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Best VPN for Plex in 2022

Last updated: January 19, 2023

Kyle Morrow

Recommended VPNs for Plex in terms of Security and Privacy!

If you’re a Plex user, then you know that it’s one of the best media streaming platforms out there. It has an impressive library of movies, TV shows, and music, and it’s constantly expanding. It even allows you to store your own media files and stream them to any device, anywhere in the world.

However, Plex is not without its flaws. One of the biggest problems is geo-restrictions. Unless you’re using the best VPN service, you’ll only be able to access a handful of channels outside the US. This can be a major drawback, especially if you’re traveling or living in a country with limited Plex content.

A VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and give you access to the full Plex library. VPNs can also encrypt your traffic, so your ISP can’t throttle your connection and you’ll always be safe from cyberattacks and snoopers on the open internet.

We’ve put together a list of the best VPN for Plex. With one of these VPNs, you’ll be able to unblock any geo-restricted content and enjoy your favorite movies.

Just like Kodi, which is another popular open source media player, Plex too can be further expanded and customized by installing various add-ons. But since we’re specifically talking about a VPN for Plex, let’s see which ones made it to our list.

ExpressVPN is our top pick for the best Plex VPN. It’s a reliable and fast VPN service with servers in over 90 countries. With ExpressVPN, you’ll be able to unblock any geo-restricted content on Plex and stream your favorite movies and TV shows from anywhere in the world.

However, there are other tough competitors too, to check them out, here is a quick analysis below.

Best VPN for Plex: Quick Overview

1. ExpressVPN: Bypass Geo-Restrictions for Plex. 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries.
2. NordVPN: Massive Server Network for Plex. 5600+ Servers in 59+ Countries.
3. Surfshark: Budget-Friendly VPN for Plex. 3200+ Servers in 65+ Countries.
4. CyberGhost: Best Plex VPN for Newbies. 6000+ Servers in 88 Countries.
5. IPVanish: Strong and Reliable Connections for Plex.  2000+ Servers in 75 Countries.

How to Use a VPN with Plex: Quick Guide

The 5 Best VPNs for Streaming Plex in 2022: Detailed Analysis

Here is an in-depth analysis of the best VPNs to use with Plex. All of the providers have been thoroughly tested by our team of experts.

1. ExpressVPN: Bypass Geo-Restrictions for Plex

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Plex which can bypass geo-restrictions from anywhere. The provider offers fast speeds, high-end security, and rotating servers so you’ll get a new IP address every time you connect to an ExpressVPN server.

Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is super secure. It falls out of the jurisdiction of 14 Eyes. The service is covered with a strict no-logs policy which has been audited by an independent third party called PwC.

ExpressVPN offers lightweight apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can try their 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are also available.

Configuring ExpressVPN on your router is really easy if you use the dedicated router app it offers. However, if you don’t want to do that, ExpressVPN allows 5 connections simultaneously. All you need to do is download and install the app on each device.

The speed test for ExpressVPN Plex resulted in an average speed of 93 Mbps and we could easily watch our favorite content on the streaming platform.

ExpressVPN servers can also unblock other popular platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more.

Handy features of ExpressVPN include; Split Tunneling, Network Lock, WebRTC/DNS/IP Leak Protection, MediaStreamer, AES 256-bit Encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and P2P Support.

The famous debate on ExpressVPN’s price is never-ending. While that’s true that ExpressVPN is expensive comparing it to other providers but if you opt for a longer-term plan then it can fall into the economical cap.

For queries, you can visit the ExpressVPN website and talk to a human representative any time of the day via the 24/7 live chat option.

Learn more about the provider by visiting our detailed guide for ExpressVPN!

2. NordVPN: Massive Server Network for Plex

NordVPN is a secure VPN for Plex offering a massive server network of 5600+ Servers in 59+.

NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN where data retention laws are non-existent and no members of the 14 Eyes can reach your data. The provider also has a strict no-logs policy audited by PwC, an independent third party from the Big Fours.

The encryption method that NordVPN uses is the military-grade AES 256-bit method and the protocols you can use are IKEv2, OpenVPN, and NordLynx, a custom Nord protocol based on WireGuard.

Compatible apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS are available with NordVPN. Plus if you only want to secure your browser traffic then NordVPN offers extensions for Chrome and Firefox too.

6 simultaneous connections are allowed with a single subscription plan but you can cover all your devices with only 1 connection if you configure NordVPN on your router.

NordVPN Plex speed test resulted in an average speed of 92 Mbps and the streaming experience was smooth. We could easily access libraries of other regions and no buffering screens were witnessed.

Other than Plex, NordVPN can unblock many other popular platforms including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Crunchyroll, and more.

