How to setup a Roku VPN (and best VPNs for Roku)

If you want to use Roku with a VPN, you’ll have to set up your connection on another device first. Here’s a guide on how to set up a VPN with Roku, as well as the best Roku VPNs.

With a huge selection of supported apps and channels, Roku is one of the more popular streaming media boxes on the market. However, many channels are geo-restricted, so they can only be accessed by users in specific countries. 

VPNs encrypt all traffic, routing it through a server in a location of your choice. The user is assigned with a new IP address while connected, and this can be used to bypass geographic content restrictions. As well as accessing content, VPNs help to improve online privacy by masking what the user is up to. Even your ISP won’t be able to see your streaming activities. 

Setting up a VPN with Roku is a little more difficult than usual, so we’ve included a detailed guide, as well as a list of the best VPNs for Roku. If you don’t have time to read through the entire article, here’s a quick rundown of our top picks. 

The best VPNs for Roku:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Roku. Unique features like Meshnet and Nordlynx, built-in Smart DNS, and great for accessing content via various geo-restricted platforms. Strict no-logs policy and fast speeds. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for Roku. Works with 20+ Netflix libraries, servers in 100+ countries, unlimited device connections, and compatible with various router models. 
3. ExpressVPN: Custom router firmware, consistent speeds, and thousands of servers to pick from in 105+ countries. One of the best options for accessing more obscure services. 
4. Proton VPN: Reputable provider with fast speeds and strong streaming support. Router-compatible, advanced features, and limited free servers available. 
5. CyberGhost: 10,500+ servers in 125+ locations, strong performance, and beginner-friendly apps make it easy to stream content from multiple regions.   
6. IPVanish: No device limits, fast connection speeds, and works with various router models.
7. PrivateVPN: Swedish provider that can access over a dozen Netflix regions. Solid no-logs policy and compatible with some routers.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Roku, there’s a long list of services that will be able to get the job done. We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Roku:

• Servers in a wide range of popular locations is a good starting point for streaming content 
• Speeds are always important, especially if you don’t have the quickest connection to begin with
• The ability to work with Roku and access streaming platforms from abroad
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Roku, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for Roku in 2023

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is our top Roku VPN. The Panama-based provider has a selection of 5,900+ high-speed servers in 60+ countries and works to access a variety of blocked sites and services with no hassle.

For example, it’s ideal for streaming, with the ability to access 23+ Netflix libraries. The same goes for multiple popular platforms from regions like the US, the UK, and Europe. Average speeds work out to just under 200 Mbps, so there’s no chance of lag. 

It’s packed with unique features like Meshnet, which allows the user to safely connect to devices in a trusted network, even without a subscription. Nord also gives the user access to SmartPlay, which is a form of built-in Smart DNS. SmartPlay works automatically and encrypts your traffic in the process while accessing streaming services.  

There are apps for all major devices, along with support for various router models, such as DD-WRT, Tomato, AsusWRT, Netgear, TP-Link, pfSense, Sabai, and more. You’ll also be able to purchase a pre-flashed NordVPN router if you’d prefer. 

Security is top-notch, with independently audited infrastructure and apps, as well as a strict no-logs policy. 

THE BEST VPN FOR ROKU: NordVPN has strong router support, apps for all devices, fast speeds, and is ideal for accessing various online services. Comes with a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is a viable low-cost alternative that works with a long list of streaming platforms. For example, it can access 20+ Netflix libraries, as well as Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Sky Go, BT Sport, Hotstar, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, ABC, Peacock, and more. 

As such, it’s a solid VPN for Roku. You’ll be able to use Surfshark with an unlimited number of devices at the same time, and it has a large network with 3,200+ servers found in 100+ countries. 

A few extras, such as a private search engine, are hidden behind an additional paywall (Surfshark One), but that won’t have much of an impact if you’re mainly using the VPN for streaming. 

Core features include 256-bit encryption, a sturdy kill switch, MultiHop, obfuscation, and more. Everything from its infrastructure to its no-logs policy has been independently audited. 

