Does VPN work with Roku? Using Roku Outside US

Are you familiar with Roku? Roku is a piece of technology that allows you to stream media from applications such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, HBO GO and more direct to your television set. Since Roku actively uses an Internet connection to wirelessly deliver data, a lot of people have been asking VPNaccounts.com if it is possible to use a VPN with the Roku service.

What exactly is Roku?

Before we talk about the method in which you can use a VPN with Roku let’s talk a little bit about the service itself. It is immensely popular with over 10 million units having been sold since Roku debuted. Roku has also developed its own version of the SmartTV.

The actual working of a Roku box is pretty simple. First, you connect the box to a power source and your television set. Second, you add the device to your existing WiFi or Ethernet network (Ethernet is only available on the Roku 3). Lastly, you stream media content to your television. Roku is a great way to expand the capabilities of your Internet connection and your television set.

A great thing about Roku is that there is no monthly subscription fee for the device itself. There are hundreds of free channels loaded into the Roku box. Some services, such as Netflix, require a monthly subscription, but using the actual Roku box only involves your initial purchase price. The purchase price of a Roku ranges from around $50 to $100 depending on the model you choose.

But what about Roku and VPN?

Inquiring about the VPN capabilities of the Roku player is a good question. After all, Roku uses your Internet connection to stream data. If you are reading this website then you already know how important it is to secure your data transfer with a VPN. So, we’re not going to sugarcoat this: the present models of Roku DO NOT have a built-in VPN client like your desktop, laptop, tablet or SmartPhone. There is a way, however, that you can still use your VPN when using the ROKU device.

The simple solution is to set up your Roku box so that it is going through the PC or laptop where your VPN is providing the VPN tunnel. What this means is that the Roku connects to your PC rather than the router. Thankfully, Roku offers a model that is built into a USB stick. Once you have the Roku connected to your PC or laptop you can simply share the Internet connection and send the streamed data to your television set.

Another option that is perhaps better or perhaps more convenient is to use a vpn router such as the ones sold at www.dd-routers.com. You get the router and on it you configure the VPN account from VPN-accounts.com. To see the prices or buy the VPN click here.

With all of the advances Roku is making in the development of their devices it is certain at some point they will include a built-in VPN client. This may not be too far off in the future. Until then, make sure that your Roku is going through your computer so that it will piggyback on your existing VPN connection.

Finding a suitable VPN solution for the Roku is very important, especially for expats and travelers that want to access their favorite media services outside of the United States. Being able to take the Roku along opens up a whole host of media viewing that may not be available in certain countries or regions. Hulu and Netflix typically only allow those in the US to access their services, so using a US VPN server with the Roku can often preserve access in places like the Middle East or even the UK. For a very small investment in the Roku and a VPN you can basically have access to all of your media services through one box.