Penka Hristovska
Updated on: May 7, 2025
Fact-checked by Eric Goldstein
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🥇 ExpressVPN
: ExpressVPN supports streaming and torrenting on its entire server network, which lets you privately use Stremio add-ons like Netflix and IPTV and P2P add-ons like Torrentio. It maintains the fastest speeds, is ultra-secure, and works with Real-Debrid.
As someone who uses both Stremio and VPNs, I know it can be tricky to find one that works. However, I’ve spent many hours testing the top VPNs to find the best ones for all kinds of Stremio users.
The VPNs I recommend work well with Stremio streaming and torrenting add-ons such as TorBox and TVPass, and they can access your Stremio library from anywhere. They also all have excellent security features. My favorite is ExpressVPN as it’s the fastest and offers intuitive apps for all of the popular operating systems, but the rest are also great picks. Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Stremio in 2025
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Stremio in 2025
Approved by our experts
ExpressVPN is my top choice for using Stremio. It has a massive server network in 105 countries and maintains consistently fast speeds, which make it ideal for privately streaming high-quality content on Stremio. In my tests, ExpressVPN maintained smooth HD playback across multiple devices without buffering, thanks in large part to its lightweight proprietary Lightway protocol.
- Works with all Stremio add-ons
- Best streaming speeds
- Works with Real-Debrid
- Supports torrenting on all servers
- Port forwarding on the router only
ExpressVPN works with a variety of popular streaming add-ons for Stremio, such as YouTube and Twitch, where I was able to watch videos without any issues. The VPN works with 100+ streaming apps and is compatible with add-ons like Debrid Search and Streaming Catalogs.
ExpressVPN supports P2P traffic on all servers, so I didn’t have to waste time hunting for a specific location to get torrenting add-ons to work. Its servers worked with all top P2P add-ons like Torrentio, and I downloaded files virtually as fast as with my standard connection.
I also like how easy it is to use on any device. ExpressVPN has native apps for every major platform, but it also offers a smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer, which is especially helpful if you’re watching Stremio on a smart TV or gaming console that doesn’t support installing VPN apps directly.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN’s speeds and reliability make it the best fit for Stremio. The VPN works with all types of streaming and P2P add-ons and supports streaming and torrenting on all servers. It has apps for all devices, and you can even use it on devices that don’t support VPNs via its smart DNS feature.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Torrenting Add-Ons on Stremio
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great pick if you prefer torrenting add-ons on Stremio. PIA offers port forwarding, which lets your device connect to more P2P users sharing the same video file. This can speed up streaming and make playback smoother by giving the add-on better access to video sources on Stremio.
- Highly customizable for speed
- Port forwarding for Stremio
- Great streaming support
- P2P support on all servers
- More suitable for advanced users
- Not many automation features
All of PIA’s servers in 91 countries support P2P traffic, so there’s no need to switch specific locations to find a torrent-friendly one. In my tests, I was able to stream and download content from torrent-based Stremio add-ons, with no slowdowns or interruptions.
The VPN also worked well for me with a variety of popular streaming add-ons such as Netflix and IPTV. The VPN can access several Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Max libraries via the add-ons on Stremio and works with 30+ streaming apps — all are accessible through Stremio. That said, ExpressVPN works with 100+ streaming add-ons.
My favorite part about PIA is that it gives you a high level of control over its features, which you can use to optimize your speeds for streaming on Stremio. For example, you can opt for the slightly faster 128-bit AES encryption over the default 256-bit AES encryption. The latter is slightly more secure, but the 128-bit encryption will boost your speed on very slow public Wi-Fi networks or if you’re using a really old device.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access is a great option for those who mostly use Stremio with torrenting add-ons. It supports P2P traffic on all servers and has port forwarding for boosting speeds. It’s also a really good option for more advanced users who like to customize their VPN settings to get the most out of it in terms of performance.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Excellent for 1-Click Secure Streaming
CyberGhost VPN is one of the most user-friendly VPNs for Stremio and has great automation, making it ideal for less technical users or anyone who wants a plug-and-play Stremio experience.
- Useful automation for Stremio
- Very simple apps
- Streaming-optimized servers
- Doesn’t work in restricted regions
- Doesn’t work in restricted regions
This is all thanks to its Smart Rules feature, which lets you automate all of your connections for Stremio. I was able to set it up so the app automatically connected to a VPN server the moment I opened Stremio. The app can also be set up to automatically open your Stremio app after you connect to a specific server (like a streaming or P2P server) for a truly hands-off experience.
CyberGhost also has dedicated streaming and torrenting server locations, located in different tabs for easy access. The streaming servers work with all top add-ons on Stremio like Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, and its P2P-dedicated servers work with add-ons like Torrentio and the Real Debrid downloader. Still, I prefer how ExpressVPN doesn’t limit you to a certain server location number for streaming and torrenting add-ons.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost is an excellent pick if simplicity and set-it-and-forget-it convenience are what you’re after for your Stremio experience. The VPN makes it very simple to automate all your connections to Stremio on desktop, and it’s got streaming-optimized and dedicated P2P servers that work with all popular Stremio add-ons.
Read our full CyberGhost review
4. NordVPN — Access Your Stremio Setup From Anywhere
NordVPN is a great VPN for remotely accessing your home Stremio setup, thanks to its handy Meshnet feature. It allows you to connect all of your devices over an encrypted network, so you can connect to your home PC from your work PC and access all of your Stremio add-ons from anywhere.
- Remotely access home Stremio setup
- Fast proprietary NordLynx protocol
- Real-Debrid compatible
- Not all servers support P2P
- No obfuscation on iOS
NordVPN works very well with a variety of streaming platforms and Stremio streaming add-ons. It can access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon’s Prime Video, and more with no issues, thanks to NordVPN’s fast and secure proprietary NordLynx protocol.
