Considered one of the best home theater software applications out there, Kodi is an open-source (and free) entertainment hub where you can manage all your digital media content in one place. Formerly known as XBMC, the app comes with a user-friendly and customizable interface that allows you to easily stream any type of media, such as music, movies, and TV shows. But what makes Kodi stand out is its wide add-on support, which includes video streaming services (like Netflix and HBO), YouTube, music streaming, and more. In other words, Kodi is a digital media platform where you can manage all your offline content and access streaming services in one place.
Installing the software is a piece of cake but setting Kodi up isn’t as straightforward. Since the app is just an entertainment hub, it will be completely empty when you first log in. This means that you’ll have to add media from your computer or install add-ons for your favorite streaming services first.
Adding content from your computer is simple, but you need to strictly follow Kodi’s guidelines. In short, for the software to ‘understand’ what the files are it needs to scrape them, which only works if the file names follow a specific structure. When done correctly, Kodi’s library will display all the media within your source folder in a similar way to a streaming service.
Fortunately, it’s easier to install add-ons. You can browse Kodi’s built-in add-on library to find your favorite streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, HBO, etc.) or you can download the installation files from other websites. Be careful with unofficial add-ons, though. Since they’re from third-party developers, they may include malware or other nefarious programs.
You can also create libraries for video games and launch them through Kodi, watch live TV by installing a PVR (personal video recorder), add social media apps, and more. Basically, Kodi can become your go-to place for everything entertainment. And, thankfully, it provides helpful guides explaining how to set up all features on its official wiki.
Kodi started as a dedicated app for Xbox, but it now runs virtually everywhere. However, on its website, you’ll only find installation files for computers (Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi), smartphones (iOS and Android), Apple TV, and Android TVs. For unsupported smart TVs, such as Samsung, you can still use Kodi through a Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku device.
When it comes to gaming consoles, Kodi only offers native support for Xbox, but there is a workaround to make it work on PS4 and PS5. First, you’ll have to set up a Plex account on your console and mobile phone. Then enable the options ‘show camera roll’, ‘advertise as server’, and ‘network discovery’ on your Plex mobile app. From there, Plex will get all the media from your Kodi library on your phone and broadcast it to your PS4.
Yes – Kodi is only an entertainment hub, after all. It provides a way for you to manage all your online and offline media, which is totally legal. However, what you do with the software is another story. For example, if you use Kodi to stream copyrighted content from websites without consent or the correct license, then what you’re doing is illegal (and you’ll suffer the consequences).
Another way to use Kodi illegally is by enjoying content that you got from torrenting. Using this P2P solution to access copyrighted material is illegal in the U.S. and most of the world, as many governments consider it the same as stealing a DVD from a store or sneaking into a movie theater. So, make sure you only use Kodi to stream TV shows or play video games that you have paid for. It’s better to stay safe by using it as a place to have all your (legal) streaming services, as well as offline content you bought.
There are various reasons why you should use a VPN with Kodi, but the main one is protection. Without a VPN, your ISP, government, and hackers can see everything you stream. By creating an encrypted connection and linking your computer to one of their servers, VPN providers make sure that no one is able to get a glimpse of what you’re doing online. This also helps fix throttling problems, which increases your internet speed and improves your streaming quality. Moreover, VPNs allow you to access content blocked by geo-restrictions. For example, if you connect your VPN to a UK server and log into Netflix, the website will think that you’re physically in that country and provide its British content library.
Fortunately, setting up a VPN on Kodi is quite simple. You can either install the software on your device and run the app in the background, use a dedicated VPN add-on for Kodi, or install it directly on your router. Each solution works better depending on your needs, so it’s important to know how to set up all of them.
Using a VPN app is the most common option for people using Kodi on desktop or a smartphone. This means downloading the software and installing it on the device separately. Essentially, since the VPN is operating in the background, it protects the device regardless of whether you’re streaming on Kodi or just browsing the web. Of all three solutions, this is the most straightforward, as most VPN services allow you to connect to an encrypted connection by just pressing ‘connect’. There is one drawback of using this alternative, though. Since the VPN isn’t built into Kodi, you’ll have to leave the platform every time you want to tweak the VPN settings, such as changing the server location.
Add-ons are important for Kodi users, so it makes sense that various VPNs offer dedicated software to use with the entertainment hub. Unfortunately, they take a few more steps to install than official plugins, as they don’t appear in Kodi’s library. Instead, you’ll have to download the VPN zip file and install it manually. To do so, launch Kodi, go to the add-ons tab and click on ‘install from zip file’. From there, select the file you just downloaded, and Kodi will do the rest.
When the software is installed, it’s time to go to the add-on settings under ‘Program add-ons’, enter your VPN credentials, and then select the server location you want the VPN to connect to automatically. Don’t forget that the app will only protect information within Kodi, nothing else.
Finally, you can also install the VPN directly on your router. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it can be worthwhile when you use Kodi on various devices, as everything connected to your Wi-Fi will be protected. First of all, you’ll need a dedicated VPN router, as these are the only ones that allow you access to VPN settings. Then, you have to log into your router to adjust its settings, but bear in mind each manufacturer’s setup process works differently. To best understand how to configure yours, either read one of our guides or follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
When looking for a VPN to use with an entertainment hub like Kodi, you want to make sure you get the full package. The VPN provider needs to offer blazing-fast speeds so that your stream doesn’t get stuck on a never-ending buffering icon. You also need strong security features to protect you from online surveillance and a wide variety of server locations to stream content from other countries. In short, you should get the best of the best.
NordVPN has already managed to conquer the market by being one of the most reputable and trustworthy services ever made. Among its vast arsenal of features, the close attention given to security is one of the major highlights, thanks to the presence of an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, ads and malware, and even double VPN servers.
Speaking of which, these are only some of NordVPN’s special servers that compose a global network filled with unusual locations, P2P countries, support for Onion over VPN, and more. NordVPN has a handful of different subscriptions in the form of simple apps for all kinds of devices and user types.
For as little as $3.99 per month, users can enjoy all the perks of having a secure and high-speed VPN. Plus, a generous refund policy allows you to get your money back if you decide NordVPN isn’t for you during the first 30 days.
IPVanish made a strong entrance as a VPN service provider in 2012, long before VPNs became so common, and it’s been further improving its service ever since. Fundamentally, this solution specializes in providing customers with secure and encrypted internet connections across all devices.
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
With an extensive server network spanning 105 countries, apps for all major platforms, and even extra security tools like an ad blocker, ExpressVPN delivers all you need for a private and secure online experience.
The software is easy to use across all devices, and the speed trumps many of its competitors, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Android and iOS customers can make the most of a 7-day free trial with unlimited bandwidth and everyone can enjoy three months for free when opting for annual billing.
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