How to Install a VPN on Kodi: 2025 Setup Guide for All Devices

Setting up a VPN on Kodi can be frustrating if you’re unsure how it works with your device. On top of that, dealing with buffering or blocked content because of geo-restrictions can ruin your streaming experience. These problems are common but easy to fix with the right guidance.

This guide will show you exactly how to install a VPN on Kodi for devices like Firestick, Android TV, Windows, and more. You’ll also learn which VPNs are the best to use with Kodi, and I narrowed them down to 3 options after rigorous testing. ExpressVPN is my top choice because of its fast speeds, reliable servers, and native add-on on Kodi. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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Quick Guide: How to Install a VPN on Kodi

Why Do You Need a VPN With Kodi?

Using Kodi without a VPN can leave you exposed to privacy risks, cyber threats, and other issues. Here’s why a VPN is essential for a secure and seamless streaming experience:

• Keep your activity private — When you stream on Kodi, your internet provider can see what you’re doing. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it impossible for your ISP, hackers, or anyone else to monitor your online activity.
• Protect against cyber threats — Some third-party Kodi add-ons aren’t always secure. They can expose you to malware or other cyber threats. A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data, keeping your device safe even using less reliable add-ons.
• Avoid ISP throttling — Some ISPs intentionally slow down your connection if they detect high data usage from streaming. A VPN hides your streaming activity from your ISP and avoids potential throttles due to network restrictions.
• Stay safe on public WiFi — If you use Kodi on public networks, like at a café or airport, you’re at higher risk of hackers stealing your data. A VPN encrypts your connection, ensuring your sensitive information stays secure even on unsecured WiFi.
• Access Kodi add-ons without restrictions — Certain add-ons and features on Kodi may not work in your location due to regional restrictions. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in a region where the add-on is available.

How to Install & Use a VPN With Kodi on Multiple Devices

Windows PC and MacOS

Android and iOS

Router

If your device doesn’t support VPNs natively like Roku, gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), or some smart TVs, installing a VPN on your router is the best solution. Every device connected to your WiFi will benefit from the VPN, even those without built-in VPN apps. Here’s how you can set up a VPN on your router.

Amazon Fire Stick

Smart TVs

How to Install a VPN Kodi add-on

Installing a VPN add-on directly in Kodi is a great way to secure your streaming without needing a separate VPN app. It’s especially useful for devices where running external apps isn’t practical. Here’s how you can set it up step by step:

1. Get ready with your VPN details — First, make sure you have an active VPN subscription. Download the OpenVPN configuration files (usually .ovpn files) from your VPN provider’s website. These files are essential for setting up the add-on.
2. Install the Zomboided VPN Manager add-on — To manage your VPN in Kodi, you’ll need the Zomboided VPN Manager add-on. Download the add-on’s ZIP file from its GitHub repository and transfer it to your Kodi device using a USB drive or network share. In Kodi, go to Add-ons, click ‘Install from zip file,’ locate the file, and install it.
   
3. Install OpenVPN — On Windows, download and install the OpenVPN client from the official site. If you’re using LibreELEC or OpenELEC, OpenVPN is typically pre-installed, so you can skip this step.
4. Set up the VPN Manager add-on — Open Kodi and navigate to ‘Add-ons,’ ‘Program add-ons,’ then ‘VPN Manager for OpenVPN.’ Launch the add-on and select ‘Add a VPN provider.’ From the list of supported providers, choose yours (or select “User Defined” if it’s not listed). Enter your VPN login details in the respective fields.
   
5. Add VPN configuration files — In the VPN Manager settings, go to ‘VPN Connections,’ then ‘First VPN connection,’ and select one of the .ovpn files you downloaded earlier. This will configure the add-on to use that server. You can repeat this step to add more server locations.
6. Connect to the VPN — Once your configuration is set, select ‘First VPN connection’ to establish a connection. The add-on will let you know when it’s connected.
7. Set Auto-Connect (optional) — If you want the VPN to automatically connect when you launch Kodi or open certain add-ons, you can enable this in the VPN Manager settings.

Best VPNs to Use With Kodi

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall & Fastest VPN to Use With Kodi

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

ExpressVPN is my top choice for Kodi because its Lightway protocol lets you stream UHD content without stuttering, thanks to its lean design. Even ExpressVPN’s distant servers never felt slow or overcrowded, and the add-ons loaded within seconds.

What really impressed me was how safe I felt using Kodi with ExpressVPN. It hides your data with military-grade encryption, so hackers and snoops can’t see what you’re doing. I also loved how easy it was to set up — it works perfectly on Firestick, Android, and more. You can test ExpressVPN out yourself with its 7-day free trial.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

2. CyberGhost — Special Streaming Servers Guarantee Reliable Access to Platforms on Kodi

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,676+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

CyberGhost’s streaming servers make it one of the top choices to use with Kodi. Each server is designed to access streaming services like Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and many more. That means no matter where you are, you can simply use a Kodi add-on for your home library and start streaming.

