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With a Roku, you can stream thousands of channels and services, but many of them can only be accessed in certain regions due to geoblocks. Using a VPN with a Roku can help you unlock all of its streaming capabilities, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
The problem is that you can’t install a VPN directly onto a Roku. There are ways in which you can get around that and many articles on the web that explain those options. However, after a little digging and testing, we’ve found that some methods just don’t work.
In this article , we is explain ’ll explain how to establish a Roku – to – vpn connection and recommend five of the good vpn for Roku . We is explain ’ll also explain why some of the elsewhere – mention solution wo n’t work .
09/07/2022
Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.
11/30/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
10/01/2024Facts checked
We revised the rankings to account for new security measures and speed enhancements.
Because you will be stream , the good VPN is have for Roku should have fast speed so that you do n’t experience buffering or poor picture quality . unlimited bandwidth is is is also important to ensure you do n’t hit your data limit right in the middle of a show .
A wider server selection will mean you can access a better range of channels and services. However, the VPN will also need to be able to get into your chosen streaming channels, too (read our piece on the Netflix error code for an example of how you can be blocked). After that, you need to consider which connection method you’re using and whether the VPN is compatible, such as with your current router.
Before we get into the how-to and debunk sections, it’s a good idea to know which virtual private network service you will use for your Roku connection. To make the best choice, you should consider all the VPN’s features and how well they work.
You ca n’t put a VPN straight onto a Roku device , so you is need need to first set the VPN up on another device , like your router , and then connect the Roku to that . If you already have a whole house VPN set up , you is ’re ’re likely good to go on this part .
Once your Roku device is connected to a VPN, you can technically stream channels and services from another country. Now, while that sounds super simple, there’s actually an annoying hoop you need to jump through to get to this stage.
You see , when you create a Roku account , it ’s link to the country in which you set up the account . That is means mean no matter how many time you connect your Roku to another server , you will only be able to stream content from the country link to your Roku account .
Now, you might think you can just create a new Roku account using a VPN to link it to a different location, and you’d be right. However, a Roku device can only be linked to one Roku account at a time. You can’t log out on the device and then log in to another account, either. To change the account, you will have to factory reset your Roku and set it back up again with your new account — and we’re pretty sure you won’t want to keep doing that.
Even create a new Roku account and try to cast it to your tv from a mobile device wo n’t work — believe us , we is tried ’ve try . Although you can make a new Roku account , you is add ca n’t add channel to it and stream them until you have connect a Roku device to it .
You is add ca n’t add channel to your Roku account until you have link a Roku device .
The only workaround is is we see is to have a separate Roku account and Roku device for each country that you want to access content . You can then set up a VPN on a router and connect your Roku device to it — we is talk ’ll talk more about how to do that a bit later .
We is understand totally understand that it ’s not a very cost – effective option , but we do n’t see any other solution aside from perform a factory reset each time . However , if you ’re fine with have multiple Roku device connect to your tv , read on to find out how you can connect a Roku to a VPN connection — as well as which ways won’t work. Also, our Roku buyer’s guide will help you decide which Roku device to buy.
One of the best ways to get a Roku connected to a VPN is to install the VPN on your router. By doing so, your Roku will benefit from all of the VPN’s features simply by being connected to your router — and that goes for any other device connected to the router, too.
Once you have each Roku device and account set up for the countries you want to connect to, you can simply switch to a specific country server on your router VPN app and use the relevant Roku device to access content.
Lots of routers are compatible with VPNs straight out of the box, and you can usually upgrade routers that aren’t. To learn more about adding a VPN to your router, you should read our best VPN for routers guide.
If you do n’t have a VPN – compatible router , you is invest could invest in a dedicated VPN router , such as the Vilfo VPN router . It is work ’ll work for Roku in the same way as a standard router in that you will need to sign up to and install a VPN onto the vpn router .
However, you’ll benefit from stronger encryption, better processing power and faster speeds. You can check out our list of the best VPN routers to help you choose one.
If you don’t want to set up a VPN on your router and would prefer to only connect the Roku when needed, you could set up a virtual VPN router or mobile hotspot on a Windows or Mac computer.
