, your experience will not be as seamless as when watching from a local source.
  • Compatibility. While Kodi is available to many platforms, not all VPNs work on a wide range of devices. In addition, many VPNs do not support specific operating systems. So check the devices supported by your chosen VPN provider before paying. 
  • Security. The primary point of using a VPN is to protect you while using Kodi. So when picking one, make sure your selected provider offers a high level of privacy and security.
  • Content access capabilities. Look for a VPN that lets you access media efficiently. Ideally, you should settle only with a VPN that allows accessing a vast number of region-blocked streaming services.
  • Usability. Not everyone is tech-savvy. Therefore, a good VPN service for Kodi should be easy to deploy, use, and manage.
  • After-sale support. You may encounter issues while configuring a VPN for the first time. So pick a service with good customer support.

7 best VPNs for Kodi in 2022 (paid) – Detailed list

A suitable VPN tool allows private streaming of your favorite free media software. It will also work with all popular devices alongside a minimal impact on your internet speed.

With all that in mind, you don’t have to worry about picking the wrong one. Instead, research thoroughly and decide what service suits your needs and personal preferences.

To save you time, here is a list of the best VPN services that work with Kodi.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Thanks to its widespread device compatibility and robust unblocking features that you can install ExpressVPN on your Kodi device to stream your favorite content anytime anywhere.

servers More than 3,000 speed-VPN servers in more than 90 countries
encryption Top-notch AES-256-bit encryption
protection Has incredible leak protection
P2P optimized servers P2P sharing on all servers
Zero-logs policy Strict policy for no-logging
Kill switch Customizable kill switch
simultaneous connections Connects five devices at once on one account
money-back guarantee Refund policy of 30 days
Pros
  • Supports all major platforms
  • Lots of servers deployed worldwide
  • Advanced security and privacy features
  • Supports seamless streaming in HD quality
  • Reliable content unblocking
  • Great security
Cons
  • Costs more than some other top services

You must have heard about ExpressVPN already, haven’t you? If your answer is yes, it shouldn’t be a surprise.

ExpressVPN has been the go-to VPN choice for the masses for several years. That is mainly because it is a multi-purpose VPN service, unlike the competition. While many others boast a specific feature they specialize in, ExpressVPN tries to be a jack-of-all-trades.

For starters, it has apps for almost all platforms. So whether you’re on an Android device or using a Mac, you should be able to use this VPN service.

It also emphasizes impressive support for Kodi. ExpressVPN offers an option of a streaming box compatible with Kodi. These boxes are pre-flashed with their VPN should your existing one not support it.

Above all, the provider has a reliable and fast service — thanks to its network of 3000+ servers spread across 94 countries.

Thanks to its large pool of servers and effective VPN block bypassing technology, ExpressVPN allows you to access restricted content and streaming services anywhere. Some platforms you can unblock anywhere include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO GO, and HBO Now.

Besides supporting widely-used devices such as Windows PC, iOS, Android, and Mac, ExpressVPN also works on streaming boxes and other platforms.

It is available as software, or you can install using flashing into many dedicated streaming boxes and devices. Also, ExpressVPN is available for Fire TV and offers a custom installation using command lines for some Linux distros.

Thankfully, the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied or change your mind. Indeed, ExpressVPN is not only the leading candidate for the best VPN for Kodi but also a well-rounded security tool.


2. Surfshark

SurfsharkVPN

A budget-friendly option for binge-watching your favorite content via Kodi. The service exhibits tremendous content unblocking and HD streaming capabilities.

servers More than 3,200 VPN servers across 65+ countries worldwide
encryption Solid AES-256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers Allows P2P connections on all servers
Kill switch Kill switch is auto enabled
Zero-logs policy No data keeping
MultiHop mode MultiHop mode
simultaneous connections No limit for simultaneous connections
money-back guarantee Refund guarantee of 30 days
Pros
  • Highly effective content unblocking capabilities
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Solid privacy and security
  • Accepts crypto payments such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple
  • No device connection limit
  • Low price
Cons
  • Slow speeds on some servers

The provider boasts fair unblocking capabilities, added privacy features such as malware protection, and supports major operating systems.

