The Best VPNs for Roku: Detailed Analysis
Since Roku doesn’t support native VPN apps, the best VPNs for Roku offer versatile setup options.
You can use the table below to see how each of our recommended VPNs compare for Roku VPN installation methods:
VPN Service | Dedicated Router App | Manual Router Installation | Virtual Router (Desktop) | AirPlay (iOS) | Screen Mirroring (Android) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PrivadoVPN Free | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Windscribe Free | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Atlas VPN Free | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, ExpressVPN is easy to set up on Roku as it works with all five installation methods. The free VPNs are more difficult to set up on Roku as they can’t be installed on routers.
You can find out more about each Roku VPN, including which setup methods they work with, in the following section:
1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Roku Overall
Works with every channel on Roku, with fast speeds & the best router app.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Dedicated router app for easy Roku setup | More expensive than competitors |
Unblocks 10 Netflix libraries, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | |
Works with AirPlay & screen mirroring | |
Fast download speeds with no buffering | |
Servers in 94 countries for global streaming | |
Helpful 24/7 customer support |
This overall score is based on the following category ratings. To learn more, read our Roku VPN testing methodology.
Router Compatibility: 9.8/10
Streaming: 9.9/10
Speed: 9.7/10
Server Locations: 9.9/10
Ease of Use: 9.9/10
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Roku. Its dedicated router app, easy-to-use mobile apps, and fast connection speeds make it a great choice for all four Roku VPN setup methods.
It’s also the best VPN for streaming, unblocking every Roku channel in 4K quality with no buffering.
Here are the ExpressVPN servers that work best for streaming on Roku:
- For unblocking US Streaming Services: New Jersey 1
- For unblocking UK Streaming Services: London
Quick & Simple Setup on Roku
With its dedicated router app, ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN to set up on Roku. You just need to purchase an ExpressVPN subscription, upload its firmware to your router, and connect your Roku device to your router’s network.
You can also use ExpressVPN’s iOS app to share content to your Roku via AirPlay and its Android app for screen mirroring. In fact, ExpressVPN is our leading VPN for iPhone and our best Android VPN, too.
As shown in the table above, ExpressVPN is the only VPN that works with every Roku setup method. You can refer to our flowchart to see which method best suits your needs.
Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, & More on Roku
ExpressVPN unblocked the vast majority of streaming services on our Roku streaming stick.

We used ExpressVPN’s dedicated router app to unblock US Netflix.
By connecting to ExpressVPN’s New Jersey server, we were able to consistently unblock the Hulu, Max, and DAZN channels from outside the US.
We also accessed 10 different Netflix libraries on our Roku stick by using ExpressVPN’s device grouping feature.
With an average download speed of 97Mbps, our Roku maintained its 4K video quality without any buffering while connected to a local US ExpressVPN server.
2. NordVPN: Best Alternative VPN for Roku
Unblocks the majority of streaming services with excellent speeds & easy-to-use apps.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Available pre-flashed on a router for easy Roku setup | No dedicated router app |
Works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, the Roku Channel & more | Renews at a much higher subscription price |
Unblocks US Netflix and 11 other libraries | |
Compatible with AirPlay & screen mirroring | |
Fast connection speeds with no buffering | |
Servers in 60 countries for international streaming |
This overall score is based on the following category ratings. To learn more, read our Roku VPN testing methodology.
Router Compatibility: 8.7/10
Streaming: 9.8/10
Speed: 9.7/10
Server Locations: 9.6/10
Ease of Use: 9.5/10
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for Roku due to its fast download speeds allowing for 4K streaming without any buffering.
Its apps are also easy-to-use and work to unblock the most popular streaming services, including US Netflix, Max, and BBC iPlayer.
Here are the NordVPN servers that work best for streaming on Roku:
- For unblocking US Streaming Services: United States #8660
- For unblocking UK Streaming Services: United Kingdom #2010
4K Streaming on All Roku Channels
NordVPN reliably unblocks every channel on Roku, including Peacock, Hulu, NBC news, and Netflix.

NordVPN unblocked Peacock without any difficulties.
Using its NordLynx protocol, our video quality never dropped below 4K on our Roku and we experienced no buffering.
Even when connecting to a distant UK server to unblock BBC iPlayer, we recorded an impressive average download speed loss of just 90Mbps.
Easy Setup but No Custom Router App
NordVPN is one of the easiest VPNs to set up on Roku due to its well-designed and intuitive apps.
We were able to create a virtual router without any issues and NordVPN’s mobile apps didn’t affect AirPlay or screen mirroring to the Roku.
However, unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN does not come with a dedicated router app. You can buy a pre-flashed router equipped with the FlashRouters app instead, but it’s expensive.
3. Surfshark: Cheapest Roku VPN
An affordable VPN that can unblock most Roku Channels & 10 Netflix libraries.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Exceptional value for money at $2.30/mo | Slower than competitors for long-distance connections |
Uniquely allows you to share OpenVPN connections from Mac | No dedicated router app |
Available pre-flashed on a router for easy Roku setup | |
Unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video & more | |
Works with AirPlay & screen mirroring | |
Fast enough local speeds for 4K streaming |
This overall score is based on the following category ratings. To learn more, read our Roku VPN testing methodology.
Router Compatibility: 8.0/10
Streaming: 9.7/10
Speed: 9.1/10
Server Locations: 9.9/10
Ease of Use: 9.7/10
At just $2.30 per month, Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs for Roku. It bypasses geo-restrictions on every Roku channel, including Netflix, Peacock, Crunchyroll, and Max.
It’s easy to set up on Roku, with intuitive VPN apps for airplay, screen mirroring, and virtual router setup. You can also manually install Surfshark on your router or buy one pre-flashed.
Here are the Surfshark servers that work best for streaming on Roku:
- For unblocking US Streaming Services: Boston
- For unblocking UK Streaming Services: London
Affordable & Great for Streaming
With access to every Roku channel and only costing $2.30 per month, Surfshark delivers excellent value for money.
You can also try Surfshark for free by taking advantage of its seven-day free trial and two 30-day money-back guarantees. Put simply, you can use Surfshark for free on Roku for 67 days.
Not as Fast as Competitors Internationally
While connected to a local Surfshark server, we were able to stream in 4K quality without any buffering on our Roku soundbar.

Connecting to a UK Surfshark server capped our video quality at HD.
When connected further away, our Roku’s video quality dropped to HD quality for most channels. In fact, we recorded an average international download speed loss of 17% across Surfshark’s server network.
If you need to unblock a streaming service based in a country far away from you, we recommend using ExpressVPN or NordVPN instead.