Are you looking for a guide to know what the best VPN is for Kodi in 2018 to use on Mac, Chromebook, PC, FireStick, and Android? If yes, then in this article I will explain the process that I personally went through to find some quality VPNs for Kodi alongside covering all what you need to know about Kodi VPN.
Kodi is also known as XMBC and it is an open source entertainment streaming software. You can stream hundreds of channel on fingertips by setting up the Kodi add-ons.
Having millions of active Kodi users, without any wonder it is one top hub of Entertainment Theater. Thanks to the third-party add-ons, Kodi has become the ultimate source of entertainment and media streaming software.
Check out our guide of the 100 Best Kodi Addons.
On the other hand, these days, there are two issues with these add-ons. Some Kodi add-ons are torrent based while others are geo-restricted outside their particular region — and in these circumstances a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes into play.
Apparently, this is the reason why people are switching to VPNs in an effort to protect their important data, stay safe from the snoopers all the time, and unblock geo restricted content. This is why in this article we will be talking about the best VPN’s for Kodi in 2018.
Indeed, most of the users are spoiled for their choice when picking up a quality VPN because there are millions of services available online. And, it is impossible to test every VPN provider out there – that is why we have thoroughly tested a list of top VPN’s that we found useful with Kodi.
So, you need to keep reading this article for more information about the best and blazing fast VPN for Kodi.
Before we move forward to our next part of this articles let me tell you a bit of Kodi’s history.
What is Kodi?
Well, Kodi is free of cost software and a home of entertainment. It allows you to access a huge number of movies, sports events, music, reality shows and much more.
At its core, Kodi was originally developed for the Xbox console. Since then the Kodi community is constantly creating new add-ons to make it user-friendly and enhance the user experience further.
Subsequently, Kodi is managed by a non-profit organization as an open source application. Consequently, numerous software developers have been involved in developing this uniquely designed entertainment house.
While talking about the Kodi, we should not forget to highlight its popular add-ons, as well as the customized Kodi, builds created for different types of platforms.
Kodi is compatible with a huge number of platforms, from your Android Smartphone to the Fire TV Stick; you can create an incredible entertainment system at your fingertips. All in all, it is the best choice available for the entertainment cults.
Arguably, there is a misconception about VPNs that they are made for the advanced users. Although their name (Virtual Private Network) might sound daunting, however, there is nothing to fret about in reality.
Nowadays, VPNs are very user-friendly than ever. To help you understand this situation clearly, let me tell you about VPNs in the section right below.
What is a VPN?
Well, VPNs (Virtual Private Network) allow you to encrypt your Internet traffic by connecting to fast and secure remote server. Mostly, torrent sites are geo-blocked outside their specific regions and can detect your IP address.
Let’s suppose if you have set up an IBC player on your Kodi. You will be unable to watch the content outside UK unless you hide your IP address using a VPN. Apart from being able to unlock content, while using a VPN your ISPs will be unable to track your online activities.
Below is a brief step-by-step guide for you to understand how a VPN works with kodi:
- You need to download and install the selected VPN app on your Mac, iPad, Linux, PC, Raspberry Pi or iPhone.
- In case you want to use Kodi on Chromecast, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV Stick you’ll have set up the VPN connection on the router. You can make this process much easier if you follow the VPN provider’s router setup instructions.
- On the other hand, if you don’t want to setup the VPN connection on the router then you can set up a virtual router on Chromebook, Mac, or PC and share its connection with your other particular devices.
- As far as you are connected to a VPN server, you’ll be able to stream and download torrents via Kodi.
- In case you travel outside your country where popular channels such as WatchFree, Netflix and Afdah are blocked, the Virtual Private Network (VPN) will allow you to access these restricted channels anonymously.
- Configuring a VPN allows you to circumvent any geo-blocked content and protects your online privacy.
Above we have simplified and outlined some basic facts of VPNs, and what they can do when installed on Kodi or any other device. The major take here is, you will be unable to access the restricted content unless you use a Virtual Private Network.
That said, many users are always curious to know about the legality of Kodi. That is why we have to outline some essential facts that will allow you to step forward towards streaming your favorite content with clear mind.
