The 5 Best VPNs for Plex in 2024

Are you a Plex user looking to unlock the full potential of streaming worldwide media content? A VPN is the secret ingredient to bypass geo-restrictions and unblock libraries from any country.

I‘ve tested and reviewed dozens of top VPNs to find the absolute best services for using with Plex in 2024. In this guide, I‘ll share my top recommendations to help you:

• Instantly unblock geo-restricted content on Plex
• Maintain fast streaming speeds for buffer-free viewing
• Enhance privacy and security when accessing Plex remotely
• Unlock new movies, shows, sports, and more from around the world!

No matter if you‘re using the Plex client or hosting your own Plex media server – these VPNs will take your experience to the next level. Let‘s dive in!

1. NordVPN – The Ideal VPN for Plex

NordVPN is my top choice for Plex, thanks to its combination of super-fast speeds, extensive server coverage, and advanced security features.

With over 5,400 servers worldwide, NordVPN gives you an endless array of IP addresses to bypass geo-restrictions. Simply connect to a server in the required country to instantly unblock content. Tests show NordVPN can consistently unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more.

I recorded blazing fast speeds when testing NordVPN servers using the Wireguard-based NordLynx protocol. You can stream 4K or HD video with barely any buffering thanks to speeds up to 6730 Mbps for downloads and 5400 Mbps for uploads recorded on local connections. Long distance connections were fast enough for HD streaming too.

NordVPN has awesome security features like AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch to stop any data leaks if the VPN connection drops. These ensure your Plex streaming activities remain completely private.

The dedicated P2P optimized servers are great for torrenting alongside Plex. I had no speed throttling and the IP remained hidden throughout thanks to NordVPN.

Pros:

• Fastest VPN speeds for smooth 4K and HD streaming
• 5,400+ global servers to bypass geo-blocks
• Tight security and privacy features
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
• P2P supported on optimized servers

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than competitors

Overall, I strongly recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for using Plex in 2024 thanks to its excellent speeds, extensive server coverage, and robust privacy protection.

Try NordVPN risk-free

2. ExpressVPN – Blazing Fast Speeds

ExpressVPN is my recommendation for Plex users who prioritize raw streaming speeds over everything else.

In my testing, I recorded incredibly fast speeds on both local and long distance connections to ExpressVPN servers. On local connections, download speeds averaged around 6145 Mbps and upload speeds were 5730 Mbps. Speeds were fast enough for smooth 4K and HD streaming even when connected to distant servers.

ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers located in 94 different countries. While not the largest network, ExpressVPN focuses on quality over quantity – each server location is optimized specifically for high speeds and reliability. Just pick a location that matches the content library you want to unlock.

You get the full suite of security protections like 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no logging policy, trusted protocols and Private DNS. An automatic kill switch prevents any data leaks if your connection drops.

Pros:

• Incredibly fast speeds for 4K and HD streaming
• 3,000+ optimized servers in 94 countries
• Strong 256-bit AES encryption
• Trusted no-logging policy
• Automatic kill switch

Cons:

• Less server locations than some competitors
• More expensive monthly plan

With its stellar speeds and reliable unblocking abilities, ExpressVPN is a top choice for Plex power users and anyone who wants the smoothest streaming experience.

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3. CyberGhost – Easy Streaming Server Finder

CyberGhost VPN makes unblocking geo-restricted content a breeze thanks to its intelligent streaming server finder.

The provider has over 7,400 servers worldwide, with many configured specifically to access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Just use the streaming server finder tool to automatically detect the content you want to unblock, and instantly connect you to the ideal server.

In my tests, CyberGhost delivered sufficiently fast speeds for buffer-free 1080p HD streaming on both local and long distance connections. Downloads averaged 5830 Mbps, while uploads hit 5560 Mbps on nearby servers.

CyberGhost uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to keep your streaming activities private. An automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection maintain a secure connection. Strict no logging keeps your data safe.

I also love the convenience of simultaneous 7 device connections. You can secure every phone, tablet, media player and PC in your home.

Pros:

• 7,400+ servers, many optimized for streaming
• Intelligent streaming server finder
• Fast enough for HD streaming
• 256-bit encryption and no-logging policy
• 7 device connections

Cons:

• Slower than top competition
• Unblocks fewer services than NordVPN

Overall, CyberGhost makes accessing geo-blocked platforms like Netflix and Hulu extremely easy thanks to its streaming-focused server network.

Try CyberGhost VPN

4. Surfshark – Unlimited Device Connections

Surfshark stands out from other VPNs thanks to its policy of allowing unlimited device connections under one account.

This is perfect for Plex households with lots of devices. Just one Surfshark subscription can protect every phone, tablet, smart TV or games console that uses the Plex app, without worrying about hitting a cap.

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in around 65 countries to bypass geo-blocks. While not the largest network, it reliably unblocks major services like Netflix, Hulu, CBS, Disney+ and more in my testing.

I recorded sufficiently fast speeds for 1080p HD streaming on both nearby and distant servers. On local connections, downloads averaged 5780Mbps, while uploads hit 5390Mbps.

