The best Roku VPNs in 2025: Expert tested
Using a VPN on Roku is like an upgrade. It can change your location and provide access to additional streaming apps and content on the Roku Channel. We've reviewed VPNs for media devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick and smart TVs, but Roku is a bit different because neither Roku TV nor Roku Streaming Stick supports direct VPN installation.
To set up a VPN on Roku, you'll need to share a connection from a router or a nearby PC installed with the VPN. That means any VPN you choose should be compatible with these devices while also providing fast speeds and streaming abilities. There are even routers pre-installed with VPNs if you don't want to go through the hassle of a manual setup.
One last creative workaround to use a VPN with Roku is to install the VPN on a supported device, like a laptop, tablet, or phone, and then mirror or cast the streaming content to Roku TV.
What is the best VPN for Roku right now?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN that works with Roku. It offers an easier router install option, and all the servers are optimized for international streaming. We also like its terrific connections that can sustain full HD or higher-quality streaming with small and large-screen devices.
Also: The best cheap VPNs
The subscriptions start at $3.49/month for two years, although the one-month plans are really expensive compared to the competition. If you'd prefer other options with different features, we've laid out all the VPNs we've tested that would work with Roku.
Sort by AllThe best VPNs for Roku in 2025
Show less View now at ExpressVPNWhy we like it: ExpressVPN is the only app with a dedicated router app, making setting up a VPN on Roku effortless. You can download and install VPN firmware for router models such as Netgear, Asus RT, or Linksys WRT, and then connect your Roku TV or Stick to the network for streaming.
In addition to the straightforward setup, you can use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature to configure DNS settings on your router. It changes your location on connected Roku streaming devices, although it doesn't encrypt connections like a regular VPN.
ExpressVPN also offers Aircove brand routers with built-in VPN. If you haven't purchased a router yet, you might want to check these out to avoid the hassle of a setup for Roku.
All ExpressVPN servers across 105 countries use obfuscation technology that's very effective for region-specific streaming on Roku. It helps to evade detection by firewalls on streaming services that detect and block VPNs. For the most part, I haven't had negative experiences watching online with ExpressVPN, which is why I always recommend it as one of the best VPN services for online streaming.
Review: ExpressVPN
Who it's for: The service is ideal for beginners and intermediate users who cherish convenience and top-of-the-line performance in a streaming VPN. Users say it maintains consistent speed on routers and standalone devices, mainly because the proprietary Lightway protocol is an improved version of the industry's best standard called WireGuard.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a rich balance of features versus cost, ExpressVPN isn't the one. The Basic plan costs $98 for two years, but it's stripped of many features. You can opt for Premium or VIP plans for $126 ($4.49/month) and $210 ($7.49/month), respectively, for the same period.
ExpressVPN features: Roku compatibility: Yes, with ready router app | Countries: 105 Simultaneous connections: up to 14 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: British Virgin Islands | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on iOS and Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.1 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
Pros
- Router app and firmware support
- All obfuscated servers
- Up-to-par connections
- MediaStreamer smart DNS
- Expensive plans
Why we like it: ExpressVPN is the only app with a dedicated router app, making setting up a VPN on Roku effortless. You can download and install VPN firmware for router models such as Netgear, Asus RT, or Linksys WRT, and then connect your Roku TV or Stick to the network for streaming.
In addition to the straightforward setup, you can use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature to configure DNS settings on your router. It changes your location on connected Roku streaming devices, although it doesn't encrypt connections like a regular VPN.
ExpressVPN also offers Aircove brand routers with built-in VPN. If you haven't purchased a router yet, you might want to check these out to avoid the hassle of a setup for Roku.
All ExpressVPN servers across 105 countries use obfuscation technology that's very effective for region-specific streaming on Roku. It helps to evade detection by firewalls on streaming services that detect and block VPNs. For the most part, I haven't had negative experiences watching online with ExpressVPN, which is why I always recommend it as one of the best VPN services for online streaming.
