Roku is considered one of the original SmartTV dongles. First introduced in 2012, Roku has now reached its 5th version and provides various packages suitable for different budgets. For those unaware, Roku is a USB device that can be inserted into a standard TV, transforming it into a SmartTV. This allows you to download apps and enjoy your favourite programmes from streaming services such as Hulu, BBC, Netflix, and more. Unfortunately, geographical restrictions may limit the available apps and content. To access additional films and shows, it is recommended to use a Roku VPN.
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There are several advantages to using a VPN with Roku. First, a Roku VPN will allow you to access more on the device. Due to licensing and broadcast regulations, some apps only have the right to provide content in certain countries. Therefore, if you’re out of that location, you won’t be able to access it. With a VPN Roku can’t detect where you’re located and as such, can’t restrict your viewing.
Another benefit is throttling prevention. Internet service providers (ISPs) have been known to ‘throttle’ your internet connection when they identify you’re trying to stream shows, play games or download content. The slowed connection leads to longer download speeds and buffering within your streaming platform. With a VPN for Roku, your online activity will be hidden from the ISP, so they won’t be able to throttle your data.
The Roku device doesn’t come with a Roku VPN installed. In actual fact, the Roku USB itself, doesn’t hold the geo-restrictions: It’s the apps that control what content you see. Therefore, even if there was a built-in VPN for Roku, it wouldn’t actually do anything. In order to lift geo-restrictions on Roku, you’ll need to install a VPN onto your router, or create a virtual router through your laptop.
Roku VPNs are totally legal. By nature, a VPN (virtual private network) is there to keep you safe online. It’s simply a software that encrypts your online data and keeps you anonymous. A benefit of this is that ISPs can’t detect your location, which means geo-restricted content is accessible wherever you are.
The software is completely legal, so if you’re able to properly set up the VPN Roku apps like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime will work perfectly.
Even the best free VPN for Roku is hit and miss. We only ever want to recommend the best, safest products and services to our readers, which is why we don’t typically suggest using a free Roku VPN.
Why?
There are several reasons why you should avoid free VPNs. The first is that not all of them actually work… So, you might get all set up and find that your data isn’t hidden and the VPN isn’t actually doing anything.
It’s not just that, either. Free VPNs have been known to sell data to third parties. Rather than protecting you online and hiding your online activity, they’re actually collecting this data and selling it on.
If you do find one that seems legit, streaming platforms like Netflix and iPlayer are pretty quick to block free VPNs, so you might find it doesn’t work anyway. Alternatively, the free software might not give you access to all of the brand’s servers and as a result, you won’t be able to view content from the locations you are interested in.
The good news, though, is that some of the top VPN for Roku offer free trials or money back guarantees. ExpressVPN, for example has a money back guarantee that lasts 30 days. So if you’re heading on holiday, or want to binge-watch something for week, you’ll have plenty of time to use the software for free.
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Below, we’ve ranked the best VPNs for Roku. We always use a simple ranking process that considers value for money, simplicity of use, and reliability.
Now for the tricky bit. Unlike a normal VPN set up, using a VPN and Roku together is a little harder. Ordinarily, you would set up an account with a VPN provider, install the software and select the location you’d like to watch content from. Then, you can choose a website and you can view geo-restricted content without any hassle.
In order to use a VPN on Roku, you’ll need to set up the VPN on your router, or create a virtual router on your computer.
Some routers are VPN compatible, so it’s always worth doing a quick Google search or checking the manual. If it is compatible, you can install a VPN onto Roku with the following instructions:
If you don’t know your IP address, you can find it with the following steps:
If your router isn’t VPN compatible, or you don’t feel comfortable altering things on the physical router, you can set up a VPN on Roku by creating a virtual router on your computer.
The new router network will come up as ‘not configured’. Create a username and password and type in the server address (this can be provided by your VPN service).
Now that your router is connected to the VPN, Roku is the next thing that needs setting up.
Within your Roku app or on the TV, you will need to go to Settings and change the Wi-Fi options. Select the VPN router you’ve just created and then refresh the device.
You will now be able to access all the content you can dream of!
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In this guide we’ve discussed the benefits of using a VPN for Roku, as well as the dangers of choosing a free Roku VPN. While it might seem tempting at first, freebies are almost never really free – there’s always a catch. We’ve provided you with the top VPN for Roku which are all reliable, easy to use and have a huge number of servers across the globe.
You should now also know how to set up a VPN on Roku either through the physical router, or by creating your own. Hopefully, you’ll not have a full set up VPN on Roku and you will be binge watching your favourite shows in no time.