How to Watch US Channels on Roku [VPN vs. Smart DNS]
11 min. read
Updated on
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help VPNCentral sustain the editorial team Read more
To watch US channels on Roku when abroad, you’ll have to trick its location. We’ll show you a few methods below.
Roku has some of the greatest US channels that you can watch on Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, as well as on the Roku Streaming Stick.
Access content across the globe at the highest speed rate.
70% of our readers choose Private Internet Access
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
Browse the web from multiple devices with industry-standard security protocols.
Connect to thousands of servers for persistent seamless browsing.
The problem is that you cannot stream your favorite content and TV shows or even add popular American channels such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu Plus, MLB, ABC, and much more outside the USA.
In this guide, we shall show you not only how to get an American Roku account but also how to bypass location restrictions and add/unblock American channels.
We have tested and unblocked the US content on Roku devices using the methods in this guide in many locations outside the USA.
How to access American channels on Roku
You have an option of either using a VPN service or Smart DNS to bypass geo-restrictions and access American channels on Roku.
We’ll discuss how the two methods can help you to unblock the full American library on your Roku device wherever you may be at length below in this guide.
How to watch American channels on Roku outside the USA
If you reside outside the USA, you cannot be able to access American channels on your Roku device. The only way is for your account and the Roku device to appear as if they are coming from the USA.
Here’s what you should do:
- Reset your Roku
- Use one of the methods we describe below to look as if you are in the US and sign up for a new Roku account as follows.
To do so, do the following:
- On your Smart DNS/VPN-connected computer or mobile device, proceed to Roku’s website to set up your US Roku account.
- Set your country to the United States.
- When prompted to enter your Zip Code, use a US Zip code with five digits
- Press and hold the Reset button on the back of your Roku for 15 seconds to Factory reset your Roku.
- That’s it! You now have a Roku US account.
- Now, set up your network using either the Smart DNS or VPN method (Do not set up your network with Roku as it has limited Network config options)
- Log in using your US Roku account
- Add your favorite American channels and enjoy!
Unblocking American content on Roku via a VPN
A VPN service is an excellent way to bypass geographic restrictions and watch your favorite US channels on your Roku device while abroad.
A VPN is a secure network designed to provide a secure tunnel for data transmission between a web server and a web browser. The Roku does not have a VPN client. Therefore, you will have to instead set up the VPN on a VPN-compatible router.
When you use a VPN service:
- All your traffic appears to be originating from the country where the server you connect to is located. Hence, by connecting to a US server, you can freely watch US channels on Roku.
- The VPN service also encrypts all your traffic and hides your IP address making it tough for government watchdogs or ISP to monitor your online activity.
- An excellent VPN will unblock US channels on your Roku even where your ISP uses Transparent Proxies and DNS hijacking.
- You should ensure that the VPN service you employ reduces your internet speed only by about 10% otherwise you will have a terrible experience streaming content because of the annoying buffering.
- Make sure that your VPN service provider does not keep logs. A VPN that logs your online activity can land you in serious trouble should it releases it on request by law enforcement or by the strength of a court order.
- The best VPN for Roku should be available on a broad range of devices and support simultaneous connection on many devices – a great feature for families.
The best Roku VPN for unblocking US channels
To watch US channels on Roku, using a VPN is the best option. However, it requires knowledge and information to enable you to select the best VPN service provider. It will also cost you time and money to subscribe to various VPN services so as to compare features and come up with the best VPN.
We save you all the trouble by providing you with a comprehensive list of the best VPN service for unblocking US content on your Roku.
So, we have tested a wide range of VPN services regarding:
- Compatibility
- Ease of use
- Encryption
- Anonymity
- Speed
- Pricing
- Much more…
We narrowed down to the following 5 best VPN services for Roku.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our number one pick if you are looking for an excellent VPN to configure your Roku device.
It is fast, highly user-friendly, and secure. It has one of the largest network of servers in the industry and over 145 locations across 94 countries.
The service contains unlimited server speeds as well as unlimited server switches that enable users to connect from anywhere in the world. ExpressVPN features OpenVPN (TCP, UDP), L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP protocols, and secure encryption with 99.9% uptime.
It has a strict no-logs policy and works consistently to unblock the full US Netflix library making it the best VPN for unblocking US content on Roku. You also get a simultaneous connection up to more than three devices and around-the-clock 5-star customer support.
ExpressVPN
Enjoy the best combination of speed and security with this high-performing VPN.VyprVPN
VypyVPN based in Switzerland is an excellent pick for those looking to bypass geo-restrictions and stream American channels offered on Roku. It has great software that is proprietary and exclusive to VyprVPN and has in place strong 256-bit AES encryption and a NAT Firewall.
VyprVPN has more than 700 servers, incredibly easy-to-use apps for easy server switching, unlimited blazing speeds, and unlimited server switching. The VPN service guarantees your online freedom wherever you may be, prevents your ISP from throttling your connection speed as well as the performing deep-packet inspection.
VyprVPN
Seamlessly unblock Roku’s full library with this fast and realiable VPN.NordVPN
NordVPN is the perfect VPN for Roku users interested in streaming but also careful of their online security. It has in place the tightest data security in the industry that encrypts your data not once, but twice. Also, it boasts covering every continent except Antarctica, and nothing can be far from the truth, with 929 server locations spread across 57 different countries.
