Best VPN for Roku in 2024 (2024)

Best VPN for Roku in 2024 (1)

Roku had amassed a staggering user base with over 80 million active accounts. It’s built to let you access all the entertainment you want quickly and easily. And it does that well. Still, you can throw in a VPN for Roku for access on steroids.

The thing is, as good as Roku is, you still have to deal with pesky content restrictions. And, believe it or not, you’re at risk of hacking and data breaches. Adding the best VPN to your Roku setup enhances your streaming experience and protects your privacy.

Not just any VPN, though, because they’re not all capable of delivering the fast speeds and unblocking capabilities you need for a Roku VPN. So, in this article, we’ll run through the best options to streamline your choices and get the most out of your streaming device.

Table of Contents

Why Do You Need a VPN for Roku?

You may wonder why you’d need a VPN when you already have plenty of streaming apps on your Roku.

The top reason? A lot more access. Take Netflix, for example. While your local library has hundreds or even thousands of titles, you’re missing out on a ton of content available in other regions due to geo-blocking. But a good VPN for streaming can unblock Netflix in other countries so you have far more content at your fingertips.

That also applies to your travels. If you use a VPN with Roku in your hotel room, for example, you can catch up with the content you left back home that may not be available where you are. One of our team members recently used a VPN while traveling to stream American TV channels from outside the US — problem solved.

What’s more, many users don’t realize it, but streaming devices can be hacked. In fact, Roku suffered a data breach in March 2024 that compromised the login credentials of 15,000 users. Luckily, payment information wasn’t affected, but it’s a reminder that your streaming devices and TVs can be vulnerable.

Now, that breach happened on Roku’s end, but it’s important to know that hackers can also target individual devices like your Roku, especially if you’re connected to an unsecured network. However, a Roku VPN shields your device and sensitive information from such cyber threats.

The 5 Best VPNs for Roku in 2024: A Deep Dive

It’s important to note that Roku OS (the operating system that powers Roku) doesn’t natively support VPNs. We’re going to explore workarounds, but that means that every VPN on the market stands on near-equal footing in terms of compatibility.

So, how do you choose the best VPN for Roku? It’s straightforward — by evaluating them based on their compatibility with those methods, as well as their features and performance.

Simple? Yes. Easy? Not quite. But don’t worry; we did all the hard work for you. Here are the five best Roku VPNs on the market in 2024:

1. NordVPN

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Unsurprisingly, since it’s the best VPN for streaming in general, NordVPN tops this list of the most reliable VPN services for Roku in 2024.

NordVPN fits the bill for several reasons. It unblocks more streaming services than other providers, for one.

We’ve thrown countless platforms at the VPN over the years, and it almost always comes through. Does NordVPN work with Netflix? Yes, it does — and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and many others. It’s also a very reliable VPN for accessing YouTube TV abroad.

Its server network comprises more than 6,400 servers across 111 countries certainly helps. You don’t even need dedicated streaming servers. In our tests, any one server worked just as well as the other, and with a presence in so many countries, that just means lots more access.

NordVPN has loads of helpful features. For instance, SmartPlay incorporates Smart DNS to let you access content on devices without native VPN support, like Roku. It’s built-in and ready to go, so no extra effort required.

You can count on its proprietary protocol, NordLynx, to provide the access you need — and quickly. It’s based on WireGuard and has been fine-tuned for blazing-fast connection speeds without sacrificing security. Speaking of which, you get ultra-secure protection for your data with bank-level encryption and lots of advanced tools.

As for setting up the VPN on your Roku, the provider has comprehensive guides to help, as well as an around-the-clock support team you can reach out to for assistance if needed. Plus, NordVPN has a 30-day refund window on all plans.

See price at NordVPN

2. ExpressVPN

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With its well-designed and intuitive apps, ExpressVPN offers even more user-friendliness than our favorite VPN for Roku.

It’s pretty versatile when it comes to non-VPN-enabled devices, like the Roku. For one, it has a dedicated router app, just in case you’re not fancying the idea and process of installing one on your router yourself.

Alternatively, you can opt for Aircove, its range of Wi-Fi 6 routers. And, get this: they have ExpressVPN built in, instantly bringing the VPN’s benefits to your Roku and other connected devices without hassles.

If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves for a DIY approach, the provider has a comprehensive guide for setting up a virtual router. You can always contact its 24/7 customer support team if you run into any issues.

