Kodi is a media source application software which allows you to browse content across a wide array of platforms and devices. It is an open source software, and it is getting popular among people around the world.
One major reason behind this rise in popularity is its versatility. It is compatible with most devices, platforms, and services. One can use it as an alternative to cable TV or any other media player out there. You can even play games on it.
However, one can also run into copyright issues and unavailability of services while using Kodi. These issues arise because of add-ons on Kodi. We will go into details in later sections of this article.
A VPN is necessary if you want to use Kodi to its full potential and not encounter any roadblocks while doing so.
Recommendations
We have listed the top 5 VPN services for Kodi in this article. They have been listed in no particular order. You can learn more about why you need a VPN for Kodi and how to choose the one which will be most suitable for you.
1. IPVanish
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It is a US based VPN service which has been in action for quite some time now. They have a vast server network with servers in more than 75 locations around the world.
These many server locations should be enough to bypass most geo-restrictions that you come across while using Kodi. The fact that it is a fast VPN service helps as well. These features will make sure that you get all the content you want.
It uses AES 256-bit encryption and offers a bunch of secure protocols. The robust security on IPVanish will keep you safe from monitoring.
2. NordVPN
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NordVPN will not only make it safer and easier to watch content through Kodi, but it will serve you in a lot of other areas as well.
It has got server locations in more 60 countries of the world, and these locations make up more than 5000 servers in the network. You will not have to worry much about geo restrictions and latency issues while using NordVPN.
It is loaded with additional features such as Double VPN, kill switch, Tor access, CyberSec, etc. All these features combine to give you an experience like never before. It works over a wide range of platforms and devices so you should not have much problem using it for Kodi.
3. ExpressVPN
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ExpressVPN has the reputation of being a service which gets through regional restrictions with ease. It was also included in our list of best VPN for Netflix for this reason.
You can use it without worrying much about the loss in speed. They have kept things in check on the security side as well. You will get military-grade encryption and multiple protocols. These measures will help you stay safe from any kind of monitoring or surveillance while using Kodi.
It has got servers in more than 90 countries of the world and supports a lot of platforms. You can use it on your router which makes it easier to use Kodi on any device.
4. CyberGhost
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This Romanian VPN service will keep you under the security blanket of VPN so that you do not come across any copyright or data leakage issues. It will encrypt all your information such that no third party can know about your online activities.
It has got all the qualities that one would require from a VPN service to use Kodi. It has robust security, a vast server network, and multiple platform support.
The numerous servers in their network should be enough to get you through most geo restrictions, and it works for most devices which can support Kodi.
5. PrivateVPN
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This Swedish VPN is not as big as some of the VPN services we just discussed, but it does its job very well. It will take care of most of the regional restrictions you come across while trying to stream content on Kodi.
They follow a strict no-logs policy which will keep you away from the dangers of copyright notices as well. They provide AES 256-bit encryption, and multiple protocols to take care of your online security.
You can use PrivateVPN on most devices including a router. It makes it easier to use Kodi with VPN protection.
Why do you need a VPN for Kodi
There are primarily three reasons for one to use VPN along with Kodi. Let us go through them individually and see how a VPN service can help mitigate them.
To stay safe from potentially dangerous add-ons
The USP for Kodi is that it provides access to all sorts of content to its user. It is just a media streaming software and doesn’t have any content of its own.
To stream content via Kodi, one will need to install suitable add-ons. You will need to find add-ons according to your preferences.
This is where things get tricky. There are a lot of avenues on the internet which can provide you these add-ons. As we mentioned earlier, Kodi is an open source software, and there are tons of add-ons available for it.
There is not much monitoring or regulation of these add-ons. Even if you exercise caution, there is a possibility that you may get some unsecured or unethical ones.
Some of these add-ons sometimes stream content illegally for you without you knowing about it. If it is an add-on related to identity, you may be at risk of leaking your identity on the internet.
A VPN will not be able to identify these dangerous add-ons, but it will save you from repercussions of using them.
If there is an add-on which is getting you content illegally, then a VPN will keep you safe from any possible legal action as it will not be possible for anyone to trace content all the way back to you.