Surfshark is available for many devices, notably Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Its applications are easy to download, deploy, and use.

The service is excellent to use for streaming on Kodi. It unblocks most restrictive services such as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. That only shows how good its algorithm is.

With Surfshark, you can be assured to stream lag-free even in HD (if your internet connection is fast enough in the first place). That’s because it has a network of over 3200 servers in 65 countries.

Unlike other top VPNs that limit simultaneous connections, it supports unlimited devices. Indeed, this premium support makes Surfshark the best choice for large families.

Surfshark security standards include using 256-bit AES encryption and protection for threats like DNS, IPV6, and WebRTC leaks.

Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, all in all, it is an ideal budget-friendly choice for Kodi.


3. NordVPN

NordVPN

This no.1 VPN doesn’t only offer security and privacy but also caters to the browsing requirements of binge-watchers. Thus, it provides dedicated support for Kodi.

servers More than 5,000 super-secure VPN servers scattered in 60 countries
P2P optimized servers All servers are P2P optimzed
encryption Has double encryption mode
Kill switch Effective kill switch
Zero-logs policy Follows no-logs policy
simultaneous connections Connects up to six devices simultaneously
protection Strong web leak protection
MultiHop mode MultiHop mode
money-back guarantee Money-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
  • Admirable streaming speeds
  • Works great with Kodi
  • Unblocks most streaming services
  • No-logs policy
  • High-level privacy features
  • Offers student discount
  • Boasts apps for all platforms and has browser extensions
Cons
  • We did not find the desktop app to be as user-friendly as others on the list

Another top-notch recommendation for Kodi users is NordVPN. Its fast streaming speed and seamless content unblocking will let you enjoy your entertainment sessions with Kodi.

Even during our extensive NordVPN review, the service delivered promising results in unrestricted and fast-speed streaming.

A key reason it works excellently for Kodi is its diversified device compatibility. It supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, and routers via dedicated apps. Also, it has extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

In addition, it could be the best choice for streaming on Kodi since it boasts a network of more than 5200 servers in over 59 countries. This vast number of fast servers distributed worldwide assures a faster streaming speed and reliable connection with fewer drops.

Moreover, it allows you to have a dedicated IP that only you can use and that too, for free. Indeed, you won’t find this facility without additional costs from other providers.

Besides, NordVPN can unblock popular streaming platforms, particularly Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. Also, Android users can easily download the .apk file from its official website should someone need to take that route.

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable provider, NordVPN will satisfy you.


4. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private internet access pros cons block logo

While it’s an exciting VPN to unblock geo-restricted media, PIA also facilitates an ultimate binge-watching experience by supporting Kodi installations.

servers More than 22,000 VPN servers present in over 70+ countries
P2P optimized servers Supports P2P connections
Zero-logs policy Implements no-logs policy
Kill switch Kill switch (auto-mode)
Ad Blocker feature MACE ad-blocker
simultaneous connections Ten connections on one account simultaneously
money-back guarantee Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
  • Affordable subscription plans
  • Well-developed Linux applications
  • Works well with Kodi devices
  • Requires minimal technical knowledge and troubleshooting
Cons
  • Inconsistent streaming performance during our tests
  • Unblocks only a few video streaming sites (didn’t work for Netflix when we tried)

Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, has been around for quite some time.

Over the years, it has proven itself as a trusted and reliable VPN provider for privacy-conscious users. Moreover, the provider continues to innovate and improve every aspect of its network.

When it comes to using PIA for Kodi, it is more capable than ever. Furthermore, since it is available for any platform, you can use this service wherever your Kodi library is. Thus, you can always access your media on every device you use.

