Using repositories, you have a powerful way to access entire libraries of Kodi addons, all at once. However, we're sure you don't want to spend time trying out repositories on your own, many of which can be faulty, unsafe to access, or inaccessible (offline). Instead, you truly want the best Kodi repositories in 2022, and we're here to help you find those!
In case you didn't know, Kodi has been fighting against piracy and malware for a very long time now. That's why Kodi's team has created a list of banned repositories. Therefore, double-check if what you're installing is legal or not. And more importantly, make sure to stick to this article to learn how to avoid getting in trouble.
In other words, you need to know about the best Kodi repositories right now. We're talking about those that are safe and legal to use. And considering that we've been using Kodi on a daily basis for many years now, I have some on-point recommendations for you. With that said, let's jump right in, shall we?
Why You Should Always Use a VPN with Kodi Repositories?
When installing Kodi repositories, it's crucial to use a VPN - if you want to unblock new content and hide your Kodi-related activities from your ISP (Internet service provider).
In fact, there are many reasons why you need to use a Kodi VPN. However, the most prominent one is related to unblocking international content. Most Kodi addons are available in certain countries only, so using a VPN helps you change your IP address and bypass those restrictions.
Once you install a VPN, you'll get to install and try any repository out there. Furthermore, you can install any addon without fearing that you'll encounter limited or unavailable content.
And also, know that even if you use Kodi in a legal way, you'll most likely encounter repos that come from all over the Web. Using those repositories and their addons is a security risk, as you never know what kind of (malicious) code they might bring.
In other words, using a Kodi without a VPN isn't safe. So, make sure to consult our list of the best VPNs for Kodi and learn how to install a Kodi VPN.
The Best Kodi Repositories in 2022
Finally, after plenty of research and based on our extensive experience, we present to you the 5 best Kodi repositories you can use to access hundreds of high-quality Kodi addons.
1. Official Kodi Repository - Best Kodi 19 Repository
In case you want access to hundreds of addons that work without any issues, you should turn to Kodi's official repository. These are all legal and verified addons that have gone through an extensive testing phase. Therefore, this is the easiest way to enrich your Kodi with new content without the fear of causing any technical complications.
Of course, navigating your way through hundreds of Kodi addons isn't an easy task. To help you with this, we have put together several guides focusing on this repository alone. And also, know that we've tested all those addons ourselves to make sure that they work as advertised.
With this said, we recommend checking our overviews of the best Kodi addons for movies, TV shows, cartoons, live sports, music, documentaries, and live TV.
And finally, know that Kodi's official repository is different for Kodi v18 and Kodi v19. Users of the older version can still find hundreds of addons, while Kodi 19 users will get to find around 150 addons in total. That is what makes Kodi's repo one of the best Kodi 19 Matrix repositories available right now.
2. TVAddons Repository - Best Third-Party Kodi Repository
Aside from being one of the best Kodi repositories at the moment, this is also one of the most turbulent ones. Due to its global popularity, TVAddons was attacked by a number of large corporations and anti-piracy groups. However, this repository somehow always manages to resurface despite ongoing legal troubles.
With this said, know that 'TV Addons' no longer brings any "problematic" addons. Instead, this Kodi repository is now focused on offering a library of addons that only rely on legal sources. And trust us, it provides hundreds of options on its own. This is what makes 'TV Addons' one of the best Kodi 19 repositories, bringing addons for older versions of Kodi as well.
In fact, this repository brings something you won't find elsewhere, and that's "Git Browser."Â Thanks to it, you can install any add-on that can be found on GitHub. This addon downloads a ZIP file from GitHub and installs that file within Kodi. For more information, here's our guide on TVAddons' GitBrowser.
3. Mhancoc7 Repository - Best for Free Video Sources
This repository doesn't come with a large number of Kodi addons. However, its developer is doing a great job of bringing interesting sources from the Web to Kodi. You can also expect regular updates - and you can expect these addons to perform without any issues. This is precisely the reason why Mhancoc7 is one of the best Kodi repositories.
When it comes to the addons found here, we recommend trying 'Animal TV.' This one comes with 60+ webcam streams related to nature and wildlife. There's also 'Free Live TV,' which brings plenty of regional TV channels from all around the world - all of which are free and legal to watch. That alone should be enough to persuade you into trying out this repository.
4. BludhavenGrayson Repository - Best for Live TV Addons
During the last couple of months, 'Bludhaven Grayson' has become a trending name in the Kodi community. Even though it features just a few addons at the moment, all of those are simply amazing. You should also know that this repository is all about sports and live TV programming. And, of course, we're talking about legal sources of live TV channels, which you won't easily find when it comes to Kodi.
We've stumbled upon 'Bludhaven Grayson' while looking for the next great sports addon. That's how we've discovered addons like Fitness Blender and BoxPlus. Then, there are a few live TV Kodi addons as well that mostly focus on the TV channels from the USA and UK. Take a look, and you'll see why this is one of the best Kodi repositories.
