While I’m sure you’ve already heard about this media player, let me do a quick introduction, just in case. Kodi is a free, open-source entertainment hub which brings all your digital media together in a neat way. You can play videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files; either from your local drive, from the internet, or by installing it on an Amazon Fire TV.
I recommend Kodi if you want a flexible way to watch streaming content. However, Kodi users still run into geo-restrictions on licensed services; especially when travelling abroad. That’s why I’ll show you the best VPN for Kodi in this guide, so you can stream more reliably in the UK and keep access when you travel.
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Best VPN for Kodi (UK & Abroad)
If you use Kodi for streaming, the biggest issues for UK users are simple: geo-blocks when you travel, ISP slowdowns at peak times, and streaming apps that block weaker VPNs.
My #1 pick for Kodi is ExpressVPN because it is consistently reliable for UK streaming and fast enough for HD playback on Fire TV, Android TV, and desktops.
- Works well with UK platforms: better reliability for services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Netflix UK when you are outside the UK.
- Strong UK server performance: fast, stable UK connections that reduce buffering on Kodi add-ons and streaming apps.
- Helps with UK ISP slowdowns: useful if you are on BT, Sky, Virgin Media, or EE and notice evening streaming dips.
- Travel-friendly: easy to switch locations when you are abroad and want your usual UK library back.
- Simple apps: quick setup on Fire TV and Android, plus solid desktop apps if you run Kodi on a PC.
Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you can test it with your specific Kodi setup and UK services without committing long-term.
Best VPN for Streaming UK | Best VPN Deals UK | VPN Coupon Codes
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The best VPN for Kodi 2026
Just this once, I’ll start with a ranking of the best Kodi VPN UK. Because you may be trying to watch a stream that will start soon. And maybe you already know Kodi and just want to cut to the chase concerning VPNs for Kodi. So I’ll save you time and give you my recommendations first. After that, I’ll share useful information and tips about Kodi below; so it’s worth reading further.
I had UK users in mind while writing this. Therefore, the VPN providers below should unblock most UK-restricted content. And if you have more specific needs (for example, keeping access to UK services while travelling), make sure your VPN for Kodi is compatible with the platforms you actually use.
I built this Kodi VPN UK selection with three main criteria. First, they all offer UK server locations. Second, they’re among the fastest VPNs on the market, with high-performance infrastructure; so you can stream in HD without constant buffering. Third, they’re easy to install and user-friendly; so you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use Kodi with a VPN.
If your main goal is Kodi streaming, also see my dedicated guide: Best VPN for Streaming UK.
While you can use Kodi without a VPN, you can run into problems if you are streaming licensed services while travelling; and you may also notice slower performance on busy connections. That’s why I recommend using the best VPN for Kodi.
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What is Kodi?
Kodi is a powerful media player software for many devices. It started on the first-generation Xbox, with the release of the Xbox Media Player (XBMP) in 2002. The XBMC Foundation, a non-profit technology consortium, developed its successor, Xbox Media Center (XBMC), and released the first stable version in 2004.
Over the years, the media player got better and the team behind XBMC kept implementing new features. The software was also ported to multiple platforms: Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android and iOS. As the community grew, third parties started developing Kodi add-ons.
Because XBMC became popular on many platforms, Team-XBMC decided to rename the software in 2014. Instead of releasing XBMC 14, they introduced Kodi 14. It made sense for a multi-platform entertainment centre to move beyond its Xbox roots.
With Kodi, you can turn your device into a streaming platform. That’s what I did with an old PC a few years ago. After installing XBMC (at the time), I set it up to start on system launch. So I’d turn on the PC (connected to my TV) and have a fully functional media centre, similar to other streaming services; and without lag. Kodi doesn’t need a lot of resources. I didn’t even need to know how to speed up an old laptop. You can even install it on a Raspberry Pi.
In addition to playing your own library, you can play content from online sources. Some Kodi add-ons allow you to stream live UK TV or sports events. Just be aware that some third-party add-ons may not be licensed for the content they provide. If you want to protect your privacy and reduce streaming issues when travelling, a Kodi VPN UK is a sensible default.
Is Kodi legal?
Yes, Kodi is legal. There’s no problem installing Kodi on your device. It’s a media player, a bit like VLC or MPC-HC. You can also compare Kodi to a DVD or Blu-Ray player; but as software. You can sort your library and play content without issues, as long as you have it legally.
You can also use add-ons from the official Kodi Add-on repository in the normal way. These are designed to respect content rights and won’t typically offer unlicensed material.
However, third-party add-ons from other repositories may provide access to streams that are not licensed for distribution. If you install and use those, you may break the law depending on the source and content rights. If you bought a Kodi box loaded with third-party add-ons, be careful; because some setups can create real copyright risk.
If you are unsure which add-ons are legitimate, the safest approach is to stick with the official repository or remove anything questionable. If you still want a stronger privacy layer and more reliable streaming when you travel, use the best VPN for Kodi to help protect your connection and reduce location-based blocks.
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How to install Kodi?