Furthermore, it has a well-developed Linux client working great on OpenELEC distros. So, with PIA, you can get a Kodi VPN on Firestick, Fire TV, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

The implication is that you can run it on budget devices such as a Raspberry Pi running a low-powered Linux distro.

In addition, PIA’s security integrity is no slouch. You can choose from a 128 or 256-bit encryption standard. Also, it doesn’t log anything from your internet traffic, which means all your session history remains private.

Above all, almost anyone can afford its subscription plans, so you don’t have to worry about your budget.

In essence, Private Internet Access is for those on a budget or willing to put in more work.


5. IPVanish

IPVanish

It vanishes your real IP to unblock your desired content from any streaming service. Its dedicated Kodi support opens up new ways for you to binge-watch your favorite movie or TV show.

servers More than 2,000 VPN servers present in more than 70 locations
P2P optimized servers Servers are P2P optimized
Zero-logs policy Solid policy for no-logging
Ad Blocker feature NetShield ad-blocker
encryption Robust encryption; AES 256-bit
simultaneous connections Connects as much devices as you want on one subscription
money-back guarantee Guaranteed 30 days pay-back policy
Pros
  • Seamless Kodi support
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Superior anonymity
  • Incredible support for Amazon streaming devices
  • Reliable content unblocker for some streaming services
  • Highly optimized HD video streaming performance
  • Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Unlimited data cap
Cons
  • Netflix access can be inconsistent
  • Incapable of unblocking streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Disney+

IPVanish is yet another top recommendation to use on Kodi. As its name implies, it hides your IP address from snooping eyes like your local ISP or hackers on the web.

One of the areas it dominates is supporting Kodi on Android-based phones, tablets, and boxes. We confirmed with various tests that it works like a charm on Android devices, including Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV.

The provider also functions seamlessly with the Fire Stick remote.

Another thing that makes IPVanish one of the best Kodi VPNs is that you can easily download the .apk file from its website if your device doesn’t have Google Play installed. Its software is also available in the Amazon app store.

Expectedly, IPVanish has an application available for Android, iOS, iPad, macOS, Windows, and even Linux.

Talking about its infrastructure, the provider has over 2000 servers across 53 countries. Besides, you can connect to one of its massive 40,000 anonymous IP addresses on unlimited different devices simultaneously with one subscription.

Moreover, the 256-bit encryption offered by the providers keeps all your streaming sessions safe. That also means you get fast connections and superior anonymity for activities like torrenting.

IPVanish offers three different subscription plans that you can choose from depending on your budget preferences. You can pay for a 12, 3, or 1-month plan, with the cheapest being as low as $2.91 per month for the annual plan. Besides, it has live-chat customer support to ensure the users have technical back 24/7.


6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN small

It’s a decent option for Kodi users looking to unblock their preferred content outside the permitted regions. Just download the app on your device, launch Kodi, and start watching your favorite media.

servers More than 200 VPN servers scattered in more than 63 countries
encryption Strong bits of encryption; AES-256
P2P optimized servers Allows P2P sharing
simultaneous connections Up to ten connections at once on one subscription
money-back guarantee Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
  • Works like a charm for most Kodi-supported devices
  • Speedy servers
  • Solid security and privacy
  • Amazing streaming sites unblocker
  • Does not log anything from your traffic
  • Friendly customer support
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Open port for torrenting
Cons
  • Few servers locations
  • A manual and tricky process for users in China

Another solid choice from our list is PrivateVPN. It can be considered a go-to option when you primarily want video services on your Kodi. Also, its high security will be appealing to many.

Upon using PrivateVPN for Kodi, you will find it more than a viable contender. It can easily unblock most streaming services, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It also has fast servers to prevent lags or latency issues from interrupting your binge-watching sessions.

Moreover, the provider boasts some outstanding privacy features. One of these is its military-grade encryption, known as 2048-bit with 256-bit AES.

The service supports torrenting by offering advanced features such as an open port for P2P users. Besides, it boasts all known VPN protocol choices, such as OpenVPN, IPSec, L2TP, IKEv2, and PPTP.