ExpressVPN has an exceptional track record of unblocking blocked websites and online services. Using the VPN with Roku cemented that reputation by providing smooth access to all the streaming apps installed on our device.

For example, when we connected to a UK server, we could seamlessly access BBC iPlayer and ITVX even though we were thousands of miles from the United Kingdom. ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, so there’s plenty of coverage.

What’s more, the provider delivers fast enough speeds for smooth 4K streaming. There’s only minimal buffering, if any, and you can enjoy your favorite shows without annoying interruptions.

There may be many cheaper VPNs, but few can match ExpressVPN’s offering. Besides, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you get to try it out yourself.

See price at ExpressVPN

3. Private Internet Access

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In a big household, you’re probably juggling smart TVs, streaming devices, laptops, and smartphones, all competing for a spot on the VPN. With Private Internet Access, that goes out the window since you don’t have to worry about hitting a limit — it lets you connect as many devices as you need without restriction.

We especially like how easy it is to set up its Smart DNS to work with your Roku. It’s like a VPN “lite” that offers unrestricted access without the processing load that comes with encryption and routing your traffic through a VPN server. You can also turn your computer into a virtual router or install the Roku VPN on your router. PIA doesn’t have a router app like ExpressVPN.

The provider has a vast network in 91 countries, which generally means secure access to your favorite TV shows regardless of location.

It wasn’t always easy access when the VPN came up against formidable blocks, though. However, we’ve seen some improvement lately, especially when using PIA’s dedicated streaming servers. In our recent tests, PIA unblocked some Netflix libraries and a number of popular streaming services.

That massive network, coupled with the capacity for 10 Gbps connections, means you’ll enjoy stable streaming on your Roku. It was near-bufferless, especially when using WireGuard.

Unlimited simultaneous device connections aside, Private Internet Access is pretty cheap, whether monthly or longer-term. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

See price at PIA VPN

4. Proton VPN

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Proton VPN may have made a name as a security-focused VPN, but it’s also a pretty good VPN for Roku in 2024.

Like others on this list, you can’t install the VPN app directly on Roku. Instead, the provider lets you configure the app on your VPN-friendly router and then connect Roku to the network. Of course, you can also install the app on your computer and share a connection. Proton VPN is pretty user-friendly, and the set-up process took minutes during our tests.

As for improving Roku, the VPN fetched various exclusive catalogs as soon as we got it up and running and launched streaming services. We changed Netflix’s region to the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany, and each time, we could access and watch content curated for those audiences. Proton VPN also worked for several other platforms.

Don’t worry about your ISP slowing down your connection speed in the middle of your binging sessions. Proton VPN circumvents ISP throttling — and its custom Stealth protocol obfuscates your traffic so your ISP cannot even detect that you’re using a VPN.

On the downside, we’re not impressed by the lack of 24/7 customer support, with the provider assigning hours for Live Chat instead. Outside those hours, you must complete a support form or wait to try again later.

See price at Proton VPN

5. Surfshark

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Surfshark may have lost its budget king throne to PIA, but it still offers incredible value for Roku users. For instance, like the latter, unlimited simultaneous connections make it a solid value option since you don’t have to carve out a spot for your streaming device or pay for a second subscription. Besides, price-wise, its long-term plans are still pretty cheap.

It has well-designed apps that are easy to install and use on your computer, which is also the case for setting the device up as a virtual router. The provider also has a robust setup guide for connecting your router to a VPN to enjoy the full benefit of your Roku.

Speaking of which, we found Surfshark to be one of the best VPNs on the market when it comes to overcoming firewalls, network blocks, and geo-restrictions. Connecting to an Australian server allowed us to watch SBS live from halfway across the world. That’s just one example — in fact, we’d place Surfshark around NordVPN’s level when it comes to unblocking.

The provider also delivers lightning-fast speeds for buttery-smooth streaming, even in 4K video quality. Moreover, the Roku VPN has no data caps or bandwidth limits to worry about, which means uninterrupted streaming.

It goes without saying that an active Surfshark subscription means your IP address cannot disclose your browsing activity or actual location to prying eyes.

Willing to give Surfshark a spin? It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you’ll be doing so risk-free.

See price at Surfshark

How to Use a VPN on Roku

Here’s a quick guide outlining how to enhance your viewing experience on a Roku with a VPN.

