Best VPNs for Plex to Try in 2024 and Beyond

Plex is not an unfamiliar term for a streaming lover, as this platform has won many hearts with quality content. With over 30 million registered users, its primary streaming services are here to entertain its users with Hollywood blockbusters, classics, animation, Cannes winners, and gripping documentaries.

plex banner

If you are streaming on Plex, there is always something to suit your taste. But, there is something to put a stop to your streaming experience with Plex, and it’s known as geo-restrictions, with reasons like copyrights and licensing.

Plex is partially or wholly inaccessible in certain parts of the world. Primarily, US users can access Plex without any restrictions. Anyone from other parts of the world will need a Plex VPN to enjoy uninterrupted streaming at Plex.

As many claim to be the best VPN for Plex, finding the right option is never easy unless you read this post. We carefully examined various Plex VPNs and handpicked the ones that impressed us the most.

VPNs for other streaming services:

Why Use a Plex VPN?

Streaming services access was always troublesome. Along with geo-restricted libraries, viewers must deal with issues like ISP throttling, speed latency, and ads. Even if these hassles are not there, anyone streaming via data-driven devices needs to protect the internet traffic to avoid the odds of cyberattacks. Only encrypted traffic should be permitted. Plex VPN is one tool that can fix all these hassles in one go.

Wondering how?

A Plex VPN allows you to modify from a real IP address and be virtually present elsewhere. For instance, you could be in the UK (VPN for the UK) and get connected with a US server. When you access Plex from a US server, the Plex server will recognize you as a US server, and geo-restrictions will no longer bother you. You will be able to access Plex and other streaming services easily.

plex - a Twitter comment on the service

ISPs block an IP address when they find that this one IP address alone is consuming too much bandwidth. This process is known as ISP throttling, and it’s here to ruin your streaming services experience. A Plex VPN lets you switch IP addresses and stop an IP address from becoming noticeable. Hence, you can easily avoid ISP throttling.

Ads are annoying and a sheer waste of time and resources. With the best VPN for Plex, you can avoid ads as you stream on Plex.

plex - a Twitter comment on the service

With the best VPN for Plex, your entire traffic becomes fully encrypted, and cyberpunks are not able to decode your online activities, which is the base of an attack.

Clearly, a Plex VPN is here to improve your Plex usage by all means possible. Its usage is suggested from all points of view.

How to Use a VPN with Plex?

While a VPN for Plex does many things, its setup and installation are very quick. You don’t have to be a tech whiz to use a Plex VPN if you use a user-friendly VPN like NordVPN. NordVPN offers dedicated guides for all kinds of setups.

Here is a quick setup guide with NordVPN.

Step #1 – Go to NordVPN’s website and register using the verified email and password.

NordVPN Logo

Step #2 – Pick a suitable subscription and pay for it.

Pick a suitable subscription and pay for it - NordVPN

Step #3 – Download the respective VPN app. NordVPN offers dedicated apps for all the leading devices like mobile phones, SmartTV, routers, and many more. Decide which device you will use to stream Plex and install the NordVPN app on it.

NordVPN for all devices

Step #4 – Open the NordVPN app and complete the signup process.

Step #5 – After the setup, connect with a reliable VPN server. NordVPN offers streaming-optimized servers and Quick Connect features to ensure you are always connected to an appropriate VPN server.

Step #6 – Open the Plex platform and bypass geo-restriction to stream your favorite content using different server locations!

It’s as easy as clapping. But, these setup steps tend to vary according to the apps you will use. For instance, if you’re setting up a NordVPN on a router, it requires specific configuration changes.

What to Look for in the Best Plex VPN?

You can’t go wrong when you pick a Plex VPN for your entire streaming experience. As you’re planning to pick the best VPN for Plex, you need to make sure that:

  • The servers are all across the world
  • All the servers are RAM-based
  • Streaming-optimized servers are there
  • Dedicated app support for all devices
  • Support port forwarding and Split tunneling
  • Kill switch and leak protections
  • There is dedicated customer support to resolve all of your queries
  • Keep these things in point, and we are sure you will pick the best VPN for Plex.

The Best VPNs For Streaming Plex – Our Detailed List

Overview

  • NordVPN: Plex media server support, DNS leak protection, port forwarding, compatibility with leading devices, direct access to restricted sites and content, audited no-log policy, and dedicated customer support.
  • PrivadoVPN: Reliable Plex VPN with powerful encryption, quick bypass geo-restrictions, unblocks Netflix, and a dedicated app for premium streaming services.
  • CyberGhost: Best possible money-back guarantee, extensive server network, streaming optimized servers, and US-based servers.
  • ExpressVPN: Best known for premium security features, quick server switch, highly responsive customer support, and 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • VeePN: User-friendly VPN with split tunneling, dedicated servers in the US, and compatibility with leading streaming platforms.