Review: ExpressVPN
Who it's for: The service is ideal for beginners and intermediate users who cherish convenience and top-of-the-line performance in a streaming VPN. Users say it maintains consistent speed on routers and standalone devices, mainly because the proprietary Lightway protocol is an improved version of the industry's best standard called WireGuard.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a rich balance of features versus cost, ExpressVPN isn't the one. The Basic plan costs $98 for two years, but it's stripped of many features. You can opt for Premium or VIP plans for $126 ($4.49/month) and $210 ($7.49/month), respectively, for the same period.
ExpressVPN features: Roku compatibility: Yes, with ready router app | Countries: 105 Simultaneous connections: up to 14 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: British Virgin Islands | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on iOS and Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.1 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
NordVPN offers an extensive server infrastructure and is the fastest VPN in our most recent tests.
Why we like it: If it weren't for the lack of a router app, NordVPN could have easily been the top option for Roku. It's faster and more well-rounded than ExpressVPN, delivering better 4K streaming performance on both nearby and distant server locations. On some Canadian servers, for example, I got only a 4% speed drop, while ExpressVPN lost around 9%, creating a distinction about which is faster of the two.
NordVPN has expanded its server network to 125 countries, offering more locations for Roku than the competition. It's another favorite for international streaming, partly also because of its obfuscated servers to help get around network or site-specific access restrictions anywhere. The app also has many settings to adjust your privacy if, say, you want to hide your activities from ISPs monitoring and capping bandwidth during heavy streaming.
Review: NordVPN
Who it's for: Aside from the astronomical speeds, NordVPN is ideal if you want to set up Roku with a virtual router. It offers straightforward guides on how to do it. You can share VPN-enabled connections wirelessly from a Windows, Mac, or even smartphone, and it would work just as if you had installed an app.
Another option to use NordVPN with Roku is to manually configure your normal router with the SmartPlay (smart DNS) feature or via WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. The challenge with these two methods is that changing server locations or control settings isn't as easy as having direct access to the app.
Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN renewal rates are expensive. You might like the introductory prices, but be sure to also check if you're comfortable with the subsequent payments. Cancel autorenewals for your subscription before the end of the next billing cycle to avoid unwanted charges.
NordVPN features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 125 Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Panama | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
Pros
- Huge server network in 125 countries
- Stellar server connections
- Highly secure apps
- Obfuscated servers
- Manual router setup
- A bit costly
NordVPN offers an extensive server infrastructure and is the fastest VPN in our most recent tests.
Why we like it: If it weren't for the lack of a router app, NordVPN could have easily been the top option for Roku. It's faster and more well-rounded than ExpressVPN, delivering better 4K streaming performance on both nearby and distant server locations. On some Canadian servers, for example, I got only a 4% speed drop, while ExpressVPN lost around 9%, creating a distinction about which is faster of the two.
NordVPN has expanded its server network to 125 countries, offering more locations for Roku than the competition. It's another favorite for international streaming, partly also because of its obfuscated servers to help get around network or site-specific access restrictions anywhere. The app also has many settings to adjust your privacy if, say, you want to hide your activities from ISPs monitoring and capping bandwidth during heavy streaming.
Review: NordVPN
Who it's for: Aside from the astronomical speeds, NordVPN is ideal if you want to set up Roku with a virtual router. It offers straightforward guides on how to do it. You can share VPN-enabled connections wirelessly from a Windows, Mac, or even smartphone, and it would work just as if you had installed an app.
Another option to use NordVPN with Roku is to manually configure your normal router with the SmartPlay (smart DNS) feature or via WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. The challenge with these two methods is that changing server locations or control settings isn't as easy as having direct access to the app.
Who should look elsewhere: NordVPN renewal rates are expensive. You might like the introductory prices, but be sure to also check if you're comfortable with the subsequent payments. Cancel autorenewals for your subscription before the end of the next billing cycle to avoid unwanted charges.
NordVPN features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 125 Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Panama | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
Surshark is celebrated as a value service, offering more for less without compromising on quality.
