How to Set Up a VPN on Roku (+10 Best VPNs for Roku in 2024)

Unfortunately, some of the website content that you may want to access on Roku is geo-blocked. The only solution to these content restrictions is to use a reputable virtual private network (VPN).

A VPN can hide your actual IP address, which reveals your blocked location. When you subscribe to a VPN provider, you can connect to its remote server in a location that is not restricted, giving you access to any content you could possibly want to watch.

The problem is, while there are dozens of VPN providers on the market today, it is sometimes tricky to find a VPN that works with Roku TV.

Our team of experts has done the legwork for you and come up with the top 10 VPNs that will reliably work with your Roku TV device.

Keep on reading to find out the best VPNs to unblock your content today.

How to Set Up a VPN with Roku

You cannot set up a VPN on Roku the same way you set up a VPN on your smartphone or computer.

But, fortunately, there is a pretty simple solution. Because you are not able to set up your VPN directly on your Roku streaming stick, the way to use your Roku device with a VPN is to connect your VPN to your router.

It is important to note that you will have to create your Roku account so that the country on your account corresponds to the country where you would like to access content. So, if you create a UK Roku account, you will be able to access UK streaming content.

Follow these 5 steps to have your VPN set up on Roku in no time:

1. Subscribe to a reputable VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN, renowned for its speed and broad server reach.
2. Install your VPN on a VPN-friendly wi-fi router. (You can also buy a pre-configured router, but this is more expensive.)
3. Choose a VPN server in a location where you want to gain access to content.
4. Connect your Roku to your wi-fi network/router.
5. Enjoy Roku!

How to Use Roku with a VPN-installed Wi-Fi Router

Follow these simple steps to use Roku with a VPN installed on your Wi-fi router:

1. Go to the Roku menu, and select Settings > Network.
2. In Network, select Wireless.
3. Go to Choose Your Network, and choose your router. You will recognize that it will have the name you assigned your VPN connection when configured earlier.
4. Type in your VPN password and Connect.

How to Set Up a VPN on a Virtual Router

Follow these quick steps to set up your VPN on your virtual router:

1. On the ExpressVPN website, log in to your user account.
2. Download manual OpenVPN config. files for whichever server to which you choose to connect. (Write down your username and password.)
3. Go to the control panel on your router and enter the 8-digit code into your browser search bar.
4. Sign in with your username and password for your router, which should be “admin” by default.
5. Go to Advanced Settings > VPN.
6. Click on VPN Client > Add Profile > OpenVPN.
7. Enter the information for these categories:

Description: Type in your VPN name. In this case, ExpressVPN.
Username: Type in your VPN username.
Password: Type in your VPN password.
Import .ovpn file: Open the OpenVPN file that you downloaded in step 2 and upload it here. Then click OK and Activate.
Voila! Your VPN is set up on your virtual router!

Roku DNS proxy

Now, in case you are confused, your DNS proxy is different from your VPN. A DNS proxy doesn’t encrypt your connection the way a VPN does, but it is faster to set up and it will ensure a faster connection than a VPN connection.

To change the DNS address on Roku, you will need to find the DNS settings on your router dashboard and input a primary and back-up DNS server address — both of which need to be in the country you are trying to access!

When you change the server for DNS requests, you can gain access to geo-restricted content on any sites that use DNS to identify users and their locations.

If you are using a reputable VPN, it will ignore your DNS settings and use its own. Not many VPN services let you opt out of the VPN part of the coverage in order to just use their DNS servers. ExpressVPN does offer this option with its MediaStreamer service.

10 Best VPNs for Roku in 2024

With so many VPNs on the market today, it’s hard to know which delivers the best product to help you unblock services on Roku. We have done the legwork for you and have come up with the top 10 VPNs that will reliably give you access to Roku (or Roku Ultra).

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our #1 choice for Best VPN for Roku, with over 3,000 high-speed servers in 94 countries around the world. Whether you are connecting to a local server or a server around the globe, your connection speeds when using this VPN service will be consistent, reliably fast, and you will have no problem getting an IP address in whatever country you are trying to access.

If you are looking to stream the latest movies and shows, ExpressVPN can help you access your Roku Ultra 4K content with no buffering or lag, and with consistently stable connections.

If you want to use a Smart DNS proxy with Roku, you can use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer to get even faster streaming speeds when breaking through geo-blocks. This will make your connection speed faster for streaming, but will not give you the same VPN protection and encryption.

When put to the test, this VPN had no problem unblocking Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Disney+, ESPN+, Showtime, and the many other streaming services we tested.

ExpressVPN will work on all main devices, including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, routers, Linux, Chromebook, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, gaming consoles, and others.

If you are not comfortable setting up a VPN on your wi-fi router, you can get ExpressVPN’s pre-configured router, which will easily let you send your Roku activity through the VPN server on your network.

Since most households have many different devices under one roof, it is good to note that you can connect up to 5 simultaneous devices to one account. If you want to allow other network users to connect as well, it is really good to note that connecting your VPN to your router lets you connect an unlimited number of users to your network, all of which may be connected to your VPN.

