5 Best VPNs for Roku in 2024 + Easy Setup Guide

Although Roku does not directly support VPNs, this guide will teach you how to connect to it indirectly and get all the benefits of a VPN. We will also cover the best VPNs for Roku that give you great performance and the ability to unblock streaming channels from anywhere in the world.

Roku is a media player developed exclusively for streaming content from services like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. These devices are affordable and convenient, which is why Roku has over 65 million users. Unfortunately, much of the content that Roku can stream is geo-locked, since many services are unavailable worldwide. To bypass these restrictions, you’ll need to use a VPN.

The problem is that Roku doesn’t support VPNs, so you will need to install it on another device first, such as a router. This can be quite challenging to do on your own. It is also tricky to find the best VPN for Roku, as not all of them can be installed on a router. To save you the hassle, we’ve decided to test many premium providers to find the best VPN for Roku. Here are our five best options:

1. NordVPN – Best Roku VPN with blazing speeds, airtight security, cross-platform support, and a vast global server network (use our 74% off coupon)

2. Surfshark – Affordable and reliable Roku VPN with unlimited connections

3. Proton VPN – Quality Roku VPN with Swiss privacy protection

4. ExpressVPN – Intuitive, though expensive, VPN for Roku

5. IPVanish – Quick and consistent VPN app available on most modern devices

We will cover each one in greater detail a bit later. To start, we will show you how you can easily install a VPN on your Roku device.

What is a Roku VPN and Why Do I Need One?

A Roku VPN is a Virtual Private Network that allows you to access geo-restricted content on your Roku device. Roku devices are popular streaming media players that provide access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

However, many of these services are geo-restricted, meaning they can only be accessed from specific locations. A Roku VPN helps you bypass these restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you’re accessing the content from a different location.

Using a Roku VPN is essential for several reasons:

• Access geo-restricted content: A Roku VPN allows you to access content that is not available in your region. This means you can enjoy a broader range of shows, movies, and other media from streaming services around the world.

• Protect your online privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers and ISPs to intercept your data. This ensures that your online activities remain private and secure.

• Bypass censorship: In some regions, certain content may be censored or blocked. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access the content you want, regardless of your location.

By using a Roku VPN, you can enhance your streaming experience, protect your privacy, and enjoy unrestricted access to your favorite content.

Key Features to Look for in a Roku VPN

When choosing a Roku VPN, there are several key features to look for to ensure you get the best performance and security:

• Compatibility: Look for a VPN that is compatible with Roku devices. Since Roku doesn’t natively support VPN apps, you’ll need a VPN that can be installed on a router or used with a virtual router setup.

• Server locations: Choose a VPN with servers located in the regions you want to access. A wide range of server locations will give you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different countries.

• Speed: Opt for a VPN that offers fast speeds to ensure smooth streaming. High-speed connections are crucial for avoiding buffering and maintaining high video quality.

• Security: Select a VPN that uses strong encryption and has a no-logs policy. This will protect your data from being intercepted and ensure that your online activities remain private.

• Ease of use: Choose a VPN that is easy to set up and use on your Roku device. A user-friendly interface and clear setup instructions will make the process much simpler.

By considering these features, you can find a Roku VPN that meets your needs and enhances your streaming experience.

How to connect Roku with a VPN [Quick method]

VPNs conceal your identity through encryption and route your internet traffic through a VPN server in another location. This will trick streaming services into thinking you’re accessing the service from a different country, which will unlock additional content.

1. Choose a premium VPN that works with your router. NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and IPVanish have extensive lists of supported models.

2. Subscribe to a VPN. We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for Roku, plus you can use this 74% off coupon.

3. Install a VPN on your router. Follow the guide on your VPNs website, since the process will be different for every router model.

4. Connect Roku to your router.

5. Stream shows with Roku.

There are other options for using Roku with a VPN, but installing the VPN on your router is usually the easiest way to go.

Picking a VPN for Roku

Before covering each premium VPN, we’ve made a list of the most important factors a Roku VPN needs.

• Router support – As mentioned, Roku devices don’t support VPNs, which excludes most of the VPN apps on the market. Each of the VPNs for Roku on this list can be installed on a router, while ExpressVPN even has its own router with the VPN pre-installed.

• Unlocks streaming – It needs to be able to easily unblock geo-restricted content on popular streaming sites such as Hulu, Netflix, and HBO Max.

• Quality server network – To increase the probability that you will be able to find servers that can connect with the streaming services you want to view, you want a reliable VPN with thousands of servers in over one hundred locations worldwide.

• High speed – All VPN services for Roku need to be fast. To meet this requirement, all the VPN services we recommend use fast, secure VPN protocols, such as NordLynx, WireGuard, and Lightway.

• Security and privacy – The VPN provider offers servers that operate in RAM-only mode or employ high-level encryption on their servers to protect your privacy.

• Customer support – A VPN that cannot provide quick, reliable support is of little use when you have a problem. The VPN service should have 24/7 live chat support, or at least some kind of 24/7 coverage so you can quickly resolve your problems at any time of the day.

• Smart DNS feature – This feature enables users to access geo-restricted content on platforms that do not natively support VPN applications, enhancing the streaming experience on devices like Roku.

Let’s jump into the mini-reviews of the best VPNs to use with Roku.

NordVPN – Top VPN for Roku

NordVPN is at the top of our list of the best VPNs for Roku. Overall, it is the fastest and safest service that can easily unblock all popular streaming sites. NordVPN has nearly 6,300 servers in 111 countries, so you can easily find a location that suits your needs. Every VPN server in its network is powered by NordLynx – a unique implementation of the advanced VPN protocol WireGuard.

NordLynx offers the fastest, most consistent VPN connection, which was immediately noticeable during our speed tests. We’ve done a dozen speed tests and managed to hit just over 750Mbps. Even better, its speeds were consistently high across all our tests. In short, you will be able to easily stream shows on the highest video quality available.

User privacy and security are other aspects in which NordVPN excels. It offers secure AES-256-GCM encryption (with OpenVPN) and ChaCha20 encryption (with NordLynx) that will prevent sensitive info from leaking in real-time. This is an audited no-logs VPN that utilizes RAM-only servers, meaning that it can’t ever store any user data. This is the gold standard in the world of VPNs.

NordVPN successfully went through multiple independent audits. Most important was a penetration test (pen test) done by VerSprite which challenged NordVPN’s security measures. Additionally, PwC combed through its privacy policies and found that they were rigorously implemented.

NordVPN premium features

While some of these tools won’t work directly on Roku, we decided to list them since NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for multiple devices.

• SmartPlay – A DNS proxy that lets you bypass geo-restrictions and access a full library of popular streaming services. It is designed for devices that don’t directly support VPN apps, like gaming consoles and Roku. This feature is similar to the ‘smart DNS feature’ which is essential for accessing geo-restricted content on platforms that do not natively support VPN applications.

• Kill Switch – A fail-safe switch that will protect your identity in case you lose your connection.

• Dedicated IP address – Provides a fast, reliable connection to streaming sites in the target country. Dedicated IP addresses are available for an additional monthly fee.

• VPN proxy – NordVPN’s lightweight browser extensions that work on Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.

• Threat Protection Pro and Threat Protection – Scan your device in real time to block ads, trackers, malware infestation, and much more.

• Split Tunneling – This feature lets you control which apps use the VPN connection and which connect directly to the internet.

• Double VPN – Get even stronger encryption bypassing your internet traffic through two servers. While safer, this will have some effect on your download speed.

• Obfuscated servers – Camouflage your traffic so that no one (not even your ISP) is aware that you are using a VPN. Obfuscation gives you anonymity on top of your privacy. This is crucial if you are living under an oppressive regime, like China and UAE.

• Onion Over VPN – Combines the advantages of Tor network and NordVPN, giving you an impenetrable defense. These types of servers are sluggish and should only be used when necessary.

See all NordVPN features here >

Solid cross-platform support

NordVPN is available on all modern devices and can easily unblock popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. You can also set it up on a router, which is a must for Roku VPN. With all of these features, the app is still easy to use and fairly priced. With a single subscription, you can use NordVPN on ten devices simultaneously. This is double the number of simultaneous connections supported by most VPNs.

If you encounter any problems, they should easily be solved by contacting their 24/7 live chat support. In case you find NordVPN isn’t for you, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

For additional technical information, check out our NordVPN review.

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Surfshark – A high-performance, low-budget Roku VPN

If you’re working with a limited budget, Surfshark is the best option. It lets you choose from over 3,200 servers in 100 countries worldwide, all of which operate on WireGuard VPN protocol.

When using WireGuard, Surfshark is very fast and can go toe-to-toe with NordLynx. In our NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison, we’ve achieved 750+ Mbps on a Seattle server. This is more than enough for streaming shows on Roku.

Surfshark is a no-logs VPN and each of its servers operates in RAM-only mode. Like NordVPN, it uses AES-256 encryption (OpenVPN) or ChaCha20 encryption (WireGuard) to scramble your outgoing data, so third parties will be unable to access your information.