Why we like it: Surfshark offers pocket-friendly deals in the long run. The Starter plan costs $54 for 27 months (roughly $1.99/month), with the ability to connect as many devices as you want (not many VPNs support unlimited connections). This means that Roku TV and the other devices in your household are well covered, as well as those that you use for travel, like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Focusing on features specific to streaming on Roku, Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, with over 20 US cities covered (if you're keen on watching content from this region). It also has slightly more obfuscation settings than rivals to facilitate uninterrupted Roku streaming. From the moment you connect to the VPN, NoBorders Mode is activated to detect restrictions on any networks that might pose problems for VPN connections (such as hotels). You can also use the Camouflage Mode (with the OpenVPN protocol) to easily disguise your VPN use while streaming.
Review: Surfshark
Who it's for: Surfshark is ideal if you're bulk-purchasing Roku Channels for extended periods and also want to have more connections. You can buy one subscription, set up the VPN with Roku, and forget. Surfshark is compatible with routers and also other streaming-friendly devices in case you might want to mirror your screen or create a secure wireless hotspot.
Who should look elsewhere: Speed isn't one of Surfshark's major strengths. The performance can be inconsistent on some servers; for example, I noticed as much as a 30% drop in connections from Miami to Montreal. It didn't affect much because the connection was still over 100 Mbps, capable of supporting full HD video loading on a large TV screen.
Surfshark features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 100 Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Netherlands (14 Eyes) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on iOS and Android Trustpilot rating: 4.5 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.6
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Unlimited connections
- Reliable on restrictive networks
- GPS spoofing
- Occasionally slow
- Slow customer response
Surshark is celebrated as a value service, offering more for less without compromising on quality.
Why we like it: Surfshark offers pocket-friendly deals in the long run. The Starter plan costs $54 for 27 months (roughly $1.99/month), with the ability to connect as many devices as you want (not many VPNs support unlimited connections). This means that Roku TV and the other devices in your household are well covered, as well as those that you use for travel, like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Focusing on features specific to streaming on Roku, Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, with over 20 US cities covered (if you're keen on watching content from this region). It also has slightly more obfuscation settings than rivals to facilitate uninterrupted Roku streaming. From the moment you connect to the VPN, NoBorders Mode is activated to detect restrictions on any networks that might pose problems for VPN connections (such as hotels). You can also use the Camouflage Mode (with the OpenVPN protocol) to easily disguise your VPN use while streaming.
Review: Surfshark
Who it's for: Surfshark is ideal if you're bulk-purchasing Roku Channels for extended periods and also want to have more connections. You can buy one subscription, set up the VPN with Roku, and forget. Surfshark is compatible with routers and also other streaming-friendly devices in case you might want to mirror your screen or create a secure wireless hotspot.
Who should look elsewhere: Speed isn't one of Surfshark's major strengths. The performance can be inconsistent on some servers; for example, I noticed as much as a 30% drop in connections from Miami to Montreal. It didn't affect much because the connection was still over 100 Mbps, capable of supporting full HD video loading on a large TV screen.
Surfshark features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 100 Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Netherlands (14 Eyes) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on iOS and Android Trustpilot rating: 4.5 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.6
Read MoreThe IPVanish app allows you to play with settings until you can find the right ones to work with your Roku setup method.
Why we like it: There are different levels of encryption to use. The AES 256-bit encryption that many VPNs use is often heavy and can have a toll on connection speeds when streaming on Roku TV. IPVanish offers AES 128-bit option -- a lighter form of encryption with better performance. It can significantly minimize overheads when streaming directly from a device or a hotspot connection, without compromising your safety or privacy.
IPVanish has easy-to-run Windows and Mac apps, making it another great option if you want to share a virtual connection with Roku. You can thereby switch servers simply by tapping a location on the app's map interface. The other option is to configure the VPN on a router and connect Roku to the network. Thankfully, IPVanish runs a 24/7 customer support service to help if you don't know how to go about it.
We mostly tested the US servers. The VPN supported streaming on the Roku Channel, Peacock TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ without lag. With a fleet of 2,500+ servers in 108 countries (140 cities worldwide), you have more than enough locations to explore exciting content.
