If you’re a serial streamer then you’ll probably want to know how to use a VPN with a Plex server. This article looks at how to use a VPN on Plex as well as how a VPN can improve your overall streaming experience while using the media center platform.
From overcoming geo-restrictions to preventing bandwidth throttling, there are many advantages of a Plex VPN. However, setting a VPN up with a Plex server is challenging for many people – so here’s how to do it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about VPNs and Plex as well as the VPNs we recommend for the media platform.
The Plex Media Server enables users to curate and stream their own collection of television shows and movies across many devices via the Plex Media Player client. You can set up a Plex server on a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with an internet connection, and then access your films and TV shows on other devices.
The process for using a VPN with Plex depends on whether you want to access the Plex Media Server remotely or unblock content on the Plex client with a VPN. Here’s how to use a VPN for Plex in both scenarios.
Setting up Plex behind a VPN can be difficult. This is because many VPNs can block remote access to the Plex server since a lot of VPNs have built-in firewalls to prevent requests from external servers from reaching your devices. This means you can’t watch your streaming content as usual.
Fortunately, there is a foolproof way to prevent this so that you can access your Plex server from anywhere while keeping your VPN active.
Firstly, go to the Plex Settings and select the Remote Access tab. Ensure that remote access is enabled.
You’ll also need to ensure that port forwarding is enabled on the router connected to the computer where your Plex server is set up. Open your router settings via the internet browser and make sure port forwarding via the NAT firewall is enabled.
You then need to find out your real IP address without the VPN running. Do this by using an IP checker.
Then, open your Plex settings. Go to Network>Custom server access URLs. Enter http://(ipaddress):(port)),https://(ipaddress):(port) using your IP address.
Go to the Remote Access section in Plex to check your IP address appears there. If it does, then it should enable you to access your Plex server behind a VPN connection.
If you’re only running the Plex media player and not a server, then it is a much simpler process to set up a VPN for Plex.
Firstly, choose a VPN from the list below. Download the VPN onto the device you have the Plex media client set up on. When the VPN has been downloaded, open up the app and scroll through the server list until you find a server to connect to.
When the VPN connection is active, you should be able to unblock geo-restricted versions of Plex plugins like Netflix.
You can also use Plex with a VPN router connection. By having a VPN installed on your router, all of your Plex streaming activity will be automatically protected by the VPN. You’ll also be able to switch your geo-location for the entire network.
Setting up a VPN on your router differs depending on the VPN provider you use. However, most VPN services offer configuration files that you can easily upload onto your router via the settings.
If you have a Plex server, you may still run into issues if you try to access this remotely with a VPN router. You’ll need to ensure port forwarding is activated so that access to the Plex server from outside the network is not blocked.
Whether you want to run your Plex server behind VPN or use the VPN for Plex Media Client, we’ve got you covered. Below are the best VPNs for Plex, all of which offer excellent unblocking capabilities and good security protection.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Plex. However, customers will not be able to stream remotely on a Plex server, as there is no support for port forwarding. This makes NordVPN a good choice if you only want a VPN for the Plex Media Player.
With over 5100 servers spread across more than 60 countries, you’ll never have an issue finding a server to unblock a particular geo-restricted plugin. NordVPN is one of the best Plex VPNs when it comes to accessing geo-blocked content on streaming sites. It unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO, and more. You’ll be able to stream content on Plex from all over the world, no matter your actual geographical location.
NordVPN offers military-grade encryption to ensure your Plex streaming is completely secure and undecipherable. This ensures you won’t endure ISP throttling while using Plex.
Nothing you do on Plex will be recorded with NordVPN. The VPN offers a no-logging policy, which means that you don’t have to worry about the VPN ever storing or misusing your data. This makes NordVPN an excellent choice for privacy-conscious Plex users.
A single subscription with NordVPN enables support for up to 6 devices simultaneously. There are native apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. You can also install the VPN on streaming devices that support Plex like Android TV and Apple TV.
All NordVPN plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the product fully before committing to a paid plan. Just remember to make up your mind before the 30 days are up.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN excels in almost every aspect. Firstly, it offers port forwarding meaning you can use the service to remotely access your Plex server. Furthermore, it comes with great security features to ensure you enjoy a safe connection at all times.
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice if you are concerned about your privacy and anonymity on the web. It has military-grade encryption on all servers and offers DNS and WebRTC leak protection. It also operates a no-logs policy to ensure that none of your Plex activity is stored anywhere.
ExpressVPN’s server speeds are excellent, especially when you connect over the Lightway protocol. There is an extensive local network of servers spread across more than 90 countries, meaning you can find a nearby server for fast speeds at any time.
ExpressVPN apps are compatible with many operating systems. This makes it a convenient choice for Plex users as it is easy to install and configure on streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Nvidia Shield TV.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee across all long-term plans too. This means that you can test the service in combination with Plex and request a refund if you’re not completely satisfied.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
CyberGhost is another excellent VPN service for Plex, especially for new VPN users. Customers can install the CyberGhost with a single click, and once installed, the apps are extremely intuitive and user-friendly. There is even a server-filtering feature that will automatically select the best server for streaming.