As for privacy — ExpressVPN offers military-grade 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, a verified no-logs policy, a kill switch, IP leak protection, and OpenVPN across all platforms, so all of your information will remain private and secure at all times.

The one drawback of this VPN service provider is that it is one of the more expensive of the bunch. But, in all honesty, the few-dollar increase in price for an ExpressVPN subscription is completely worth paying, in my book, because those few dollars buy peace of mind knowing that my connection is always going to be reliable, fast, and completely secure.

From experience, I can attest that this VPN has some of the most responsive, most knowledgeable customer support around. I cannot tell you how many times I have utilized its 24/7 live-chat customer support feature, relieved to chat with somebody on the other side who could give me immediate, to-the-point, expert assistance.

In the end, if for some reason you are not pleased with this VPN provider, you can opt out within 30 days for a full refund, guaranteed, so there really is nothing to lose.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best VPN services, ranking a close second for our best VPN for Roku. It has over 5,200 VPN servers in 60 countries worldwide, and consistently delivers good speeds and reliable connections.

Using the NordVPN SmartPlay DNS feature, you can automatically get quick buffer-free access to Netflix, Hulu US, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video Disney+, and over 400 different services.

NordVPN protects your activity with its AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN and IKEc2/IPSec protocols that will keep your footprint hidden. It has a verified no-logs policy and DNS and IP leak protection; and its CyberSec feature also provides an extra layer of protection from malware and annoying ads that may pop up.

NordVPN works with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs, routers, and Linux, so there should never be a problem finding an app that is compatible with your device; and you can use up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single subscription, which means you’ll be able to use a combination of devices without compromising your speed or quality.

If you are ready to configure your VPN on your router to use with Roku, you can get a very clear tutorial on the NordVPN website. But, like ExpressVPN, you can also choose to buy pre-configured DD-WRT routers if you don’t feel like configuring your router yourself.

NordVPN has stellar customer service, including 24/7 live chat support that you can use in case any problems arise, but if you are still not sold after a few weeks, you can opt out and take advantage of the NordVPN 30-day refund guarantee.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is certainly among our top choices for best VPN for Roku.

Though Surfshark’s speed does not compare to the top two VPNs, its servers are still plenty fast for streaming on Roku with hardly any buffering or lag.

Surfshark has proven to be successful at unblocking streaming sites like Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO, Disney+, ESPN+, and Amazon Prime Video, and more.

While streaming, you can opt to use Surshark’s DNS changer, Trust DNS. this will let you stream geo-blocked content with even faster speeds, but it will not give you the encrypted connection a VPN connection does.

It has compatibility with pretty much all devices and platforms you use, including Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more. Surfshark can easily connect to your routers so you can use Roku on your VPN, and like the other VPNs above, you can also buy a Surfshark pre-configured router if you want a shortcut to connect to Roku.

Surfshark passes all the tests for security features with its AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, split tunneling, double encryption, Kill Switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and its special CleanWeb suite, which blocks ads and protects against malware.

Part of what pushes Surfshark toward the top of the list is that it allows for unlimited devices to connect on just one account, making it ideal for a large family who wants to connect multiple electronics at once.

Surfshark also offers some great 24/7 live-chat customer support and a 30-day refund guarantee, giving you the chance to try this VPN for a few weeks and then change your mind without penalty.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a great VPN for Roku!

Its speeds are pretty reliable, with only some minor lags here and there, which makes it a good choice for streaming services like ESPN+, HBO GO, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other media streaming services.

CyberGhost is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android or iOS-based mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and more. You can also connect CyberGhost to your router for use with Roku.

You can connect a pretty sizable 7 devices simultaneously to one CyberGhost account, but if you connect your VPN to your router, you can connect an unlimited number of devices to your wifi, all as one user.

CyberGhost offers 256-bit AES-encryption, a Kill Switch, a no-logs policy, and a built-in ad blocker.

Unlike the other VPN services, CyberGhost VPN offers the user a 45-day refund guarantee, giving you a little more time to change your mind with absolutely no penalty.

5. UltraVPN

UltraVPN is among the smallest of the VPNs with around 100 servers spread across almost 55 countries. Despite this, it is still a good VPN for Roku.

UltraVPN can unblock geo-restricted streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and HBO GO.

You can connect UltraVPN to Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, and routers for use with Roku.

UltraVPN has strong security and privacy features with 256-bit encryption, a no-logging policy, IP and DNS leak protection and a variety of protocols to choose from, and an automatic Kill Switch that will protect your data in the event that your internet fails. It does not have any ad-blocking feature included with its service.

UltraVPN offers a 7-day free trial with limited servers on top of its 30-day refund guarantee. If any issues arise, there is also the option to live chat with a representative or contact someone 24/7 by toll-free phone number.

All in all, this is a small and less-advanced VPN that really doesn’t offer as much value for your money as all of the VPNs listed above it on the list, but it will still work with Roku.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access is a good VPN for Roku that boasts an insane amount of servers — over 19,000 in more than 77 countries worldwide.