It has reasonably good speeds, and a strict no-logs policy, plus an automatic kill switch, so if your private network disconnects, the internet kill switch technology acts by shutting down any software or site, you specify in advance.
This VPN provides 6 simultaneous connections and DNS leak protection and also allows P2P. It has friendly support and also accepts Bitcoin payments.
Why not sign up and take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee to try out their service?
NordVPN
Boost your online privacy and bypass any and all geo-restrictions with this top-of-the line VPN.IPVanish
IPVanish is an excellent VPN that helps users break free from regional restrictions by getting around censorship filters. It will also keep hackers, snoopers, and ISPs out of your connection with its strong 256-bit AES encryption. IPvanish has lightning speeds that are ideal for streaming purposes, user-friendly apps that support a broad range of devices, and unlimited bandwidth.
It has more than 40,000 shared IPs with 750+ server locations in more than 60 countries. It has a strict zero-logs policy, allows anonymous torrenting, and provides unlimited P2P traffic. You also get 5 simultaneous connections on multiple devices, unlimited server switching, and friendly 24/7 customer support.
IPVanish offers you a 7-day money-back guarantee. Go ahead and try out their quality of service as you unblock US channels on Roku.
IPVanish
Benefit from lightning-fast speeds and advanced security with IPVanish.CyberGhost
CyberGhost has a large number of servers in the US and a lot of them are optimized specifically for streaming. If that’s not enough, what about being able to access your favorite sites from anywhere in the world, servers in more than 190 countries at your disposal, high-speed internet connectivity, and secure encryption?
It can be used on up to 7 simultaneously-connected devices.
The software is incredibly user-friendly and stable.
CyberGhost is another good pick for configuring with your Roku device to unlock the US content while abroad.
You can try their service in confidence by utilizing their 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not happy, you can cancel online at any time.
CyberGhost
Unblock US Roku TV from anywhere and enjoy the best streaming quality.Unblocking American content on Roku – Smart DNS method
Smart DNS is a technology that helps иnternet users around the world to unblock geo-blocked websites such as Hulu, Netflix, BelnSports.net, and many other websites that contain geo-restricted content.
It works to bypass geo-restrictions on Roku thereby enabling those outside the USA to watch blocked US content on Roku.
Smart DNS will not provide you with a US IP address.
Instead, it changes the DNS of your device thereby rechanneling the specific parts of your internet traffic that reveal your geo-location through a dedicated proxy server that’s located in the country where your desired website is based.
That way, you will appear as if you are accessing the American content from a US region thus letting you watch your favorite US channels on Roku.
However, a Smart DNS doesn’t protect your sensitive data and therefore is a less effective solution to surfing the web privately compared to a VPN.
The best Smart DNS for Roku
Roku is famed as the first receiver box to stream Netflix and has a wide collection of premium channels as well as high-end games for its users.
We have cared to bring to your attention the best Smart DNS for Roku providers to let you watch your favorite US channels. In coming up with the below list, we looked at factors such as:
- Price
- Channel availability
- Support.
Smart DNS Proxy
Smart DNS Proxy is a premium DNS service provider that can help you to unblock any content from anywhere. It unblocks digital content and websites with unlimited speeds and bandwidth and works with all internet-capable devices.
Try out their 14-day money-back guarantee to test their service.
Unlocator
Unlocator is another leading Smart DNS service provider based in Denmark that effectively unblocks all the popular streaming services.
It is blazing fast since the user’s traffic does not pass through Unlocator, meaning the platform won’t slow down your speed and your bandwidth remains untouched.
This DNS will help you appear in different regions at the same time, use an unlimited number of devices with your account, bypass DNS hijacking, and connect your mobile.
It has a zero-logs policy, 24/7 customer support, and 99.9% uptime, plus a 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out the service.
TrickByte
TrickByte Smart DNS unblocks and lets you watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Sling, ITV, and many more channels globally.
It provides unlimited bandwidth so that you can watch as long as you want, HD streaming with no speed reduction and high-performance servers with cloud technology that guarantees high speeds and superior stability.
TrickByte works on all devices from PC, Mac, iPad, Android devices, Smartphones, Roku, Apple TV, Media boxes, Video game players, and many others.
TrickByte makes it to our list of the best Smart DNS services for Roku. A 14-day Free Trail awaits you!
Roku VPN vs Roku DNS
When you Use Smart DNS:
1. You get high speeds compared to VPNs but with no encryption.
2. Multiple regions are supported simultaneously unlike VPNs
3. Easy to set up and use with Roku as compared to VPN
4. Smart DNS will not work for you if your country or region applies Transparent or DNS hijacking.
A Roku VPN offers you a comprehensive service that, besides accessing the US channels on Roku, protects all your digital life. And this is true not only when you watch Roku but whenever you connect to the web. Given the minor difference in price, a VPN is usually a better choice than a Smart DNS.
Read more:
Summary
Roku is a powerful streaming device you can use to watch US channels. The fact that the US region enjoys the widest collection of premium channels prompts those from other regions to try and unblock it.
Smart DNS and VPNs are the most ideal solutions to unblock geo-restricted content.
If you’re looking for high speeds, then Smart DNS will work for you. However, if you care more for security as opposed to speeds, then the best VPN for Roku is ideal.
Our complete guide has given you the best VPNs and Smart DNS services for Roku. Try them out to find which one works best for you.
