Roku is one of the most popular streaming devices, offering access to thousands of channels and apps. However, much of its content is restricted by location, meaning you may not see the same shows, movies, or live channels in every country.
Whether you’re traveling abroad or want to unlock platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or HBO, using the best VPN for Roku is the smartest way to bypass restrictions and expand your streaming library.
In this guide, we’ll explain how VPNs work with Roku, why Roku doesn’t support VPNs natively, and the top VPNs for Roku in Jan 2026.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
Why You Need a VPN for Roku
A VPN helps Roku users by:
- Unblocking geo-restricted streaming apps and channels
- Accessing international Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Preventing ISP throttling during HD or 4K streaming
- Protecting your privacy on shared or public Wi-Fi networks
With Surfshark, your Roku experience becomes global, private, and buffer-free.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
Compare Surfshark VPN Pricing
Most Popular
Surfshark Starter
$1.69/mo.
- +3 EXTRA months
24 month - 30-day money-back guarantee
- VPN ✅
- Alternative ID ✅
- Antivirus ❌
- Alert ❌
- Search ❌
- Identity theft coverage* ❌
- Data removal by Incogni ❌
Most Popular
Surfshark One
$2.09/mo.
- +3 EXTRA months
24 month - 30-day money-back guarantee
- VPN ✅
- Alternative ID ✅
- Antivirus ✅
- Alert ✅
- Search ✅
- Identity theft coverage* ❌
- Data removal by Incogni ❌
Most Popular
Surfshark One+
$4.19/mo.
- +3 EXTRA months
24 month - 30-day money-back guarantee
- VPN ✅
- Alternative ID ✅
- Antivirus ✅
- Alert ✅
- Search ✅
- Identity theft coverage* ✅
- Data removal by Incogni ✅
🎁 Limited-Time Roku VPN Deal (Editor’s Pick)
Get Surfshark VPN – Save 89% + 3 Months FREE
✔ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
✔ Works perfectly with Roku via Smart DNS or router setup
4 Easy Steps to Install Roku
Easy Steps: Choose a Surfshark deal to get started.
- Download Surfshark VPN on your device.
- Connect to US server (New York)
- Go to the Roku website.
- Start Using Roku from anywhere in the world!
5 Top best VPNs Quick Comparison Table for Roku Device
| VPN Provider | Speed | Price (Monthly) | Servers Worldwide | Devices | Streaming | Money-back | Get VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark (#1 Top Pick) | Very Fast | $1.69 | 4,500+ | Unlimited | Excellent (Netflix, Hotstar) | 30 days | Get Surfshark | NordVPN (#2 best) | Very Fast | $3.09 | 5400+ | 10 devices | Excellent | 30 days | Get NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | Fast | $3.49 | 3000+ | 8 devices | Excellent | 30 days | Get ExpressVPN |
| CyberGhost | Fast | $2.19 | 9000+ | 7 devices | Very Good | 45 days | Get CyberGhost |
| IPVanish | Fast | $2.19 | 2000+ | Unlimited | Good | 30 days | Get IPVanish |
Why Roku Doesn’t Support VPN Apps Directly
Roku does not allow VPN apps to be installed on the device itself. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use a VPN with Roku.
You can still protect and reroute Roku traffic by:
- Installing a VPN on your Wi-Fi router
- Creating a virtual router on Windows or macOS
- Using Smart DNS, supported by top VPNs like Surfshark
These methods change Roku’s IP address, unlock regional content, and keep your streaming private
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
How to Use a VPN with Roku (3 Proven Methods)
1. VPN on Router (Best for Whole Home)
Installing a VPN on your router protects all connected devices, including Roku.
2. Virtual Router on PC or Mac
Turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot and share the VPN connection with Roku.
3. Smart DNS (Easiest Method)
Smart DNS lets you unblock streaming services on Roku without encryption, offering faster speeds and easy setup.
Surfshark supports all three methods, making it the best overall choice.
Benefits of Using a VPN on Roku in Jan 2026
- Unblock geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and more
- Watch international sports events like the UEFA Champions League, U.S. Open, or Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
- Prevent ISP throttling during HD or 4K streaming
- Secure your data on shared or public Wi-Fi networks
- Access region-exclusive channels not available in your current country
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
Top 3 VPNs for Roku in Jan 2026
Here are our top picks for VPNs that work seamlessly with Roku, offering router compatibility, fast speeds, and excellent unblocking capabilities.
1. Surfshark – Best Overall VPN for Roku in Jan 2026
HOT PICK  |
| Servers — 4,500+ servers in 100 countries. |
|---|
| Unblocks — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Hotstar, and Crunchyroll and more. |
| Torrenting — Offers P2P optimized servers for Torrenting. |
| Simultaneous connections — Offers unlimited simultaneous connections. |
| Logs — Strict no-log policy |
| Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy. |
| Get Surfshark |
Surfshark offers a perfect balance of price, performance, and ease of use. With Smart DNS and full router support, it’s ideal for unlocking global content on Roku. Plans Start $1.69/mo (Save 89% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). It reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, making it a great choice for streaming fans. Read Surfshark’s full review.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
2. NordVPN – Top-Tier VPN for Roku in Jan 2026
HOT PICK  |
| Servers —NordVPN offers over 7,900 servers across 165 countries. |
|---|
| Unblocks — Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and ITVX, JioHotstar and more. |
| Torrenting — Offer optimized P2P servers, fast speeds, and robust security features. |
| Simultaneous connections — Offers 10 simultaneous connections. |
| Logs — Strict no-log policy |
| Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy. |
| Get NordVPN |
NordVPN offers advanced encryption and fast speeds ideal for 4K streaming on Roku. It supports Smart DNS and is easily configured on most routers. Great for unlocking HBO Max, Netflix US, and live sports events worldwide. Plans Start $3.09/mo (Save 73% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan). Read NordVPN’s full review.
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3. ExpressVPN – Best Speed VPN for Roku in Jan 2026
 |
| Servers — 3000+ servers in 105 countries. |
|---|
| Unblocks — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar and Max (formerly HBO Max). |
| Torrenting — Offers unrestricted access across all its servers, fast speeds, and robust security features. |
| Simultaneous connections — Offers 8 simultaneous connections. |
| Logs — Strict no-log policy |
| Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy. |
| Get ExpressVPN |
ExpressVPN stands out for its blazing-fast speeds and beginner-friendly Smart DNS tool (“MediaStreamer”). It offers one of the smoothest experiences for setting up a VPN on Roku without technical hassle. Plans Start at $3.49/mo – 4 months FREE with 2-Year Plan.
Compatible Roku Devices
A VPN works with all Roku models when set up correctly:
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Roku Express & Express 4K
- Roku Ultra
- Roku Premiere
- Roku Smart TVs (TCL, Hisense, etc.)
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
Conclusion
Roku gives you powerful streaming options, but pairing it with a VPN takes your experience to the next level — unlocking restricted content, improving speed, and boosting security.
Whether you choose Surfshark, NordVPN, or ExpressVPN, each offers a reliable way to enjoy global content on your Roku device in Jan 2026
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.
FAQ – Using a VPN with Roku
Can I install a VPN directly on Roku?
No, Roku doesn’t support native VPN apps. Use a VPN via router, virtual router, or Smart DNS.
What’s the easiest way to use a VPN with Roku?
Smart DNS is the easiest, especially for unblocking content without affecting speeds.
Can a VPN improve my streaming quality on Roku?
A good VPN can bypass ISP throttling, helping you stream in HD or 4K without buffering.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Get a full refund anytime within 30 days.