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Best VPNs for Plex in USA 2023: Tried & Tested 

Last updated: September 26, 2023

Kyle Morrow

Recommended VPNs for Plex in terms of Security and Privacy!

If you’re a Plex user in USA, 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 for Plex in USA, 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 by providing you with a US IP address outside USA, 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 VPNs for Plex in USA. With one of these best VPN services, 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 in USA, let’s see which ones made it to our list.

ExpressVPN is our top pick for the best Plex VPN in USA. 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.

How to Use a VPN with Plex in USA: Quick Guide

5 Best VPNs for Plex in USA in 2023: Side by Side Comparison

Before we discuss each VPN service in detail, here is a side-by-side comparison to visually show you the different features provided by each of the best VPNs for Plex services.

The Best VPN for Plex in USA – 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. Based on those tests, ExpressVPN stands out as the true champion. It offers fast speeds and smooth connections with reliable unblocking, perfect for Plex.

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Plex in USA

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 in USA. 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 ExpressVPN free trial on Android and iOS. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are also available. It is its diverse compatibility and flexibility on various devices that makes ExpressVPN the best VPN for Roku in USA.

Configuring ExpressVPN on your router in USA 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 ExpressVPN speed test in USA Plex resulted in an average speed of 90 Mbps, and we could easily watch our favorite content on the streaming platform and download it at 89.42 Mbps, and you can easily upload content at 84.64 Mbps.

ExpressVPN servers can also unblock other popular platforms due to the presence of its Media Streamer feature. If you are wondering how to get a VPN on Netflix, ExpressVPN is the man for the job. It unblocks various services, including Netflix with ExpressVPN, Hulu with ExpressVPN, Disney+, BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN, HBO Max, and more. We also found it to be the best VPN for Shudder and DStv.

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

The famous debate on ExpressVPN’s price is never-ending. While it’s true that ExpressVPN is expensive compared to other providers, if you opt for a longer-term plan, then it can fall into the economical cap. Plus, you always have the option to cancel your ExpressVPN subscription in USA.

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. If you are curious to find out more about this amazing service, check out ExpressVPN review in USA.

2. Surfshark: Budget-Friendly VPN for Plex in USA

Surfshark is the best budget pick for Plex streaming, offering an economical plan costing US$ 2.49 /mo (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) 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 due to its AES 256-bit military-grade encryption protocols and top-notch features.

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 Firestick in USA, 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 speed test in USA resulted in an average speed of 85 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 with Surfshark, BBC iPlayer with Surfshark, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Disney+ with Surfshark, Hulu, and more. In fact, we found this VPN to be the best VPN for Sky Witness as well.

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 try out this service and the features offered by taking advantage of the Surfshark free trial, available for 7 days.

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 24/7 live chat customer support is vigilant, and you can contact them at any hour via the 24/7 live chat option on the official website. Read Surfshark review in USA, where we discuss this VPN in more detail.

3. NordVPN: Massive Server Network for Plex in USA

NordVPN has the largest network of servers and is a secure VPN for Plex, offering a massive server network of 5600 servers in 59 countries.

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.

It is the best VPN with OpenVPN services, and this can be seen by the presence of double VPN and Onion over VPN in USA. 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 with NordVPN, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS are available. 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 in USA resulted in an average speed of 88 Mbps, and the streaming experience was smooth. We could easily access libraries of other regions, and no buffering screens were witnessed.

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

As touched upon before, other features you can use with NordVPN are a 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 that costs US$ 3.99 /mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan).

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. Read NordVPN review in USA to know about the ins and outs of this service.

4. CyberGhost: Best Plex VPN for Newbies in USA

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 with CyberGhost, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, Disney+, HBO Max, Willow TV, and more. Not just streaming services, CyberGhost is equipped to bypass all sorts of restrictions. This makes it the best VPN for Instagram.

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 US$ 2.29 /mo 79% Discount. However, the payment is to be done upfront.

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

5. IPVanish: Strong and Reliable Connections for Plex in USA

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 an independent third party has audited.

Just like all the other top VPNs on our list, IPVanish 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 80+ 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 US$ 3.99 /mo 69% Off. 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 review in USA!

Methodology: Choosing the Best VPN for Plex in USA

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 do you need a VPN for Plex in USA?

There are several reasons why you should use a VPN with Plex. Using the best VPN for Plex 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 in USA

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.

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 a 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 in USA?

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 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 in USA

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 in USA?

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.

What to Watch on Plex in USA?

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 in USA

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 in USA.

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 is truly the best VPN for Plex 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.