Best Stremio VPN: Top Paid & Free VPN Providers for the Open-Source Streaming Service
You need a VPN to stay safe when accessing movies on Stremio. We tested multiple VPNs against Stremio, focusing on their unblocking ability, speeds and security. Read this article to discover the best Stremio VPN and four other good choices.
Written by Wisdom Sablah (Writer)
Reviewed by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski (Fact-Checker, Formatter)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: These Are the Best Stremio VPN Services
- NordVPN — The best Stremio VPN and best streaming VPN. Get a 76% discount on a two-year NordVPN subscription.
- ExpressVPN — The best torrenting VPN, making it a secure option for unofficial Stremio add-ons. Save 61% on a two-year ExpressVPN subscription and get four months free.
- Surfshark — An affordable streaming VPN for Stremio. Save 87% on a two-year Surfshark Starter subscription and get three months free.
- Proton VPN — A good VPN for watching Stremio on mobile. Get 64% off Proton VPN’s two-year plan.
- PrivadoVPN — The best free Stremio VPN. PrivadoVPN also offers a 90% discount on its two-year paid subscription.
Facts & Expert Analysis: Best VPN for Stremio
- VPNs and speeds: All VPNs reduce your internet speeds due to encryption. However, the best ones have a negligible impact. A good Stremio VPN should keep at least 70% of your initial download speeds so you don’t experience buffering.
- Torrenting on Stremio best practices: Turn on your VPN kill switch to avoid IP leaks while torrenting. Connect to dedicated P2P servers and use the fastest protocol, often WireGuard (or a similar version, like NordLynx or Lightway).
- Be wary of free VPNs: App stores are awash with free VPNs, but be cautious. Many free services suffer from DNS and IP leaks, log and sell your information, and have a history of data breaches. You’re usually better off with an affordable paid VPN. Check out our list of the worst VPNs to learn more.
Stremio is the toast of many cord-cutters because it aggregates content from various streaming platforms, including Netflix. However, to stay safe and access more content, a Stremio VPN is a must-have. Some of the add-ons are also unavailable in certain countries, so you’ll need the best Stremio VPN to spoof your location.
Be aware that Stremio also sources some content from torrent sites, and accessing torrents without a VPN is a bad idea.
We recommend using NordVPN, the best VPN, to protect your privacy and security. Read on to learn about NordVPN and four other excellent Stremio VPNs.
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09/05/2022 Facts checked
Updated Windscribe pricing: the paid plan increased to $5.75 per month from $4.08. The Build-a-Plan minimum purchase also increased to $3 from $2. Also updated Windscribe’s free data cap to 15GB due to it offering 5GB extra permanently when you tweet about the service.
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10/18/2023 Facts checked
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8.
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07/07/2024 Facts checked
Updated the article to reflect latest information on NordVPN’s allowed number of simultaneous connections.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We updated the VPN list to incorporate the latest user feedback and expert evaluations.
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11/29/2024 Facts checked
Revised VPN ranking to better reflect torrenting performance.
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07/19/2025 Facts checked
We rewrote this guide, updated the VPN provider list and added more helpful information sections.
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
In my testing, I used NordVPN to watch my favorite TV shows and movies on Stremio. I was able to download public domain movies through Torrentio, a Stremio add-on, without any hiccups. NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers worked well for Stremio, especially when I paired them with the Lightway protocol. The streams loaded quickly and didn’t suffer from any lag.
Why Should I Use a VPN With Stremio?
Stremio is a free streaming app that aggregates online content into one platform through “add-ons” for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more — plus less official add-ons like The Pirate Bay and similar. Using a VPN with Stremio enhances your security and privacy, especially when streaming content through community add-ons that rely on P2P sources.
Protect Your Privacy. Get Our Free VPN Guide Now!
- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
- Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
A VPN encrypts your traffic and conceals your real IP address, keeping your sensitive online activity private from third parties. A VPN also changes your IP address location so you can access geoblocked add-ons that aren’t usually available to you.