While I was researching this article, a friend told me it was complicated to install Kodi. He’s on MacOS and not very tech-savvy, which may explain it. I’ve installed Kodi on Windows and Linux before; and it’s straightforward. Here’s a quick tutorial to install Kodi on Windows.
Download Kodi installer
Visit the Kodi Download page and scroll down to the Choose your weapon section. You’ll see all the operating systems on which you can run Kodi. Click the Windows icon.
On the pop-up, you can choose whether to install it from the Windows Store or by downloading the installer. I’d recommend downloading the installer. Click Installer (32 bits) and save the setup file. If something goes wrong, you won’t have to download it again.
Install Kodi on Windows
Run the setup file you downloaded. Double-click the .exe file, and if you get a user account notification, click Yes. You’ll see a welcome message; click Next.
Accept the License Agreement by clicking I Agree.
Choose which features of Kodi you want. If you’re unsure, keep the defaults and click Next.
Choose the install folder. The default is fine for most people; click Next.
Click Install and wait for the installation to complete.
When it’s done, click Finish. You can tick the checkbox to run Kodi immediately. Congratulations; you’ve installed Kodi.
Bonus: Install the most popular Kodi add-ons
Now let’s talk add-ons. Kodi includes an official repository with lots of options. Some third-party repositories exist too, but keep in mind that add-ons come and go; and some may not have proper content rights. If you plan to stream regularly (especially when travelling), it’s smart to have a VPN running before you start.
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Run Kodi
If you haven’t launched Kodi yet, now is the right time. When you open Kodi for the first time, it’s empty. You can add your own media to the library, but for now we’re focusing on add-ons.
Install Superrepo
Kodi has an official repository, but many people look for third-party repositories such as Superrepo. Repositories change often and can go offline. If you use third-party repositories, be careful about what you install and stick to legitimate sources where possible.
Turn on Unknown Sources
Because Superrepo isn’t developed by the official Kodi team, you must allow third-party add-ons. Click the cogwheel on the home screen to open Settings.
Click System settings. Change the view from Standard to Advanced (or Expert) at the bottom left. Select the Add-ons tab and toggle Unknown sources. If a warning pops up, click Yes.
Add the source for Superrepo
Go back to the home screen; click Settings then File manager.
Double-click Add source. On the pop-up, click <None> and enter the Superrepo path: http://srp.nu/
Name the source (for example, Superrepo) and click OK.
Install the repo
Go back to the home screen. Click Add-ons, then the package installer icon (it looks a bit like the Dropbox icon).
Select Install from zip file.
Select the source you added (Superrepo).
Select the folder that matches your Kodi version (for example, Krypton 17). Then select all and choose the zip file (it should look like superrepo.kodi.krypton.all-x.x.x.zip). Click OK.
Repositories get shut down and change regularly. Superrepo might not be the best repo any longer. You can look at other repos like Blamo (http://repo.mrblamo.xyz/), Jesus Box (http://jesusboxrepo.xyz/repo/) or XvBMC Repository (http://archive.org/download/repository.xvbmc). Use common sense and stick to legitimate sources where possible.
Install an add-on
Now that the repo is set up, you can start installing Kodi add-ons. I’ll show you how to install the BT Sport add-on, and the steps are similar for other add-ons.
From the home screen, click Add-ons. Hover on Video add-ons and click Enter add-on browser. You’ll see add-ons across your repositories.
Scroll down to the add-on you want (BT Sport here).
Click the add-on name to open its page.
Click Install. If nothing happens or it stalls, the add-on may be offline and you may need an alternative.
When you see a notification that the add-on is enabled, you can use it from the Add-ons menu.
The best working Kodi add-ons 2026
There used to be an add-on for Netflix on Kodi (NetfliXbmc), but I couldn’t get it working recently. Add-ons change constantly. Here are a few Kodi add-ons that often work:
- YouTube
- Twitch
- iPlayer WWW (to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK)
- Apple iTunes Podcasts
- BT Sport
Some of these may not work when you’re abroad without a Kodi VPN UK. If you use Kodi while travelling, it’s worth running a good VPN to keep your usual UK services accessible.
How to install the best VPN for Kodi?
You’re almost all set for streaming on Kodi. Now you should use the best VPN for Kodi when streaming; especially if you travel outside the UK or notice buffering. Below is how to install and use a VPN with Kodi.
Do I need a VPN for Kodi?
You don’t “need” a VPN to run Kodi, but it helps for privacy and for smoother access to location-restricted services. Without a VPN, your ISP can see a lot about what you do online through DNS requests and traffic patterns. A VPN adds encryption and helps reduce tracking by masking your IP address.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. It also changes your IP address, which can help you hide your IP address and browse more privately.
For streaming, a VPN helps you access geo-restricted content when you are outside the UK. For example, if you’re travelling abroad, you may not be able to watch Netflix UK from abroad. If you connect to a UK VPN server, you can often restore access to your UK library.
This is especially useful for UK users travelling abroad who want their usual UK services to work as normal.
It can also help if your UK ISP slows down streaming at peak times, which can show up as buffering or sudden quality drops.