After this crisp overview, it’s time to have a detailed understanding of these best VPNs for Plex.

#1 – NordVPN – Best value for money

nordvpn logo

NordVPN is packed with every possible feature and facility that an ideal Plex VPN should offer. For instance, it has port forwarding, streaming-optimized servers, and split tunneling. In addition, it lets you access the Plex server remotely.

As you stream Plex with NordVPN, you don’t have to worry about excessive bandwidth consumption as it provides unlimited bandwidth. You can stream as much as you want. Streaming is on an entirely new level with NordVPN ON, as it supports 4K and HD streaming on all the leading devices.

Regarding device compatibility, it is hard to beat what NordVPN offers, as almost every device is supported. There are dedicated app support for SmartTV, mobile phones, PCs, laptops, and routers.

The router app makes it easy to encrypt incoming traffic. The best part is that router configuration and setup are not too cumbersome. There are detailed guides and tutorials to help you at every step.

If you’re still facing any troubles, connect with NordVPN’s dedicated customer support team, and you will soon get expert advice. That’s what you can expect from a reliable VPN, right? But NordVPN has more to offer.

For instance, it has dedicated US servers to help you bypass geo-restrictions imposed. Anyone can easily connect with these US servers and stream Plex worldwide. You have a money-back guarantee and a free trial facility to enjoy with NordVPN. So, you can easily use this VPN bypass for the Plex media server.

In short, NordVPN is worthy of your trust, and try as it will never betray you.

Key Points

  • An adblocker is there to block ads on Plex (best Adblockers)
  • NordLynx is a high-speed tunneling protocol
  • Meshnet and split tunneling advanced features
  • The trial is not for every app
  • Ultra HD playback capability
  • 1970+ servers in the US

Get the Best Deal on NordVPN

#2 – PrivadoVPN – Easy-to-use VPN for Plex

privadovpn logo

Even though PrivadoVPN is a new entrant in the world of VPN, it never failed to disappoint us with its impressive features. Port forwarding, speeding servers, dedicated servers in the US, military-grade encryption, and dedicated app support; whatever name you have in mind as a reliable feature, PrivadoVPN will offer you.

Connecting with the port-forwarding feature is super easy. All you need to do is enter the port number in the Plex settings. Along with port forwarding, you have advanced features like leak protection, kill switch, and connection guard features to enjoy with PrivadoVPN.

Key Points

Get the Best Deal on PrivadoVPN

#3 – CyberGhost – Best VPN with the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost VPN logo

CyberGhost is worthy of your trust as this VPN has over 1300 servers in the US that provide dedicated IP addresses. Hence, no one will have any hassle accessing and unblocking Plex. Your streaming quality will not drop as you use this VPN, as it supports HD and 4K streaming. With unlimited bandwidth, this VPN provides the ultimate peace of mind.

Your operations and workflow will remain protected because there is IP and DNS leak protection. You can use it on as many as 7 devices at a time and stream without fear.

The VPN is straightforward to use. All of its apps are delivered with a one-step installation and setup process. If you face any troubles, you have nothing to worry about, as this VPN provides dedicated support for every app setup.

Along with Plex, it works with BBC iPlayer, Netflix (VPN Netflix), Disney+ (VPN Disney+), Amazon Prime (VPN Amazon Prime), and many other streaming platforms. With such streaming support, you will definitely taste the best streaming experience.

Key Points

  • A handy kill switch
  • Ad blocking is possible
  • There is no port forwarding support
  • It can easily pair with Tomato and DD-WRT firmware
  • It even supports Kodi Plex servers

Get the Best Deal on CyberGhost

#4 – ExpressVPN – Overall best Plex VPN

expressvpn logo clear

ExpressVPN needs no introduction as this world-famous streaming VPN offers streaming-optimized VPNs and works seamlessly with Plex.

Every advanced security and streaming-specific feature is offered by ExpressVPN. As long as you have this VPN by your side, there is nothing to worry about.

It has over 3,000 servers worldwide and offers dedicated servers in the US. Connect with these servers, and you’re good to go.

As all its servers are speedy, you will have no hassles in streaming HD and 4K videos. You can stream as much as you want with unlimited bandwidth and no data-capping features.