Is Stremio Safe Without VPN Protection?
Stremio is technically safe if you’re using its official add-ons, like Netflix and Hulu. However, if you’re using unofficial or torrent-based add-ons, your safety could be at risk. Without a VPN, your online activity could be linked to your IP address, which could lead to possible legal issues. You can read our guide to learn more about Stremio and how to use it safely.
The 5 Best Stremio VPNs Compared
| VPN: | Best Pricing | P2P Servers | Speed | No-Logs Policy | Protocols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $3.01 per month (two-year plan + three months) | Dedicated P2P servers | The fastest | IKEv2, Nordlynx, OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordWhisper | |
 | $4.99 per month (two-year plan + four months) | All servers with P2P support | Fast | IKEv2, Lightway, OpenVPN | |
 | $2.19 per month (two-year plan + three months) | Some servers with P2P support | Very fast | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard | |
 | $4.49 per month (two-year plan) | Dedicated P2P servers | Fast | IKEv2, Stealth, OpenVPN, WireGuard | |
 | $1.11 per month (two-year plan + three months) | All servers support P2P | Fast | IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
1. NordVPN — Best Streaming VPN for Stremio
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN should be your top pick if you want a VPN to watch Stremio, as it’s also the best VPN for streaming overall. NordVPN’s fast download speeds will help you enjoy buffer-free Stremio movies.
It also offers a massive server network in 118 countries, including dedicated P2P servers in 114 countries. These servers allow high-speed torrenting with add-ons like Torrentio and Torrents Catalogs.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
NordVPN’s desktop app is easy to navigate with its map view, though on mobile it can get a bit clunky. Unlike some VPNs, NordVPN has a dedicated P2P tab under “specialty servers” in its server section. Clicking on this will connect you to the fastest P2P server. You can scroll through the available P2P servers by clicking on the three-dot menu beside the “P2P” tab.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Based on our daily automated speed tests, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs. Its download speeds are high, meaning you’ll experience only a minor impact on your internet connection while watching Stremio. We recommend NordVPN if you want to stream high-quality movies in 4K or HDR.
Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
Our tests show that NordVPN doesn’t leak your IP address and DNS requests. It also protects your data using secure protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 and NordWhisper. WireGuard is best for watching Stremio thanks to its fast speeds.
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| NordLynx | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2/IPsec | AES-256 | |
| NordWhisper | AES-256 | |
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN offers a monthly, yearly and two-year plan. The best-value NordVPN plan is the two-year Basic option, which costs $3.01 per month. The one-year plan bumps up the price to $4.99 per month, and the monthly plan costs $12.99. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Learn more about this provider in our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. ExpressVPN — A Secure Stremio VPN for Torrents
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is the best torrenting VPN for binge-watching unofficial Stremio add-ons. It supports torrenting on all its servers, so you can easily download your favorite movies using add-ons. ExpressVPN also offers fast speeds for streaming, especially when you connect to its high-speed Lightway Turbo protocol.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN’s apps are refreshingly simple to use, making it the best VPN for beginners. The home screen has a large power button and a tab to find servers.
ExpressVPN also features a customizable “shortcuts” tab where you can add quick-access links to websites and apps. You can add Stremio to the shortcuts tab and click to open it right after connecting to an ExpressVPN server.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
ExpressVPN won’t stifle your internet speeds when you connect to a server. During our speed tests, we experienced no lag when connected to an ExpressVPN server to access Stremio.
Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
You can download torrents on Stremio with ExpressVPN and rest assured that your IP won’t leak. We tested ExpressVPN’s DNS leak protection and it passed every time. ExpressVPN also tunnels traffic through secure protocols, notably Lightway — which also offers the fastest speeds for streaming.
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Lightway | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN’s best-value pricing tier is the two-year plan, at $4.99 per month. Alternatively, you can purchase ExpressVPN for six months for $6.66 per month. If you want to use the service for just a month, you’ll pay $12.95.
Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more, or test it out using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
3. Surfshark — An Affordable VPN for Stremio
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
Surfshark is another strong streaming VPN for Stremio. It also offers cheap, long-term pricing. Plus, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on multiple devices without restrictions. Surfshark’s server network spans 100 countries, many of which allow torrenting — which is good for downloading movies using Stremio add-ons.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
Although Surfshark doesn’t make it explicitly clear which servers are torrent-friendly, we found them by searching for “P2P” in the server search bar. Surfshark displays the latency of most servers, so choose the one with the lowest ping. Connecting to a P2P server took only a few seconds, and we didn’t experience any drop-offs.
and the fastest ones have low latency.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Our speed tests revealed that Surfshark has stable and consistent download speeds. We didn’t experience any buffering wheels or lag while connected to Surfshark and watching a movie on Stremio. However, it has higher latency, which might cause delays for some actions, like pressing pause or skipping through your stream.
Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
Connecting to a Surfshark server provides robust security. It doesn’t leak identifiable data, including your IP address and DNS servers. In addition, Surfshark offers three secure protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2. Choose WireGuard for the best speeds while watching Stremio.
it doesn’t leak identifiable data.
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| IKEv2/IPsec | AES-256 | |
Surfshark Pricing & Value
You can purchase Surfshark’s two-year Starter plan for only $2.19 per month. Its one-year plan costs a little more at $3.19 per month. If you prefer to pay month to month, it’ll cost $15.45, which is more expensive than the monthly prices of most VPNs.
If you need a first-hand feel of Surfshark, use its 30-day money-back guarantee. Our Surfshark review has more details if you want to learn more.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
4. Proton VPN — A Good VPN for Watching Stremio on Mobil
Proton VPN is a good choice if you want to watch Stremio on your mobile phone. Its mobile apps are visually pleasing, well-organized and intuitive. Proton VPN also works well for torrenting, thanks to its P2P servers in 116 countries. These servers, paired with Proton VPN’s port forwarding, enable fast torrent downloads.
Proton VPN Hands-On Testing
Proton VPN’s apps look polished and have a user-centric design. You can connect to a server using its intuitive server map or by scrolling through the server list on the home screen. You can also automate your Stremio use by creating a server profile, which could include a P2P server, a specific VPN protocol and auto-launching Stremio.
Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis
We ran DNS leak tests after connecting to Proton VPN, and we can confirm that it doesn’t have leaks. Proton VPN also encrypts your Stremio traffic using secure protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2.
concealing our real IP address.
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | Fire TV app |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | Fire TV app |
| IKEv2 | AES-128 | |
Proton VPN Pricing & Value
Proton VPN has a free plan with unlimited data, but there’s a catch — you can’t choose your server location. Proton VPN auto-connects you to one of its five free server locations, typically the one closest to you. If you want to choose your own server, you’ll need to purchase a subscription.
Proton VPN’s paid plans start at $4.49 per month for two years. It also has a yearly plan priced at $4.99 per month and a monthly plan for $9.99. Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Learn more in our Proton VPN review.
- Unlimited GB
- 1
- Yes
- 500 GB storage 1 user 15 extra email addresses for you Support for 3 custom email domains Unlimited folders and labels Unlimited hide-my-email aliases Dedicated customer support Ultra fast and private VPN Encrypted password manager Encrypted cloud storage for photos and documents Advanced account protection
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **Renewal prices differ for the 1-year and the 2-year plans. Price includes all premium Proton services (Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Pass, & Wallet)
- Unlimited GB
- 10
5. PrivadoVPN — The Best Stremio Free VPN
PrivadoVPN is a reliable VPN if you want a free VPN with unlimited data. It’s the best free VPN on the market, with access to free servers in 10 countries. Most free VPNs struggle to unblock streaming services, but PrivadoVPN is an exception. It allows for smooth Stremio streams, although it might be slower after you exhaust the first 10GB of high-speed data.
