Installing a VPN on your Roku device comes with a lot of benefits, including enhanced security, increased anonymity, and the ability to unlock regionally restricted content.
However, Roku doesn’t support VPN apps, so you’ll need to install the VPN on your router if you want to change your IP while using Roku. Here’s how:
- Check if DD-WRT is compatible with your router. Download the software.
- Flash the new firmware on your router.
- Subscribe to a VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN for installing on DD-WRT.
- Install your VPN on the DD-WRT interface.
- Connect to a new server through your VPN’s interface.
- Sign up for a Roku account. Don’t forget to stay connected to the VPN when doing this.
If your router doesn’t support DD-WRT, you can always turn your Mac or PC into a virtual router. You can also get a pre-flashed router that comes with a VPN. Regardless of which option you choose, NordVPN has you covered.
Read our full article below for a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to install a VPN on Roku.
Roku devices are the perfect tools to expand your streaming possibilities. Plug it into your TV, connect to the internet, and you can stream content from any platform you’re subscribed to. However, if you want to truly unlock its potential, you’ll need a VPN.
A virtual private network (VPN) unlocks movies and TV shows unavailable in your region. With a Roku VPN, you can change your IP address. This makes streaming platforms think you’re browsing from a different country, thus unblocking content you couldn’t access before.
Want to find out how to use your Roku with a VPN? Keep reading below.
How to Use a VPN with Roku
Unfortunately, you can’t install VPN apps directly on Roku. If you want to unblock streaming services on your Roku TV, you’ll need to choose one of the following options:
- Option 1: Install a VPN on your router
- Option 2: Use a Windows device as a virtual router
- Option 3: Use a Mac device as a virtual router
- Option 4: Buy a pre-flashed router
We recommend buying a pre-flashed router if you’re not on a tight budget and want something as easy as possible to set up. If you don’t want to spend too much, using a Windows device as a virtual router is probably the next best thing.
But picking the right method is not enough. It’s also important to choose the right VPN for the job. Not all services are equally easy to install or fast enough to stream content without buffering. NordVPN is our top choice for Roku thanks to its high-speed servers, easy installation, and proven track record of unblocking streaming sites.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Below, we’ll show step-by-step guides for each option and mention the pros and cons of each method.
Warning:
Don’t sign up for a Roku account before you’ve set up your VPN. Roku will remember your initial IP, so you won’t be able to use the VPN server’s IP address. If you’ve already set up an account, you may need to create a new account in order to unblock content.
Option 1: Install a VPN for Roku on Your Router (Step-By-Step Guide)
Pros
- Protects all devices connected to a single router
- Changes the IP address of all your devices
Cons
- Requires you to configure both your router and your VPN settings
In this section, we’ll show you how to set up a VPN on your router, step by step.
1. Install DD-WRT on your router
DD-WRT is an open-source, Linux-based firmware that gives you more options for how to use your router. DD-WRT also lets you install a VPN for Roku on it.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Check if your router is compatible with DD-WRT. Check out this list of routers that support DD-WRT.
- Download the .bin files corresponding to your hardware if your router is on the list above.
- Read the hardware-specific instructions on how to flash new firmware on your router. If those instructions seem unclear, you can find detailed breakdowns of the main flashing methods in our article about installing a VPN on your router.
If your router isn’t on the list, skip to this section, where we explain how you can turn your PC or Mac into a virtual router.
2. Install a VPN on the DD-WRT
To install a Roku VPN on your new firmware, you’ll need to log into your router and enable the VPN service you signed up for. The process is simple.
- Copy-paste the IP address of your router into your browser’s search bar. Doing so will open the setup interface.
- Visit Setup > Basic Setup > Network Address Server Settings.
- Fill in the DNS server address of your chosen VPN. You can find this information on your VPN’s website. For example, if you picked NordVPN, you’ll find their DNS servers here.
- Turn off IPv6.
- Go to Services > VPN. See the screenshot below. Keep in mind that your interface might look slightly different from ours, depending on your router.
- Enable the OpenVPN client.
- Click on “Start OpenVPN client.”
- Fill in the data from your VPN provider. This includes:
- Your email address
- Your VPN account password
- The server address you wish to use
- Your chosen VPN protocol type
- Copy/paste the content of your certificate key into the designated field.
- Apply the settings.
3. Connect Roku to the router
You can now connect your Roku device to your Wi-Fi to enjoy limitless options from streaming services.
When choosing a VPN server address to connect to, we recommend one from the US or UK. In our experience, the streaming libraries in these countries were the best.