The only downside is that none of those addons are yet available for Kodi 19 'Matrix.' However, if you still use Kodi v18, it would be a huge mistake not to check out this repository.
5. Marcelveldt Repository - Best Music-Focused Kodi Repository
Marcel van der Veldt is a Kodi enthusiast from the Netherlands - and he's in charge of some pretty popular music-related addons. Aside from interesting scripts found here (that can enhance your Kodi user experience), this is from where you can download addons like Spotify, Roon, and Squeezebox.
As you can imagine, we definitely recommend trying out Spotify (available for Kodi 18 and older), as this music streaming service doesn't have an official Kodi addon. Therefore, if you're a Spotify subscriber, this is the best way to create a rich music library in Kodi using your existing subscription.
What Are Kodi Repositories?
Kodi repositories are collections of individual addons. Once you add a repository to Kodi, you add a new source using which you can install new addons.
There's also another way to look at repositories. For example, you can see them as "app stores" for your Kodi. So, when you install a repository, you get access to several hundred addons at once (their size can vary, though). Then, you're free to browse that repository and install any addon you want to try.
As such, you can install individual Kodi repositories (which normally come as ZIP files), as well as access them from Kodi's interface. Furthermore, you can update and delete them.
What's the Difference Between a Repository and a Kodi Addon?
The main difference between repositories and addons is that Kodi repositories are collections of individual addons.
As explained just above, when you install a repository, you get access to a group of addons. However, you won't get to use them from the get-go. Instead, you need to visit your newly installed repository (using Kodi's interface: Add-ons > Open Box icon > Install from Repository) and then pick and install any addon you'd like to try.
How to Find & Add a Repository to Kodi?
Want to know how to install any repository on Kodi - using a ZIP file you downloaded from the Internet? Here are the steps you need to take.
- First, make sure to download a repository, which comes as a ZIP file (you'll find the links above to our recommended repositories, such as TVAddons, BludhavenGrayson, Mhancoc7, and Marcelveldt).
- Then, open Kodi and select 'Add-ons.'
- Click on the 'open box' icon, which you'll find in the top-left corner of Kodi's interface.
- Select 'Install from ZIP file' and confirm your decision. Then, navigate to the ZIP file.
- Once you install the repository, click on 'Install from Repository.'
- Access the newly installed repository and select 'Video Add-ons.'
- Click on any addon's name to open its overview/
- Finalize the process by clicking on 'Install.' That's it!
As you can imagine, there are different ways to install repositories on Kodi. So, if you need more detailed instructions (along with screenshots), here's how to install Kodi repositories.
Are Kodi Repositories Legal and Safe?
Kodi repositories can be legal and safe - but only if you stick to well-known and trustworthy ones. Otherwise, they can be unsafe to use.
Kodi's official repository (Add-ons > Download) brings legal and safe addons only. They've been checked by Kodi's development team, which is why they come without any risk. Then, some unofficial repositories can be safe as well, like those recommended in this guide.
However, you need to be very careful about what you install from the Web. Many repositories for Kodi enable piracy as they bring addons that distribute copyrighted content.
To learn more, here's why unofficial addons aren't safe to use. And also, learn more about the difference between official and unofficial Kodi addons.
How to Update a Repository on Kodi?
Updating a Kodi repository is easy. Doing so will get you access to new addons, if and when they become available. So, to update a repository, do the following:
- Navigate to Add-ons > Open Box icon (in the top-left corner).
- Select 'Install from Repository.' You will now see your installed repositories.
- Pick any repo and right-click on its name. Then, select 'Check for Updates.'
- If an update is available, Kodi will download and install it.
Kodi Repository Not Working/Connecting? Here's How To Fix That Issue
When trying to add repositories via Kodi's file manager, you might encounter the 'Could not connect to repository' error message. That means Kodi cannot retrieve the required information to access the repository you're trying to install, as that repository is most likely offline.
There could be several reasons why any repository might be offline. Perhaps that's just a temporary issue, so you can try again later. Or, it could be that you're trying to access a repository that is no longer available. In that case, you'll need to find an alternative.
Also, we recommend double-checking if you've entered the correct URL address (which can be case-sensitive as well).
Which Kodi Repositories No Longer Work or Have Shut Down Permanently?
We've seen several Kodi repositories reaching worldwide popularity, only to disappear in an instant. So, when it comes to some notable examples, the following Kodi repositories are no longer available:
- Illuminati
- XvBMC-NL
- OneNation
- Supremacy
- KodiUKTV
- Noobs and Nerds
- SuperRepo (not available for Kodi 18 and 19)
- AJ Repository (Falcon Project)
- Kodil
- DiamondWizard
- LazyKodi
- KodiBae
You've reached the end of our overview of the best Kodi repositories in 2022. In case you have any additions to this list, make sure to let us know via the comments section found below. And finally - thank you for reading!