PrivadoVPN Hands-On Testing
We didn’t have any difficulties finding our way around PrivadoVPN’s apps. The home screen is clean and features a power button to connect to a server. Connections are established in only a few minutes. We like that PrivadoVPN lets you choose how the power button auto-selects a server: by location or by latency.
Notes From the Lab: PrivadoVPN Security Analysis
PrivadoVPN’s free plan offers top security. You can use any of its protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard or IKEv2 — to secure your traffic. Plus, its free servers don’t leak your DNS queries or your IP address.
| Protocol: | Encryption | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ChaCha20 | |
| OpenVPN | AES-256 | |
| IKEv2 | AES-256 | |
PrivadoVPN Pricing & Value
PrivadoVPN’s free plan is good for light browsing, but it limits you to 10 servers and reduces your speeds after 10GB of data. You can remove those restrictions by purchasing a paid plan, which is also very affordable. PrivadoVPN’s best deal is its two-year plan, which costs $1.11 per month. It also offers a yearly plan for $1.33 per month and a monthly plan for $10.99.
PrivadoVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its plans. Our PrivadoVPN review has more details about the service’s plans and features.
- 10GB
- 1
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Best Stremio VPN Services
Of the many VPNs we considered, we chose five based on the following criteria: security, privacy, unblocking ability, speed and value for the money.
- Security and privacy: A VPN worth using should have AES-256 encryption, a kill switch and support for multiple protocols (like OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2). We also looked for VPNs with a strict no-logs policy and RAM-based servers to protect your identity online.
- Unblocking ability: A good Stremio VPN should have a large server network that can bypass geoblocks. Although Stremio doesn’t restrict content by region, some of its add-ons do. To access content on these add-ons, you’ll need a VPN that spoofs your location.
- Fast speeds: Stremio supports a wide range of video qualities, including 4K HDR. For lag-free streams, you’ll need a VPN with fast speeds — especially for downloads. Three of the VPNs on this list (NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN) are part of our daily automated VPN tests. We ran manual tests for the other VPN providers.
- Value for the money: We examined each VPN’s pricing tiers, looking for discounts and reasonable pricing. All of the VPNs on our list have a proven money-back guarantee, allowing you to take them for a test run risk-free.
Stremio Not Working With VPN: What to Do
If Stremio isn’t working, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Restart Stremio: Restarting the app can create fresh streaming processes, reload add-ons and clear temporary bugs or UI glitches. You can also go to the settings in Stremio and clear the cache.
- Check your internet connection: Make sure you’re connected to the internet and have enough data to stream.
- Change your VPN server or settings: Switch between VPN servers and protocols to see if that solves the problem. Try a fast and secure protocol like WireGuard, NordLynx or Lightway.
- Check Stremio’s add-ons: If one Stremio add-on doesn’t work, try a different one. You can also update and reinstall your preferred add-ons.
- Update everything: Ensure that your Stremio app, VPN app and operating system are all up to date. If not, install Stremio’s latest update.
Final Thoughts
We recommend connecting to a VPN before accessing Stremio movies and TV shows because it can help you safely download movie torrents and stream your favorite content. NordVPN is the best Stremio VPN, thanks to its strong security features. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN are also excellent virtual private networks to watch movies and shows on Stremio.
What are your favorite Stremio add-ons? Which VPN have you used before? Is there any VPN you would have liked to see on this list? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below. As always, thanks for reading.
FAQ: Best VPN for Stremio
Yes, you can use a VPN for streaming content on Stremio. We recommend subscribing to NordVPN and connecting to a server close to you before using Stremio. Other good VPNs include ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN and Private Internet Access.
A VPN is a must-have if you want to use Torrentio on Stremio. A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your traffic, helping you stay safe as you download movies on Torrentio.
Stremio is safe to use in the U.S. However, if you intend to download torrents on the platform, you’ll need a VPN to keep you anonymous.
Stremio is legal because it’s an open-source platform and doesn’t host content. However, downloading and streaming pirated content through add-ons on Stremio could be illegal.