Is use of Kodi legal?
As of now, we have presented a clear perspective about what is Kodi and how a VPN helps to keep your online activity protected. Indeed, many of you might ask, why there is a need to obscure your Kodi usage. In other words, is use of Kodi legal?
After doing a thorough research about this misconception, we guaranty that Kodi is completely legal to use. However, there are some Dos and Don’ts that you should know.
Keep in mind, primarily; the problem comes when users use third-party add-ons.
Subsequently, they offer content from several webs, which might be considered illegal in few countries.
You can take media streaming links that depend on the BitTorrent protocols as an example.
While searching about this on the web you will find numerous answers and since we saw that many Kodi users are fairly in doubt. That is why we have decided to discuss this commonly asked question in brief.
You need to continue reading this article and below let’s take a quick look at how to use Kodi legally so that you can get a clear image about the legality of this amazing home of entertainment.
How to legally use Kodi
The Kodi legality concern itself is not an issue at all so; it can be explained easily by having a look at what users do when they install Kodi on their respected device.
We bet you will find this section useful in a couple of steps. So, without wasting your time let’s get started.
Kodi Installation
The installation of Kodi has no concern with how to use it legally. To enjoy this fully featured entertainment software you will have to install Kodi on your particular device. Instead of downloading this app from torrents you can install it from the official Website.
Importing content into Kodi
Let’s assume that you have a collection of TV shows and music that you purchased from an online store. In addition, this can be a bunch of selected movies as well.
Now that you own these files, you have the right to do whatever you want with them. In fact, it means that you can import those files and play them via Kodi. It is important to highlight that you need to use legal ways to get hold of these files.
In fact, some countries allow keeping pirated movies on your PC. As long as you own those files legally, you can feel free to import music and movies to Kodi.
More likely you need to pay proper attention to the add-ons you install on Kodi when it comes how to use it legally.
As we know that there are two sides of a coin, likewise, there are official and unofficial add-ons from a legal perspective. Now let’s a take a look at both of these groups.
Official Kodi add-ons
The official Kodi add-ons are installed through Kodi’s repository of add-ons. You can find the full list of official Kodi add-ons by searching them on Kodi Wiki. You will be able to see the installation methods of Add-ons present on Kodi Wiki.
Notably, the most famous official add-ons are as follows:
- Twitch ( free of charge)
- YouTube (free of charge)
- Plex (Plex login required)
- ESPN 3 ( Subscription required)
- US TVNow ( subscription required)
Now you can see, most of these add-ons require an active subscription because the content of these add-ons is legally sourced. If you are wondering to know how to use Kodi in a legal manner- we recommend you to use the official add-ons.
Now let’s take a look at unofficial add-ons for Kodi.
Unofficial add-ons for Kodi
Unofficial add-ons for Kodi have become much more capable and often complex than ever before. By installing an unofficial add-on, you can get access to a library filled with TV shows, movies, radio stations, and music.
The problem is that unofficial add-ons bring illegally obtained content. In simple words, it is called piracy.
In fact, unofficial add-ons exist legally in a gray area. Some decisive countries strictly disallow downloading the pirated content as compared to other countries.
Nevertheless, media streaming is not yet legally simplified in many countries.
Furthermore, unofficial add-ons don’t possess any pirated content. Alternatively, these unofficial add-ons use a source that owns the pirated content.
When Kodi users stream the content, indeed it means they don’t store that content on their computers.
Consequently, you can see how a pirated content and unofficial add-on complicates the whole scenario, right? Of course yes, we recommend you not to use unofficial add-ons.
So, without any further ado let’s get to the important fact. The often asked question we get know – is Kodi legal to use, if yes then how to use it legally?
Here is the specific answer: You can enjoy by watching your selected content legally by not installing unofficial add-ons (notably the third-party add-ons)
Now we think you have all the legal terms in hand and it is your turn to make a decision, whether you want to watch your favorite content or want to wait for the president trump’s next tweet.
Alongside, accessing the geo-blocked content, a quality VPN also keeps you safe from the prying eyes. This means that you don’t need to fret anymore because your ISPs will be unable to track your online activities. Thus, you should not wait for any legal notice regardless of the add-ons you choose to use.