Also, you can get it on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. However, it needs manual configuration to work on Linux. Luckily, PrivateVPN is available as a command-line installation option, too. Besides, Android users can download its .apk file directly from the website.

Without a doubt, PrivateVPN takes the cake as the fastest-growing VPN service worldwide. With over 60 VPN locations and fast servers, you would enjoy using it. Finally, you can connect up to 6 devices in one account, and the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.


7. CyberGhost

cyberghost small

CyberGhost provides dedicated support for avid streamers by offering Kodi support. Plus, its huge network empowers you to watch your favorite content from any region.

servers More than 7,800 VPN servers present in 91 countries worldwide
protection Strong protection against DNS leaks
P2P optimized servers P2P optimized servers
Kill switch Kill switch feature is customizable
simultaneous connections Seven connections at once on one account
money-back guarantee 45-days generous pay-back policy
Pros
  • Affordable pricing
  • Fast and reliable server speeds
  • Highly optimized for Kodi enabled devices
Cons
  • Inconsistent unblocking capabilities
  • Low priority for torrent and network sharing support

CyberGhost is yet another quality VPN that you can use with Kodi. It is a reputable and reliable provider and has proven worthy of recommendation. Like other top VPNs on the list, it boasts many use cases. However, the provider emphasizes making streaming more efficient.

To start it off, CyberGhost has some unique features that are hard to find elsewhere. For instance, it allows you to select a server based on what streaming platform you will access. Instead of using location names, it automatically suggests the best server for a specific streaming channel.

In detail, it can unblock most video platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Channel 7, YouTube, ViaPlay, and even the anime streaming service Crunchyroll. Also, it works on all mainstream operating systems, such as Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows.

However, the only way to get on Android is through Google Play. If you don’t have it on your device, you need to go the extra mile.

On the other hand, its ability to run on Kodi devices is plausible. Lately, it has gotten even better at unblocking geo-locked content. So TV shows and movies from your preferred video platforms are just a click away.

You can never go wrong with CyberGhost. Its specialized and reliable servers cater to various streaming technologies. Also, it is an easy-to-use one-click setup solution for watching through Kodi on the go or by advanced setup on your device.


Can I use a free VPN with Kodi?

Best free VPN 2020
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Absolutely. You can use free VPN services for Kodi sessions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using a free or paid plan.

The critical thing to note is that a free VPN will hardly fulfill your needs. But, it will keep your data safe like a paid VPN, given that you have signed up with a trusted provider.

Free Kodi best VPNs allow securing your network traffic and doing other things online like their paid rivals. Unlike premium ones that bill users for cycling subscriptions, these providers rely on community donations or contributions.

While free and open-sourced VPNs can make your Kodi streaming safer and allow you access to geo-restricted content, there always will be some limitations.

One such limitation is the slow server speed. There are several reasons for this. First, and the most obvious, is a lack of funds to upgrade the network infrastructure, let alone expand it. In other words, you shouldn’t expect more if you’re using a free one.

Paid VPNs offer faster speed because they operate the network through numerous servers worldwide, preventing server congestion.

On the other hand, free providers only have a limited number of servers to cater to user requests and traffic. In turn, you can unblock content from a limited number of countries.

In essence, yes, you can use Kodi with a free VPN. But, be ready to face speed and server limitations even when using the best free service.

Are free VPNs as effective as paid ones?

As noted earlier, a free VPN is fundamentally identical, if not the same, as a premium one. Thus, it will do what a paid service does but in a more inferior manner.

You should expect a slower response time in terms of speed, especially when performing resource-intensive tasks. Take video streaming, for example; live shows and videos will pre-render slower.

Likewise, if you’re planning to access geo-blocked content, know that most free VPNs only have fewer server locations. So you might be unable to access content if the VPN doesn’t support that region.

Of course, you can try another one until you find something that suits your needs. It will be easy since you have countless options available, and you can try them all without paying. It is an advantage over the premium ones.