Review: IPVanish
Who it's for: This service is recommended if you intend to be flexible enough to try more than one VPN setup method, given the many limitations with Roku. Similar to Surfshark, IPVanish is another great pick if you're looking for affordability and multi-user support (unlimited connections). The two-year subscription is $53 (coming to around $2.19 per month).
Who should look elsewhere: IPVanish is based in the United States, a territory that isn't so privacy-friendly. The provider is subject to some data retention laws and can be compelled to share an individual user's information. For that matter, you might be better off with alternatives if you want complete anonymity.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 113 Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: United States (14 Eyes) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on iOS and Android Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6
Pros
- Very adaptable
- Beginner-friendly PC and mobile apps
- Unlimited connections
- Strong performance in the US
- No smart DNS
- Based in the US
The IPVanish app allows you to play with settings until you can find the right ones to work with your Roku setup method.
Why we like it: There are different levels of encryption to use. The AES 256-bit encryption that many VPNs use is often heavy and can have a toll on connection speeds when streaming on Roku TV. IPVanish offers AES 128-bit option -- a lighter form of encryption with better performance. It can significantly minimize overheads when streaming directly from a device or a hotspot connection, without compromising your safety or privacy.
IPVanish has easy-to-run Windows and Mac apps, making it another great option if you want to share a virtual connection with Roku. You can thereby switch servers simply by tapping a location on the app's map interface. The other option is to configure the VPN on a router and connect Roku to the network. Thankfully, IPVanish runs a 24/7 customer support service to help if you don't know how to go about it.
We mostly tested the US servers. The VPN supported streaming on the Roku Channel, Peacock TV, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ without lag. With a fleet of 2,500+ servers in 108 countries (140 cities worldwide), you have more than enough locations to explore exciting content.
Review: IPVanish
Who it's for: This service is recommended if you intend to be flexible enough to try more than one VPN setup method, given the many limitations with Roku. Similar to Surfshark, IPVanish is another great pick if you're looking for affordability and multi-user support (unlimited connections). The two-year subscription is $53 (coming to around $2.19 per month).
Who should look elsewhere: IPVanish is based in the United States, a territory that isn't so privacy-friendly. The provider is subject to some data retention laws and can be compelled to share an individual user's information. For that matter, you might be better off with alternatives if you want complete anonymity.
Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more, see our Editorial Guidelines.
IPVanish features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 113 Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: United States (14 Eyes) | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on iOS and Android Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6
CyberGhost developers have put great effort into making it one of the top selections for streaming, with features such as optimized servers and user-friendly apps.
Why we like it: Mention any popular streaming service, and it's likely that CyberGhost has specialized servers for it. This adds a lot of convenience if you want to watch from Roku add-on channels like Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, and so much more. The streaming servers not only use less bandwidth (resulting in faster speeds) but are constantly updated to ensure they still work with these prime content sites.
Due to CyberGhost's intuitive computer and mobile apps, one of the best ways to utilize it with Roku is to cast your screen from one of these devices onto your TV screen. That way, you can easily change the streaming servers for different platforms whenever you want. Aside from being compatible with routers, the VPN offers smart DNS to configure settings and stream effortlessly with any device connected to the network.
Review: CyberGhost
Who it's for: Streaming fans hopping between different streaming platforms to watch their favorite TV shows and series on Roku would greatly appreciate the presence of optimized servers for uninterrupted access.
Moreover, the VPN has one of the longest periods for claiming a refund (up to forty-five days compared to thirty days with other providers). It costs more or less the same as IPVanish, with the 26-month subscription priced at $57 ($2.19/month).
Who should look elsewhere: CyberGhost isn't generous with simultaneous connections, allowing only a maximum of seven devices. That's restricting because you may have to disconnect some devices once you've reached the accepted connection limits.
CyberGhost features: Roku compatibility: Via router setup | Countries: 100 Simultaneous connections: 7 | Platforms: Routers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more | Leak protection: Yes | Headquarters: Romania | Money-back guarantee: 45 days |
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