But still, there is a need to pick the right VPN for Kodi. This is the reason why we are here to get you the best VPN for Kodi that doesn’t slow down your streaming speed as well as protect your privacy online.
Why should you use a quality VPN for Kodi?
First of all, you need to know that a VPN is not a requirement for Kodi apart from the security it provides. And, you will be able to use Kodi free of cost. However, a VPN might be the right pick depending on your planned usage of this application. Below we have written a list of benefits you should expect while using a VPN on Kodi.
- First of all, a VPN keeps you protected from a malware attack. Additionally, it keeps your web browser anonymous and inaccessible from Government spy agencies and you’re ISPs that store and review your data behind the claim of protection.
- Subsequently, certain good VPNs help you to circumvent port blocking and throttling. These both can greatly hamper your web connection.
- You will be able to engage with torrents and P2P without being accused of any copyright infringement.
By now you can see that VPNs are the most efficient way to unblock the full potential of Kodi. Although, you will use Kodi add-ons without having a VPN but you will face certain limitations.
Even though, if you try hard to be on the legal side without using unofficial add-ons, you can’t guess about the legality of streaming links.
Therefore, it will be not wrong to say that VPNs are the best way to unblock the full potential of Kodi.
Furthermore, VPNs are easy to use so you don’t need any specific degree in this field. Additionally, you are not compelled to install VPNs on one device; you can install the VPN applications on a wide range of devices.
We know that a lot of you use Kodi on Smart TVs, tablets and even on Smartphones. The quality has a platform for every native application- making Kodi a pleasure to use.
Are there any Disadvantages of using a VPN?
While searching the best VPN for Kodi we got asked often, are there any cons to use a VPN? Well, like any other application, VPNs are not 100% perfect. They have some drawbacks that might seem frustrating sometimes. Still, you can eliminate these drawbacks by using only the top VPNs for Kodi. Some of the drawbacks that you may face are listed down below.
- VPNs can slow down your internet speed. Your web traffic will have to travel through a VPN server and some throttling may occur.
- Some people say that a VPN is complicated to use. Not an issue though, as a quality VPN will be very easy to use so you need to eliminate this claim.
- Every VPN is not compatible with every platform. Therefore, if you want to use Kodi on Smart TV, make sure that your VPN provides a native application.
Is use of VPN with Kodi legal?
At its core, VPNs support your privileged privacy. Therefore, VPNs are not illegal in most of the countries. However, there are several gray areas. Every country doesn’t have a dictated law about how to consume digital content.
But still, some VPNs might keep the logs of your online activity. These VPNs don’t hide this reality and- have clearly stated on their official websites. VPNs can give over your personal data to Government agencies, but only a valid reason.
How to select the best VPN for Kodi?
Before we start our list of VPNs, we would like to tell you that we have tested each VPN and after doing a thorough research on each and every VPN.
Regardless of which one you choose, you won’t have to regret. However, we recommend you to know about them. Right below if what you should know;
- Compatibility Support: If you use Kodi on your Mac, computer, and Smartphone you won’t face any difficulty in finding the best VPN. However, Smart TVs users will have to search for the best VPN in depth.
- Encryption Protocols: Do you want your VPN protects your privacy online at all time as well as want to know about their encryption protocols? If yes, then congratulations because our all recommendations for the best VPN come with 256-bit AES encryption.
- Privacy policies: Although some VPNs keep use activity logs but this won’t be their personal details. The best VPNs for Kodi have no logging policy.
- Performance and trustworthiness: As said before, some VPNs may slow down you internet connection speed. Therefore, we are only recommending the best VPNs on the market performance vise.
- Unblocking Geo restrictions: Lastly, the best VPN will enable you unblock the geo-restricted content effortlessly. This means that you can stream American and other programs without any limitations without not being in the allowed region in real. Well, if you ask me, I am going to unblock the American TV programs and specially, Games of Thrones.
We are often asked from numerous people that how can we use a VPN with Kodi; this is the reason why we’ve decided to provide you the knowledge as to how you can use a VPN with Kodi.
How to use a VPN with Kodi?
Well, the easiest and the simple way of using a VPN with Kodi is to install the native applications.