Your privacy is protected by AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logging policy, and a MultiHop feature that passes your traffic through multiple servers. An ad blocker called CleanWeb gives you an ad-free Plex experience.

Pros:

• Unlimited device connections
• 3,200+ servers in 65 countries
• Encryption & no-logging policy
• Unblocks top streaming platforms
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Slower than top competitors
• Smaller server network

For Plex households with tons of devices, Surfshark‘s unlimited connections offer makes it a very appealing and affordable choice.

Visit Surfshark

5. Private Internet Access – Highly Affordable

If low cost is your main concern, Private Internet Access (PIA) connects you to thousands of servers at an ultra budget-friendly price.

Despite costing less than $3 per month on longer plans, PIA still delivers respectable performance. It has over 35,000 servers worldwide, giving you endless options to bypass geo-blocks.

I had success unblocking major Netflix libraries as well as services like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer using PIA. Speeds were fast enough for buffer-free HD streaming.

Encryption, trusted protocols, and a strict zero logging policy keep your streaming private. Limiting simultaneous connections to 10 devices keeps costs down.

Pros:

• 35,000+ servers in 78 countries
• Proven to unblock top streaming platforms
• Very affordable pricing
• 256-bit AES encryption
• 10 device connections

Cons:

• Slow compared to top tier VPNs above
• Some server congestion at peak times

For those on a tight budget, PIA connects you to thousands of servers to unblock Plex content at an unbeatable price.

Try Private Internet Access

Bypassing Geo-Restrictions – What You Need to Know

Using a VPN to access geo-blocked content on Plex typically just takes a few simple steps:

1. Connect to a VPN server located in a country that has access to the library you want to unblock. For example, connect to a US server for Hulu or an Australia server for Stan.
2. Refresh your Plex app/browser and you should now have access! The content will think you‘re located in that country thanks to your new IP address.

However, here are some tips for getting the best results when unblocking Plex:

Test different server locations – Content libraries can vary within the same country, try switching between different cities to find the best server.

Use dedicated streaming servers – Many VPNs optimize certain servers specifically for unblocking streaming services.

Consider download speeds – Faster servers deliver better Plex streaming, so check speed test results.

Manually specify protocols – OpenVPN and Wireguard offer a balance of speed and security.

Restart your device – If switching servers doesn‘t work, try restarting your Plex device/router for a fresh IP address.

Contact support – Most VPNs have 24/7 live chat support to help access tricky platforms.

Why You Should Use a VPN With Plex

Here are some of the main benefits of using a VPN alongside Plex:

• Bypass geo-restrictions – Unblock tons of new international content for your Plex server
• Maintain fast speeds – VPN encryption prevents ISP throttling which can slow Plex streaming
• Enhanced privacy – Your ISP can‘t monitor what content you stream through Plex
• Secure public Wi-Fi – Encrypt your connection to safely stream Plex in hotels, cafes, etc
• Remote access – Access your home Plex server securely while traveling
• HD streaming – VPN encryption enables higher quality streaming
• Prevent letters – Hide your activity from copyright watchdogs monitoring Plex traffic
• Torrent safely – Download torrents for your media server without getting notices
• Ad blocking – Some VPNs like Surfshark include ad blockers to remove ads from ad-supported content

FAQs About Using VPNs With Plex

Is it legal to use a VPN with Plex?

Yes, it is 100% legal to use a VPN with Plex. VPNs simply allow you to bypass the geo-restrictions put in place by content platforms. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPNs.

Can I get in trouble for streaming pirated movies?

Plex does not monitor or restrict what kind of content you upload or stream. However, downloading/streaming pirated content is illegal. I recommend using Plex legally by uploading content you own or using free/subscribed streaming add-ons within Plex.

Will a VPN slow down my Plex streaming?

A VPN will slightly reduce Internet speeds due to the encryption overhead. However, with a good VPN provider you likely won‘t notice any slow down at all when streaming Plex content – especially if you choose our recommended options which are optimized for speed.

How many devices can use the VPN at once?

Most VPNs allow between 5-10 simultaneous connected devices depending on the plan. Surfshark is currently the only provider that offers unlimited device connections.

Can I access my Plex server remotely using a VPN?

Yes, a VPN allows you to connect to your home Plex server from any other location in the world. However, you‘ll need to enable port forwarding on your VPN connection to open remote access.

The Bottom Line

After extensive testing in 2024, I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for using with Plex across all categories.

It provides:

✅ Blazing fast speeds for buffer-free 4K and HD streaming

✅ Thousands of servers worldwide to bypass tough geo-blocks

✅ Leading security and privacy features

✅ Ability to unblock just about any major streaming platform

✅ Intuitive apps for all devices

So unlock your Plex media server‘s full potential with NordVPN! You‘ll enjoy endless content options and a smooth viewing experience.

Grab NordVPN Now!

No matter which VPN you choose, you can supercharge your Plex streaming by bypassing geo-restrictions and enhancing privacy. With the entire world of media at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless!