Using a VPN connected Roku is for illustration an upgrade. It tin alteration your location and supply entree to further streaming apps and contented connected nan Roku Channel. We've reviewed VPNs for media devices for illustration Amazon Fire TV Stick and smart TVs, but Roku is simply a spot different because neither Roku TV nor Roku Streaming Stick supports nonstop VPN installation.
To group up a VPN connected Roku, you'll request to stock a relationship from a router aliases a adjacent PC installed pinch nan VPN. That intends immoderate VPN you take should beryllium compatible pinch these devices while besides providing accelerated speeds and streaming abilities. There are moreover routers pre-installed pinch VPNs if you don't want to spell done nan hassle of a manual setup.
One past imaginative workaround to usage a VPN pinch Roku is to instal nan VPN connected a supported device, for illustration a laptop, tablet, aliases phone, and past reflector aliases formed nan streaming contented to Roku TV.
What is nan champion VPN for Roku correct now?
ExpressVPN is nan champion VPN that useful pinch Roku. It offers an easier router instal option, and each nan servers are optimized for world streaming. We besides for illustration its terrific connections that tin prolong afloat HD aliases higher-quality streaming pinch mini and large-screen devices.
Also: The champion inexpensive VPNs
The subscriptions commencement astatine $3.49/month for 2 years, though nan one-month plans are really costly compared to nan competition. If you'd for illustration different options pinch different features, we've laid retired each nan VPNs we've tested that would activity pinch Roku.
The champion VPNs for Roku successful 2025
Why we for illustration it: ExpressVPN is nan only app pinch a dedicated router app, making mounting up a VPN connected Roku effortless. You tin download and instal VPN firmware for router models specified arsenic Netgear, Asus RT, aliases Linksys WRT, and past link your Roku TV aliases Stick to nan web for streaming.
In summation to nan straightforward setup, you tin usage ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer characteristic to configure DNS settings connected your router. It changes your location connected connected Roku streaming devices, though it doesn't encrypt connections for illustration a regular VPN.
ExpressVPN besides offers Aircove marque routers pinch built-in VPN. If you haven't purchased a router yet, you mightiness want to cheque these retired to debar nan hassle of a setup for Roku.
All ExpressVPN servers crossed 105 countries usage obfuscation exertion that's very effective for region-specific streaming connected Roku. It helps to evade discovery by firewalls connected streaming services that observe and artifact VPNs. For nan astir part, I haven't had antagonistic experiences watching online pinch ExpressVPN, which is why I ever urge it arsenic 1 of nan best VPN services for online streaming.
Review: ExpressVPN
Who it's for: The work is perfect for beginners and intermediate users who cherish convenience and top-of-the-line capacity successful a streaming VPN. Users opportunity it maintains accordant velocity connected routers and standalone devices, chiefly because nan proprietary Lightway protocol is an improved type of nan industry's champion modular called WireGuard.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a rich | equilibrium of features versus cost, ExpressVPN isn't nan one. The Basic scheme costs $98 for 2 years, but it's stripped of galore features. You tin opt for Premium aliases VIP plans for $126 ($4.49/month) and $210 ($7.49/month), respectively, for nan aforesaid period.
ExpressVPN features: Roku compatibility: Yes, pinch fresh router app | Countries: 105 Simultaneous connections: up to 14 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and much | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: British Virgin Islands | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected iOS and Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.1 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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NordVPN offers an extended server infrastructure and is nan fastest VPN successful our astir caller tests.
Why we for illustration it: If it weren't for nan deficiency of a router app, NordVPN could person easy been nan apical action for Roku. It's faster and much well-rounded than ExpressVPN, delivering amended 4K streaming capacity connected some adjacent and distant server locations. On immoderate Canadian servers, for example, I sewage only a 4% velocity drop, while ExpressVPN mislaid astir 9%, creating a favoritism astir which is faster of nan two.
NordVPN has expanded its server web to 125 countries, offering much locations for Roku than nan competition. It's different favourite for world streaming, partially besides because of its obfuscated servers to thief get astir web aliases site-specific entree restrictions anywhere. The app besides has galore settings to set your privateness if, say, you want to hide your activities from ISPs monitoring and capping bandwidth during dense streaming.
Review: NordVPN
Who it's for: Aside from nan astronomical speeds, NordVPN is perfect if you want to group up Roku pinch a virtual router. It offers straightforward guides connected really to do it. You tin stock VPN-enabled connections wirelessly from a Windows, Mac, aliases moreover smartphone, and it would activity conscionable arsenic if you had installed an app.
Another action to usage NordVPN pinch Roku is to manually configure your normal router pinch nan SmartPlay (smart DNS) characteristic aliases via WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. The situation pinch these 2 methods is that changing server locations aliases power settings isn't arsenic easy arsenic having nonstop entree to nan app.
Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN renewal rates are expensive. You mightiness for illustration nan introductory prices, but beryllium judge to besides cheque if you're comfortable pinch nan consequent payments. Cancel autorenewals for your subscription earlier nan extremity of nan adjacent billing rhythm to debar unwanted charges.
NordVPN features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 125 Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and much | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Panama | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Surshark is celebrated arsenic a worth service, offering much for little without compromising connected quality.
Why we for illustration it: Surfshark offers pocket-friendly deals successful nan agelong run. The Starter scheme costs $54 for 27 months (roughly $1.99/month), pinch nan expertise to link arsenic galore devices arsenic you want (not galore VPNs support unlimited connections). This intends that Roku TV and nan different devices successful your family are good covered, arsenic good arsenic those that you usage for travel, for illustration laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Focusing connected features circumstantial to streaming connected Roku, Surfshark has much than 3,200 servers successful 100 countries, pinch complete 20 US cities covered (if you're keen connected watching contented from this region). It besides has somewhat much obfuscation settings than rivals to facilitate uninterrupted Roku streaming. From nan infinitesimal you link to nan VPN, NoBorders Mode is activated to observe restrictions connected immoderate networks that mightiness airs problems for VPN connections (such arsenic hotels). You tin besides usage nan Camouflage Mode (with nan OpenVPN protocol) to easy disguise your VPN usage while streaming.
Review: Surfshark
Who it's for: Surfshark is perfect if you're bulk-purchasing Roku Channels for extended periods and besides want to person much connections. You tin bargain 1 subscription, group up nan VPN pinch Roku, and forget. Surfshark is compatible pinch routers and besides different streaming-friendly devices successful lawsuit you mightiness want to reflector your surface aliases create a unafraid wireless hotspot.
Who should look elsewhere: Speed isn't 1 of Surfshark's awesome strengths. The capacity tin beryllium inconsistent connected immoderate servers; for example, I noticed arsenic overmuch arsenic a 30% driblet successful connections from Miami to Montreal. It didn't impact overmuch because nan relationship was still complete 100 Mbps, tin of supporting afloat HD video loading connected a ample TV screen.
Surfshark features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 100 Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and much | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Netherlands (14 Eyes) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected iOS and Android Trustpilot rating: 4.5 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.6
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The IPVanish app allows you to play pinch settings until you tin find nan correct ones to activity pinch your Roku setup method.
Why we for illustration it: There are different levels of encryption to use. The AES 256-bit encryption that galore VPNs usage is often dense and tin person a toll connected relationship speeds erstwhile streaming connected Roku TV. IPVanish offers AES 128-bit action -- a lighter shape of encryption pinch amended performance. It tin importantly minimize overheads erstwhile streaming straight from a instrumentality aliases a hotspot connection, without compromising your information aliases privacy.
IPVanish has easy-to-run Windows and Mac apps, making it different awesome action if you want to stock a virtual relationship pinch Roku. You tin thereby move servers simply by tapping a location connected nan app's representation interface. The different action is to configure nan VPN connected a router and link Roku to nan network. Thankfully, IPVanish runs a 24/7 customer support work to thief if you don't cognize really to spell astir it.
We mostly tested nan US servers. The VPN supported streaming connected nan Roku Channel, Peacock TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ without lag. With a fleet of 2,500+ servers successful 108 countries (140 cities worldwide), you person much than capable locations to research breathtaking content.
Review: IPVanish
Who it's for: This work is recommended if you intend to beryllium elastic capable to effort much than 1 VPN setup method, fixed nan galore limitations pinch Roku. Similar to Surfshark, IPVanish is different awesome prime if you're looking for affordability and multi-user support (unlimited connections). The two-year subscription is $53 (coming to astir $2.19 per month).
Who should look elsewhere: IPVanish is based successful nan United States, a territory that isn't truthful privacy-friendly. The supplier is taxable to immoderate information retention laws and tin beryllium compelled to stock an individual user's information. For that matter, you mightiness beryllium amended disconnected pinch alternatives if you want complete anonymity.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's genitor company. For more, spot our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 113 Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and much | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: United States (14 Eyes) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days connected iOS and Android Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6
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CyberGhost developers person put awesome effort into making it 1 of nan apical selections for streaming, pinch features specified arsenic optimized servers and user-friendly apps.
Why we for illustration it: Mention immoderate celebrated streaming service, and it's apt that CyberGhost has specialized servers for it. This adds a batch of convenience if you want to watch from Roku add-on channels for illustration Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, and truthful overmuch more. The streaming servers not only usage little bandwidth (resulting successful faster speeds) but are perpetually updated to guarantee they still activity pinch these premier contented sites.