Along with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, there are browser extensions, and it works with numerous router models. 

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR ROKU: Surfshark is an affordable provider with a large network of servers in 100+ locations. Unlimited devices, compatible with various router models, and works with 20+ Netflix libraries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another capable provider, making it especially easy to stream via Roku. As well as apps for all popular devices, it’s one of the few VPNs to offer custom router firmware for an improved experience.   

Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), works with Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and other American streaming platforms. On that subject, ExpressVPN is able to access lots of streaming platforms from abroad without breaking a sweat. This includes 24+ Netflix catalogs, as well as the likes of BBC iPlayer and BT Sport in the UK. 

It’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, and it’s another provider that has been fully audited for peace of mind. It has speedy (175 Mbps) servers in 105+ countries, and apps are especially beginner-friendly. As such, it's perfect if you're in need of an IP address from a less popular location, while it also comes with a Smart DNS feature for watching TV via devices with no VPN support. 

If you do run into any issues during setup, 24/7 live chat support will always be available to lend a hand. 

Eight simultaneous devices is reasonably generous, and the limitation can always be circumvented if you plan to connect to the VPN with a router. ExpressVPN is great for bypassing geographic restrictions with Roku devices, whether you're using a VPN-compatible router or installing the provider manually. 

RELIABLE ROKU VPN: ExpressVPN is a respected provider with reliable apps for all major devices. Offers custom router firmware and is unmatched when accessing blocked apps and services. Reliable speeds and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN is a respected name within the industry, with roughly 3,100+ servers found in 69+ countries. It works to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and many more international streaming services. With average speeds of 320 Mbps, it’s also perfect for any bandwidth-heavy tasks like torrenting, and security is especially solid. 

Designed by the team behind ProtonMail, it comes with an audited no-logs policy, and it offers various advanced features. These include split tunneling, Secure Core servers (MultiHop), and port forwarding. 

Proton is probably best known for a trio of free server locations that have no bandwidth cap, although they can’t be used for streaming. Free servers are found in the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. 

As you’d expect, Proton VPN is compatible with a long list of router models, including AsusWRT, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, pfSense, Tomato, FreshTomato, and Vilfo. This compliments app support for all popular platforms. 

ADVANCED ROKU VPN: Proton VPN is an advanced provider with support for various router models. Impressive performance, accesses lots of platforms, and comes with an industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

CyberGhost has 10,500+ servers in 100+ countries, while average speeds of 296 Mbps place it firmly on the faster end of the scale. Subscriptions are affordable, and it’s ideal for beginners who have never used a VPN before. 

It’s always a viable option if you’re in need of a VPN for streaming. Servers are labeled for various platforms within the app, including access to services in 21+ countries. It’s great if you’re trying to access a more obscure app with Roku, or if you'd like to watch BBC iPlayer and other streaming services with some of the fastest VPN speeds on the market. 

CyberGhost has user-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. The provider also offers router support, for models such as Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. 

It comes with an ad-blocker, anti-tracking, and anti-malware, along with split tunneling and Smart DNS. You won’t find a few advanced features like obfuscation, but that’s understandable given it’s a low-cost service mainly focused on security and streaming access. CyberGhost also one of the few providers to come with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY STREAMING SERVERS: CyberGhost ensures that the user has a seamless experience when streaming with its service. Accesses various sites and services, router support, speedy servers, and works with Roku. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

IPVanish will be able to handle streaming content via Roku, whether you plan to use a laptop or a router. The provider works with DD-WRT, ASUS-WRT, ASUSWRT-Merlin, and Tomato models. You’ll also be able to buy pre-flashed routers with IPVanish installed. 

As it works with an unlimited number of devices, you won’t have to keep switching over if you decide to use a laptop to access Roku. Average speeds (251 Mbps) make IPVanish a solid solution for P2P, as well as tasks like gaming. 

IPVanish is especially adept at accessing streaming sites from the US, which makes sense as that is where it’s headquartered. The majority of its 2,200+ servers are found in North America, but there are 75+ locations in total.

