Roku is a streaming TV and media player that has enjoyed significant success and popularity since its initial launch in 2012. It is available in a number of forms, including portable streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and even as a smart TV! Thanks to its partnership with popular streaming services such as Netflix, hulu, and Amazon, there’s no shortage of excellent content available at the click of a button.
Sadly, much like the streaming services themselves, select channels and content are inaccessible due to geo-restrictions. In response to this, consumers are becoming increasingly aware that they can use a VPN service to unblock that content, thus getting the most out of their Roku system.
Find out all about our top-ranked VPNs for Roku below!
What is the best VPN for Roku?
- ExpressVPN - The best Roku VPN service. It's smart DNS service make it easy to use with Roku, it's super-fast, and very secure.
- NordVPN - A large brand offering great value at a cheap price
- Surfshark - This service is one of the cheapest Roku VPNs. It has fast speeds for streaming without buffering & lots of online security options.
- Private Internet Access - A secure VPN for Roku. This VPN offers plenty of PPTP proxies which is an easy way to unblock content on Roku.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy to use VPN for Roku. It has a nifty smart DNS feature, making it super-easy to set up on your Roku stick.
To pick our favorite VPNs for Roku, we considered a number of important attributes and features, including:
- Fast and unrestricted connection speeds
- Many servers located worldwide
- Reliable apps for all platforms
- The ability to bypass geo-restrictions
- Outstanding customer service
Now you know what makes a VPN a top pick for Roku TV, let's take a look at the providers that made the cut.
The Best VPNs for Roku | In-depth Analysis
We can recommend all the VPNs below for Roku.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Roku because it has ultra-fast servers and great security features. Its MediaStreamer DNS feature makes it super-easy to use with your Roku Stick. ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ servers all boast unlimited bandwidth and 4K HDR streaming, meaning you won’t have to worry about buffering circles slowing you down. Sturdy AES-256 encryption keeps you and the family secure online, and a whole host of protocols let you further customize your security options. What’s more, ExpressVPN is a no-logs service. Known for its powerful unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN will allow you to watch Roku (or Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more) wherever you are and on up to 5 devices simultaneously. Most device platforms are supported with easy-to-use apps, or, for unlimited connections, simply install ExpressVPN on a VPN-enabled router. You can try out the service for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 support is available if you’re in a muddle. NordVPN is a no-logs VPN provider based in Panama. This year NordVPN scooped the most coveted prize of them all - our Best Overall VPN award. The ProPrivacy.com Awards have quickly become the industry gold standard, with all the providers battling for a top spot. Keep reading our NordVPN review to find out why NordVPN was crowned the best of the Bunch this year. NordVPN has a no logs policy, fantastic security features and the ability to unblock content. All of which makes it one of the best VPN choices out there. It has features such as double VPN, VPN over Tor, DNS-based malware protection, Smart DNS, and more, all part of the very reasonably priced package. Surfshark is one of the cheapest Roku VPNs and can be used on Roku stick by setting a virtual router on your PC or Mac. Surfshark has detailed instructions of how to do this on its site. Surfshark consistently tops the charts when it comes to average speeds, and you won't need to worry about bandwidth or data caps when connecting to any of its 1,700+ servers - making streaming in HD that much simpler. AES-256-GCM encryption keeps your information secure online, and Surfshark allows you to select from IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Shadowsocks protocols. There’s also Camouflage Mode, which masks your VPN usage from your ISP. All iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux devices are compatible with Surfshark, and you'll even be able to secure your router. The service offers unlimited simultaneous connections, incredibly. This means that you, the family, and your family's family can watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and more. CleanWeb and Whitelister add extra utility to the subscription, and you can put it through its paces with a 30-day money-back guarantee or a free 7-day trial if you’re an Android or iOS user. Live chat is also available 24/7 if you run into any issues and need a helping hand. PIA is a secure VPN to use with Roku TV. It offers thousands of PPTP proxies which make it easy to unblock content on Roku. It has fast servers, unblocking lots, and router