Why Use a VPN for Plex in New Zealand

If you’re an avid media streamer, you probably already know about Plex. It’s one of the best media center platforms for organizing, managing, and streaming your favorite media, such as videos, music, and more.

For those who are new to Plex and want to know why so many people use it with a VPN, read on as we discuss the details.

What is Plex & How it Works?

Plex is like Kodi (another popular media center software), but it is a bit more complex and comprises two main components. First, you have the Plex Media Server, which basically sorts your media files and makes them streamable through different players. Then there’s the Plex Media Player client, which allows you to stream all your media content to your preferred devices.

The media server is typically run on a computer, whereas the player works on most smartphones, smart TVs, video game consoles, and set-top boxes. Plex is an ideal option if you have a lot of media that you want to stream from multiple devices. It’s also useful for accessing your media collection over the Internet while away from home.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Plex in New Zealand?

You might be wondering, “Why should I use a VPN with Plex?” You’re bound to run into these three problems when streaming through the media center:

1. Bandwidth Throttling

Most Internet Service Providers are often not fond of customers who stream content because it consumes a large amount of bandwidth. To reduce the load on their systems and discourage you from engaging in bandwidth-intensive activities, ISPs resort to the practice of intentionally throttling your bandwidth.

If you’re experiencing slow speeds when streaming your Plex videos, you could be a victim of ISP throttling. This can be avoided with a VPN for Plex as it safeguards all the data you send across the Internet using AES 256-bit encryption. Since your streaming traffic will be disguised, your ISP won’t be able to throttle you.

2. Privacy Protection

This is related to the point above. Your ISP can throttle your bandwidth by using Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), which enables them to see everything you do online. Your Internet connection is slowed down as soon as they detect streaming traffic.

On other occasions, the technology might be used by ISPs to collect and sell your online activities to third parties for a profit. By using a VPN for Plex, though, you can protect all your traffic—both streaming and otherwise—for a worry-free online experience.

3. Region-Locked Content

When you set up Plex, you can install plugins to extend its functionality and watch content from popular streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer, Pandora, HBO Now, and MTV. Unfortunately, some of these might not be accessible due to regional limitations.

This means you need to be located in a certain region to stream these channels, and a Plex VPN can be useful here. For example, if you want to stream HBO Now, all you have to do is connect to a USA VPN server, and you’ll be able to unlock the content you want from anywhere.

4. Local Censorship

In some countries, citizens aren’t allowed to view certain content. They have strict rules regarding the depiction of graphic violence in TV shows or movies, which means some violent scenes have to be toned down or removed entirely.

If you live in a region that imposes this type of censorship, a VPN is what you need. With it, you can get an IP address in another country with lax censorship laws and watch the unedited version of the video that you’re streaming.

How to Use a VPN with Plex?

Well, it depends on your scenario:

1. If you’re running a Plex server alone, you’ll need to route traffic through your VPN selectively, but this can be a complicated process for most novice users.
2. If you’re running a Plex player, you can use your VPN on the same device, and everything should work fine.
3. If you’re still facing problems using a VPN with Plex, you can also set up a VPN on your router. In this way, all the data sent to and from your network will be automatically protected with robust encryption algorithms.