CyberGhost offers many choices when it comes to overcoming geo-restrictions on the Plex media player without affecting the quality of the video. There is unlimited bandwidth, too, meaning that you can stream as much as you like without worrying about how much data traffic you are consuming.
Once installed, you’ll have access to one of the largest networks of servers on the VPN market. CyberGhost offers more than 7700 servers across over 90 countries around the world. This means that you’ll have endless choices when you need to connect to an overseas server to gain access to geo-restricted streaming content on Plex.
If you are concerned about your online privacy and anonymity when using Plex, CyberGhost is a good choice. It operates on AES-256 bit encryption, offers a kill switch, and runs on strong protocols like WireGuard.
CyberGhost also offers a transparent no-logging policy so you can rest assured that none of your data is logged. All of your activities on Plex will be kept private at all times.
CyberGhost comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, meaning you have a lot of time to try out the service before committing.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 10 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Large server network
Support for torrenting on all servers
Bitcoin as payment option
Cons:
Limited features
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Netflix access issues
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Private Internet Access is a reliable option for Plex customers. PIA delivers port forwarding support, allowing you to remotely connect to your Plex server and stream your favorite content no matter where you are.
Once installed, PIA is a feature-heavy VPN service that offers a host of configurable options. It also comes with one of the largest server networks of any VPN provider. However, it is not as powerful as some other VPNs on this list when it comes to unblocking streaming content.
The service delivers excellent privacy features to ensure your data remains completely anonymous while you’re streaming Plex media. There is military-grade encryption and the option to use WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. Customers also can choose between encryption levels, data traffic handshake, and data traffic authentication methods.
Connection speeds vary on OpenVPN, but PIA servers can support streaming in high-definition, which bodes well for Plex users. PIA can unblock geo-restricted content on Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video plugins on Plex.
There is room for improvement in terms of PIA’s customer support, but the live chat is reliable. You’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of PIA’s subscription plans, so you can cancel if you’re not completely happy with the service provided.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
24/7 customer support
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Limited payment options
Doesn't unblock BBC iPlayer
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
IPVanish is a powerful and reliable option for Plex. It delivers excellent streaming performance as well as remote access to your Plex server via OpenVPN ports.
Connection speeds are excellent with IPVanish. This means that you can stream without ever having to worry about buffering on Plex. The VPN is also a great choice if you want to stream geo-restricted content on Plex. It can access a host of overseas libraries on sites including Netflix.
A Plex VPN must offer advanced security features to protect users when they are streaming online. IPVanish operates on AES-256 bit encryption and a range of protocols. IPVanish also offers the option to customize your own OpenVPN connections. This means that you could choose to scramble your OpenVPN traffic to mask your use of a VPN. Alternatively, you can choose between OpenVPN 443 or OpenVPN 1194 ports to configure your VPN setup.
When it comes to customer support, IPVanish offers a host of resources that will aid Plex users. Firstly, there is a System Status page that displays up-to-date information on issues and outages. There is also a comprehensive knowledge base. If you don’t find the answer to your question on the website, there is a 24/7 live chat.
Plex is a free streaming media platform that allows customers to access live TV. The service offers access to over 130 channels and over 20,000 movies and television shows from MGM, Lionsgate, Crackle, and Warner Brothers for free.
Plex offers the option to upgrade to Plex ultimate to watch and record local television shows, sports, and news programs. However, you may run into geo-restrictions when streaming on Plex. A VPN will enable you to solve this issue by masking your real IP address and replacing it with a VPN server in a different country.
Plex also enables users to curate and stream their own collection of television shows, movies, music, and photos across all devices by setting up a Plex server.
To get the best Plex VPN there are certain things to look for. Firstly, a VPN with port forwarding is extremely useful. This will enable you to open a port in the VPN firewall so that you can remotely access the Plex server with the VPN running. VPNs like Private Internet Access offer port forwarding.
Another factor to consider is a good performance. This means fast server speeds so that you can stream content on Plex without enduring buffering. Your VPN should also have excellent security features for several reasons. Firstly, you’ll want to hide your Plex streaming from your ISP to prevent bandwidth throttling; secondly, you don’t want any third parties knowing if you’re streaming copyrighted content.
Finally, a VPN that is compatible with many devices is important. Since the Plex media player works with most streaming devices, ensuring that your VPN does as well is imperative.
Yes in most cases it is legal to use a VPN. Although streaming services will not encourage customers to use a VPN, it is legal to stream Plex and access geo-restricted content with one. This means you can unblock foreign versions of Plex plugins.
However, it isn’t legal to download copyrighted films behind a VPN, and then watch these on Plex. So, while the use of a VPN is legal, it is important to ensure that what you do behind the VPN and on Plex is not illegal.
There is a range of VPNs that are compatible with Plex, but free Plex VPNs are hard to find. Due to the complexities of setting up Pure behind a VPN, it is best to use a premium VPN service.
There are many risks that come with using a free VPN. The majority of free VPNs will restrict bandwidth, server selection, and connection speeds. This makes free Plex VPNs useless, considering that streaming is the main goal.
Other free VPNs may even store and sell your private internet data to third parties for profit. If you’re streaming copyrighted material on Plex, then this could information could be shared and lead to problems for you.
Overall, we recommend opting for a paid VPN. A free VPN is simply not worth the risks when it comes to Plex.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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