Danica Djokic
Updated on: October 14, 2025
Fact-checked by Paige Henley
-
🥇 ExpressVPN
: It works with Kodi 100% of the time, is compatible with 100+ streaming services, and supports streaming on all servers. It has super-fast speeds for lag-free streaming of Kodi add-ons, top-notch security features, and comes with user-friendly apps. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users.
I’m a big fan of Kodi, and I use it daily, but I still can’t overlook its drawbacks. For me, the biggest downside is that some Kodi add-ons log your IP address, which is not great for your privacy. On top of that, buffering and connection drops during streaming are really frustrating, especially when trying to watch in 4K. Plus, Kodi’s streaming capabilities and regional content access are limited without a proper VPN.
Luckily, a VPN can solve this, but not all VPNs are good for Kodi. Many don’t work with the media player software and have slow speeds. What’s more, most VPNs lack essential security features to protect your privacy when you use Kodi.
I spent a couple of weeks testing VPNs, and I found the best ones for Kodi. ExpressVPN is my top choice, as it reliably works with Kodi, is compatible with 100+ streaming services, and has the fastest speeds on the market. That said, all the other VPNs on my list are also good choices for Kodi.
Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Why Use a VPN for Kodi?
First and foremost, a VPN protects your online privacy. It encrypts your Kodi traffic, making your data unreadable to others — including your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This means nobody can see what you’re streaming or when. A VPN also hides your IP address, so your Kodi activity can’t be traced back to you.
A VPN can also prevent your ISP from slowing down your connection during high-quality streaming. Because your ISP can’t tell what you’re doing online, it won’t throttle your speeds, helping to reduce buffering and connection drops.
Another key advantage is access to Kodi add-ons. Many add-ons adjust content based on your IP location. VPNs change your IP address to one from the server location you connect to. This means that a VPN can access any Kodi add-on content library that it has a location for.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Kodi.
Last but not least, many top VPNs come with an ad, tracker, and malware blocker that helps protect you from malicious third-party Kodi add-ons that may try to infect your device with malware.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Kodi
The VPNs on this list have strict no-logging policies, which means no one knows what you do while connected to the VPN. That means you, the user, must ensure you’re adhering to all laws and regulations. Safety Detectives staff does not encourage or condone copyright infringement.
October 2025 update: We’ve added pros and cons for each VPN and more detailed desktop and mobile installation steps. We’ve also added a section on common Kodi problems and fixes to help you troubleshoot issues quickly.
Editor’s Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Kodi
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for Kodi, as it reliably works with Kodi add-ons and has the fastest speeds on the market. It also has a vast server network in 105 countries and works with 100+ streaming services.
- Fastest speeds for streaming
- Accesses 100+ streaming sites
- Has a dedicated router app
- P2P support on all servers
- Apps not customizable
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol provided me with incredible speeds on all platforms I tested. HD videos loaded instantly and played right away without any interruptions — and I didn’t experience buffering when I skipped through them. For Windows, I found that ExpressVPN Turbo further boosted my speeds, making Kodi streaming even smoother.
I also love using ExpressVPN with Kodi because it reliably works with popular Kodi add-ons, like Netflix, Hulu, and Max, as well as less popular streaming add-ons, like Crackle. Plus, it allows P2P traffic on every single one of its servers, which makes it great for torrent streaming using add-ons like Elementum.
And I like that you get split-tunneling. This feature increases your VPN speeds by allowing you to choose which apps use ExpressVPN and which apps use your local network. I was able to route all of my Kodi traffic through the VPN while the rest of my internet traffic went through my ISP, so I could use sites that require my location, like delivery services.
The VPN even has a dedicated router app, which is really easy to install and use — with it, you can use ExpressVPN on devices that don’t support VPN apps but run the Kodi app, like Xbox consoles. On top of that, it offers MediaStreamer, a smart DNS service that doesn’t encrypt your connection but helps maintain full streaming speeds.
ExpressVPN is also really user-friendly. I particularly like its Shortcuts feature, which allows you to create a 1-click shortcut for the Kodi app, which appears on your screen immediately after you connect to ExpressVPN. I like the Smart Location feature, too, which automatically connects you to the fastest server.
