How to set up a vpn for Roku
Digital media players are popular today and Roku occupies the leading place among market leaders. So, this article will consider the necessity to use a VPN application for Roku and its setup process.
What is Roku and how does it work?
Streaming TV devices are pretty much reliable. All you have to do is connect them to your flat-screen TV, connect them wirelessly to your home Wi-Fi network, and start watching.
Roku is a great alternative, but it needs a dedicated program on the computer to recognize local files or plugin a USB drive. In addition to streaming channels over the Internet, Roku also offers additional applications that allow users to see content stored on PCs or media servers that can also be connected to your network at home.
Roku Streaming Stick is a compact device that is slightly larger than a USB flash drive, but instead of connecting to a USB port, you connect it to an existing HDMI input on your TV or home theater receiver. The streaming tape has built-in Wi-Fi to connect to a broadband router.
The purpose of using VPN for Roku?
When it comes to streaming different types of content to Roku, sometimes you might run into an error that prevents you from accessing the channel due to geographic restrictions. All of this stems from copyright infringement policies and anti-piracy laws. Different films / TV shows must be properly licensed from production houses to provide content to different countries. Thus, these restrictions can be circumvented by using a VPN that codifies your internet actions and routes them through a remote server to any location of your choice.
How to set up?
There is no need to do anything on the Roku itself. Naturally, everything you need to build is just to install a VPN service on your router. But not every device supports a VPN. So, you have two main options:
- a physical router
- a virtual one.
To set up a VPN on a physical Wi-Fi router, it is necessary to install firmware that supports VPN connections. You can usually access your router’s firmware control panel by entering codes into the URL bar of your web browser when connected to Wi-Fi and then enter your login credentials.
Once in your dashboard, look for the option to set up a VPN connection. After installing the correct firmware, check your VPN provider’s website or customer support for setup instructions and configuration information to connect to their servers.
To organize the VPN virtual router is much easier and less risky than a physical router, but you’ll need a laptop to use as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can do this on almost any Windows PC or Macbook. This is how it works:
- Set up a VPN connection
- Join the Virtual network
- Broadcasting a Wi-Fi hotspot to neighboring devices
- Connect your Roku to a Wi-Fi hotspot
- All traffic from Roku is routed through the VPN.
There is another easy way to connect Roku via VPN that almost anyone can do, and it does not require special configuration or firmware. You can share a connection on Windows or Mac by creating a Wi-Fi hotspot.
NordVPN vs. IPVanish vs. ExpressVPN vs. OpenVPN
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best Virtual Private Network service provider for WordPress users that provides a collection of simple and easy-to-use applications to help you stay connected. Comparatively, it is more affordable than ExpressVPN, especially if you are going to pay for many years upfront. NordVPN is based outside Panama.
Features of NordVPN
- CyberSec
- Double VPN
- Hide IP Address
- Military-Grade Encryption
- Bitcoin Payments
- No Logs Policy
- Automatic Kill Switch
- P2P Sharing
- High-Speed VPN
- Onion Over VPN
- DNS Leak Protection
- Content Access
- SmartPlay
- Streaming
Server Locations and Dedicated IP Address
It has over 5,000 plus servers widespread over 62 countries on all livable continents. It also offers you to order a dedicated IP address, but it will charge you an extra $70/year.
Privacy and Security
- No logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Killswitch functionality
- Onion over VPN
- OpenVPN support
- Double VPN option
Pros:
- The level of security is quite high
- A vast range of servers across the world
- They keep zero log
- The company is situated in Panama, and they do not have to comply with the European or US laws
- The user interface is friendly, and there are clients for a vast range of devices
Cons:
- The website could include more information
- No refunds for Bitcoin payments
IPVanish
It is the another best VPN service provider for WordPress users. One exciting thing about IPVanish is that you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously only with a single account. It is the most brilliant number of devices on the list, which makes IPVanish one of the best VPN service providers in the market with lots of devices.
