Watching films and series from your own device favorite streaming apps is extremely handy when using a streaming device. smart TV . With the push of a button or a voice command, you can access thousands of streaming options from the comfort of your living room. And if you configure a virtual private network on your smart TV or streaming With this device, you can multiply your streaming choices by ten since a virtual private network can make it appear as though you're located elsewhere globally. This will grant you entry to content typically restricted in your area. Additionally, using a VPN ensures that your streaming activities remain confidential from your Internet Service Provider and other potential snoopers. VPN encrypts your internet traffic.
However, when it comes to certain streaming gadgets such as Fire TV Stick and Apple TV provide built-in compatibility withVPN applications, which allows you to install the VPN application directly onto the device. Roku Devices do not support this feature. Therefore, you'll need to find another way to set up a VPN on your Roku device. While it isn’t as simple as installing the VPN app right onto your device, configuring aVPN on Roku is still quite manageable—and chances are, you possess all the required gear to get it done.
There are several methods to establish a VPN connection on your Roku device based on the available equipment. The simplest approach would be configuring yourVPN on a compatible router to cover your entire network. Another option is to tether your Roku to a mobile hotspot via your smartphone. Windows or Mac computer. Either way, you can use a VPN on your Roku and keep your activity private while opening up a world of streaming options even if the device doesn’t natively support VPN apps. Here’s how.
Use a VPN router
There are various ways to set up a Roku device with a compatible VPN-router, each involving different levels of complexity and additional expenses. Should you lack a suitable router capable of supporting a virtual private network, you will be required to buy one. These routers range widely in price, starting as low as around $50 for an adequate unit, going up significantly higher—potentially over $1,000—for top-tier models.
If cost-saving is important to you, consider buying a compatible router and installing specialized firmware on it to enable the use of a VPN. Although numerous guides from various providers detail this setup across different router types, attempting it might still pose challenges and risks—especially for those less comfortable with technical tasks. If done incorrectly, you could render your router useless, essentially turning it into something about as helpful as a literal brick. Additionally, flashing custom firmware may invalidate your router’s warranty. Therefore, ensure you fully understand what you're undertaking should you decide to proceed with setting up your own dedicated router for the VPN.
An alternative approach would be to opt for a firm such as FlashRouters , who collaborates with multiple VPN service providers including NordVPN , ExpressVPN , Surfshark and Proton VPN FlashRouters offers routers preloaded with the necessary firmware, ready to use immediately with your chosen VPN service. However, this convenience comes at an additional cost of roughly $100 above the standard price of the selected router. Should you possess a compatible device already, FlashRouters provides remote flashing services as well—for fees ranging from $75 to $100 based on your specific model. For those within these financial limits, opting for their professional setup could be a straightforward solution and helps avoid transforming your router into costly electronic waste.
If you’re an ExpressVPN user, you can purchase its Aircove router , available as a portable model for $170 or a standard size for $190. The Aircove router stands out due to its simplicity in setup and usage; however, it is exclusive to ExpressVPN subscribers. On the other hand, routers bought from FlashRouters can be customized for multiple different VPN service providers.
In addition to enabling you to utilize aVPN on your Roku, this also provides VPN router setup Enables you to secure all your gadgets simultaneously. Just link your Roku or another device (regardless of whether they support VPN applications or not) to yourVPNrouter network, and you're set. This provides comprehensive network protection and may assist you in bypassing the concurrent device restrictions enforced by some VPN services since connecting via the router only uses one connection slot.
Distribute yourVPNconnectiontoyourRokuviayourMaccomputer
If you're a Mac user and prefer not to set up a VPN router, you have the option to turn your Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot. By doing this, you can then link your Roku device to it. Once your Mac is connected to theVPN, all of your Roku’s internet traffic will be routed through the same secure connection via yourMac’sWi-Ficonnection.
Below are the steps you will have to follow:
- Install the VPN application onto your Mac.
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect your Mac directly to your Wi-Fi router.
- Go to System Preferences → Sharing.
- Click on Internet Sharing.
- Choose your VPN connection from the list. Share your connection dropdown menu.
- Tick Wi-Fi in the To computers using box.
- Click on Wi-Fi Options .
- Choose a network name and password for your Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Select WPA2 Personal in the Security field and click OK.
- Click on the checkbox beside it. Internet Sharing and then click Start.
- Launch theVPN application on yourMac and establish a connection to a server.
- On your Roku device, go to Settings → Network → Configure Connection → Wi-Fi.
- Select your mobile hotspot from the list of available networks and enter the password you set for your mobile hotspot.
- Watch your preferred content just as usual through Roku.
Distribute yourVPNconnectiontoyourRokuviayourWindowsPC
Configuring a VPN on your Roku via a Wi-Fi hotspot from your Windows PC follows a similar concept to what you would do on a Mac, though the steps involved differ somewhat.
Here’s what you need to accomplish:
- Install theVPN application onto yourWindows device.
- Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile Hotspot
- Toggle Mobile hotspot to the On position.
- Click Edit under Network properties To modify the hotspot name and password as needed.
- Go to Control Panel.
- Click on Check network condition and activities under Network and Internet.
- Click on Change adapter settings in the left panel.
- Click on the adapter associated with yourVPN service using the right mouse button, then select Properties.
- Click on Sharing.
- Tick the box beside Let other people using different devices share your Wi-Fi internet access via this computer.
- Within the pull-down menu beneath Home networking connection select the Local Area Connection* that matches the Local Area Connection number Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter listed underneath in the Network Connections window.
- Establish a connection with aVPN server.
- On your Roku device, go to Settings → Network → Configure Connection → Wi-Fi.
- Choose your mobile hotspot from the displayed network list and input the password you created for your mobile hotspot.
- Watch your preferred content just as usual through Roku.
Which VPNs are compatible with Roku?
By employing one of the techniques mentioned earlier, virtually any VPN could be compatible with your Roku device from a technical standpoint. Nonetheless, not all VPN services are equally effective; certain providers excel more in areas such as streaming quality, data protection, and speed performance. Therefore, you should consider these factors when selecting a suitable service. Massima’s top VPN picks It’s a reliable option that ought to function well for streaming via your Roku. However, the decision ultimately rests with you and could hinge on aspects such as your financial constraints, server coverage areas, connection velocities, supported devices, and comprehensive suite of features.
If your primary aim is to find the top-notchVPN for streaming purposes, ExpressVPN It’s an excellent choice. If your priority is achieving the quickest download speeds, I suggest opting for it. NordVPN because it was the fastest VPN In our latest VPN speed tests. If you’re on a budget , Surfshark and Private Internet Access They are both great options as they offer high-quality VPN performance without straining your budget. Both of these services provide comprehensive solutions suitable for streaming purposes. gaming , enhancing your privacy and virtually all other online activities. Additionally, each of them provides a refund policy, minimizing the risk as you can try several until you find the one that suits you best.
Initially released on April 9, 2025 at 7:40 a.m. PT.