Due to CyberGhost's intuitive machine and mobile apps, 1 of nan champion ways to utilize it pinch Roku is to formed your surface from 1 of these devices onto your TV screen. That way, you tin easy alteration nan streaming servers for different platforms whenever you want. Aside from being compatible pinch routers, nan VPN offers smart DNS to configure settings and watercourse effortlessly pinch immoderate instrumentality connected to nan network.
Review: CyberGhost
Who it's for: Streaming fans hopping betwixt different streaming platforms to watch their favourite TV shows and bid connected Roku would greatly admit nan beingness of optimized servers for uninterrupted access.
Moreover, nan VPN has 1 of nan longest periods for claiming a refund (up to forty-five days compared to 30 days pinch different providers). It costs much aliases little nan aforesaid arsenic IPVanish, pinch nan 26-month subscription priced astatine $57 ($2.19/month).
Who should look elsewhere: CyberGhost isn't generous pinch simultaneous connections, allowing only a maximum of 7 devices. That's restricting because you whitethorn person to disconnect immoderate devices erstwhile you've reached nan accepted relationship limits.
CyberGhost features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 100 Simultaneous connections: 7 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and much | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Romania | Money-back guarantee: 45 days | Trial: One time connected PC, 3 connected Android, and Seven connected iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.0 | Google Play rating: 4.2 | App Store rating: 4.2
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While ExpressVPN is simply a amended prime for Roku, different VPNs besides connection advantages that mightiness entreaty to your needs. Here's a side-by-side summary of really they compare.
Best VPN for Roku | Server coverage | Unique streaming features | Roku compatibility | Simultaneous connections | Best deal |
ExpressVPN | 105 countries | All servers are obfuscated | Native router app, virtual router, Smart DNS | 10-14 | $3.49/month for 28 months |
NordVPN | 125 countries | Obfuscated servers successful immoderate locations | Router support (no autochthonal app), virtual router, Smart DNS | 10 | $3.39/month for 24 months |
Surfshark | 100 countries | Available obfuscation modes | Router support (no autochthonal app), virtual router, Smart DNS | Unlimited | $1.99/month for 27 months |
IPVanish | 113 countries | Obfuscated protocol | Router support (no autochthonal app), virtual router | Unlimited | $2.19/month for 24 months |
CyberGhost | 100 countries | Streaming-optimized servers | Router support (no autochthonal app), virtual router, Smart DNS | 8 | $2.19/month for 26 months |
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Choose this Roku VPN | If you want… |
ExpressVPN | Native router app for effortless setup pinch Roku. It besides useful wherever astir VPNs fail, acknowledgment to its server obfuscation system that tin bypass modern VPN discovery technologies. |
NordVPN | Powered-up connections and an extended server web for high-quality video streaming internationally. |
Surfshark | Value for money VPN work pinch unlimited relationship allowance, providing capable sum for your full family. |
IPVanish | Many options to customize your VPN app for Roku streaming via router connection, hotspot, aliases mirroring techniques. |
CyberGhost | Mobile, PC, and smart TV optimized servers for streaming favorites for illustration Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and galore more. |
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Method 1: Using a router
We person our dedicated page connected how to group up a VPN connected a router. However, nan process will disagree somewhat depending connected nan router exemplary and nan VPN service. So beryllium judge to cheque your provider's website connected really to champion instal nan package router devices. Typically, nan steps are arsenic follows;
- Subscribe to a VPN work of your choice.
- Access your router's admin sheet and motion successful to nan network.
- Go to "Advanced settings" aliases "WAN" and find VPN settings wherever you tin participate nan credentials.
- Once nan VPN is configured connected your router, link your Roku TV aliases streaming subordinate to nan Wi-Fi.
A VPN unsocial won't alteration your location connected Roku. You will besides person to update nan location from your Roku account. See nan elaborate guides connected how to alteration location connected immoderate Roku device.
Method 2: Via a virtual router (Windows and Mac)
You tin stock a VPN relationship pinch Roku from your machine arsenic follows:
-Install nan VPN app connected your machine and motion successful to nan app.
-Connect to a server location aliases streaming service, specifically wherever you want to watch content.
-Set up a mobile hotspot.
On Windows:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. Turn connected this mounting and create a web sanction and password.
Scroll down to "Related settings" and click "Change adapter settings."
Right-click your VPN work adapter and navigate to "Properties" past "Sharing".
Check nan container adjacent to "Allow different web users to link done this computer's net connection".
Select your virtual hotspot adapter from nan dropdown and click "OK".
On Mac
Go to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.
Choose to stock your relationship complete Wi-Fi (from Ethernet aliases VPN adapter).
Create a hotspot sanction and password.
-With your VPN connected, unfastened nan Roku streaming app and entree nan contented you want to watch. Press play and watch it connected nan ample screen.