For instance, a quality VPN is installed on your particular device and protects other applications while you are browsing the web.
Nevertheless, you need to choose a quality VPN service provider, login, and install the VPN client on your respected device.
The Best VPN for Kodi in 2018
As said above, you will find numerous services available online. However, you can’t test each and every VPN. That is why we are here to help. In this roundup of 5 best Kodi VPNs we are going to provide our suggestion based on thorough research and tests.
We are going to cover each and every VPN based on their performance, ranking, and trustworthiness. We hope you will find this roundup helpful; let’s get started with our roundup of best VPN for Kodi.
IPVanish
| Supported devices | Chromebook, windows, IOS, routers, Android, | |
| Pros | Simple to use, fast performance, 1000 servers around the globe | |
| Cons | Based in US | |
| Price | $ 79.99 per Yearly / $10.00 per Monthly |
As we know VPNs are used for anonymity and privacy, this is the reason why we are recommending IPVanish. This VPN is a perfect option for Kodi. Now you might ask, why it is a best-suited Kodi companion?
Well, it has plenty of features that will protect your privacy online and will improve your Kodi experience without slowing down your Internet connection speed.
It is one of the fastest VPN providers; it is user friendly and compatible with a wide range of devices. IPVanish won’t hamper your streaming speed whether you are watching movies at your home or listening music on your Smartphone.
Furthermore, its ultimate bandwidth and fast speed allows you to stream your favorite content without disrupting your viewing. Basically, IPVanish secures your connection without revealing your real IP address so; it is extremely difficult for the snoopers to track your activity online.
Moreover, it allows you to get around the censorship apps. The anonymous torrenting and five simultaneous connections make IPVanish an attractive VPN to choose.
Its reasonable price does not mean that this VPN compromises on its services quality either. If you are stuck somewhere with its setup, you can access the customer support to assist you.
Its blazing servers around the globe allow you to watch the content you want by unblocking the restrictions. Subsequently, the security levels of IPVanish give you a piece of mind while surfing the internet.
NordVPN for Kodi
| Supported devices | Mac, Routers, IOS, Android, Windows |
| Pros | 2600 servers around the globe, Powerful security feature, |
| Cons | Throttling may occur |
| Price | $69.00 Yearly / $11.95 Monthly |
It will not wrong to say that NordVPN is completely designed for the beginners. The reason is because it offers a designed application for Smartphones and computers. After selecting a server in your country of choice, you will receive a new IP address in few seconds. The app works without bothering you.
NordVPN is popular for taking encryption protocols seriously. A unique designed feature of NordVPN is the “DoubleVPN”.
Now you will ask that what is doubleVPN, how it works?
As the name suggests, DoubleVPN encrypts your web traffic not just for once, but for twice. In addition, some people might say that this is an over load, but it is good to know that you will be 100% protected. While speaking about encryption, we are talking about the AES-256-CBC encryption.
Therefore, if government agencies want to monitor you, they will be unable to review you data. The downside of NordVPN is that some throttling can occur. This is a reasonable drawback since your web traffic is encrypted twice. To know more about NordVPN you can simply visit the official NordVPN website.
ExpressVPN for Kodi
| Supported Devices | Android, IOS, Routers, Mac, Linux, and Windows |
| Pros | Amazing fast connection, supports many VPN protocols, throttling cannot occur |
| Cons | High rates |
| Price | $99.95 Yearly / $12.95 Monthly. |
So, now we have ExpressVPN on our list of suggestions for best VPN for Kodi. First and foremost, ExpressVPN has crafted its services carefully and it is a perfect companion for beginners. It takes care of your web connection from the snoopers in every possible way.
The best thing about ExpressVPN is it servers availability. The servers are almost in every country around the world. So, there is no one stopping you from watching your favorite content even you’re ISPs will be unable to track your browsing activity.
In addition, you can setup ExpressVPN on a wide range of devices as it offers native application for all platforms. It offers you the VPN app for routers – to keep your internet connection secure for other household devices.
At last, it is important to state that ExpressVPN is in debates of Virgin Island laws. In simple words, NSA is away from its reach. So, you don’t have to worry while streaming any type of content on Kodi.
