Previously known as XBMC, Kodi is one of the most versatile and effective media streaming solutions available. This free, open-source software has impressed users with its powerful performance and advanced customization options. Kodi is compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices and it enables you to watch videos, play music or podcasts and more. You can stream content from the internet or access your locally stored media. The quality and seamless performance of Kodi have earned it recognition as an outstanding media player.
In addition, Kodi supports a wide range of formats and there is an extensive selection of addons that will enhance your experience. Once you have installed Kodi, you can personalize the application by choosing the addons that offer the functionality that suits your needs. For instance, in order to be able to access content lists and stream movies, sport events or TV shows, you will need an addon. Genesis was one of the most popular Kodi addons because it offered the possibility of browsing several lists and then the content could be streamed directly via Kodi.
Earlier in 2016, Genesis ceased to be supported but that doesnt mean that it is not possible to find and stream online content using Kodi. Genesis alternative Kodi addons like Exodus, SALTS, Phoenix and Velocity, offer similar functionality so you can find online sources to stream movies and TV. If you are mainly interested in watching live sports, addons like Kodi Pro Sport would be the right choice. This addon browses Reddit in order to give you access to high quality sports events such as NFL games. There are so many Kodi addons available, that the extensive selection of options can be overwhelming. One thing is for sure, you will always find a way to customize Kodi according to your preferences.
Legal Issues
While Kodi itself is a legitimate software and there are many addons that focus on legal streaming, as you may have guessed, some of the addons available for Kodi, provide access to copyrighted content. In fact, the software, in combination with some third-party plugins, can be used to set up a pirate TV box. In the UK and Canada, strict measures were taken to restrict pirate TV boxes, focusing on the illegal, third-party addons pre-installed in these boxes to provide access to movies, TV series and more.
However, there are gray areas since selling an Android box on its own is not against the law and to this date, streaming without downloading the content is also technically, not illegal. Still, it should be kept in mind that the sale of fully loaded Kodi boxes that facilitate access to pirate content is illegal and in the EU, it is also against the law to modify any device in order to access premium content for free.
Kodi and VPNs
Kodi is an incredible streaming solution and it will allow you to access and manage online content and your own media easily. You can install it on a large selection of devices, including Amazon Fire TV and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. The first is a streaming media box that allows you to watch online content on your TV. The Firestick offers the same functionality, but it is considerably cheaper and more convenient, due to its small size. Installing Kodi on these devices will enable you to stream media (such as your own videos) over your local area network or you can access online content if you are using the required Kodi addons.
Since a VPN encrypts your traffic and protects it from prying eyes, it is crucial to use this technology when you are streaming content. When you use a VPN, others cant see what you are doing online, which makes it a valuable tool to defend your privacy. A VPN is particularly important if you decide to use Kodi addons for streaming online content. Additionally, a VPN gives you the possibility of changing your geo-location in order to get access to content that is only available in specific countries. It possible to find Kodi addons that allow you to set up VPN on Kodi, including an addon that lets you control OpenVPN from within Kodi. However, in order to protect,not only Kodi but your whole traffic, it is advisable to opt for the protection and versatility that the below VPN provides offer.
Private Internet Access
Commonly known as PIA, this provider has become one of the leading solutions in the VPN industry. PIA is known for it effective combination of good speeds, top quality service and affordable price. If you subscribe for a full year, the monthly price of your subscription will be less than $4 per month and you can enjoy up to 5 simultaneous connections. PIA has thousands of servers in 24 countries, including locations that produce some of the most popular content, including United Kingdom and the United States.
ExpressVPN
Speed and security are essential and with ExpressVPN you can enjoy a fast, highly secure service that will make your experience with Kodi, even better. ExpressVPN is a well-established, reliable provider and it has an extensive selection of servers. You can connect to secure servers in almost 90 countries, which ensures a flexible streaming experience. ExpressVPNs prices are higher than some of its competitors, but this VPN is a worthy investment.
IPVanish
IPVanish owns and manages its network, which allows them to offer fantastic speeds and a service that is highly reliable. Their client is easy to use and supports all the basic features that will ensure that your traffic remains protected. They also have a wide selection of servers across the world so you will be able to bypass censorship or geo-location restrictions in order to access your favorite online content.
AirVPN
AirVPN started when a group of hacktivists concerned about online freedom and privacy, met at a pirate festival party in Rome. As expected, this is a provider committed to offer advanced technology to help you keep your identity and your online traffic secure. The high quality of its VPN client, their solid no -logs policy and features like SSH and SSL tunneling and VPN over Tor will enhance the security of your connection.
PureVPN
PureVPN offers an easy to use client that offers high security and that allows you to switch between the vast selection of server locations supported. At the moment, they have servers in 141 countries, which is very impressive and will give you access to a great selection of global content. PureVPN offers high encryption to keep your data secure and they dont keep logs of your online activity.