Finally, I like that ExpressVPN comes with Advanced Protection. It includes a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker that can help keep Kodi streaming safe and smooth. It blocks intrusive ads and pop-ups from third-party add-ons, prevents malicious links that mimic Kodi sites, and reduces interruptions while you’re watching your favorite content.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is definitely the best VPN for Kodi — it has a large server network, works with Kodi without issues, and has the fastest speeds on the market. It also has excellent streaming support and additional features, like split-tunneling, a dedicated router app, and a built-in ad blocker.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. CyberGhost VPN — Optimized Streaming Servers for Kodi Add-Ons & Automation Options
CyberGhost VPN is excellent for streaming on Kodi. It has dedicated streaming servers in 20+ countries that consistently work with 50+ services, including popular Kodi add-ons for Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and a bunch more. I used CyberGhost’s optimized streaming servers to access Kodi add-ons, and they consistently provided smooth, buffer-free playback. It also has dedicated P2P servers in 85+ countries for streaming torrents.
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Dedicated torrenting servers
- Auto-connect options
- Good ad blocker
- Split-tunneling on Android only
- 7 device connections
CyberGhost has a large server network with servers in 100 countries, so you’re less likely to encounter overcrowded servers and will have an easier time finding a nearby server for fast speeds.
I really like CyberGhost’s automation options, which make it easier to manage how and when you use Kodi. Its Smart Rules feature allows you to customize CyberGhost’s launch settings. For instance, I was able to set up Kodi to open automatically after connecting to a CyberGhost server. Another smart rule I recommend is to set up CyberGhost to automatically launch when you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network so that you can safely use Kodi on public networks.
I also like that CyberGhost comes with a smart DNS feature, so you can use it on any device where you have Kodi that doesn’t support VPNs. It also has an ad blocker called Content Blocker, which blocks fake download links that imitate Kodi’s site or malicious sites with dangerous Kodi add-ons. However, its split-tunneling tool is limited to Android only, whereas ExpressVPN offers this feature on multiple platforms.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN offers excellent streaming support, featuring dedicated servers for numerous Kodi streaming add-ons, including Netflix and Disney+. It also has excellent automation tools with its Smart Rules feature that allows you to personalize its launch settings. Moreover, CyberGhost has dedicated P2P servers, a large server network, and a good ad blocker.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editor’s Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. NordVPN — Advanced Security Features for Kodi & Malware Scanner
NordVPN is a great choice for Kodi users who stream from various add-ons and want extra privacy. Its Double VPN feature encrypts your traffic twice, which is especially useful if you’re using Kodi on shared networks. It also offers specialty servers — P2P servers in 110+ countries handle high-bandwidth Kodi add-ons with ease, while obfuscated servers are ideal if you’re in a region where VPN use is restricted or monitored.
- Large server network
- Detects malicious Kodi add-ons
- Kodi-optimized add-on
- Only 10+ streaming apps
- macOS app lacks unified features
NordVPN protects your Kodi traffic with full leak protection and an excellent ad blocker and tracker blocker (via Threat Protection). It also does a good job detecting malicious Kodi add-ons via File Protection, which scans any files you download for malware.
It has decent streaming support, too. It reliably works with 10+ streaming platforms, including Kodi add-ons for streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Moreover, NordVPN provides excellent speeds for streaming on Kodi, thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. That said, ExpressVPN is better for streaming as it works with way more streaming services.
NordVPN is the only VPN on this list that comes with a dedicated Kodi add-on. However, the NordVPN add-on works for older versions of Kodi (version 18.x or prior).
I also like how user-friendly NordVPN’s apps are. It comes with an interactive map with location bulbs. You can use the map to see where all the servers are located, so you can pick a nearby server to get the best streaming speed for Kodi add-ons.
Expired
Bottom Line:
NordVPN comes with advanced security features, including specialty servers, and a useful malware scanner that protects you from malware-infected downloads. It has fast speeds, a large server network, good streaming support, and an interactive server map. Plus, it has a Kodi-optimized add-on for older Kodi versions.