Option 2: Set Up a Virtual Router on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide)
Pros
- Easier to set-up than installing a VPN straight on your router
- Easy to switch between servers
Cons
- Requires a Windows device and an ethernet cable
- Can still be complicated for some people
If you can’t install a VPN on your physical router, you can create a virtual router on your Windows PC. This method is accessible to most people since Windows devices natively support VPN apps.
1. Check if your Windows device supports Wi-Fi transmission
Before you get started, you need to make sure your PC supports Wi-Fi transmission. Follow these steps to find out if it does:
- Press the “Windows” and “S” keys at the same time. This will open the search bar.
- Type in “cmd” to find Command Prompt and click it. This is what the interface should look like:
- In Command Prompt, type: “netsh wlan show drivers“. Press enter, and you’ll see the configurations of your network drivers.
- Make sure that “Hosted network supported” is followed by the word “Yes“.
If “Hosted network supported” shows up as No, you might need to reset your network settings or install new WLAN drivers. Check out this Windows support thread for more details. If nothing helps, you can try one of the other methods we outline below.
Lastly, make sure your hardware actually has an NIC. Some people choose to forgo one when building their PC, especially if they can connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable.
2. Install the VPN app
If you can host networks on your PC, the next step is to install the VPN on your PC. Simply download the software from your VPN’s website. Afterward, you can log into your account.
Once your VPN is up and running, you’ll need to:
- Search for “Open Network Internet Settings” in your Windows taskbar and open the settings dashboard.
- Click on “Change adapter options“.
- Find the VPN connection. It should be named after the VPN you’re using.
- Right-click it and select “Properties“.
- Click on the Sharing tab.
- Enable the option to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection“.
- Save the settings.
Following the steps above will turn your PC into a router.
3. Connect Roku to your virtual router
Now, you need to open your Roku interface on your TV and connect to the virtual router you just created. Its name should be based on your PC’s serial number or your Windows account name.
After you’ve successfully connected to the internet, create a new Roku account and enjoy new content from streaming services.
Option 3: Set Up a Virtual Router on Mac (Step-by-Step Guide)
Pros
- Easier than using DD-WRT
- Convenient switching between servers
Cons
- Requires a Mac and ethernet cable
- Can seem daunting to non-techies
Using a Mac as a virtual router is a bit more complicated than using a Windows-based PC, but it’s still possible. Just keep in mind that you’ll need an ethernet cable and an adapter if your Mac doesn’t have an ethernet port.
1. Set up your VPN connection
Once you have an ethernet cable and an adapter, here are the steps you have to follow:
- Set up your VPN connection manually. You need to do this if you want a VPN-enabled virtual router.
- Open your System Settings and click on “General” in the left menu.
- Click on “Sharing” and toggle the “Internet Sharing” option. This will prompt you to confirm the selection.
- To set up your Wi-Fi connection, click on the “i” next to the Internet Sharing toggle, and choose “Wi-Fi” in the second tab.
- Set a name and password for your virtual connection.
2. Set up your Roku account
You can now connect your Roku to your virtual VPN. Just look for the virtual router you created when you want to connect Roku to the internet.
Set up your Roku account only after you’re connected to your Mac’s virtual router and make sure it runs on your preferred VPN server.
Did You Know?
You can also download a VPN on your smartphone and enable a mobile hotspot. You can then connect your Roku TV to your mobile hotspot. However, a mobile hotspot won’t be as fast as your router’s Wifi network, which is why we don’t recommend it for streaming.
For more information, we have a dedicated tutorial for setting up a virtual router on Mac devices.
Option 4: Buy a Pre-Flashed VPN Router
Pros
- Minimal set-up required
- You get all the benefits of installing a VPN on your router without the hassle
Cons
- More expensive than all the other options
- You'll need to wait for shipping
Pre-flashed routers are the easiest solution for using a VPN with Roku. These routers come with a VPN installed right out of the box, so you don’t need to worry about checking for DD-WRT compatibility, flashing new firmware, or anything else. You just buy a router, unpack it when it arrives, turn it on, and you’re good to go.
For our article on the best VPN routers, we researched all the VPN routers available. Our top recommendation is the ASUS RT-AX86U, which comes with NordVPN already installed. It also supports WiFi 6, has several useful gaming add-ons, and features a user-friendly UI from Asus.
The Best VPNs for Roku in 2023
Which VPNs are the best for Roku? We constantly test premium VPNs to gauge their speed, reliability, security, privacy, and plenty more.
Based on these tests, here are the top three best VPNs for Roku.
1. NordVPN: The best Roku VPN
NordVPN is our top choice for streaming on Roku. It outperformed all other VPNs in our speed tests, has an iron-clad no-logs policy, and has a wide server network spanning 60 countries.