Jurisdictionally speaking, the US might not be the best location due to everything from gag orders to letter agencies like the NSA. It’s not a big deal if you’re just using a VPN for Roku, but it’s still good to be aware of. You'll find a collection of apps available for all major platfroms. 

SPEEDY ROKU VPN: IPVanish uses WireGuard to great effect, and is compatible with various router models. Lots of speedy servers within the United States, unlimited device connections, and a strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN works well with Roku, and rounds out our list. It has a smaller selection of 200+ servers in 63+ countries, but it can access 11+ Netflix catalogs, as well as Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, and NBC in the US. You'll also be able to stream via international platforms like BBC iPlayer and ITV X. 

You can use Roku TV with PrivateVPN thanks to router support, while there’s also the option of using a virtual WiFi connection from your Windows PC or macOS computer. We’ve included detailed guides for each method below. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a provider with a strict no-logs policy, along with DNS leak protection as standard. PrivateVPN will also keep your IP address hidden, whether you're connected via a Wi-Fi network or a virtual VPN router. 

It allows for 10 simultaneous device connections, and there are native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. PrivateVPN comes with port forwarding, along with obfuscation (Stealth VPN).

Slower connection speeds (38 Mbps) are a clear drawback, even if it’s still quick enough to stream 4K content. If you don’t have the fastest internet speeds to begin with, it might be better to look elsewhere. It comes with a 7-day risk-free trial so you can test it out for yourself. 

VERSATILE ROKU VPN: PrivateVPN can access multiple Netflix libraries, and works well with routers and other popular devices. Port forwarding, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Roku 

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Roku:

• Servers: Coverage in major locations is necessary if you’d like to access Roku in a relevant region. The providers that we’ve picked out all have large server networks. The VPN must be able to bypass geographic restrictions using various internet-connected devices. 
• Speeds and performance: Fast connection speeds will ensure no lag, even if you’re connecting to servers located halfway around the world. This will be helpful if you don’t have the quickest internet speeds to begin with, helping to provide a smooth streaming experience via Roku.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from DNS leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no-logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN with Roku

After picking out a VPN, you’ll still need to set it up with your Roku device. The issue is, it’s currently not possible to use Roku hardware to create a VPN connection. 

There are a couple of methods if you’d like to use a VPN with Roku. Generally, it involves setting up either a VPN router or a virtual router. In other words, you’ll need to use an external device to share your VPN connection. One way to do so is to use a wireless router, but only some models will be compatible. Alternatively, you can share your internet and your VPN connection via a laptop and your Roku device. You'll also be able to use a VPN's Smart DNS feature, which works to access various popular streaming platforms from the US.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up a VPN for Roku users. 

VPN router

A VPN router will allow the user to protect every device in their home network. Rather than setting up the VPN with each individual device, you can set the VPN up on a WiFi router, making it easy to protect everything in your home. As well as phones and computers, a router will protect various smart devices that don’t have traditional VPN support. This includes games consoles, Smart TVs, and many more devices. 

You’ll need to ensure that your router is compatible with the VPN you’ve chosen. It’s possible to flash your router with open-source firmware, but it’s a tricky process for new users. There’s also the option of picking up a pre-configured router with the VPN already installed. VPN routers can lead to slower server speeds if too many devices are connected at the same time. However, it's a simple method to bypass any connection limits, making it easy to stream via Roku TV services like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN for Roku:

1. Pick a VPN that works with your router. Many of our recommendations work with Tomato, WRT, and pfSense firmware, for example. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Configure the VPN connection according to your provider’s specifications. OpenVPN config files can often be downloaded from a VPN’s website, for example.
3. Connect your router to the VPN.
4. Turn on and log in to your Roku. 
5. Tap Settings, and click Network from the main menu. 
6. Select Wireless, and then Choose your network selection. Find your VPN router. 
7. Hit connect. 

Virtual router

Flashing a router tends to be a complicated process, so it might be a better idea to set up your Windows or Mac machine as a hotspot. You can use your device as a virtual router for as long as it’s turned on, and it works to stream with Roku. 

