5 best VPNs for Plex in 2023 (free pick included, too)

Ruheni Mathenge Last updated: March 16, 2023 Read time: 13 minutes Disclosure

This comprehensive article discusses Plex and its advantages, outlining and discussing the best VPNs Plex users can use for streaming.

Sneak peek at using VPN with Plex

Accessing Plex from outside locations is illegal and can be a hassle, but with a VPN, this all goes away. However, since VPNs are not a one size fits all service, we ran a number of them through rigorous tests to ascertain which ones were the best for Plex. This detailed guide answers your questions on the best VPNs to use with Plex.

Plex is an American-based streaming platform that boasts an expansive store of video content for its users from anywhere in the world. It is packed with an extensive media collection and can also serve as a store where you can rewatch handpicked content that may not be available.

And Plex’s versatility does not end there. The service also affords users access to more streaming content via its “channels” feature. This add-on further expands the vast array of content you can access using Plex. These channels include Pandora, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, and Comedy Central.

Since Plex is geo-restricted to users within the USA, it is advisable to use a premium VPN to access the full scope of Plex’s services and also protect your private data. At the same time, not all VPNs can effectively unblock Plex while keeping your data safe. 

For this reason, you should use only the best VPNs for Plex. Thankfully, we have outlined the top five VPNs to use with Plex in this guide.

Best VPNs to use with Plex – Quick list

Here’s a brief rundown of the top five VPNs to stream Plex. Here, we highlight the key factors that make them stand out from the others we tested.

  1. NordVPN: A pocket-friendly VPN with an extensive network of servers across the globe. It boasts above-average unblocking capabilities and supports lag-free streaming.
  2. Private Internet Access (PIA): It features advanced port forwarding, has easy-to-use applications, and allows multiple simultaneous device connections.
  3. ExpressVPN: It has a super fast server network and unblocks most geo-restricted content. The service supports a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. PrivateVPN: Another VPN with port forwarding enabled. It has excellent and comprehensive unblocking ability and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  5. ProtonVPN: Boasts a seamless app design with easy to use interface. It boasts the best streaming speed test result, and flaunts the highest value for money.

How to use a VPN with Plex

Using Plex with VPNs is a safe way to stream otherwise geo-restricted content from anywhere you are in the world. Below are the steps to follow to use Plex with a VPN:

  • Sign up for a VPN service.
  • Download and install the appropriate app for the device on which Plex is installed.
  • Open the VPN app after installation, and select your preferred streaming platform’s location, e.g., the US for Plex.
  • Click on the “Connect” icon or button; the connection should take a few moments.
  • Next, open Plex, and you can stream all your favorite geo-restricted content as long as the VPN stays connected.

Plex is an American-based streaming platform that hosts a large collection of curated media content available to paid users at all times. It is 100% legal to use, and the proof of this is its trusted partnerships with its content providers.

Plex is perfectly legal when streaming from their server or uploading personal media that was legally obtained and recreated. In addition, this service sources content from other trusted streaming services, which is sanctioned and mutually agreed upon. Thus, whatever content Plex has on display, it has the legal right to do so.

However, people can also use Plex for illegal activities. Say, for example, uploading illegally acquired media or ripping legally purchased media and uploading it into Plex. You would be culpable, but Plex would only be an unwitting accomplice, free of blame.

In summary, Plex is a legal service you can use to watch free online movies since it breaks no laws with its sourcing or displaying of media content.

Determining the best VPNs for Plex – Our criteria

Determining the best VPNs for Plex included testing several mainstream VPNs using different test metrics that work best with Plex. These metrics include:

  1. Security: Each of the VPNs we’ve curated on this list has passed a rigorous security test for strict encryption standards and, of course, a test for anti-data leak capabilities.
  2. Speed: Using most VPNs can cause considerable data speed reduction. Therefore, you want a VPN that delivers a fast and consistent connection at all times for a smooth experience. We speed-tested the VPNs to servers from across the globe to ensure only the fastest are among our recommendations.
  3. Privacy: For the privacy metric, we checked for the ones whose privacy policies included a no-logs policy to avoid the storage of identifiable user logs.
  4. Streaming: We tested each VPN for its streaming capabilities, meaning the amount of geo-restricted platforms they can access, which include Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
  5. Port Forwarding: Port forwarding is the ability of a VPN to let you access your Plex server via VPN but from a location outside your house.
  6. Server Network: We tested the number and efficacy of the VPN’s network of servers in different locations.
  7. Customer Support: Finally, we tested the responsiveness and quality of the VPN customer service. We found the ones on our list to be among the ones with 24/7 support.

Best VPNs for Plex to use in 2023 – Detailed list

Based on their performance scores, the five best VPNs for Plex listed below have advantages and disadvantages but are the best options.