We don’t support the streaming of copyrighted content in any way. We don’t suggest using a VPN to get away with streaming illegal content.
One should try to stay away from add-ons which may be serving illegal content. A VPN service is only supposed to be a precautionary measure in case you accidentally get a malicious app.
If we talk about the danger of identity leakage through Kodi, then once again a VPN service will prevent anyone from tracing content to you.
To stream geo-restricted content
Geo-restrictions are spoilsport when it comes to online entertainment. Irrespective of the streaming service you use, there will always be some content which will be inaccessible to you.
It will be available on the same service in some other region, but not for you. It is an issue which does not seem to be fading away soon. There are simply too many parties involved to get a solution which is beneficial for all.
You will come across geo-restrictions on Kodi as well. This will especially be a case if you are staying away from illicit add-ons.
The best way of getting through such restrictions is by using a VPN service. A VPN service can make a user’s location appear as if he is in some other part of the world.
This way you can easily make streaming servers believe that you are streaming content in a place where it is not restricted.
All VPN services are not the same; therefore, you cannot expect all of them to provide you access to all restricted content. You will have to make sure that you get a VPN service which will help you to stream all your favorite content.
We will discuss this topic later in this article and tell you about things you should keep in mind while getting a VPN service for Kodi.
To avoid monitoring by ISPs
Another reason why you would want to be on a virtual private network while using Kodi is to stay safe from online monitoring and surveillance.
Internet service providers track user’s data for a lot of reasons. It can be to monitor your internet usage patterns or to affect how you use the internet.
There is a possibility that your ISP may be throttling your internet connection whenever you use a service which they don’t want you to use. There are add-ons which allow torrenting on Kodi as well.
If you are using one of those, then your ISP may slow down the internet speed for you. Even if you are not torrenting on Kodi, they may throttle your connection because of some other add-on.
All your data gets encrypted before it is transmitted over a VPN. It prevents any outsider from knowing what you are doing on the internet. Even your internet service provider will not be able to identify the websites you are visiting.
Having such anonymity while using Kodi will help you stay safe from any unwanted copyright issues as well.
Using a VPN along with Kodi
Both Kodi and VPN are generally compatible with a lot of devices. There are plenty of ways for you to connect this media player to the internet via a VPN.
You can install a VPN application on your devices and then use Kodi on those devices. This is among the easiest ways to get VPN protection for Kodi.
VPN services are generally compatible with desktop and mobile devices across all platforms. You can install it on your device just like any other application.
Then you don’t need to do anything special for Kodi. You can use the application on your device, and you will always have a VPN protection.
Another easy way is to get a VPN service which is compatible with your Wi-Fi router. You can then have your router connected to a VPN server. This solution will give you a great deal of flexibility.
You will then be able to use Kodi on any device as long as it is connected to the VPN router. However, it will be a bit difficult to change servers so frequently or manage other VPN settings if you are using it through a router.
Then there is an option of using a VPN add-on for Kodi. Yes, you can find a VPN add on as well. It will allow you to manage VPN settings from Kodi itself.
However, we would not recommend one using them. There are quite a few disadvantages of using a VPN add on. The biggest issue is that it will not provide that secure of a perimeter around your connection as you will get with a conventional VPN application.
Another issue will be compatibility over different devices and platforms. There will be fewer options in VPN settings, and you will not be able to use it to its full potential.
There are VPN services which advertise the fact that they are compatible with Kodi and you will find a few more ways to get VPN for Kodi. Not all VPN services are available for Kodi, and source addresses will be different for ones which are.
If you subscribe to one such service, you can simply follow instructions given in their guides and enjoy Kodi without worrying about data monitoring or geo restrictions.
Choosing a VPN for Kodi
VPN services vary a lot in prices and the quality of service they provide. The basic idea behind a virtual private network is to encrypt your internet traffic and then redirect it through private servers owned.
There are a few other factors around this process which have also got a role to dictate the quality of service uses will get.
Let us discuss what you need to keep in mind before getting a VPN service for Kodi.