For Windows devices 

1. Open Command Prompt. Run it as Admin, and type the following: 

“Netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=NETWORKNAME key=PASSWORD”

2. From here, enter the following information: "ssid= [input a network name]”, "key= [set a password]”, then confirm your selection.

3. Return to the Command Prompt and type the following: 

“netsh wlan start hostednetwork”

4. Click enter. If you have set up your virtual router correctly, you’ll see a message confirming the hosted network has started. 

5. From the Windows menu, head to Settings, Network & Internet, Mobile Hotspot, and toggle the Mobile hotspot on.

6. Click Share my Internet connection and hit WiFi.

7. Navigate to Related Settings and then Change adapter options, where you’ll see a list of connections.

8. Search for your new connection and make a note of its name. Return to the list and find the "TAP-Windows Adapter”. Right-click and navigate to Properties.

9. 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. Click OK.

10. From the VPN menu, make sure that you’ve chosen OpenVPN as the protocol. Turn on your Roku device.

11. At the Roku home screen, click Settings, Network, and then Wireless.

12. From Setup new WiFi internet connections, you should now be able to choose the hotspot you’ve created. 

For macOS devices 

Note that macOS only allows VPN connection sharing when using either the L2TP or IPSec protocols. Of all of our recommended VPNs, only PrivateVPN and IPVanish still support L2TP.

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner. 
2. Click System Preferences > Network > + to add a new connection.
3. Enter the following options: Interface - VPN, VPN Type - L2TP over IPsec, Service name - input a name. Then hit Create.
4. You’ll be prompted to enter your username, password and server address, and potentially an IPSec key. These are normally found on your VPNs website. 
5. Now enter the following: Configuration - Default, Server address - input the address of your choice, Account name - your username, Encryption - Automatic.
6. Check "Show VPN status in menu bar”.
7. From Authentication Settings, go to the User Authentication menu. Enter your password and IPsec key, then hit OK.
8. Click Advanced, and check the box next to Send all traffic over VPN connection. Make sure to Apply your new settings. 
9. From the Network menu, click Connect. 
10. From System Preferences, click Sharing, then Internet Sharing. Share your connection and check the "WiFi” box next to "To computers using”.
11. Enter the following details: Network Name - input a name, Channel - leave as default, Security - WPA2 Personal, Password - input a password and verify. Confirm afterwards. 
12. From the Sharing menu, hit Options, found next to Internet Sharing. You should get a pop-up to confirm. In the menu, there should be a green light next to the Internet Sharing status. You should now be free to use Roku. 

Roku VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for Roku?

Free VPNs tend to be more hassle than they're worth, especially if you’re trying to use the provider with Roku. Many aren’t compatible with routers, and performance is likely to be an issue. Servers are often overloaded, and speeds and bandwidth may be capped in an effort to get the user to sign up to a premium version of the service.  

Some free providers have been known to sell user data. Some lack the necessary encryption to stop leaks, and others have infected user devices with malware. If you plan to use a VPN for streaming, we’d stick with a premium provider. 

Why is Roku blocked in some locations?

Roku supports a vast collection of apps and channels, but many are region-locked depending on your current location, and where you’ve signed up from. In other words, you’ll only be able to watch content from specific countries.

The service uses your IP address, as well as factoring in the country you created your account in. A VPN masks your IP address, allowing the user to trick services into thinking that they’re actually located elsewhere. However, the country where you purchased the device and signed up for Roku might still have an impact on the apps and services available.

This may require the user to make a new account and possibly purchase a new Roku.  

Can I set up Roku on a WiFi hotspot?

Yes, Roku will work with a WiFi hotspot from your phone, laptop, or router. In practice, it will be the same as connecting to any other WiFi network.

Will I get in trouble for using a Roku VPN?

VPNs are legal in the vast majority of countries in the world, but there are some exceptions. For example, VPNs are blocked or banned in Russia, China, Iraq, and a few other countries. Make sure to take the time to understand local laws before using a VPN. Of course, you’ll still be breaking the law if you decide to partake in illegal activities such as downloading copyrighted content.