NordVPN supports torrenting on almost all servers, and they work with Stremio’s torrenting add-ons. The servers are clearly labeled and kept in a separate tab in the app, so it’s very easy to find them — though I think it’s more convenient when the VPN supports P2P on all servers, like ExpressVPN. NordVPN also works well with Real-Debrid and its add-ons for Stremio.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is a great pick for accessing your Stremio setup from any location, thanks to its unique Meshnet feature. It works with a decent number of streaming platforms you can access through Stremio add-ons, and it’s got a good P2P server network for securely using torrenting add-ons on Stremio.
5. Surfshark — Great for Stremio Users on Android
Surfshark is a great VPN for Stremio users on Android, thanks to its unique Override GPS Location feature. This tool syncs your device’s GPS data with your VPN location, which allows the VPN to access region-specific add-ons and streaming sources on Stremio. I tested this on my phone, and the GPS tool worked flawlessly with Stremio.
- Works with region-specific add-ons
- Great add-on compatibility on Stremio
- Access Stremio on restricted networks
- Limited P2P-compatible servers
- Slower speeds on distant servers
Surfshark supports streaming on 50+ streaming apps, and it works with their Stremio add-ons without issues. These include add-ons like Netflix, Apple TV, IPTV, and Amazon Prime, among others.
The VPN has torrenting support, too, which allows it to work with popular torrenting add-ons like Torrentio, but I find it a lot more convenient not having to search for a P2P-supported server, as you can on competitors like ExpressVPN, which allow torrenting on all servers.
Bottom Line:
If you primarily use Stremio on Android, Surfshark would be one of my top picks. It has a built-in GPS tool on Android that lets you access region-locked add-ons on Stremio, it works with many streaming add-ons on the app, and it supports P2P traffic on half of its network.
Read our full Surfshark review
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I used our proven testing methodology to guarantee I only recommend VPNs that meet our strict standards. Stremio and its add-ons can be picky and problematic with VPN services, so it’s essential to find good, reliable options that will work without any problems. Here’s how I went about finding the best VPN candidates for Stremio:
- I made sure the VPNs offer fast speeds for streaming on Stremio. I evaluated whether speeds were fast enough for watching HD content, and whether there was buffering, lag, or connection drops during real-world Stremio use. All VPNs I recommend passed with flying colors, but ExpressVPN was the fastest and most reliable overall.
- I focused on VPNs with P2P support. Since many of Stremio’s add-ons rely on peer-to-peer connections, I made sure each VPN allows torrenting on a broad selection of servers. I tested P2P functionality across multiple regions to confirm reliable performance and broad accessibility.
- I evaluated ease of use across multiple devices. Stremio runs on a wide range of platforms, so I made sure the VPN apps worked seamlessly on popular platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. I also gave points for clean and easily understandable interfaces, intuitive navigation, and auto-connection features that streamlined the process of staying connected to a VPN.
- I looked for VPNs with strong security and privacy features. To protect user data and hide streaming activity from unwanted bad actors online, I required each VPN to use a no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and have a reliable kill switch. These tools ensure that even if the connection drops, your real IP address and personal data stay protected.
- I searched for both features and value. Every VPN on my list not only has an excellent feature set for Stremio, but also comes with an affordable price tag and a money-back guarantee so you can test out how well it works on Stremio.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Proton VPN: Proton VPN has strong privacy features and dedicated P2P servers, which can be beneficial for torrenting through Stremio. However, its streaming performance was inconsistent in my tests compared to the VPNs I recommend, so I couldn’t stream HD content reliably on all of its servers.
- PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN has good streaming support and works with top streaming add-ons on Stremio. It also supports P2P on all servers for torrenting add-ons on Stremio. That said, the smaller server selection means you’ll be more limited compared to the top picks on my list.
- IPVanish: IPVanish has fast streaming speeds and robust security protocols, making it suitable for general streaming. However, it can’t access some streaming services like Disney+, which can limit access to specific Stremio add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VPN with Stremio?
No, but I strongly recommend using a good VPN with Stremio, especially if you plan to use third-party or unofficial add-ons. A VPN helps protect your identity by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, making it difficult for your ISP or anyone else to monitor your activity while you’re on Stremio. Good VPNs can also help avoid ISP throttling, which can slow down your connection when streaming.
Which VPN works with Stremio?
Several VPNs work well with Stremio, but not all are equally suited for the platform’s streaming and torrent-based features. The best VPNs for Stremio are those that support P2P traffic, offer fast and reliable servers, and have a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. ExpressVPN is a top choice because of its fast speeds and stable connections across a wide server network.
What is the most reliable VPN for Stremio?
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming due to its high-speed Lightway protocol and large global server network. It works well with streaming platforms like Stremio, offering a variety of high-speed servers optimized for buffer-free streaming of HD content.
Can I use a free VPN with Stremio?
While it’s technically possible, I don’t recommend using free VPNs for Stremio. They often come with data limits, slower speeds, limited server networks, and weak privacy protections. You should instead use one of my recommended VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN, for the best possible Stremio experience. This will ensure a seamless and buffer-free watching experience, plus you won’t need to worry about inadequate security often found in free VPNs.
Should I use a VPN if using Real-Debrid with Stremio?
You should use both. While Real-Debrid encrypts your connection to their servers, your ISP can still see that you’re connecting to Real-Debrid and may flag this activity. Good VPN providers add extra layers of privacy and internet security by masking your IP address and encrypting all your internet traffic, making it much harder for anyone to monitor your online activities, including connecting to RealDebrid.