Method 3: Mirroring aliases casting to Roku pinch a VPN
You tin tally a VPN connected your smartphone aliases machine and reflector aliases formed contented to Roku pinch these elemental steps;
-Launch nan VPN app connected your telephone aliases laptop and connect.
-Enable surface mirroring connected Roku nether Settings > System > Screen mirroring.
-Mirror aliases formed your screen.
On Android: Find nan formed aliases mirroring action from nan speedy settings and take your Roku instrumentality from nan list.
On Windows: Search for "Projection settings" and prime "Connect to wireless display," past find your Roku device.
On iOS and macOS: Use nan AirPlay characteristic to reflector your screen.
-On Roku, spell to Settings > Network > Set up connection, past link to nan virtual hotspot you've created.
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Compatibility and easiness of use: Look for a VPN pinch a much straightforward setup for Roku. Ideally, nan app should beryllium easy to instal connected a router and perchance moreover connection smart DNS configuration, which is awesome support for streaming. There should beryllium dedicated mobile, tablet, and PC apps truthful that you person nan action to screencast/mirror connected Roku TV aliases stock a relationship connected a virtual hotspot.
Streaming superpowers: Roku and different add-on channels connected nan level are actively blocking VPNs, truthful not conscionable each different app will work. For that matter, guarantee that nan work you take has a estimation for supporting streaming.
A bully server network: Some binge-worthy free and paid streaming apps connected Roku are only disposable successful circumstantial countries. A VPN pinch bully server distribution enables you to watercourse unrecorded TV and on-demand contented anyplace simply by changing your location.
Reliable speed: Using a VPN is astir apt to slow down your internet. You should truthful prime a supplier pinch optimized apps for minimal effect connected speed. As agelong arsenic your baseline relationship is fast, you almost won't announcement immoderate lag erstwhile streaming connected Roku.
Security and privacy: Besides nan streaming-specific features, don't hide astir safety. Ensure that nan VPN uses nan champion encryption modular (AES) and has leak protection features, including a termination switch, to forestall vulnerability of your IP reside and different delicate specifications while streaming online.
Affordable pricing: Premium services are much reliable for streaming than free ones. But that doesn't mean you should spell each successful connected an costly VPN. Find a bully supplier that's wrong your fund range, and make judge to cheque nan renewal rates (prices whitethorn sprout up aft nan introductory connection ends).
Money-back guarantee: The work should support refunds for a minimum play of astatine slightest 2 weeks, conscionable successful lawsuit you find that it doesn't activity pinch Roku arsenic you expected.
Simultaneous connections: You whitethorn besides want to protect different devices successful your home, not conscionable Roku. Under specified circumstances, a multi-device VPN allows you arsenic galore connections arsenic you want without incurring further costs.
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Our VPN testing criteria astatine ZDNET entail a thorough study of reliable providers, past shortlisting only nan ones astir useful for nan identified purpose. For Roku streaming, we considered highly unafraid VPNs that are easier to usage connected nan level and are besides relentless pinch geo-restrictions. The selected providers worked pinch nan astir sought-after Roku Channel Store streaming apps specified arsenic Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock TV, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, arsenic good arsenic free services for illustration Tubi and Pluto TV.
Streaming value besides matters a lot, truthful we ran velocity tests to guarantee nan chosen VPNs tin present a seamless acquisition connected TV. Mostly, we recovered that connecting Roku to a VPN-enabled router aliases utilizing nan surface mirroring method was much efficient. Virtual connections, connected nan different hand, resulted successful importantly higher velocity drops. But respective different factors, including VPN settings, tin impact performance.
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No, there's nary measurement to straight instal a VPN connected Roku TV aliases a streaming stick. Neither does Roku person a built-in VPN. The easiest measurement to usage a VPN pinch Roku is to link to a router installed pinch a VPN of your choice. That way, your net connections will passageway done nan VPN servers and get encrypted, conscionable for illustration pinch a regular VPN app. You tin besides stock a relationship from a VPN-enabled instrumentality specified arsenic a machine aliases phone.
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Proton VPN is 1 of nan astir reliable free VPNs that's unafraid and doesn't restrict bandwidth. The only drawback is that free servers are only offered successful 5 countries, and they aren't optimized for streaming. Another action is Windscribe, which besides supports streaming connected free servers, but there's a monthly 10GB information cap, a awesome limitation erstwhile it comes to online streaming.
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Streaming is nan main logic group usage a VPN connected Roku. You tin entree Roku Channel Store apps and contented successful different regions by spoofing your Roku device's location. Because nan VPN besides masks your IP address, ISPs besides can't show your streaming activities and restrict connections (they sometimes do this if you're utilizing up a batch of bandwidth). The VPN besides helps to unafraid your connections from privateness intrusion, hacks, and imaginable cyber attacks.
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