Getting the best Roku VPN can add an extra dimension to your use of the TV streaming platform, giving you access to streaming libraries from around the world.
Our research found Surfshark to be the best Roku VPN around. It allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices, including a router – which is the best way to use a VPN for Roku. In this article, we’ll explore the best VPNs for Roku and look at how to install a VPN on your router.
ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Roku with a Dedicated Router App
NordVPN – Best Roku VPN for Security-Conscious Streamers
The Best VPNs on Roku Ranked
Our experts have tested numerous providers to find the best Roku VPN so you can make an informed decision about the best one for you.
- Surfshark – Best Roku VPN overall
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Roku with a dedicated router app
- NordVPN – Best Roku VPN for security-conscious streamers
- PureVPN – Excellent budget VPN for Roku
- PrivadoVPN – Strong freemium VPN service for Roku
- CyberGhost – Best Roku VPN for server choice
- Show Full Guide
The Best VPNs for Roku Reviewed
If you’re in the market for a Roku VPN, you’re in the right place. We’ve narrowed down a list of candidates by looking for specific characteristics providers should offer. During our testing, we looked at the number of servers on offer, connection speeds, and, crucially, the ability to work on a router.
Roku doesn’t natively support VPN apps, so if you want to use a VPN, you’ll need to connect via a VPN-enabled router. This makes the setup process slightly more complicated than getting started on a PC or mobile device.
1. Surfshark – Best Roku VPN Overall
Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
$2.29/month | 3,200+, 100 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max | Unlimited | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Apple TV, Browsers |
Our experts identified Surfshark as the best VPN for Roku. It offers the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices, unlike most VPN providers, and, based on our testing, it’s one of the fastest VPNs out there.
It’s also equipped with a Smart DNS feature, which gives you access to geo-restricted libraries without the need to install an app on smart devices. If you want to use Surfshark for Roku, as with other VPNs, you’ll need to install it on your router.
This doesn’t only give you the benefit of streaming Roku channels, but it also offers VPN protection to all devices connected to your network. Surfshark doesn’t offer a dedicated VPN app for your router, unlike some providers, but it does have detailed guides, including on Surfshark router setup.
Surfshark has a strong global server fleet. While its server count isn’t as high as NordVPN or CyberGhost’s networks, it has excellent worldwide coverage, giving you access to an impressive range of geos and streaming libraries.
The service is also very affordable and comes with lots of security measures, including AES 256-bit encryption, an effective kill switch, server obfuscation, and more, and everything from its infrastructure to its no-logs policy has been independently audited. In other words, you can rest assured knowing that your privacy will be protected at all times.
We rate Surfshark as the best VPN available today.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Affordable
- Excellent streaming capabilities
- One of the fastest VPNs
- Audited no-logs policy
- Smart DNS feature
Cons
- No dedicated router app
2. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Roku with a Dedicated Router App
Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
$6.67/month | 3,000+, 105 | Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video | 8 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Browsers |
ExpressVPN is one of the few providers to offer a dedicated VPN app for your router, which makes the setup process much easier than it is with most of the competition.
If working on your router settings isn’t for you, you can grab one of ExpressVPN’s Aircove routers, which already have the VPN installed. This is a great option for getting ExpressVPN on Roku.
This makes it an excellent choice for streaming on Roku and accessing major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
As with Surfshark, it comes equipped with a Smart DNS feature that allows you to stream on devices that don’t typically allow for VPN connections. However, while Surfshark allows for unlimited connections, ExpressVPN falls short of this and only allows up to eight devices on a single account.
While all VPN providers impact your internet connection, ExpressVPN offers enough speed to stream your favorite shows in 4K. With servers in over 100 countries around the world, accessing streaming libraries is as easy as changing location. ExpressVPN has an excellent track record of unblocking all major streaming platforms.
Being based in the British Virgin Islands means the provider is under no obligation to share user information, and its RAM-only servers ensure no data is retained, with a complete wipe after every reboot. You’ll also be happy to know that its security practices have been independently audited by third parties like Cure53.
ExpressVPN is more expensive than its competitors, but its long list of security and privacy features makes it well worth the cost. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Pros
- Dedicated router app
- Audited no-logs policy
- Easy to set up and use
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Next-level customer support
Cons
- More expensive than most competitors
- No dedicated IP
3. NordVPN – Best Roku VPN for Security-Conscious Streamers
Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
$3.09/month | 6,200+, 100+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ | 6 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browsers |
If you’ve been searching for a Roku VPN, you’ve likely come across NordVPN. It’s one of the most popular VPN providers around, and it’s capable of unblocking most streaming platforms.
Like all of the best Roku VPNs, NordVPN comes with a Smart DNS feature – called SmartPlay – which allows you to access geo-restricted content, even on devices that don’t support VPN connections.