With NordVPN, you get a seamless streaming experience, thanks to its obfuscated servers. These servers are configured specifically to hide your VPN use from streaming sites. This helps bypass Netflix’s attempts to ban VPN IP addresses.
If you need the best Roku VPN, NordVPN is the easy winner. What’s more, all NordVPN subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use as a NordVPN free trial.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
2. ExpressVPN: Easy VPN installation on routers
One of the best VPNs to use with Roku is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN works especially well for streaming, thanks to its stable connection speed, server variety, and dedicated streaming features.
Moreover, ExpressVPN is very user-friendly and offers its own firmware that you can install on some routers. This makes ExpressVPN easier to set up for Roku than other alternatives. So even if its speed test results aren’t as high as NordVPN’s, it’s still a very solid choice.
Like Nord, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can take advantage of to get a free trial.
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
On the other hand, ExpressVPN is quite expensive. If you think another VPN might be better suited for your needs, make sure to check out our list of the best VPNs, as well as our article about the best VPNs for Roku.
3. CyberGhost: Roku VPN with dedicated servers for streaming
CyberGhost is not a flawless VPN, but it has pretty good support for streaming on Roku. Its speed test results are decent, and it has dedicated servers for streaming.
CyberGhost has a Smart DNS service that’s really easy to use on routers. You just need to change the right DNS server addresses, and you can use your Roku device with a VPN connection.
Best of all, CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, and it also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
Why Use a Roku VPN?
A VPN is always a good idea when browsing the internet. But with Roku specifically, you get some unique benefits. Here’s an overview of what a Roku VPN can do:
- Access regionally restricted content: Each country gets to watch a different set of movies on streaming sites like Netflix. With a VPN, you can unlock your subscription’s full potential when you access other regions’ movie and TV libraries.
- Hide and encrypt your IP address: Your IP address is connected to your location and can also be used to identify your online activities (including torrenting). By hiding your IP address from the websites you visit, you ensure greater privacy and anonymity on the web.
Many premium VPNs also offer enhanced security features, like NordVPN’s Threat Protection against malware and trackers.
Roku VPNs to Avoid
Sadly, not all VPNs work well with Roku. Most likely, they lack dedicated streaming features like obfuscated servers.
Here are some VPNs you should avoid.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Hola | Hola is not good at unblocking streaming sites, and it logs a ton of user data. |
| Turbo VPN | Our review of Turbo VPN revealed a lot of security vulnerabilities. The service is also unable to unblock streaming services. |
| Google One VPN | Google’s VPN can’t unblock streaming services. |
| Betternet VPN | Betternet can’t unblock streaming services. In our tests, we also couldn’t maintain consistent speeds. |
Should you use a free VPN with Roku?
We don’t recommend using free VPNs for streaming. The primary reason is that free VPNs often have a data limit, which means you can only watch one or two episodes before your VPN trial runs out.
What’s more, free VPNs are difficult to set up on routers and are easily blocked by streaming sites. Since a free VPN will have a small server network, streaming services like Netflix will recognize their IP addresses and block them.
In short, steer clear of free VPN services if you want to unblock your Roku.
Conclusion: The Best VPN for Roku
Roku is an amazing device for enjoying modern content on older TVs. For a one-time payment of around $24, it’s more than a steal. But as you’ve seen today, you can make the experience even better with a VPN.
Installing a Roku VPN is an easy way to enhance your streaming experience. You’ll be able to unblock media content from different countries and streaming services. Whether you prefer Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or HBO Max, you get a guaranteed upgrade to your Roku experience with a VPN.
Get NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee using the link below.
Installing a VPN on Roku is a complicated process. Our step-by-step instructions in the full article above will guide you through the process. If you still have questions, the answers down below will help.
To install a VPN on Roku, you need to change your router with DD-WRT firmware, then install a VPN on your router. After that, when you connect to the internet with your Roku device, your IP will change according to the server you choose in the VPN interface.
If your router doesn’t support DD-WRT firmware, you can turn your Mac or PC into virtual routers, then follow the same procedure. To find out more, read our entire article about installing a VPN on Roku.
The best VPN for Roku is NordVPN, mainly thanks to its blazing-fast connection speeds. However, ExpressVPN is also an excellent choice because it’s easy to install on routers. To find out more about NordVPN and other, cheaper VPNs that work well with Roku, read our best Roku VPN article.
To install a VPN on a router, you’ll first need to make sure your router is DD-WRT compatible. If it is, you can add DD-WRT to your router, flash that new firmware, then install your chosen VPN through the DD-WRT’s interface. Just make sure the VPN you choose is compatible with the OpenVPN protocol, since that’s what DD-WRT uses.