4. Surfshark — User-Friendly Apps for Kodi With Unlimited Connections
Surfshark has user-friendly apps that pretty much anyone can use. They have an intuitive design that makes it quick and easy to find the fastest server for Kodi — you can connect to a local server, a server in a nearby country, and any servers you recently used in just 1 click. Plus, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for multi-device streaming on Kodi — you can enjoy your favorite add-ons on your TV, phone, and computer at the same time.
- Beginner-friendly apps
- Unlimited connections
- Automatically rotates IP
- Slow speeds on distant servers
- Only DNS leak protection
This VPN reliably works with Kodi add-ons, including add-ons for Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu. It also supports P2P file sharing on all of its servers. That said, I still prefer ExpressVPN, as it’s compatible with 100+ streaming services.
Surfshark offers an ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker (CleanWeb) that’s especially useful for free add-ons that may carry ads or are potentially malicious. I also really like its IP Rotator feature, which regularly changes your IP address without dropping the VPN connection, providing you with more privacy while using Kodi.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark has intuitive apps for Kodi users and unlimited connections. It has great streaming and torrenting support, an excellent ad blocker, and an IP Rotator feature for more privacy.
Read the full Surfshark review
5. PrivateVPN — Minimalistic VPN for Streaming Kodi & Great P2P Support
PrivateVPN has simple apps that don’t come with too many extra features. Although this means there isn’t as much functionality and customization available, you won’t have to deal with a cluttered or confusing interface every time you want to protect your Kodi traffic. Plus, beginners won’t have any issues navigating the apps and will just need a couple of clicks to secure their Kodi activities.
- Minimalistic design
- Port-forwarding & SOCKS5
- App-specific kill switch
- No split-tunneling
- Small server network
PrivateVPN has great P2P support for torrent-based Kodi add-ons. I really like that port forwarding is automatically enabled, so you can easily connect to more peers and get faster download speeds. Plus, every server has a SOCKS5 proxy for smoother streaming. With P2P allowed on all 63 countries’ servers, you’ll always find a fast option.
I like that PrivateVPN works with popular Kodi add-ons, such as the ones for Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. But ExpressVPN works with many more streaming services, and allows torrenting in 105 countries.
This provider comes with an app-based kill switch called Application Guard (on Windows and Mac). Unlike other kill switches, Application Guard shuts down only selected apps, such as the Kodi app, if the VPN connection drops. This is useful because you may not want to disrupt all of your online activities if your VPN fails.
Bottom Line:
PrivateVPN has a minimalistic design, which isn’t overwhelming for those who are new to VPNs and use Kodi. It has a decent-sized server network, an excellent P2P support, an app-specific kill switch, and it works with 20+ Kodi add-ons.
Read the full PrivateVPN review
Quick Comparison Table
Editor’s Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To determine the top VPNs for Kodi, I followed SafetyDetectives’s proven testing methodology. Each VPN was evaluated for how good they are for streaming and compatibility with Kodi add-ons. Factors I emphasized in my analysis included speed, security, and ease of use. Here are the criteria I used to choose the VPNs that made my list and how I ranked them.
- I chose VPNs that work reliably with Kodi & popular Kodi add-ons. All of the VPNs on this list work with official Kodi add-ons from top streaming services, such as Netflix.
- I looked for a VPN with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds because they encrypt your traffic. However, the VPNs I chose are still able to maintain fast enough speeds to stream (and torrent stream) HD content on Kodi without buffering.
- I considered each VPN’s ease of use and device compatibility. Good VPNs have intuitive designs and convenience features like a quick-connect feature, which makes it easier to find the fastest server for streaming on Kodi. The VPNs I recommend here also have apps for all major OS (operating systems) where you might use Kodi.
- I picked VPNs with strong security features. The VPNs I recommend have industry-standard security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops to prevent accidental data leaks, and a strict no-logs policy. All of these make sure your Kodi activities remain private.
- I assessed every VPN’s overall value. I only recommend VPNs that come with lots of useful extra features for streaming on Kodi, like a smart DNS tool, split-tunneling, and/or an ad blocker, and have affordable plans that are backed by a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Set Up & Use a VPN for Kodi (Step-By-Step Guides)
PC or Mac
- Download and install a VPN that works well with Kodi. Follow the installation wizard’s instructions, and the app will download in less than 2 minutes. I recommend installing ExpressVPN since it has user-friendly apps for PC and Mac computers and works with Kodi add-ons 100% of the time.
Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group. - Launch the VPN app. Then, log into your account, and connect to a server of your choice. Editor’s Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
- Open the Kodi app. Now you can enjoy any Kodi add-ons with the protection of a VPN. Always make sure your VPN is connected before using Kodi.
Android or iOS
- Download and install the VPN. Search for the VPN in the Apple or Google Play store and download it. Don’t forget to pick a VPN that’s good for streaming on Kodi. ExpressVPN is a great choice with industry-leading speeds and intuitive mobile apps.
- Once installed, sign in and connect to a nearby server. To safely access a specific Kodi add-on, make sure you connect to a server in the region where it’s available.
- Launch the Kodi app. Open any add-on and enjoy streaming on your mobile!
Amazon Fire Stick
- Choose a good Kodi VPN that works with Amazon Fire Stick. I recommend ExpressVPN since it has a convenient Fire Stick app.
- Download the app. Follow the installation wizard instructions to install it in only a few minutes.
- Sign in to your account. Log in with your credentials and then choose a server to connect to.
- Open Kodi. Launch the Kodi app and enjoy streaming on a big screen.
Smart TV
- Choose a VPN with a router app. Since many smart TVs don’t support VPN apps, the VPN you choose needs to work on your router. ExpressVPN is the best choice since it has a simple router app for easy setup.
- Follow the VPN’s instructions to install it on your router. Most VPNs have easy-to-follow guides for the different types of compatible routers.
- Connect to a server. I recommend choosing a nearby server for fast speeds.
- Open the Kodi app. Now you’re all set to watch Kodi on your Smart TV!
Gaming Console
- Choose a VPN with router support. Gaming consoles don’t have native VPN apps, so you’ll need to set the VPN up on your router.
- Install the VPN on your router. The VPN you choose will most likely have simple tutorials for various routers on its website. ExpressVPN has a convenient router app. Then, connect to a server to finish the connection process.
- Launch the Kodi app. Open the Kodi app and connect to the add-on of your choice.
Router
- Choose a router-compatible VPN. ExpressVPN is my top choice since it has a native router app and works great with devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast that require a router setup to work with a VPN.
- Install the VPN on your router. This is easiest with a router app (ExpressVPN has a great one), but manual setup is also pretty straightforward with the helpful guides and tutorials on VPN websites.
- Connect to a fast server. A server near your location is the best choice for fast, stable connections.
- Launch the Kodi app. Now you can stream on Kodi on all devices.
Should I Install a VPN via an APK File?
Installing a VPN via an APK file can be a practical solution on Android devices that don’t have access to Google Play, but it does come with risks. Before using this method, make sure you’re only downloading the file from the VPN website (never third-party websites); otherwise, you risk downloading an outdated version of the app or infecting your device with malware. It’s a good idea to have an antivirus app running on your device if you choose this method.
There are safer options, though. First, you could “sideload” the app from another device. Doing this is easy: download the app on an Android device that is connected to the Google Play store, then transfer the app to the non-connected device. Or, you could connect via a router, such as by using ExpressVPN’s user-friendly router app.
What Devices Does Kodi Work With?
Kodi can be installed on desktop computers and smartphones, but most people prefer using it on their TV. However, Kodi doesn’t come installed on most TVs, so you’ll need to use one of two methods to access Kodi on a TV: a router setup or a Kodi box.
A “Kodi box” is an external device that connects to a TV and runs the Kodi media player software. Android boxes (like the Amazon Fire TV Cube) are the most popular thanks to their ease of access and user-friendly interface — you can easily install Kodi from the official app store on these. On the other hand, Linux-based boxes, such as those powered by Raspberry Pi, offer more customization and are preferred by tech enthusiasts for their flexibility and open-source code.
While Kodi boxes are great, it’s important to be wary of illegal “fully loaded” Kodi boxes. These are often sold with pre-loaded pirated content and unauthorized add-ons that stream copyrighted material without permission. Not only is using these boxes for accessing pirated content illegal, but they may also contain malware.
Is Kodi Legal?