Key Points

  • Military-grade encryption and perfect forward secrecy features
  • Live chat support representatives are available 24*7
  • Dedicated MediaStreamer DNS service
  • Adjustable DNS settings for SmartTV and gaming consoles
  • The price is a little on the higher side

Get the Best Deal on ExpressVPN

#5 – VeePN – VPN for Plex with ultra-fast speed 

veepn logo

Lastly, we have VeePN to recommend to you as this best VPN for Plex can unblock blocked websites and geo-restricted content over a single click. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you will have to go through the hassle of claiming your money if you’re unsatisfied with its performance.

However, this is a very rare case.

Along with unblocking Plex content, this VPN can improve the overall streaming experience.

You can stay away from ISP throttling as it lets you switch VPN servers in between. You can switch servers as much as you want. Yes, there are no limitations.

As you stream on Plex, the speed is decent with Plex VPN. It has a strict no-log policy and adheres to it by all means possible. It has over 2,500 servers all over the world, and all of its servers are best known for blazing speed.

With its DNS leak protection, there are no hassles to face. It encrypts the DNS queries and ensures they do not interact with any outside DNS provider.

Key Points

  • OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and Shadowsocks protocols
  • Responsive Kill Switch
  • Double VPN

Get the Best Deal on VeePN

Have a look at this quick comparison table for a better understanding.

 

NordVPN

Privado VPN

CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

VeePN

Our Ranking 

1

2

3

4

6

Servers 

5,241

200+

8,899

3,200+

2,500+

Streaming Optimized Servers 

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Countries Served 

59

44

91

94

42

Jurisdiction

Panama

Sweden

Romania

British Virgin Islands

Panama

HD Plex Streaming 

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Log Keeping 

No

No

No

No

No

Average Speed 

100+ Mbps

71+Mbps

95+Mbps

100+Mbps

80+Mbps

Smart DNS

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Free Trial 

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Encryption Used 

AES with 256-bit keys

256-bit encryption.

AES 256-bit cipher with a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA256 for authentication

4096-bit CA,AES-256-CBC encryption, and TLSv1.2

256-bit advanced encryption

Simultaneous Connections 

6

10

7<

5

10

Port Forwarding 

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Split Tunneling 

On Android and PC

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Streaming Services 

Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, HBO Max, Sport1, Eurosport, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, BT Sport, and ESPN,

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, BT Sport, ESPN, and HBO Max

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, BT Sport, ESPN, and HBO Max

YouTube, Sports1, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, BT Sport, ESPN, and HBO Max

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and BT Sport

How We Tested and Selected These VPNs?

As you plan to use a VPN for Plex, you must understand that not every ordinary VPN will do the job. Certain features make a VPN suitable for streaming services usage. Being a VPN expert, we tested all the under-observations VPNs based on the following parameters:

Port forwarding

Port-forwarding is a critical feature that every Plex VPN should have so that you can enjoy remote access to Plex. With port forwarding, it’s easy to connect remotely to the home server. Hence, the VPN you’re going to for Plex must have port forwarding.

Wide server network featuring high-speed servers

Server network matters as the wider it is, the more and more people can access geo-restricted content with Plex. Along with wide accessibility, the server network should have US-based servers offering dedicated IP addresses. It is important as Plex is unrestricted in the US, and connecting to such servers means easy unblocking of Plex.

We also checked the speed of the servers, as there is no point in having a VPN server not responding. Streaming high-quality videos requires a blazing-speed server. You need to make sure that the download server speed is not less than 90 MPS.

Impressive security features

The quality of a VPN is defined by the security features it offers. A Plex VPN must have military-grade encryption, multiple security protocols, a kill switch, leak protection, and a Double VPN to provide sufficient protection.

With these security features, no VPN is worthy of your trust. We personally checked the security offerings of the listed VPNs and even checked the claims.

Streaming-specific features

Among the traits we verified, certain features are streaming-specific. For instance, Split Tunneling ensures that only a specific app is enjoying the power of a VPN at a time. Then there are streaming-optimized servers that are lightweight and have blazing speed.

With unlimited bandwidth, it also offers an unlimited simultaneous connections feature to ensure no restrictions as you stream. You can stream as much as you want and over as many devices as you have. In addition, the VPN for Plex should be able to work with streaming services. If it’s not compatible with the streaming platform, there is no point in having other features.

Device compatibility

We are surrounded by data-driven devices. Some like to stream using their mobile phones, while many prefer SmartTV. An ideal VPN for Plex can provide VPN protection on all devices. One VPN must be capable of working over iOS, Android, Mac, Linux (VPN for Linux), and smart TVs.

Having a router VPN app or router compatibility is like icing on the cake, as one solution will be able to protect the entire incoming traffic.

