Roku was one of the first streaming boxes to hit the market in 2012 and became very popular. Roku is now in its fifth generation and is available in six different variants, ranging from lightweight, inexpensive devices to powerful 4K streamers.
- Roku Express
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Roku Premiere
- Roku Premiere+
- Roku Ultra
- Roku TV
All devices run the Android-based Roku operating system, which supports a wide range of apps and channels. Many channels are geo-locked, meaning they are only available from certain countries. These restrictions can be bypassed by using a VPN, which encrypts Internet traffic and transmits it through a remote server in a location of your choice. This will provide you with a new IP address that you can use to bypass the geo-content restrictions.
VPNs protect your streaming activities and prevent your ISP and others on your network from spying on the content you watch.
NordVPN
If you’ve been looking for a VPN service for Roku, you’ve probably already come across NordVPN. This reputable provider certainly lives up to its reputation.
For starters, it has over 5,000 servers worldwide, and in our tests, Nord excelled at unblocking almost all of the streaming sites we tested. Besides, thanks to its excellent speed, you won’t have to wait for movies to load.
If you don’t want to set up NordVPN yourself (it’s more complicated than ExpressVPN, since it doesn’t have its own app), the provider works with a company called FlashRouters. They sell you a configured router that you can use right away, so you don’t have to worry about it – all you have to do is sign up for the NordVPN package you want.
In terms of usage, it’s very close to ExpressVPN, but the fact that there’s no dedicated router app means you’ll have to invest more time or money. But if you’re happy with it (or settle for a virtual router), it’s more than capable of acting as a VPN for Roku.
CyberGhostVPN
CyberGhost has one of the largest global networks with 6,800 servers, including hundreds in the US, UK, Netherlands, France and Canada alone. This means you can sign up without worrying about overcrowding or backlogs.
New to VPNs and a little intimidated by them? I found CyberGhost easy to set up and use, with a clear, intuitive interface. In fact, everything about this VPN is pretty straightforward. Its streaming-optimized servers ensure reliability, speed and stability, so you can watch content from all over the world with your Roku.
CyberGhost offers the highest security encryption, 256-bit AES, for your privacy needs. Maintaining anonymity is crucial for protecting your online identity. Therefore, it includes features like DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and an anti-logging policy for added security.
Streaming services strive to restrict VPNs, so some of the IP addresses you come across may be blocked. To help you overcome this problem and use Roku streaming without any issues, CyberGhost offers dedicated IP addresses. If you use the same static address, you can bypass anti-VPN software with a simple private connection.
If you’ve decided that CyberGhost is the right VPN for you, check out our valid coupons to save some money. You can also try the service with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
SurfsharkVPN
Surfshark wins the third place this time thanks to its fast connections, great customer service and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark offers above-average performance when it comes to unblocked content, allowing you to access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Customer support is always there for you thanks to the provider’s 24/7 live support chat, searchable FAQ library, and support contact form.
Online security and privacy are the least of your worries thanks to the highly encrypted connection, strict no-logging policy, and Bitcoin payment options.
Surfshark also offers a “Trusted DNS” service that lets you stream international content to your device by changing the DNS settings on your router. However, you should know that this service does not encrypt the connection.
For other devices, users can take advantage of the provider’s excellent multi-platform support and very generous permission for unlimited simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN
I’ve been testing and recommending VPNs for the longest time, and I can’t remember a single time when ExpressVPN was at the top. So it’s no surprise that I choose it as my personal VPN.
As I mentioned earlier, the main reason I recommend this VPN is its consistency. Many other VPNs are great at initially unlocking all streaming services, but after a while they get flagged and can’t work around the restrictions you set.
ExpressVPN, however, stays ahead of these services, including Netflix, which is the strictest. Even if they are detected and blocked, they are very quick to add a new IP address or configure a new working server to avoid bothering users.
It is impossible for anyone, including your ISP, to know what you are doing online. In addition to installing a router, ExpressVPN offers dedicated apps for all major devices, including phones, computers, Xbox, Playstation, smart TVs, and other streaming players like the Amazon Fire TV stick.
With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN can be used to access geo-restricted content in those regions.
IPVanishVPN
IPVanish made it onto the Roku 2022 Best VPN list. While they don’t offer as many servers as ExpressVPN, they are still worth considering.
The provider manages the network of servers they offer internally, which means there is very little outside interference, which is great for those who are anonymity conscious.
You can use the package on the same device and get unlimited bandwidth. These servers can unblock US Netflix, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer and many other services. IPVanish offers a good level of encryption and has an anti-logging policy.
Private Internet Access
PIA has bare servers in 47 countries around the world and you can enjoy unlimited bandwidth on all 2700+ servers. Plus, PIA’s servers are fast, which is impressive considering the low subscription fees. PIA subscriptions include military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, WireGuard, PPTP, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec protocols, and servers with dedicated encryption.
With PIA, you can watch Netflix in addition to Roku, and the whole family can enjoy up to 10 simultaneous connections on most devices – including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers. PIA’s instant setup makes getting started a breeze, and if you need help, 24-hour customer support is available via live chat to answer any questions you may have. New users also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Install a VPN on Roku
- It should be noted that Roku itself does not support VPN or Smart DNS. This leaves you with only three options to install a VPN on your device.
- The first option is to install a VPN on your router. The first option is to create a VPN connection on your router.
- However, some routers do not support VPN clients, so you need to make sure you have a DD-WRT or Tomato-based router. You can find a more detailed explanation in this guide.
- Not all VPNs provide a proxy service for users. So make sure you choose one that has a proxy service, such as ExpressVPN. Just set up Smart DNS on your router so that your Roku can connect to the service.
- You can now access channels blocked in the US, such as HBO Go and Hulu, but if you want online privacy, keep in mind that proxies don’t encrypt traffic.
- You can subscribe to another smart DNS service like Unlocator, which is a standalone service that isn’t connected to a VPN, but still bypasses Roku’s streaming channels. You can also benefit from a 7-day trial.
- Set up a VPN on your PC/Mac, then create a virtual router and connect your Roku to it. How to do this is described in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channels are free on Roku?
Some of the most popular free channels on Roku are Pandora, PBS Kids, Crackle, Twitch, The Weather Network, and Roku Channel.
Can I watch live TV on Roku?
There are several channels on Roku that offer live TV, such as Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, and DirecTV NOW. So yes, you can indeed watch a TON of live TV on Roku, which is good news for cable providers.
Will Roku work outside of the US?
Your Roku device itself will work and display channels outside of the US without issue. However, most US channels are geographically restricted, so those particular channels won’t work outside the US. Therefore, you will need to use a VPN with US servers to access US-only channels on your Roku.
Summary
Streaming TV players like Roku are a convenient and easy way to access all content from services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix on your device. Although, similar to using these services individually, they have geographic restrictions to protect the content so that only certain countries can access it. To bypass these locks, all you need to do is use a VPN service that is compatible with your Roku device. Once you follow the above steps and try out some of the recommended Roku and VPN services, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite contents whenever and wherever you want.
AWSM TIPS
Showtime is an American premium television channel owned by the Viacom-CBS Domestic Media Network and is the flagship of the parent company’s premium content group, Showtime Networks. Click here to stream Best Showtime VPN.