NordVPN comes with support for various router models and firmware, including DD-WRT, Tomato, and AsusWRT. Like Surfshark, though, it doesn’t offer a dedicated app for your router. That said, there are options to purchase a router online with NordVPN already configured.
When it comes to privacy, NordVPN is among the best in the industry. The firm has an audited no-logs policy, and its apps and infrastructure have been independently tested. And with a fleet of over 6,000 servers and the propriety NordLynx protocol, you can expect exceptional speeds, regardless of your location.
Overall, NordVPN is one of the best Roku VPNs on the market today – and if you have any problems, you can simply contact their 24/7 customer support team.
Pros
- Large server fleet
- Exceptionally fast connections
- Numerous independent security audits
- Smart DNS and Meshnet technology
Cons
- Only six simultaneous connections
- No dedicated router app
4. PureVPN – Excellent Budget VPN for Roku
Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
$2.11/month | 6,000+, 65+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV | 10 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browsers |
PureVPN is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, and it boasts more servers than some of the big players – so it’s easy to see why it’s on the list of the best Roku VPNs.
When it comes to unblocking streaming services, PureVPN is as good as the likes of Surfshark and ExpressVPN, and with the WireGuard protocol, you can expect crisp HD quality when streaming Roku channels.
PureVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated router app, but it does support a long list of routers and firmware, including D-Link and Belkin devices. If you want to configure your router, PureVPN provides guides on exactly how to do this.
With PureVPN’s split tunneling, you can prioritize your traffic and decide which data goes through the VPN. It’s a great way to optimize your VPN usage and ensure you get the best encrypted Roku streaming.
If you’re in the market for an affordable VPN, PureVPN is ideal. If you want more than the VPN service, though, the prices do increase.
For example, the two-year Max plan starts at $3.85/month. It comes with a password manager, end-to-end file encryption, and a personal privacy manager – which certainly isn’t the worst deal we’ve seen.
Pros
- Low budget VPN
- Large server fleet
- Unblocks most streaming services
- Allows for ten simultaneous connections
Cons
- No router app
- No 24/7 customer support
5. PrivadoVPN — Strong Freemium VPN Service for Roku
Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
$1.99/month | 300+, 47+ | Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC, Disney+ | 10 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV |
PrivadoVPN is great for unblocking streaming platforms, and it has a free plan. However, this has a 10GB monthly data cap, which is sufficient for about an hour of 4K streaming. What’s more, the free plan doesn’t support routers – so encrypting your Roku traffic is impossible.
If you want to use PrivadoVPN to stream Roku, you’ll hence need to opt for the paid plan, which is affordable enough at a price of only $1.99/month.
PrivadoVPN operates out of Switzerland, which is a country with some of the strongest consumer privacy protection laws in the world. In addition, Switzerland doesn’t belong to any international surveillance groups, meaning they are under no obligation to share user data, so you can rest easy knowing your data is protected.
PrivadoVPN has a relatively small number of servers, but they still have support for nearly 50 countries, giving you decent access to streaming libraries around the globe. They also offer advanced AES 256-bit encryption, ad ad-blocker, and even parental controls.
When you consider the low cost, this is a fairly comprehensive package that offers real value for money.
Pros
- Free plan
- Works well with streaming platforms
- Includes parental controls
- Very affordable
Cons
- 10GB limit on free plan
- Low server count
6. CyberGhost – Best Roku VPN for Server Choice
Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
$2.03/month | 11,500+, 115 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Fox Sports, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime | 7 | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Browsers |
CyberGhost is equipped with the largest fleet of servers on this list. Coupled with the WireGuard protocol, it can deliver stable performance with excellent connection speeds. What’s more, many of its servers are optimized for streaming, which makes it one of the best VPNs for streaming on Roku.
As CyberGhost manages the number of users on each server, you shouldn’t experience server lag, and connecting to these servers couldn’t be easier. The service is also very affordable, especially when compared to providers like ExpressVPN, and it’s so easy to use that even beginners won’t have a hard time.
CyberGhost comes with numerous features, including an ad-blocker and a security suite that can block malware and spyware. Notably, it also comes with Smart DNS, which is important if you want to stream via Roku.
If you want more advanced features like obfuscation, you might consider providers like Surfshark, but you won’t go wrong with CyberGhost if you want a VPN for streaming access.
Pros
- Largest server fleet on the list
- Fast connection speeds
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
- RAM-only servers
Cons
- iOS and Mac apps have fewer features
Comparing the Best Roku TV VPNs
The table below contains all the key details you need to compare the best Roku VPNs on our shortlist, including their pricing, server networks, and compatibility options.