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How to choose the best VPN to use with Kodi?
Choosing a VPN is never easy. There are hundreds of providers, and many claim to be the best VPN for Kodi. My approach is simple: I prioritise UK performance, reliable streaming access, and apps that are easy to use on devices where Kodi is common (Fire TV, Android TV, Windows).
Many top VPNs are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free with your Kodi setup.
As a rule, my favourite is ExpressVPN. Because it’s the overall best VPN in my testing and experience; and it’s great with Kodi too. But I also like to give options. So I’ve prepared a ranking of VPN providers you can use with Kodi, with UK server locations included.
This ranking is designed for users in the UK. All the VPNs below provide UK servers so you can keep UK services available; and they’re fast enough for HD streaming on a stable connection.
Once you’ve chosen a VPN, click through and subscribe. If you mainly stream TV and catch-up, you can also check Best VPN for Streaming UK and Best VPN Deals UK.
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What about a Kodi VPN addon?
Add-ons extend Kodi’s capabilities, so you might wonder about a Kodi VPN add-on. I don’t recommend VPN add-ons inside Kodi for three reasons:
- Limited choice: only a small number of VPN providers offer a Kodi VPN add-on.
- More hassle: add-ons can be harder to install and maintain than a normal VPN app.
- Limited protection: a Kodi VPN add-on only protects Kodi traffic; your other apps remain unprotected.
If you subscribe to a VPN, it makes more sense to use the normal VPN app on the device running Kodi; or set it up at the router level if that’s your preference.
Kodi VPN setup
There are several ways to run a VPN with Kodi:
- Use the VPN app on the device (recommended for simplicity).
- Install the VPN on your router (covers multiple devices but can be more complex and may reduce speed).
Most VPN providers offer native Windows apps. That’s usually the easiest approach if you run Kodi on a PC. After you subscribe, download the VPN client from the provider website (or from your confirmation email), install it, and then restart your device.
In the VPN app, enable DNS leak protection and a VPN kill switch if available. DNS leak protection helps ensure your traffic stays inside the VPN tunnel. A kill switch helps prevent accidental exposure if the VPN connection drops.
Using a VPN with Kodi
Using a VPN with Kodi is simple. Connect to a VPN server, then launch Kodi and use it normally. For day-to-day streaming in the UK, connect to a UK server for the best speed and for access to UK services.
If you want to access content tied to another location (for example, when you are travelling), open your VPN app, switch to the relevant country or back to the UK, then return to Kodi.
If you have trouble unblocking a service while abroad, use your VPN provider’s live chat and ask which server location works best. Streaming services frequently block VPN IPs, so support can usually point you to the right option.
If streaming is buffering, you can also experiment with the VPN protocol inside your VPN app. Many users get strong results with modern protocols designed for speed and stability.
What’s the best free VPN for Kodi?
I know some people don’t want to pay for the best VPN for Kodi. So let’s be realistic about the best free VPN for Kodi. You cannot expect premium-level streaming reliability from a free service; and some “free VPNs” are risky.
The risks of free VPNs
Many free VPNs have to monetise somehow. That can mean aggressive ads, weak infrastructure, or data collection that undermines your privacy. If you use a VPN regularly, you should be cautious about who you trust with your traffic.
Even if a free VPN is not malicious, it may still have limited transparency about logging and data handling. For UK users who care about reliable streaming and privacy, a reputable paid VPN is usually the safer option.
Streaming with a free VPN for Kodi
Even the best free VPN for Kodi is usually limited: fewer servers, slower speeds, and IP addresses that are more likely to be blocked by streaming platforms. That means more buffering, more error messages, and less consistent access to services like Netflix or Sky Go.
FYI, here’s how much data you need to watch video depending on quality:
| Quality | Data (MB per hour) |
|---|---|
| 240p – 320p (low quality) | 300 |
| 480p (SD quality) | 700 |
| 720p (HD quality) | 900 |
| 1080p (HD quality) | 1,500 |
| 2K (HD quality) | 3,000 |
| 4K (UHD quality) | 7,200 |
If Kodi is important to you, a paid VPN is usually the better option for UK users because it is more reliable for streaming and less likely to be blocked. If price is the issue, start here: Best VPN Deals UK.
Conclusion
You’ve reached the end of my guide on the best VPN for Kodi. Kodi is a legal media centre and one of my favourite ways to organise and play content across devices. If you run a PC or streaming box connected to your TV, Kodi can be an excellent setup for a clean, couch-friendly experience.
If you use add-ons, remember: official add-ons are usually the safest route, and third-party add-ons can be hit-or-miss. If you want a better privacy layer and smoother access to UK streaming services while travelling abroad, a VPN helps.
Last but not least, here’s my recommendation for Kodi users in the UK: ExpressVPN. It is fast enough for HD streaming, works well when travelling abroad, and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free with your setup.
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Now you can focus on something more fun; like customising Kodi with skins!
This was my guide: Best VPN for Kodi UK and how to install VPN on Kodi media player. Stay tuned for more articles coming soon.