These were our primary selection and analysis criteria. However, the list didn’t end here. There were other factors, such as a money-back guarantee, customer support, no-log policy, audits of the no-log policy, and transparency in the operations, that we took into consideration while shortlisting the best VPNs for Plex.

Plex not Working with a VPN – Here’s How to Fix It

At times, despite doing everything right, things don’t turn out as you thought. The same is the case with Plex VPN as well. Even if you pick the best possible option, you will find that Plex is not responding or a VPN is not working.

If you’re also facing this, you first need to understand the cause of this trouble and then learn about the possible ways to fix it. We’re going to help in both jobs.

The possible reasons behind the non-functional Plex streaming platform with VPN or vice-versa are:

  • Blacking listing of the VPN server. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Plex keep track of the most commonly used VPN servers and block an IP address if it’s coming from them.
  • Outdated OS of the device. If your device is not running on the latest OS, then the possibilities are high that Plex will stop responding.
  • Outdated browsers, as they might fail to make Plex work with an active VPN.
  • Saved cookies and cache data leak the IP address (learn how to change your IP here).

If any of this happens to you, Plex will stop working even with the best Plex VPN. To fix these issues, you can try the following:

  • To keep switching servers in between to avoid activity logging
  • Use a suitable tunneling protocol so that a VPN can work with Plex
  • Updating the OS and browser servers of the devices you’re using
  • Clearing up the cookies and cached data regularly

Have you tried everything, and Plex is still not working with a VPN? It means things have gone beyond your hands, and you need experts’ help to fix these issues. So, it’s better to contact customer support and follow the instructions.

Also, you need to make sure that the VPN is the best in class. If you’re using a VPN with poor bypassing or other capabilities, there is no point in making any effort, as it will not work. 

Can You Use a Free VPN for Plex?

With many ads for free VPNs on your browsers, searching for ‘best VPNs for Plex’ can make you wonder whether using the best free VPN on Plex is a great idea. Well, we are here to put an end to this dilemma. In theory, you can use a free VPN for Plex and other streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and many more.

But, practically, there is hardly any free VPN ideal for streaming. Most free VPNs have limited servers, no or very few tunneling protocols, don’t adhere to the no-log policy, and even can’t block ads. So, you will have a very basic browsing experience with a free VPN.

Instead of wasting your time on free VPNs for Plex, we recommend using a paid VPN that offers a free trial and a money-back guarantee. Such VPNs provide the best value for invested money.

We have good news to share if you’re still looking for free VPNs. As we tested over a hundred VPNs, we came across some free VPNs that could work up to some extent. These VPNs are only suitable if you’re an occasional Plex user.

The Best, The Worst Free VPN For Plex

The Best

Our recommendations are TunnelBear and Windscribe. TunnelBear is a well-known free Plex VPN with features like a no-log policy, blazing speed, great UI, a decent server network, and powerful encryption.

The only issue with TunnelBear is it only works on Android and iOS devices. You can’t enjoy VPN protection on SmartTV.

Windscribe, our second option, is also considered worthy as it offers AES-256 encryption, ad-blocking facilities, a kill switch, and many more. But it has servers only in 10 countries. So, the reach will be very limited.

The Worst

While the above two are worth a try, there are some free VPNs you need to avoid for sure. Here is what we meant:

Hotspot Shield should be avoided at every cost. FTC has charged this VPN heavily by violating user privacy and saving cookies and browsing data without asking for users’ consent. Not only this, but the VPN is also known for injecting corrupted JavaScript codes. It’s something that no one wants to deal with.

Hola is also another free VPN that you should stay away from. Data logging, routing traffic via nodes, and data theft are the common issues with this VPN. So, it’s better to avoid this altogether.

Lastly, we will alert you to avoid Zenmate, as it’s famous for leaking IP addresses. The server network is also not very impressive. All in all, it’s here to disappoint you big time.

Conclusion

With the right VPNs for Plex, you can easily access blocked Plex, eliminate geo-restrictions from the library, and improve the streaming experience. We conducted market research and have come up with a crisp list of the best Plex VPNs. Try them out today and enjoy uninterrupted streaming on Plex.

Related articles:

FAQs

Is it illegal to watch Plex with a VPN?

Using a VPN for Plex or any access restricted streaming sites is not at all unlawful. VPN is a legit tool that is often used to improve online security. However, some countries are against its use. Russia, North Korea, and Iran are a few names to take here. They ban VPNs because their usage makes it difficult to track online activities, and these countries have imposed heavy censorship.

Can I use a free VPN to access Plex?
Can I access the Plex server remotely with a VPN service?
How secure is Plex remote?

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