Kodi Streaming is a free open source multimedia software platform for streaming video, music, games and much more. Kodi is compatible with OSX, iOS, Android, Windows and Linux, but offers zero content, so you’re left to rely on others to provide plug-ins and additional components.
Let’s take a look at the best VPNs for Kodi in 2018 that will protect your privacy and security without slowing down and ruining your streaming experience. We will run through which VPNs have apps for which devices so be sure to find a good fit for your favorite device. The VPNs on this list should help you have fun with Kodi knowing that your ISP or hackers are not spying on your business.
Kodi, the multi-platform home theater software called XBMC, can be customized with a range of content repositories, tools and programs for a tailor-made entertainment experience. It overlays any computer, Android device and even Raspberry Pis with an easy-to-use interface compatible with remote controls and gamepads.
The real charm of Kodi lies in addons that extend Kodi’s capabilities. That is to say, video addons allow Kodi users to play videos from a wide range of sources. These include popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer and third-party add-ons that mainly offer pirated content. Most Kodi users use a VPN to hide their activity from their ISP when viewing pirated content, but there are many valid reasons why everyone should use one.
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts all Internet traffic on your Kodi device and routes it through an intermediate server to a location of your choice. This allows you to unlock geographically limited content such as BBC iPlayer outside the UK. It also protects users from certain types of attacks and common vulnerabilities in third-party add-ons while maintaining their private activity.
Many VPNs are available, but we have narrowed down a list of four that we believe are the best VPNs for Kodi users. We will note the types of devices compatible with each VPN, including Android and OpenELEC.
We have chosen the best VPN for Kodi based on the following criteria:
- Speed and reliability
- Security and registration policy
- Compatibility with a range of Kodi devices
- Ease of configuration and use
Our 2018 list of the best VPN for Kodi is this :
IP Vanish
IPVanish is our best recommendation for Android-based Kodi devices, including Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. For users who do not have access to Google Play, IPVanish allows you to simply download the APK file from your website and install it directly on your device without having to go through an app store. IPVanish now lists its app in the Fire TV app store via Amazon and, at the time of writing, is the only one on this list to do so. Linux users, however, will need to manually configure the VPN.
The Fire TV version is optimized for use with the Fire Stick remote control, making it easy to set up and connect to the chosen server. There are over 1,000 servers to choose from, with fast and reliable service for most locations around the world. You will also get solid security thanks to 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy.
IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider that is considered a Tier-1 network with connections in over sixty countries. They provide extremely high speeds even when streaming on mobile devices. Their customers are specifically designed to reflect their desktop counterparts and do not keep track of your browsing. They have the maximum security and protection protocols for safe use on any private or public network.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android and Fire TV.
Express VPN
ExpressVPN is an excellent all-round choice for Kodi users, promising high speeds and reliable service. A Linux version of the app with a command line interface is available, although we have not yet tested it with OpenELEC. A version optimized for Fire TV is available in the Amazon app store. A disadvantage for users with Android-based Kodi devices is that they can not easily download the APK from the website without first authorizing their account. This means that devices without Google Play and a traditional web browser will need to move the app from a second Android device. ExpressVPN also has a tutorial to be configured with Nvidia Shield on its website.
ExpressVPN is a reliable unlock of geo-lock services, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now and HBO Go. It features best-in-class security standards, 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy between them .
Express VPN is apparently the pioneer of the VPN market and provides exceptional coverage while streaming with connections in over seventy-eight countries that are fast and secure. They also offer up to three connections at any time from multiple devices and do not store usage logs and often make a connection log dump. They are a little more expensive than others, but it’s worth it.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux (command line) and some WiFi routers. If your Kodi device does not support VPNs at all, the ExpressVPN pre-flashing Wi-Fi routers with the company’s customized firmware may be just what you’re looking for.
Private VPN
PrivateVPN is a small provider that is a great success thanks to its ability to unlock almost everything you can launch on it, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix. A relative newcomer does not have a large amount of servers, but those that are distributed over a good range of countries and offer incredible speeds. Security and registration policies are what you would expect from a much larger provider, so you can rest assured that your ISP and hackers will not be able to browse your business.
Android users can get the APK file directly from the PrivateVPN website. There is no app yet for Linux, but manual configuration is an option.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android
Cyber Ghost
CyberGhost classifies its servers not only by location, but via which the video streaming service to which the user wishes to access. This is useful for users who use Kodi for streaming from official sources like BBC iPlayer. Unfortunately, there are no apps for Linux and the Android version is only available from Google Play. This means that devices running on OpenELEC or a version of Android that does not have Google Play will need to manually configure the CyberGhost servers.
By the way, CyberGhost has become quite good at unlocking the streaming channels lately, and has added a large number of servers to its ever-expanding network. Speeds are solid and safety is tight.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android.
How to use a VPN with Kodi
On smartphones and PCs, the easiest way to use a VPN with Kodi is to install the VPN provider app. To do this, you will need to minimize Kodi and install it on the underlying operating system. Simply download the app from the provider’s website, log in with your account credentials, select a location and press the Connect button. Once the connection is established, open Kodi and use it as you normally would. All traffic on your device will be tunneled through the VPN.