That all sounds good, but it would just be words if Surfshark wasn’t an audited no-logs VPN, as confirmed by Deloitte in 2023. Surfshark has also passed two audits by Cure53, one rating the security of their browser extensions and the other confirming the security of Surfshark’s infrastructure.

Taking things one step further, Surfshark has also decided to be fully transparent to the public by posting a warrant canary on its website.

Surfshark’s advanced tools and features

• Bypasser and Reverse Bypasser – Split Tunneling features that let you control which traffic flows through the VPN connection.

• Kill Switch

• MultiHop (Double VPN) and Dynamic MultiHop

• Camouflage Mode (Obfuscated servers)

• NoBorders – A feature that detects restricted networks and shows you the best servers to bypass the problem.

• Rotating IP – Changes your IP address every few minutes without breaking the VPN connection, making your activities that much harder to track.

• Smart DNS – Get a US IP address to stream content from devices that don’t directly support a VPN.

• CleanWeb – Protects your device from trackers, malware, and ads.

See all Surfshark VPN features here >

Surfshark’s app is user-friendly and minimalistic, so new users will have no trouble navigating it. It is available across multiple platforms and is among the best VPNs for Android. It can unblock many popular streaming sites, like Netflix, Peacock TV, and HBO Max.

One of Surfshark’s main selling points is the ability to hold unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature can be a real boon for anyone who has a lot of internet-connected devices they would like to protect. The combination of Surfshark’s advanced feature set, high performance, and low price, make it one of the best cheap VPNs around.

Like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

There is much more to this quality VPN service, and our Surfshark VPN review will provide you with the big picture.

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Proton VPN – A secure VPN for your Roku device

Proton VPN has been advancing rapidly and is now one of the best all-around VPN services. Like the other VPN providers profiled here, you can install it on a wide variety of routers. It is also fast and secure, with over 8,500 secure servers in 112 countries. While its servers do not run in RAM-only mode, they all do use full-disk encryption.

Proton VPN has upgraded its service to use the WireGuard protocol, and is now much faster, and arguably more secure than before. During our most recent speed testing, Proton VPN turned in a top speed of over 698 Mbps during one test. Not quite as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, but far faster than the typical VPN can do.

Proton VPN also places a strong emphasis on privacy. As a product of Proton Technologies, the same company behind Proton Mail, it is based in Switzerland, a country known for its robust privacy laws. This ensures that Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any user data, making it an excellent choice for privacy-conscious Roku users.

Proton VPN provides detailed guides and support to help users set up the VPN on their routers or through a virtual router setup, ensuring a seamless connection.

Proton VPN also excels in streaming capabilities, making it a useful partner for Roku devices. It also efficiently unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, allowing you to enjoy a vast array of content without geographic restrictions. The VPN’s high-speed connections ensure that you can stream your favorite shows in high definition without buffering interruptions, enhancing your overall streaming experience.

Here’s a list of the best general Proton VPN features:

• Secure Core technology – Routes your traffic through multiple servers before leaving the network, providing an extra layer of protection against network-based attacks.

• WireGuard VPN protocol – Gives Proton VPN greater speed and security.

• Audited no-logs policy

• NetShield Ad-blocker – Stops ads and trackers.

• Tor over VPN connection

• P2P Support – Dedicated servers for peer-to-peer file sharing.

• Split Tunneling

• DNS leak protection and Kill switch

• 10 simultaneous connections

See all Proton VPN features here >

In conclusion, Proton VPN’s combination of privacy, streaming capabilities, and robust security features make it one of the best VPNs for Roku.

You can learn more about this VPN service in our Proton VPN review.

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ExpressVPN – A reliable Roku VPN alternative

ExpressVPN has been on the market since 2009. This reliable Roku VPN has come a long way and now has 3,000+ high-speed servers in 105 countries. Its servers rely on TrustedServer technology that lets them operate in RAM-only mode.

Unlike the other VPNs covered in this guide, ExpressVPN does not use the WireGuard protocol. Instead, it developed its custom protocol called Lightway. With Lightway, ExpressVPN is faster and more secure than when it relied on the OpenVPN protocol. However, it still can’t run with NordVPN or Surfshark in most circumstances.

For example, in our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison, we barely hit 330 Mbps on a link from our lab to a Seattle server. Meanwhile, both NordVPN and Surfshark hit over 750 Mbps when linked from our lab to their nearby Seattle servers. But this situation also illustrates the need to test a VPN on your hardware, with your internet connection, and connect it to the websites and services you want to use. Why?

