Most Kodi add-ons recommend using a VPN to keep you safe while streaming. If you have been wondering why you would need a VPN for a media player then you are in the right place. In this post, I will explain all you need to know about a VPN and why you should use a VPN for Kodi.
Warning
Governments and ISPs across the world monitor their users' online activities. If found streaming copyright content, you could get into serious legal trouble. Currently, your IP
54.36.149.244 is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend you to get the
best VPN for streaming and hide your identity so that your entertainment doesn’t take a bad turn.
Here are the reasons
why you must use a VPN all the time.
I use and recommend
PureVPN which is the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device including Android TV boxes. Also, it comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund.
What is a VPN?
VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. A VPN enables you to create a private secure connection to another network using the internet.
In other words, a VPN can be viewed as an extension of a private network across a public network. It enables users to send and receive data as though they are connected directly to the private network securely.
How does a VPN work?
VPNs were originally created to allow access to business networks securely over the internet. These days VPNs are widely used to mask browsing activity and access regionally restricted web resources.
A VPN encrypts data and routes it to a proxy server. It enables you to hide your actual IP from the public network and appear as if you are directly connected to the private network.
A VPN enables you to gain unlimited access to data anywhere in the world regardless of your location. You can hide your actual location and appear to be downloading media from the location of the server.
Uses of a VPN
- Access a home or work network from any location
- Side-step geographic restrictions on internet resources
- Prevent snooping when connected to public Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Hide the location of users and remain anonymous
Is VPN a must for all Kodi users?
Kodi can definitely function without a VPN. The question now changes to why do you need it?
If you ask me, I would say it’s a necessity for all Kodi users. VPN for Kodi goes beyond the security benefits it provides. When it comes to Kodi, add-ons provide access to media. Without some add-ons, your access to content is very limited. These add-ons are available for download for everyone but many of them have geographical restrictions.
A VPN will literally make all these restrictions disappear and give you unlimited access to content from all over the world.
Are you still doubting why I said it’s a necessity? Read further and know why you should be looking for a VPN for your Kodi now!
Why do you need a VPN for Kodi?
It is every cord cutter’s dream is to have unlimited access to media. The reason why I ditched cable TV is to have access to content that they couldn’t provide from all over the world.
With emerging digital trends and better technology, everyone wants a piece of the cake. Media corporations are also looking to maximize their profits. With Kodi add-ons, you can easily stream movies and TV content for free. Most of this content is pirated. This has given most media corporations a run for their money. These corporations resorted to anything possible to block any unauthorized access of their content, and go after users that do. Most corporations have set restrictions to access content to specific geographical locations. This helps them to ensure they can control their market using a set of rules from these countries. The restrictions ensure users have to subscribe to enjoy their services.
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Some internet service providers reportedly sell users data and browsing trends to marketing companies. These companies use your browsing trends for marketing. If you have to click through too many ads to access your content then you may be a victim.
Apart from the ISP, the search engines have also been known for mining data to use it for marketing campaigns.
If you use public internet you also never know who is monitoring your browsing trends. There are hackers out there also looking to prey on your credit card information or passwords.
All I’m trying to say is that for you to enjoy your Kodi and Internet browsing experience, then going for a VPN may be your best bet.
Looking at the aforementioned uses of a VPN, by now you will agree with me that it is a very important tool for Kodi users. A VPN will allow you to safely tap into the limitless number of options that Kodi add-ons provide.
5 Reasons why you really need a VPN for Kodi
1. Security
This is a major concern to all of us. I don’t think you would like your credit card or other personal information to fall in the wrong hands. Kodi is an open source platform. Most add-ons are third-party. This means that there is no guarantee that these add-ons are safe. The internet is no longer a safe place especially with data mining and phishing applications being developed day in day out. You will never know the sincere motive of these third-party add-on developers.
As much as you may not be using the add-ons to access pirated content they might as well be built with tools to mine your personal data. Data encryption is one of the primary functions of a VPN. With a VPN you can enjoy watching unlimited content without worrying about your online safety.
2. Privacy
Most Internet service providers are now interested in what their users are accessing. These providers may be bound by law to check on your browsing history. In some countries, anti-piracy agencies liaise with ISPs to curb piracy. If your ISP notices that you are accessing restricted or pirated content, they can easily rat you out. Some ISPs in the USA send you a warning if you are browsing pirated content. Some ISPs are interested in your browsing trends for financial gain.
Your ISP can also sell your browser history to advertising firms. For instance, in the USA the ISP has the right to sell your browsing history. When you are using a VPN, your traffic is hidden from your ISP. This saves you from unwanted pop-ups in the form of ads.
Slow Streams or Buffering?
Are your streams loading too slow? Getting constant buffering? Not able to stream at full resolution? Check out these tips to improve your streaming experience:
- Use a modern Router that has advanced features like QoS to prioritize video content. Check out our recommended Routers for Streaming.
- If you are using a Wifi connection, be sure to check out our 9 easy steps to improve your Wifi for Streaming.
- Some Internet Service Providers throttle video streaming traffic without telling their customers. A VPN encrypts all your traffic and circumvents throttling, blocking and geographical restrictions.
Using a VPN can ensure your privacy is protected and your ISP is not able to track the content you consume. This may go a long way to save you hefty fines. As a Kodi user, you can be a target.
3. Anonymity
This is different from hiding your browsing activity. Anonymity is concealing who you are. If you have a habit of accessing restricted content you might want to hide your real identity. When using a VPN, the server cannot identify your IP and location. The server will only be seeing your proxy server but won’t be able to tell your home connection’s IP. This protects you from being tracked. A good thing, isn’t it? One of the reasons I use a VPN for basically everything I do on the internet.
4. Accessing Geo-Blocked Content
Imagine missing your favorite show because of that work trip or holiday. Some media companies restrict their services to certain regions. For instance, NBC Sports is not available for free outside the USA. This means if you had to travel outside the USA you may not catch your favorite sports show. With a VPN you can access these channels in countries where they are restricted. You can easily set your location to a region without restrictions and enjoy your favorite programs.
5. Bypass censorship
As much as it may sound ridiculous, some governments decide what their citizens should watch. There are policies to censor some websites in many countries these days.
The most popular case is China. The government has a policy that blocks access to a number of websites. This has become a norm with some countries in Europe and the US also following suit. In the USA the websites are even shut down and the domains seized. Some ISP may also censor some of the websites and add-ons to stop users from streaming and downloading. Streaming and downloading requires a lot of data, therefore, it becomes costly to the ISP. VPN for Kodi can be used to get around such bans and watch or download your content of choice.
Conclusion
I hope this post has given you an insight on VPN and why you should be using a VPN for Kodi. You are now probably wondering which is the best VPN for Kodi. Depending on your location and streaming needs all you need is get some recommendation from friends and go through online reviews. Some add-ons also recommend certain VPNs that works best for them.
Personally, I have been using PureVPN for a few years now and it has been a worry-free experience since day 1.
Trust me if you are not using a VPN for your Kodi there are far much too many risks involved. The choice is yours!
