The Best VPNs for Roku 2024 (2024)

With a virtual private network (VPN), you can unblock geo-restrictions worldwide, thereby expanding the streaming content available on your Roku device. We’ve determined the best VPNs for Roku are NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost.

NordVPN is the best Roku VPN overall, Surfshark can be used on all your internet-connected devices, and CyberGhost stands out for its streaming-optimized servers. Read on to learn more about each VPN’s server network, streaming capabilities, and security features.

The best VPNs for Roku 2024

• NordVPN: Best overall
• Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices
• CyberGhost: Best for streaming

Top 3 VPN services for Roku compared

NordVPN: Best overall

Who it’s best for

Overall, NordVPN is a great solution for anyone who needs a VPN. Not only is NordVPN great for streaming on Roku, but the VPN service also excels at day-to-day use.

We like NordVPN for its additional features, such as Meshnet, which allows you to set up a personal local network. It also offers Smart DNS, which you can use to access streaming content on your Roku TV that’s not available in your region.

What we liked

NordVPN is packed with great features that help protect you while browsing the web or streaming online. Along with its VPN features, NordVPN also includes Threat Protection, which blocks malware, ads, and trackers. NordVPN also monitors the dark web for your information, and the service alerts you if your data is compromised.

We also believe Nord offers one of the best VPN apps for routers. It provides detailed tutorials that walk you through how to set up the VPN on your router as well as extensive router compatibility. Nord’s Smart DNS feature is another handy way to use a VPN on your Roku device. It supports Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and other streaming services.

While NordVPN provides more than 6,000 VPN servers worldwide, it’s equally important that it offers servers in 61 countries. The server locations give you more opportunities when looking to unlock new streaming libraries or access geo-restricted content. For instance, Netflix is available in more than 190 countries, and connecting to a server in each country can make different streaming libraries available.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN includes three different plans: Standard, Plus, and Ultimate. It also offers monthly, annual, and 2-year subscriptions for each plan tier.

All of these plans and how they differ might be confusing for VPN beginners. It’s not a huge gripe, just something to note. Nord also isn’t the most budget-friendly option on our list, with both Surfshark and CyberGhost offering lower starting prices.

NordVPN specs

Surfshark: Best for unlimited devices

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is unique because you can use it on unlimited devices. NordVPN has a limit of 10 simultaneous connections and CyberGhost has a limits of seven, which can leave some of your devices unprotected.

If you have a large household, lots of devices, or are traveling with a large group, then Surfshark’s unlimited devices may help protect all of your internet-connected devices with one account.

What we liked

Overall, Surfshark is an easy-to-use VPN with several features to help you stay protected. Surfshark offers CleanWeb, a browser extension with an ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, and alerts for data breaches and malware. It even blocks video ads on streaming services.

Surfshark is another VPN with lots of compatible router options and walkthroughs for installation. Alternatively, you can create a virtual VPN router using a Windows 10 laptop.

Surfshark is also a great option if you’re on a budget, between the low starting price ($2.19/mo (billed biennially)) and the allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark even offers similar security features to NordVPN, so it’s a solid substitute if the Nord subscription is too pricey.

What we didn’t like

Surfshark offers a reliable Roku VPN, but the company is headquartered in The Netherlands. This poses privacy concerns because The Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes Alliance. Countries that are part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes Alliance have pledged to share information regarding national security with other alliance countries.

In the past, VPN companies have been required to send user data to law enforcement.

Using a VPN is legal, but using a VPN to do illegal things is still illegal. This is why Alliance countries may request access to usage logs or other VPN data to see what happened while the connection was encrypted.

Surfshark specs

CyberGhost: Best for streaming

Who it’s best for

CyberGhost stands out as a VPN for Roku due to its streaming-optimized servers. These servers are optimized for bandwidth, storage, and memory. CyberGhost does this by limiting the traffic they receive to ensure they offer fast speeds for Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services.

What we liked

We liked that CyberGhost offers a limited free trial to users. The free trial includes 24 hours on a PC or Mac and 3 days on a mobile device. Although the trial period is minimal, CyberGhost also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than most of its competitors. That way, you have an extended period to try out CyberGhost risk free before committing to a purchase.

Along with CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers, the VPN provider also has servers specifically for gaming and torrenting. Its extensive server network of over 11,000 servers provides more than enough options to find the best VPN connection.

CyberGhost also has plenty of compatible routers for installing its VPN app. In addition, you can configure the Smart DNS feature for Roku TV. And using CyberGhost’s Smart DNS will cover all of your streaming devices, not just the Roku TV.

What we didn’t like

In the past, we’ve had issues while streaming with CyberGhost. It has struggled trying to unblock Netflix Canada and Netflix Australia. Netflix is notorious for blocking VPNs, but it’s worth warning about in case this is a deal breaker.

CyberGhost specs

Honorable mentions

If you’re still looking for other options, you may want to consider our honorable mentions. These VPNs are also compatible with Roku, but they didn’t make the cut for our top three.

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is a great solution for someone looking for a robust solution. We didn’t include it in our best list because it is a bit more expensive than the others, but it can be worth the cost if you’re looking for premium performance. ExpressVPN also offers several features, including a password manager and an ad and tracker blocker.

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access or PIA, is another affordable VPN that allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. It also proved successful during our Netflix tests, so it’s another great option for streaming.

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review

How we tested the best VPNs for Roku

We look at several factors when evaluating VPNs for specific use cases, like for Roku. In this instance, we ensured the VPN solutions provided streaming support for services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. We also tested internet speeds when connected to different server locations worldwide. From there, we also looked at whether the VPNs were compatible with routers or provided other solutions for connecting a Roku device, like a Smart DNS service or virtual router option.

Best VPNs for Roku FAQs

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Bottom line: The best VPNs for Roku

NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are all great solutions for streaming your favorite shows on your Roku. Since Roku doesn’t allow third-party apps to be installed, you’ll need to install the VPN on your router or use a Smart DNS feature with your VPN.

NordVPN is the best VPN for Roku and beyond, Surfshark is budget friendly and allows for unlimited device connections, and CyberGhost stands out for its servers dedicated to streaming.

3 best VPNs for Roku 2024