A Kodi box is (Was) great up to a short while ago until the 'BIG BOYS' started to create noise about people watching the latest films for free, consequently they managed to get almost all pulled, there are ways around this, if you check out a guy called 'Troypoint' he sends out via emails many ways to get around these. Can still get UK TV but we only use it for films.
Never to many problems with picture quality, very good on many, sure some are crap but you will find that out from the start, have had a couple when someone in the front row gets up from his seat and walks past the screen, so you know who's doing that one, just like the knock of Chinese DVD's in Spain
A VPN is not required if you don't want one, recommended for sure to be a little safer then the guy next door, not only for the Kodi box's but in general internet use also, I paid about $50.00 for the year, you can get them for free but how good no idea....Hope it helps.