Because the speeds you see can vary greatly depending on these factors. We saw this when we were testing the best VPNs for Canada. When we tried connecting ExpressVPN to one of its servers in Montreal, we recorded a download speed of over 600 Mbps, far faster than any result we received from ExpressVPN previously.

Here’s one of the places where ExpressVPN stands out. It has gone through more than a dozen third-party (external) audits, all of which went well. Among these were confirmations of ExpressVPN’s no-logs status, and penetration tests that confirmed their network is secure. In short, this is one of the safest premium VPNs on the market.

ExpressVPN premium features

• Split Tunneling

• Network Lock (Kill Switch)

• Threat Manager – Protects your Roku against trackers, malware, phishing attacks, and ads.

• Device Groups – Organize your devices into up to 5 groups on your server, allowing for easier management of your VPN connections.

• Smart DNS Feature – Unblock and stream geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPNs.

• Browser Extensions – Use ExpressVPN directly from Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

See all ExpressVPN features here >

ExpressVPN is a solid choice for Roku since it easily unlocks streaming sites like Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix. Its app is available on every device that supports VPNs, and there is also custom firmware for routers. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is quite expensive and will cost you $6.67/month. For that price, you will be able to connect eight devices simultaneously.

If you are having technical difficulties, you can always contact their 24/7 live chat support for professional customer service or follow one of a dozen in-depth guides on their website. ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning that you effectively get a free trial.

We also did a comprehensive ExpressVPN review that’s worth exploring.

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IPVanish – Reliable, fast, and secure VPN for Roku

IPVanish is a reliable and fast VPN with 2,400+ servers in 50+ countries around the world. This is a no-logs service that has also passed a third-party audit as we saw with NordVPN and ProtonVPN. IPVanish is based in the US. While this is not the best privacy jurisdiction, since the service is an audited, no-logs VPN it gives us confidence in recommending IPVanish. Plus it does an amazing job with streaming services.

First, this VPN supports the most advanced protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. When we connected to the Seattle server, we nearly hit 830 Mbps but saw much slower speeds in some tests. This is another example of why you need to test a VPN in your specific situation. NordVPN provides more consistent high-speed connections, as you can see in the IPVanish vs NordVPN comparison, but IPVanish is a fast VPN.

Like NordVPN, IPVanish uses WireGuard for speed and security. IPVanish successfully passed many independent audits, confirming its status in the industry. Among the most important was the one done by Leviathan Security Group, as it confirmed that IPVanish complies with its no-logs policy.

IPVanish Advanced Features

IPVanish is like ExpressVPN in that it aims for simplicity rather than an endless array of features. That said, it does cover all the basic bases,

• SOCKS5 proxy – Lets you improve your torrenting speed, but doesn’t provide encryption. You can learn more about it in our Proxy vs VPN article.

• Obfuscation – Disguises your internet connection so no one can tell you are using a VPN.

• Split tunneling – Control which traffic passes through the VPN connection.

• Kill Switch – Prevents your data from leaking onto the internet unprotected.

See all IPVanish features here >

This VPN provides an intuitive interface ideal for casual users. It is available on most modern platforms, from computers and smartphones to tablets. IPVanish even offers pre-configured routers, in case your router isn’t supported by the service. Aside from being fast, this VPN reliably unblocks restricted platforms and websites, letting you stream shows on Disney+ and Hulu without any inconvenience.

IPVanish is affordable and lets you hold unlimited simultaneous connections. Due to this, it is a top VPN for multiple devices. By subscribing, you’ll get access to live chat customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee (available for annual or 2-year subscriptions).

+ Pros

• Strong security features, multiple VPN protocols, and a kill switch

• Extremely fast and reliable connection speeds

• Wide range of reliable apps

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• Audited, no-logs policy

• Ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer

– Cons

• No cryptocurrency payment options

• Based in the United States

Our in-depth IPVanish review will give you more details about the service.

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Streaming alternatives to Roku

In case you are unable to set up a Roku VPN, we have prepared a few alternatives that work perfectly with VPNs.

• Chromecast – Is a popular media player developed by Google.  It lets you easily connect your devices to a TV  and start watching Hulu or Netflix originals in a much higher resolution. See our guide on the best VPNs for Chromecast.

• Kodi – A powerful media app that lets you stream shows, movies, and podcasts, and even play games. Check out our guide on the best VPNs for Kodi.

• Amazon Fire Stick – This streaming device will turn your regular television into a Smart TV. It works similarly to Chromecast and gives you the ability to purchase a subscription to popular streaming platforms. In some aspects, it is even superior, as it lets you directly install VPNs and 3rd party apps, and unblock geo-restricted content. See our guide on the best VPNs for Firestick.