More features you can use with NordVPN are; Built-in Kill Switch, Onion over VPN, CyberSec, Double VPN, P2P Servers, Split Tunneling, Smart DNS, and Threat Protection.

To sign up for NordVPN, you need to choose one of the 3 plans the service offers. A monthly plan that costs $11.99, a 1-year plan that costs $4.99/mo., and a 2-year plan that costs $3.99/mo.

NordVPN customer support is available 24/7 via the live chat option on the official website so you reach them any time of the day for your queries and technical difficulties.

Learn more about the provider by visiting our detailed guide for NordVPN!

3. Surfshark: Budget-Friendly VPN for Plex

Surfshark is the best budget pick for Plex streaming offering an economical plan costing $2.49/mo only on its 2-year service.

The provider was introduced in 2018 but it immediately captured the VPN market and now it’s compared to the big guns.

Surfshark is registered in the British Virgin Islands which makes it a safe VPN choice for streaming on Plex. The strict no-logs policy is also in place which has been audited by an independent third party called Cure53, so you don’t have to worry about your data being logged or tracked.

As long as compatibility is concerned, Surfshark offers apps for all widely-used platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Plus you can install the browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Surfshark encrypts your traffic with the market standard AES 256-bit method. Also, you can switch between advanced protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard according to your nature of operations.

The Surfshark Plex test resulted in an average speed of 92 Mbps and we could safely access the streaming service outside of the US with high resolution and no buffering screens.

Surfshark servers are optimized enough to unblock all major streaming platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Disney+, Hulu, and more.

There are no limits on simultaneous connections if you have a Surfshark account. This is what makes this provider the best VPN for multiple devices.

You can explore more features of Surfshark that give you a helping hand in maximizing your online security. Some of the features are; Camouflage Mode, NoBorders, Kill Switch, MultiHop, Bypasser, CleanWeb, and Smart DNS.

Surfshark’s customer support is vigilant and you can contact them at any hour via the 24/7 live chat option on the official website.

Learn more about the provider by visiting our detailed guide for Surfshark!

4. CyberGhost: Best Plex VPN for Newbies

CyberGhost is the user-friendly VPN for Plex offering lightweight and easy-to-navigate apps for all platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Plus, browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

The provider is registered in the Romania region which doesn’t qualify as a member of the 14 Eyes. On top of that, it has a strict no-logs policy but no independent audits have been performed on the service’s log policy since 2012.

CyberGhost uses the standard AES 256-bit method to encrypt user traffic and advanced protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec further enhance the security of your online presence.

The CyberGhost Plex test resulted in an average speed of 83 Mbps and taking advantage of the rich pool of 6000+ servers in 88 countries, we could easily access libraries of different regions and watch the content with no buffering screens.

Other streaming platforms that CyberGhost can easily unblock are Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.

CyberGhost offers 7 simultaneous connections from which you can easily cover all your devices. However, if that’s not enough, you can configure CyberGhost manually on your router to secure all the devices that are connected to your Wi-Fi network.

One of the amazing things about CyberGhost is the money-back guarantee. It offers a 45-day refund policy which no other providers from this list offer.

More features of CyberGhost include; Split Tunneling, VPN Kill Switch, NoSpy Servers, Smart Rules, IP/DNS/WebRTC Leak Protection, and Dedicated IPs.

With all of these astonishing features, you might wonder if the provider has a high price tag. But that’s not the case. CyberGhost offers an economical 3-year plan that only costs $2.29/mo. However, the payment is to be done upfront.

Learn more about the provider by visiting our detailed guide for CyberGhost!

5. IPVanish: Strong and Reliable Connections for Plex

IPVanish is a strong VPN that offers reliable connections for Plex to stream smoothly on local and international libraries.

The provider is based in the US, which is a 14 Eyes member but IPVanish assures its customers that no data is collected or logged. Plus the service has a strict no-logs policy which has been audited by an independent third party.

Just like all the other top VPNs on our list, IPVanish too encrypts your traffic with the AES 256-bit method and the protocol options are; WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec.

IPVanish is compatible with all platforms including Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and Linux. Some routers are also supported and you can set it up on your router with manual configuration.

The IPVanish Plex test resulted in an average speed of 62 Mbps and the streaming quality was top-notch with no buffering screens and we could easily access Plex libraries of other regions.

You can connect to 2000+ servers in 75 countries which are optimized for major streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+, and more.

IPVanish has no limits on simultaneous connection so you can use as many devices as you want with a single subscription plan.

More features of IPVanish include; SOCK5 Proxy, Automatic Startup, Shared IP Addresses, Split Tunneling, Kill Switch, Smart DNS, and IP/DNS/WebRTC Leak Protection.