Features of IPVanish
- 256-Bit AES Encryption
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- No Logs
- Geo-Locked Content Access
- Multi-Platform Protection
- Anonymous Torrenting
- SOCKS5 Web Proxy
- Unlimited Server Switching
- Unlimited P2P Traffic
- Multiple VPN Protocols
Server Locations and Dedicated IP Address
IPVanish provides over 1,100 plus servers in more than 60 countries on all liveable continents. The IPVanish doesn’t offer static IP addresses.
Privacy and Security
- OpenVPN
- No connection or traffic logs
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Killswitch, but only on macOS and Windows apps
- DNS leak protection
Pros:
- Likely to unblock Netflix
- Allows torrenting
- Works well with many locations
- Maintain privacy with no-logging policy
- Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2 and L2TP/IPsec VPN protocols
- Provides strong industry encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Excellent customer support with live chat support option
- Support up to 10 devices with a single account
- Unlimited server switching
- Supports multiple devices such as Mac OS X, Windows, iOS, Ubuntu, Android, Windows Phone, Routers, and Chromebook
- Self-owned servers, including DNS without any third parties
Cons:
- Payment options are very few
- Cost is somewhat high
- A free trial is not available
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a widespread VPN service provider that works out of the British Virgin Islands. Beyond generally offering fast download speeds, one of the significant benefits of ExpressVPN is its user-friendly apps. Even if you are a first-timer, you will have no issue getting set up, thanks to the application.
Features of ExpressVPN
- All major platforms supported
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited server switches
- 99% uptime
- Best-in-class encryption
- OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, PPTP
- No activity logs
- 145 plus servers, 94 countries
- Three simultaneous connections
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Kill Switch
- Split tunneling
- Zero-knowledge DNS
Server Locations + Dedicated IP
ExpressVPN has over 2,000 VPN servers widespread over 148 cities in 94 countries. ExpressVPN does not provide the ability to get your dedicated IP address.
Privacy and Security
- OpenVPN support
- AES 256-bit encryption
- DNS/IPv6 leak protection
- Killswitch to stop traffic if your VPN isn’t active
- No traffic logs
Pros:
- 30 Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Lots of privacy features
- Ease of use
- Built-in speed test
- Support multiple devices
- No logging policy
- No limit and support for torrent
- Media streamer
Cons:
- One of the most expensive VPN service provider on the market
- Unclear company details on the About page
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is not like many other VPNs service providers, as it is an open-source encryption protocol. It means that users enjoy a remarkably secure network, thanks to the vast OpenSSL Library that is relatively unaffected and completely unowned by profit-minded technical giants like Cisco and Microsoft. It is a highly secure protocol that is unbeatable and free. No doubt, OpenVPN is the best and most recommended encryption protocol if you interested in surfing the web securely and anonymously.
Features of OpenVPN
- User-Configurable Solution
- Single Sign-On Function
- Authentication Modules
- macOS X Keychain Integration
- Secure Script Runs
- Windows Crypto API Integration
- macOS X Integration
- CRL Support
- API Support
- Web-Free VPN
- Universal Bundled Profiles
- Multi-Daemon Support
- Local Subnet Blocking
- Bundled Profiles
- Adaptive Protocol Support
Privacy and Security
OpenVPN provides optimal levels of security and encryption and is recommended for secure and safe web surfing. That’s why it is used as a primary shield against cyber threats by top rated and most recommended providers. It is also used as a key to bypass geo-restrictions.
Pros:
- It keeps no logs and no-kill switch
- Free, open-source VPN
- Supported by a developer community
- Boosted privacy and secure browsing
Cons:
- Can be blocked by business proxies
- Can lead to poor speeds when in use
- Too complicated and technical for first-timers
Verdict
NordVPN is the best of all the VPN services discussed above. It doesn’t mean that others are bad or not worth using. All are good and have their own best features, but in comparison, NordVPN is the winner with a maximum number of servers throughout the world.