The Stremio media player is an excellent way to watch TV shows and movies, either locally from your computer or streamed online. Stremio operates much like other popular media players, such as Kodi. While you can play videos and music files locally from your computer, the primary draw to the program is its ability to play streaming videos directly through the application using plugins known as “addons.”

Stremio has a handful of addons available for free. Most of the addons available for the service are for common and free streaming services. And while Stremio is very limited in the number of plugins it has on offer, it is one of the only media players of its kind with a fully functional Netflix addon.

Outside of that, there are a few unconventional Stremio addons specifically designed around pirating online content. These addons are all third-party plugins and ones we do not endorse for Stremio users. That said, regardless of what Stremio addons you’re using, you’ll want to consider your privacy and security concerns when streaming videos online.

Because Stremio primarily focuses on streaming online videos, there’s a good chance you’ll want to avoid speed throttling from your ISP. You may also want to bypass geographic content blocking while using Stremio. There are several virtual private networks (VPNs) that can ensure your privacy, avoid ISP speed throttling, and bypass geographic content restrictions.

See also: Beginner’s guide to using Stremio

The following VPNs are the best for those who want to guarantee their privacy while streaming through Stremio. In the rest of this post, we get into the details of each VPN that made this list, but if you are short of time, here is a summary list of the best VPNs for Stremio:

  • NordVPN Our #1 choice for Stremio. Stellar speeds and a vast network of servers that are great for streaming. Excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark A low-cost everyday VPN that places major emphasis on security and unblocking ability. Decent speeds and no connection limits.
  • ExpressVPN Large network of servers to chose from around the world that are fast and good for streaming. No-logs policy protects your privacy.
  • CyberGhost Budget option with easy to use apps that are great for beginners. Surprisingly good streaming speeds during our testing.
  • PrivateVPN Up and coming network with a growing list of fast servers. Good for streaming.
  • IPVanish A favorite among Kodi users and torrenters for their speeds and ease of use.

When looking for the best VPNs for Stremio, there are a few important criteria you’ll likely want:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Fast servers with available bandwidth
  • A large number of server options
  • A strict no-logs policy
  • Multiple device logins
  • Low cost
  • High-level encryption
  • The ability to bypass geographic content blocking

The best VPNs for Stremio – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Stremio.

The best VPNs for Stremio

With these criteria in mind, here are the best VPN options for Stremio and its available addons.

1. NordVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN our top pick for a Stremio VPN. Not only does it excel at beating geographic content restrictions, but users can also connect up to six devices simultaneously. NordVPN is one of the fastest services we’ve tested and operates a larger network than most providers, with over 5,000 servers.

High-level encryption, fast servers, multiple server options, and a no-logs policy are all standard with this service. It’s also one of the only VPN providers that offer a variety of server types, including Onion over VPN, those designed for P2P, and privacy-focused obfuscated servers. And thankfully, NordVPN is among the cheapest VPN services you’ll find, usually offering deep discounts on different plans. Positively, you can try NordVPN for 30 days before making any final decisions.

NordVPN can be installed on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Linux, and almost any other operating system you can think of. You can also install the software on routers running DD-WRT, Tomato, and other router firmware systems.

BEST VPN FOR STREMIO:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s incredibly fast and works well with Stremio and other sites. It offers strong security features and accommodates up to 6 devices. A 30-day money back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Top speeds for streaming
  • Major emphasis on security and privacy
  • Easily unblocks a wide range of geo-locked sites
  • Personal data is protected as it keeps no logs
  • 24/7 live chat support on offer

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes some getting used to

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Security is one of this service’s strongest areas. Your data is kept safe with a customizable kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, but that’s not all. There’s also a built-in malware-scanner, multi-hop servers, and a NoBorders mode that can even let you browse freely in places like China. Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs and operates a 24/7 live chat service in case you should run into any problems.

Surfshark provides apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Select internet routers are supported via manual configuration.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great low-cost option. Its steady speeds and top-notch security features also make it a strong choice for torrenting or even just browsing anonymously. This no-logs VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast connections and no bandwidth limits

  • Great for streaming

  • Flawless security and privacy record

  • Secure any number of devices

  • Surfshark One subscription required to use some features

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

                    Jan 2023

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is another solid choice for a Stremio VPN. The service has a strict no-logs policy and 24-hour customer support, and supports simultaneous logins from multiple devices.

Additionally, you’ll find that ExpressVPN has an expansive network. With over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, you’ll easily find a fast server with good bandwidth. And thanks to a large number of servers, you can securely stream just about anything you like.

It’s strong on security too, using effectively uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to ensure your traffic is hidden at all times. Just as important, ExpressVPN refuses to log any data that could personally identify you.

Stremio currently works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. ExpressVPN works on all of these operating systems, as well as through a browser plugin for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. You can also install ExpressVPN on routers, making it a good option for those with Stremio installed in multiple locations.

FAST AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN operates a vast server network that can unblock Stremio and other streaming content. It has user-friendly apps for all operating systems and strong security and privacy features. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast speeds for downloading and video streaming

  • Strong security and privacy

  • Works with most major streaming services

  • Access your favorite streaming services from anywhere

  • Doesn’t come cheap, use a coupon for discounts

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost makes a great pairing with Stremio because it has servers that are specifically optimized for streaming. There are around 9,000 general-purpose servers in 90 countries, so users can stream without limits. Further, CyberGhost is one of the fastest services we’ve seen, delivering average speeds of over 540 Mbps in our latest tests.

All of the necessary criteria for a Stremio VPN are met here. The company offers a no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, multiple device logins, and pre-configured security features.