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN for use with Roku. We’ve explored a few top options, so take your pick. Our choice is NordVPN, which currently offers a big discount on its 1- and 2-year plans.
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your computer to share a connection with your Roku OR set up the VPN on your VPN-friendly router.
  3. Connect to a VPN server in a location with content you want to access. For example, connect to a server in the United Kingdom if you want to watch Netflix UK shows.
  4. Launch Roku and get to streaming without geo-restrictions.

How to Set Up a VPN With Roku

The second step in the previous section is pretty loaded in reality. We’ve already established that you can’t directly install a VPN on Roku like you would on the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Android TV.

There are three major ways to configure a VPN to run on Roku:

  • Use a physical router
  • Use a virtual router
  • Smart DNS

Let’s walk you through both approaches.

Set Up a VPN on Roku Using a Physical Router

You can’t set up a VPN on just any router. So, before you set out to configure your router, make sure it supports VPNs. For instance, you can check your router’s firmware against NordVPN’s compatibility list.

Here’s another rule of thumb: your router will probably not support a VPN setup if an ISP issued it.

Say your router supports VPNs. Even then, you’re not home-free. Other factors to consider include its age, type, and brand. Some routers will need a firmware flash or update first. Approach the former with caution, or you may wreck your router.

Some providers partner with third parties to produce VPN-compatible routers, so that’s an option. NordVPN’s partnership with Flash routers is one example.

Anyway, here’s a bare-boned guide to setting up a VPN on your router. For more specifics, check your preferred Roku VPN for comprehensive instructions.

  1. Enter your router’s IP address into a browser to access the admin console. You can find the IP address in the manual.
  2. Log in with the username and password. Look up the router model on the brand’s website for default credentials if you don’t have them.
  3. Navigate to the VPN section of the settings.
  4. Enter your VPN’s DNS values. You should find the required information on its website or support page.

Set Up a Virtual Router

Alternatively, you can set up the VPN on your PC and then share the connection via mobile hotspot to all connected devices, including your Roku. It’s the easier approach of the two. Here’s what to do;

  1. Install your preferred VPN for Roku on your PC.
  2. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot. Turn on Mobile hotspot and note your network name and password.
  3. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings. Right-click on your VPN’s TAP adapter and click Properties.
  4. Click the Sharing tab and check the box that says, “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
  5. From the drop-down menu under Home networking connection, select your local area connection. Make sure it has an asterisk* next to it.
  6. Now, head back to your VPN and connect to a VPN server.
  7. Finally, on Roku, head to Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless and select your computer’s connection.

Just like that, your Roku is connected to a VPN, and you can access previously geo-blocked content securely.

Smart DNS

Finally, you can use Smart DNS. This method bypasses geo-restrictions on your Roku without the need for a full-fledged VPN. Mind, that means you don’t get the privacy benefits of a VPN service.

Roku doesn’t let you modify DNS settings on the device, so you have to do so on your router. Our top Roku VPNs all have setup guides you can follow to obtain DNS server addresses and input them to use Smart DNS on your Roku.

Can You Use a Free VPN on Roku?

We don’t recommend doing so. To begin with, most free providers are not compatible with routers or offer Smart DNS services. Already, that rules them out.

However, even if they could work with Roku, free VPNs are typically hamstrung in terms of performance and bypassing geo-restrictions. They usually only offer a handful of servers, which limits how much exclusive access you can get. But it also generally means congestion and slow speeds.

Even the best free VPNs can only unblock a few streaming services compared to a top premium provider. For the best Roku experience, we recommend choosing one of the VPNs we’ve discussed above, especially NordVPN.

Final Thoughts

Roku may be a great way to access a ton of entertainment at your fingertips, but a VPN can elevate that experience significantly. Specifically, a quality VPN for Roku.

Following extensive tests, we’ve outlined the best options in this article. NordVPN is our top choice, thanks to the seamlessness and reliability it brings to the table.

Try NordVPN Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s wrap up with a few commonly asked questions about using a VPN with Roku.

Can I put a VPN on Roku?

You cannot directly install a VPN on Roku streaming devices. However, other workarounds exist, such as using a physical router and sharing your VPN connection from your computer.

What is the best free VPN for Roku?

Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Roku due to its fast connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth. That said, like all free VPNs, it has limitations, like struggling with formidable geo-blocks.

Can I use NordVPN for Roku?

Yes. While NordVPN doesn’t have a native Roku app, you can use alternative methods to set it up to work with Roku devices.

What countries does Roku work in?

Roku works in the USA, the U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Peru. However, using a VPN means you can access content in loads of other countries.

Best VPN for Roku in 2024 (2024)
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