But the measure of a great VPN is not simply its size. How is its security and privacy? Its Speed? Does it work with Roku?

PIA also offers good privacy and security protocols. With PIA, you can actually customize your data encryption standards, so you can choose AES-128, AES-256, or no encryption at all. The standard these days for best security is AES-256, so this is what I recommend you use. Lowering the level of encryption will make your browsing less private, but it will also increase your speeds, which can be helpful if you want to prioritize your speed over your security.

When tested, PIA speeds were good enough to maintain HD streaming with almost no buffering or lag. PIA is able to unblock streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming sites.

It is easy to use. Private Internet Access on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and more, and you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which really does make this service appealing to those of us with many devices, or with family members who will also want to connect to the VPN service. You can also connect PIA to your router for use with Roku.

The reason PIA is not at the top of the list, despite its huge server size, is because it does not come close to the connection speeds of more highly ranked VPNs.

PIA will be totally sufficient for the average streamer, though, and is a decent choice for use with Roku.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish is a good VPN for Roku, with over 1,600 servers in over 50 countries around the globe.

IPVanish has proven to unblock most major streaming platforms, like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more.

It is compatible with most devices, like Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Amazon Fire Stick, and you can connect it to your router, which you can order pre-configured, for use with Roku.

IPVanish has above-average speeds and offers all the important security features, like 256-bit AES-Encryption, SOCKS5 web proxy, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logs policy.

Like CyberGhost, IPVanish allows for unlimited simultaneous connections to one user account.

If you aren’t sure you want to go with IPVanish, you can use it for a few weeks and then get a full refund with the IPVanish 30-day refund guarantee.

8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is one of the smaller VPN services with just over 200 servers in 60 countries worldwide, but don’t let its small size discount its reliability.

PrivateVPN was able to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV, and routers for use with Roku.

In terms of security, PrivateVPN really lives up to its name, “Private,” with its Kill Switch and 2048-bit AES-256 bit-encryption. Private VPN uses OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, IKEv2, and IPSec protocol.

PrivateVPN gives you a 7-day trial, and if you decide to test it longer, you can rely on its 30-day money-back guarantee to give you some more time to try it without any penalty.

9. ZenMate

ZenMate is not one of the most widely-known VPN providers, but it does have some notable features.

Unfortunately, ZenMate was unable to unblock some of the most popular streaming services, like Hulu. It was able to unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, and Amazon Prime Video.

Unfortunately, ZenMate does share some of its data, including your name and email address, for marketing and technical purposes. While none of your activity is logged, this grey area is still enough to make me uncomfortable.

Zenmate is compatible with Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and some Chromium-based browsers, macOS, Windows, routers, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.

Its browser extensions use AES 128-bit encryption, and their desktop and mobile clients use AES 256-bit military-grade encryption.

Unlike many of the VPNs these days, ZenMate offers a 7-day free trial, so you can try it for yourself with no risk. On top of the trial, if you are not pleased, they will refund your money within 30 days.

10. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a Swiss-based VPN with over 700 servers, spanning 66 countries.

It keeps up with the remainder of the VPNs on this list with a verified no-logging policy, a kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and URL filtering. Unfortunately, the iOS app does not have a kill switch or some features that the Android version has.

Even though it is a much smaller VPN than some, it is spread widely across different countries around the world, and its servers are owned by VyprVPN itself, so it doesn’t have to rely on third-party hosts that may compromise security.

VyprVPN was quickly able to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and many other streaming sites. The only site that outsmarted Vypr was Amazon Prime Video.

VyprVPN has live chat, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can sign up and try it with no commitment, and cancel for a full refund.

Can I Use a Free VPN with Roku

While you are welcome to try connecting a free VPN to your router (since Roku cannot be connected directly to a VPN), it is highly unlikely that any free VPN for Roku will actually work.

Most of the free VPNs cannot be configured on a wireless router the way reputable VPNs can, and a wi-fi router configuration is necessary for Roku.

More importantly, free VPN providers often compromise your security and privacy. Because these free services don’t make money off of a subscription fee, they make money in other ways, like by selling your data to third parties and allowing pop-ups, ads, and malware on your device.

In addition, because most free VPNs put limits on your bandwidth and data usage, you will spend a lot of your time watching the screen while your shows are buffering, which is likely not how you want to watch your content.

Free VPNs also often have fewer servers than paid ones, and those servers become easily crowded, which slows your connection speeds. In addition, if the free VPN does not keep your computer’s internet connection anonymous, your internet service provider will very likely be able to see your internet activities and throttle your internet connection.

Bottom line: The only way to get reliably-fast connection speeds and to ensure your security and privacy when using a VPN on your router is to install a VPN that is tried and tested, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

FAQs

Conclusion

So, while you cannot use a VPN on Roku directly, you can set up a VPN connection on your router and connect Roku to your virtual private network pretty easily. You need a VPN to access all the content you want from wherever you are.

Using Roku, you have tons of great streaming content available — especially if you can bypass geo-restrictions and watch international website content from anywhere in the world.