options. PIA has bare metal servers operating in 47 countries worldwide, and you'll be able to enjoy unlimited bandwidth on all 2,700+ servers. What's more, PIA's server speeds are quick, impressively so when you consider the moderate subscription fee. Included in your PIA subscription is military-standard 256-bit AES encryption, WireGuard, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec protocols and servers with dedicated obfuscation features. You’ll be able to check out Netflix with PIA, in addition to Roku, and the whole family can enjoy up to 10 simultaneous connections on most devices - Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and routers included. PIA’s instant setup makes it a piece of cake to get started, and if you do happen to need help, there’s a 24 hour service available to take your questions by live chat. New subscribers will also receive a 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhostVPN is an easy to use Roku TV VPN. Its smart DNS features makes it really easy to unblock more content on your Roku Stick. It's also fast secure and has easy to use apps. CyberGhost VPN is a superb VPN provider that will allow you to enjoy fast VPN speeds. It has superb servers in over 90 countries that are exceptional for unblocking streaming services and foreign TV channels on your Roku. It has a choice of encryption protocols including IKEv2, L2TP, and OpenVPN, and being based in Romania with a no-logs policy means that it will keep your data secure without the potential of government interference. A single CyberGhost VPN subscription will protect 7 devices simultaneously, and the VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and VPN compatible routers. Plus, CyberGhost can help you unblock Netflix US, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer on your Roku. It will also let you torrent safely thanks to P2P support. It's a superb service that provides great value for money, and we recommend testing for yourself by making use of its generous 45-day money-back guarantee on subscriptions longer than 1 month. 1. ExpressVPN
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Why do you need a VPN for Roku?
Roku’s popularity is thanks in no small part to its massive library of partnered streaming services; Netflix, hulu, and Amazon to name a few.
However, while the roster of available shows and films is impressive, you might find that you can’t access them all because of geo-restrictions. Your IP address will determine which channels and content you can watch. So, if you’re living in the UK, you’ll only be able to see what’s available in the UK, meaning you miss out on content libraries from the US and wider world.
It’s not necessarily the fault of these streaming services or Roku. Copyright holders can pick and choose which countries their content is available in - this is why Netflix has such differing libraries from country to country.
A VPN lets you overcome those annoying regional differences. By encrypting your data, the VPN prevents your ISP and copyright holders from finding out that you are unblocking content. And the VPN lets you pretend to be in a different country so that you can easily access foreign TV and streaming services.
A VPN will even prevent ISP bandwidth throttling, which will come in handy if you often suffer from watching the buffering circle rather than the box set you want to binge.
How to Use a VPN on Roku
Besides choosing the best VPN service for you, there's also the matter of how you physically go about setting up your VPN for a Roku device. The problem is that even with the latest and greatest Roku devices - like the Roku Ultra or the Roku Streaming Stick (mentioned in greater detail at the end of the article) – it still isn't possible to utilize the Roku hardware itself to create a VPN connection.
Instead, you're going to need to enable a VPN connection on a device external to your Roku player. There are two basic options to accomplish this: either set up a VPN connection on your wireless router (you may need to upgrade to DD-WRT or Tomato for this support or share your internet and VPN connection on your laptop with the Roku device.
Either way, the VPN connection is the crux of unblocking geo-restricted and censored content.
VPN Router
A VPN router is a great way to gain VPN protection on all the devices in your home - including your Roku - without actually having to install the VPN on each individual device. Our recommendations have apps for all platforms, which means that you can install the VPN on any of your devices.
Despite this, installing it on your router is the easiest way to ensure that everything in your home; your family’s phones and laptops, consoles, smart TVs and fridges, and just about anything else are all being routed via the VPN at all times.
First things first, you’ll need to check that your router is compatible with a VPN. If not, open-source firmware can "flash” it (although if this is done incorrectly, you can brick your router), or you could pick up a router that is already pre-configured, though these do tend to fall on the pricey side.