• Apple TV – Another great option that is compatible with VPNs and offers a ton of content. Our Apple TV VPN guide has more details.

Using free VPNs for Roku

Although there are hundreds of free VPN apps on the market, we can’t recommend any of them for Roku or any other device. We have many reasons to back up this statement, as free VPNs …

1. Have Limited Support

A vast majority of free VPNs can’t be installed on a WiFi router, as their firmware usually isn’t supported. This is an immediate deal breaker if you are using it for Roku.

2. Impose Strict Data Cap

If you manage to find an app that works, you will have to keep in mind to use it sparingly. This is because almost all free VPNs have a monthly limit, which is generally set between 1 to 10 GB. You can easily spend this amount in a week or two, in which case you will be unable to use your free VPN until the month is up. Not to mention the frustration if you get cut off right in the middle of a tense episode.

On the other hand, every premium VPN we’ve mentioned offers unlimited monthly traffic.

3. Have an Undeveloped Server Network

Server maintenance is notoriously expensive, so free services naturally have fewer servers you can connect to. If you can’t find any that’s close to your location, you will experience diminished speed, which can diminish your streaming experience.

On top of that, streaming services are actively trying to block out users that are using VPNs. Premium services are powerful enough to bypass these algorithms, but free VPN servers frequently get flagged as suspicious. You can find yourself suddenly unable to access Netflix or Hulu with Roku, which would lead you back to square one.

4. Can Compromise Your Privacy and Security

A 2021 study done on 270+ free mobile VPNs revealed that most of them have glaring problems. To keep it short, here are the most shocking numbers.

• About 38% of free VPNs were infected with malware

• ~75% of apps contained trackers that follow user’s online activity

• More than 84% of free mobile VPNs have terrible (or non-existent) encryption

Granted, this analysis covered Smartphones, but we don’t have any reason to believe that the situation isn’t the same on other platforms, like Roku. What’s even more troubling, is the fact that the majority of users were unaware of these problems. As it turns out, free VPNs usually make money by selling our sensitive data to advertising agencies, turning the idea of privacy and security on its head.

The situation is grim, but we’ve managed to find a handful of free VPNs that work as you would expect. We still wouldn’t recommend using them as Roku VPNs, but you won’t find anything better.

Testing and Evaluation

When testing and evaluating Roku VPNs, we consider several factors to ensure they meet the needs of Roku users:

• Speed: We test the VPN’s speed to ensure it can handle streaming. High-speed connections are essential for smooth, high-quality streaming without buffering.

• Security: We evaluate the VPN’s security features, including encryption and no-logs policy. Strong security measures protect your data and ensure your online activities remain private.

• Server locations: We check the VPN’s server locations to ensure they are located in the regions we want to access. A wide range of server locations provides more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.

• Ease of use: We test the VPN’s ease of use, including setup and navigation. A user-friendly interface and clear setup instructions make it easier to get started with the VPN.

• Compatibility: We check the VPN’s compatibility with Roku devices. Since Roku doesn’t natively support VPN apps, we ensure the VPN can be installed on a router or used with a virtual router setup.

By considering these factors, we can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the best Roku VPNs available, helping you make an informed decision and enhance your streaming experience.

Best VPN for Roku Conclusion

Although Roku devices don’t directly support VPNs, you can install one on your router and reap the benefits. With it, you can reliably and quickly unlock streaming sites to watch popular shows and movies, no matter your location. On top of that, a top VPN will improve your security and provide you with privacy.

We found that NordVPN is the best Roku VPN on the market. It is compatible with multiple routers and has a huge global network of servers. All of them are fast and use advanced protocols with impressive unblocking capabilities.

Best VPNs for Roku FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions related to using Roku with a VPN:

Can I set up a Roku on a WiFi hotspot?
Yes, you can create a mobile hotspot on your phone, Mac, or laptop. Once you set it up, you will simply have to connect to it with your Roku device. We’ve done a detailed guide on how to do this above.

Is it illegal to set up a VPN for Roku?
Not at all, unless you are from a country where VPNs are prohibited. Although streaming services are trying to suppress VPNs, the worst they can do is flag your domain. In that case, you can just hop on to another server.

What is the best VPN for Roku?
We highly recommend NordVPN, as it is currently the fastest and has a very high security standard. Alternatively, you can also use Surfshark or Proton VPN.

This guide to the “Best VPNs for Roku” was last edited on October 25, 2024.