The prices of IPVanish are economical. The 1-year plan offers the best deal which has a cost of $3.99/mo. The payment is required upfront and it is covered with the 30-day money-back offer.

Learn more about the provider by visiting our detailed guide for IPVanish!

Methodology: Choosing the Best VPN for Plex

Not all VPNs are created equal. When choosing a Plex VPN, there are several factors you need to take into account:

• Huge Server Network: The more servers a VPN has, the better. A large server network means that you’ll always be able to find a server that can unblock Plex.
• Fast Connection Speeds: You need a fast connection for HD streaming. Any lag or buffering is incredibly frustrating and will ruin your viewing experience.
• Strong Encryption and Security: A VPN + Plex is a great combination. It will keep your data safe with military-grade encryption and robust security protocols while you’re watching your favorite content.
• Compatibility For All: The best VPN for Plex should be compatible with all major operating systems and devices.
• Quality Price Ratio: You don’t want to overpay for a VPN. But, at the same time, you want to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Look for a VPN with a great price-to-quality ratio.
• Privacy: The VPN should have a strict no-logs policy audited by an independent organization. This ensures that your data will never be stored or shared.
• Customer Support: If you run into any problems, you want to be able to reach customer support easily. 24/7 live chat support is ideal.

Why Use a VPN with Plex: 4 Reasons

There are several reasons why you should use a VPN with Plex. A VPN will give you the following benefits:

Beat ISP Throttling:

If your ISP notices that you’re streaming a lot of data, they may throttle your connection. This means that your speeds will be artificially slower.

A VPN encrypts your traffic and makes it look like regular internet usage. This hides your streaming activity from your ISP so they can’t throttle your speeds.

Bypass Geo-Restrictions

Plex is only available in a handful of countries. If you’re outside of the supported countries, you won’t be able to stream anything.

But, if you connect to a VPN server in a supported country, you’ll be able to unblock Plex and stream all your favorite shows and movies.

Geoblocks on Plex

If you want to bypass geo blocks on Plex, you need to connect to a VPN server in a country where Plex is available. For example, if you’re trying to stream from the US library, you’ll need to connect to a US server.

Once connected, all your traffic will be routed through the VPN server. This will give you a new IP address from the country of your choice.

Now, when you try to access Plex, it will think that you’re located in the country of the VPN server. This allows you to unblock geo-restricted content and stream anything you want.

Accessing Geo-Restricted Content on Plex with a VPN

For demonstration, we tried accessing NBC from outside the US without a VPN. But we were immediately stopped and received the following error message:

“We’re sorry. NBC is only available in the United States.”

Then, we connected to a US server and tried again. This time, we were able to stream NBC without any issues.

Using a VPN is the only way to access the geo-restricted content on Plex. If you try to stream without a VPN, you’ll be blocked every single time.

And if you’re wondering what VPN works with Plex then we recommend ExpressVPN as the provider works 100% on the platform and many other streaming sites.

How to Install Plex on Different Platforms

If you’re unfamiliar with the realm of streaming, setting up Plex might be tough. Don’t worry; We’ve got you covered. We’ve provided simple Plex installation instructions for Mac, Android, iOS, and FireTV below.

Installing Plex on Mac

If you’re going to use Plex on your Mac then a VPN is necessary. Choose the best VPN for Mac first and then connect to a server location of your choice to bypass geo-restrictions.

Here is a step-by-step process of installing Plex on Mac.

Installing Plex on Android

If you’re going to use Plex on your Android device then a VPN is necessary. Choose the best VPN for Android first and then connect to a server location of your choice to bypass geo-restrictions.

Here is a step-by-step process of installing Plex on Android devices.

Installing Plex on iOS

You can easily install Plex on your iOS and use a VPN to access geo-restricted content.

Installing Plex on Firestick or Fire TV

You can use Plex on Firestick or Fire TV with the help of a VPN.

Set up a VPN on your router for Plex

Some streaming devices on which you’re using Plex might not support VPNs. In this case, we can either create a virtual router or set up a VPN on a router.

A virtual router will require another computer to share a VPN connection but that PC should be on all the time as it is the source of the connection. Once that source is cut off, your VPN connection is cut.

So the convenient option would be the second one, which is to configure Plex with VPN on your router.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for routers as the provider offers a dedicated router app from which you can easily carry out the setup process. Check out this detailed guide: How to Set up ExpressVPN on a Router.

Should I Use a Free VPN for Plex?

No, you should not use a free VPN for Plex. Free VPNs come with several risks that can jeopardize your online security and privacy.