But without further ado, in order to use a VPN router to access Roku, you’ll need to:
- Select a VPN provider (We've listed 5 of the best above).
- Install the VPN software on your router.
- Log in to Roku.
- Select Settings, then Network from the main menu.
- Select Wireless.
- Hit Choose your network selection and pick out your router
- Select connect - and you’re good to go!
Virtual router
If flashing your router sounds too complicated, setting up a PC or laptop as a virtual router might be a better option. To do so you can setup your Windows or Mac machine as a hotspot, and keep it turned on while your stream on Roku. This removes the need for you to buy a VPN router
For Windows
- Press Windows + S to open the search bar and typed "cmd” to bring up the Command Prompt.
- Run it as Admin, and type the following:
Netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD - Replace some of this info: "
ssid=[input a network name]”, "key=[set a password]”, then confirm. - Return to the Command Prompt and type:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork - Hit enter, and if your virtual router has been setup correctly, you’ll see a message confirming the hosted network has started.
- From the Windows menu, head to Settings, Network & Internet, Mobile Hotspot, and toggle the Mobile hotspot on from there.
- Click through to Share my Internet connection and hit WiFi.
- Click through to Related Settings and then Change adapter options, where you’ll see a list of connections.
- Search for the one you made and make a note of its name.
- Then return to the list and find the "TAP-Windows Adapter”. Right-click and navigate to Properties.
- From the Sharing tab, click Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection, and Allow other users on the network to have control over or disable the new shared Internet connection.
- Navigate to the drop-down menu and select your newly created connection: hit OK.
- Return to your VPN setup and make sure you’re using an OpenVPN protocol. Then turn on the Roku option.
- From the Roku home screen, navigate to Settings, Network, and then Wireless.
- Hit Setup new WiFi internet connections and connect to the hotspot you created!
For Mac
- From the Mac home screen, navigate to the menu at the top and click the Apple icon.
- Then select System Preferences > Network > + to add a new connection.
- A window will pop-up, so select the following options: Interface - VPN, VPN Type - L2TP over IPsec, Service name - input a name. Then hit Create.
- You’ll now need your username, password and server address - and perhaps an IPsec key. These are usually found on your VPN provider’s site under Manual Configuration.
- Then enter these details: Configuration - Default, Server address - input the address of your choice, Account name - input your username, Encryption - Automatic.
- Check the option next to "Show VPN status in menu bar”.
- Navigate to Authentication Settings, and from the User Authentication menu input your password and IPsec key, then hit OK.
- Then click on Advanced and check the box next to Send all traffic over VPN connection - click OK afterwards, then Apply your settings.
- Navigate to the Network menu and Connect - when this is done, you’ll see it says connected beneath the connection.
- Head back to the System Preferences menu and hit Sharing, then Internet Sharing, where you’ll need to configure these settings:
- Share your connection and check the "WiFi” box next to "To computers using”
- Now for some more details: Network Name - input a name, Channel - leave as default, Security - WPA2 Personal, Password - input a password and verify.
- Confirm these options.
- In the Sharing menu, hit the Options box next to Internet Sharing - a pop-up should greet you and confirm your select.
- Then, in your menu bar, you should see a green light next to the Internet Sharing status.
- You can now connect your Roku to this connection.
Mirrored connection
While this method won’t work with every combination of Roku services and devices, it’s straightforward, and can be handy in a pinch if you’re traveling. You’ll need to ensure that your Roku and device are both connected to the same network before you begin.
Mirroring from Windows
- Navigate to the Notification icon at the bottom-right of the screen.
- Select Project, then Duplicate.
- Select your Roku connection.
Will a free VPN work with Roku?
A free VPN can be tempting. After all, why pay for a VPN subscription when there are so many free ones advertised on app stores? Unfortunately, free VPNs are risky and provide a much lower level of service.
Most free services struggle unblock geo-blocked content; including streaming websites. And the encryption provided by free VPNs is usually weak - or even nonexistent.