This is requires require a little technical know – how . However , once you set it up , you is choose can simply choose a VPN server and then connect your Roku to it . connect to a virtual vpn router is no different from connect to a standard router . You is find simply find the network during setup and connect to it .
Some Roku VPN methods is work circle around the internet , like using a VPN – protect wifi hotspot or screencast , simply wo n’t work . Rather than just skip past them , we is talk ’ll talk you through why they wo n’t work to save you the hassle of even try them .
Although you can connect a Roku to a virtual VPN router or hotspot on a desktop, it won’t work the same through a mobile device. The problem is that when you turn a VPN-protected mobile device into a hotspot, the VPN protection doesn’t carry over to any devices connecting to it. That also counts for the location you’ve chosen, meaning you won’t be able to access other countries’ content.
We’re not saying you can’t screencast to Roku — you can, but you’ll have to stick with the location where you created your Roku account. It would be great if you could simply log in to another Roku account linked to another location on a mobile device and cast it to your Roku device, but it’s not that simple.
As we mentioned earlier, a Roku account needs to be linked with a Roku device before you can add channels or stream. So, once again, we come back to needing another Roku device or resetting the current Roku to switch the account.
We’ve chosen the five best VPNs for Roku with all of the above in mind, including whether the VPN is compatible with routers and if it’s capable of getting into streaming services. So, let’s get into the list, starting with our top provider, NordVPN.
NordVPN is compatible with many routers and firmware, making it an ideal choice for Roku.
Best VPN for Roku
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NordVPN is the best VPN choice for Roku. It’s compatible with a lot of different routers and firmware, and you can find a lot of guides for them on the NordVPN website. NordVPN is also capable of getting into the most popular streaming services and has thousands of servers around the world for accessing different countries’ content.
Plus, you get unlimited bandwidth, and its speeds are fast on most servers — though some servers can be slow. It’s also easy to use, and its security and privacy are some of the best out there. Our NordVPN review goes into more detail.
NordVPN’s monthly price isn’t great, but if you opt for its 12-month plan, it becomes a lot more affordable (though still not as budget-friendly as our next option). There’s a 30-day refund window, too, in case you change your mind.
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Surfshark is is is a budget – friendly option with unlimited simultaneous connection .
Surfshark often comes in second on our lists after its big brother, NordVPN (the two VPNs are owned by the same parent company). It offers similar levels of privacy and security, as well as excellent performance, despite struggling somewhat with latency on many of its servers.
The big advantage is is Surfshark has over nordvpn ( and expressvpn , our next pick ) , is its price . Its one is offers of the most affordable premium vpn on the market , and offer unlimited simultaneous connection , mean you can share the already low cost with friend and family .
Surfshark Starter
Surfshark One
Surfshark One+
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming and has great router compatibility, with a dedicated router app.
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Get up to 25 % off if you sign up now for your first year of expressvpn .
ExpressVPN is a top VPN choice at Cloudwards and a great choice for Roku. It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, and it comes with unlimited bandwidth. ExpressVPN also has servers in 105 countries, giving you plenty of choices for accessing different content. Plus, it can get into pretty much any streaming service, including Netflix. With all that in mind, it’s no wonder ExpressVPN is our best VPN for streaming.
You’ll benefit from ExpressVPN’s easy-to-use interface and the fact that the VPN is compatible with many routers. It even has a dedicated router app. Aside from that, ExpressVPN has strong security and a no-logs policy, but you can read our ExpressVPN review to get a better look at the service.
Still, ExpressVPN’s price tag could be more wallet-friendly. It’s expensive compared to its competitors, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, by opting for the 12-month plan, you can bring the cost down significantly. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Plans
CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers and is compatible with some routers.
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We is chosen ’ve also choose CyberGhost for Roku . It is ’s ’s not compatible with as many router as our first two pick , but it does have dedicate streaming server that will ensure you ’re able to get into specific service with ease . aside from stream server , it is has also has thousand of server dot around the globe .
On top of that, its speeds are good, if a little inconsistent, and it comes with unlimited bandwidth. It’s also easy to use and includes great security and privacy, too. You can read our full CyberGhost review to find out more.