First of all, most free VPNs keep logs of user data which can be used to track and hack you. Second, they don’t have strong security features like military-grade encryption which makes you vulnerable to cyber threats like hacking and surveillance.

Last but not the least, free VPNs have a very small number of servers which results in overcrowding and slow speeds. This is extremely frustrating when you’re trying to stream media on Plex.

To sum it up, we recommend that you use a paid VPN for Plex like ExpressVPN which offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you can try out the service before making a long-term commitment.

VPNs to Avoid for Plex

There are certain VPNs that we recommend you avoid if you want to use Plex. These are:

Hotspot Shield

The FTC has previously accused Hotspot Shield of privacy breaches, including the use of unsolicited tracking cookies, embedded JavaScript codes, and redirected HTTP requests to affiliate sites. We suggest that you stay away from this VPN provider.

HolaVPN

HolaVPN has been caught selling user bandwidth, which is a major security concern. This means that your data and device IP can be used without your knowledge to carry out malicious activities. We recommend avoiding this provider.

Zenmate

Zenmate had issues with VPN leaks previously which can jeopardize the security of your data by revealing your true location and IP address. Also, Zenmate took much longer to address the problem, and it was the most terrible aspect of all.

Why is Plex not working with a VPN?

While the best-rated Plex VPNs will work without issue, there may come a time when you run into difficulties. As a result, learning how to fix them is critical. Discover tried and true solutions that address the most common Plex VPN issues below:

• Connect to a different server location. If you’re trying to watch a geo-restricted channel on Plex and it’s not working, try connecting to a different server location.
• Update VPN app. Another quick fix is to make sure that your VPN app is up to date. Older versions may not be compatible with the latest version of Plex, so it’s important to keep everything current.
• Clear the cache and cookies. Clearing your web browser’s cache and cookies can also help to resolve problems. This will clear out any stored data that could be causing conflicts.
• Check if your IP is leaking. If you’re still having trouble, it’s possible that your IP is leaking. This can happen if your VPN connection drops for any reason. To check, visit ipleak.net and look for your IP address in the results. If it’s there, you’ll need to find a new VPN provider.
• Set your firewall to allow the Plex connection. If your firewall is on, make sure that it’s properly configured to allow the Plex connection. Otherwise, you may need to whitelist the IP address of your VPN server.
• Reboot your device. Sometimes, all you need to do is reboot your device. This will close any open apps and clear out any temporary data that could be causing problems.
• Reach out to the customer support. If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having trouble, the next step is to reach out to your VPN’s customer support. They should be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and get Plex working again.
• Switch to another VPN provider. If you’ve tried everything and you’re still not having any luck, it may be time to switch to another VPN provider. There are plenty of great options out there, so don’t hesitate to shop around until you find one that works for you.

How Do I Join Plex?

If you’re new to Plex, you may be wondering how to join the media streaming platform. Luckily, it’s a simple process. Just follow the steps below:

That’s it, you have joined Plex. You can now download the Plex Media Server on your device and sign in with your newly created account to start streaming.

What to Watch on Plex?

There is a wide range of content available with Plex including movies, TV shows, and TV channels. If you find something geo-blocked in your region, you can use a Plex VPN to unblock it. Here are some of the most popular channels that are worth checking out:

• The CW
• ABC
• PBS
• Telemundo
• NBC
• PBS Kids
• FOX
• CBS
• Univision
• MyNetworkTV

FAQs: Best Plex VPN

Can I use Plex overseas?

The content delivered by Plex TV to regions other than the US are less popular movies and TV shows. To bypass geo-restrictions and access the shows you want, you need to use a VPN or a proxy.

Is Plex illegal streaming?

Plex is perfectly legal as you’re using their servers to stream online and uploading your personal media by acquiring it and then reproducing it legally.

How many Mbps do I need for Plex?

1. Our recommendation is to have at least 50 Mbps for a 20 Mbps bitrate video.
2. Also, avoid WiFi connections and use LAN instead to achieve the speed that is needed to play your video smoothly.

How much is a Plex account?

Advanced users should consider signing up for the Plex Pass account. The monthly plan costs $4.99, the annual plan costs $39.99, and the lifetime plan costs $119.99.

What is the difference between Plex and Netflix?

Plex isn’t a streaming service like Netflix but Plex is a media server. You’ll be providing your own content instead of relying on a streaming service’s library, that keeps removing old titles and add new titles from month to month.

Bottom Line

Plex is a great media streaming platform, but it’s not without its limitations. If you want to watch geo-blocked content on Plex, you’ll need to use the best VPN for Plex.

Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a small selection of channels. But with so many VPNs on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

Our recommendation would be to go for ExpressVPN. It’s a reliable and user-friendly VPN that can unblock Plex with ease. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.