Running a VPN is expensive, and free VPNs must still pay for these overheads. To do so, free VPNs monetize their users instead of charging a fee. They achieve this by harvesting your data and selling it to third parties. Rather than charging a subscription fee, your data is being subjected to a honeypot. And you will likely find yourself inundated with ads, and potentially even malware.
If you are strapped for cash, there are some free services we can recommend. These do not skimp on privacy and never harvest your data. However, they do have certain limitations designed to make you gravitate toward a premium subscription:
- Bandwidth caps that slow your streaming
- Fewer server locations to choose from
- Monthly download limits
Not all our recommended free VPNs will work with Roku, and they do not unblock Netflix US. if you want to get the full use of a VPN, we advise that you stick to one of the services in this guide (which you can test for free by making use of their money-back guarantees).
The Best Roku Media Streamers
Finding the best VPN for Roku is as challenging as finding the best media streamer - there's a seemingly endless number of options and alternatives! To help you make an educated decision and avoid purchasing a lemon, we've compiled the latest and greatest Roku media streamers.
Roku Ultra
To put it bluntly, Roku Ultra is one of the highest-end Roku streamers available, and the box is jam-packed with the latest and greatest hardware for a smooth streaming experience. The Roku Ultra comes with a quad-core and supports 4K and HDR picture quality (though you'll need a TV compatible with 4K to get such a high-quality picture).
I also like how it includes an Ethernet port (they're usually more reliable and faster than wireless connections), though I was disappointed to discover it's only Fast Ethernet and not Gigabit Ethernet. And note that it does cost about $99.99, though I think the cost is justified.
Roku Streaming Stick+
The next best Roku device is the Roku Streaming Stick 3600R, which carries the advantage of being small. Plus, it's one heck of a lot cheaper than the Roku Ultra, costing just $50. Naturally, because it's a stick, it doesn't include an Ethernet port. All network connections are wireless, so you'd ideally want to have a fast wireless router for fast streaming.
Also, it doesn't have comparable hardware to the Roku Ultra. Nevertheless, the Roku Stick powers up faster than other and only takes about 30 seconds to boot. However, note that you'll need to plug the stick into an HDMI port, which could look a little ugly and messy if you lack HDMI ports on the back of your TV.
Roku Premiere+
Last but not least, I wanted to give the Roku Premiere+ a mention. It's nowhere near as fast as the Roku Ultra, but hey – it's 60% cheaper. The MSRP is only $39.99, which is about $60.00 cheaper than the Ultra, making it a decent cost-effective alternative if you're more sensitive to price.
Like the Ultra, the Premiere+ has the ability to stream 4K HDR video. But the Ethernet port on the back is only and doesn't support gigabit speeds. Still, at least it will give you the choice between hard-wired and wireless network connections.
FAQs
Roku VPN: Conclusion
Streaming TV and media gadgets like Roku are an easy, convenient method to access content from all your streaming services - Netflix, hulu, and BBC iPlayer included. You only need a single device to do so, too. However, just like when these services are used individually, their content is often protected by geo-restrictions and only available to certain countries.
To bypass this annoying blockade, all Roku users have to do is sign up with a compatible VPN provider and set it up with their Roku device. After following these simple steps, the sky is the limit in regards to how much great content you can watch via Roku. Here's a reminder of our selection of best VPNs for the job:
- ExpressVPN - The best Roku VPN service. It's smart DNS service make it easy to use with Roku, it's super-fast, and very secure.
- NordVPN - A large brand offering great value at a cheap price
- Surfshark - This service is one of the cheapest Roku VPNs. It has fast speeds for streaming without buffering & lots of online security options.
- Private Internet Access - A secure VPN for Roku. This VPN offers plenty of PPTP proxies which is an easy way to unblock content on Roku.
- CyberGhost VPN - An easy to use VPN for Roku. It has a nifty smart DNS feature, making it super-easy to set up on your Roku stick.