The odds, however, remain in favor of premium ones. They will do everything to edge out the competition. It results in them developing more extra features continuously.

Consequently, free VPNs focus more on necessary functionalities. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect streaming optimization when on a free provider for the reasons mentioned above.


What about free VPNs’ security and trust?

Can you trust free VPN
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Most of the quality free VPNs are originally made as open-source software. What this means is that its source code is transparent. Therefore, anyone can review and verify if it is malicious or not.

There is a community for almost every free VPN service. The implication is that the more people use something, the better it will be. Everyone can be a contributor, so more minds will be at work.

When translated to being secure, it will be better for users. As the source code of free VPNs is open for anyone to view, developers will have a hard time hiding or have no chance of doing bad things.

Also, since the developers had decided to release it to the wild, it should be safe. If they have decided to open it up, they are more likely not to hide something.

A free VPN is as secure as a paid one. They use the same universal encryption and security standards their paid rivals utilize. Besides, the network architecture of these free services is alike. That means a free VPN is also difficult to be cracked, like the paid ones.

What’s more interesting is that they can’t make their network unsecured. It’s just the nature of these platforms. So no matter what you plan to do with it, you should expect good privacy.


3 best free Kodi VPNs

As a standard, you must go only with trusted, free providers when using free VPNs. That’s because any free service that does not follow ethical practices can go as far as bombarding you with malware-injected ads (known as malvertising) or even selling your logged data.

You do not need to be scared, though. Below we list the three best free VPNs you can use for streaming without worrying about security or ethical standards.

1. Windscribe

Windscribe

One of the best and most trusted free VPNs to go for Kodi. You can also upgrade your subscription plans to unlock more content locations.

servers More than 170 VPN servers present in 60 countries
encryption AES-256 cipher encryption
MultiHop mode Double VPN feature
simultaneous connections No limit for simultaneous connections
Pros
  • Generous features on the free plan
  • Free blocker for web trackers and ads
  • Military-grade encryption
  • Fair connection speeds
Cons
  • Not enough transparency
  • Less powerful content unblocking
  • Weak Netflix and Hulu support

Windscribe VPN is one of the most famous and trusted free providers providing a good streaming experience, like a premium one. You can stream in HD without worrying about any lag and latency problems. Moreover, its connection is fast enough to enjoy uninterrupted movies or shows.

In a real-world scenario, its overall speed can be passable. It is because even though it’s considerably slower, your video streaming will still be fine. You won’t face much buffering. At some hours, you should be able to watch videos in HD resolutions or higher, too.

Also, there’s no difference between Windscribe and some other paid VPNs in terms of security.

Like other top VPNs, it masks your IP address to provide you with anonymity while browsing. It further provides you with DNS leak protection and a network firewall. These are vital tools when you are using Kodi.

Moreover, Windscribe offers a free blocker, anti-web tracker, and ads blocker, something not common even with most paid VPNs.

However, note that it limits monthly data consumption to 10 GB only. So make sure to watch in standard definition to not run out of data immediately. Consequently, it is not suitable to download torrents.

If you’re okay with having a monthly data allocation limit, then Windscribe is a solid choice. With a fair server speed and military-grade protection, your Kodi experience will be comfortable enough.


2. Hide.me

Hide.me

Working for many years, one of the top free VPNs you can trust for Kodi. But you might have to subscribe to paid plans to unblock more content libraries..

servers More than 1,800 VPN servers available in 75+ locations
encryption Strong AES 256-bit encryption
protection No DNS/IP/WebRTC leaks found
MultiHop mode MultiHop mode
simultaneous connections Up to ten simultaneous devices on one account
money-back guarantee 30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Excellent security and privacy
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Split tunneling
  • Free web proxy
  • Available on most platforms and as browser extensions
Cons
  • Doesn’t unblock some popular streaming platforms
  • One device per account limitation

Hide.me is a veteran name in the cybersecurity industry. It has been one of the best default choices for free VPNs for many years. Those who tried free providers know or have used it in the past.

