How to use a VPN with Plex Server – Even Behind a VPN

If you ’re a serial streamer then you is want ’ll probably want to know how to use a VPN with a Plex server . This article is looks look at how to use a VPN on Plex as well as how a VPN can improve your overall streaming experience while using the medium center platform .

From overcome geo – restriction to prevent bandwidth throttling , there are many advantage of a Plex VPN . However , set a VPN up with a Plex server is challenge for many people – so here ’s how to do it . Keep read to find out everything you need to know about vpn and Plex as well as the vpn we recommend for the medium platform .

How to use a VPN with Plex

The Plex Media Server is enables enable user to curate and stream their own collection of television show and movie across many device via the Plex Media Player client . You is set can set up a Plex server on a Windows , macOS , or Linux computer with an internet connection , and then access your film and tv show on other device .

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.

Set Up and Use Plex Behind a VPN

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 keep 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.

Set Up a VPN for Plex Media Client

If you ’re only run the Plex medium player and not a server , then it is is is a much simple 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 is be should be able to unblock geo – restrict version of Plex plugin like Netflix .

Use Plex with VPN Router

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.

good vpn for Plex Streaming

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.

#1

VPN Service : NordVPN

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.

price start At :
3.29 $ / monthly
39.48 $ / annually

For New Users :
30 day free trial
+ 30 – day money – back guarantee

number of server :
5400 +

# 2

VPN Service: ExpressVPN

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 is is an excellent choice if you are concerned about your privacy and anonymity on the web . It is has has military – grade encryption on all server and offer dns and webrtc leak protection . It is operates also operate a no – logs policy to ensure that none of your Plex activity is store anywhere .

expressvpn ’s server speeds is are are excellent , especially when you connect over the Lightway protocol . There is an extensive local network of server spread across more than 90 country , mean you can find a nearby server for fast speed at any time .

ExpressVPN apps is are are compatible with many operating system . This is makes make it a convenient choice for Plex user as it is easy to install and configure on streaming device 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.

price start At :
6.67 $ / monthly
99.95 $ / annually

For New Users :
30 day free trial
+ 30 – day money – back guarantee

number of server :
3000+

#3

VPN Service : CyberGhost VPN

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.

price start At :
2.25 $ / monthly
29.25 $ / annually

For New Users :
45 -day money – back guarantee

number of server :
7200+

#4

VPN Service: Private Internet Access VPN

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 term 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 plan , so you is cancel can cancel if you ’re not completely happy with the service provide .

price start At :
2.69 $ / monthly
40 $ / annually

For New Users :
30 -day money-back guarantee

number of server :
25170 +

# 5

VPN Service: IPVanish VPN

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.

price start At :
4 $ / monthly
47.99 $ / annually

For New Users :
30 day free trial
+ 30 – day money – back guarantee

number of server :
1600+

What is Plex?

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.

Choosing a Plex VPN

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 is is that is compatible with many device is important . Since the Plex medium player is works work with most streaming device , ensure that your vpn does as well is imperative .

Is it Legal to Use a VPN with Plex?

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.

Is There a Free VPN for Plex?

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 is store may even store and sell your private internet datum to third party for profit . If you ’re stream copyright material on Plex , then this could information could be share and lead to problem 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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Last updated: June 27, 2022