Kodi is a free, open-source media player that can be extended with add-ons for streaming content. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Raspberry Pi.
Using Kodi with a VPN has three main benefits: it encrypts your streaming traffic so your ISP cannot see or throttle it, it bypasses geo-restrictions on some streaming add-ons, and it reduces the chance of receiving copyright notices if you use third-party add-ons.
This guide covers the best VPNs for Kodi performance and the two main ways to set one up.
Why a VPN matters with Kodi
ISP throttling
ISPs in many countries throttle streaming video traffic, particularly during peak hours. If you use Kodi and notice buffering consistently around 7-9pm, throttling is a likely cause. A VPN encrypts your traffic type, hiding the fact that it is streaming video, and often bypasses throttle filters.
Privacy
The legal status of third-party Kodi add-ons that stream copyrighted content without authorization is complicated and varies by jurisdiction. In practice, copyright holders (movie studios, sports leagues) work with ISPs and send notices to users whose IP addresses appear in peer-to-peer swarms. A VPN prevents your real IP address from being visible in those swarms.
We recommend using Kodi exclusively with licensed content. But if you use third-party add-ons, a VPN is a practical privacy measure.
Geo-restricted add-ons
Some legitimate Kodi add-ons for streaming services (BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4) restrict access to UK IP addresses. A VPN with UK servers lets you access them from anywhere.
Best VPNs for Kodi
NordVPN (4.6/5): best overall Kodi performance
NordVPN is the strongest option for Kodi because it combines the fastest throughput (critical for smooth 4K streams), the most server locations (useful for geo-restricted add-ons), and the most complete platform support (including Android, Fire TV, and Windows, the most common Kodi platforms).
NordVPN’s Fire TV app is optimized for TV interfaces, making it usable without a mouse or keyboard if you run Kodi on a Fire Stick or Fire TV Cube.
Surfshark (4.1/5): best for multiple Kodi devices
If you run Kodi on multiple devices (a Raspberry Pi as a server, a Fire Stick in the bedroom, a Windows PC in the office), Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections eliminates the need to count connections.
Surfshark’s Kodi performance is solid for 1080p streaming and adequate for 4K when connected to a nearby server. Its server network is smaller than NordVPN’s but covers all major regions.
ProtonVPN (4.3/5): best for privacy-focused Kodi users
ProtonVPN’s Swiss jurisdiction and audited no-logs policy make it the best choice for Kodi users whose primary concern is privacy rather than streaming performance. Its download speeds are strong, though slightly behind NordVPN on distant server connections.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
How to set up a VPN with Kodi
Method 1: VPN app on the same device as Kodi
The simplest approach: install the VPN app on the same device running Kodi, then connect before opening Kodi.
On Windows or macOS: Install NordVPN, Surfshark, or ProtonVPN from the provider’s website. Connect to your chosen server, then open Kodi. All Kodi traffic routes through the VPN.
On Android or Fire TV: Install the VPN from the Google Play Store or Amazon App Store. Some VPN providers (NordVPN, Surfshark) have dedicated Fire TV apps available directly from the Amazon App Store. Open the VPN, connect, then launch Kodi.
On Raspberry Pi running LibreELEC or OSMC: These Kodi-focused operating systems support WireGuard and OpenVPN through add-ons or terminal configuration. The Mullvad and ProtonVPN documentation includes specific guides for LibreELEC setup.
Method 2: VPN on your router
If you run Kodi on multiple devices, or on devices that cannot run a VPN app (some older Raspberry Pi configurations), a router VPN covers all devices automatically.
Set up the VPN on your router using your provider’s DD-WRT or AsusWRT guide. Every device on your home network, including Kodi, routes through the VPN.
Kodi VPN performance tips
Choose a server nearby for non-geo-restricted content. The closer the VPN server, the lower the latency and the less overhead on your connection.
Choose a server in the right country for geo-restricted content. For BBC iPlayer add-ons, use a UK server. For US content, use a US server.
Use WireGuard or NordLynx. These protocols have the lowest overhead for streaming. Do not use OpenVPN UDP if you are experiencing buffering; WireGuard is typically 50-100% faster.
Enable split tunneling if only Kodi traffic needs the VPN. Route Kodi through the VPN while other applications connect directly. This maximizes bandwidth for Kodi without affecting other services.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Kodi in 2026, combining the highest throughput, best Fire TV app, and largest server coverage for geo-restricted add-ons. Surfshark is the value pick for multi-device Kodi setups. Use WireGuard or NordLynx for the best streaming performance, and install the VPN on your router if you run Kodi on a device that cannot natively run a VPN app.
Keep reading: Best VPN for Amazon Fire Stick in 2026 and VPN on Chromecast and Google TV: How to Set It Up.