Its app works on all major devices, like Firestick, Android, and iOS, and setting it up took just a couple of minutes. CyberGhost easily retained near-baseline speeds on local and mid-range servers, and my streams on Kodi were smooth throughout. You can try it risk-free as it comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

3. Private Internet Access — MACE Protects You From Sketchy Kodi Addons

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

PIA won me over with its MACE feature. It felt like having an extra layer of protection while streaming on Kodi. Anytime I used a shady add-on or risky subtitles, MACE quietly blocked anything harmful before it could mess up my device. Knowing it also encrypts your data and never logs your activity gave me peace of mind that I could stream privately.

I was also impressed by how smooth streaming felt with PIA. Its “Automatic Connection” feature found the fastest server, and I watched HD content on Kodi without any lag, though it struggled a bit with UHD content on distant servers. However, its budget-friendly price coupled with a 30-day refund guarantee makes it a solid choice for Kodi users.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How We Tested & Ranked the Best VPNs for Kodi

Choosing the right VPN for Kodi means looking at the features that truly matter for secure and smooth streaming. Here are the key aspects to focus on:

• Speed and performance — A fast VPN ensures smooth streaming without buffering, even for high-quality content. Slow speeds can ruin the Kodi experience, so it’s important to pick a service with reliable, high-performance servers.
• Compatibility with Kodi devices — Not all VPNs work well on popular Kodi devices like Fire Stick, Smart TVs, or gaming consoles. Look for a VPN that supports your device with an app or an easy setup process to avoid technical issues.
• Server network — A large server network with good distribution gives you more options for stable connections. It also helps avoid overcrowded servers and ensures you can access add-ons available in different regions.
• Privacy and security — You should pick a VPN that has military-grade 256-bit encryption, a proven no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and malware-blocking abilities to keep your activities private on Kodi.
• Ease of use — The recommended VPNs are all easy to use. While you can use them as Kodi add-ons, I’d still rather use them separately through their apps because some features like malware blocking might only be available through the VPN app.

VPN Not Working With Kodi: Troubleshooting Tips

A VPN not working with Kodi can cause frustrating interruptions like buffering and blocked content. Here are some common issues and practical fixes to get your VPN running smoothly with Kodi:

• Slow streaming or buffering — Buffering can occur if your VPN server is overloaded or far from your location. Switch to a closer server or one optimized for streaming. Ensure your internet connection is stable, and clear Kodi’s cache to improve performance.
• Can’t access add-ons or content — If you can’t access specific content, it could be due to region restrictions or your VPN’s IP addresses being blocked. Connect to a different server in the required region and test again.
• VPN disconnections — VPN disconnections may result from unstable servers or network interruptions. Switch to a more stable server, update your VPN app, and enable the kill switch feature to prevent leaks when the connection drops.
• Kodi crashes or freezes with VPN — Compatibility issues between Kodi and your VPN app can cause crashes. Update both to the latest versions and disable Kodi’s hardware acceleration in settings and switch to a different protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
• Wrong configuration — Misconfigured VPN settings on a router can block connections to Kodi. Verify that your VPN credentials and DNS settings are correct by consulting your VPN provider’s router setup guide. Restart the router after making changes.
• Blocked VPN IPs by add-ons — Some Kodi add-ons may block known VPN IPs, especially for region-restricted content. Switching to a less crowded server or asking your VPN provider for a specific server recommendation can resolve this issue.
• Limited bandwidth — If you’re using a free VPN, you might have reached your data cap. Free VPNs have data caps or speed limits that can’t handle Kodi’s streaming demands. If so, you’ll need to upgrade to a reliable VPN.

FAQs on Using a VPN With Kodi

Use a Reliable VPN With Kodi to Stream Safely

Streaming on Kodi is amazing, but it comes with risks like exposing your activity to third parties or facing restrictions with add-ons. Without a VPN, your connection isn’t private, and your data can be vulnerable, especially on public networks. These challenges can turn Kodi from a great experience into a frustrating one, but a VPN can solve these issues quickly.

Using a VPN adds security to your Kodi experience. It gives you peace of mind knowing your data stays private while ensuring uninterrupted streaming. By following this guide, you now have the tools to set up a VPN, secure your activity, and get the most out of Kodi.

Best VPNs to Use With Kodi in 2025

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$4.99 / month Save 61%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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3.

9.4

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$2.03 / month Save 83%

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.