Roku Devices are designed to offer a versatile streaming experience and are very easy to use. With Roku streaming players, you can access a rich variety of content. Once you connect the Roku device to the internet and set up an account, you can start streaming. Roku supports a great selection of channels and services like Hulu, NHL, HBO and Netflix. However, if you travel outside the United States, you won;t be able to access content that is only available in that country. Even if you bring the Roku device with you and the channels have been previously loaded, once the streaming service identifies that you are trying to access the content from a different country, it will prevent you from watching the channels that are only intended for the US.
If you combine the powerful streaming features of Roku with the online freedom that a VPN provides, you will be able to enjoy all the TV shows that you love, even when you are not in the United States. A VPN helps you to unblock content and it is the most effective way to take full advantage of your Roku device. With a reliable VPN service, you will be able to appear as if you were connecting from the US, which will give you access to all the great content that is available there. By connecting to a VPN servers in the United States, your IP address will be changed. Once Roku sees that the IP address is a US one, you won’t have issues adding American channels to your device.
Another advantage of using a VPN is that it allows you to enhance the security of your data and to keep your online traffic private. What you do online is nobody else’s business and a VPN ensures that the privacy of your data is protected at all times. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making your online data unreadable for others. The fact that you can change your IP address also makes you almost untraceable. Your real identity and location will be covered and you will be able access all the content that you want on Roku. Before we go through the list of the best VPN services for Roku, let’s take a look at the steps to set up a VPN on your Roku device.
How to Set up a VPN on Roku
Unfortunately, not even the latest models of Roku offer native support for VPNs. However, there are two ways in which you can run a VPN on Roku to unblock content and add security to your connection. The first option is to use a wireless router with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato. A router is not only practical for Roku users, but it will also allow you to connect other devices that don’t offer a direct way to run a VPN such as Xbox and PlayStation consoles. With router, you can manage all your internet enabled devices from a single location and extend the protection and flexibility that your VPN offers. You won’t need to configure the VPN on each individual device. You just need to connect them to a router that is already running the VPN service.
It is possible to find routers that are already configured with a VPN service. FlashRouters.com is a website where you can find these devices. However, if you prefer to complete the process yourself, you may need to update the firmware on the router. As previously mentioned, DD-WRT and Tomato are two of the most popular options. Just keep in mind that updating the firmware on a router (this process is known as flashing) requires a lot of patience and if it is not done correctly, you may end up damaging the router. You may prefer to get a router that has been previously flashed with DD-WRT or Tomato, or that has been configured with a VPN already.
The second option is to share the internet and VPN connection on your computer with the Roku device. To set up Internet connection sharing, you can connect your Internet modem to the ISP connection. Then connect your router’s WAN port to your modem and then connect your router’s LAN port to your computer’s Network Interface Card. Then you need to connect a second Network Interface Card to your Roku device. While two Network Interface Cards are needed, your computer is likely to have one and you can easily get an additional one. Some of the best VPN providers also offer assistance and set up guides that will allow you to set up the service on Roku, using one of the above methods.
Best VPN services for Roku
ExpressVPN
When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN is one of the best options due to the amazing speeds that it offers and the reliability of its network. They have servers in over 90 countries and their US servers cover a wide variety of cities. ExpressVPN also provides stellar customer support that is available 24/7. The desktop software and the apps are some of the best you can find in the industry.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is also a great option for Roku, given its fast performance and advanced technology. You can stream or enjoy online gaming without experiencing frustrating delays. The Chameleon technology is an advanced solution that will allow you to bypass restrictions and enjoy a truly free and versatile experience on the internet. VyprVPN has servers in over 70 global locations, including many servers in the US.
NordVPN
Based in Panama, NordVPN is another high quality provider that offers strong security and top technology to bypass online restrictions. Their zero logs policy means that nothing about the way you use the service is logged, not even the time you spend connected to the service. NordVPN supports a great selection of security features and it has servers that offer optimal performance for streaming. Their customer support service is also top notch.
VPNArea
Roku users can also rely on VPNArea, a provider that combines solid protection for your online traffic and fast performance. They have servers in over 60 countries, so you have many options to access international content, no matter where you are. The DNS leak protection, Anti-WebRTC, IPv6 leak protection and kill switch features will keep your online traffic safe and will avoid that your real IP address and location are revealed.