Roku VPN Provider | Starting Price | Server Count and Locations | Streaming | Connections | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surfshark | $2.29/month | 3,200+, 100 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max | Unlimited | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Apple TV, Browsers |
ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 3,000+, 105 | Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video | 8 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Browsers |
NordVPN | $3.09/month | 6,200+, 100+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ | 6 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browsers |
PureVPN | $2.11/month | 6,000+, 65+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV | 10 | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Browsers |
PrivadoVPN | $1.99/month | 300+, 47+ | Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC, Disney+ | 10 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV |
CyberGhost | $2.03/month | 11,500+, 115 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Fox Sports, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime | 7 | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Browsers |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Roku?
That said, Roku devices don’t have native VPN support or Roku VPN apps, so you’ll need to encrypt your connection via your router. This doesn’t just allow access to international streaming services, but it also offers VPN protection for any device that’s connected to your network.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Roku TV
Not all VPNs are the same – some are better than others at unblocking streaming services, for example, while only some will support routers and streaming devices. If you’re looking for a VPN to stream Roku, consider the following details:
- Streaming Support – Look for a provider that has a good reputation for unblocking content, and that works on different streaming platforms.
- Security – Providers need to ensure your data is protected, ideally with a strict no-logs policy that has been audited by third parties.
- Speed – To stream content in HD or 4K, VPN needs to provide reliable, high-speed connection speeds.
- Server Network – The more servers a VPN has to offer, the better it is for you, giving you more freedom regarding the content you can stream from locations around the world. A service with a low server count will generally limit the number of locations you have access to and may have congested servers.
- Device Compatibility – To work with Roku, any VPNs you consider have to be compatible with routers. It’s also worth checking if the provider is compatible with other devices with different operating systems.
Can You Get A Good Free VPN for Roku?
PrivadoVPN offers a limited free plan, which can come in handy in some use cases. However, most free VPNs have a set data limit, which will always be problematic when streaming Roku TV, and not all free plans allow you to set up your VPN on a router.
Given this, you can’t really find a good free VPN for Roku TV, with the dual challenge of setting up the connection and then getting very limited use. It’s far better to opt for a paid plan instead.
Many providers offer trials, and all VPN operators offer money-back guarantees, meaning you can try them out and get a refund if the service doesn’t meet your needs.
How to Use VPN on Roku
We’ll now run through how to set your router up with Surfshark. In order to do this, you’ll need a key pair, we’ll explain how to get one in this guide. Here’s how to handle Roku VPN setup.
Go to Surfshark’s home page and click “Get Surfshark.” Pick an applicable plan from the plans page, enter your details, and download the VPN.
Once you’ve logged into your account, click on “VPN,” then on “Manual Setup.” Select the router option and click on WireGuard.
The next window will ask about your key pair. Select “I don’t have a key pair.”
The app will ask you to name your new key pair.
Once you’ve named it, click “Generate a new key pair” and save the key pair in a safe place so you can find them.
Next, click “Choose location,” and you’ll see a list of available server locations to connect to.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate location, click the download button next to it.
The next step is to open your router’s control panel. You can do this by entering your router’s IP address into the URL search bar in your browser. If you have a DD-WRT router, the default address is likely to be 192.168.1.1.
Once you’ve logged into your router, navigate to the “Setup” tab, click on “Tunnels,” and then “Add Tunnel.”
Now, click on “Enable” next to the tunnel settings. Select a protocol, such as WireGuard.
Next, you’ll need to paste in your private key, which you should have generated earlier. Following this, fill in the information in the applicable fields.
Click on “Add Peer” and complete the form with the relevant information. Then click on “Apply Settings” and “Save.”
Once the setup is complete, you should test to see if the VPN connection is working. Do this by performing a Surfshark IP and DNS leak test, which you can do via the Surfshark site. With all this done, you can now connect your Roku TV to your router and stream on a secure, encrypted connection.
More VPN and Cybersecurity Guides
Our experts have substantial experience testing the best VPN services to bring you in-depth reviews. If you’d like to learn more about these VPN services, take a look at some of our other articles.
- Best VPN for Streaming
- Best VPN for Netflix
- Best YouTube VPN
- Fastest VPN Service
- Best, Cheapest VPN
- ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
Conclusion – What is the Best VPN for Roku TVs?
Since Roku doesn’t natively support VPN apps, you’ll need a service that allows easy router setup and offers solid unblocking capabilities for access to geo-restricted streaming libraries.
Of all the options on my list, Surfshark stands out as the best Roku VPN. It works well on routers and is among the fastest VPNs on the market, so buffer-free playback is a given. With access to a global server network and features like Smart DNS, you’ll enjoy streaming services from all over the world while keeping your personal info and viewing habits private.