Protocol and encryption
As we discussed earlier, the primary reason for using a VPN service for Kodi is to stay safe from any copyright notices and monitoring by third parties. It is not an easy task to be a regular user of Kodi and not come across a fishy add-on.
It is simple enough to identify some of them, and you can exclude them, but some will seem like there is nothing wrong with them. You should always research about add-ons before installing them.
However, just one faulty add-on is sufficient to land you in trouble. If the VPN service has a strong enough encryption and a secure protocol, you may not need to worry a lot about such issues.
Strong encryption will not allow others to know what you are doing on the internet, while a secure protocol will not let them see what websites you are visiting.
AES 256-bit is the strongest encryption available, and virtually impossible to beat. However, it also requires relatively more processing power and affects speed as well. AES 128-bit is robust encryption as well, and it does not require as many resources as AES 256-bit.
You can look for a VPN service which offers both so that you can switch between them as per your needs.
When it comes to protocol, OpenVPN is considered the best. VPN services tend to offer multiple protocols. You should try to make sure that you get one which includes OpenVPN.
There will be a few which will have their proprietary protocols. You need to do some thorough research before getting one of these.
Server locations
People majorly use Kodi for streaming purposes. They watch movies, shows, sports events, etc. Kodi is among the most convenient ways to get your hands on such a wide array of content.
You can access all of this content by using add-ons available for Kodi. Those who allow content without any restrictions maybe using unlawful ways to get your content.
Those who don’t violate any copyright laws make it difficult for you to stream content because of various restrictions applicable to the content. The biggest issue being Geo-restrictions.
Well, a VPN lets you mask your actual location and make it appear to be something else. You can use this feature of virtual private networks to make services believe you are accessing content from some other location.
The VPN service will redirect your traffic through one of their servers in some other part of the words to make you look as if you are in that part. This is where it becomes crucial that you get a service which has a lot of servers and in a lot of places around the world.
Servers in a lot of different locations will help make sure that you always have an option to change location in case it is not allowed by a service. Multiple locations will make sure that you get more server options in your vicinity.
When a service has a lot of servers or high bandwidth servers for these locations, you will get a better quality of service. There will be lesser chances of traffic bottleneck, and you will get to stream content without any hiccups.
Compatibility
There won’t be a point of getting an excellent VPN service which won’t work with Kodi. Compatibility may not be much big of a concern if you use Kodi on your desktop.
Most VPN services work on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can install it on your desktop and then watch content on Kodi.
You need to be watchful if you use Kodi on your SmartTV. There are a few ways you can get a VPN to work with Kodi in this case.
If the VPN service works with the Wi-Fi router, then you can directly connect your Smart TV to a VPN router and then use Kodi on it.
If not, then you will have to look for Kodi compatibility specifically.
Speed
A high-speed internet connection is essential if you want to stream quality content on Kodi. There will always be some speed reduction and increase in latency when you use a VPN.
However, the magnitude of reduction in speed varies from one service to another. You should try to get a VPN service which does not run into latency issues while providing services in your region.
The same service may perform differently in different parts of the world. Be careful to check how well it does for your region.
Privacy
‘Data is the new oil’ holds even when you are only using Kodi. There are a lot of parties who want to know what it is that you do online.
Specific add-ons on Kodi ask users to pair their IPs with their parent site. They claim this to verify IPs, but that is not always the case.
Some harmful add-ons may use it as a way to get into your system.
We just mentioned how a virtual private network does not allow others to monitor your online activities by masking your IP address.
The VPN service provider may know all about your online activities as they are the ones redirecting it. You should get a VPN service which follows a strict no-logs policy.
It means that they don’t log any information related to your activities while you are using their services. It will make sure that no one will be able to get to your data as it simply does not exist.
Additional features
There are some features which further enhance the quality of service when it comes to VPNs. You can consider these factors when you are confused between some good ones.
A kill switch will stop any internet traffic if your VPN connection goes down. It prevents your data from accidentally leaking on the internet. It is quite uncommon of good VPN services to miss this feature, and you should always scout for this on a service.
Another useful feature can be browser extensions. Sometimes they make life a lot easier by providing VPN features within the browser.
You can make sure that the VPN service has IPv6 leak protection as well.