It’s based in Malaysia, one of the most privacy-friendly countries. So you can expect no government agencies to intercept its data.

However, Hide.me only allows up to 10 GB monthly data limit for a free account. If you’re just a casual internet surfer, it is more than enough. However, the answer is no if you want to binge-watch a show. A few episodes can quickly eat away the 10GB allowance.

Hide.me free servers are fast enough to watch HD videos. It supports most platforms and is available as Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.

Thanks to its military-grade encryption and a no-logging policy, it is secure enough to use with Kodi. Also, it offers customer support via email, wikis, and community discussions.

Another worthy feature it offers is split tunneling. It lets you watch a video from your favorite platform without losing access to local content.

However, it only allows one device connection for an account. So if you use Kodi on multiple devices, your chance will be limited. Besides, it is slower than some other services. However, the major problem is that it fails to unblock streaming platforms like Hulu or Netflix abroad.


3. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

Another top free option for Kodi users. It gives generous free data allowance, but binge-watchers might need to upgrade their subscription plans.

servers Above than 1,800 VPN servers in more than 80 countries
P2P optimized servers Allows P2P sharing
protection Strong protection for DNS/IPv6 leaks
simultaneous connections Connects up to five devices at once
money-back guarantee Generous pay-back policy of 45 days
Pros
  • Fast connection speed
  • Good support for streaming
  • Available to major platforms
Cons
  • Doesn’t work with Netflix and Hulu
  • Unable to bypass geo-blocks
  • Logs sensitive data
  • Displays ads based on your location

This provider has been improving its core technology over the years. In the beginning, it was merely a clunky little app. But today, it is a well-known leader in the industry.

Hotspot Shield offers a premium service for a relatively affordable price. Also, it provides a free plan for all. 

Whether you’re on a budget or want to try out Hotspot Shield before buying it, you can turn to it. Its free tier has only one server location in the US, though. Also, you will only have a 500MB data allowance per day or 15GB monthly. When using Kodi, you can expect at least a minimum speed of over 25mbps.

Moreover, it boasts strong encryption and offers friendly customer support through email or guides. To give you an idea, when using Kodi, you can stream a movie for about an hour with Hotspot Shield free plan.

If you care about your sensitive data, then you should look elsewhere. Your internet traffic isn’t hundred percent anonymous on Hotspot Shield. Besides, free users might see some relevant ads targeted at their location.

Another problem is that you can’t use an add-on on Kodi when connected. It might be a downside for some, indeed. Many users can’t enjoy Kodi without its add-on. And, you will not be able to access Netflix or Hulu if you’re outside the US. Still, you can watch NBC Sports, Sling TV, and US YouTube content with Hotspot Shield. 

Also, it doesn’t give you a range of IPs, so you can’t bypass geo-blocks at your will.

If you’re looking for a free VPN, then Hotspot Shield does the basics. It’s sufficient for normal usage but lacks video streaming.


Choosing a streaming box for Kodi

Best-VPNs-for-Instagram-unblocking-on-school-WiFi
(Unsplash)

Kodi can run on almost any platform, thus letting you access your home entertainment center from any device.

Most users deploy their Kodi servers on a desktop computer because of the better and advanced controls.

Nonetheless, other users may prefer to run Kodi on a dedicated streaming device or streaming boxes known as Kodi boxes.

These are streaming boxes with specialized features optimized to run Kodi. Some of these have pre-installed VPNs out of the box. Others put controls or external buttons that can interact with Kodi’s interface. The streaming boxes usually come installed with either Linux or Android.

On Linux, you have a limited choice for a streaming box. It is because only a few devices are compatible with entertainment-based distros. Some of these are:

  • CuBox-i
  • Raspberry Pi 3
  • Wetek Play, Core and Play 2   

These devices are ideal for running Kodi since it operates a Linux distro called OpenELEC. OpenELEC is a distro for the home theatre setup. Besides, Linux is a lightweight OS, so it should run fine even on low-end devices. Also, these devices can run the best VPN add-ons for Kodi, such as OpenVPN and Zomboided.