Besides that, we recommend that you should read some reviews of ExpressVPN to know more about its capabilities. Also, you need to keep reading this blog post to explore more options as well.
VyprVPN for Kodi
| Supported devices | Android, Mac, Windows, IOS, Linux, and Routers |
| Pros | Broad compatibility, Efficient encryption, and Simple UI |
| Cons | Collects some data |
| Price | $60 Yearly / $9.95 Monthly |
As said before, common problem with some VPNs is the web connection throttling. So, this means that you will be unable stream the content in HD if you don’t have a connection with broadband. In fact, this is the reason why we have added VyprVPN in our roundup of best VPNs for Kodi.
VyprVPN is known for its incredible downloading speed. You will be able to stream the content in HD and even unblock your connection to full potential. This VPN is powered by Chameleon technology which goes beyond throttling and VPN blocking.
Consequently, VyprVPN is effortless and offers reliable and fast downloading speed. It is important to mention that VyprVPN keeps some logs of the users and the company has used IP addresses.
But still you don’t need fret because this VPN doesn’t compromise on user’s privacy.
For those who are looking for anonymity and unblocking restricted content, VyprVPN will be a good option. You can get more information about this VPN by visiting its official website.
CyberGhost for Kodi
| Supported devices | Android, IOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux. |
| Pros | Throttling does not occur, Excellent customer support service, and Strong encryption. |
| Cons | Concerns over users privacy |
| Price | $71.88 Yearly / $11.99 Monthly |
So, now we reached to our fifth option in this roundup of top 5 VPNs for Kodi. CyberGhost is in the talks of European Union laws because it is based in Romania.
Therefore, this VPN Company is trying its best to truly keep your sensitive data protected. At its core, CyberGhost comes with reasonable pricing and an excellent customer support service.
From the last year, CyberGhost has rapidly grown into a fully featured VPN application. Subsequently, it offers you numerous servers around the world.
No matter whichever you choose your privacy will be protected online. The company uses strong encryption to make your sensitive data hidden from malicious third parties.
In fact, you will get to browse the web incognito mode so, your availability will be hidden from your ISPs.
Even though CyberGhost is not the polished VPN in this roundup, it still is worth trying. You will get a native application for Mac, Windows, Smartphones, and Linux as well. On the top, the app brings different kinds of profiles so it adapts your browsing habits.
Admittedly, CyberGhost is good VPN software. It is easy to use and fully featured VPN. It offers you 5 simultaneous connections on any device. As said before, it is based in Romania doesn’t keeps any logs of the users.
In all honesty, we think CyberGhost is a very good option as it offers you decent speed and great logging policy. In fact, you will get a 7 day trial and with money back guarantee so there no reason to give a whirl to CyberGhost.
If you are more interested in CyberGhost VPN, we strongly recommend visiting their official website and get started with its free trial.
Additional Recourses
Before we end this roundup of best VPN for Kodi we would like to provide some additional resources. Expectantly, these resources will bring you more close to the VPNs.
- After picking up a VPN, You’ll have to make it work with Kodi. You need to learn how to integrate VPN with Kodi by searching it online.
- There are some common misconceptions about the Virtual Private Networks. So, you need to know more about the common VPN myths.
- Lastly, you need to know more about VPN protocols and split tunneling. Even if you don’t want to become an advanced user. But it is good to have some information about the technical terms.
Kodi Conclusion
Now that’s it. We hope that now you’ve got what you were looking for and here we would like to conclude this roundup of best VPN for Kodi. As a matter of fact everyone’s preference differs and this is the reason why we have prepared a list of 5 best VPNs for Kodi.
One might prefer NordVPN for its privacy policies and other could prefer ExpressVPN over NordVPN for its wide range of servers around the world. So it all comes down to your preferences and needs!
Obviously censorship laws have been biggest rival for individuals wanting to stream their favorite content without any hassle, and with a quality Kodi VPN in hand – you can get pass those (and a number of other) issues easily.
If you have any other VPN in your mind that you think deserves to be in this list, don’t hesitate to suggest us in the comment section right below. Or even if you have anything else, don’t think twice to speak your mind!