7 Best VPNs for Plex in 2023

Plex Media Server is an online media collection platform that allows you to store and watch all your movies, TV shows, music, and photos on any of your devices. While streaming services like Netflix and Hulu can be convenient, Plex allows you to keep, organize, and then stream to any of your devices at your leisure.

So imagine this: You get home from a long day at work. You kick off your shoes, change into something comfortable, and are ready to relax and unwind to your favorite movie. You turn on Plex from your smart TV, only to receive the message:

“Streaming unavailable in your region.”

This may make you angry enough to chuck the remote at the TV, but wait! This is actually an issue you can easily fix simply by using a reliable, secure Virtual Private Network (VPN).

7 Best VPNs for Plex

Curious about the best VPN for Plex? We tested over 3 dozen VPNs and ranked our top 7 for you!

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Plex Server

ExpressVPN has lightning-fast speed capabilities on each of its 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, so not only will you have plenty of options from which to choose, but you won’t have to deal with buffering or lagging issues. ExpressVPN also has a built-in speed test feature that helps you choose the fastest server.

Security isn’t an issue either when it comes to ExpressVPN, with DNS leak protection, a zero-logs policy, split tunneling, and a built-in Kill Switch. Plus, it has 256-bit military-grade encryption so your activity and personal info will always remain secure.

2. NordVPN — Great VPN Server Speeds

NordVPN is another one of the best VPNs when it comes to watching Plex. With rocket fast speeds, military-grade security protocols, and a network of over 5,200 servers in 60 countries around the globe, you will have no trouble at all streaming Plex with this VPN. Nord allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, and it has a Kill Switch, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. It’s also compatible with a wide range of operating systems, so you’ll be able to watch on multiple devices like Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, or Apple TV with no problem.

3. Surfshark — Unlimited Device Connections

SurfShark is another one of Plex users’ favorite VPN services. With its 3,200 servers in more than 65 countries, you’ll have no trouble streaming content using Plex, and you will also be able to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming services.

Surfshark also offers users the same top privacy and security protections as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, with military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and leak protection, making it a safe VPN for Plex remote access. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you and your family can all be streaming video content at once for a crazy low price of only around $2/month!

4. Cyberghost — 45-day Money-Back Guarantee

Cyberghost is a great VPN provider for novices, with a user-friendly app, one-click download, and even suggestions for choosing the right server for streaming on platforms like BBC iPlayer or Youtube.

With over 7,000 servers in 90+ countries, it will be easy to access geo-restricted content from anywhere around the world; and in terms of security, CyberGhost offers top protections, like a no logs policy, OpenVPN protocol, and 256-bit encryption, so you can use Plex confidently and securely.

With CyberGhost’s streaming servers, you will be able to unblock all the Plex plugins you need, and it’s also compatible with and can be used with Synology NAS, which is a storage device that supports Kodi Plex servers.

5. UltraVPN — Servers Across All Continents

UltraVPN is a smaller service, with only around 100 servers in about 50 countries, but it is a reliably fast VPN service to use for Plex, offering good security protocols like leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a no-logging policy.

UltraVPN does offer a 7-day free trial, but it only lets you use limited servers, so we would recommend opting instead for a paid plan and taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee, which gives you a full range of all of the servers that span all of the continents.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Server Network

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a good option if you want to access Plex, with security features like leak protection, a Kill Switch, and a strict no-logs policy, and it offers port forwarding, which many VPNs do not offer.

With an insanely large server network of over 29,000 servers in more than 70 countries, you can access popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, and PIA has apps that are available on all major platforms. PIA also offers simultaneous connections on up to 10 devices on a single account, and 24/7 live-chat support if any issues arise.

7. IPVanish — Military-Grade Encryption for Plex Media Server

IPVanish has over 1,900 servers spread across 75+ countries and offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, so you won’t have to worry about ISP throttling.

Equipped with standard security protocols like a Kill Switch, and military-grade encryption, your web activity and personal data will be kept safe, sent through your secure, encrypted VPN tunnel. On top of this, you can use an unlimited number of devices on a single account, like Surfshark, which means your whole family (and more) can connect and use this VPN at once!

Why You Need a VPN for Plex

Today, the Internet is the best way to access all sorts of online media content, but it has its drawbacks, too. For example, Internet Service Providers (ISP) can legally track your Internet traffic, which can cause ISP throttling (when your Internet connection is slowed).

Another common use of a VPN is to bypass geo-restrictions. Many streaming services like Plex or BBC iPlayer have region-locked content, so depending on your location, you may not be able to access your favorite streaming services. Connecting to a VPN server in a permitted location, your actual blocked IP address and location are hidden, and only your server location and IP are visible.

The biggest strength of VPN providers is that they connect you to a server in a different location so that you can stream media as if you were in that location, all while keeping your activity and personal information secure. So, with a Plex VPN, you’ll be able to watch all your favorite movies and shows from anywhere.

How to Choose the Right VPN for Plex

There are many VPNs out there, but how do you know which is the best Plex VPN? We compiled a list of the factors to take into consideration when choosing the best vpn for Plex:

 Large network of servers for VPN connection so you have plenty of options to help you connect.
 Fast speed so you won’t have to worry about bandwidth throttling or buffering.
 Strong security so your personal info will remain secure at all times.
 Supports multiple operating systems so you’ll be able to choose which operating system you use it with so that you can watch on all your devices.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Plex?

People often ask about the best free VPN out there, but we don’t recommend using free VPNs. They tend to put limits on bandwidth, data, and speed and will make streaming videos from Plex Media Server pretty challenging and frustrating, if not impossible.

Plus, Free VPN companies often compromise your privacy and security and are known to sell users’ information to third parties for marketing, so your personal data is never secure. So, all in all, the risks outweigh the potential convenience when it comes to accessing Plex Server.

How to Use a VPN with Plex

If you are interested in using Plex Client with a VPN, follow these simple steps:

1. Sign up for one of the recommended Plex VPNs listed above. We recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Download its app onto your device.
3. Install Plex app on your device, if it’s not already installed.
4. Open the VPN app, select your desired VPN server location, and connect.
5. Open Plex Media Player, and enjoy!

VPNs That Don’t Work with Plex

When it comes to choosing VPN servers, you have to be extra careful that your online activity is protected with the most complete security. Also, since your main goal is to access streaming content, you’ll want a VPN that has fast speeds and reliable connections. Above, we recommended the best VPN for Plex, and here are the VPNs you should avoid when connecting accessing Plex Server.

1.Hotspot shield

We would not recommend using Hotspot shield after it was caught using unsolicited cookies, violating users’ privacy, and redirecting HTTP pages to affiliate sites.

2. Hola

Back in 2015, Hola was accused of using its users’ computing resources as exit nodes. It then routed traffic through them and sold the bandwidth to a third party.

3. Zenmate

Zenmate was one of the VPNs that was involved in the VPN leaks in 2018, compromising user safety and security. While the leaks could have happened to anyone, Zenmate took a considerably long time to address the very serious issue.

FAQs

Conclusion

Plex is a great streaming service to watch your favorite movies and TV shows, but if you want to watch content that’s not available in your region, you’ll have to use a VPN. With the proper VPN, you’ll be able to stream your content from anywhere in the world without having to worry about geo-restrictions or security issues. The VPNs we recommend will do that and more.