Kodi itself is completely legal, as are Kodi boxes and utilizing any of Kodi’s officially sanctioned add-ons, which you can find on its website.
However, it’s illegal in most places to use third-party add-ons with Kodi that allow you to stream or access copyrighted content without the permission of the copyright holder.
Note that some devices sold by third-party retailers come with these illegal add-ons pre-installed (sometimes referred to as “fully-loaded” Kodi boxes), so just because the add-on came with your Kodi box doesn’t mean that everything on it is legal.
To make sure you’re on the right side of the law, I recommend sticking to official add-ons and considering a fresh install on your device(s). As a bonus, this also protects you from any malware that might be hidden on Kodi boxes sold by third parties.
The legality of streaming pirated content may vary from country to country, but neither I nor anyone of my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condones copyright infringement, so we urge you to check local laws and regulations before accessing any potentially copyrighted content on Kodi via a third-party add-on.
Common Kodi Streaming Problems & Fixes
Kodi users often face a few common streaming issues, but most of them are easy to fix:
- Buffering. Usually caused by slow internet or overcrowded servers — switching to a nearby VPN server or lowering stream quality can help.
- Restricted access. Some Kodi add-ons are restricted by region, so connecting to a VPN server in the supported country lets you access them.
- ISP throttling. Internet providers sometimes slow down streaming traffic, but a VPN encrypts your data so your ISP can’t see or limit your Kodi activity.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Private Internet Access. Private Internet Access has fast speeds, strong security features, and excellent streaming support. However, its support reps confirmed it doesn’t work with Kodi.
- IPVanish. IPVanish has pretty fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and additional features like split-tunneling. That said, the VPN provider provides poor streaming support, so it’s not a good pick for Kodi.
- Proton VPN. Proton VPN offers excellent security features, user-friendly apps, and works with Kodi add-ons for streaming sites. However, it isn’t as fast as the other VPNs on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for Kodi?
ExpressVPN is my top choice for Kodi. It reliably works with Kodi and is compatible with 100+ streaming services, including Kodi streaming add-ons for Netflix and Hulu. What’s more, it has the fastest speeds on the market, strong security and privacy features, and user-friendly apps for all major platforms.
Can I use a free VPN to stream on Kodi?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Most free VPNs aren’t compatible with Kodi and have poor streaming support and slow speeds. Moreover, they lack security features to protect your data while streaming on Kodi.
Instead, I recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, as it reliably works with Kodi and has the fastest speeds on the market. It also works with 100+ streaming services and has strong security features.
Will using a VPN with Kodi slow down my speeds?
All VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption-decryption process and the distance between you and the VPN server. That said, top Kodi VPNs (like the ones on my list) minimize the speed loss and maintain good speeds for Kodi.
I recommend using ExpressVPN since it’s the fastest VPN on the market. In my tests, HD videos loaded instantly and I didn’t experience any buffering when I skipped through them.
Should I use Real Debrid or a VPN for Kodi?
Real Debrid and a VPN do different things. Real Debrid helps you find working and high-quality streaming sources on Kodi. On the other hand, a VPN is a tool that keeps Kodi traffic secure and maintains your online anonymity. It does this by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet connection, which makes it so that nobody can see what you’re doing on Kodi via any add-ons (this includes Real Debrid, which logs your streaming activity). I always recommend using a VPN when streaming on Kodi.
How can I fix buffering issues with Kodi and VPN?
The easiest way to fix buffering is to use a fast, reliable VPN. Slow connections are often the main cause of buffering when streaming Kodi. ExpressVPN’s high-speed servers and Lightway protocol help reduce lag and load videos almost instantly.
You can also try connecting to a server closer to your location or one optimized for streaming to further improve performance. Additionally, make sure no other apps are using your bandwidth while watching Kodi to keep your connection smooth.
Which Kodi add-ons work best with VPNs?
Most Kodi add-ons work well with any good VPN, like the ones I listed. For torrent-based add-ons, choose a VPN with strong P2P support, like PrivateVPN or NordVPN. For fast streaming and minimal buffering, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent choices.
Make sure your VPN is connected before opening Kodi, and pick servers optimized for streaming when possible to get smooth playback on all your favorite add-ons.