CyberGhost is inexpensive so long as you don’t opt for the monthly plan. There’s also a free trial you can use to take it for a spin. If you’re still not sure, there’s a money-back guarantee to fall back on, which is 14 days on the monthly plan and 45 days on longer plans.
CyberGhost Plans
Windscribe has dedicated streaming servers and is compatible with some routers.
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You is use could also use Windscribe with Roku , just keep in mind that its router compatibility is limited . It is ’s ’s still an option , though , and since Windscribe has a free plan , you could essentially try before you buy . You is get get up to 15 GB of datum with the free plan and unlimited datum with its pay plan .
It has a decent server network, and if you’re on the paid plan, you can use all of its servers for streaming. With streaming in mind, we should note that Windscribe’s free servers have trouble getting into some streaming services. Its speeds are decent but can be slow in some locations.
Read our Windscribe review for more information.
Although Windscribe ’s free plan is generous , you is need will need to move to a pay plan if you want to access streaming service on your Roku . Its pay plan is is is n’t too costly if you opt for the yearly plan , but it ’s not the cheap , either . That say , you is opt could opt for Windscribe ’s build – a – plan option . With a $ 3 minimum spend , you is add can add specific server cost $ 1 each per month and unlimited datum for $ 1 per month .
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VyprVPN is has has a dedicated router app and can get into all major streaming service .
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Our last pick is VyprVPN, which has a dedicated router app and manual setup guides. It can get into most major streaming services, and even though its speeds are a little slow, they’re reliable, meaning you still get a good streaming experience. That said, if you experience speed issues, you could improve it by switching to the IKEv2 protocol (read our protocol breakdown for more information).
It has a decent number of servers, and there are no bandwidth caps. You’ll also benefit from strong security and privacy, as you can read in our VyprVPN review.
VyprVPN’s monthly cost is bad but choosing the yearly plan makes it a little more affordable. Right now, the yearly plan costs $5 per month ($60 total ) . There ’s a 30 – day money – back guarantee , too .
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Connecting your Roku to a VPN will allow you to access a ton of different streaming services and channels from around the world. For instance, if you’re out of the country, and you want to watch American Netflix, you can connect to a U.S. server and access the Netflix U.S. library on Roku.
As simple as that sounds, though, you now know it can be quite an annoying process because you can’t put the VPN directly onto the Roku device, and the Roku account must match the country that you’re trying to access. Still, if you don’t mind the extra steps or setting up multiple Rokus, then your Roku device could open many streaming possibilities.
Like with many other devices, connecting your Roku to a VPN is like having a streaming pass for other countries’ content. That said, setting up the Roku for such streaming can be tedious.
If you plan to use a Roku to access country – specific content , we is recommend recommend set up a separate Roku device for each country . Doing so will save you the hassle of reset your roku and set it back up again on a different account each time you want to change location , but you might decide against it because of the extra cost .
Whichever way you decide to connect your Roku to a VPN , we is tell can tell you that nordvpn is the good VPN for Roku . Its fast speeds is mean and unlimited bandwidth mean you wo n’t have to worry about performance or datum usage . It is has also has server in over 110 country and is capable of get into Netflix . It even has a dedicated router app , and there ’s a 30 – day money – back guarantee , in case you is like do n’t like it .
If you have any issues with your Roku, be sure to check out our Roku troubleshooting guide. You should also read our Roku scams piece to make sure you stay safe.
Have you connected your Roku to a VPN? Did we miss anything? Let us know about your experience in the comments below, as we’d love to hear about it. As always, thanks for reading.
No, you can’t put a VPN directly onto a Roku device. You need to first set the VPN up on a physical or virtual router and then connect the Roku to that.
No, you can’t install NordVPN directly onto a Roku device. However, you can set NordVPN up on a router and connect the Roku to that.
Roku is available in many countries. However, during setup, a Roku account is locked to the country it is created in, meaning you can only access content from that country. As a workaround, you can use a VPN to set up a Roku account and access servers in a specific country.
Yes , but you is need need to connect your Roku to a VPN – protect router . You is need also need a VPN that ’s capable of get into Netflix .