CyberGhost is available for all operating systems you may be using for Stremio, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Some routers are supported too but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost is great beginners’ choice. A budget choice. Good on privacy. Works well with Stremio. Hit and miss connections with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Streams HD video seamlessly

  • Keeps no logs

  • Some of the fastest servers we’ve tested

  • Budget provider that doesn’t compromise on security and privacy

  • Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

The only downside to PrivateVPN is that it has far fewer VPN servers than most competitors, with around 200 globally. However, that may not be as bad as it sounds. PrivateVPN owns and hosts these itself, meaning there’s less chance of third-party interference. Further, its apps include 256-bit encryption, a stealth mode, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Finally, PrivateVPN follows a true no-logs policy that all but ensures your privacy.

PrivateVPN has apps available for Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows and Mac computers.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works with Stremio and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Not as many servers to chose from as other providers on this list. 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Fast and reliable servers provide consistent connections

  • Gaining a solid reputation for the range of site and services they can unblock

  • Zero-logs provider

  • Privacy and security are top notch

  • Small number of servers to choose from

  • Live chat isn’t available 24/7

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

6. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is one of the most popular VPN providers you’ll find. It boasts impressive speeds, decent streaming potential, and no connection limits whatsoever, making it perfect for people who like to stream on-the-go. Additionally, you’ll find that IPVanish boasts more than 1,900 fast servers in over 60 countries, providing you lots of options for things to watch.

The service has uncrackable encryption, a no-logs policy, and comes in at a very low cost for users. Not only that, but it follows a true no-logs policy and recently added WireGuard support.

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:IPVanish works with any number of connected devices. Fast connections, lightweight easy to use apps, good multi-platform support. Reliable with Stremio but can’t unblock as many streaming sites as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers are fast for streaming and downloading

  • Best performer for Android-based Kodi devices in our testing

  • Keeps no traffic logs or connection logs

  • Customer support is a little slow

  • Doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Stremio

There are plenty of VPNs out there, but not all of them are a good choice for streaming. You’ll often find certain services unavailable, for instance, or that their speeds are too low for smooth playback. We decided to filter out the less-suitable providers by setting a minimum standard that our top VPNs must meet in several key areas:

  • Server choice: Most of the time, a nearby server will provide better performance than one that’s far away. This is why we look for VPNs with lots of supported locations. However, the number is also important, since large networks are less prone to being overloaded at peak times.
  • Speed: Streaming can be pretty data-intensive, especially if you’re watching live or trying to access a 4K stream. Don’t worry, though: we’ve extensively speed tested dozens of popular VPNs and only recommended those that delivered fast and reliable connections.
  • Streaming ability: Eventually, you might want to use a service that doesn’t have its own Stremio addon. We test potential recommendations with platforms like Disney Plus, HBO Max, and ESPN+ to make sure you can always access the content you pay for.
  • Privacy features: None of our top VPNs keeps any logs that could identify you. Further, for your security, we require them to have a kill switch, protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and 256-bit encryption. Naturally, we prefer services with more advanced toolkits.
  • Price: Some less scrupulous providers try to get away with charging more than their service is really worth. We give these a wide berth, and only recommend VPNs that are priced fairly. Further, if there’s a discount or guarantee available, we’ll let you know.

If you’re interested, we have a post that explains our testing process in more detail.

Stremio vs Kodi vs Plex: What’s the difference?

Although it has a clear competitive advantage thanks to its functional Netflix plugin, Stremio is admittedly a rather small and limited option compared to other media players. Its primary competition is the Kodi media player and the Plex media server. While all three options allow for plugin-based streaming, each operates differently in the media player space.

Stremio operates primarily as a web browser. You can install plugins and run those plugins from the app, but Stremio is most useful for browsing for new content. This is why you’ll find a lot of movie and TV show information available by default through your Stremio application.

Kodi is a media player that comes with no plugins installed and no native integrations for any other services. Instead, you can install authorized and legal plugins from the official Kodi addon repository (which is available upon install), or download third-party addons and addon repositories. You’ll find Kodi is a bit more versatile than Stremio, and because Kodi has been around for far longer, it has a much larger library of plugins and a far larger user base as well. It also provides a clearer, more refined viewing experience thanks to having been refined over the course of more than a decade with a large team of developers.

Plex is a different application than the other two. It’s actually less of a media player and more a “media server,” as the name indicates. Plex is designed to allow you to stream all of your media, from movies to music, from any device. The primary focus of Plex is creating an online connection to your stored media so that you can access it from anywhere, on the go. However, Plex does serve as a media player, can be installed on a large number of devices, and has a large library of third-party and official addons you can utilize. Like Stremio, Plex has a smaller user base, so its plugin database is much smaller, but it does offer more options on that end than Stremio.

For more on these media players, check out our beginner’s guides on Kodi and Plex.

Unfortunately, there are security risks to consider as well. We’ve seen plenty of Trojans masquerading as free VPNs, and even malware-free providers have been caught lying about how secure they really are. Price is an important thing to consider but we recommend looking at other factors too, such as a VPN’s logging policy and security features instead of just using whatever’s free.

 

Additionally, some service providers have been known to throttle the speeds of users who stream often. A VPN can make this less likely, since it encrypts your data, hiding the telltale signs that you’re watching TV.

Needless to say, we recommend avoiding these. There are plenty of addons for legitimate streaming services, and integration with Trakt, IMDb, abd more make Stremio an excellent way to keep track of what you’ve seen recently.

Disclaimer: Although we’ve spent hours researching this topic, we are not legal experts. As such, nothing we’ve said above should be taken as legal advice.