However, if you prefer a simple OS, go for an Android box. Below you can find the best Kodi boxes running the Android OS:

  • Razer Forge TV
  • Nvidia Shield
  • Matricom G-Box
  • Gem Box
  • Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick (both run on Fire OS, which is a fork of Android)

Fortunately, most VPN providers listed above can be downloaded and deployed on these boxes. Furthermore, since most of them allow downloading .apk files from their respective websites, you can easily install them on devices with no Google Play, like Kodi boxes.


How to install Kodi on a box?

Android box

Installing Kodi on an Android streaming box is a relatively painless process.

To proceed, you will need a streaming box running Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Most Android boxes are pre-shipped with Google Play Store, so you can easily install Kodi.

However, if yours doesn’t have one, follow these simple steps.

  • First, download and save the .apk file of your VPN service to a thumb drive.
  • Next, insert the thumb drive into your Android box.
  • Look for the .apk file from the built-in file explorer on your box’s interface.
  • Then, install the app on your box.
  • Run the app and enjoy Kodi on it.

Linux box

If you purchased a Linux-based box, the process is slightly different. You can easily install Kodi on a Linux box in just about 10 minutes using OpenELEC.

A quick note:

There is a benefit of using OpenELEC instead of a PC for Kodi. When an OpenELEC device boots up, the Kodi app instantly recognizes it as a media center.

For Kodi installation on a Linux-based box, you will need to:

  • Download OpenELEC. Make sure to choose the generic build so that it will run on processors.
  • Save the downloaded file into a bootable thumb drive.
  • Insert the thumb drive into your box.
  • Install OpenELEC using the automatic installer.
  • Copy media files to it.
  • Set up a server and enjoy.

Although it can be daunting at first, you will be proud of yourself once you complete that.


Conclusion

Kodi is undeniably an incredible (and free) way to stream anything you want in high quality. But you should never forget it can pose severe security risks, too.

Many Kodi add-ons developed by third parties can have illegal and dangerous material. When you have a VPN connection, you can keep all your data anonymous and private while streaming. A VPN will also help you unblock Kodi add-ons and foreign services restricted in certain regions.

After reading this article, we hope you can decide on the best Kodi VPN. However, if you are still confused and want us to narrow our recommendation down to only one, it would be ExpressVPN.

FAQs

Kodi boxes are generally available in two flavors: Android-based and Linux-based. Both Kodi box types support streaming and come with a pre-installed media player. However, some boxes may also have illegal add-ons, so make sure you only go for the legit boxes. And if you spot any suspicious add-on, delete it from your Kodi box immediately.

Of course, yes! Firesticks support VPN and Kodi installations alike, without the need to jailbreak. You just have to allow third-party app downloads on your Firestick to set up Kodi. But installing a VPN on Firestick doesn’t require that – you can easily install a Firestick-compatible VPN app on your device from a reputable service provider. So, you can easily install both services on your Firestick to enjoy a personalized yet secure streaming experience.

Enable the VPN connection on your device while connecting to a server from the location hosting your preferred content. (For example, connect to a US server to unlock US-restricted content.) Then launch Kodi and start streaming. Simple as that!

Yes, using a VPN isn’t mandatory for streaming with Kodi. But we advise you to use a Kodi VPN to enjoy a safe and private streaming experience.

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About the Author

Tiziana Piatos

Tiziana Piatos

Technical writer
8 Posts

Tiziana is a writer with four years of experience in news and blog writing who always has been digital privacy-conscious. That' why she has joined PrivacySavvy - to make others privacy-oriented, too. In her spare time, Tiziana enjoys testing privacy and security gadgets and tools for fun. She also likes hitting the local food spots in her hometown.

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